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RipCordless

A pop-culture consumer who keeps it, by design, in the shallow end of the pool.

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TV

Digital Mayhem Continues

Feb 12, 2009 by Rip

With the flick of a switch (metaphorically, of course), the U.S. was supposed to join the other technologically advanced countries of the world and begin broadcasting television in an all-digital format. However, our government, in their infinite wisdom, has decided to delay the original February 17, 2009, switch-over date until mid-June, 2009. There was so much acrimony over changing the date, the government made it optional. Perfect. If people weren’t confused before…

Why the fuss, Max? I’ll tell you why. This just doesn’t add up. Nielsen estimates around 6.5 million viewers would be without TV if the switch happened on the original schedule. Our current administration thinks there will be a disparate impact upon those who haven’t had a chance to get the converter box coupon. There may be such fallout but if the government thinks delaying the program will change that number proportionally, then they are grossly mistaken.

Beyond the impact to a small demographic, TV stations are now painted into a corner. After spending millions of dollars to ensure they can broadcast on the digital spectrum come February 17th, stations are now given a choice of sorts. To continue broadcasting on the analog frequencies, thus changing their intended plans, stations will be required to pay thousands per day to hold out until June. On the other hand, they can switch now, save themselves some money but look like they don’t care about those who aren’t prepared. In other words, the government has suddenly pulled the ultimate switch, dodging the pressure of forcing the change, and laying the blame squarely upon the local affiliates. What a ridiculous set of circumstances.

I think this fix is pretty simple. We should change over in February. We should continue to fund the coupon program and get that back into shape as quickly as possible. Part of fixing that program requires a recall of sorts, bringing back all the unused and expired coupons. Oh, and just so you know, owners of coupons are not allowed to profiteer from selling those coupons. I’m not sure what agency will be responsible for monitoring those transactions on eBay and Craigs List but perhaps the IRS have some spare time this April? Maybe not. Once the coupon program is re-funded, the transition continues. Do you really think all 6.5 million people will take significant steps towards fixing their circumstances? I’m guessing, come June, the numbers will look similar so what will be the excuse then?

Filed Under: Life Rant, Tech Tagged With: Digital Transition, TV

More Top Gear

Oct 8, 2008 by Rip

I’m a huge fan. In all honesty, Top Gear could be the number one TV show in recent history. I know I blather on about House, and Weeds (which lost its appeal in season 3), and a plethora of other shows, but Top Gear has taken over top spot. They have a unique formula which I cannot get enough of.

As I mentioned before, The hosts (pictured left to right) Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond create a wonderful combination of chemistry I seen few rival on US TV, let alone globally. They are down to earth, died in the wool, gear heads who genuinely laugh at each others jokes. What’s more, I recently found a way to see more of their shows. A lot more.

I was currently restricted by the BBC America but recently discovered a friend who has season 4 onward and is letting me watch them at my leisure. I’m just a nutter for this show now. I cannot get enough… I’m watching about two episodes a day and I just don’t have time to do that with school, and other responsibilities. But I don’t care. The wit, the passion, the cars. It all combines into one helluva viewing experience. I think, most of all, having this decent and witty look at my homeland is also warming to the soul. I’m hooked. You should be too. If you want more information on the show, check out their website.

Filed Under: Film & DVD Tagged With: Driving, England, Top Gear, TV

Top Gear, Mate

Sep 16, 2008 by Rip

Top Gear is an excellent television show. Produced in England and broadcast on BBC America, I stumbled into it while on vacation in England this summer. What is it? A simple formula: take three hosts who range in personality from a ponsy Renasiance man, a high-strung hampster, and a deep-voiced, dry witted lead vocal. The three combine to evaluate the more exotic cars strewn about the world, taking them for test drives, and prattling on about the handling, the comfort, and the cost. Make no mistake, these three don’t hold back. When they test drive a new release, hammering it around their own test track, I’m sure they do some serious damage to engineers, management, and probably sales numbers. These guys know what they are talking about, all the while delivering a generous helping of dry wit and roaring laughter. Should you have the ability to watch BBC America, I strongly recommend you take a gander at Top Gear.

Filed Under: Film & DVD Tagged With: Cars, Top Gear, TV

Weeds

Sep 13, 2008 by Rip

One could easily describe me as someone who enjoys many activities, TV watching among them. Sure, I indulge in Survivor, though the Amazing Race is far more interesting. I’ve been know to watch the early season of American Idol, where the auditions are hilarious and sometimes scary. I enjoy House, Big Love, and have even found he new BBC America series, Top Gear to be all that and a big of chips. However, recently, I discovered a new series which has us captivated. Originally aired on Showtime, the series, “Weeds” has been met with critical acclaim. I stumbled into it on a dull, rent-anything night and haven’t turned back.

Basic premise of the show, regular housewife is forced into a tough situation and starts dealing weed in the suburbs. It is a dark comedy, full of moments where you think, “oh, that is just so wrong!” but you keep watching. The casting is perfect. The character development on-point, and the dialog is what keeps you coming back, week after week. But the joy of watching is the series right now is because you can rent the entire season, one shot, one viewing, move on. No enduring the weekly wait between episodes. You just get it, like a hose-pipe in the face. But well worth the ride. (Rental fees are quite low as well.)

I strongly recommend you start with season one and work forward from there. Quite hilarious. Quite disturbing, well worth the price of admission. No voilence, mostly perfectly timed comedy. Don’t miss this one. Seriously. Oh, and let me know (via commenting in this thread) about your opinion of the show. I’m curious.

Filed Under: Film & DVD Tagged With: TV, Weeds

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// about rip

Raconteur. Mediator. Gamer. Dilettante. Deliberative. Nerd. Serious world, not so serious here. “No word from Fenchurch today,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

// TWITTER

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LFC avatarLiverpool FC@LFC·
20 Apr 1384626759518261251

Liverpool Football Club can confirm that our involvement in proposed plans to form a European Super League has been discontinued.

Reply on Twitter 1384626759518261251Retweet on Twitter 138462675951826125131638Like on Twitter 1384626759518261251130741Twitter 1384626759518261251
Ripcordless avatarRipCordless@Ripcordless·
1 Jan 1344884170263121922

https://t.co/kr3Bzqu5Ar

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Ripcordless avatarRipCordless@Ripcordless·
28 Dec 1343669870123106304

Truly a legendary talent & still holds the title for best super bowl national anthem - ever.

Rest In Peace, Whitney.

Truly a legendary talent & still holds the title for best super bowl national anthem - ever. 

Rest In Peace, Whitney.
Madam Vice President Harris is GOAT!@flywithkamala

Whitney Houston hit 7 notes in one second as she addressed comparisons with Mariah Carey. Notice how she doesn’t put MC down to lift herself up.

Reply on Twitter 1343669870123106304Retweet on Twitter 1343669870123106304Like on Twitter 13436698701231063042Twitter 1343669870123106304
Ripcordless avatarRipCordless@Ripcordless·
29 Nov 1333137462969790464

LOL. Well played. https://t.co/91YbeuztCu

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Before I answer why, let’s talk about the rules. Here, I chatter about unimportant things. I stay in the shallow end of the pool, speculating on pop culture fascination, the journey of Liverpool FC, while offering an opinion or two on gaming. Why? Because I enjoy the written word. There is both a precision and also freedom with its balance, flow, and elegance. And this corner of the Internet offers a place to dabble in topics which avoid anything with a fuse.

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