If anyone needs to have R.I.P. put on their headstone, it is Anna Nicole Smith. Why can't we let the poor girl alone?
The answer to that question is found in one word: Playboy.
Each year, thousands of rich people, many more attractive that A.N.S., die and they get a passing mention. But let a former Playboy star die and wow, you would think she was Chandra Levy.
Poor Chandra (I hope I spelled her name correctly) was The Topic in the days leading up to 9-11-2001. In fact, it was almost a joke: Nothing else was apparently going on in the world and MSNBC, every day, had the Big Story: Chandra Levy is still missing!
It was right up there with the old bit on "Saturday Night Live": Gen. Francisco Franco is still dead.
Then 9-11 came along and BAM! Chandra Levy was not mentioned for a good long while and when her name did show up in the news, it was because there was actually news about her.
I've seen the Playboy factor at work before.
In college, another student and myself produced a cable talk show as a class project.
It was mostly received with polite (ie. faint) praise until one day we announced the guest would be a former Playboy bunny who had left that life, became a Christian, married and started a family.
The only thing people apparently read or heard was we were going to have a Playboy bunny on the show! ZOUNDS!
As the middle-aged, attractive hostess of the show muttered, "Do people think she is going to be on the show nude?"
Yes, Anna Nicole Smith was worth potentially hundreds of millions of dollars. Did the courts ever settle who would get her late husband's estate? Yes, she has an infant daughter to be cared for, but the child has loving grandparents who want her.
I feel sorry for A.N.S. She suffered more than an overweight woman whose son died tragically shortly after the birth of her daughter, who once took her clothes off for Playboy magazine should ever have to suffer.
R.I.P., Anna Nicole!
Monday, February 19, 2007
How to see the Super Bowl in HD
By FRANK PHILLIPS
Friday, February 2, 2007 10:55 AM CST
frankphi@hotmail.com
“I think I'm ready for the Super Bowl. Let's see ... snacks (check), recliner (check), drinks (check) ... what else?”
How about watching the Big Game on an HDTV?
If you are one of the fortunate ones who already have a High Definition TV (HDTV), you probably know you can watch the Super Bowl in HDTV by using an outdoor antenna.
If you want to see the game in the greatest possible clarity on a big screen at home, you still have tonight and Saturday to drive to your electronics store and make your purchase, IF you can take the new TV home with you or IF you can get the store to deliver and set up your HDTV before Sunday night.
The biggest Colts game in 26 years will be broadcast locally on WTHI-TV, channel 10.
*
The station's Web site offers the following tips for seeing the big game on HDTV:
High Definition television provides the viewer with a greatly improved picture and sound quality, free of “ghosting” and “snow interference”. HD has six times the number of pixels on the screen of a traditional analog television, resulting in an image that is brilliantly clear and realistic. The wider 16:9 screen ratio also allows viewers to see more.
WTHI's digital station, WTHI-DT, is broadcast over the air. Here's how to receive WTHI's HD programming on your new HDTV set:
WTHI-DT is not difficult to receive over the air. WTHI-DT channel 10.1 (WTHI-HD) and 10.2 (Doppler Radar) are broadcast on channel 24 from our broadcast tower in Farmersburg, Ind., but will be identified as channels 10.1 and 10.2 on your digital HD receiver.
Our HD signal covers essentially the same area as analog WTHI channel 10 and we have regular over the air HD viewers all over the Greater Wabash Valley.
The best type of antenna to use to receive WTHI's over the air HD signal is a horizontally polarized (the antenna rods mounted horizontally) rooftop or tower mounted UHF/VHF “yagi” antenna. In lieu of a rooftop antenna you can use an attic mounted or indoor antenna, but bear in mind that these types of antennas are a compromise - especially indoor antennas - so these antennas need significantly more careful placement and adjustment to obtain adequate HDTV reception. ...
Most HDTV sets have the same general setup procedure: Once you have an over the air antenna in place and connected to the ‘antenna' input on your HDTV set/receiver, you'll then want to check in your set's menu that you have its antenna input selected for ‘antenna' or ‘over the air' and NOT “cable” reception. From the menu you'll next need to do a digital TV (DTV) channel scan . Your set should then detect and memorize all digital/HDTV channels it can receive.
