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February 18, 2009 is d-day for television sets, meaning no more being able to watch TV if you don’t get a special converter box!

Yes, if you haven’t heard, the government has mandated that all tv broadcast signals be updated to digital technology.  Guess they feel that it’s really important that we see everything on tv in high definition!  lol.  Like that’s more important than other things they could be mandating……   Gotta be able to see those tv shows more clearly!!!!!

So what it boils down to, is that we have to spend an estimated $50 - $70 for this new gadget to hook up to our tv sets, that some companies will make millions off of (I wonder if the govt has an interest in some of these manufacturers?  hmmmm…..), all so that we can watch TV.  Oh yeah, and this “box” that we are being forced to buy, is only good for ONE tv - so if you have 2 televisions in your house - you HAVE TO buy 2 boxes!

The good news, however, is that the government is passing out coupons good for $40.  Not sure if this is going to be a rebate of some kind, an instant discount coupon when purchasing, or how this will work.  There’s a special website to go to to get this coupon:  http://www.dtv2009.gov   of course, good luck logging onto this one… it’s been VERRRRY busy…..  you also can try and phone it in:  1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

Owners of older TV sets will be required to have these new boxes, while some of the newer televisions are suppose to be digitally equipped.  I wonder what “newer” means?  I’ve got 3 tv’s in my house!   Suppose I’ll have to go shopping for a few boxes at my favorite place:

There’s a hot new item out!  It’s called a Kindle, which is another device that can store books and other items which you can read at your own leisure.

There’s other reader devices out there, but this one looks a lot better than the others that I have seen.  Compare all the bells & whistles for yourself and I’m sure you’ll agree that this is one cool toy to have!

They are so popular right now (which is no surprise considering all the neat features that this item has) that if you want to buy it, you have to be put on a waiting list to get it!

Are you on that list?  I am!  Can’t wait to get one of these awesome devices!  You should check out the new Kindle for yourself, and I’m sure you’ll be on that list waiting for one too!  Also makes a super nice gift for that someone special!

Heroes, House, CSI.  Those are some of My Favorite TV Shows.  They might be yours too, as they are pretty popular!  We all have our own ones for different reasons.  Whether we like the stories that are told, the characters within, or another factor, television is a very addicting habit, but albeit, an escape from everyday life in general. 

For those who really have a connection with a certain show, did you know that most networks have their own stores where they sell items for those TV shows?  Items range from promotional merchandise, gadgets used in the shows, props that were part of one episode, and many other neat gifts that remind us of our favorite tv show.

Of course, now that the writers strike is going on, we can catch up on missed episodes, or find other shows to watch for the time being until the new programs start back up.  Just don’t get attached to those other TV shows, else they may collide with your old ones once they come back on!

Official ABC TV Merchandise

Just about every tv network has a shop where you can acquire that favorite special gizmo that will make your viewing experience more real.  A special memorable token.  A conversation piece so your friends know where your alliance or support goes to.  Perhaps a collectible that you hope will appreciate in time that makes a great future investment that’s also able to be admired for now.  That House MD stethoscope is going to be truly valuable one day, I just know it! 

Whatever the case may be, I often find myself browsing thru these places just to see the ocasional kooky items that they do have.  Who buys some of this stuff, I wonder?  Heck, even the WWE wrestling fans have a place to go to support their favorite passion.  Poker fan?  Don’t worry, there’s a place where you can look like a cool high roller as well!  Even if it’s only in your own home with your friends!