A big part of the dissolving of the nerd insult is the fact that we, as a society, are really wired now. From iPods to iPhones and Wi-Fi for everyone from punk rockers to businessmen, the influx of modern technology has, in a way, made nerds out of us all. So unlike the time when it wasn't cool to know things about science or other nerdy pursuits, you'd be likely to get laughed out of town if you didn't know how to work an iPhone or post a digital picture from last night's party on your Facebook. Instead of keeping up with the Joneses based on the car in your driveway, friendly competition between neighbors is now more based on the size of the high-definition flat screen hanging on the living room wall--or in recent times, the HD-tvs on the refrigerator or built into the kitchen counter!

The nerds haven't just triumphed over the mainstreaming of exciting gadgets. They've also had a huge impact on the sort of programming that's considered cool. Take for instance the show Mythbusters, on which two zany guys and one woman who is a source of romantic feelings for an entire generation of science geeks go out of their way to prove or disprove "common wisdom" that everyone believes but no one knows where it came from. Will sitting too close to the television hurt your eyes? Absolutely not. How difficult is it to find a needle in a haystack? If anyone could find the answer, it's these guys.

For an even more wired show, it doesn't get more high tech than Time Warp, a hugely popular program where, through the use of high-speed HD cameras, viewers are treated to a number of interesting acts, all in super, super slow motion. The cameras were created by MIT scientists and artists, and allow viewers to watch everything from large explosions to dogs drinking water in slow motion to see how things really work. One of the most impressive shots of the first season was an arrow putting out a candle temporarily, only for the flame to re-light. This particular program has gotten exceedingly popular with the late-night Cheetos munching crowd, as well as earnest young aspiring scientists.

But there were warnings that the geeks would inherit the earth. From its humble beginnings on cable television to its literal domination of satellite TV for one week each year, there's the long-running Shark Week. Originally watched by wide-eyed youngsters, it's managed to become a part of the culture, with so-hip-it-hurts 20somethings dropping the bored posturing act to rave about Air Jaws and NBC breakout 30 Rock featuring the famous inspirational quote to "live every week like it's Shark Week." Truer words have never been spoken.



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Alec Baldwin's career has been extremely varied and taken many turns since his early days when he seemed destined to be a leading man in Hollywood for decades. Due to a number of unconvincing films, Baldwin has become a better character actor and comic performer over time. The number of awards handed over to him for 30 Rock have certainly made comedy a winning formula for Baldwin, but here are his top five film roles of all time, now on satellite TV.

5. Married to the Mob. A lot of fun for any movie lover, this film is a great early example of Baldwin excelling at comedy. Playing Frank "Cucumber" De Marco, Baldwin is alternately vicious and clueless. Starring Matthew Modine and Michelle Pfeiffer at her most gorgeous moment, this Jonathan Demme film has held up very well since its 1988 release. Often featured on the comedy networks as well as IFC in HD, Married to the Mob is an intelligent comedy, something which is a rarity in our days of Frat Pack rule.

4. The Hunt for Red October. Baldwin plays CIA man Jack Ryan in this film, which established his reputation as both a serious actor and a box office draw. A tense Cold War drama that is a little slow in its pacing, the film took a few hits from the critics while delivering at the box office in a big way. Check HBO for show times and see Baldwin and Sean Connery go to work.

3. The Departed. In a role perfect for the middle-aged Alec, Baldwin plays a wise-cracking Boston cop and adds some levity to an otherwise nerve-wracking film. Featuring a terrific ensemble cast and the first Best Picture Oscar for director Martin Scorsese, The Departed is a must-see movie featured on Showtime in HD.

2. The Cooler. As casino owner Shelly, Baldwin spends a lot time trying to stop the changes now inevitable in Las Vegas and all over the casino industry. For starters, he wants to keep his "cooler" (William H. Macy) in town, the man who can stop a hot streak. Enlisting a beautiful cocktail waitress to make life in Vegas irresistible for Macy, Baldwin desperately tries to keep the old ways intact. Watch this film on satellite TV's premium networks.