Tune to channel 10.1 and you're watching WTHI-HD! It's as simple as that.
For details applicable to your specific set, refer to your set's owners manual.
Check reception of standard analog channels from your antenna. If you can receive at least a ‘watchable' (even a slightly snowy) analog picture over the air from most analog stations you should have excellent reception of WTHI-DT. If not, you'll need to give your antenna system some attention.
Questions?
If you need help with your antenna systems or just have questions about HDTV, feel free to e-mail the station or call 812-232-9481.
On the Net:
WTHI-TV:
http://www.wthitv.com
Friday, February 2, 2007 10:55 AM CST
frankphi@hotmail.com
“I think I'm ready for the Super Bowl. Let's see ... snacks (check), recliner (check), drinks (check) ... what else?”
How about watching the Big Game on an HDTV?
If you are one of the fortunate ones who already have a High Definition TV (HDTV), you probably know you can watch the Super Bowl in HDTV by using an outdoor antenna.
If you want to see the game in the greatest possible clarity on a big screen at home, you still have tonight and Saturday to drive to your electronics store and make your purchase, IF you can take the new TV home with you or IF you can get the store to deliver and set up your HDTV before Sunday night.
The biggest Colts game in 26 years will be broadcast locally on WTHI-TV, channel 10.
*
The station's Web site offers the following tips for seeing the big game on HDTV:
High Definition television provides the viewer with a greatly improved picture and sound quality, free of “ghosting” and “snow interference”. HD has six times the number of pixels on the screen of a traditional analog television, resulting in an image that is brilliantly clear and realistic. The wider 16:9 screen ratio also allows viewers to see more.
WTHI's digital station, WTHI-DT, is broadcast over the air. Here's how to receive WTHI's HD programming on your new HDTV set:
WTHI-DT is not difficult to receive over the air. WTHI-DT channel 10.1 (WTHI-HD) and 10.2 (Doppler Radar) are broadcast on channel 24 from our broadcast tower in Farmersburg, Ind., but will be identified as channels 10.1 and 10.2 on your digital HD receiver.
Our HD signal covers essentially the same area as analog WTHI channel 10 and we have regular over the air HD viewers all over the Greater Wabash Valley.
The best type of antenna to use to receive WTHI's over the air HD signal is a horizontally polarized (the antenna rods mounted horizontally) rooftop or tower mounted UHF/VHF “yagi” antenna. In lieu of a rooftop antenna you can use an attic mounted or indoor antenna, but bear in mind that these types of antennas are a compromise - especially indoor antennas - so these antennas need significantly more careful placement and adjustment to obtain adequate HDTV reception. ...
Most HDTV sets have the same general setup procedure: Once you have an over the air antenna in place and connected to the ‘antenna' input on your HDTV set/receiver, you'll then want to check in your set's menu that you have its antenna input selected for ‘antenna' or ‘over the air' and NOT “cable” reception. From the menu you'll next need to do a digital TV (DTV) channel scan . Your set should then detect and memorize all digital/HDTV channels it can receive.
Tune to channel 10.1 and you're watching WTHI-HD! It's as simple as that.
For details applicable to your specific set, refer to your set's owners manual.
Check reception of standard analog channels from your antenna. If you can receive at least a ‘watchable' (even a slightly snowy) analog picture over the air from most analog stations you should have excellent reception of WTHI-DT. If not, you'll need to give your antenna system some attention.
Questions?
If you need help with your antenna systems or just have questions about HDTV, feel free to e-mail the station or call 812-232-9481.
On the Net:
WTHI-TV:
http://www.wthitv.com
NHS Coach George Gettle feels blessed by time with Bears QB Grossman
By FRANK PHILLIPS
Friday, February 2, 2007 6:04 PM CST
frankphi@hotmail.com
It was in the late 1990s when an experienced high school football coach, George Gettle, took the position of Quarterback Coach with Bloomington South High School. He had coached teams at Terre Haute North and Jennings County high schools before going to Bloomington.
He soon learned he would work with a player whose talent comes around but precious few times in a coach's career.
