How to watch the bowl games: Day 13

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two were on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, will be on January 10. In all, 86 schools will have played games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

The Games

Five bowl games, including two semifinal playoff games, are scheduled today.

Friday, December 31

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

11:00 AM on ESPN

Wake Forest (10-3) vs. Texas A&M (8-4) Rutgers (5-7)

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

2:00 PM on CBS

Washington State (7-5) vs. Miami (7-5) Central Michigan (8-4)

Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl

2:00 PM on Barstool Sports app

Central Michigan (8-4) vs. Boise State (7-5)

College Football Playoff Semifinal: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

3:30 PM on ESPN

No. 4 Cincinnati (13-0) vs. No. 1 Alabama (12-1)

College Football Playoff Semifinal: Capital One Orange Bowl

7:30 PM on ESPN

No. 3 Georgia (12-1) vs. No. 2 Michigan (12-1)

How to Watch

Apart from the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl, which will be streamed free on the Barstool Sports app, every other game will be on a streaming service.

Here are the services for each network.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

CBS

If you have an antenna, you can watch for free. If not, and you decide to go with a streaming service, you have some options:

• Antenna (free)
• Paramount+ ($10)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

If you have an antenna for the broadcast networks, the cheapest way to watch all of the bowl games is Sling Orange ($35). If you don't have an antenna, the cheapest way to watch them all is with Sling TV (Orange) ($35) and Paramount+ ($10). Otherwise, either YouTube TV, or Fubo ($65) is the cheapest single service.

How to watch the bowl games: Day 12

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two were on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, will be on January 10. In all, 86 schools will have played games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

The Games

Four bowl games are scheduled today, all on ESPN.

Thursday, December 30

Duke's Mayo Bowl

11:30 AM on ESPN

North Carolina (6-6) vs. South Carolina (6-6)

TransPerfect Music City Bowl

3:00 PM on ESPN

Tennessee (7-5) vs. Purdue (8-4)

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

7:00 PM on ESPN

Michigan State (10-2) vs. Pittsburgh (11-2)

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl

10:30 PM on ESPN

Wisconsin (8-4) vs. Arizona State (8-4)

How to Watch

All four of today's games will be on a streaming service that carries ESPN. Here are the services.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

The cheapest way to watch all of the bowl games is Sling Orange ($35).

How to watch the bowl games: Day 11

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two were on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, will be on January 10. In all, 86 schools will have played games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

The Games

Four games are scheduled today, all on ESPN. They range from a matchup of 6-6 teams to a matchup between two 10-win teams.

Wednesday, December 29

Wasabi Fenway Bowl

11 AM on ESPN

Southern Methodist (8-4) vs. Virginia (6-6)

New Era Pinstripe Bowl

2:15 PM on ESPN

Maryland (6-6) vs. Virginia Tech (6-6)

Cheez-It Bowl

5:45 PM on ESPN

Clemson (9-3) vs. Iowa State (7-5)

Valero Alamo Bowl

9:15 PM on ESPN

Oregon (10-3) vs. Oklahoma (10-2)

How to Watch

Today's games, like most of the bowl games, will be on a streaming service that carries ESPN. Here are the services.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

The cheapest way to watch all of the bowl games is Sling Orange ($35).

How to watch the bowl games: Day 10

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two were on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, will be on January 10. In all, 86 schools will have played games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

The Games

Five games are on the schedule today.

Tuesday, December 28

TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl

12 PM on ESPN

Houston (11-2) vs. Auburn (6-6)

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

3:15 PM on ESPN

Air Force (9-3) vs. Louisville (6-6)

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

6:45 PM on ESPN

Mississippi State (7-5) vs. Texas Tech (6-6)

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl

8:00 PM on Fox

California-Los Angeles (8-4) vs. North Carolina State (9-3)

Guaranteed Rate Bowl

10:15 PM on ESPN

West Virginia (6-6) vs. Minnesota (8-4)

How to Watch

Today's game will be on a streaming service, with one of the games also available over the air.

Here are the services for each network.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Sling Orange + Blue ($50)
• Vidgo ($55)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

Fox

If you have an antenna, you can watch for free. If not, and you decide to go with a streaming service, you have some options:

• Antenna (free)
• Sling Blue, select markets only ($35)
• Sling Orange + Blue ($50)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

If you have an antenna for the broadcast networks, the cheapest way to watch all of the bowl games is Sling Orange ($35). If you don't have an antenna, the cheapest way to watch them all is with either Hulu+Live TV, YouTube TV, or Fubo. They're $65. Note that Hulu+Live TV will go up on price by $5 on December 21.

How to watch the bowl games: Day 9

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two were on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, will be on January 10. In all, 86 schools will have played games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

Today's Games

Two games are scheduled for today

Monday, December 27

Quick Lane Bowl

11 AM on ESPN

Western Michigan (7-5) vs. Nevada (8-4)

Military Bowl

2:30 PM on ESPN

Boston College (6-6) vs. East Carolina (7-5)

How to Watch

Like most games, today's games will be on a streaming service that carries ESPN. Here are the services.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

The cheapest way to watch all of the bowl games is Sling Orange ($35).

A TV Browser?

I visit Roku support Websites a lot. I'm not the one asking for help usually. I offer assistance to other Roku users. I don't usually have Roku issues. The devices I've purchased have been good devices. But, some people have issues, and that's to be expected.

Sometimes the issue is because of expectations that are unrealistic. One that pops up often is when a new Roku user thinks he can watch anything he wants anytime at all for free. A lot of new Roku users seem to think it's some magic box that gets all the cable channels for free. By the way, if you're one of those, stop thinking that right now. Those magic boxes don't exist.

Another one that pops up from time to time is complaints that there isn't a browser. I've never understood that complaint. I've used an on-screen browser. Fire TV devices have the Silk browser, for instance, and I've used that. It's awful.

The main problem is a keyboard. Have you ever tried to use an on-screen keyboard? Sure you have. And you don't like it. Me no like too. If I have to type in something on screen, say a password, I'll pull out my phone and use the remote app on the phone to type something in. Or, most likely, paste from my password manager.