1. Glengarry Glen Ross. One of the brashest moments you'll ever see in a movie, Baldwin's character steps in "as a favor to Mitch and Murray" and proceeds to chew out the real estate agents who are underperforming in their third-rate office. Written into the script by David Mamet (who adapted his legendary play), Baldwin takes the film to another level and lets Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino and Ed Harris finish the job. Watch this film on the Independent Film Channel on satellite TV.



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I have been a part time, Contracted, Satellite Technician with Direct TV for a little over a year now.

This post is for anyone who is thinking about getting Direct TV with no nonsense, straight up facts on what you really need to know.

First, the technical mumbo jumbo - There are 6 active Direct TV satellites parked in outer space that are always in the same spot in reference to the ground. Every location in the United States pulls off of these satellites. The main satellite (named 101) has six replacement satellites in orbit directly underneath in case the main, active satellite fails. The two beside it are for HD and additional programming. The other two are for Spanish and international channels. So with basic, standard service you are only pulling off of satellite 101. The dish is small, has only one LNB (head) and reception is usually very easy to obtain because you just need a little hole in the sky to be able to get a signal. Then there is the KA/KU dish (HD) which is a much bigger dish that has 3 LNB's and pulls reception off of 3 different satellites. These are much harder to zone into because you need a much bigger piece of open sky, and you have to be incredibly accurate to get great reception off of all 3 Sats. If you are off center by 1 inch on the ground, you are 1000 miles off center in space. Which brings me to these important issues...

1. If your house is completely surrounded by huge trees or any other obstruction(s) then there is a large chance you will not get a signal. It amazes me how many people, after being told which direction needs to be clear, will have absolutely no line of sight for reception and yell, cry and complain when I tell them.. Please check your line of site. The operator will tell you exactly which direction to look from your zip code.

2. Installs are free to you WITH EXCEPTIONS. A basic install is putting up the dish, running cable (if needed) to the location that you want your receiver installed, and walking you through the guide when activated. That's it. If you do not have a line of site from any position ON your house then you will have to get a pole mount done. A pole mount will cost you $60 on the spot. Want an extra line to a room without a receiver? $40 cash. Anything that is not acquainted with the basic install WILL COST YOU CASH MONEY, ON THE SPOT!

3. If a DVR receiver is a part of your install, whichever room it is located in will have to have a 2nd cable line installed as well. This is so you can record on one line and watch something different on the other line. You WILL have a hole drilled into your floor or wall of that room. Need the cables wall fished instead? $100 charge. So please be prepared, we are not allowed to move TVs or entertainment centers but we will drill holes into your nice new pergo floors.

4. Be nice to us. I meet so many great people with this and then my day is ruined by a complete Jerk. I bend over backwards to make sure that you have the best quality service. Life is too short for such unhappiness so either enjoy it or waste it.



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As the name simply suggests, Internet TV is the delivery of streaming or real-time audio and video television content over the Web. It is different from video sites that deliver downloadable video content because this sites stream content in real-time. Which means a person sitting in Mexico can stream an episode of Lost which a homemaker in Australia can watch live over her Internet TV as, and when it is being broadcast.

This technology can be viewed in many different ways. One of the most common ways of watching it is on a laptop or a computer. All it requires is a sound card and a high resolution graphics card with a net connection, obviously. It can also be viewed on your regular TV. This requires a PC to be hooked up with it. A set top box will also suffice if it is able to receive It's broadcasts. High-end cellular phones and mobiles might also display Internet TV shows but at a lower resolution than a regular TV or a PC. This means that the picture quality on a mobile might not be as good as the one on a PC or an ordinary TV.

