Alternatives to TV

The month of February is mentally toxic. That may explain why I’m about ready to blow up my TV set. Actually, I might just keep the TV and drop my satellite contract. (If I lived in town, I’d do it. Unfortunately I live in the sticks and I don’t want to lose my PBS stations.)

Still, it’s tempting. According to your Business page article (“Cutting cable,” Feb. 15), home cable prices have jumped 21 percent in two years. This in spite of what seems to be more ads per program. I especially notice this when I’m out of town, in a hotel, clicking through the channels trying to find something to watch (a challenge even at home). Of course every channel has an advertisement airing so there’s no way to even know what’s on.

The solution? Have you noticed how the price of gasoline has come down? It’s amazing how decreasing demand lowers the price of things. Think this might work with cable? I don’t know, but I’ve got shelves full of secondhand books that will entertain me for next to nothing. What a great way to spend time while waiting for the cost of watching TV (ads) to come down.

Andy James

Onion Creek, Wash.