Which brings me to the reason I think a browser is a waste of effort. If I have to use a keyboard, I can accomplish the same thing with my laptop, my tablet, or my phone. I can fine something on my phone and have it cast or mirror to my TV. I have enough devices with keyboards, virtual or actual keyboards, that I don't need a remote with a keyboard. And without a keyboard, I'm really not in the mood to use an on-screen keyboard with a remote.

But still, while I don't understand why so many people -- a large number but a small percentage -- want a browser on their streaming device, the fact is that some people do. If that's you, try a Fire TV device. It is an easy to use device, has lots of apps available, including a browser, and is or will be on sale a lot of the time.

While a streaming device browser isn't for me, if it's for you, you have a pretty good option with a Fire TV device. If that will improve your Streaming Life, then it's a good thing.

How to watch the bowl games: Day 8

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two are on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, is on January 10. In all, 86 schools will be playing games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

Today's Game

There is a single game scheduled today.

Saturday, December 25

TaxAct Camellia Bowl

2:30 PM on ESPN

Georgia State (7-5) vs. Ball State (6-6)

How to Watch

Today's game, like most games, will be on a streaming service that carries ESPN. Here are the services.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

The cheapest way to watch all of the bowl games is Sling Orange ($35).

Christmas Day

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

-- The Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 1-20.

Christmas Eve

As we approach Christmas, we're breaking to offer this classic, that you may remember from your childhood, or which your children or grandchildren may in future remember from theirs.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer,
With a little old driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the housetop the coursers they flew
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

-- Clement Clarke Moore

And to you and yours, a happy Christmas!

How to watch the bowl games: Day 7

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two were on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, will be on January 10. In all, 86 schools will have played games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

The Games

Friday, December 24

EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl

8:00 PM on ESPN

Memphis (6-6) vs. Hawai'i (6-7)

How to Watch

Like most games, today's game will be on a streaming service that carries ESPN. Here are the services.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

The cheapest way to watch all of the bowl games is Sling Orange ($35).

Watching the bowl games: Day 6

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two were on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, will be on January 10. In all, 86 schools will have played games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

The Games

Thursday, December 23

Frisco Football Classic

3:30 PM on ESPN

North Texas (6-6) vs. Miami University (6-6)

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl

7:00 PM on ESPN

Central Florida (8-4) vs. Florida (6-6)

How to Watch

Both of today's games will be on a streaming service that carries ESPN. Here are the services.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

The cheapest way to watch all of the bowl games is Sling Orange ($35).

Watching the bowl games: Day 5

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two were on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, will be on January 10. In all, 86 schools will have played games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

Wednesday, December 22

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

8:00 PM on ESPN

Missouri (6-6) vs. Army (8-3)

How to Watch

Today's game will be on a streaming service that carries ESPN. Here are those services.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

The cheapest way to watch the game is Sling Orange ($35).

Not trying to be a Grinch, but...

Roku's blog published a list last week of their top 10 most searched Christmas movies. I'm not sure what

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
3. A Christmas Story
4. A Christmas Carol
5. Elf
6. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
7. Christmas With the Kranks
8. Home Alone
9. The Polar Express
10. Disney’s A Christmas Carol

Here's my issue. It's not the movies exactly, but it really kind of is. If it searched for "Grinch" would that count as number 1 or number 6 on the list? I have a problem with either one.

You see, if I search for "Grinch," I'm not looking for Benedict Cumberbatch (#6) or Jim Carrey (#1). I'm looking for Boris Karloff and Thurl Ravenscroft. The thing is, you can't watch it unless you own it. It's not available for free streaming. But you can buy it from Amazon or from some other service.

I thought that perhaps that was why they didn't count it, but other movies on the list require a subscription or purchase. So, I'm wondering if the searches for either of those two movies are actually for those two movies, or if searches for the original classic are being counted that way.

Of course, maybe they were able to count them correctly, and the Chuck Jones classic animated feature is there, just not in the top ten. It could be that my personal preferences are clouding my view of this. I have nothing against the Universal/Illumination feature from 2018. In fact, I own a copy. Not for me, but for the grandchildren.

I'm not going to say I have nothing against the Jim Carrey movie. I was tired of him about the time Fire Marshall Bill retired. I never cared for his Grinch movie. But, yes, I own it. For the grandchildren. I mean, just because it's not for me doesn't mean it's not for them.

Back to the question about the search results. Well, I just don't know the answer, and I wonder if Roku knows ... or cares. It's not that big of a deal I suppose. I just prefer anything presented as fact be actual fact. I also prefer Boris Karloff as the Grinch, and Thurl Ravenscroft singing "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch." But, if you prefer one or both of the others, that's great. They're available for streaming, and you can watch them this Christmas season. You can have the Grinch you want in your Streaming Life, whether it's my Grinch or not.

Watching the bowl games: Day 4

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two are on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, is on January 10. In all, 86 schools will be playing games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

Today's Games

Two games are scheduled today, and they're not available over the air. You need a streaming service to watch them.

Tuesday, December 21

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

3:30 PM on ESPN

Kent State (7-6) vs. Wyoming (6-6)

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl

7:30 PM on ESPN

Texas-San Antonio (12-1) vs. San Diego State (11-2)

How to Watch

Today's games are being streamed on ESPN.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries today's games. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• Hulu+Live TV ($70)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

The cheapest way to watch today's bowl games is Sling Orange, at $35.

Google vs Disney settled

It only took a couple of days, but the dispute between Google and Disney is no more. Well, at least they reached an agreement that put the Disney owned channels back on YouTube TV. One week of no bowl games must have done it, huh?

YouTube TV users lost 18 channels from their lineup due to the dispute. On Saturday, these channels were removed from YouTube TV:

• Local ABC affiliate
• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ESPN3 (by authentication to the ESPN app)
• ESPNU
• ESPNEWS
• SEC Network
• ACC Network
• Disney Channel
• Disney Junior
• Disney XD
• FX
• FXX
• FXM
• National Geographic
• National Geographic Wild
• Freeform
• ABC News Live

On Sunday afternoon, Google sent an email to subscribers and updated their Website to reflect the return of the channels.