"Coach (Mo) Moriarty prepped me for the job," Gettle said Friday afternoon. "He told me how special the kid was I would be working with and how high expectations were for the team.
"It was obvious (Rex Grossman)had as much talent as I had ever seen in a high school football player."
The Rex Grossman everyone will be watching Sunday night, the Rex Grossman who is the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears, is the third generation who have been recognized for their football prowess.
Grandfather Rex played for the Baltimore Colts and the Detroit Lions. Father Rex is Dr. Rex Daniel Grossman Jr., a former all-state quarterback, who played for IU.
But the family resemblance doesn't end there.
"Little Rex" who will play for Chicago Sunday night also has an aunt who was married to the late Terry Cole, who played for the Colts and the Dolphins and was in Super Bowls III and VI, according the Chicago Sun-Times Web site, http://www.suntimes.com.
"I cherish the time I was (at Bloomington South)," said Gettle, Northview's head football coach, who led his team to Northview's first undefeated season."It was a real blessing to be able to work with someone like him."
"I take no credit for (Grossman's) success," he said. "He was destined to be in the Super Bowl."
Does Gettle anticipate coaching another player with the stature of Rex Grossman?
"I won't say never, but such kids are few and far between," he said.
So, when the coin is tossed at Miami and the game begins Sunday night, who will Coach Gettle be rooting for?
"I will most definitely be rooting for Rex Grossman," he said. "He deserves the very best."
Friday, February 2, 2007 6:04 PM CST
frankphi@hotmail.com
It was in the late 1990s when an experienced high school football coach, George Gettle, took the position of Quarterback Coach with Bloomington South High School. He had coached teams at Terre Haute North and Jennings County high schools before going to Bloomington.
He soon learned he would work with a player whose talent comes around but precious few times in a coach's career.
"Coach (Mo) Moriarty prepped me for the job," Gettle said Friday afternoon. "He told me how special the kid was I would be working with and how high expectations were for the team.
"It was obvious (Rex Grossman)had as much talent as I had ever seen in a high school football player."
The Rex Grossman everyone will be watching Sunday night, the Rex Grossman who is the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears, is the third generation who have been recognized for their football prowess.
Grandfather Rex played for the Baltimore Colts and the Detroit Lions. Father Rex is Dr. Rex Daniel Grossman Jr., a former all-state quarterback, who played for IU.
But the family resemblance doesn't end there.
"Little Rex" who will play for Chicago Sunday night also has an aunt who was married to the late Terry Cole, who played for the Colts and the Dolphins and was in Super Bowls III and VI, according the Chicago Sun-Times Web site, http://www.suntimes.com.
"I cherish the time I was (at Bloomington South)," said Gettle, Northview's head football coach, who led his team to Northview's first undefeated season."It was a real blessing to be able to work with someone like him."
"I take no credit for (Grossman's) success," he said. "He was destined to be in the Super Bowl."
Does Gettle anticipate coaching another player with the stature of Rex Grossman?
"I won't say never, but such kids are few and far between," he said.
So, when the coin is tossed at Miami and the game begins Sunday night, who will Coach Gettle be rooting for?
"I will most definitely be rooting for Rex Grossman," he said. "He deserves the very best."
Record electric use set in cold weather, Duke Energy reports
By FRANK PHILLIPS
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 9:24 AM CST
frankphi@hotmail.com
Indiana set a new snowfall record for Feb. 6 with 5.2 inches officially recorded at Indianapolis. The amounts varied across central Indiana, including 3.8 inches, officially, at Terre Haute.
Some would agree with the man who told The Brazil Times, “I swear we got 8!”
Regardless of how much snow is on the ground, it has been cold and people have used electricity and propane (as well as wood,natural gas and even corn) to heat their homes.
Duke Energy set a new record for electricity use on Monday, breaking a two-year record set Jan. 18, 2005.
At 9 a.m. Monday, electricity demand by Duke Energy customers reached 5,701 megawatts compared to 5,528 megawatts set on Jan. 18, 2005. A megawatt is 1,000 kilowatts or 1 million watts, compared to the 60-watt lightbulbs in many lamps.
