len_mullen

I THOUGHT is was a good list. Original list updated.

I stand corrected. Original post updated. I did (although I missed cjdav). I believe the list is now correct.

According to my public school ciphering, 67 counting mods... 2bauer4abentleyAuntieJulBFgrl79bluebearBopeepbossy1Brad budgetsRsexychachn8rchelamarccherry33778chester5cjdavdantegirldeeliteDoresiaGator PamgatorburggizHanShotFirsthillbillyswifehockeyfanamoilikefreejesusluvujstluvemKanyon71Kashkellis4321kimpooh19laddhornLainieBlen_mullenlis415529lucyismycatm13aprilmagickallightMariahAmcwalkermgreenmsyvesnicole20ogadogaPeppermintqtpiequeenkishaaracerfanredeyejayriven3drlbarajasrockpzazzrocky41102sas377shoptillidrop2smurfgirlspeeddivastacyastarbeck96stationchiefstevierocksstina629sunni0913tear1469totallyBFtracy0504tyreejameswittenlover A moment of silence for... Cinnamonhuskiesjulz0420Pepper_Mint_TeaSilverstreak24srivassh

Happy New Year! If your New Years Resolution is to spend less, there is no better place to start than with television. There have never been more options at all price points and Google’s databases are repleat with how to guides and testimonials from happy cord cutters. Best to start with broadcast television. Broadcast television or Over-the-Air (OTA) is ad supported television. Plug the right antenna into the right television and point it in the right direction and chances are you will be watching Big Bang Theory with no subscription at all. To determine which antenna is best for you, which way to point it, and what kind of service you can expect, visit TVFool.com and run a report for your address or the GPS coordinates for the location of your antenna. To see what sub-channels are carried on each channel, look up the wikipedia article for the main channel. To see what programming is available on each channel, visit TitanTV.com. If you want help analyzing your TVFool data or choosing an antenna, post a comment including a link to your TVFool.com report below. Generally, this is the process I follow… Run a TVFool.com reportLook up sub-channels on WikipediaUse TitanTV to decide which channels to targetGroup ‘real’ targeted channels by frequencySort groups of channels by directionChoose antenna(s)TestBuildImproveHere is a real example using my own location… I used a free IOS app called GPS Utils to snag my coordinates. My attic is about 30′ off the ground, so I used that for AGL. My TvFool report can be opened at http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d60edc97d153f34. Let’s start with the big table. I am not trying to dx or get into the Guinness Book of World Records, so I am going to focus on channels down to W28CM. (The gray channels are not likely to come in reliably.) Looking at the ‘Real’ column, channels 2-6 require a VHF-Low antenna, channels 7-13 require a VHF-High antenna, and channels above 13 require a UHF antenna. If I can eliminate one or more bands from my target channel list, I will be able to specialize my antenna to improve reception and, maybe, save some money. W39AR (4) and WORK-LP (3) are translators of WBIN which has agreed to go off the air as part of the FCC reverse auction, so I do not need to worry about VHF-Low. WENH is New Hampshire’s PBS affiliate with Explore, World, Create, and PBS Kids sub-channels. WMUR (9) is the Manchester, New Hampshire ABC affiliate with a MeTV sub-channel. WMTW (8) is the Portland, Maine ABC affiliate with a Heroes & Icons sub-channel. So, I am at least interested in VHF-High. I have a lot of UHF stations. WUTF (27) is Unimas and LATV — not interested. WBIN is going off the air — not interested. WBZ (30) is CBS with a Decades sub-channel. WCVB (20) is the Boston ABC affiliate with a MeTV sub-channel. WMFP (18) is SonLife with Charge! and Comet TV sub-channels. It is also home to Boston’s NBC affiliate. WFXT (31) is the Boston Fox affiliate with Escape and LAFF sub-channels. WHDH (42) used to be the local NBC affiliate. Now it is an independent channel with little compelling programming, but its This TV sub-channel is interesting. WLVI (41) is Boston’s CW affiliate with a Buzzr sub-channel. WGBH (19) is Boston’s PBS affiliate. It’s a casualty of the reverse auction and mirrored on WGBX (43) so it’s not interesting. WGBX carries Create and PBS Kids sub-channels, but may get World and Explore when WGBH goes away. WSBK (39) is Boston’s MyNetwork affiliate and carries a Heroes & Icons sub-channel. So, here are my targeted channels… VHF-Low NoneVHF-High WMTW (8) ABC/H&IWMUR (9) ABC/MeTVWENH (11) PBS/Explore/World/Create/PBS Kids UHF WBZ (30) CBS/DecadesWMFP (18) Charge!/Comet TV/NBCWFXT (31) Escape/LAFFWHDH (42) This TVWLVI (41) CW/BuzzrWGBX (43) PBS/Create/PBS KidsWSBK (39) MyNetwork/H&II could focus on UHF as most of my VHF-High programming is otherwise available, but WENH and WMUR carry local programming which I want. I could get a combination VHF/UHF antenna, but all of my UHF stations are due south of me and both the VHF stations are northwest, so I will join a dedicated UHF antenna to a dedicated VHF antenna so I can point each for optimal reception. For my VHF antenna, I chose the Stellar Labs 30-2476 which I believe is the best VHF antenna currently available. I probably would have gone with a DB8 if I did not want WMUR since it will pick up VHF-Very-High channels like 11. I went with the DB8e in case I wanted to articulate the panels for better reception. I joined the pair with an RCA TVPRAMP1Z Preamplifier because it has separate VHF/UHF inputs, gets good reviews, and is very inexpensive. To test a new installation, I like to run a commercially terminated and tested coax from the antenna to a television. Ebay is a great source of such cables… https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2055119.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X100'+rg+6+cable.TRS0&_nkw=100'+rg+6+cable&_sacat=0 It’s handy to have a portable TV close to the television for pointing of the antenna. A HDHomeRun tuner and a laptop will get the job done… https://www.ebay.com/b/Silicondust-ATSC-Video-Capture-TV-Tuner-Cards/3761/bn_77184517?rt=nc&_sop=15 Once you have things working, it’s time to think about getting the signal to each television. If you have multiple sets, you will need a splitter. If your signal is marginal, you may want an amplified splitter… https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=electroline+splitter Don’t get more ports than you have televisions because splitting the signal makes it weaker for all other stations. Be sure to terminate any unused terminals. Installing an antenna is worthwhile even if you eventually go another route or stick with cable. Your local television service may not carry all broadcast channels, some may become unavailable during contract negotiations, and you will appreciate local news during an emergency when cable and/or internet are unavalable. Most important, having an antenna empowers you to tell Comcast to cancel your account when negotiating a more favorable situation.