We're happy to share that we've reached a deal with Disney to return their content to YouTube TV while preserving a $64.99/mo. price for our members. We've already started to restore access to Disney networks like ESPN and FX, including their live and on-demand content, as well as any recordings that were previously in your Library. We will also be turning on your local ABC stations over the course of the day. Don't worry, your personal preferences and recommendations will be just as you left them.

As we promised a $15 discount while the Disney content remained off platform, we will still honor a one-time credit for all impacted Base Plan members.

I'm glad to see the dispute settled. But what about the impact? Short term, YouTube TV subscribers got a $15 credit, or will get it at the end of the current cycle, in exchange for losing a dozen and a half channels for less than two days. Long term? I don't know. Since no details have been released, we don't the terms. But I'm worried about it. According to Bloomberg, Disney said the agreement had "fair terms ... consistent with the market."

"We appreciate Google's collaboration to reach fair terms that are consistent with the market," Disney said in its statement Sunday. "We're thrilled that our robust lineup of live sports and news plus kids, family and general entertainment programming is in the process of being restored to YouTube TV subscribers across the country."

That sounds like a price increase to me. DirecTV Stream is raising the prices on all but its cheapest service next month. It wouldn't shock me to see YouTube TV raise rates in 2022. Of course, it may be that rates would have gone up anyway. Still, the terms Disney used are vague but sound to me like a price increase. Maybe not as much as they wanted, but I'm thinking they got something. And what am I basing this on? Nothing except cynicism. I got a ton of that.

For now, if you are a subscriber to YouTube TV, you have the Disney owned channels back in your lineup. Your Streaming Life is back to normal. For now.

Watching the bowl games: Day 3

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two were on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, is on January 10. In all, 86 schools will have played games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

Monday, December 20

Myrtle Beach Bowl

2:30 PM on ESPN

Old Dominion (6-6) vs. Tulsa (6-6) 

How to Watch

Like most of the games, every other game will be on a streaming service.

Here are the services for each network.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• Hulu+Live TV ($65)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

The cheapest way to watch today's bowl game is Sling Orange, at $35.

Google vs Disney II

Well, it happened. ESPN and all Disney networks are off YouTube TV. At least for now.

Yesterday, Google sent a notice to subscribers telling them that negotiations with Disney had not resolved the issue, and the channels were no longer on the service. As a result, the price for the service will drop, at least while the channels are not in the lineup.

We will be decreasing our monthly price by $15, from $64.99 to $49.99, for the Base Plan while this content remains off of our platform. No action is needed on your part. A credit of $15 per month will automatically be issued. Once the content is unavailable, this credit will be applied to your next bill after December 17 and will only be visible to family managers in Settings > Billing after the charge has taken place. Please note that if you have a promotional price with YouTube TV, you can still expect a $15 credit. Members who are in a paused state will receive this credit one month after their first charge. Should we come to an agreement with Disney, we will adjust the price accordingly and will notify members via email beforehand.

The credit will be on the next bill, but I fully expect some people to bitch, moan, and complain that they haven't seen a credit, even though their next bill hasn't dropped. That's because people don't read. Or don't think.

Oh, I'm not talking about you and me. We're fine. But you know the people. I'm almost scared to read the support forums and pages. But I will. And I'll just be shaking my head.

Now, if you were expecting to see bowl games on YouTube TV, you're going to be disappointed. You'll need another service for this. You do have some options.

You could suspend your YouTube TV service for a month, essentially halting the billing, then pick it back up when the dispute is settled. In the meantime, you could subscribe to another service that carries ESPN. The cheapest is Sling TV (Orange), at $35. The service doesn't have as many channels as YouTube TV, but it does have ESPN. If you can get buy though the football season with the reduced channel lineup, and a single stream -- Sling Orange, the package with ESPN, only allows one stream -- and if you don't need local channels, or if you do have an antenna, then Sling TV (Orange) may be a good temporary solution. Heck, you may find it suits your needs and it may be a replacement for YouTube TV

In the meantime, the dispute continues, and we don't know how long it will last. Google can withstand it. So can Disney.

And who are we rooting for in this dispute? Personally, I don't have a dog in the fight. But I do want to see it resolved, so I'm rooting for a resolution. But who should win? I really haven't researched it. I suspect Google is who I'm for, though. I think. Google talks about a "fair price" on their Webpage, and if this is to be believed -- I don't dispute it, by the way -- then they're trying to keep their costs down. If the costs go up, so will your price. That's how things work.

If they can settle this dispute, and keep the prices down, this will be a good thing for you Streaming Life. Let's hope this is how it works out.

Watching the bowl games: Day 2

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two were yesterday, and the last one, the national championship game, is on January 10. In all, 86 schools will be playing games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

Saturday, December 18

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl

11:00 AM on ESPN

Western Kentucky (8-5) vs. Appalachian State (10-3)

Cricket Celebration Bowl

12:00 PM on ABC

South Carolina State (6-5) vs. Jackson State (11-1)

PUBG Mobile New Mexico Bowl

2:15 PM on ESPN

Texas-El Paso (7-5) vs. Fresno State (9-3)

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl

3:30 PM on ABC

Alabama-Birmingham (8-4) vs. Brigham Young (10-2)

LendingTree Bowl

5:45 PM on ESPN

Eastern Michigan (7-5) vs. Liberty (7-5)

Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl

7:30 PM on ABC

Utah State (10-3) vs. Oregon State (7-5)

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

9:15 PM on ESPN

Louisiana (12-1) vs. Marshall (7-5)

How to Watch

Every game today will be on a streaming service.

