Why I don't miss cable television

We live in Santa Barbara. Broadcast television is only possible for those with advanced degrees in electrical engineering and who can build towering complex antennas. For the rest of us to consider getting any channels with any reception you need cable.

Our local cable provider is Cox. In December I called Cox and said turn off the cable TV.

When you call the cable company to quit, they have a special department they connect you with. This is the "retention team". Their mission to keep you on board. They are usually very successful.

"Why do you want to cancel your cable television"

"To save close to $700 a year. And there is nothing to watch." When I mean nothing to watch, I mean nothing we cared about anymore. Netflix provides an endless variety of programming. The Internet delivering news, weather and a bounty of video on top of Netflix (like TED)

"If you sign up for two years will give you more channels for the same money"

"Nope, the channels you are offering are not interesting."

"If you sign up for two years we'll give you a special discount"

"So loyal customers pay more?"

"No, it's just that we want you to stay" And offers of DVRs, kitchen sinks etc. poured forth.

In the end, the retention expert surrendered to my recalcitrance wishing me a sharp "good life."

So far we have saved over $250 in the first 5 months. We have missed being glued to the horrors of the tsunami that wrecked parts of Japan. Missed the horror of the floods and tornados and Osama being killed. Rather we missed all the fluff that you have to get with the broadcast news. The teasers, the talking heads. They can have them.

I read that young adults are leading the charge dropping cable or never even getting it to start with. They lead, we follow. Next to go, the land line.

Life is good.