© 2009 Stan Spire
DTV: the big rip off.
Around this region analog broadcasts have been phased out for the digital format. Before this crap hit the air circulation propeller there were all sorts of TeeVee spots pushing the change.
“Did you ever notice,” proclaimed one spot, “how most things are better with digital?”
The spot proclaimed that digital was the future of television. But not to worry: you can still receive TeeVee signals over the air free of charge if you buy a digital converter box for your old-style analog set.
So I got a box and hooked it up. Now my reception is worse than ever. Sure, there are times when I can pick up all the channels. But just now every station is missing, the all-too-familiar NO SIGNAL message floating across my black screen.
The TeeVee spot didn’t lie: most things are better with digital. But not broadcast television.
With the digital switchover stations moved from the lower channels (VHF, 2-13) to higher frequencies (UHF band). The trouble with UHF reception is that it doesn’t penetrate and cover as well as VHF. Even then I had good reception with the analog UHF broadcasts. In fact those stations came in better than the low numbers. As for digital UHF – to use the technical term, it sucks moose.
To compete with cable and satellite TeeVee, local broadcasters can split their signal into separate channels. For example the Vermont Public BS station is on 33.1, 33.2, 33.3, and 33.4. But when you split the signal into sub-channels, each one is weaker than a stand-alone main channel. Falling rain or snow can affect reception. Also, there’s the digital drop off: around 40 miles away from the transmitter the signal dies out.
Before the local stations switched to digital, one of them showed a map of this area, NENYland and Vermont. Areas indicated in orange meant that reception problems would probably occur. There was plenty of orange.
With all the mountains and hills in this region, many people are having trouble picking up the digital signal. Some are being forced to get cable or satellite hook-ups.
An outdoor antenna would probably improve my reception but no go, my landlord won’t allow it. And with my limited budget, I don’t want to spend more money for “free” TeeVee. And cable is a rip off for what they charge.
The great guvbiz thinkers had planned on the economy staying robust during the changeover, expecting more people would get cable or satellite. With the present depression, forget it.
Once the switch is complete, big government and big business will benefit. The guv will auction off the VHF frequencies to biz and everyone involved will make lots of money.
While I watch NO SIGNAL float across my black screen.
What the hell – it’s only TeeVee.
It’ll be interesting to see how this screw-over affects the ratings. I hope the numbers go right down the crapper.
Some are saying that they’re glad there’s still radio. Well, surprise, high definition digital radio is being proposed, complete with inferior reception.
Wait and see how the guvbiz conspiracy screws the pooch on that one.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Homeland Insecurity
© 2009 Stan Spire
Item in the news: a NENYland resident is in legal trouble, facing charges in the murder of a nude dancer across the border in Canada.
Adam Morris, who was also busted for child porn, admitted in court here in the US that he hid the dancer’s body in a gravel pit near his home. Basically, he pled guilty to evidence tampering. He faces extradition to Canada to stand trial for murder.
So after the big push with Homeland Security, how did this suspect get the corpse across the border? What about all this talk of training screeners to detect terrorists and others hiding something by judging their facial expressions? Instead of the pseudo-psychological voodoo training, how about popping open a trunk now and then to look inside?
In the Plattsburgh (news)Paper article it was mentioned: “Morris, who appeared in a two-piece, orange, county-issued outfit, with chains around his middle and handcuffs…”
This is what passes for high society coverage here in NENYland; the latest fashion trends among its noble citizens.
Item in the news: a NENYland resident is in legal trouble, facing charges in the murder of a nude dancer across the border in Canada.
Adam Morris, who was also busted for child porn, admitted in court here in the US that he hid the dancer’s body in a gravel pit near his home. Basically, he pled guilty to evidence tampering. He faces extradition to Canada to stand trial for murder.
So after the big push with Homeland Security, how did this suspect get the corpse across the border? What about all this talk of training screeners to detect terrorists and others hiding something by judging their facial expressions? Instead of the pseudo-psychological voodoo training, how about popping open a trunk now and then to look inside?
In the Plattsburgh (news)Paper article it was mentioned: “Morris, who appeared in a two-piece, orange, county-issued outfit, with chains around his middle and handcuffs…”
This is what passes for high society coverage here in NENYland; the latest fashion trends among its noble citizens.
