John Deere

Not to be outdone, our boy now has this strapping Tractor in the garage. Picked up a few sticks and branches in it’s equally impressive trailer.

It’s still got the 2nd gear lockout on it. He’s doing good already to figure out how to steer. Enjoys driving in circles, with the Reverse Gear engaged

The Gas Cap is getting a workout.

Roughly four years ago, my wife made an attempt to obtain our geographically-local TV stations through DirectTV. Due to our circumstances, DirecTV was able to oblige but the install failed due to trees that obstructed the view that the special “second dish” required.

I learned this weekend that DirecTV had been charging us the monthly fees since that time, anyway.

My initial response was just a slight degree of frustration. Really, I wasn’t that upset about it. My phone call to their customer service department was to help me understand what we were paying for, and why service add-ons would increase our costs dramatically. We were already paying a significant amount per month, but no longer had several premium channels and we’ve never had HD Service. As we discussed the components of our billing, which I haven’t done myself in years, we discovered that a small amount was billed in error for the last four years.

Since I was already frustrated about my limited options, I just wanted my money back (roughly $144.00) and planned to do some additional research on what we would actually use as a family. I wanted HD Service, but was willing to call back at a later time and do the necessary upgrades and changes that DirecTV would require.

However, the twenty-something rep turned from a nice person to a nice negotiator. I encouraged her that she didn’t do anything wrong, and that I wasn’t blaming anyone for the error, but she should not be attempting to negotiate with me. After a few more negotiating attempts from the customer service rep, I felt it was time for me to consider my 14-Year relationship with DirecTV to be over. In a matter of 15 minutes, I went from loyal DirecTV Subscriber to an amazed individual. How could DirecTV acknowledge my long-term relationship at the beginning of the conversation, and then treat me like a “nobody” a few minutes after?

Part of the problem is with me. I’m a professional negotiator with an attitude. My experience with Sirius was similar, it seemed that they were more accustomed to a different kind of customer than myself. One would think that being courteous and paying on-time all these years would be enough. Regardless, on to the positive stuff.

Since AT&T UVerse still wasn’t available in my area yet, I went ahead and subscribed to the AT&T/DISH Service. There is some concern on my part about the user experience, a couple years ago the quality of their standard converter box wasn’t up to par with DirecTV or Cox. However, my comfort level change dramatically after reading several reviews and comments on both CNET and HDTV Enthusiasts Forums. It seems that DISH has a perceived upper-hand regarding satellite HD Service, and provides superior equipment.

The pricing was amazing. I’ll have more channels in both SD and HD, with HD being provided to all three TV’s in my home; and two of them will have DVRs. The satellite dish will point in the same general direction as my current DirecTV dish, and the one dish will provide all of my channels – including my actual “geographic” local channels.

I’m crossing my fingers, but if it works out the end result will be at a significant savings over DirecTV or Cox.

It’s amazing that we struggle with finding something to watch with so many channels being provided these days. At the same time, advertising infomercials are now creeping out of the graveyard shift and into prime time

Stumbled onto something I liked, and made a few modifications.

Do I really own a Busa ?