As we draw ever closer to the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama January 20th, more problems arise in the final days of current President George Bush's term.
Case in point: the conversion to "direct TV".
Under the Bush administration, the Federal Communications Commission approved converting the standard broadcasting system to a digital system, with the switch over scheduled for February 17th.
Now if one already receives their television service from a cable provider or a dish network, all the viewer has to do is just sit back and continue to enjoy their favorite programs.
But if you have been watching TV via an antenna or rabbit ears the potential problems arise.
The government has been providing those in need with coupons that are valued to $40 off a new converter box to make the switch over.
Yet with all the other budget and economic problems right now, the government may not be able to assist everyone in need converting to the new system. Thus President-elect Obama is seriously considering asking for the switch over to be delayed until the situation can be addressed. Otherwise, over 7 million viewers might not have access to even local programing come February 17th.
How did this situation arise?
The Federal government took in over $19 billion dollars in fees reallocating the frequencies that regular television stations used to have over to emergency services and other telecommunications companies.
Yet less than $2 billion dollars was earmarked to cover the switch over expenses.
It makes one stop and wonder just how the mistake in under estimating the costs was made, let alone where the other $17 billion went.
ADDENDUM: The above was originally based upon a Reuters news service report, but since this was originally posted, even TV Guide has covered the story, although they state the funds allocated to cover the switch over costs at just $1.34 billion.
But in any event, what did happen to the rest?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: JANUARY 11th, 2009
I have two potential topics that could be used as a lead in for this week's installment and am torn between which one would be more appropriate.
On one hand, the BBC in England recently announced that actor Mark Smith would be assuming the role of the title character when David Tennant ends his tenure as everybody's favorite Time Lord on Doctor Who.
On the other, there is a doctor in New York State who has filed for divorce from his wife, but amongst the potential settlement, he is hoping to either be paid $1.5 million dollars or regain possession of the gall bladder that he once donated to save her life!
Whichever lead story you prefer, here is our resident comedienne Ms. Waxy Dragon with some Doctor jokes.
An angry duck with a very large beak walks into a doctor's office and the doctor says to him: "What are you mad about? You ain't seen my bill yet!"
A patient walks into the doctor's office claiming to be a bee. The doctor tells him, "Buzz off. I'm too busy to see you right now."
An emotionally insecure patient complained to her doctor she felt like she was invisible. The doctor asked, "Who said that?"
A patient walked into a doctor's office.
"Ouch!" said the patient, while slowly backing away from the wall.
Hmmm...
Considering how good his (mal)practice is going, one would think we were discussing Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush*.
In any event, until next time, have fun everybody!
*Groucho Marx's role in A Day At The Races.
On one hand, the BBC in England recently announced that actor Mark Smith would be assuming the role of the title character when David Tennant ends his tenure as everybody's favorite Time Lord on Doctor Who.
On the other, there is a doctor in New York State who has filed for divorce from his wife, but amongst the potential settlement, he is hoping to either be paid $1.5 million dollars or regain possession of the gall bladder that he once donated to save her life!
Whichever lead story you prefer, here is our resident comedienne Ms. Waxy Dragon with some Doctor jokes.
An angry duck with a very large beak walks into a doctor's office and the doctor says to him: "What are you mad about? You ain't seen my bill yet!"
A patient walks into the doctor's office claiming to be a bee. The doctor tells him, "Buzz off. I'm too busy to see you right now."
An emotionally insecure patient complained to her doctor she felt like she was invisible. The doctor asked, "Who said that?"
A patient walked into a doctor's office.
"Ouch!" said the patient, while slowly backing away from the wall.
Hmmm...
Considering how good his (mal)practice is going, one would think we were discussing Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush*.
In any event, until next time, have fun everybody!
*Groucho Marx's role in A Day At The Races.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
THE PUZZLE CORNER: JANUARY 10th, 2009
Another weekend, but who said you get the time off from solving some more of life's enigmas?
THE LETTER SHUFFLE
Another word can be made from each of the following just be rearranging the letters.
Do you know what the new words will be?
