Free Television

A “rabbit ears” television antenna sat atop television sets to receive television broadcast signals.

Would you pay to watch advertising?

If you have cable teevee, or satellite service, you do.

I dare say most folks are unaware that television signals still come over the airwaves – even digital ones – can STILL be received with the old “rabbit ears” type antennas which are now a relic from a different age.

Seriously. And, that’s NO JOKE!

Oh! And here’s a “freebie”!

There is NO SUCH THING as a “digital antenna.”

That too, is quite serious.

Why? How? Here’s some physics: Radio waves have a certain physical wavelength. When a piece of metal is cut to a fraction, or multiple of that wavelength, it will resonate (receive) at the same frequency as the one being broadcast.

A digital signal is transmitted at the frequency. The “digital” part, is only AFTER it’s been received by the antenna.

If you believe or think there’s such a thing as a “digital antenna,” for you, the legendary “jackalope” is real.

As are flying frogs, and flying pigs.

Frying pigs, I could believe.

But, that’s for another day.

Y’know… because by choice I don’t own a teevee, and haven’t for many years, I don’t get assaulted every day with crap from talking heads on the seemingly innumerable channels, all which passes for “entertainment.”

So, in a sense, I suppose, I’m voluntarily insulated (aka “protected”) from the garbage that abundantly proliferates, all which begs to be watched, and is paid for by the advertisers that want “eyes on the set” so they can attempt to convince viewers that the consumption or use of their product or service will improve the quality of the consumer’s life. However, rarely is that ever the case.

And because of that (my insularity), I may be preserved, in a sense, from the damages done by voluntary submission to such assault… for which exorbitant prices are paid – in dollars, and peace of mind.

Besides… I never agreed with the fundamental principle of paying to watch advertising. And that is precisely what cable/satellite teevee is – paying to watch advertising. The British have it right, at least in part, for they have no such system, and each teevee owner pays an annual tax to support the BBC – which is a damn fine outfit – and no advertising.

And the irony of it all is that, not only do I $ave beaucoup buck$, I have peace of mind, and because I read, and do so widely, I’m better informed than the next 100 people combined. And if I really want to watch something, it’s on the Internet.