Posted by Heriberto Fuentes

I am an “Oprah” fanatic, and I was devastated the day that she announced that she would be retiring at the end of this season. I have been watching “Oprah” since the show first came out, and when she announced her retirement, I felt like I was losing a friend. I couldn’t imagine what I’d do when I didn’t have her show playing in the background as I cooked dinner for my family. I am so excited for her to have time for herself, but I knew I needed more time to start loving a new show as much as I love hers! I know it sounds crazy, but I made my husband order us Satellite through http://www.directSTARtv.com so that I could record all of her shows from the last season. We actually ended up saving money on it, since if we didn’t have them recorded I would have had to I still watch a recorded episode every day at 4:00, but assume I will get tired of re-watching the old episodes soon. Does anyone have a suggestion for an Oprah replacement? I’m missing her being on air already, and it hasn’t even been a year!

This year’s American Idol Finale came down to two 16-year-olds, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. 90 million people tuned in to watch it and there were 122 million votes casted. Scotty McCreery, who is a country singer, won the finals.

The results show also featured performances by Tony Bennet, Steven Tyler, Lady Gaga, Marc Anthony, Beyonce, Judas Priest and Tom Jones.

This years show had many surprises, including a surprise elimination of Pia Toscano, who was eliminated at top 7, but got a record deal the next day. I really wanted her to win and was disappointed to see her go home so early. James Durbin who performed mostly rock and metal was also a favorite of mine and many, who got eliminated at the top 4 show.

Next year Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson will be back as judges, but Jennifer Lopez only had a one year contract and it is not yet known if she will sign on again.

Guest written by our friend Clara Castro

Even though it’s not on right now my favorite competition show is So You Think You Can Dance. I love this show I just don’t think the other dancing shows compare to it. The judges on the show are all previous dancers or choreographers and I think they really know what they are talking about. In fact I feel as though I’ve learned more about professional dancing now that I’ve watched this show for so many years.

I had to quit voting for my favorites though, because they kept losing. I felt like I was a bad luck charm for them. I really enjoyed the addition of the all-stars last year. I got to watch some of my favorite dancers from past years dance again.

I watch the show on Expert Satellite TV. In fact I saved a show from the series and watch my favorite dance from it occasionally. It was from season 2 and the dance was RamaLama. The dance was choreographed by Wade Robson who is my favorite choreographer on the show. He hasn’t been creating dances much for them the last two years and I have really missed his unusual style. No other choreographer has been able to take his place for me. I wish they would have it on more often. I always have it to look forward to this summer.

Whether one is a frequent or occasional TV viewer, the act of recording shows, movies and/or series, can be either a wonderful extension of enjoyment or a source of tremendous stress.Choosing the provider and system that properly fits one’s needs is one way to insure the former rather than the latter.

All major TV viewing service providers offer such a system in the form of a DVR (Digital Video Recorder), as an optional upgrade.Frequently this upgrade is included in promo packages either totally free or for a minimal additional fee.In either case, it can add a new dimension to viewing pleasure.Having the ability to watch recorded fare at one’s leisure, at a comfortable pace, with those of your choice and, if you choose, with limited commercial interruption, presents a wonderful alternative to “regularly scheduled” offerings.

In Southern California, DirectTV, Time Warner Cable and Dish Network are the three major TV service providers and all tout their DVR’s as being superior.There are so many variables that one would have to be something of an expert to understand them all.However, by reading the descriptions of all of them and then deciding on the intended usage of the DVR, it becomes easier to select the one which best meets the intended needs. Below you can find some helpful links to more information:

- Direct TV with directsattv.com

- Cable TV with comcast.com

- Handy TV Service Guide

The DVR is only one of the many deciding factors in the choice of the TV service provider.While the features of the DVR may be the paramount reason for the choice, the others, such as price, reliability, channel selection, etc., will probably take precedence.If that becomes the case, since each provider only offers one DVR choice, the comparison is more for information than for choice.

In the end, whether or not to add a DVR will probably be the one ultimate choice. The enjoyment, flexibility and value derived from the addition of any DVR, makes this decision relatively easy and highly recommended.

Posted By: Signal Television

Major companies like Nike, Adidas and Sony Electronics are purring in millions of dollars in World Cup Soccer advertising. Nike is the official sponsor of World Cup and is providing most the shoes to the players. One of their ads has been getting a buzz even before World Cup started and can be viewed below. The ad features many famous soccer players such as Wayne Rooney of England and Christian Ronaldo of Portugal. It even features Kobe Bryant.

Adidas provided the soccer ball, which has been very controversial so far. The ball is supposed to be the latest in ball technology and is made of one piece.  It is said to be 5% faster. Players have complained that the ball acts weird or is too slippery. Several goalies also blamed the ball for their loss.

Sony Electronics has been displaying banners around the court, which can be predominately viewed when watching the games.

It has been said that 3 seconds of World Cup advertising on TV costs around $250,000.

A survey of the Social Media sites by Melwater Buzz, showed that the users are getting involved with the major advertiser brands. The most conversation in May 24th to June 20th were as follows: Nike 27%,  Adidas 23%, Sony 11%, Coca-Cola 9% and Hyundai and Kia at 7%.

Guest blogger Rick Meriss wrote this.

Spring might mean the start of the baseball season to some people, but in my house it’s the kick off to the Major League Soccer season. Nothing makes me more excited than turning on Direct tv and seeing that the Columbus Crew are back for another dominating season. With so many of the players returning from last year’s second straight Supporters Shield winning team, it seems like it will be impossible to stop us this season!

Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s return has been secured as the Crew’s first ever designated player and continues to help the team produce. Sure David Beckham sells more tickets and Cuauhtémoc Blanco might be a little more well known, but neither one of them have affected the landscape of the MLS as much as Schelotto. With him helping lead a team full of potential US National team players, the club can only go up.

Speaking of international play, the competition for the World Cup will be starting soon. Needless to say soccer fever will fully consume my house by the time America takes the pitch against England! It’s going to be a great year for watching soccer.