DISH Network customers have a new channel, Chiller (ch 199).  Just a quick scan through my on-screen guide, I see that Chiller offers old and newer horror flicks as well as retired 'horror' TV series.  Since I'm an HD snob, I probably won't watch this channel that much---at least until DISH Network makes the HD version available.  But I'll probably keep coming back to it since one of my all time favorite, short-lived TV series, Freakylinks, is apparently in Chiller's lineup.  Hurdy Gur! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gus is acting completely normal---happy & playful!  He even 'helicopter's' normally.  Since we started the steroids, we obviously have to continue the taper.  We're still giving him the pain med twice daily just to keep him less active.  But so far, so good!

 

 

This morning, Gus (our red male dachshund) started exhibiting symptoms just like he did a little over a year ago which ultimately lead to his neck surgery. His neck was real stiff, and he was trembling---in obvious pain, but he wasn't wailing as he'd previously done.  We quickly gave him a pain med and steroid which pretty much zonked him for about 30 minutes.

 

Last year, we only pursued the surgery because there was a reasonable expectation that he'd be able to return to his usual vigor.  We consider the surgery a success as he's been pain-free for 13 months. We'd already decided that should his symptoms return, we wouldn't keep taking him back for more surgeries, but rather we'd have him euthanized because otherwise, at 10 years of age, he wouldn't be able to do what he lives to do, and that is to "go full throttle" blazing throughout the woods.

 

So this morning, after getting Gus doped-up, we called the vet's office and scheduled an appointment to bring him in to be euthanized today.  What a heart-breaking decision.  During the following 2 hours, I dug a grave, called my sister, and moped.  Also during this time, Gus woke up and started firing around the house as usual---apparently pain-free.  So, while we were getting ready to load up in the truck and take him to the vet's office, we began to re-evaluate.  Do you realize how hard it is to take your dog in to be euthanized when he acts like nothing's wrong?  There is such ambivalence.  We don't want him to ever hurt, but it's impossible to make the decision when he's not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.  So, at least for now, we've decided to give him a trial of steroid taper, pain meds, and rest.  We'll keep you updated. Click here to discuss this topic.

 

As many of you know, Homicide: Life on the Street, is my all-time favorite television series.  I've been unable to find a comparable series since it went off the air in 1999.  Homicide wasn't just another cop-show, but rather a character-based drama that explored the lives of Baltimore homicide detectives.

 

We've recently discovered a documentary series on A&E, called The First 48.  The name comes from the theory (fact?) that if a homicide is not solved within the first 48 hours of the crime, the case quickly becomes cold.  The series follows real homicide detectives (sometimes from Memphis, TN; sometimes from Dallas, TX) during the first 48 hours of their investigations of real homicides.  We are shown real witness interviews, legal obstacles, detective's inter-personal relationships, etc.  This is really a riveting, gripping glimpse into the surrealistic lives of these detectives.  It reveals their humanity in that some calloused detectives handle certain cases somewhat flippantly, while others put their hearts into the case.  In either instance, each detective takes the job quite seriously and their voracity to close the case is evident.  The motive for closing the case seems dependant on the personality of the detective.  Some want to "get the killer" in the interest of justice, while others seem interested in improving his/her closure rate.  This is absolutely great television!  If you haven't seen it, check it out on A&E. Click here to discuss this topic.

Ok, I understand that the following subject will appeal to only a small population, but those who have actually been annoyed by this, will be pleased to learn this.

 

Many Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD cases have a "security tab" designed into the case to prevent would-be thieves from removing the discs from the cases in the store and thus making a clean get-away with the disc by leaving the case on the store shelf.

 

This simple plastic tab, is a nuisance for anal-retentives like myself who've grown accustomed to opening their cases in a single action.  Up until this revelation, we had only 2 options:  1.  First flip down the security tab, then open the case (1 too many steps in my opinion), or 2. Rip off the tab allowing for future ease access.  The problem with the second option is that it leaves a small gap in the case potentially exposing the disc to dust.

 

Thanks to DVDTalk, there's a third, more desirable option.  It turns out the cases are actually designed such that once opened the first time, all you have to do is fold-in the tab and snap it into place.  This eliminates any mutilation of the case and seals the gap that would have otherwise been present, but also allows for single-action future access.

 

I know, it's a small thing, but I can't believe I haven't noticed this before.  It turns out there are many others out there who don't know it either.  And yes, there are even more out there who simply don't care.  But in case you do (no pun intended), here's a crude video I shot briefly outlining the procedure.  Enjoy! Click Here to discuss this topic