Oh sure, we could start the year off with some views on what is important in 2006. Snoqualmie has a new mayor and two new council members; North Bend has a new council member and still has no water; the Snoqualmie Tribe still hasn’t heard a decision about whether it can proceed with a casino; and the entire Valley is struggling with economic development concerns. But hey, as we roll into the new year, what did you get for Christmas?
OK, I have to admit I put in a request with my family. Last summer a friend had a satellite radio with him over at Blue Lake, a place we frequent. The reception was crystal clear and there were no commercials. I do enjoy a good talk-radio host but have to admit they sometimes get old to listen to and the channel selection on standard FM or AM frequencies seems limited out here. That is even more the case at Blue Lake.
So, my only request for Christmas was a satellite radio. There are two types, XM and Sirius, both trademarked brands. They both have pros and cons, but since my friend had XM, that is what I went with. For anyone who has purchased a new car recently, you probably already know the joy of continuous, uninterrupted, crystal-clear music since quite a few new cars have the setup as an option.
So, I installed it in about an hour and now the XM satellite radio plays through my truck stereo. I also have one set up at home and plan to get one for the boat, as well. The nice thing about XM is that it provides options. More than 100 channels of programming all for around $12 a month. I can wake up to Metallica in the morning (No, I don’t really listen to Metallica in the morning) or listen to some nice acoustical in the evening. Yesterday I was surfing channels, (yes guys, another surfing option at your fingertips) when on came Sammy Davis Jr. and the song “Candyman.” That stupid song was still playing in my head this morning when I woke up.
No more CDs; no more static. If you want to escape to some nice music, satellite is the only way to go. Hey, send me an e-mail with some of your interesting gifts and watch for a few in next week’s editorial. I can be reached at jim.mckiernan@valleyrecord.com.
