Acronym Update 07-27-08

Dear Readers,

In these times of rising costs and difficult consumer decisions, Comcast (the cable company for many of you) is doing something to offset the additional fees you’ll need to pay to keep receiving your existing programming.

As you may or may not have known, key channels such as Hallmark, TruTV (formerly Court TV),  New England Cable News (what I refer to as The Common Man’s CNN – and actually better than CNN in my opinion), and CN8 – a Comcast owned talk show based channel …. have all switched over to digital transmission.  You DO NOT NEED TO pay any addition monthly subscription fees to view these networks.  However, you do need to rent a cable box for each television you wish to watch them on.   You may have noticed that you no longer receive these channels anymore since 7/17.

What should you do?   You’ll need to rent a digital cable box at a cost of $3.95 per month (HD boxes cost more).  If you have more than one TV in the house,  you will need to pay a fee of around $6 to $7 per TV, which includes the box. (If you want to know why this fee is more than the 1st receiver, e-mail me!)

However, there is hope in sight.  Comcast is offering a promotion that will allow you to rent the 1st box completely free for one year and on boxes 2 and 3 (if applicable)  you will save $4 to $5 per month depending on where you live — also for one year.     Granted, it would be nice if this promotion last for 2 years and completely covered the cost of the 2nd and 3rd boxes …. but don’t lose sight of the fact that the cable company has to pay for these boxes.   They cost significantly more than those $50 over the air TV receivers I wrote about in the June edition of The Acronym.   By renting your box, you do get to exchange them for FREE any any time if they go bad.  The market price for one of these devices would easily go for $250.

Eventually more and more cable channels will be moved to digital transmission until only the major networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX), your public access stations, and public interest channels are are distributed via analog signals.    This promotion will be available until 08/15/08.   Hopefully by this time next year, you’ll be able to figure out how to fit an extra $4 to $20+ a month into your TV budget.

The full text of the promotion can be found here:

http://theacronymonline.wordpress.com/2008/07/27/comcast-cable-box-promotioncomcast-cable-box-promotion/

Hang in there,

Kevin

Comcast Cable Box Promotion

For existing Comcast Standard Cable subscribers:

Upgrade to Digital Starter and receive all of the benefits of digital service, including Video On Demand, at no additional charge for one year – a $47.00 value.

For existing Digital Cable and Standard Cable subscribers with multiple analog outlets:

Convert up to two of your additional outlets to digital and we’ll waive the Additional Outlet Service Charge for 12 months – a $96.00 – $120.00 value depending on area (digital converter box monthly rental fee of $1.95 – $1.99 applies).

How do I make the change?
Upgrading to digital is as easy as one, two or three:

We can ship you a digital converter box and self-installation kit at no charge (not available in all areas including former Adelphia markets)

You can pick up a digital converter box at your local service center – click here to locate the service center nearest you

You can schedule a professional installation (standard installation rates apply)

Locate the nearest Comcast service center nearest you.
Learn more about the benefits of digital service.
Upgrade Today

CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, VT
Offers end 8/15/2008, are only available in wired and serviceable areas in participating Comcast systems (may not be transferred) and are limited to residential customers satisfying applicable eligibility criteria. Not available to customers with unpaid account balances. Primary outlet offer limited to Digital Starter service and one standard-definition digital converter box and remote ($3.95 per-month) when added to existing Standard Cable service on the primary cable-ready outlet. Additional outlets offer limited to additional outlet service charges ($5.00 per-month) on up to two additional outlets per household. Primary outlet offer and additional outlets offer may be combined for discounted rates on up to three outlets per-household. AFTER ONE YEAR PROMOTIONAL PERIOD, REGULAR CHARGES APPLY UNLESS SERVICE IS CANCELLED. YOU MAY CANCEL SERVICE BY CALLING 1-800-COMCAST. Comcast’s current monthly service charge for adding a digital converter box, remote and Digital Starter service to Standard Cable service on the primary outlet is $3.95. Comcast’s current monthly service charge for adding a digital converter box, remote and Digital Starter service to additional outlets is $6.95 (includes additional outlet service charge of $5.00 and digital converter box and remote rental fee of $1.95). Installation, taxes and franchise fees extra. Services, programming, pricing, and scheduling subject to change. Other restrictions apply. Cable Service: Certain services available separately or as a part of other levels of service. Basic Service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Converter and remote or other compatible equipment required to receive digital cable programming. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. Call 1-800 COMCAST for restrictions and complete details, or visit www.comcastdigitalworld.com. ©2008 Comcast. All rights reserved.

