Why can't they give us our tv EVERYWHERE, easily?

I fired up my XBOX 360, since there is STILL no support on XBOX ONE for the following:
- HBO GO
- Showtime Anytime
- Dozens of others

I was able to run & authenticate HBO GO easily, but Showtime Anytime wasn't so easy.

First, since I tried authenticating on the iPad, the site assumed (incorrectly) that I would much prefer the "Showtime Anytime" App.  I would not.  My TV screen is considerably larger than that of my iPad.

So I switched over to the MacBook Air. Safari kept saying "The Primary Account holder for this account must register for Showtime Anytime first."  So I switched to Firefox.  Same thing.  Turned to the Windows desktop.  Same thing.

I've been a Showtime subscriber for nearly two decades.  Why can't "they" just give good service?

NOT Being Digital?

Back in 1995, I bought a book called "Being Digital" by Nicholas Negroponte.  Negroponte is the founder of the MIT Media Lab, as well as the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) Project.

I read it cover-to-cover several times, and it had a strong influence on me at the time, and many of the predictions made within it turned out to be right on the money.

Somewhere along the way, I lost it.  I don't know if I loaned it out and never got it back, misplaced it in a move - I just don't know where it went.  So I wanted to replace it, and read it again.

Now that I live in the bright, shining digital future Negroponte foretold, I wanted to buy it in digital form to read on my iPad.  Get this - it's not available in readable digital form.  It's only available in print and audiobook (narrated by Penn Jillette).  WTF?!?

Bought an iPad. Still have no idea what I "need" it for.

This past weekend I bought an iPad (1st gen, wi-fi only) second-hand.  Apparently the woman I bought it from had purchased it about 2 weeks before the iPad 2 was released.  Once she saw the iPad 2, she got buyers remorse and decided she wanted the new one instead.  So I picked up an immaculate iPad for $300 cash.  I really don't care about the fact that the iPad 2 is faster/better/lighter/has a camera.  I just had a case of peperoncini en culo to buy a new gadget, and this iPad hit the spot. ;)

The iPad did not come with this wallpaper... ;)

It's a very cool device, but I still have no real use for it.  Since I am never without my iPhone 4, the iPad sort of feels like a larger, yet lesser device.  That said, it's slowly taking over for my Mac when it comes to casual browsing while watching TV.  So that's something. :)

I then went to the Apple Store and bought a Griffin Airstrap case. 

 

The case is solid, but a little too solid around the sleep/wake and volume buttons.  I'm considering a little surgery a-la dremel to remove the plastic in that area.  Even until then, it provides very good protection for that aluminum back, and has a handy strap to slide your hand into.

Something I noticed while waiting at the Apple Store

I arrived at the apple store at approximately 8pm.  (Dropped the phone at 7:20 or so.)

I was standing at the Genius Bar from 8:05 until 8:40 or so.

During that time, at least TEN iPads were sold.  Hmm...