Here are the services for each network.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• Hulu+Live TV ($65)
• YouTube TV ($65) *
• Fubo ($65)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

ABC

If you have an antenna, you can watch for free. If not, and you decide to go with a streaming service, you have some options:

• Antenna (free)
• Vidgo ($55)
• Hulu+Live TV ($65)
• YouTube TV ($65) *
• Fubo ($65)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

If you have an antenna for the broadcast networks, the cheapest way to watch all of the bowl games is Sling Orange. If you don't have an antenna, the cheapest way to watch them all is with Vidgo, at $55.

NOTE: The Google-Disney dispute currently has ESPN, ABC, and all Disney networks off of YouTube TV. If the dispute is settled, the channels will return.

Watching the bowl games: Day 1

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two are today, and the last one, the national championship game, is on January 10. In all, 86 schools will be playing games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

Friday, December 17

Bahamas Bowl

12:00 PM on ESPN

Middle Tennessee (6-6) vs. Toledo (7-5)

Tailgreeter Cure Bowl

6:00 PM on ESPN2

Northern Illinois (9-4) vs. Coastal Carolina (10-2)

How to Watch

Every game today will be on a streaming service.

Here are the services for each network.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• Hulu+Live TV ($65)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

The cheapest way to watch today's bowl games is Sling Orange, at $35.

We'll provide this information throughout the bowl season. If you want to see a listing of all the bowls and how to watch them, see our earlier post here.

TCL Roku TVs

I've never been much on "smart TVs." I've had them, but only because I made my purchase without considering that aspect of the TV. I've had Roku and Apple TV devices since 2010, and didn't really need a smart TV. I had the smarts I wanted.

I say that because I have used a Roku TV extensively. I don't like it.

Let me explain.

For a time, there was a TCL TV that belonged to a family member that was available for me to use. She wasn't using it, and I wanted to try it, so I did. Now, in fairness, it was an older device. It wasn't the first generation of TCL Roku TVs, but it wasn't a current model when I began using it. It was a TCL Series 3, which is a low end model. I get all that. But, I do expect a device to perform well. This one didn't.

I've used other smart TVs, as I've said, but didn't buy them for their "smarts." However, I have tried the built in apps and interface, and find most of them lacking. Vizio is awful. I don't recall the others. I will say that Samsung's Android/Google TV is okay. I don't like the experience -- the interface and remote don't work all that well together; they're kind of awkward for me -- but it's better than Vizio and others I've used. I've also used Toshiba Fire TV devices. They're okay. Just a little awkward compared to using a Fire TV Stick and remote.

So how about Roku TV? Specifically, a TCL Roku TV? Actually, the interface is fine. The remote is very much like a standard Roku remote (which, really, it is). The experience is very Roku. That's a huge advantage, in my opinion, over the Toshiba Fire TV and Samsung Google/Android TV devices. Those others are similar, but not quite right. It's the remote, more than anything. But Roku TV? The experience is just like using a Roku. I like it.

But TCL TVs overall? I've only used the one, and as I said, it was a Series 3, and entry level device. However, the problem with it should be the resolution or picture quality, not the Roku interface. The problem is the Roku interface.

Sure, the picture quality on a cheap TV is cheap TV quality. But the Roku experience is not good. The TV is sluggish. It's like using a really really really old Roku.

So, I resolved it by taking a Roku Streaming Stick+ and just using the TV to see and hear. The Roku Streaming Stick+ gave me a proper Roku device.

Now, don't take this as an indictment of Roku TVs. I've used another TCL Roku TV that's a much newer and better device. It actually works fine. So, my conclusion? Like everything else, a TCL Roku TV can work great or work poorly.

I've had some issues with my TV lately -- no, not a Roku TV, but a TV with a Roku attached -- and it may be time to replace it. I don't like that, and I'd rather not spend the money, particularly at Christmas. If I can limp along through the holidays, I'll be deciding when to replace the TV. I'm not sure if I'll choose a TCL Roku TV, to be honest. I'm going to do some research and figure out just what I need to do.

I hope it makes it through the first of the year. No TV, no Streaming Life. And that just won't do.

Amazon Fire TV profiles

There is a feature of the Amazon Fire TV platform that I do like. If you've been paying attention, you know that I prefer Roku's interface to the Amazon interface. But, there is something about Amazon that I like better: Profiles.

With Amazon Fire TV, you can create profiles for different users. Each user can have his own menu of apps. I originally wrote "library of apps" but that's not accurate. The library or pool of apps is the same. However, you don't have to show all your apps. You pick which ones you see and which ones you don't.

The apps are the same across the profiles, as you might expect -- or not expect -- meaning that the apps are logged in on the same account. If you have profiles within the apps -- such as Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and others have -- you pick those within the particular apps.

It's a handy feature, and one that I wish Roku would add. This definitely goes in the "plus" column for Fire TV, if you are comparing devices. If you can't make your mind up between getting a Roku or a Fire TV device, the inclusion of profiles may just tip the scales in favor of Fire TV. It would be a great addition to your Streaming Life.

Google vs Disney

Just a few days ago, Google and Roku settled their differences, allowing Google's YouTube TV app to return to the Roku Channel Store and kept the YouTube app available. Now, Google and Disney are in a dispute.

Google sent an email to YouTube TV users this week letting them know that the service could lose Disney's channels if an agreement isn't in place by Friday. Currently, YouTube TV has the following Disney channels:

• Local ABC affiliate
• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ESPN3 (by authentication to the ESPN app)
• ESPNU
• ESPNEWS
• SEC Network
• ACC Network
• Disney Channel
• Disney Junior
• Disney XD
• FX
• FXX
• FXM
• National Geographic
• National Geographic Wild
• Freeform
• ABC News Live

The email included a link to a Web page set up by Google for the dispute, and a promise to drop the monthly price by $15/month if the channels are removed.

If we are unable to reach a deal by Friday, December 17, 2021, the Disney portfolio of channels will no longer be available on YouTube TV starting December 17, and we will decrease our monthly price by $15, from $64.99 to $49.99 (while this content remains off of our platform). This discount will apply to all Base Plan members billed during the period when Disney content is not available on YouTube TV and will be via a credit or, in select cases, applied directly. No action is needed on your part.