Provide Free Content; Screw A Reporter
© 2009 Stan Spire
Originally when I launched this endeavor it was the Anti-Press Ezine (APE for short). I had an email subscription list with a lot of readers, but my host went on to other things and so here I am with this blog.
I got tired of the Anti-Press bit, especially with using the editorial “we” that made me sound too important or just suffering from multiple personality. So I decided to have a new identity for easier “branding.” Thus I became Stan Spire. (If you’re good at anagrams, you’ll see how I can up with that name.)
Anti-Press started as being a counterpoint to the local press, the daily Plattsburgh (news)Paper. Then it expanded to be “anti” about lots of stuff, the media and anything else that irked me.
It’s been claimed that bloggers like me are responsible for the crisis in the newspaper industry. Newspapers are folding, young readers aren’t replacing older ones –- blah, blah, blah, sob story. Of course, no one ever gets to the heart of the matter: that most newspapers suck.
But that fact is ignored. Instead, the unwashed masses are told bloggers are killing newspapers because we provide free content. We don’t charge. We’re not greedy for-profit corporations.
So when a reporter is kicked to the curb, blame it on the bloggers.
Take a good look at your local newspaper. Is it like the daily here in Plattsburgh? Are you finding more free content being published, letters, opinion pieces, photos, from the readers? The Plattsburgh (news)Paper now features a full page of photos taken by “citizen journalists,” images of class field trips, awards ceremonies, whatever. Not great photojournalism but hey – it’s free!
The Plattsburgh Paper used to run a feature called “Speak Out.” Readers could phone in and rant about anything. But someone had to go through all the messages and try to decipher the semi-coherent diatribes from the hillbillies. That was too costly.
So “Freak Out” – I mean, “Speak Out” – has returned after years of a well-deserved slumber. Thanks to email the stake was pulled out of SO and it lives again. This time the unpaid filler can be inexpensively harvested: just copy and paste the rant onto the page.
And there’ are also special requests for readers to participate, like “Write A Letter To President Obama.” That fills up space.
After a while enough suckers – I mean, citizen journalists – will be producing a good share of the paper. And with enough “news” material surrounding the ads, why bother having so many reporters and photographers? They cost money. They can be disagreeable, unlike some untrained sap so happy to see his name in print, proud that his anonymous comment or uncredited pic got in da paper.
When it comes to all the free content putting professional journalists out in the cold, don’t blame the bloggers.
Originally when I launched this endeavor it was the Anti-Press Ezine (APE for short). I had an email subscription list with a lot of readers, but my host went on to other things and so here I am with this blog.
I got tired of the Anti-Press bit, especially with using the editorial “we” that made me sound too important or just suffering from multiple personality. So I decided to have a new identity for easier “branding.” Thus I became Stan Spire. (If you’re good at anagrams, you’ll see how I can up with that name.)
Anti-Press started as being a counterpoint to the local press, the daily Plattsburgh (news)Paper. Then it expanded to be “anti” about lots of stuff, the media and anything else that irked me.
It’s been claimed that bloggers like me are responsible for the crisis in the newspaper industry. Newspapers are folding, young readers aren’t replacing older ones –- blah, blah, blah, sob story. Of course, no one ever gets to the heart of the matter: that most newspapers suck.
But that fact is ignored. Instead, the unwashed masses are told bloggers are killing newspapers because we provide free content. We don’t charge. We’re not greedy for-profit corporations.
So when a reporter is kicked to the curb, blame it on the bloggers.
Take a good look at your local newspaper. Is it like the daily here in Plattsburgh? Are you finding more free content being published, letters, opinion pieces, photos, from the readers? The Plattsburgh (news)Paper now features a full page of photos taken by “citizen journalists,” images of class field trips, awards ceremonies, whatever. Not great photojournalism but hey – it’s free!
The Plattsburgh Paper used to run a feature called “Speak Out.” Readers could phone in and rant about anything. But someone had to go through all the messages and try to decipher the semi-coherent diatribes from the hillbillies. That was too costly.
So “Freak Out” – I mean, “Speak Out” – has returned after years of a well-deserved slumber. Thanks to email the stake was pulled out of SO and it lives again. This time the unpaid filler can be inexpensively harvested: just copy and paste the rant onto the page.