1. COULD
2. SMITE
3. OVERT
4. ANTSY
5. RINSE
TRIVIA TIME
Although it has had both good and bad definitions, who actually first coined the word NERD?
The answers will appear next weekend.
But now, here are the results for January 3rd, 2009.
TRIVIA TIME
Mary Pickford was the first lady to be Grand Marshall of a Tournament of Roses Parade.
Although I did receive several guesses in regards to former child star Shirley Temple-Black, Ms. Pickford beat her by 6 years (1933 vs. 1939).
COMMON BONDS
Believe it or not...
1. Crystal Gayle and Loretta Lynn are sisters.
2. Peter Graves and James Arness are brothers.
THE LETTER SHUFFLE
Another word can be made from each of the following just be rearranging the letters.
Do you know what the new words will be?
1. COULD
2. SMITE
3. OVERT
4. ANTSY
5. RINSE
TRIVIA TIME
Although it has had both good and bad definitions, who actually first coined the word NERD?
The answers will appear next weekend.
But now, here are the results for January 3rd, 2009.
TRIVIA TIME
Mary Pickford was the first lady to be Grand Marshall of a Tournament of Roses Parade.
Although I did receive several guesses in regards to former child star Shirley Temple-Black, Ms. Pickford beat her by 6 years (1933 vs. 1939).
COMMON BONDS
Believe it or not...
1. Crystal Gayle and Loretta Lynn are sisters.
2. Peter Graves and James Arness are brothers.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
OH NOW WHAT!
Within these troubled economic times America (among other countries) faces, the fact that another industry has publicly announced that it is considering appealing to the Federal government for financial assistance (in other words: a bailout) is not surprising.
But which one did is.
Representing the Adult Entertainment industry, "Girls Gone Wild" CEO Joe Francis and "Hustler" founder Larry Flint have said that they will be asking for $5 billion in Federal assistance on behalf of themselves and fellow business associates within that industry. Citing declining revenues because consumers have been too depressed over the other problems they face in the world to spend money on what they offer, Flint and Francis believe that the Federal government should support Adult Entertainment just like the United States should/will support any other American industry despite the "moral outrage" of some non-consumers.
Now that I have managed to report this news item with a straight face without using the "P" word, it's time for some editorial commentary...
ARE THEY KIDDING?
Flint and Francis admit that every market where their industry's offerings can be found are down except for Internet activities, which disproves their belief that people are not as interested in their enterprises' commodities as they once were. Just because the medium(s) has changed doesn't mean the consumers aren't still there.
Even if their financial figures are accurate, the Adult Entertainment industry is far from the only business that is experiencing economic problems right now.
I personally believe that while they might not be enjoying the successes of the past, that the Adult Entertainment industry will not cease to exist without government support.
After all, whether officially a part of it or not, there is one aspect of that industry that most do refer to as "the world's oldest profession."
Just one man's opinions folks.
Comments can be left here or at my G-mail address.
Lee Houston, Junior
Editor-In-Chief: News, The Free Choice e-zine.
But which one did is.
Representing the Adult Entertainment industry, "Girls Gone Wild" CEO Joe Francis and "Hustler" founder Larry Flint have said that they will be asking for $5 billion in Federal assistance on behalf of themselves and fellow business associates within that industry. Citing declining revenues because consumers have been too depressed over the other problems they face in the world to spend money on what they offer, Flint and Francis believe that the Federal government should support Adult Entertainment just like the United States should/will support any other American industry despite the "moral outrage" of some non-consumers.
Now that I have managed to report this news item with a straight face without using the "P" word, it's time for some editorial commentary...
ARE THEY KIDDING?
Flint and Francis admit that every market where their industry's offerings can be found are down except for Internet activities, which disproves their belief that people are not as interested in their enterprises' commodities as they once were. Just because the medium(s) has changed doesn't mean the consumers aren't still there.
Even if their financial figures are accurate, the Adult Entertainment industry is far from the only business that is experiencing economic problems right now.
I personally believe that while they might not be enjoying the successes of the past, that the Adult Entertainment industry will not cease to exist without government support.
