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confused

Last reply Jan 5, 2005 · posted in Cable Television and Fiber Providers

Looking to switch from Cable to Satellite. What can I expect?

I currently have Comcast Digital Cable with the usual frustrations, the biggest being that they are raising their rates, again, so that Digital Cable with HBO and with 2 boxes will be just over $100!

Every time they raise the rates I look into Satellite but don't know what to expect in terms of what it will take to convert. We currently have 6 sets hooked up. (2) cable ready, (1) digital cable box, and (3) that are all hooked up to one digital box that drives all three sets on the same channel (using infrared extenders). The first three sets were installed with the house and are RG6, the other three I wired with RG-6U (anyone know what the U stands for?)

If my understanding is correct, the Satellite feed would have to face South and unfortunately, the junction box for cable is at the complete other end of the house in the garage (about 60 feet away).

Specific questions:

1. Can they run one wire between the satellite dish and the junction box?
2. Is this better inside our outside?
3. I have called at least one dealer who told me that I don't have to wire all of the boxed to a phone line, but I don't know if that is true?
4. I was looking to maybe get four boxes - two with Tivo if possible.
Any advice on which service to get? It seems that one service may have a limit of four sets and Tivo dual-tuners count as two.

I know I'm asking a lot of questions, but any advice would be greatly appreciated

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mini1

Jan 2, 2005

localnet said:
Confused,

I pay $90 a month for my Direcway Pro, and I bought the sat equip. 6000 unit. I wish I could get cable or DSL, but no one services my area. I went Pro due to having problems with Direcway residential service. I have the usual sat outages and have spent many hours on the phone getting things straightened out. And have lost money in the markets due to sat outages, not happy. But, when it works, which is 90% of the time, it is great, and better then dial up. Stay with your cable. Just my .02

Mike

I don't see where he asked about internet???

do you? Directway reception is totally different then DirecTV reception. Switch to DirecTV, you will be very happy. None of the receivers have to be connected to the phone line, besides the first dial in. You are always better off connecting them, but the boxes don't need the phone line to function. You will get constand reminders to plug it in, however there is a workaround for the DirecTivo's to avoid this. If you can plug then in, then do. If its going to be a problem then don't bother, after the first call in. You won't be able to access account info, not PPV ordered by remote and the reminders are the downsides.

wobbie

Jan 2, 2005

I would try to contact a couple of local retailers, ask them if they would stop by and do a sight survey. It may cost you a few dollars but then you would know exactly what you are getting into. I'm a retailer in the Omaha area and I always do a free sight survey, that way not only does the customer know what they are getting into, so do I.

localnet

Jan 3, 2005

Sorry, got the crud, brained stuffed up. Make note: Stay away from internet when sick.

Mike

Gerry863

Jan 5, 2005

Here's who not to order from: RAPID (what a joke for a name) SATELLITE. I'm new to all this but the setup for putting in a system is a nightmare. I ordered a 4 room system from Rapid and the HD receiver was dead on arrival. The installer, a different company, kept trying to get me to pay more for installation after he started even though it seemed like a basic install (whatever that means)and I did most of the drilling through walls. It's been 3 weeks now and I still don't have a replacement. Talking to DirecTV doesn't seem to help ( they're a 3rd company in all this). The receivers seem out of date. For example, none of the manuals talk about DVDs only VCRs. I have 3 Hughes(SD-HBH) and one dead Samsung (SIR-TS360).
The whole system is flawed: Dealing with 3 different companies, long waits for replacements, the customer having to mail back defective parts, etc. I experienced 12 years with cable and had no problems with them or their equipment. I dealt with one company. I guess sat is better but at what price?

kraken

Jan 5, 2005

I'm fairly new to sat, but here's what I (think) I know as related to your questions:

confused said:
Specific questions:

1. Can they run one wire between the satellite dish and the junction box?

No, You will have many cables from the dish, the number will depend on the config/setup.

2. Is this better inside our outside?

doesn't matter. inside, always looks better

3. I have called at least one dealer who told me that I don't have to wire all of the boxed to a phone line, but I don't know if that is true?

mini1 answered this...

4. I was looking to maybe get four boxes - two with Tivo if possible.
Any advice on which service to get? It seems that one service may have a limit of four sets and Tivo dual-tuners count as two.

This setup should be possible with the correct multiswitch.

Check or call the folks at valueelectronics.com

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telebiker

Last reply 9 minutes ago · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Dish Hopper and Dish Hopper Plus No Alexa in settings

I have Dish Hopper and Hopper Plus and also have Alexa Echo. I link the Alex skill to Dish and it asks me to enter the pairing code shown on the TV. I go into Dish Settings and there is no Alexa shown. Not sure what to do.

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Harryhaggle

Mar 18, 2026

Understood. But here's the rub - Google Assistant setup is ALSO missing from the Hopper Plus setup. I'm a paraplegic.and need to use voice controls as much as possible but I can't press a button on the remote to activate Google Assistant. I prefer ALEXA (or ALEXA+) but I have one older google device and will go that route IF they make it available. BTW calling Dish Customer Service is no help- they just say they have no info on if/when there will be an update.

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navychop

Mar 18, 2026

Ungood.

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reubenray

Oct 18, 2026

What is the purpose of connecting Alexa and the H3?

