Months ago: It took awhile, but watching dishes finally became pain-free. However, reviewing monthly statements with a fine-tooth comb is strongly advised. Expect to make some phone calls.

A month ago: Cha-ching! A 15-1 (Charlie Batch = dream-killer) week 17 propelled The Institute Pick'em Frenzy's 10th ranked entrant all the way to the top of the final standings. He is I and I am him, slim with a tilted brim.

A few weeks ago: Corporate structure shake-up at the Institute. Marketing's top dog tabbed fall guy. Domino effect?

A week ago: You know, this '08 Bushisms page-a-day calendar was a clutch gift from MJ. Sure they've been around for a few years, the Bushisms become poetry knowing this is W's final year on the job. "First, let me make it very clear, poor people aren't necessarily killers. Just because you happen to be not rich doesn't mean you're willing to kill."

Just days ago: This, That and He Said What? makes it's triumphant return! This semiannual posting craze is sure to catch on.

Yesterday: In a roundabout way, a sister school is claiming that they're sitting more students because their web site is (intentionally?) crappy. If they had a well-designed, easily navigable web site, so goes the argument, prospective students wouldn't be frustrated into calling. Sister please! (Noss-ism?)

Today: There wasn't a trace of ice on my morning commute until I started down that hill on Little Creek Road. Suddenly, my brakes wouldn't catch and I was flying, veering to the left and to the right, seemingly out of control. There was a pick-up off-road by the stars-and-stripes barn and a fellow on the other side of the road waving his arms frantically, then bailing as my swerving sport wagon barreled closer. I was going too fast and the road was too slick to turn off into an open field. A car was at the bottom of the hill, astutely peeling off onto the nearest driveway. I zipped by that car as Little Creek began to finally level off. My speed lowered and my brakes finally caught. Eeeewwwwwhat a rrrrush! A rush I hope to never experience again.

Labels: Dish, MJ wants to be on my blog more, nfl, road-trips, work

Did you know that the great thing about a DVR is that you can pause live TV?!? Did you know that the great thing about wanting your dish installed on an in-ground pole next to your house in hopes of keeping the eyesore as inconspicuous as possible will pause an install?!? This apparently needs to be clarified during the order call, which I mentioned but did not officially request I guess. Also, I found out that I'll be getting 2 dishes (1 for HD and 1 for standard), which is the first that I've heard of this. Next attempt at a hook-up is next Saturday AM.

Labels: Dish

I did it. The monopoly has been Comcastrated. Eighy-sixed. X'd punk.

I thought I'd document my journey to the plate since I expect it to be an unsettling experience at times. I'll start with the history that brought me to stop feeding the pig:

1. Comcast terminated my employment
2. My Comcast bill 10-ish/06: $114/mo
3. My Comcast bill 11-ish/06: $129/mo
4. My projected Comcast bill 11-ish/07: $136/mo

Maybe my biggest beef though has to do with DVR service. In order to be willing to pay the empire an additional $12/mo for DVR service, a $13/mo upgrade to Digital Preferred is required. Granted, SusCom's policy was similar, but it just bothers me.

The Clipper Curse
MJ's been in a coupon mood lately and therefore procured her mom's Clipper Magazine. I've been in a Dish Network mood and had finally gotten a handle on their current offer when I saw an ad in the Clip for Dish service from an authorized retailer that included the current offer plus freebies: TV Guide for a year; choice of iPod, Digital Video Camera, Home Theater System; free $100 Gas Card. I wrestled with that ad and after three falls mydishnow.com had the match. Last night, I made the call.

56 Minutes, 17 Seconds
I went in with a gameplan... If favorable responses were received to my fact-finding questions, I was placing an order, even though I was skeptical that anything was going to go my way. Well, the reality was a 50/50 split. After slight hesitation, I unpocketed the plastic. Nearly an hour later, I give you the lowdown:

Programming

• America's Top 200, local channels, regional sports networks (MASN and CSN-MA), DVR service, all fees except local tax: $49.99/mo
• HD Package including 38 channels in hi-def: Free for 6 months, $20/mo after promotional period or $6/mo enabling fee which still gives you locals in HD
• Free HBO, Cinimax and the like for 3 months

Equipment

• Free Dual-tuner HD DVR receiver makes programming and DVR service accessible from 2 TVs eliminating the need to purchase a 2nd box with an additional DVR service fee
• Free Dish
• Free Installation

The "Extras"

• Free TV-Guide for 1 year - okay, not necessary, but I'll take it
• Free iPod - Not so fast... it's a Shuffle, and an old 512 MB model at that. It must be redeemed through their web site where the details are revealed. Hassle + $25 shipping > Value of 512 MB iPod stick. I guess I'll just go with the home theater system.
  
• Free Gas Card - Again, I'm passing on this. My head is still spinning from their Redeption Policy.
  
• Disney Trip - After I placed my order, they transferred me for "verification" which was really 15 minutes hearing about a great trip featuring time-shares and VIP cards that I had to decide on then and there because they only had a few left.

Other Notes

• There is a $30 non-refundable start-up charge
• This particular company checked my credit score which somehow signed me up for an account with the scorers that MJ had to cancel this morning
• After the free prize discoveries, I have little faith in this company's truthiness. But there apparently is a nationwide high-speed internet offering from Dish and AT&T coming in the very near future

Labels: Dish