After all, whether officially a part of it or not, there is one aspect of that industry that most do refer to as "the world's oldest profession."
Just one man's opinions folks.
Comments can be left here or at my G-mail address.
Lee Houston, Junior
Editor-In-Chief: News, The Free Choice e-zine.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: JANUARY 4th, 2009
As the avid Internet surfer behind our resident comedienne Ms. Waxy Dragon and other avatars takes the holiday weekend off to be with their family, I would like to take this opportunity to reminisce about one of the great comedic teams of filmdom: The Marx Brothers.
Although Gummo (Milton) did not make the transition from the vaudeville and Broadway stages to the big screen, for Brothers Groucho (Julius), Harpo (Arthur), Chico (Leonard), and Zeppo (Herbert) Marx; the comedic moments were always of more importance than the plot, with the Brothers known to improvise moments that were never in the original script. Especially when Groucho quipped one of his infamous ad libs.
Musical numbers were a prerequisite, with Chico tickling the ivories with his "shoot the piano" finger technique, and Harpo playing the instrument he was nicknamed for. Even Groucho sang an occasional number, such as "Hello, I Must Be Going" from Animal Crackers or "Sing While You Sell" from The Big Store.
Their first two movies: The Cocoanuts (from 1929, with the funny "Why A Duck?" sequence) and Animal Crackers (1930), were adapted from their stage plays. But with the aptly named Monkey Business in 1931, the hijinx began in earnest.
Gummo stayed with the group through Horse Feathers (1932), but left after the classic romp to save the tiny country of Freedonia in 1933's Duck Soup. Afterwards, the remaining trio were always joined by another actor playing the romantic interest that they inevitably ended up helping out.
Next came what some consider the best movies of their career: 1935's A Night At The Opera (Just how many people were in that room?) and A Day At The Races (1937), although the movies afterwards: Room Service (1938), At The Circus (1939), Go West (1940), and The Big Store (1941), have their funny moments.
Sadly, time passes for us all. In this case, A Night In Casablanca (1946) and 1949's Love Happy were the group's last outings together.
Now obviously there is no way this "short" post can do the Marx Brothers the justice they deserve. But if you happen to see one of their movies for rent or sale somewhere, or you come across one in a future TV schedule, do your funny bone a huge favor and watch it.
Although Gummo (Milton) did not make the transition from the vaudeville and Broadway stages to the big screen, for Brothers Groucho (Julius), Harpo (Arthur), Chico (Leonard), and Zeppo (Herbert) Marx; the comedic moments were always of more importance than the plot, with the Brothers known to improvise moments that were never in the original script. Especially when Groucho quipped one of his infamous ad libs.
Musical numbers were a prerequisite, with Chico tickling the ivories with his "shoot the piano" finger technique, and Harpo playing the instrument he was nicknamed for. Even Groucho sang an occasional number, such as "Hello, I Must Be Going" from Animal Crackers or "Sing While You Sell" from The Big Store.
Their first two movies: The Cocoanuts (from 1929, with the funny "Why A Duck?" sequence) and Animal Crackers (1930), were adapted from their stage plays. But with the aptly named Monkey Business in 1931, the hijinx began in earnest.
Gummo stayed with the group through Horse Feathers (1932), but left after the classic romp to save the tiny country of Freedonia in 1933's Duck Soup. Afterwards, the remaining trio were always joined by another actor playing the romantic interest that they inevitably ended up helping out.
Next came what some consider the best movies of their career: 1935's A Night At The Opera (Just how many people were in that room?) and A Day At The Races (1937), although the movies afterwards: Room Service (1938), At The Circus (1939), Go West (1940), and The Big Store (1941), have their funny moments.
Sadly, time passes for us all. In this case, A Night In Casablanca (1946) and 1949's Love Happy were the group's last outings together.
Now obviously there is no way this "short" post can do the Marx Brothers the justice they deserve. But if you happen to see one of their movies for rent or sale somewhere, or you come across one in a future TV schedule, do your funny bone a huge favor and watch it.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
THE PUZZLE CORNER: JANUARY 3rd, 2009
It's a brand new year and I've got a whole new batch of conundrums, for amongst other things, I received a couple of reference books for Christmas.