Something similar happened recently with Google and NBCUniversal, when Google promised a $10/month drop if they didn't reach an agreement. They reached an agreement.

Google is also suggesting users subscribe to the Disney Bundle in order to access some Disney channels. Of course, if you are familiar with the Disney Bundle, you know that doesn't begin to make up for the lost channels. However, that's Disney's fault. You can't get the ESPN channels with the Disney Bundle. Yes, ESPN+ is part of that, but ESPN+ is not the same as ESPN, not by a long shot.

Is you're a YouTube TV user, and if you lose Disney channels this weekend, your best option may be to suspend your YouTube TV subscription and use another service. Sling TV is the cheapest, but the lineup may not be enough for you. But, I suspect if they don't reach an agreement, you can deal with the smaller lineup of channels from a cheaper service for the duration.

Personally, I hope they do resolve the issue. I'm not a regular user of YouTube TV, so I won't be impacted, but I do want those that do use the service to have the option. YouTube TV is a good option for a live streaming service. It's not a part of my Streaming Life, but it's worth considering as a part of yours, if they can hammer out an agreement with Disney.

Fawesome

One of the best things about streaming is that you can find some good content for free. One of the bad things is that many times, the free content isn't good. But that's how life is, right?

Fawesome is one of those services. It has some good stuff, and some not so good stuff. I'm a fan of both. Sure, liking good stuff makes sense, but I also will watch a bad movie just because it's a bad movie. Side note: I've seen all of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 films in their original uncut form (except for two). Yeah, I will watch a bad movie.

But to be fair, Fawesome isn't all about bad movies. It's about good movies too. Some are films I've seen before and enjoyed, including The Hunt for Red October, Galaxy Quest, Halloween, and ... um ... well, okay, not a huge selection of good movies that I've seen. Most of the films I've seen are in the bad movie variety. But, still enjoyable. And, of course, there are plenty of good movies that I haven't seen.

There are also TV series available. One pairing you might want to try is Danger Man (Secret Agent in the USA) followed by The Prisoner. After that, decide if John Drake is Number Six.

The name "Fawesome" seems to stand for "free awesome" movies. I'll give them the free part. Awesome? Well, I'll admit some are pretty good. Is it a worthwhile addition to your streaming device? Sure, why not. It's available on all the major platforms, and may have something you enjoy.

It's on my Roku device, and it's something I'll continue to watch from time to time. It's not an everyday, go-to app, but it does have some stuff I'll watch. Maybe it will add to your Streaming Life as well.

Paramount+ live TV channels

Paramount+ has offered live TV since it came into being and replaced CBS All Access. If you have the $10/month plan, you get local live CBS -- well, most of the time; you can't watch some special content, such as this week's airing of Frosty the Snowman -- but in general, you can watch you local CBS affiliate. You can also watch CBSN (news), CBS Sports HQ, ET Live, and some occasional sports programming.

Until this week, that was the extent of the live TV offerings from Paramount+. That selection has grown. Now, to be sure, it's nowhere near the number of live streams available form Pluto TV or Xumo, but some is quite interesting. And, these are available on all Paramount+ plans.

Since there are only 18 new streams added, that's easy to list. The newly available streams are:

• SpongeBob Universe
• PAW Patrol
• Kids & Family Fun
• Preschool Corner
• Animation Favorites
• TV Classics
• Nostalgic Hits
• Star Trek
• Crime & Justice
• All Day Drama
• History & Undiscovered
• Reality TV: Competition
• Survivor
• The Challenge
• Reality TV: Shores
• Black Voices
• 24/7 Laughs
• Adult Animation

They are pretty much what the name says. The Star Trek channel is all the Star Trek series, including the new ones. Reality TV Shores is all of those reality TV shows that have "shores" in the name: Jersey Shore, Floribama Shores, and so on. Black Voices has programming from The Game, Dave Chappelle, etc. Twilight Zone, Hawaii 5-0, I Love Lucy, and similar programming is on TV Classics. You get the idea.

While the number of streams isn't great, the selection is pretty darn good. Some are things that I wouldn't care about at all, but other are right up my alley.

You'll probably be able to find something to enhance your Streaming Life.

How to watch the bowl games

There are 44 college bowl games/playoff games this year. The first two are on December 17, and the last one, the national championship game, is on January 10. In all, 86 schools will be playing games this post-season.

Streamers used to have a difficult time watching the games live -- at least legally -- but that changed in the 2015 season when the first live streaming service, Sling TV, launched. Now, there are several live streaming services, and you have lots of options when it comes to watching bowl games.

The Games

Friday, December 17

Bahamas Bowl

12:00 PM on ESPN

Middle Tennessee (6-6) vs. Toledo (7-5)

Tailgreeter Cure Bowl

6:00 PM on ESPN2

Northern Illinois (9-4) vs. Coastal Carolina (10-2)

Saturday, December 18

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl

11:00 AM on ESPN

Western Kentucky (8-5) vs. Appalachian State (10-3)

Cricket Celebration Bowl

12:00 PM on ABC

South Carolina State (6-5) vs. Jackson State (11-1)

PUBG Mobile New Mexico Bowl

2:15 PM on ESPN

Texas-El Paso (7-5) vs. Fresno State (9-3)

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl

3:30 PM on ABC

Alabama-Birmingham (8-4) vs. Brigham Young (10-2)

LendingTree Bowl

5:45 PM on ESPN

Eastern Michigan (7-5) vs. Liberty (7-5)

Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl

7:30 PM on ABC

Utah State (10-3) vs. Oregon State (7-5)

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

9:15 PM on ESPN

Louisiana (12-1) vs. Marshall (7-5)

Monday, December 20

Myrtle Beach Bowl

2:30 PM on ESPN

Old Dominion (6-6) vs. Tulsa (6-6) 

Tuesday, December 21

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

3:30 PM on ESPN

Kent State (7-6) vs. Wyoming (6-6)

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl

7:30 PM on ESPN

Texas-San Antonio (12-1) vs. San Diego State (11-2)

Wednesday, December 22

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

8:00 PM on ESPN

Missouri (6-6) vs. Army (8-3)

Thursday, December 23

Frisco Football Classic

3:30 PM on ESPN

North Texas (6-6) vs. Miami University (6-6)

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl

7:00 PM on ESPN

Central Florida (8-4) vs. Florida (6-6)

Friday, December 24

EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl

8:00 PM on ESPN

Memphis (6-6) vs. Hawai'i (6-7)

Saturday, December 25

TaxAct Camellia Bowl

2:30 PM on ESPN

Georgia State (7-5) vs. Ball State (6-6)

Monday, December 27

Quick Lane Bowl

11 AM on ESPN

Western Michigan (7-5) vs. Nevada (8-4)

Military Bowl

2:30 PM on ESPN

Boston College (6-6) vs. East Carolina (7-5)

Tuesday, December 28

TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl

12 PM on ESPN

Houston (11-2) vs. Auburn (6-6)

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

3:15 PM on ESPN

Air Force (9-3) vs. Louisville (6-6)

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

6:45 PM on ESPN

Mississippi State (7-5) vs. Texas Tech (6-6)

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl

8:00 PM on Fox

California-Los Angeles (8-4) vs. North Carolina State (9-3)

Guaranteed Rate Bowl

10:15 PM on ESPN

West Virginia (6-6) vs. Minnesota (8-4)

Wednesday, December 29

Wasabi Fenway Bowl

11 AM on ESPN

Southern Methodist (8-4) vs. Virginia (6-6)

New Era Pinstripe Bowl

2:15 PM on ESPN

Maryland (6-6) vs. Virginia Tech (6-6)

Cheez-It Bowl

5:45 PM on ESPN

Clemson (9-3) vs. Iowa State (7-5)

Valero Alamo Bowl

9:15 PM on ESPN

Oregon (10-3) vs. Oklahoma (10-2)

Thursday, December 30

Duke's Mayo Bowl

11:30 AM on ESPN

North Carolina (6-6) vs. South Carolina (6-6)

TransPerfect Music City Bowl

3:00 PM on ESPN

Tennessee (7-5) vs. Purdue (8-4)

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

7:00 PM on ESPN

Michigan State (10-2) vs. Pittsburgh (11-2)

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl

10:30 PM on ESPN

Wisconsin (8-4) vs. Arizona State (8-4)

Friday, December 31

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

11:00 AM on ESPN

Wake Forest (10-3) vs. Texas A&M (8-4)

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

2:00 PM on CBS

Washington State (7-5) vs. Miami (7-5)

Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl

2:00 PM on Barstool Sports app

Central Michigan (8-4) vs. Boise State (7-5)

Saturday, January 1

Outback Bowl

12:00 PM on ESPN2

Penn State (7-5) vs. Arkansas (8-4)

Vrbo Citrus Bowl

1:00 PM on ABC

Iowa (10-3) vs. Kentucky (9-3)

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

1:00 PM on ESPN

Notre Dame (11-1) vs. Oklahoma State (11-2)

Rose Bowl

5:00 PM on ESPN

Ohio State (10-2) vs. Utah (10-3)

Allstate Sugar Bowl

8:45 PM on ESPN

Mississippi (10-2) vs. Baylor (11-2)

Tuesday, January 4

TaxAct Texas Bowl

9:00 PM on ESPN

Louisiana State (6-6) vs. Kansas State (7-5)

Friday, December 31

College Football Playoff Semifinal: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

3:30 PM on ESPN

No. 4 Cincinnati (13-0) vs. No. 1 Alabama (12-1)

College Football Playoff Semifinal: Capital One Orange Bowl

7:30 PM on ESPN

No. 3 Georgia (12-1) vs. No. 2 Michigan (12-1)

Monday, January 10

College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T

8:00 PM ESPN

Cotton Bowl winner vs Orange Bowl winner

How to Watch

Apart from the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl on December 31, which will be streamed free on the Barstool Sports app, every other game will be on a streaming service.

Here are the services for each network.

ESPN/ESPN2

ESPN carries the most games. A few are carried on ESPN2. All services that carry ESPN also carry ESPN2:

• Sling Orange ($35)
• Vidgo ($55)
• Hulu+Live TV ($65)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

ABC

If you have an antenna, you can watch for free. If not, and you decide to go with a streaming service, you have some options:

• Antenna (free)
• Vidgo ($55)
• Hulu+Live TV ($65)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

CBS

If you have an antenna, you can watch for free. If not, and you decide to go with a streaming service, you have some options:

• Antenna (free)
• Paramount+ ($10)
• Hulu+Live TV ($65)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

Fox

If you have an antenna, you can watch for free. If not, and you decide to go with a streaming service, you have some options:

• Antenna (free)
• Sling Blue, select markets only ($35)
• Hulu+Live TV ($65)
• YouTube TV ($65)
• Fubo ($65)
• DirecTV Stream ($70)

If you have an antenna for the broadcast networks, the cheapest way to watch all of the bowl games is Sling Orange. If you don't have an antenna, the cheapest way to watch them all is with either Hulu+Live TV, YouTube TV, or Fubo. They're $65. Note that Hulu+Live TV will go up on price by $5 on December 21.

Worrywarts

You would think that because the Google vs Roku dispute impacting YouTube TV is now resolved that people would be happy. But that's because you think rationally. Not everybody does.

I've been a contributor to the Roku user support forums for some time. Over the past few years, my contributions have increased greatly. Roku invited me to be a part of their Community Expert group. Part of the reason is that I'm always right.

Now, before you go and think I'm just some egotistical jackass (spoilers: I am), keep in mind that if I'm right, I'm right, but if I'm wrong, I learn from that and become right. My goal is to be right. I'm not looking to "change the facts" but rather to learn from the facts and adjust as more information is available. If I'm wrong, I'll adjust, and then I'll be right. So, the end result is, I'm always right.

Where am I going with this? Well, during this whole Roku vs Google thing, I wasn't fretting over it. A lot of people were, though.

Now, you may say, "But there was the chance the apps would leave for good. It was right to be worried." I'm not going to try to change your mind. That's a valid opinion based on the information available. But the time for worry is over.

Except for some people.

If you go to the Roku community support forums, you'll see some people still wringing their hands about the whole thing. "When will I need to start worrying again?" It's like these people want to worry about something. Spoilers: they do. They just want to worry about something.

You can't make some people happy. I just shake my head sometimes. Now, if they need help with something, I'll help them. Unless they're a bigger jackass than I am. And some are. Those, I'll leave them twisting. I'll give it a shot, but if they just want to bitch, moan, and complain, I'll walk away.

At the end of the day, a Roku device is just a silly little piece of electronics. A streaming app is just a piece of software for doing something that's often just mindless entertainment. It really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

If all I had to worry about was some hypothetical action that neither party wants to do, then I don't have enough to worry about. That's really way down on the list of important things.

Having said all that, I'm glad they resolved the dispute. My Streaming Life might not be as important as real life, but it is fun.

Roku vs Google, resolved

There has been a dispute between Roku and Google for some time that impacted the YouTube TV app, and could have impacted the YouTube app. If you had the YouTube TV app on Roku, you got to keep it, as long as you didn't uninstall it. If you didn't have the YouTube app, or if you uninstalled the YouTube TV app, you couldn't get it (or get it back).

Google said Roku was being unfair. Roku said Google was being unfair. I thought they were both to blame somewhat, but I thought the primary issue was Google, not Roku.

Keep in mind that I've been a Roku user, and a fan of Roku for over a decade. So, if you think my opinion was clouded by that, okay. But keep in mind that this Website is registered through Google, and is hosted by Google. And I also have a Google TV device (Chromecast with Google TV) that I like. Google Chrome is my default Web browser. So, I'm heavy into both parties.

Whoever was to blame doesn't really matter now. The issue has been resolved.

I'm glad to see it resolved. I figured it would be, but you never know for sure.

It doesn't really impact me though. I had the YouTube TV app on my Roku device before the whole dispute happened. I wasn't a subscriber, but never removed the app after I last dropped the service. As I've mentioned several times, I don't normally subscribe to a live streaming service except during college football season. And while the regular season is over, bowls are coming up. I normally use Sling TV, but I think I'll try YouTube TV, just to see if there are any new features since I last subscribed.

While the impact to me is minimal, the impact to others is much greater. I'm glad they got it resolved. This will make someone's Streaming Life easier.

CW app

All of the major broadcast TV networks have apps so you can watch the shows, current and past. There's always a catch, though. You have to authenticate against a TV provider: a cable, satellite, or streaming service. Most of those streaming services are $65/month or more. You can't just watch anything you want in the app for free.

Except, with the CW app, you can watch for free/

CW doesn't require authentication against a TV provider. You launch the app and you watch your shows. That's how you would want it to work, and how the CW app does work.

If you're a fan of the shows on the CW -- Legacies, Superman & Lois, Walker, Roswell New Mexico, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Riverdale, or any of the other shows -- this is a great and free way to watch them.

I realize that the CW isn't the most watched network -- according to Nielsen, it's the 8th most watched network -- but the fanbase is a pretty loyal one. Those that find shows to watch seem to really enjoy them.

As a streamer, I'm happy to see a major network offer content for free. If you had an antenna, you could watch it for free. But, with CW, you don't need an antenna. You can just watch the shows via the app on your streaming device.

If CW shows are of interest to you, you may find that the CW app will be a great addition, and help you enjoy your Streaming Life even more.

Blogs for cord cutters

While I am certainly happy that you've stopped by here, and I'm hoping my tips, suggestions, and comments might be helpful, I certainly know there are other places online that can help you as a cord cutter. Here are a few blogs that you might like.

Amazon Fire TV Blog

If you use Amazon Fire TV, you might find their blog useful for finding out about some of the features of that streaming platform. They don't post every day. In fact, they only post a handful of times a month. Last month, six times. The month before, 12 times. And, every post won't necessarily be something you absolutely need to know about, it's a good resource if you're in the Amazon ecosystem.

Chromecast Blog

For as much as Google does online, posting on the Chromecast Blog isn't anywhere near the top of their list. They have posted five times this year. That's it. But, I still check it every day. If there's something posted there, it's probably a big deal. Or somebody was assigned to "just post something." Kinda hard to tell. About half of one and half of the other, I suspect.

Tablo Blog

If you have an antenna and a Tablo device, you may find this useful. They post every couple of weeks, or more often when new features are introduced. And while much of it is "hey, we got a sale going on" kind of things, there are some articles that are for cord cutters, and antenna users in particular. You don't necessarily have to be a Tablo user, but the primary focus is their customers, same as the other blogs listed.

Air TV Blog

Air TV is another platform that lets you add an antenna to your local network. It's owned by Dish Network, who also owns Sling TV. And, while I'm listing this entry as the Air TV Blog, it's really the Sling TV news page. From the Air TV Website, the "blog" link takes you to the Sling TV news page, so I'm including this for that platform.

Plex Blog

Even if you don't use Plex server, the Plex Blog covers other functionality from the service. Plex has a selection of free streaming that you can use without running a Plex server. They don't post that often, but if you run a Plex server, it's worthwhile. Even if you don't run a Plex server, you can find updates about their free streaming content. It's worth a shot.

There are more blogs that you may find useful, but these are some that I check every day. If they make your Streaming Life a little easier, then I've done my job in bringing them to you.

College Football Playoffs: A better idea

They announced the four teams in the college football playoffs yesterday, and nobody was happy. Okay, four fan bases were happy. But there were some fan bases that could legitimately claim that their team was one of the four best teams. 

Notre Dame fans feel their team was one of the four best, despite the loss to Cincinnati two months ago. Big XII champ Baylor's two losses were to Oklahoma State, who they beat for the championship in a rematch, and to Texas Christian on an interception with a minute left in the game. Ohio State didn't make the Big Ten title game on a tie-breaker, but has been impressive the last half of the season. Even Mississippi, with two losses, one to SEC champ Alabama and the other to bowl-bound Auburn, can claim to be one of the better teams. This may upset Cincinnati fans, but how many of the top ten ranked teams would have gone 13-0 with the schedule the Bearcats had? I'm thinking all of them.

