We went and got a Philips HDTV and now are in the process of getting DishNetwork to give us a good deal on the pricing. This whole duopoly that the satellite providers providers enjoy is one of those wonderful problems inherent in an economy where certain costs, though inherently variable, are actually fixed by the "standard of living" principle.

For our ease, we need


Microwave Oven
Conventional Oven
Dishwasher
Laundromat
Cable TV
Fan or A/C depending on the climate
Cell Phone
Massive Beds
DSL connection

All these costs are inherent in any living condition in California. Curiously, one finds that some of these have become so much of a part of life that they are not even included in this list. Central heating, for example.

For every few years,we add to this list. One could argue that a digital video recorder is part of this list now. I mean, I love mine and cannot abide by ads on TV anymore.

So, the more we buy and consume and don't save, such duopoly's can charge whatever they can get away with. What a great business to be in!