Almost any one with high speed Internet access can watch this TV. There are several sites on the net that offer a wide variety of content throughout the day for all cross sections of society via Internet TV. People often wonder why this technology has become wildly popular these days. Studies have shown that innovative technology will quickly replace the regular TV as the medium of choice in the next comings years. The surprising and the phenomenal popularity of Internet TV is due to several reasons described below

To begin, Internet access speeds have burgeoned beyond imagination. This has allowed streaming video and audio on this system to become easily accessible to many of viewers. In fact, the inherent database of PC savvy users has multiplied at a rapid pace across the world. Therefore, the number of people who view this technology has also relatively increased. The costs of net access have also plummeted and bandwidth has become cheaper and more affordable for middle class users across the world. Besides this, the cost of a PC has fallen over the years in all economies and countries.


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Some would say that TV has taken something away from the family. It competes for attention and time that would otherwise be spent on each other, critics say. In moderation, however, good TV is something that can bring a family together rather than keep it apart. The teenage years can be especially stressful for the relationship between parents and children, but the endlessly diverse selection of programs available from satellite television make it easier than ever to find something parents and children can agree on, and enjoy together.

While sports is often seen as the bachelor's domain, plenty of families come together to support the home team. Let the kids invite friends, make sure to have pizza, and you'll have no trouble getting them to spend time with you. If you've recently moved or have family affiliations to an out-of-town team, look to NFL Sunday Ticket to help you stay in touch with that favorite team, wherever you are.

Starz Kids and Family has a great collection of old classics and new favorites especially picked for an audience of kids big and small.

HBO Family provides a rich selection of movies without R ratings. The great thing about HBO and other premium channels is that they are commercial free.

Disney never goes out of style, and brings the full force of its movie and television collection to your home theater on one great channel. Disney classics are something everyone can agree on.

Learning Channel lets you take a family television break without worrying about "brain drain." Every program on Learning Channel is chock-full of fantastic trivia and mind-opening exploration that will not only keep everyone entertained, but educated as well.

National Geographic Channel lets the family take a vacation that includes all of the fantastic sights with none of the stress. From the epic icefields of Antarctica to the lively plains of Africa to the murky depths of the Pacific, National Geographic's stunning imagery is a treat for all ages, especially if viewed with the crispness of high definition.

The Hallmark Channel offers shows and movies that are appropriate and entertaining. Moreover, the programming on this channel deals with themes to which families can relate.

Take your family back to a time when television was innocent and show your kids what you enjoyed watching when you were a kid with TV Land's nostalgic lineup of yesteryear's favorites. Even comes complete with fun "retromercials!"

Create a family project and let everyone weight in on travel ideas. Get together and choose from the fantastic destinations on The Travel Channel.

Take advantage of programming from The Biography Channel to share your heroes' stories with the kids, and to learn about theirs.

Making the most of television is easier than ever with the wide range of programs available on satellite tv, but it still takes work. Do your research and get creative to find programs that not only bring the family together, but get you talking and thinking together as well. Whether it's the Wizard of Oz in HD, a special on extreme sports in Australia, or a show about cooking in Thailand, exciting television should be a family event instead of an individual's distraction.




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Watching too much TV these days can get you down, with its seemingly nonstop schedule of wars, famines, and economic crises. Unless, that is, you are watching HBO. The premium channel that has done so much for comedy over the past 35 years is still going strong with a mix of long-running mainstays and shining newcomers. An impressive slate of original comedy series has been bolstered by stand-up specials featuring the biggest names in the business. It is a wonder that such complete comedic coverage can be had on just one channel, available through premium packages from your satellite TV provider.

Here's a rundown of what's on tap at HBO's laugh factory:

Bill Maher is still dropping jaws with his no-apologies, in-your-face comedic satire on "Real Time with Bill Maher." Hosting politicians, sports stars, and other public figures, Maher takes a hard look at politics and culture in America. With his astute blend of humor and seriousness, he makes sure we take a moment to consider the "real" questions facing society today, even if we do so while holding our sides in laughter.

George Lopez is the newest addition to HBO's lineup of blockbuster stand-up comedy shows. His "Tall, Dark, and Chicano" has been leaving audiences all over the US in stitches and tears and recently made its television debut on HBO. The show will be replayed over the next several weeks and, as always, is available through HBO On Demand for one-touch viewing at your convenience.