And there’ are also special requests for readers to participate, like “Write A Letter To President Obama.” That fills up space.
After a while enough suckers – I mean, citizen journalists – will be producing a good share of the paper. And with enough “news” material surrounding the ads, why bother having so many reporters and photographers? They cost money. They can be disagreeable, unlike some untrained sap so happy to see his name in print, proud that his anonymous comment or uncredited pic got in da paper.
When it comes to all the free content putting professional journalists out in the cold, don’t blame the bloggers.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
NENYland Criminal Genius: Meth Lab Scientist
© 2009 Stan Spire
Here in the northeastern corner of New York State – NENYland (nee-nee-land) – criminals with the highest IQ’s amaze the public with their daring exploits.
Take the recent bust of a local meth lab. Usually such operations are hidden in way out in the countryside, lost in the wilderness.
Apparently one enterprising criminal decided to save on travel costs; he set up his lab inside an apartment complex in Plattsburgh. Why live in the middle of nowhere when he could take advantage of city life? Also, most of his customer base would be in the city area.
But this genius got busted. Did a friend rat him out? Or did undercover officers get the goods on him?
No. A minor detail tripped him up.
Neighbors noticed this detail and called the police.
One reason why meth labs normally operate in the sparsely populated sticks: no one around to complain about the powerful smell during the manufacturing process.
A minor detail, like I said.
Here in the northeastern corner of New York State – NENYland (nee-nee-land) – criminals with the highest IQ’s amaze the public with their daring exploits.
Take the recent bust of a local meth lab. Usually such operations are hidden in way out in the countryside, lost in the wilderness.
Apparently one enterprising criminal decided to save on travel costs; he set up his lab inside an apartment complex in Plattsburgh. Why live in the middle of nowhere when he could take advantage of city life? Also, most of his customer base would be in the city area.
But this genius got busted. Did a friend rat him out? Or did undercover officers get the goods on him?
No. A minor detail tripped him up.
Neighbors noticed this detail and called the police.
One reason why meth labs normally operate in the sparsely populated sticks: no one around to complain about the powerful smell during the manufacturing process.
A minor detail, like I said.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Hail, Great Leader! Mop Faster!
© 2008 Stan Spire
A photo in the local (news)paper: two visiting students from China mopping a floor in a building owned by a community service organization, free of charge.
What was the occasion? These students and others were participating in “Leadership Day,” a special program sponsored by local colleges to give leadership skills and experience that the students could take back to their country.
So what does mopping floors as an unpaid volunteer have to do with leading others? Maybe someone got “leader” mixed up with “coolie.” With the economy being so bad, you gotta make do with what you’ve got. Calling janitor work a “leadership skill” fits the bill – a bill of goods, that is.
After all the years I worked as a janitor, I should be qualified to be US president. (But I’m probably disqualified because I was paid minimum wage.)
A photo in the local (news)paper: two visiting students from China mopping a floor in a building owned by a community service organization, free of charge.
What was the occasion? These students and others were participating in “Leadership Day,” a special program sponsored by local colleges to give leadership skills and experience that the students could take back to their country.
So what does mopping floors as an unpaid volunteer have to do with leading others? Maybe someone got “leader” mixed up with “coolie.” With the economy being so bad, you gotta make do with what you’ve got. Calling janitor work a “leadership skill” fits the bill – a bill of goods, that is.
After all the years I worked as a janitor, I should be qualified to be US president. (But I’m probably disqualified because I was paid minimum wage.)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Grapes of Wreath
© 2009 Stan Spire
How sad. They removed the Xmas wreaths from the lampposts in downtown Plattsburgh.
About every other lamppost had been adorned with a green wreath with tiny white lights. You would think that with the city whining about its dire budget shortfall, it would’ve saved some time and money by not putting them up. A gas-guzzling utility truck with a cherry picker had to go from each designated lamppost to affix and later take down each wreath.
But to make money you have to spend money. The wreaths were a great success, drawing crowds away from the mall. People came downtown to walk around and greatly admire each wreath. They oohed and aahed. (Except the French Canadians: they went “ooh-la-la.”)
And while they were downtown, the crowds would spend money at many outstanding establishments in the area, such as the used bookstore and the bars and the coffeehouse and the bars and – well, the bars.