*
Duke Energy offers these Top 10 tips for lowering energy bills:
1. If your windows allow cold air to leak into your home, the most cost-effective measure is to seal the entire window with a layer of plastic for the winter. New heat-shrinking films are airtight and easy to see through.
2. Install the proper amount of insulation in exterior walls, roofs, ceilings and floors above cold spaces. If you currently have no insulation in one of these areas, installing insulation will cut your energy bills dramatically.
3. If you have ductwork in the attic or garage, be sure it is covered with at least 6 inches of insulation. Seal the seams and joints in these ducts with a duct-sealing compound sold at hardware/home centers.
4. Lower your thermostat temperature to the lowest temperature that is comfortable to your family. You may save as much as 3 percent on your energy bill for each degree you lower your thermostat.
5. If your home has a crawl space with air vents in the walls, close the vents and seal with insulation from the inside during the winter.
6. Never switch a heat pump to the “emergency heat” setting on the thermostat, unless the unit is malfunctioning. This switch will turn off your energy efficient heat pump. Using only your backup electric furnace without the heat pump could double your heating costs.
7. Most fireplaces that are open to the living space will increase winter heating costs. Do not use a fireplace during periods of extreme cold. Keep your fireplace damper closed tightly when not in use. Consider installing doors over the fireplace opening to cut down on drafts and heat loss through the chimney.
8. Consider adding a heat pump to any electric, gas or oil furnace to take advantage of a “dual fuel” heating system. The electric heat pump will heat a home for much less for most of the winter heating hours. The new heat pump will also serve as a new air conditioner and could save up to 50 percent on cooling costs, compared to a 15-year-old air conditioner.
9. Energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
10. A new ENERGY STAR® refrigerator can use approximately one-third less energy than a 15-year-old model. Refrain from leaving the old refrigerator plugged in as a backup.
In addition to lighting their homes and perhaps heating and cooking with electricity, many people have propane furnaces, stoves and water heaters.
Ferrellgas, a leading provider of propane gas, reminds those with propane gas to be careful. If you smell gas (it is made to smell like rotten eggs or garlic), follow these safety tips:
Immediately extinguish any smoking materials or other open flames. Do not operate light switches, telephones, or other appliances. Sparks from these devices can trigger a fire, or even an explosion.
Leave the area immediately. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
If it is safe to do so, turn off the gas supply valve on the propane tank. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise). If your gas service is metered, use a tool to close the gas valve located at the meter.
Report the leak. From a neighbor's home or other location away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you cannot reach the retailer right away, call 911 or the local fire department.
Do not return to the area until your propane retailer determines it is safe to do so.
These suggestions were compiled by Ferrellgas, the National Propane Gas Association, and the Propane Education & Research Council.
On the Net:
Duke Energy:
http://duke-energy.com
Ferrell Gas:
http://www.ferrellgas.com
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 9:24 AM CST
frankphi@hotmail.com
Indiana set a new snowfall record for Feb. 6 with 5.2 inches officially recorded at Indianapolis. The amounts varied across central Indiana, including 3.8 inches, officially, at Terre Haute.
Some would agree with the man who told The Brazil Times, “I swear we got 8!”
Regardless of how much snow is on the ground, it has been cold and people have used electricity and propane (as well as wood,natural gas and even corn) to heat their homes.
Duke Energy set a new record for electricity use on Monday, breaking a two-year record set Jan. 18, 2005.
At 9 a.m. Monday, electricity demand by Duke Energy customers reached 5,701 megawatts compared to 5,528 megawatts set on Jan. 18, 2005. A megawatt is 1,000 kilowatts or 1 million watts, compared to the 60-watt lightbulbs in many lamps.
*
Duke Energy offers these Top 10 tips for lowering energy bills:
1. If your windows allow cold air to leak into your home, the most cost-effective measure is to seal the entire window with a layer of plastic for the winter. New heat-shrinking films are airtight and easy to see through.
2. Install the proper amount of insulation in exterior walls, roofs, ceilings and floors above cold spaces. If you currently have no insulation in one of these areas, installing insulation will cut your energy bills dramatically.
3. If you have ductwork in the attic or garage, be sure it is covered with at least 6 inches of insulation. Seal the seams and joints in these ducts with a duct-sealing compound sold at hardware/home centers.