Hello, Cool Kids. My artificial tree will be headed for a landfill next week. My goal is to replace it with a zero maintenance alternative. I want a tree that I can move from my living room to my walk up attic without removing anything. Besides that, the tree should be inexpensive and spectacular. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to help me compile a short list of trees which fit the bill. Extra credit if you post links to current, future, or past sales on the tree. Gold star if you submit your suggestion in the form of a haiku. I would think the tree should be 6-7 feet tall, no more than 2.5 feet at its base, and probably come pre-lit, but I am just starting my research, so consider no option inappropriate.

All the drivers do a remarkable job. I have been watching a package get routed all over New England on its way to my house. Finally showed up today. It was $700 worth of Amazon gift cards. I wan getting anxious. Amazon gave me a free month of Prime, but I needed these things before Christmas. I have been extended twice on Prime due to late arrivals. It's a much better deal than getting a buck to 'no hurry'. until Amazon buys the USPS, it seems like a safe bet that packages will be late. In my experience, there are no deals in that time frame. Most of the stores maintain prices until the return period expires. Right now is a very good time to shop. I have been looking at the Propel Star Wars drones. They started at $200. Tonight I bought a pair at $75. Got a More card to drop the price to $50. Not to much merchandise on the shelves, but what is left is marked down. I ventured out for some impulse spend yesterday and today. Yesterday, I got out early before the snow got to be a problem. I could not believe the crowds. People are supposed to hit the stores BEFORE the storm. Today, I went out after the freezing rain turned to rain. It was a lot less crowded and I was able to do some shopping.

It's nice to hear stories like this. Thanks for posting.

they are casing the joint

Most of my televisions are 720p plasmas. Among these is the very first HD TV I ever bought (50" Samsung). I have one 60" 1080p plasma and just bought a couple 55" 4k HDR LEDs. I don't see enough of a difference to replace any of the plasmas with a 4k HDR television.

I have no problem with stores closing on Thanksgiving, but I spent $1500 at Walmart, the place was very busy two hours after opening, and the employees all seemed very happy to be there.

No. Those are the 'wake up' words. You can call the devices anything you want. So far, I have four shows, an echo, and three dots each with it's own name.

I expect 1) a review, 2) a recipe, and 3) a picture. Bon chance mon ami! You are welcome. I learn new features every week. This morning, I uploaded some pictures to Prime and set my background to cycle through these (also for my mother).