Unfortunately problems ensued. During the daytime wreathophiles couldn’t find a place to park. They kept driving in circles, waiting for a spot to open up. And since they were used to the free unlimited parking at the mall, they were shocked to find parking tickets on their vehicles after two short hours.
At nighttime when the wreaths were in their nocturnal glory, parents with their children had to explain why a shabbily dressed man reeking of alcohol was staggering around, shouting obscenities. They told their innocent young ones that the man had a “medical problem.”
But the crowds did generate some money, especially from the parking tickets.
And isn't that what the holiday$ are all about?
How sad. They removed the Xmas wreaths from the lampposts in downtown Plattsburgh.
About every other lamppost had been adorned with a green wreath with tiny white lights. You would think that with the city whining about its dire budget shortfall, it would’ve saved some time and money by not putting them up. A gas-guzzling utility truck with a cherry picker had to go from each designated lamppost to affix and later take down each wreath.
But to make money you have to spend money. The wreaths were a great success, drawing crowds away from the mall. People came downtown to walk around and greatly admire each wreath. They oohed and aahed. (Except the French Canadians: they went “ooh-la-la.”)
And while they were downtown, the crowds would spend money at many outstanding establishments in the area, such as the used bookstore and the bars and the coffeehouse and the bars and – well, the bars.
Unfortunately problems ensued. During the daytime wreathophiles couldn’t find a place to park. They kept driving in circles, waiting for a spot to open up. And since they were used to the free unlimited parking at the mall, they were shocked to find parking tickets on their vehicles after two short hours.
At nighttime when the wreaths were in their nocturnal glory, parents with their children had to explain why a shabbily dressed man reeking of alcohol was staggering around, shouting obscenities. They told their innocent young ones that the man had a “medical problem.”
But the crowds did generate some money, especially from the parking tickets.
And isn't that what the holiday$ are all about?
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Happy Birthday, Sol
© 2008 Stan Spire
December 25th: Dies Natalis Solis Invicti – Birthday of the Unconquered Sun.
Before Christianity became the state sponsored religion of ancient Rome, Romans believed in Sol Invictus, not “God.” Sol’s feast had been preceded by Saturnalia, a holiday in honor of Saturnus, the god of seed and sowing.
During Saturnalia slaves were free. They could gamble and let off some steam. Once the holiday was over, it was back to the usual social order. The same thing happens now when wage slaves are given the day off and are allowed to get drunk and rowdy at office parties.
Another pagan tradition – Yule or Yule-Tide – was observed by Germanic peoples. Apparently evergreens – wreaths and trees – symbolized the promise of undying life because they stayed green throughout the long winters. Of course, modern man doesn’t bother to mindlessly follow such rituals, spending money on the perfect wreath or tree.
But what ties it all together is the Winter Solstice. Once again we’re back to Sol, the sun-god. Saturnalia, the Feast of Sol Invictus, Yuletide, Christmas – holidays that keep the masses distracted so that they don’t realize that their elitist rulers are greedy idiots wrecking everything.
Keep in mind neither Saturnus or Sol Invictus saved the Roman Empire.
Can Santa or Christ save the American Empire?
December 25th: Dies Natalis Solis Invicti – Birthday of the Unconquered Sun.
Before Christianity became the state sponsored religion of ancient Rome, Romans believed in Sol Invictus, not “God.” Sol’s feast had been preceded by Saturnalia, a holiday in honor of Saturnus, the god of seed and sowing.
During Saturnalia slaves were free. They could gamble and let off some steam. Once the holiday was over, it was back to the usual social order. The same thing happens now when wage slaves are given the day off and are allowed to get drunk and rowdy at office parties.
Another pagan tradition – Yule or Yule-Tide – was observed by Germanic peoples. Apparently evergreens – wreaths and trees – symbolized the promise of undying life because they stayed green throughout the long winters. Of course, modern man doesn’t bother to mindlessly follow such rituals, spending money on the perfect wreath or tree.
But what ties it all together is the Winter Solstice. Once again we’re back to Sol, the sun-god. Saturnalia, the Feast of Sol Invictus, Yuletide, Christmas – holidays that keep the masses distracted so that they don’t realize that their elitist rulers are greedy idiots wrecking everything.
Keep in mind neither Saturnus or Sol Invictus saved the Roman Empire.
Can Santa or Christ save the American Empire?
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