I've finally taken the plunge. Yesterday, I cancelled cable service and today is my first day with OTA broadcast only. Funny thing --- as there are so many local 'niche' channels --- I actually get more channels now than I ever did with cable TV. (I'm not much for generic telly watching, I'm mostly a movie watcher, and when I do watch TV it tends to be timeshifted/on demand via streaming services, thus I only had the basic cable package.)
I've got a very basic single-rabbit-ear antenna, and I can pull in signals for 59 channels (at various levels of clarity). This is neato! There are channels covering all sorts of things, from 24-hr news (France 24) to MTV in Spanish (MTVtr3s). I'm excited, even though I know I won't watch much random TV. I do like 'retro' channels and there are at least 4 that I can pick up (METV, RTV, Oldie Goldie, and This TV).
The local channel guide, which shows the programming schedules for area OTA broadcasts, lists ~70 channels. So this means there are about 10 channels that I can't currently pick up, either due to interference or not having a strong enough antenna,etc..
Anyone out there on the OTA bandwagon who can recommend a good DTV antenna? I like playing with all the capabilities of my Samsung Smart TV [46" 240hz 3D 1080p HDTV] even if I don't actually watch it much.... it's Energy Star certified!
Between my own media library (I'm slowly upgrading my physical media collection to blu-ray), all the new OTA channels, streaming services like Vudu, Crackle, Blockbuster on Demand, Vimeo, and Hulu; and disc rental kiosks, I seem to have everything covered. Ah, smell the geek cred.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Where's Xavier?
XOJET and L'Ermitage Beverly Hills Hotel are sponsoring a contest where entrants take photos of the XOJET mascot, Xavier C. Bear, in various locations while traveling. The best photo (as determined by voting) will win a trip to LA on XOJET and a stay at the L'Ermitage.
I received my Xavier plush today. Now, I've just got to remember to take the thing with me when we road-trip across country toward the end of the month, and then remember to bring a camera and take pictures, so I can can enter the dang contest.
I'll try to remember to update this post with a few snaps, once the deed is done. Where's Xavier? Currently, still packed in a box.
I received my Xavier plush today. Now, I've just got to remember to take the thing with me when we road-trip across country toward the end of the month, and then remember to bring a camera and take pictures, so I can can enter the dang contest.
I'll try to remember to update this post with a few snaps, once the deed is done. Where's Xavier? Currently, still packed in a box.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
My Global Sun Oven
Over the last few months I've been participating in a promotional contest sponsored by Sun Ovens, International --- and back in May I won first prize, a Global Sun Oven® that I received today. (I also won the second and third prizes in previous months.) I'm so excited! This thing is awesome! (I've been lusting after one of these for a while, because I was too lazy to build my own contraption, so this contest was perfect for me.)
Once I get it set-up and primed, I'll post more about it. In fact, I'll probably periodically post recipes and my experiences with the oven along with musings about solar energy in general. (I'm big on sustainability, ecology and the environment. And bullish on green tech!) Go, go, sun go!
Besides, even if you don't give a fig about the environment using a solar oven to cook is a no brainer --- who wants to heat up his house by turning on an oven in the middle of one of the hottest summers on record. (We've already had twice a many 90+ degree day as we had last Summer and we've still got over a month and a half left.)
Perhaps, you can win one for yourself; you can also win a nifty set of pots and pans or a recipe book. Go enter the current month's contest: SUN OVENS Taste and Tell Contest. Make certain to read the rules. Don't worry, it's very easy to participate. Tell them Tad sent you!
Once I get it set-up and primed, I'll post more about it. In fact, I'll probably periodically post recipes and my experiences with the oven along with musings about solar energy in general. (I'm big on sustainability, ecology and the environment. And bullish on green tech!) Go, go, sun go!
Besides, even if you don't give a fig about the environment using a solar oven to cook is a no brainer --- who wants to heat up his house by turning on an oven in the middle of one of the hottest summers on record. (We've already had twice a many 90+ degree day as we had last Summer and we've still got over a month and a half left.)
Perhaps, you can win one for yourself; you can also win a nifty set of pots and pans or a recipe book. Go enter the current month's contest: SUN OVENS Taste and Tell Contest. Make certain to read the rules. Don't worry, it's very easy to participate. Tell them Tad sent you!
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