Asymptomatic

There must be intelligent life down here

Philadelphia Radio Sucks
May 09, 2003

This topic has bothered me for quite a while.  Having been involved in radio in college, thus provided with a small glimpse of how the radio industry works, the whole idea of radio in this area has me rather perturbed.

The idea of radio came to mind the other day when I was answering a survey question that asked, "Music or talk radio?"  I thought about this for a while.  I have 6 preset buttons on the radio in my car, which is primarily where I listen to the radio.  Of those, all but one is set to music radio.  But I probably listen to the talk station more than all of the others combined, simply because I can't stand what's on the music channels.

The primary music station for my tastes around here is Y100.  They play "Modern Rock".  Today that translates to, "bands that sound like Limp Bizkit."  A year ago it translated to, "bands that sound like Creed."  And the year before that it translated to, "bands that sound like Dave Matthews Band."  Basically, the idea is to throw together a bunch of tunes that sound the most like the most popular pop rock band out there, mix in new tunes from a few classic acts (like the awful, awful new stuff by the Red Hot Chili Peppers) and vomit it out onto the airwaves.

New Camera
May 06, 2003

I took Abby to Best Buy last Friday to look at the digital cameras.  I had been reading on Steve's Digicams site about many of the cameras, and found one that I wanted to take an up-close look at.

The Canon Powershot A70 was the target of my camera search.  The features that I liked were numerous, but I specifically liked the small form factor and the simple Auto mode for taking automatically calibrated pictures.  I liked the operation of the camera in the store, and since I'm not known to waffle on purchase decisions I bought one.

NotMuchVille
May 05, 2003

Nothing is going on here.  The girls and I returned on Friday night from Johnstown, which was <sarcasm>exciting</sarcasm>.  It wasn't really a bad trip.  Short.  Everything was short.  I actually got out around town on my own for a little bit to visit the comic shop (closed).  I took some pictures that I intend to share as soon as I am within reach of both the computer and the camera.

Speaking of camera...  We got a new one.  I took Abby to Best Buy on Friday when we were "home" (more on that in a minute) to look at the digital cameras.  I had been researching the Canon A60 for about a week, comparing it to different cameras.  It looked like a good choice.  After playing with teh camera for a little bit in the store, it looked like the way to go.  When I found out that they had no A60s and that the A70 was on sale, well, I upgraded.  Anyway, Berta seems very satisfied with the camera, which can take pictures without putting much thought into it beyond "push button".  Combine that with "aim" and we're getting somewhere.  Anyway, look for a more complete article and my Ebay auction soon.

Nix the NEA
April 30, 2003

Last night I watched some of Real Time on HBO, hosted by Bill Maher.  The guests, Clive Barker, Ann Coulter, and D.L. Hughley, were talking about the arts and funding.  Of concern was funding the arts with federal tax dollars.  There was a general consensus that the arts should not be funded with taxes.  Strangely, this is a sentiment that I do not agree with.

Since most people can probably get along without ever experiencing great works of art, I wonder if there's a benefit to it.  My real question is one of soul.  We can go through the machinations of work and family every day, but there is an underlying essence, whether ethereal or divine, that needs to be enriched to make us whole people.