The debacle...

In mid-August I did something that I've heard lots about, but knew no-one who had actually done it. I cut the cable TV. Completely. Zero. Zilch. Nada. In order to somewhat compensate, I beefed up the Internet access to higher upload and download speeds, as well as an increase in the monthly data cap.

This has now transformed into a full out family brawl, to which I've become particularly obstinate. You see, David returned from Korea this last weekend, and wants to get his hockey fix. Laura wants the fix too. After the tremendously fulfilling Canucks season last year (if you don't read the sarcasm, let me assure you that it's there), I have no doubt why.

I figured that with my redneck antenna, you could get CBC quite well, and you can. I didn't know that CBC doesn't carry all of the games, for that you'd need SportsNet. SportsNet isn't available over-the-air. Hence the argument.

Both Laura and Dave have offered to pay for all or most of the cable required to get hockey on for this season. Problem is that I think Laura's cash could be better spent (she is the only breadwinner in the household right now), and Dave is a starving artist that can better use his funds. And I'm pulling the "I'm an asshole" card and saying "no" regardless.

My argument is that, other than some hockey (non-CBC) there isn't anything worth watching that we can't find some other way - be it over-the-air, Netflix, or downloaded. Hockey is the casualty. Since I'm no hockey fan, it doesn't bother me at all. But I do understand that the other members of the family (note that both Kathryn and David are only here for a few short weeks, and Kath could care less) love it. I can't say I love (or even like) the "hockey shrapnel" left in the house during and after a game. The yelling at the TV confuses me.

So am I being a "ruthless redneck" or just "ahead of the curve"?