Regardless, this is what we have. But what we actually have isn't what we should have.

Several of us online -- me and some family and friends with an online presence -- have been proponents of a 16-team playoff for several years. I'll lay out the case for it.

Keep in mind that there is talk of the CFP expanding. Almost all of the schools want that. The sticking point is how many teams make the playoffs. Currently, there are four. One faction wants eight, and another faction wants twelve. We'll probably get twelve, but when that happens is unknown. But twelve isn't enough, at least according to me and my friends.

With 12 teams, you'll have four teams with a first round bye. But there is still that round. Two-thirds of the teams will play one more round. That means if one of those makes the championship, they'll have played one extra game. Upping to 16 levels that. Everyone who makes the second round and beyond will have played the same number of games.

If you have 12, going to 16 won't extend the season at all, because the round already exists. The 12-team plan just has four teams sitting out the first round. So, it would be more fair to have 16 teams rather than 12.

The 12-team format also will call for six conference champions -- the Power 5/Autonomy 5 champions and the highest ranked of the other five -- and the six best of the rest. The 16-team format allows all ten conference champions to make the playoffs. Win the SEC? You're in. Win the MAC? You're in. Win your conference, and you're in. That still leave six spots.

The six at-large spots would be the best teams that didn't win their conference. In the seven years of the CFP prior to this season, four teams that did not win their conference made the playoffs -- Alabama, Ohio State, and Notre Dame (twice) -- with one of those (Alabama) winning the championship.

I prefer that the ten conference champions get the top ten seeds, as a reward for winning their conference. That's how other football leagues do it, but we'll stick with the seeding of the CFP committee. It's more important to be in the field of 16 than where you are in the field of 16.

With that in mind, here's how the playoffs would look this year if they followed this plan:

1. Alabama (SEC)
2. Michigan (Big Ten)
3. Georgia (At-large)
4. Cincinnati (American)
5. Notre Dame (At-large)
6. Ohio State (At-large)
7. Baylor (Big XII)
8. Mississippi (At-large)
9. Oklahoma State (At-large)
10. Michigan State (At-large)
11. Utah (Pac 12)
12. Pittsburgh (ACC)
13. Louisiana (Sun Belt)
14. Texas-San Antonio (Conference USA)
15. Utah State (Mountain West)
16. Northern Illinois (Mid American)

If they put the ten conference champs as the top ten seeds, it would look like this:

1. Alabama (SEC)
2. Michigan (Big Ten)
3. Cincinnati (American)
4. Baylor (Big XII)
5. Utah (Pac 12)
6. Pittsburgh (ACC)
7. Louisiana (Sun Belt)
8. Texas-San Antonio (Conference USA)
9. Utah State (Mountain West)
10. Northern Illinois (Mid American)
11. Georgia (At-large)
12. Notre Dame (At-large)
13. Ohio State (At-large)
14. Mississippi (At-large)
15. Oklahoma State (At-large)
16. Michigan State (At-large)

Whichever seedings you choose, number 1 hosts number 16. Number 2 hosts number 15. Number 3 hosts number 14. And so on. Some of the matchups are really good. Some are not, but that's always the case. In the seven years of the CFP (14 semifinal games) 12 games have been double-digit wins. Only two were one score games.

On the other hand, some of those mismatches may not really be. You never know what a team may do once given the opportunity. Upsets do happen, so you might end up with a surprise or two by the time the title game rolls around.

The plan also calls for eight consolation bowls. First round in mid-December, and the losers would still get a bowl. At least two of those bowls would get conference champions. The four teams that lost in the second round could get a bowl, but I don't really care.

For second round pairings, you could either have a set bracket at the start, or you could have the highest remaining seed hosting the lowest remaining seed, similar to how the NFL does it. Doesn't really matter to me. The most important thing is that teams are rewarded for a great season, with the opportunity to win it all.

What does all this have to do with streaming? Well, other than that's how I watch all my games, nothing specific to streaming. But as a streamer, I appreciate the fact that I can watch any post-season game I want. My Streaming Life is good.

Xumo or Pluto TV

I've not written a lot about Xumo. In fact, I've written very little about it. But I need to.

Xumo might be described as a poor man's Pluto TV. But that would be wrong. Pluto TV is Xumo on steroids. But it just may be that Xumo is a better option than Pluto TV. Here's why.

Content. Now, content is king at Pluto TV. That service has so many different streams available, it's hard to keep up with. In the early days, Pluto TV was a mess. Content was awesome, but it was so hard to find anything. Many of the features didn't work, or didn't work correctly. But they got all that fixed.

Today, Pluto TV is fantastic. But so is Xumo.

It's true that Xumo doesn't have as much as Pluto TV, but that's not really a bad thing. Look at it this way. Remember when you had cable TV, and you were paying for so many channels you didn't watch? It's kinda like that.

Of course, it's not exactly like that, because you paid for cable TV, and both Xumo and Pluto TV are free. But the idea of having more than you need still applies. I mean, it's free, so it's not really a problem. Unless you have to scroll through nearly 100 extra channels in order to find what you want.

Pluto TV has around 250 different streams (channels). Xumo has around 180. But, looking over the streams, there are a lot of the same content. Some of the content is exactly the same. Both carry stream of The Asylum, for instance.

They'll carry some of the same streams. Some is different, but similar type of content. Both will carry streams of action films, or Black cinema, or some other type of movies. The same, but not exactly the same.

Xumo has about 70%-75% of the content that Pluto TV has, with a lot of overlap of same or similar content. Both have quality programming, since Pluto TV is owned by Paramount and Xumo is owned by Comcast.

Which do I prefer? Pluto, but not by much. Xumo is great. Pluto TV is great. You can't really go wrong with either one. Both are a part of my Streaming Life, and should be a part of yours, too.