But let's get right to it for with the first enigmas of 2009!
TRIVIA TIME
Who was the first lady to ever be a Grand Marshall in the annual Tournament of Roses parade?
COMMON BONDS
What, if anything, do the items in each of the following groups have in common?
1. {Crystal Gayle, Loretta Lynn}
2. {Peter Graves, James Arness}
As usual, the answers will appear at the end of next week's The Puzzle Corner.
But now, let's conclude our unfinished business from 2008 and reveal the answers to last week's history quiz.
01. The Messenger Space Probe will hopefully land on Mercury in 2011.
02. Raul Castro took over leadership of Cuba after his brother Fidel stepped down.
03./04. The Phoenix Space Probe has found frozen water at Mars' northern pole.
05. Bill Gates is now concentrating upon his philanthropic work.
06./09. Beijing, China hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics, and then the 2008 Paralympic Games that September, reusing many of the same venues.
07./08. Michael Phelps won 8 Gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics, beating Mark Spitz previous record of 7.
10. Believe it or not, the Republican party was the first to decide upon a Presidential candidate and completed their slate because their convention was before the Democratic Party's in 2008.
But let's get right to it for with the first enigmas of 2009!
TRIVIA TIME
Who was the first lady to ever be a Grand Marshall in the annual Tournament of Roses parade?
COMMON BONDS
What, if anything, do the items in each of the following groups have in common?
1. {Crystal Gayle, Loretta Lynn}
2. {Peter Graves, James Arness}
As usual, the answers will appear at the end of next week's The Puzzle Corner.
But now, let's conclude our unfinished business from 2008 and reveal the answers to last week's history quiz.
01. The Messenger Space Probe will hopefully land on Mercury in 2011.
02. Raul Castro took over leadership of Cuba after his brother Fidel stepped down.
03./04. The Phoenix Space Probe has found frozen water at Mars' northern pole.
05. Bill Gates is now concentrating upon his philanthropic work.
06./09. Beijing, China hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics, and then the 2008 Paralympic Games that September, reusing many of the same venues.
07./08. Michael Phelps won 8 Gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics, beating Mark Spitz previous record of 7.
10. Believe it or not, the Republican party was the first to decide upon a Presidential candidate and completed their slate because their convention was before the Democratic Party's in 2008.
BY THE WAY DEAR READERS:
Would you like the frequency of The Puzzle Corner
appearances to increase?
If so, either leave a comment on this post or
contact me at leehoustonjr@gmail.com.
Friday, January 2, 2009
IT'S A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE...
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
As I post this, 2009 is less than forty-eight hours old. Pundits and analysts are appearing on every news program imaginable, looking back over where, when, and how things went wrong while discussing all the problems this world we live in is facing.
Now granted, the times ahead will not be easy. But instead of dwelling upon all the doom and gloom, I prefer to look ahead.
There will be a new President of the United States sworn in January 20th who is willing to tackle whatever he has to in order to try and get America back on track. Other countries around the world are attempting to overcome what issues they can while looking forward to working with the new administration in hopes of turning things around.
But what it all comes down to is one word... HOPE!
We still have a long road ahead of us, but people are finally starting to experience that emotion again.
Doesn't it feel good?
As I post this, 2009 is less than forty-eight hours old. Pundits and analysts are appearing on every news program imaginable, looking back over where, when, and how things went wrong while discussing all the problems this world we live in is facing.
Now granted, the times ahead will not be easy. But instead of dwelling upon all the doom and gloom, I prefer to look ahead.
There will be a new President of the United States sworn in January 20th who is willing to tackle whatever he has to in order to try and get America back on track. Other countries around the world are attempting to overcome what issues they can while looking forward to working with the new administration in hopes of turning things around.
But what it all comes down to is one word... HOPE!
We still have a long road ahead of us, but people are finally starting to experience that emotion again.
Doesn't it feel good?
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