PA, OH, WV
Offers end 8/30/2008, are only available in wired and serviceable areas in participating Comcast systems (may not be transferred) and are limited to residential customers satisfying applicable eligibility criteria. Not available to customers with unpaid account balances. Primary outlet offer limited to Digital Starter service and one standard-definition digital converter box and remote ($3.99 per-month) when added to existing Standard Cable service on the primary cable-ready outlet. Additional outlets offer limited to $4.00 per-month discount on up to two additional outlets per household. Primary outlet offer and additional outlets offer may be combined for discounted rates on up to three outlets per-household. AFTER ONE YEAR PROMOTIONAL PERIOD, REGULAR CHARGES APPLY UNLESS SERVICE IS CANCELLED. YOU MAY CANCEL SERVICE BY CALLING 1-800-COMCAST. Comcast’s current monthly service charge for adding a digital converter box, remote and Digital Starter service to Standard Cable service on the primary outlet is $3.99. Comcast’s current monthly service charge for adding a digital converter box, remote and Digital Starter service to additional outlets is $5.99 (includes additional outlet service charge of $2.00 and digital converter box and remote rental fee of $3.99). Installation, taxes and franchise fees extra. Services, programming, pricing, and scheduling subject to change. Other restrictions apply. Cable Service: Certain services available separately or as a part of other levels of service. Basic Service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Converter and remote or other compatible equipment required to receive digital cable programming. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. Call 1-800 COMCAST for restrictions and complete details, or visit www.comcastdigitalworld.com. ©2008 Comcast. All rights reserved.

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Special Update: Starbucks Closings in Connecticut

Dear Connecticut Coffee Drinkers,

I’ve actually been on a caffeine fast for nearly 21 days, so this news may not be as hard on me as it is on you……..

Here are the Starbucks locations that will be closed in the next few months.   Remember, before the 11 PM news or Saturday’s Courant — this came to your Inbox from The Acronym first!!!

That’s the benefit you get from knowing an Internet junkie who sits in his recliner, laptop planted on lap……..

11781 PROSPECT HILL 137 PROSPECT HILL RD EAST WINDSOR CT
13968 1201 KING’S HWY 1201 KINGS HWY FAIRFIELD CT
13561 WETHERSFIELD AVE 682 WETHERSFIELD AVE HARTFORD CT
8116 EVERGREEN WALK 301 EVERGREEN WAY SOUTH WINDSOR CT
9827 WINDSOR LOCKS 209 ELLA GRASSO TURNPIKE WINDSOR LOCKS CT

Sip, Sap, and Siesta….Somewhere else,

Kevin

Acronym Update 07-18-08

Dear Readers, Clients & Friends,

Many of you will be pleased to know that I have been back on the golf course several times over the past 3 weeks.  I am continuing my commitment to fitness so that I can reach my goal of weighing 200 pounds by years end.  As of my last check, I am down to 238 pounds.  This represents a loss of 58 pounds from my all time high.   Growing up I dabbled in basketball, basketball, and baseball …. but golf was my game.

