As I was getting in my car the other morning, I noticed a most distressing sight. The oak trees lining the parking lot were displaying a palette of greens, and various shades of yellows and reds. “Seriously?,” I thought. “That early?”

Indeed, it was true. I closed my eyes, and in the time it takes to blink came the stark realization that Summer is coming to an end, and Fall is just around the corner. I do love Fall – it’s my favorite time of year; but I haven’t even stepped foot on a beach or – otherwise truly enjoyed the Summer. How can it possibly be the dog days already? Ya know?

I'm not ready for the new school year to begin – although the PTA is doing their best to otherwise get us excited. So much so in fact that, in the mail today, I received some sort of raffle garbage. They want the kids to sell tickets to raffle off a Sansui 37” widescreen TV. Sansui? Come on - I don’t think so. What kind of crap is that? The name sounds like someone sneezed. I'm sure the product is worthy of something you’d find at a Five Below (translated, a deep, deep discount store).

I can see it now. I’m sitting poised to beat the crap out of Nick in a fierce competition of Kings and Queens on Guitar Hero – Aerosmith (‘cause I’m *that* cool!). I’m ahead, but just barely. My Xbox 360 HD’s image is being broadcast in widescreen glory when – pooooof! The TV overheats, blows out the video portion, and all I’m left with is the sound of “bwoff, bwoff, bwoff.” Now anyone who’s played Guitar Hero knows what those sounds are – missed notes and the ultimate Crash and BURN baby! What the “!@#$%^&” … “Piece of !@#$%%@#$” …

Nick comes running out of his room – “hey, why’d you quit?” Then he cheerfully glances at the TV and its demise – “oh yeah, that’s my cheap-assed school for ya. Ha! Ha! You lose.”

Oh well, I’m quite happy with my older 42” widescreen HD Hitachi rear projection TV. Of course, after knocking the knock-off (Sansui) and kharma being what it is, the Hitachi is now sure to die before the end of the year. My magic 8-ball even told me so. When asked – point blank – if it will last through the year, it informed me “Outlook not so good.”

Hmmm. Maybe I’d better stock up on those raffle tickets after all. I’m beginning to see Sansui in a whole new favorable light.

Hey Nick, don't throw that envelope out bud! Anyone want to buy a ticket? ;)

---

Tag this article: