Should Not Have Had The Coffee

I hadn't had a cup of coffee in about 10 years.

I like coffee. About 15 years ago, my buddy Noor turned me onto this iced coffee called "Granita" that Crane Coffee in Omaha used to sell.

(They don't have it anymore. My niece Emily is a barista there and says they have something similar to it...called something else.)

But I swore off caffeine years ago, so I consume it sparingly.

Yesterday (Sept. 29, 2016) was National Coffee Day. My niece Julia wanted Bridget and I to pick up her and her sisters after school to go get coffee at Dunkin Donuts. They offered 66 cent medium coffees all day long -- in honor of the company being around for 66 years.

There is a Dunkin 1.4 miles from my house (I mapped it long ago).

I ordered a steaming hot cup of coffee -- caramel swirl -- with sugar and cream.

It tasted wonderful with the French Cruller and Chocolate Glazed donuts I ordered alongside.

It just seemed right to be eating coffee and donuts together at Dunkin. I felt like a private investigator in a Robert B. Parker novel.

Not only that, about an hour later I was energized and whipped up yesterday's blog post. I thought to myself, "I should drink coffee more often!"

Remember the movie "Gremlins"? Remember how you aren't supposed to expose the Mogwai to sunlight, get it wet, or feed it after midnight?

Well, that coffee gave me the energy of 1,000 suns.

I was up until 2 a.m. watching YouTube videos by Casey Neistat and Shonduras. I slept horribly, and woke up with one eye blurrier than the other -- which made looking at my work computer incredibly irritating this morning.

Should have opted for training wheels and gone for the decaf.

I've heard there are studies showing a link between coffee drinking and a longer life. While that might be true, I "think" I've had my last cup for a while...at least until National Coffee Day 2017...

But it was delicious. 

Read yesterday's blog post: Jon's Life Lesson #1: Lego Logic

Jon's Life Lesson #1: Lego Logic

Time lapse of me building this "Star Wars" Z-95 Headhunter Lego set today: 

The reason I post this (other than the fact that Legos are cool) is because it reminds me of one of the best "learning moments" I had as a kid.

It would have been 1979 or so. I was in first grade.

The Lego "space" sets were on the market. Very popular. The sets featured red and white spaceman minifigures, and were constructed using grey and blue bricks, along with translucent yellow "window" bricks.

I had a number of the smaller sets (including the Alpha-1 Rocket Base), but didn't have the "granddaddy" of the spaceships -- set #497... the Galaxy Explorer.

My friends David and Alex -- who my mom watched before and after school -- each had a Galaxy Explorer. I was pretty envious.

I remember one morning when both were in the living room, watching TV and talking about their Explorers. I was so jealous, and didn't want to leave my room as a result.

My brother Jay (who is 10 years older than me) decided to help out. He looked at my various Lego space sets (which featured many of the same wing, body and window pieces as the Galaxy Explorer) and suggested he could make a ship to rival the Explorer.

He was incredibly talented constructing things with Legos, and was able to whip up a cool-looking ship that seemed like it could have been purchased at the store -- but was totally unique to me.

The moment illustrates that:

1. Legos are AWESOME, and 
2. A supply of random bricks, coupled with a creative mind, can yield amazing results.

You won't always be able to get exactly what you want or need in life. But if you learn to use your resources wisely, study the problem, and employ the "creative side" of your brain, you can achieve incredible results.

I was blessed to grow up in a home where creative pursuits were encouraged.

Thinking critically has served me well in life, and has been a key in the success my wife and I have had.

If you ever find yourself wanting for something in life, think about my Lego Galaxy Explorer story.

There's no stopping a creative mind.


Read yesterday's blog post: Envelopening: What Happened to Dean Blais?

Envelopening -- What Happened to Dean Blais?

For the second year in a row, we missed the UNO Hockey season ticket holder pickup party.

Today the tickets arrived in the mail.

Last year they were in a commemorative box, so I was able to do a true "unboxing" video.

(Which prompted my niece Lauren to say, "Jon: you should become one of those teenage girl YouTube stars who does a video every time they come back with something from Forever 21...)"

So we are unveiling a new segment called "Envelopening"... Here is the video.



The tickets commemorate the 20th season of UNO Hockey.

While I appreciate having a "greatest hits" gallery of players, Coach Kemp, and former AD Don Leahy, where is current Head Coach Dean Blais??

That's weird. We've had two head coaches in the last 20 years.

Where is the man who took the program to the Frozen Four in 2015? 


Read yesterday's blog post: Why I Don't Talk About Politics

Why I Don't Talk About Politics

"Less is more..." - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 

I don't talk about politics.

I don't post about politics.

I don't even really like to read about politics these days.

If my Facebook feed is any indication, the social media giant can be a lonely place if you aren't inclined to regurgitate political commentary...over...and over...and over...

It is certainly within one's right to post about politics.

The issue is whether there is anything inherently noble or productive in the pursuit, and whether any of us are reliably educated about the major issues of the day.

To put it in perspective, I have run a UNO Hockey fan forum for 16 years. Some people have said, "Jon, you should have more insightful game analysis on your site."

Sounds great, but when I am at a game, I am sitting in the stands with family and friends, laughing, visiting, snacking on concessions, and monitoring Twitter.

Any analysis I do will be compromised as a result.

The same holds true for politics. We are so ensconced in our own "bubbles" that we don't take the time to consider there might actually be a point of view different than our own.

But I see so many "armchair geniuses" out there -- people who are trusting the opinions of people who make a living doing nothing more than espousing opinions.

See where I am going here?

If we were smart, we'd take the time to look at our lives and decide what we thought based on our own experiences, instead of being automatons in the army called "groupthink."

Talk is cheap.

Rather than constantly talking about what you're going to do, talk about what you've actually done.

Have you been involved in improving your community? Have you taken up a cause in an earnest way?

If your only contribution to the world is sharing a hyperlink, a Facebook post, or a tweet, have you really done anything at all?

"Mustache On The Hudson"

Back in the day, Clint Eastwood would have cast himself as Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger...

...and he would have scowled and growled his way to a water landing on the Hudson River in New York City, saving 155 passengers and becoming a national hero in the process.

Eastwood hasn't acted in a movie since 2012's "Trouble With The Curve." Instead, he has focused his energy on the director's chair.

Say what you want about Clint Eastwood...the guy knows how to craft a movie.

This time out he brings us the biopic "Sully," based on the heroic maneuver by airline Captain Chesley Sullenberger on Jan. 15, 2009. 

Tom Hanks (this generation's most dependable actor) plays Sullenberger. Aaron Eckhart (one of the great supporting performers of the day) plays his co-pilot, Jeff Skiles. 

Both of the men sport mustaches.

Is it wrong that I found Hanks's and Eckhart's mustaches to be kind of distracting? 

I realize both of the pilots had them in real life. But they aren't something you see that often today. It might have been wise to take a bit of creative license and have the actors (at least one) "sans" mustache. 

But that's a minor quibble. 

Overall, the movie plays well and offers a steadily engrossing story that capably manages to tell the events of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, while creating an engrossing study into the decisions of the flight crew. 

The movie has a quiet tone, which captures the isolation Sullenberger feels as he wrestles with his decision in the aftermath of the events of that day. 

The deft direction and performances by the lead actors keep the movie afloat throughout the 96-minute run time. 

Should you see it? Absolutely. 

And you have to watch this video that overlays the real-time communication between the pilots and air traffic control:

Read yesterday's blog post: The Sightseeing Complication

The Sightseeing Complication

There is a Yiddish proverb that states: "Man plans, God laughs."

My traveling experiences tend to land on the less-planned and less-touristy side of the scale.

We generally travel for two things: hockey and work.

It was due to a work trip that we found ourselves in Washington D.C. last Saturday. We were flying out of Reagan National at around 5 p.m., and had some time to spare before departure.

I had never been to our nation's seat of power before, and hoped to quickly traverse some national landmarks before we left.

It started out well. We got up at 8 a.m., showered and were all crisp and clean for breakfast at the Courtyard by Marriott in Crystal City (strawberry french toast, anyone?)

Bridget had talked the manager into an additional hour before checkout due to our room's Bose Wave Radio inadvertently sounding the alarm at 5 a.m.

We hopped on the hotel shuttle to the nearest metro station, ready to take in some sights. Easy peasy, right? 

Warm, dark, subterranean spaces might not be my thing.

I tend to be an anxious traveler. I'm a light sleeper as a general rule, and professional conferences can be mentally draining events. Add in eating copious amounts of unhealthy (but delicious) food, and the recipe can be less than ideal.

As we were waiting for the train on the platform, I started to feel ill.

I had felt a tad queasy after breakfast, and the feeling didn't improve as we were standing among a large throng waiting for the train (many decked in BYU gear, in town to attend a football game).

An urge to use the restroom took hold, and I felt trapped. The humidity was oppressive, and I felt dizzy.

I told Bridge I needed to use the restroom. The problem was that the train was nearing our platform, and it would be another 20 minutes until another one arrived. We'd already lost an hour between eating breakfast, riding the shuttle and waiting for the first train to arrive.

But I needed a restroom. So we exited the platform and rode the escalator upstairs.

A very nice manager on duty was kind enough to unlock a special area so I could use the restroom.

She told me, "I understand. I have high blood pressure. When I gotta go, I gotta go. There's no piddlin' around for 10 minutes."

Relieved and freshened up, we tried again.

Fewer people waiting on the second attempt, and the air felt less heavy. This time, we got on the train successfully, and traveled to the "Smithsonian" station.

Having never been to D.C., the sight of temporary metal fences around the National Mall didn't seem out of the norm. Neither did masses of people lining those fences. 

I also learned a new sales technique. Street merchants will offer "free" t-shirts -- practically placing them in your hands -- then suggest a very specific donation amount for the merchandise.

We wanted to see the Washington Monument. But the fencing and armed security personnel didn't make the prospect look all that likely.

We found out along the walk that the National Museum of African American History and Culture was having its dedication that morning, and President Obama and President Bush were in attendance.

As we wound our way toward the monument, Bridget asked a staff member if there was a way to get inside.

They informed her that if we went through the security checkpoint, we could get into the dedication, and get closer to the Washington Monument.

At this point you are probably wondering, "How was Jon holding up?"

It had already been a stressful start to the day, but the fresh air had helped. I figured we were this close. History was happening on the other side of that fence, and we were going to be part of the fun.

It isn't every day that a new national museum opens. This looks like it'll be a fascinating addition to the slate of museums offered in the nation's Capitol.

After a bit of "checks and wanding," we were inside the event. We didn't get that close to the festivities, but we could see the stage, hear the music (Stevie Wonder), see images on the video screens, and hear some of the comments during the program.

We also got to climb a little hillock and get our picture by the Washington Monument.

It would have been great to stay, but time was limited.

We wanted to see the White House (which typically would have been a straight trek from the Washington Monument), but were told we'd have to cut over several blocks to get there. No time for that sort of journey.

We headed back to the hotel, grabbed some lunch at a burger joint, then shuttled to catch our flight home.

We didn't get to see some of the touristy destinations we had hoped for, and things didn't go according to plan.

But life isn't about the planned moments wrapped neatly in a perfect bow. Life is about those accidental opportunities that give depth, texture and color to our lives.


Read my previous post: Super Shuttle Is For The Birds

Super Shuttle Is For the Birds

These bird sculptures are all over the historic district where I am staying.

Reminiscent of Omaha's "J. Doe" art project. 

I'm in Annapolis, Maryland, for a conference. 

I've never been here before. What I've seen so far is pretty. 

Other than the fact that our ride on the Super Shuttle from Reagan National Aiport was nearly as long as the flight from Omaha, it was a good trip. 

Don't know much about the history, although a plaque on my walk suggested that President Abraham Lincoln made two visits to Annapolis during his presidency. 

Annapolis is the home of the United States Naval Academy. I had a brother-in-law who graduated from there. We drove by the football stadium today. 

I haven't spent a lot of time on the east coast of the United States, but I have been to Rhode Island and Massachusetts twice apiece, and the terrain, architecture and vibe feel kinda similar (at least in the area I am staying in). 

Historic district by the hotel.

A business in the historic district had this unique Snoopy art in its yard.

Annapolis National Cemetery -- across the street from the hotel. 

A neat mural on some row houses on my walk. 

This mural is on the building next to the hotel.

Stay tuned for more travel reports!

Read yesterday's blog post: Yippee Ki Yay, Mother Pumpkin

Yippee Ki Yay, Mother Pumpkin

For years, people I knew made annual visits to Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, NE. Friends would take their kids...my nieces would go on class trips...that sort of thing. 

Until 2013, I just assumed it was a place to purchase pumpkins, take a hay rack ride, drink some cider and munch on candy corn.

But it is a lot more than that. A lot more.

It's an interesting mix of an amusement park, carnival and holiday faire. 

There are rides, games, jumping pillows, manual powered cars on dirt tracks, a train, an obstacle course, a giant slide, pig races, a petting zoo, a playground, paintball, corn maze, and picnic areas. There are also a couple of tame haunted houses and a mining shaft (which has this trippy tunnel that makes you feel like you are on a spinning bridge).

A variety of concession options are strewn throughout -- including a pie barn, a fudgery, turkey legs, burger meals, ice cream, chicken strip baskets, soups, chili, hotdogs, a slushy stand, and honeycorn...

...and of course you can buy pumpkins.

Parts of it remind me of Silver Dollar City in Missouri, minus the big amusement park type rides. It has that rustic, rural, country feel.

They are constantly reimagining the place.

This year, Vala's added a new attraction called the "Egg Scramble" barn. It is a multi-level activity housed in a tall barn and features cannons and guns that shoot foam balls. 

And really, who doesn't like cannons that shoot foam balls?? 

It is part of a new area that sticks with a poultry theme. There is a large set of piano keys (something akin to what Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia tapped on in the movie "Big") that honks out chicken noises (which is sure to drive nearby staff members nuts). 

One of the staff members told me last night that the next attraction will be an apple orchard.

The entire complex is designed for families. We have season passes for ourselves and three of our nieces. We will go out several times during the season (which runs from Sept. 16 thru Oct. 31 this year). 

Along with the start of UNO Hockey season, Vala's Pumpkin Patch is one of the local attractions that makes fall fun.

Check it out.

And speaking of checking things out, be sure to read yesterday's blog post:

Tivo Drops Service Fees for "Cord Cutter" DVRs

TiVo Drops Service Fees for "Cord Cutter" DVR

Last year when we cut cable TV, we had considered purchasing a DVR for use with our HD antenna.

We had been TiVo users for about 10 years, and the unit we used had an older analog tuner in it. We contacted TiVo to check on our options.

TiVo had just introduced a version of its Roamio DVR for cord cutters in 2015 that cost $50. The TiVo Roamio OTA DVR is identical to the regular Roamio, except the cable card slot is disabled, and you had to pay for the $15 monthly service plan.

The reason you have to pay for a service plan with TiVo is so the DVR will download updated schedule information allowing you to record programs.

TiVo typically offers Monthly, Annual and All-In plans.

• Monthly is $14.99/month (1-year commitment); $19.99/month (no commitment)
• Annual is $149.99/year
• All-In is a one-time fee of $549.99 (they periodically run promotions that knock the price down significantly)

The Roamio OTA received good reviews, and the unit also has built-in streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Plex, and Amazon Prime. They market it as an "all-in-one" solution.

But the main caveat for cord cutters was the required monthly service agreement.

ChannelMaster's competing DVR+, by contrast, was available in $249 and $399 models, and required no annual service subscription plan. The drawbacks of the Channel Master are that you have to purchase add-ons like an external hard drive (for the $249 model) and add an optional USB wi-fi adapter (unless you plan to hard wire it to your router to get the program guide updates).

Having used TiVo for many years, I can attest that they make a nice product, and the current Roamio OTA includes built-in wi-fi, has "SkipMode" so you can click through commercials, pause and rewind live TV, allows you to record four programs at once, searches TV and streaming content simultaneously, and has a 1 TB hard drive that holds 150 hours of HD programming (which is an upgrade from last year's model).

TiVo recently changed pricing and now sells the Roamio OTA DVR for $399 -- a higher initial price, but they have eliminated the service fee.

The price is a bit hefty, but bundling "lifetime" service with the unit is a positive, and makes it a much more competitive option with the Channel Master DVR+, and other DVR options targeted at cord cutters.

We don't use a DVR.

It was an adjustment last year eliminating our DVR, but we have adapted well.

For the network shows we don't view "live," we watch them on demand via the ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox apps on Apple TV, or wait for seasons to appear on Netflix and Amazon Prime. (We also subscribe to CBS All Access for $5.99/month because we are big fans of "Survivor," "Big Brother," and "The Amazing Race"...and enjoy the option to watch those episodes right away, view bonus content, and stream "live feeds"...)

I don't know if I would go the route of a DVR again.

But there are times when I miss having the ability to record programs.

My brother uses a TiVo Roamio (with a card from his cable company), and he loves the system.

TiVo makes solid products, and if having a DVR makes the transition easier for you, it would be a worthwhile consideration.

One note: With the proliferation of affordable 4K televisions at electronics retailers, you might want to keep an eye on compatibility with that format. Eventually, over-the-air, cable and satellite providers will introduce new 4K transmissions. We aren't there yet, but could be within the next five years...

Read yesterday's blog post: Unboxing Longmire

Unboxing Longmire

I love the "Longmire" series of books by author Craig Johnson, and I love the Netflix series based on those books. 

So today was a pretty exciting day when the mail came. (The unboxing vid is upside down...total SNAFU...but you get the idea.)

Walt Longmire is the sheriff of the fictional Absaroka County in Wyoming. Each book in the mystery series is told through the eyes of Sheriff Longmire, in a relaxed first person point of view.

Johnson manages to create indelible characters and clever mysteries with his tone and style -- which combines brooding, high plains melancholia with ample doses of small town humor, and witty dialogue to boot.

I've been to two book signings with Craig Johnson at The Bookworm here in Omaha. In addition to his writing talents, he is an entertaining speaker. 

Start with the first book in the series titled "The Cold Dish." While each novel stands on its own, there are story arcs and subplots that build from book-to-book, and it creates a richer experience when you savor them in order.

The "Longmire" TV series (produced by Warner Horizon) is one of my favorite shows, and is partly responsible for my decision to drop my cable TV subscription.

Season 5 drops Sept. 23 on Netflix. Here is the trailer: 

During the show's first three seasons, "Longmire" (which aired on A&E) was my favorite program on basic cable.

Unfortunately, the show was unceremoniously canceled by A&E after the third season. The move left an unresolved cliffhanger in the story line, and left fans wondering what they'd do without new episodes of the beautifully drawn show.

Thankfully, Netflix came to the rescue and lassoed up the show for a fourth season. The streaming giant owns the rights to each season of "Longmire," and the series is a popular selection for millions of subscribers.

There's no question that the efforts of producers and passionate fans resurrected Walt and Co. for a continued run.

I didn't have Netflix prior to 2014, but I subscribed when the news was released announcing a new season of "Longmire."

In addition to the show's availability on Netflix, Warner Bros. has released each season of "Longmire" on DVD. The studio's Warner Archive division (which focuses hard-to-find WB movies and TV shows on DVD and Blu-Ray) releases terrific Blu-Ray sets of the show. 

I highly recommend both the "Longmire" TV series and the book series by Craig Johnson. Check 'em out!


Read yesterday's blog post: Choosing Your Antenna (Part 1)

Choosing Your Antenna (Part 1)

The #1 thing I recommend when cord cutting is purchasing an antenna. 

Earlier in the year, I was following this cord cutting blogger (with a major tech website) who was lamenting the fact that she couldn't watch the Oscars.

Several people commented and said, "Buy a $10 antenna at the store."

The blogger replied by saying she felt having an antenna defeated the point of "cord cutting."

(This is where I rolled my eyes).

She still had hi-speed Internet to power the various streaming services she used.

Cord cutting is just a term to refer to people who eliminate subscription cable/satellite TV packages. It isn't "code" for only using the Internet to stream programming.

Many of you stream content alongside your subscription TV service.

There are a number of cord cutters in the Omaha-metro area I know who are like the blogger mentioned above. They subsist on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.

Great. Fine. If it works for you, I'm not gonna judge.

I Remember What It Was Like Before Cable
As if I need another reason to point out that I am getting old...

Cable didn't come to our neighborhood until 1981 or so.

I was incredibly envious of my friends who had basic cable at the time. Especially when they talked about watching "USA Network's Cartoon Express" after school.

We didn't get basic cable until 1988, when I was in high school.

(I wasn't too broken up about it because I had a VCR and TV of my own...before any of my friends.)

The concept of living without cable television isn't foreign to me. I did it for the first 16 years of my life...

...and hasn't bothered me being without it the past 14 months.

The cool thing is that over-the-air television broadcasts today feature hi-definition digital programming, Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, and don't suffer from the picture issues that plagued the old analog broadcasts. And it is all available for free.

It Is An Art As Much As It Is a Science
Okay, so you are thinking about trying an antenna.

I recommend trying to live as a "cord cutter" before you cut any subscription services. It takes some getting used to, and might not be the right choice for your household.

Start out with an inexpensive set-top antenna. They can be solid performers, and often offer better results than their more expensive counterparts.

You can determine how far you are from your city's TV towers by visiting antennaweb.org. Punch in your address or zip code and the site will give you a map detailing how far you are from the towers, what angle they are from your house (so you can point an antenna that direction), and get information on what type of antenna you'd need to pick up a particular channel.

Antennas sold today have a "mile range" description on the box (or in the "product description," if you purchase online).

When it comes to antennas, there are both directional and multi/omni-directional models. It is typically labeled on the box (or in the "product description" if you purchase online).

Directional antennas generally perform better if they are pointed toward the TV towers. Omni-directional antennas are said to perform equally well regardless of the position (but my experience is that placement is important regardless of the type used).

I've used the flat, "leaf-style" antennas, bow tie antennas, and "rabbit ear" antennas, but there are other styles available.

The set-top models on the market today come in both amplified and non-amplified varieties.

With these small indoor antennas, I recommend either purchasing an amplified antenna, or purchasing a separate amplifier to go with your non-amplified antenna.

Unless you are within a couple miles of a TV tower, the set-top type antennas benefit from a bit of amplification (The amplifier is a device that plugs into a wall outlet or the USB port on your TV. It uses a small amount of electrical current to help "boost" the signal). 

Some argue that amplified antennas can be counter productive in certain instances because they can provide too much signal and keep channels from tuning in. But that is only if you have a particularly strong signal (most HDTVs have a signal meter built in, which we will get to in a moment).

The trick with any of these antennas is placement. Generally speaking, the higher you can get in a room the better, and it is often recommended that you put them close to a window.

As I suggested in the title of the section, "it is an art as much as it is a science." Basically, you'll find that antennas can perform well in a variety of spots.

In Omaha (where I live), the signals broadcast are relatively strong. The main towers are at 72nd and Crown Point for KETV (ABC), KMTV (CBS), WOWT (NBC). The KPTM (Fox) and KXVO (CW) tower is just west of Springfield, NE.

NET's (PBS) tower in Omaha is on the UNO campus.

Hooking It Up, Scanning for Channels, Looking at Signal Quality
Antennas are designed to be connected to a TV via the coaxial jack (sometimes called the "F" connector). If the antenna comes with a built-in coaxial cable, you can just hook it up. 

If you choose an amplified antenna (or add an amplifier to your passive antenna), you would hook up the amplifier to the coaxial jack, connect it to the power source (outlet or USB port), then hook the antenna into the amplifier.

Note: Different models have different setups, so consult the instructions with the antenna.

Once the antenna is connected, you can go to the menu/setting area on your TV and set the channel source as "Antenna" (consult your user manual).

You can then scan for channels. In the Omaha area, the following over-the-air channels are available:

3-1 - KMTV (CBS, HD)
3-2 - LAFF (Comedy-based programming)
3-3 - Escape (Mystery and crime programming)
6-1 - WOWT (NBC, HD)
6-2 - Cozi TV (Classic TV shows and movies - NBCUniversal owned)
6-3 - AntennaTV (Classic TV shows)
7-1 - KETV (ABC, HD)
7-2 - MeTV (Classic TV shows)
12-1 - NET (PBS, HD)
12-2 - NET World
12-3 - NET Create
15-1 - KXVO (CW, HD)
15-2 - This TV (Movies)
15-3 - Grit TV (Action movies, westerns and classic TV shows)
26-1 - NET (PBS, HD)
26-2 - NET World
26-3 - NET Create
32-1 - KBIN (Iowa Public TV, PBS, HD)
32-2 - KBINSD1 (IPTV Learn, Create, PBS Kids)
32-3 - KBINSD2 (World)
42-1 - KPTM (Fox, HD)
42-2 - MyNet/This (Movies and classic TV shows)
42-3 - Comet (SciFi and fantasy programming)
48-1 - KOHA (Daystar - Christian programming, HD)

The number of channels you will receive depends on a variety of factors. The Iowa Public TV signal, for example, is hard to get reliably with a typical antenna in western parts of the city.

I have generally been able to tune all but Iowa Public TV (32-1 to 32-3) consistently with the various set-top antennas I have used and tested.

In addition, your TV may tell you how strong your signals are. Some TVs have an indicator that shows "bars" (like a cell phone) in the channel info section. Other TVs have a system information section in the menu area that will indicate "Signal Quality" (with a number between 1 and 100 -- 100 being the best) when you are on a particular channel. 

A benefit of over-the-air HD signals is that they are uncompressed, which means you are getting the best possible resolution available.

(Note: if you are using an older TV -- something made 10-15 years ago -- you might need a digital converter box to use a digital antenna).

What Kind of Set-Top Antenna Do I Like the Best?
There are positive and negative aspects to each antenna type.

The "leaf style" antennas -- such as those by Mohu or the 1ByOne antenna pictured below -- are multi/omni-directional antennas. They come in amplified and non-amplified varieties. 

The 1ByOne antenna is a decent antenna, includes an amplifier, and is affordable on Amazon.com.

I've had really good luck using various "rabbit ear" style antennas. Most of them don't come with an amplifier, but you can purchase this RCA Amplifier at a variety of big box, home improvement, and online stores.

While I realize the "rabbit ears" don't look as sleek and modern as some other styles, they have been in use for many years, and they have a proven track record tuning in over-the-air TV signals. 

I also like bow-tie-style antennas. The RCA model pictured below works pretty well (with the addition of an amplifier) in our location. It isn't exactly a bow tie shape, but it is close. I have a couple old Radio Shack bow tie antennas I really like, and I'll focus on those in a "homebrew antenna" post down the road. 

As I said earlier, I would start with a moderately priced antenna and work from there. It is very possible you'll be happy with the results right out of the box. 

The Spirit of Adventure

You have to be willing to try different things in this process, but it is a worthwhile adventure.

Depending on your location it could take a bit of tweaking to get the right setup, but there are plenty of resources available, and the various antenna manufacturers have toll-free numbers you can call if you need assistance.

You really don't have anything to lose in the process. It is a nominal amount of money spent that can yield cost saving results.

I was watching a video on YouTube recently where one particular cord cutter (and antenna fan) said he'd been without pay TV for the past 10 years, and estimated he'd saved $12,000 ($100 per month) during that time.

In the past week, these are some of sports broadcasts I was able to watch for free with the over-the-air antennas in our home:

College Football

• Notre Dame vs Texas - ABC 
• Central Florida at Michigan - ABC 
• Tulsa at Ohio State - ABC 
• Nevada at Notre Dame - NBC 
• Virginia Tech vs Tennessee - ABC 
• Kentucky at Florida - CBS 
• BYU at Utah - Fox 
• North Dakota at Bowling Green - ASN (15-2 KXVO Subchannel) 
• Georgia Southern at S. Alabama - ASN (15-2 KXVO Subchannel) 

High School Football

• Lincoln Pius X at Millard South KXVO Game of the Week (KXVO) 

NFL Football

• Carolina at Denver - NBC 
• Green Bay at Jacksonville - Fox 
• NY Giants at Dallas - Fox 
• San Diego at Kansas City - NBC 
• New England at Arizona - NBC 

Golf

• PGA Tour Golf: BMW Championship - NBC 

While not as comprehensive as a multi-tiered cable or satellite package, it is a decent amount of sports programming to get with an antenna.

This weekend, the Nebraska-Oregon game will be available on ABC to antenna users in the Omaha-area.

If you solely stream programming to your TV, it is a game you might miss.

Antennas were what people used to use to receive television programming. The idea of paying was a foreign concept for a number of years.

Unfortunately, the past 30 years has changed the paradigm to the point where many consumers don't realize you can get free broadcast television.

As a result, prices for cable and satellite subscriptions have continued to rise.

I think that is why we are seeing a renewed interest in antenna use. There is a better slate of programming available today for antenna users than at any time in history.

Read yesterday's blog post: Pop Culture Influences of 9/11

Pop Culture Influences of 9/11

Many things changed in our world and in our daily lives 15 years ago.

The events of September 11, 2001, had a far reaching impact on the national psyche in the days following those tragic events.

As is the case with monumental moments in our lives, the impact influences popular culture -- music, movies, television... among other art forms -- for years thereafter, leaving an indelible fingerprint.

We've seen the influence that major events like Pearl Harbor, the JFK assassination, and the Vietnam War have had on the world entertainment.

The emotional impact permeates the world around us.

9/11 stands as one of the keystone moments in the lives Generation Xers. Much in the way our parents remember where they were when President Kennedy was assassinated, our generation remembers where they were when the Towers came down.

The Music
In the days, months and years following 9/11, a number of musicians sang about the tragic and horrific events of that day -- taking different approaches with their musical stylings.

In my mind, Bruce Springsteen's album "The Rising" stands as the defining pop album chronicling that moment in our nation's history. The album was released in 2002 for the anniversary of 9/11, and the songs serve as an elegy to the anguish and devastation of those events.

"Into The Fire" features lyrics that are at once haunting, and capture the emotions of that day:

The sky was falling and 

streaked with blood 

I heard you calling me, 

then you disappeared 

into dust 

Up the stairs, into the fire 

Up the stairs, into the fire 

That same year, country artist Toby Keith released a decidedly different take on the state of affairs in our nation with his song "Courtesy of The Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" on the album "Unleashed." 

Unlike Springsteen's "The Rising," the "Unleashed" album itself wasn't a tribute to the events of 9/11. In most respects, it was pretty typical of country/pop albums of that era.

But the song "Courtesy of The Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" swirled with all sorts of hard-nosed, macho, patriotic fervor, with Keith acting as cheerleader of sorts as he belted out:

Hey Uncle Sam put your name 

At the top of his list 

And the Statue of Liberty 

Started shaking her fist 

And the eagle will fly 

And there's gonna be hell 

When you hear Mother Freedom 

Start ringin' her bell 

And it'll feel like the whole wide world is rainin' down on you 

Brought to you courtesy 

Of the Red, White and Blue

Whether or not one would consider either song unofficial themes for that time in history is subject to debate.

Movies & TV

Much in the way that Springsteen and Keith represent the differing emotional tones and attitudes surrounding the events of 9/11, so too have movies and television shows in our post-9/11 world. 

There were serious tomes produced like Paul Greengrass's "United 93" and Oliver Stone's "World Trade Center."

There have also been numerous films focused on the subsequent military actions in the Middle East. Movies like "American Sniper," "The Hurt Locker," "Zero Dark Thirty," and "Lone Survivor."

In my mind, the one fictional character to step to the forefront during the years following 9/11 was Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer on the show "24." 

Much like Sylvester Stallone's John Rambo in the 1980s, Jack Bauer was a character who epitomized the geo-political world of the 2000s.

Both film icons acted as vessels of catharsis in our society -- providing relief from strong emotions toward the world around each during his respective place in history (even if their exploits seemed far-fetched and over-the-top at times).

The creators of "24" put Jack Bauer through a myriad of struggles and impossible situations during a lone day, and he would always come through.

Jack Bauer became the prototype for basically every modern counter-espionage character on the small and big screen. He was a contrast to Tom Clancy's bookish hero Jack Ryan... more of a 21st century mix of Ryan and the aforementioned John Rambo.

I remember an episode of the Tina Fey comedy "30 Rock" where Jack Donaghy tells Liz Lemon that he is going to a party thrown by John McCain and Jack Bauer, and Lemon suggests Bauer isn't a real person:

Like Stallone in the 1980s, and John Wayne during World War II, Sutherland's character epitomized this sort of rough-and-ready ideal that viewers hoped was out there, fighting for them in the early 2000s.

Life and Art 
Oscar Wilde once wrote: "Life imitates art far more than art imitates life."

People have drawn their own conclusions about that statement over the years, but it seems poignantly apropos of seminal life events as time progresses.

Future generations will remember 9/11 and its immediate aftermath based on an amalgamation of historic recollections and footage -- as well as the pop culture influences of the day.

Those of us who weren't around in the 1960s have a vague snapshot of the decade culled from history books, archival footage, music, movies, tv shows, books, and fashion.

I have nieces and nephews who weren't alive when 9/11 happened, and it seems hard to believe sometimes.

But the world keeps moving forward. Time has a way of healing wounds.

As Springsteen crooned on "The Rising" album, in the song "Waitin' on a Sunny Day":

Hard times, baby well 

they come to us all 

Sure as the tickin' of 

the clock on the wall 

Sure as the turnin' 

of the night into day... 

I'm waitin', waitin' 

on a sunny day 

Read yesterday's blog post: Search and Navigate Apple TV Like a Pro

Search and Navigate Apple TV Like a Pro

Handy hint for today's post...

The remote controls for both the 3rd and 4th generation Apple TV devices can be a pain to use -- especially as it regards "typing" in search boxes in various apps (YouTube being one that drives me nuts). Plus, Siri on the 4th generation unit isn't always reliable (and some apps don't support it for searching).

There is an Apple Remote app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod...so that's an option.

But I like connecting a Bluetooth keyboard to the device. 

For 3rd generation units:

1. Turn on the keyboard and make sure it is "discoverable."
2. On the Apple TV unit, go to "Settings," then select "General," then "Bluetooth." 
3. The keyboard should appear under "Devices."
4. Select the keyboard.
5. If asked, enter a 4-digit code.

For 4th generation units:

1. Turn on the keyboard and make sure it is "discoverable."
2. On the Apple TV unit, go to "Settings," then select "Remotes and Devices," then "Bluetooth." 
3. The Apple TV will search for nearby Bluetooth devices.
4. Select the keyboard.
5. If asked, enter a 4-digit code.

You can use the keyboard to search and enter text and passwords. Navigate to apps and up-and-down menus using the "arrow" keys, and make your selections with the "Enter" key. The "Esc" (escape) key will allow you to exit up through navigation menus and return to the main screen.

If your keyboard has "play/pause" keys and "forward/rewind" keys, they might also work with the Apple TV unit. I use an Apple Wireless Keyboard, so it works great for that. You can also pause using the "space bar."

Oh...and you can still use your Apple TV Remote alongside the keyboard.

An "Atomic Rancher" in Our Neighborhood

A Facebook memory popped up today from 2009. On that day, I purchased a copy of the magazine "Atomic Ranch" from our local Borders (which is now Omaha Public Library's hi-tech learning center DoSpace). 

I'd never heard of the magazine before. We live in a neighborhood that was developed in the 1950s and 60s -- and is full of little ranch houses of that era. The magazine focuses on midcentury modern homes, architecture, furniture and design -- a style that I am very fond of. 

As I thumbed through the pages, I noticed a house that is located a few blocks from us -- much to my surprise. I had admired the house when I would go on walks, and loved the cool retro vibe (from the outside).

According to the article, the home was built in 1961, and had been in deteriorating condition when purchased by the current homeowner. The owner spent three months renovating the home (...and discovered all sorts of surprises, including thousands of roaches during the reno, and a "fall out shelter" under the garage).

The home is apparently a one-of-kind design (dreamed up by the original owner and a local architect), and is decked out in retro furnishings. 

I just thought it was fun to see a home from our neighborhood -- which is largely composed of compact and affordable 1950s and 60s ranch houses -- featured in a national publication dedicated to midcentury design. 

The article has spurred me to learn more about the history of our neighborhood in the intervening years.

It's nice to see people who take the time to redo and preserve older homes.

(By the way, "Atomic Ranch" it is a cool magazine...so check it out if you get a chance...)

Read yesterday's blog post: "Phasers Locked"