It's not all about the new guys, however, and HBO has really upped the ante by adding veteran Robin Williams to the schedule. His stand-up special, "Weapons of Self-Destruction," premieres in December of 2009 and is sure to be an epic showcase of Williams' timelessly savvy humor and slapstick impressions. Make sure George and Robin look as good as they sound by checking them out in high definition.

The backbone of HBO's lineup is still its consistently high-quality assortment of fresh, original series:

Emmy-nominated "Flight of the Conchords" has developed something of a cult following in its three seasons and depicts two charmingly bumbling New Zealanders as they chase musical success as a folk duo in New York City. Witty dialogue is interspersed with wittier mini-musicals as these Kiwis navigate romantic woes, a half-competent manager, obsessed fans (they only have one, actually), and the cold, hard reality of chasing dreams in the Big City.

"Seinfeld" creator Larry David has been back in action for several seasons on HBO, this time as actor, writer, and director of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," a quirky comedy which showcases Larry's day-to-day as a Los Angeles screenwriter. Besieging family and friends with his uncanny knack for social faux-pas, Larry revives the comedic glory of "Seinfeld" by reminding us that plots are overrated.

Another new addition to the comedy lineup is "Hung," starring Thomas Jane and Anne Heche. This sexually charged comedy centers around a struggling high school basketball coach who seeks to right his ship by making use of a considerable personal "endowment." Implausible, racy, ridiculous, and sure to get you laughing, "Hung" is a must-see for those looking for new and exciting comedy on HBO

HBO's schedule is bursting with more comedy than ever. What's more, with HD programming, you can put yourself, virtually speaking, in front row seats for some of the hottest shows in comedy. Whether you want edgy stand-up, biting satire, or pure goofiness, you will never want for laughs on HBO.




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In this day and age, when many of us have to worry about whether or not we can afford gas to get across town, hopping across oceans to exotic locales is a dream we will have to put aside for the moment. Not to despair, however, as more amazing locations than ever before are yours for exploring on satellite TV. Not only can you see, hear, and experience unreachable destinations, but you can see them in a way that real-life visitors could not possibly imagine.

The wonder of television is its ability to transport you to the times and places of your wildest dreams while leaving you in the comfort of your living room. Travel is not always possible, or practical, but that doesn't mean you can't climb the hills of Tibet, swing through the jungles of Costa Rica, or schuss down the stunning Alps of Switzerland without even putting on your shoes.

High-definition programming is making virtual reality a reality, and this means seeing faraway wonderlands with a clarity and crispness that will make you jump back in awe.

Hook up your HD set and see every stripe and spot on the wildlife of Africa's Serengeti, every wrinkle on the face of isolated tribeswomen in the Amazon, and every feather on the back of the Andean Condor.

Open Your Children's Minds

One of a child's greatest gifts is his innocent and insatiable curiosity. With regards to the cabinet under the kitchen sink, or dad's tool shop, curiosity might leave mom and dad a bit timid, but with regards to the world beyond Anytown, USA, curiosity is something to be embraced, celebrated, and nurtured. A great way to get your kids interested in geography and world cultures is to let them see and hear them for themselves. Supplement books and websites with engaging programs that let them really engage with the sights and sounds of far-off places. Programs such as "Globe Trekker" do a great job of integrating history, culture, and eye-popping adventure to explore places as diverse as Iceland and Tahiti.

Scout Locations Before You Go

Sick of wading through travel websites, don't have a local travel agent you trust, just cannot make up your mind? One of the benefits of all the amazing travel programming available from your satellite provider is that you can scout several travel destinations before making a decision as to where you would really like to go, as well as get great ideas for what to do once you arrive.

Teach Yourself

Learning does not have to be just for the kids. We are never too old to learn, and travel programming is a great way to pick up global knowledge in an easy-to-absorb format. You'll never find yourself out of that cocktail conversation or wanting for that answer in the trivia game again.

Get a Taste for Adventure Without Risking Your Life




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