4. Lower your thermostat temperature to the lowest temperature that is comfortable to your family. You may save as much as 3 percent on your energy bill for each degree you lower your thermostat.
5. If your home has a crawl space with air vents in the walls, close the vents and seal with insulation from the inside during the winter.
6. Never switch a heat pump to the “emergency heat” setting on the thermostat, unless the unit is malfunctioning. This switch will turn off your energy efficient heat pump. Using only your backup electric furnace without the heat pump could double your heating costs.
7. Most fireplaces that are open to the living space will increase winter heating costs. Do not use a fireplace during periods of extreme cold. Keep your fireplace damper closed tightly when not in use. Consider installing doors over the fireplace opening to cut down on drafts and heat loss through the chimney.
8. Consider adding a heat pump to any electric, gas or oil furnace to take advantage of a “dual fuel” heating system. The electric heat pump will heat a home for much less for most of the winter heating hours. The new heat pump will also serve as a new air conditioner and could save up to 50 percent on cooling costs, compared to a 15-year-old air conditioner.
9. Energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
10. A new ENERGY STAR® refrigerator can use approximately one-third less energy than a 15-year-old model. Refrain from leaving the old refrigerator plugged in as a backup.
In addition to lighting their homes and perhaps heating and cooking with electricity, many people have propane furnaces, stoves and water heaters.
Ferrellgas, a leading provider of propane gas, reminds those with propane gas to be careful. If you smell gas (it is made to smell like rotten eggs or garlic), follow these safety tips:
Immediately extinguish any smoking materials or other open flames. Do not operate light switches, telephones, or other appliances. Sparks from these devices can trigger a fire, or even an explosion.
Leave the area immediately. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
If it is safe to do so, turn off the gas supply valve on the propane tank. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise). If your gas service is metered, use a tool to close the gas valve located at the meter.
Report the leak. From a neighbor's home or other location away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you cannot reach the retailer right away, call 911 or the local fire department.
Do not return to the area until your propane retailer determines it is safe to do so.
These suggestions were compiled by Ferrellgas, the National Propane Gas Association, and the Propane Education & Research Council.
On the Net:
Duke Energy:
http://duke-energy.com
Ferrell Gas:
http://www.ferrellgas.com
Center Point may get high-speed Internet service
By FRANK PHILLIPS
Friday, February 9, 2007 9:28 AM CST
frankphi@hotmail.com
Residents of Center Point may soon get high-speed Internet service.
At the town council meeting Tuesday, Keith Vanwey, a JOINK representative, answered questions about the proposed service.
JOINK is proposing a seven-year contract with Center Point to provide that service.
The proposed service would originate at an antenna attached to the top of the water town and be sent to personal computers in residents' homes.
There is already an REMC radio antenna atop the water town and the council asked there not be any interference with it.
*
Mr. Vanwey stated he had tried unsuccessfully, so far, to reach the REMC representative to discuss the additional antennae. He assured the council there would be no transmission interference due to the different frequencies they each use.
There needs to be some electric connection and maybe a small building for equipment near the bottom of the water tower. JOINK is asking the Town for an investment of $10,000 to $14,000 for the total equipment and installation.
Mr. Vanwey was asked if other communities had also contributed a like amount.
He answered that no other community had been asked to help offset the installation fees due to other towns having a business that needed the high speed connection and had paid the initial installation fees; then other residents were able to connect with just a home installation fee.
Once began, the installation process would take 30-60 days. Each residence that applies for the service would need to pay a $199 installation fee.
A JOINK service person would then come to their home and check for a “good signal” potential.
If the residence was located in an area that did not have a good reception potential for the service to work properly, the resident would be refunded their installation deposit.
Mr. Vanwey added that most residences within a 2-3 mile radius from the water town (some as far as 7 to 8 miles) would be able to obtain the service.
Some residences farther than that may be able to have access, but some closer may not have access, depending on terrain, trees, valleys, etc.
People with older computers may need to purchase a $50 air card from JOINK to receive service.
Mr. Vanwey added JOINK does not usually like to have customers mail in monthly payments, but suggests an automatic charge to a credit card or bank account draft.