Until recently, I had not played golf seriously for 9 years and I had not stepped onto a course AT ALL in 3 years.  I practiced a bit at a driving range early in the morning of June 27 and proceeded to play 9 holes after that.   I got paired up with a regular at a local course named Dominic and was comically subjected to him bursting out with an Italian F-word after every shot.   He was probably 65 y.o. and shot 3 over par.  Dominic F. was absolutely disgusted with this score —- unbelievable!!   I shot a 55 on the par 35 front nine.  I was disgusted too, but I knew that i had to start somewhere.

A week and a half later (last week), I played slightly better … shooting a 49 on the same 9 holes.   I regressed 2 days later, shooting 52.   These 3 rounds were all in preparation for a golf outing with a host and producer from ESPN Radio that took place on 7/12 – last Saturday.    A guest and I were entitled to 18 holes w/ a cart at Stanely GC in New Britain, CT, courtesty of the Back Page with Jason Page, heard locally on 1410 and 1300 AM in Connecticut.   I played terribly on the front 9, shooting 56 which included an 11 on the first hole.  However, I started remembering old strategies for successful golf and improved to finish with a 48 on the back 9.    FYI:  The uphill, dogleg right, 13th hole is ONE OF THE HARDEST PAR 4′S I can remember playing in my life.   You must hit a fade off the tee or be able to hit a very low trajectory drive.   I must have it the ball off the toe of my driver.   My ball ended up in the hardware department of the New Britain Target store, which is adjacent to the 13th fairway.   Sorry Tar-shay employees!!!

Sunday morning I gave the links one more try before church.  I played 9 holes at Keney GC, located on the border of the north end of Hartford and Windsor, CT.   I had heard rumors over the years about how terrible this course was maintained and the joke that involved asking for the bulletproof vest special.  Keney was a special experience and my round there proved those myths untrure.   American Golf has done a terrific job managing Hartford’s two public courses over the past 14 years (Keney and Goodwin) and the prices definitely allow anyone to play.    Keney was designed by legendary designer Devereux Emmet in 1924.  Emmet also was responsible for masterpieces such as the Bethpage State Park – Green Course on Long Island, NY, Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD and the Hartford Golf Club.    Playing Keney exceeded my expectations 10x.   Its rolling fairways and postage stamp greens were truly challenging.   The front 9 was in superb shape, except for parts of the 1st green.   I gathered from my playing partners that it has the reputation for being a shotmaker’s course.   Bring your game plan with you…..you’ll need it.   I birdied the par 3 – 6th hole, and finished the round with a 10-over 45.

FORE!!   Watch out for the ball over your head,

Kevin

Acronym Update 07-11-08

Apple iPhone 3G Fast Facts

Here is all you need to know about the new iPhone being released tomorrow:

- This iPhone will be known as the iPhone 3G.  It is actually the 2nd generation iPhone, so you may be wondering…. why the 3G designation? In the past notations such as 2G have used in context of the iPod Nano — to mean 2nd generation.    However, in the context of the iPhone 3G refers to AT&T’s data network.

- The first iPhone, released on 06/29/07, was widely criticized for not being 3G data capable.   iPhone users had to use AT&T’s slower EDGE network — which was only slightly faster than dial-up Internet.

- Effective tomorrow, it’s a whole new playing field.  iPhone owners will be able to surf at an average of 400 to 800 kb per second on their favorite gadget and possibly — new best friend.   As a point of reference, dial up Internet operates at 56 kbps or less if your phone lines have been damaged by lightning / thunderstorms.

-The iPhone 3G promises to have an even more user-friendly on screen keyboard and sports a standard headphone jack so that you can use whatever brand you prefer.

-Lower initial cost.   The iPhone 3G will only set you back $199 for the 8 gigabyte model and $299 for the 16 gigabyte version.   This represents 1/2 the cost of the last EDGE based iPhones and less than half of the original price points set at $499 and $599 last June.

