It's been about two months since we upgraded to digital cable in ole 3234Q. Since then we've lost a roommate, graduated from college (how'd that happen?), and started summer school or summer work. Anyway, I thought I'd take a moment to comment on how digital cable has affected all of our lives here in 3234Q.

The impact of digital cable was immediate. BJ and I were in such a rush to get it up to the apartment and get it connected that I accidently locked my keys in the car. Luckily I had a spare key handy. The funny thing is, that was the first time I've ever locked my keys in the car, though someone has done it for me before. But thanks to that someone, I decided to keep a spare key handy and I was able to retrieve my keys without any major hassle.

Moving on, within the first two or three nights we ordered our first "OnDemand" movie for a paltry $3.95, actually free if I ever send in the coupon they gave us. We watched I Spy with Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson. It must've been a worthwhile purchase because we now own the movie on DVD. Unfortunately, Thunder was not here to watch it with us, but it's only fair because he had gone to see it without us in the theater.

That was our only OnDemand purchase so far, but digital cable offers free OnDemand channels, including Comedy Central, TechTV, A&E Biography, and a few more, but the selection of shows you're able to watch leaves something to be desired. These days I don't really expect much from something that's "free", so the novelty of the feature alone is enough to be excited about.

While it seems like upgrading to digital cable might encourage more tube-watching, I would contend that it can actually make tube watching more efficient - something I'm particularly interested in as a budding Industrial Engineer. You see, the "Guide" feature with digital cable is one of the best I've ever seen - it even allows you to search for shows by title. This means that those of you not trying to watch whatever show is re-airing on MTV for the millionth time will be able to schedule your day around when that episode of Inside Fame featuring Garth Brooks will be showin up again on CMT. The show descriptions are much better and more up to date than TV Guide, and you can even check out most shows almost a week in advance (a must have for Soap Opera enthusiasts - well I'd think so anyway, I don't really know for sure).

Most importantly, though, digital cable has affected each of us on a personal level. Dan and BJ have a newfound enthusiasm for European soccer, BJ now knows even more stupid sports facts (ESPN Classic, Fox Sports World, Fox Sports A-Z), Dan stays in touch with his inner child (Cartoon Network), and I have found a comfortable place to exhibit my inner (ok ok, outer) dorkdum over at TechTV.

Watching TV in digital clarity has given me a new outlook on life. Whenever I want to feel like I'm in the Coliseum, I just flip to the Travel Channel that Roman architecture just pops right out of the screen into my living room. If I want to see what it will be like when my baby is born, TLC has their cameras there and that baby is on my couch, blood, guts and all. Have a cravin' for those cooky British accents, BBCAmerica's got all kinds. There's absolutely nothing I can't do with digital cable. Well, except find something to watch on Saturday.