Saturday, January 15, 2011

Already Confused

Did I say I was looking into getting a Blu-ray player? Well, I'm already confused. I started looking at the items on line and I know I will have to go to a store and talk with someone who knows something about the technology before I can figure out if it will work with my PC and how to connect the PC to the TV and get the internet and all that.

I read somewhere that a wireless connection might not get you the sharpest picture but it may be the easiest way to hook everything up. I don't want to run wires from my home office through the house to the den where the TV is. Who does?

Price may not be the deciding factor after all. Simplicity will be.

And on another topic, did you see where all the astrological signs have been shifted because the Earth shrugged? Not that I take any of that seriously but it's always fun to check your sign once in a while just to see what's doing on a particular day.

(Used to be a Capricorn, now I'm Sagittarius? Like, who cares?)

Uh, was this a good day for flippancy?

Friday, January 14, 2011

Dry Well

Sorry, blog fan(s), I've come up dry tonight. Will try again tomorrow.

Cheers.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Blu-ray?

I think I might invest in a Blu-ray player.

Not that I understand completely how it works but friends tell me I'm long overdue for this giant step into modernity. The idea of having thousands of movies ready to stream onto my TV set at the push of a button or two is intriguing.

But wait. I understand most of those readily available films are oldies. We've probably seen them. Do we want to see them again?  Are we that desperate for entertainment? Possibly not.

However, I am tempted. We'll be in the stores soon for other items and I will peek into the Blu-ray section. If the price tag doesn't bite too deeply and the instructions are intelligible, I may take the plunge.

We'll see.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

I Like Print

I learned something from the two snowstorms that hit New Jersey recently. I don't like reading a newspaper on line.

Not that the information isn't there. It's just that I have to sit in front of a screen and scan or scroll through every story I find interesting. It's annoying and it makes me sleepy.

I read about all the different hi-tech ways people get their news but I'd just as soon wait until the morning paper arrives and sit down with a cup or two of coffee and browse. Of course I have the liberty to do that since I am not dashing here or there 24/7 (any more).

And I can't fold my PC into fourths (subway style) and take it into the bathroom either. And another thing: I find it impossible to download the daily crossword puzzle from the on-line paper. I follow the prompts but they take me in circles and I never get to download the puzzle. Really annoys me.

I told the Times how I feel about the print version of the paper since I'm constantly reminded about how threatened print is by electronic media. I don't expect them to do anything about it but perhaps some eye-shaded editor will get a little morale boost knowing someone out there cherishes the feel of a newspaper.

Here's a toast to all ink-stained wretches!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Hello Snow, again

Sitting in the middle of another snowstorm tonight. No idea how much will accumulate by the time its all over sometime late tomorrow.

No plans to go anywhere so sitting tight and hope all goes well for those who have to travel.

Good night.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Rabble Rousing for Dollars

Edward Rrr. Mutterer
Senior Political Correspondent
As reported here yesterday, we dispatched our Senior Political Correspondent, Edward Rrr. Mutterer, to Arizona to sniff around and see what he could dig up that might shed some light on the tragic shooting spree that killed six people and wounded 14, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who is still in critical condition.

Here is his report from the rooftop of the Safeway Supermarket overlooking the crime scene:

"Tuscon is in turmoil. Shrines have been set up at the medical center and even in the parking lot below me. People are distraught. Seeking some sort of solace, they reach down and scratch me behind the ears. I mutter appealingly to help them feel better.

"The talk of Tuscon is about all the nasty things people say about anyone who disagrees with them. They demonize opponents with slogans and epithets. And the name-callers don't think they are contributing to a culture that encourages violence.

"The shock jocks on the radio call-in shows dare anyone to think they have any responsibility for people "acting out" based on their fiery rhetoric.

"What we should understand is that these inciteful talk shows are on the air because they make money for the stations that broadcast them. The more outrageous the host the higher the ratings and the more profitable the program. It's the ultimate reality show: Rabble Rousing for Dollars. And anyone can play.

"This is Edward Rrr. Mutterer, muttering from Tuscon for Muddling Marv"

  

Sunday, January 9, 2011

New Hire

Now that my birthday celebration is old news and the pace of real news is picking up the Muddler has enlisted the services of Edward Rrrr. Mutterer (right) as senior correspondent for breaking news.

Mr. Mutterer has impeccable credentials and will be called on to report from all over the world, offering his clear, concise reports and startling insights into the most complex developments. 

His first assignment will be to explain when a target is not a target. The confusion arises because the Sarah Palin website put crosshairs on the Congressional District of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), who was critically injured in a shooting spree in Tucson Saturday morning that killed six people and injured 13.

Authorities say Ms. Giffords was the intended target of the attack. Palin apologists say she is not responsible for the actions of "mentally unstable" individuals. Apparently she's not responsible for her own either.
Mr. Mutterer, muttering all the way, is on his way to Arizona and we anticipate his report.