-Higher monthly cost.  You can still purchase an iPhone with a minimum individual plan of $39.99 (or higher) or a family plan, but the data plans will cost you at least $10 to $15 more.  A data plan is REQUIRED with the iPhone 3G, as it was with the first generation.   Last year, I really thought the iPhone data plans were quite innovative.   The cost was $20 for unlimited Internet and e-mail use.  They included 200 text/SMS messages for free.    This time around, be prepared to dig deeper into your wallet.   You will be required to take a $30 3G data plan with your new toy and text messages are extra.   If you are into the whole text message scene, you’ll want to get the $5 – 200 message plan at a bare minimum.

-Some sad realities carrry over.   Just like the original iPhone,  the iPhone 3G does not have a removable battery.  If you are the type who takes your phone everywhere, buy a car charger and buy a second plug in charger for the office.   Apple says the iPhone is good for about 5 hours of 3G talk time or Internet use.  Furthermore, the iPhone is still not capable of instant messaging or multimedia text messaging (MMS) or video recording.

-Good news for corporate warriors.  If you are used having a BlackBerry or Windows Mobile based PDA attached to your hip — the iPhone can also connect to your workplace Exchange server to sync email, calendars and contacts.   Check with your I.T. Department for specific instructions.   Enterprise data plans cost $15 more setting you back $45 per 28 to 31 day period.

-Final comments.  The iPhone 3G is ONLY available in the USA with AT&T cell phone service.   The $199 / $299 pricing will only be availble to new customers, previous iPhone owners, or existing AT&T customers due for an upgrade.    $18 upgrade fee applies.  This means…. you may be paying $200 more if you are not one of those 3 groups.

FYI,  I will not be one of those freaks camping out at the local mall tonight.  I am under contract with Verizon Wireless and quite happy with their service.  I have been a customer of theirs for 7 out of the past 9 years, and see no reason to change.   I haven’t written about it yet, but I actually demoed AT&T service for about 10 days in early May.  I had a chance to test it out extensively on a trip to NYC.  I was not impressed.  In my opinion, Verizon offers much better call quality in New England and Metro NYC than all other carriers.    There may be exceptions in certain areas and around the country……but I haven’t noticed these trouble spots personally.

I’ll be writing about golf next week.

Until then,

Kevin

Acronym Update 07/05/08

Dear Readers,

Happy 4th of July to all on U.S. soil and those celebrating abroad!

I want to share a book review with you.

The Mysterious Montague by Leigh Montville

The former Sports Illustrated writer, Montville, wrote a thrilling tale of 1930’s celebrity golfer John Montague.   He put the story together from previously written accounts of The Sphinx of the Links (Montague), studying the famous 1937 armed robbery trial in Elizabethtown, NY, and by interviewing living relatives of the man who once beat Bing Crosby on a one hole bet using a rake, shovel and a baseball bat.

Of course, Montville’s highly regarded literary talents surely contributed to this fine work of sports and Hollywood non-fiction.    If you think you would enjoy a twisted tale that only Tinseltown could create — one that involves the likes of Crosby, Oliver Hardy, Richard Arlen, Tarzan himself, and a post-baseball Babe Ruth ….  The Mysterious Montague should be the next book you buy.  It was 300 pages long, but it never made me tired and I just couldn’t stop turning from page to page.

I’ll leave you with this tempting morsel….The superstar sportswriter of that era, Grantland Rice, called Montague the best golfer in America and at that point he had never played in any professional tournaments.    I won’t give away the juicy details…. a good review never does, right?

If you have a local / independent bookstore that you shop at, ask them to order The Mysterious Montague for you.  As a 2nd choice, Amazon has plenty of copies in stock.    http://www.amazon.com/Mysterious-Montague-Hollywood-Armed-Robbery/dp/0385520336/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215231531&sr=8-1

Stay tuned for an Acronym Update next week, previewing the release of the iPhone 2.0 — set to hit Apple and AT&T Stores on July 11th.

Check out http://www.theacronym.com for this post and The Acronym archives.

Always willing to meet your technology needs,

Kevin