The council agreed they could understand a problem with some payments as they experience the same with some water and sewer customers.
Vanwey said Internet e-mail spam should not be a problem because JOINK provides protection that should be adequate for most residents' computers.
A resident asked if JOINK had approached the county to see about installing the antenna atop the county's tower on C.R.100 N (just outside of town). Mr. Vanwey said the water tower was preferable.
Another person asked if JOINK was responsible for anything that may happen to the water tower as a result of their hardware. Mr. Vanwey said they had liability insurance for any unseen circumstances.
The Center Point Town Council will discuss the matter further at a future meeting.
In other business:
The town is waiting on storm drain repairs. Another hole was found in a storm drain just south of the Tucker residence.
People who have been living in the former Kaiser property have been moving out.
Their water meter will need to be shut off. And whoever bought the house will need to pay the outstanding January water-sewer bill before the water can be re-connected.
The council voted to remove the liability insurance on the patrol car since there is no longer a town marshal.
The clerk treasurer will contact the insurance agent with that information.
Note: The above information was submitted by Center Point Clerk-Treasurer Roger Campbell.
We appreciate the information and encourage other area town to also send in their town board meeting minutes.
Friday, February 9, 2007 9:28 AM CST
frankphi@hotmail.com
Residents of Center Point may soon get high-speed Internet service.
At the town council meeting Tuesday, Keith Vanwey, a JOINK representative, answered questions about the proposed service.
JOINK is proposing a seven-year contract with Center Point to provide that service.
The proposed service would originate at an antenna attached to the top of the water town and be sent to personal computers in residents' homes.
There is already an REMC radio antenna atop the water town and the council asked there not be any interference with it.
*
Mr. Vanwey stated he had tried unsuccessfully, so far, to reach the REMC representative to discuss the additional antennae. He assured the council there would be no transmission interference due to the different frequencies they each use.
There needs to be some electric connection and maybe a small building for equipment near the bottom of the water tower. JOINK is asking the Town for an investment of $10,000 to $14,000 for the total equipment and installation.
Mr. Vanwey was asked if other communities had also contributed a like amount.
He answered that no other community had been asked to help offset the installation fees due to other towns having a business that needed the high speed connection and had paid the initial installation fees; then other residents were able to connect with just a home installation fee.
Once began, the installation process would take 30-60 days. Each residence that applies for the service would need to pay a $199 installation fee.
A JOINK service person would then come to their home and check for a “good signal” potential.
If the residence was located in an area that did not have a good reception potential for the service to work properly, the resident would be refunded their installation deposit.
Mr. Vanwey added that most residences within a 2-3 mile radius from the water town (some as far as 7 to 8 miles) would be able to obtain the service.
Some residences farther than that may be able to have access, but some closer may not have access, depending on terrain, trees, valleys, etc.
People with older computers may need to purchase a $50 air card from JOINK to receive service.
Mr. Vanwey added JOINK does not usually like to have customers mail in monthly payments, but suggests an automatic charge to a credit card or bank account draft.
The council agreed they could understand a problem with some payments as they experience the same with some water and sewer customers.
Vanwey said Internet e-mail spam should not be a problem because JOINK provides protection that should be adequate for most residents' computers.
A resident asked if JOINK had approached the county to see about installing the antenna atop the county's tower on C.R.100 N (just outside of town). Mr. Vanwey said the water tower was preferable.
Another person asked if JOINK was responsible for anything that may happen to the water tower as a result of their hardware. Mr. Vanwey said they had liability insurance for any unseen circumstances.
The Center Point Town Council will discuss the matter further at a future meeting.
In other business:
The town is waiting on storm drain repairs. Another hole was found in a storm drain just south of the Tucker residence.
People who have been living in the former Kaiser property have been moving out.
Their water meter will need to be shut off. And whoever bought the house will need to pay the outstanding January water-sewer bill before the water can be re-connected.
The council voted to remove the liability insurance on the patrol car since there is no longer a town marshal.
The clerk treasurer will contact the insurance agent with that information.
Note: The above information was submitted by Center Point Clerk-Treasurer Roger Campbell.
We appreciate the information and encourage other area town to also send in their town board meeting minutes.
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