Tech Tip: Analog TV Going Away February 17, 2009
Next year analog television will be no more. The federal government has mandated that all television transmissions be received over a digital transmission instead of a analog transmission beginning February 17, 2009.
What does this mean for you?
This means if you are currently receiving your t.v. broadcast using an old indoor/outdoor antenna you will need to upgrade to a digital t.v. converter box to view television programming. You have less than a year to purchase a digital converter box should you need it. If you need it don’t hesitate to buy it. There are millions of t.v. viewers who don’t have cable or satellite (come on…you know you know somebody who doesn’t have cable) and there will most likely be a mad dash to buy the converter boxes at the last minute…so do yourself a favor now and learn what you need to do. Here’s some video to help you learn more about this new technology:
Video Recap:
- You don’t need to purchase a digital t.v. converter box if you are a cable or satellite subscriber. If you have a t.v. that doesn’t have cable or satellite on it then you’ll need to purchase the digital converter box. If you don’t buy it…expect a blank screen come February 17, 2009.
- Picture quality will improve on a t.v. that has a digital converter box but there are some problems with smaller screens which may need to be fixed on a program by program basis
- The boxes cost $60
- The federal government has established a program to subsidize the cost of purchasing the converter box:
- Government is offering a $40 coupon which makes your out-of-pocket cost $20 (after the coupon is applied)
- More information and coupons can be found at: www.dtv2009.gov
- Update: Check out the comment below by reader Janard B for more detailed info on the digital converter box and coupon program. Thanks Janard!
Rev. Wright Speaks & The Attack On The Black Church
Barack Obama’s embattled former pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright ended his silence on the controversy and gave a number of speeches and interviews over the weekend. First he was interviewed by PBS’ Bill Moyers who is also an ordained preacher in what has become his 1st interview since the scandal erupted. He showed us during the interview just what Barack Obama and his church family saw in him…he was a thoughtful and thought-provoking, intelligent, reasonable and sincere man. I am even more impressed with him now after viewing the interview than I was when I saw the orginal “youtube” clips being played in the media. Check out some clips of the interview:
Clip #1:
Clip #2:
Clip #3:
Clip #4:
Next up…he attended a conference of the Detroit Chapter of the NAACP. Here is footage from that event:
#1:
#2:
#3:
#4:
#5:
#6:
He’s defintely not what the media made him out to be.
The situation with Rev. Wright has brought about a discussion about the media’s attack on the black church. Most black preachers (and some white preachers) agree that what has happened to Rev. Wright is the misunderstanding of the prophetic voice of the black church and that an attack on Rev. Wright and his teachings is also an attack on the church. Here ’s a video I found around the time the scandal erupted on The Power of the Church in the Black Community:
And here’s a couple of articles that speak on the same topic:
After viewing the video of Rev. Wright what are your thoughts on him and how this situation has played out? Do you feel like there is an attack on the black church or are the media’s depiction of Rev. Wright on point?
Update: Tax Rebate Checks Being Sent A Week Early
Start checking your accounts….
President Bush announced Friday that the Federal Government will begin depositing tax rebate checks into the accounts of taxpayers a week earlier than previously announced. Rebate checks are being sent early in an effort to push more money into the economy. The government is hoping that taxpayers will spend their rebate checks as soon as they get them so that the country can prevent moving into a deeper economic recession.
Not every one will be getting their rebate checks early. If you owe back child support or a past due student loan bill…expect your rebate to be reduced by the amount you owe or be taken all together.
Another thing to keep in mind: taxpayers who received their 2007 income tax refund by direct deposit will receive their tax rebate check by that same method. Taxpayers who received their 2007 refund by check should expect to receive their rebate check by the same method.
Check out the article we wrote a few weeks back for more information on the tax rebate payment schedule and calculator. Use the information in the article to see when you can expect your rebate. Push it up by a week early and that should give you a good estimate for when you might expect to see your funds.
With today’s record gas prices, high food & utility bills…what plans do you have for your rebate check? Will you pay off a bill, save it or buy a new t.v. or other electronic item?
Mariah Carey Overload: Pics From Good Morning America, Empire St. Building & Tennessee Premiere
The marketing and pr departments at Def Jam have been working in overtime as Mariah Carey has been seen all over the place over the last couple of weeks. It seems like I post pictures of her at one event or another every other day now. Mariah is out and about supporting her latest disc E=MC2. Here are some shots of her (and a few other folks are thrown in the mix) at some of the events she attended this weekend:
Good Morning America
Mariah looked A-M-A-Z-I-N-G during her performance at Good Morning America on Friday. I can’t even hate on her… she looks good. She says she’s been dieting and working out and it show.