Merry Christmas everyone. We had a robust conversation about home automation in the BF Discussions which touched on some of the uses of some of the Amazon Echo devices. I have been smitten with the Amazon show. More important, my MOTHER has been smitten by the show. My mother is nearly 80 years old and has managed to avoid technology for nearly a century. I have installed computers which boot to social media. I disguised a tablet as an electronic picture frame which jumped into social media at a touch of the screen. To date, I have had no success at all. A few months back, I invited my mother to dinner. She sat at the kitchen table as I prepared the meal and became curiouser and curiouser as I went about my business setting timers, asking for quantity conversions, and adding things to my grocery list. Then I asked Alexa to play a radio station and she had to ask what this thing was. Since then, Alexa has added calling and 'drop in' features and, after using these myself, I have decided to put a show in my mother's kitchen. I was very fortunate to get one from QVC for $155 the week of BF (which included a smart outlet and a couple free subscriptions). Now I am compiling a list of 'skills' my mother might find useful. I'll laminate the list and tuck it under the show. Here is what I have so far. Please feel free to add suggestions as a reply to this message or via PM... Communication... Alexa call [name of echo device]Alexa answerAlexa ignoreAlexa hangupTimers Alexa set a timer for ten minutesAlexa set a turkey timer for 90 minutesAlexa show timers Alexa how much time is left on my turkey timerAlexa cancel my turkey timerAlexa stopAlarms Alexa set an alarm for 5:45pmAlexa cancel alarmAlexa set an alarm for 6:00am weekdaysAlexa cancel weekdays alarm at 6:00amAlexa set an alarm for 10:00am weekendsAlexa cancel weekends alarm at 10:00amAlexa set an alarm for everyday at 9:00amAlexa cancel alarm for everyday at 8:00amAlexa show alarmsAlexa stopKitchen Help Alexa how many teaspoons in a table spoonAlexa show me a recipe for hard boiled eggsMusic Alexa play my Christmas listAlexa play my 50s listAlexa shuffleAlexa turn off shuffleAlexa play [call letters of radio station]Alexa louderAlexa softerAlexa stopUseful Alexa what is the weather for todayAlexa what is the seven day forecastAlexa what time is itAlexa what day of the week does Christmas fall onAlexa how many days until Jan. 20, 2021Alexa what is the phone number for Home DepotFun Alexa what happened on this dayAlexa whose birthday is itAlexa what is in the newsAlexa tell me about [anything]Alexa show photosMerry Christmas!

Lots of interest in this contest. Should be a LOT of posts by the end. May I suggest that, starting in December we all post something that would have broad interest? Just so people read the thread rather than tacking on an, "I'm here!" Maybe post about some good deal or some way you make/save money or review a product? Or tell a story.

Sounds like a contest

I'm in!

Lots of fun, as always. Shopped more than I expected (which is good). Thanks for hosting, Brad. Also, the shirts were very nice.

Unemployment is lower, wages are higher, and retailers are competitive. Love it! I bet B&M sales are up as well.

I was amazed at how well organized Walmart was. I was in and out of there in 30 minutes. I have to go back tomorrow to activate the phones, but it was really painless as hundreds of associates acted as hosts guiding people to product then out of the store as quickly as possible. There were no parking spots, but the register lines moved as well as any weekend shopping day. And there was PLENTY of merchandise. All iPhone models were available in some colors and most configurations even though we did not arrive until the store was already open 90 minutes.

Interesting week for me. I purchased a $300 (after cash back) 55" TCL ROKU HDR TV from Amazon, then I got a $175 Amazon Show from QVC with $25 back for opening an account with them and a free electric outlet alexa controlled plugin. Then I got an email from QVC inviting me to get a Bose radio/cd player for $299.99. Then I hopped in my car and got some drapes and a rod for my slider using the BB&B 20% off your entire order plus three Discover Cash Back gift cards. I got an Xbox Live card from Groupon yesterday. This morning, I used a $40 Staples Rewards plus Visa Checkout $25 off $100 to snag a $230 chair for $55. Today I bought a couple iPhones from Walmart and got $300 gift cards. I was amazed at how well organized Walmart was. I was in and out of there in 30 minutes. I have to go back tomorrow to activate the phones, but it was really painless as hundreds of associates acted as hosts guiding people to product then out of the store as quickly as possible. There were no parking spots, but the register lines moved as well as any weekend shopping day. And there was PLENTY of merchandise. All iPhone models were available in some colors and most configurations even though we did not arrive until the store was already open 90 minutes. I will check in with TiVo Monday and I'll be in town most of tomorrow, but my BF shopping has already been a success. 55" TCL ROKU HDR TV from Amazon Amazon Show from QVC Bose Wave Music System IV with CD from QVC Drapes and a rod for my slider from BB&B Xbox Live 12 Month Gold Card from Groupon Hykentrade Technical Mesh Task Chair Red from Staples 2xiPhones from WalmartTomorrow, we do the cyber thing in the morning then head to the stores after lunch and finish up at Walmart in time for dinner at home.

Staples has $25 off $100 with Visa Checkout and the Show on sale for $179.99, so get your $155 Amazon Show! https://www.staples.com/Amazon-Echo-Show-Black/product_2720233 https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/what-is-visa-checkout Happy Shopping!

I got a call from a friend seeking a recommendation for a laptop for an intern who is going to Hollywood to make videos. I don't know much about editing videos, but last I checked, this was done best and easiest on a Mac. Can anyone who has done or supported someone who has done something like this please look through the blackfriday charts and help me pick an appropriate mac for this kid? thanks...len!

Could not agree more. Remember that Walmart takes TVs back up to 90 days for any/no reason. The best deal I ever got on a TV was the weekend OF the Superbowl. I was tenting with the Boy Scouts when I got notified of a 60" 1080p LG set for <$600. I would not have a chance to see it before the purchase, but bought with confidence knowing Walmart would take the set back. The first HDTV I bought was also sight unseen. The price (BestBuy) was so good, I just bought it, but I scheduled delivery so far out that I could cancel if I changed my mind. Still have that 720p 55" Samsung from 2008 and it still looks great.

https://www.stage.com/p/Keurig-K55-Coffee-Brewer/313456/ Keurig K55 Coffee Brewer WEB ID #:313456 Read 210 Reviews $69.98 SALE reg. $119.98