…continue reading Mariah Carey Overload: Pics From Good Morning America, Empire St. Building & Tennessee Premiere
In The News: April 25, 2008
News on: African American Gene Helps Prolong Life After Heart Failure, Primary Pulls Women 2 Ways, Bill Clinton Wades Into Race Flap With Obama and much more
Video News Feed: April 025, 2008
Video on: Cops Acquitted in Sean Bell Murder Trial, Wesley Snipes Gets 3 Yr. Sentence For Tax Evasion, Rev. Wright On-The Record and much more
Sean Bell Murder Trial
Other Top News Stories:
Black Hollywood: Bathing Ape LA Story Opening & Celebrity Outings
Japanese designer Nigo opened his latest Bathing Ape store in LA along with his partner Pharell Williams. The duo became partners several years ago when they launch the first BAPE store in New York. BAPE is a urban/hip-hop brand with an asian influence. You probably have seen many hip hop stars wearing BAPE clothing. So it should be no surprise that several celebrities from the hip hop community came out to suppport the store opening. Check out a few pictures from the arrivals:
Pharell Williams & Nigo
Looks like the hood can also be used as a ski mask?
Jermaine Dupri
Kanye looks so sad. Losing your mother and your woman all int he matter of a couple of months can never be a easy. Well, at least he is getting rave reviews for his Glow in the Dark tour.
Actress Dania Ramirez struck a pose
One of my favorite blue-eyed soul singers Robin Thicke brought along his wife Paula Patton. I am not feeling the hat but I still love him.
Rick Ross was there
Serena Williams slide through the “black carpet”. Here’s a side/back shot:
And now the front:
Kanye’s favorite designer Takashi Murakami came through. I’ve been reading quite a lot about him online lately. Be on the look out for a article I plan to publish about him next week.
The Tribeca Film Festival started this week and the Governor of New York David Paterson was there along with New York City Mayor Bloomberg for the opening ceremony:
Did somebody piss off Mayor Bloomberg?
Iman and Joy Bryant both attended the St. Jude Research Hospital Benefit Gala held at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.
Here’s Iman posing with Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman. She is such a fabulous woman. Does she ever look bad?
And here she is again…
Joy Bryant posed on the red carpet with celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch:
And she posed by herself:
Very pretty.
Top Model Saleisha Stowers attended the “Polanski Unauthorized” World Premiere at the Westwood Theater in Westwood, CA. She doesn’t look as much like Tyra banks now like she did on the show.
And a “blast from the past” came out to the 12th Annual Prism Awards. It was none other than…
Ben Vereen. I wonder what he has been up to?
Lot’s of Pics: Terrence J’s Party at Prime Nightclub
Terrence J of BET’s 106 & Park had a birthday bash on April 23rd at Prime Nightclub in Manhattan. Lot’s of celebrities came out to help him celebrate…
…continue reading Lot’s of Pics: Terrence J’s Party at Prime Nightclub
Celebrity Birthdays - April 24th, 2008
Cedric the Entertainer turned 44 today
“Antwone Fisher” Actor Derek Luke turned 34 today
…continue reading Celebrity Birthdays - April 24th, 2008
Iron Man Photo Call, Star Jones Calls It Quits And Entertainment Links
Robert Downey Jr and Terrance Howard are the stars of the new summer blockbuster “Iron Man”. The film also stars Beyonce pal Gwyneth Paltrow. The cast got together in Rome, Italy for a photo shoot. Here’s a few of the snapshots:
The Cast of “Iron Man”
Terrance Howard
Terrance cleans up nicely, don’t you agree?
Catch a glimpse of the movie trailer below:
In a surprise announcement made yesterday Star Jones - Reynolds announced she is seeking a divorce from her husband of 4 years Al Reynolds. In a statement to Entertainment Tonight Star had this much to has on the dissolution of her marriage:
Several years ago I made an error in judgment by inviting the media into the most intimate area of my life. A month ago I filed for divorce.
The dissolution of a marriage is a difficult time in anyone’s life that requires privacy with one’s thoughts. I have committed myself to handling this situation with dignity and grace and look forward to emerging from this period as a stronger and wiser woman.
I was wondering why she was at the Ericsson Open with Dwyane Wade and not her husband. I know that she’s been through a lot the past couple of years. She’s made great strides with her weight; hopefully this divorce won’t be a media circus like the wedding was.
Here’s an Associated Press report of the breakup:
Stomp the Yard Actor Brian J. White appeared at the “Moonlight” premiere at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills
- Ray Charles Kids Battle It Out Over The Money
- Remy Ma Sentencing Delayed
- Tom Cruise’s son Connor will make his film debut in a movie with Will Smith