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navychop

Oct 18, 2026

Tell Alexa verbally what to do.

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snissen

9 minutes ago

reubenray said:
What is the purpose of connecting Alexa and the H3?

I stand up from my chair with my glass in one hand and my plate in the other, when a story I really want to hear comes on the TV. So I say, "Alexa, pause DISH", and it waits for me to return from the kitchen, at which time I say, "Alexa, resume DISH".

Or maybe, when I return with a full glass in one hand and a new plate in the other, I realize I forgot to pause to hear this good story from its start. So I say, "Alexa, skip DISH backwards 3 minutes", and I still get to catch the whole story.

I use this every day.

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Linus Tech Tips

42 minutes ago · posted in Linus Tech Tips

I Doubled My GPU’s Memory…

Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Cnyj0I62c

Direct YouTube Link - I Doubled My GPU's Memory…
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store

0 Replies · 3 views

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osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply 46 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

USA Healthcare Costs are Ridiculous

Pissed off at the crappy healthcare costs

My health Insurance renewal for 2027 just came in. Going from $827 a month to $1,187 a month. Deductible going up a $1k to $9,350. Max out of pocket also going up $1k to $11,000. Doctor co-pay of $40. Urgent Care co-pay $50. ER 50% coinsurance after deductible. That's all in network. Out of network is double, should it be needed.

Have to think about this. I'm really tempted to just go without now. I only go to the doctor once or twice a year. I pay out of pocket for Tirzepitide and can do without the Rosuvastatin (crestor) now. Really tired of spending over $10k a year and getting nothing out of it.

After years with Blue Cross I switched last year to Ambetter as my Blue Cross premium was going from $1200 to $1800 for a Silver plan and the Bronze plan was still going to be $1300 at BCBS. Ambetter was $827 for the same coverage with a Bronze plan. Didn't think it would jump this much so soon.

I'm guessing a Silver plan is probably over $2,000 a month for 2027.

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vazhog

Yesterday at 4:05 PM

that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -

meStevo

Yesterday at 4:52 PM

vazhog said:
that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -

Even sarcastically it's wrong. Undocumented immigrants already weren't eligible for federal Medicaid, so there's no one to "get off the rolls." The immigrant-related pieces are a small part of the ~$1 trillion. They cut the federal match for emergency care from 90% to the state's regular rate and end eligibility for some lawful immigrants like refugees. Most of the "savings" come from work requirements, more frequent eligibility checks, and provider tax limits, which hit citizens.

Either way, the cost doesn't disappear. It shifts to states, hospitals, and everyone else's premiums and will only serve to make issues like those raised in this thread worse.

Reactions: primestar31 and osu1991

dishstaller

Yesterday at 5:05 PM

meStevo said:
Undocumented immigrants already weren't eligible for federal Medicaid, so there's no one to "get off the rolls."

That's only part correct. Actually I had to look it up to make sure. There is NO Federal money going to Medicaid for illegals but there ARE some states that use State money to pay for Medicaid for illegals. Here's the list

- California: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]
- Colorado: Covers specific adult demographics (with upcoming budget caps in 2027). [1]
- Illinois: Covers specific adult age brackets. [1]
- New York: Covers specific adult demographics. [1]
- Oregon: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]
- Washington: Covers specific adult demographics. [1, 2]
- Washington, D.C.: Provides adult coverage through the D.C. Health Care Alliance. [1, 2]

meStevo

Yesterday at 5:55 PM

dishstaller said:
That's only part correct. Actually I had to look it up to make sure. There is NO Federal money going to Medicaid for illegals but there ARE some states that use State money to pay for Medicaid for illegals. Here's the list

California: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]

Colorado: Covers specific adult demographics (with upcoming budget caps in 2027). [1]

Illinois: Covers specific adult age brackets. [1]

New York: Covers specific adult demographics. [1]

Oregon: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]

Washington: Covers specific adult demographics. [1, 2]

Washington, D.C.: Provides adult coverage through the D.C. Health Care Alliance. [1, 2]

Fair point, but it's consistent with what I said: no federal Medicaid money goes to undocumented immigrants. Those programs are state-funded, so the federal ~$1T cut can't touch them. Whatever states decide to do with their own programs is a separate budget decision.

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vazhog

Yesterday at 8:18 PM

The feds give money to the states for them to use - Cutting the fed funding only means the taxpayer savings will passed onto the states that need to make up the Fed dollars cut -See the list above for those states affected

harshness

Today at 2:37 AM

vazhog said:
that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -

That's not who it is for. The cut is for those who won't work (though you typically had to prove that you couldn't work to get it in the first place).

Reactions: osu1991

Foxbat

Today at 12:33 PM

Why isn't this Political thread over in the Pit? This is why there is a Pit, and why I rarely use the Chit Chat Club. But someone said, "The Pub is Elitist since you have to pay dues to enter, so please post in the Chit Chat forum so more guests can read and participate."

harshness

46 minutes ago

Foxbat said:
Why isn't this Political thread over in the Pit?

Because health care shouldn't be a political issue?

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 47 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne

Get it?

An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....

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long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 9:13 PM

Lakeside Park - Rush

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hwkn

Today at 2:43 AM

Another PARK Another Sunday-The Doobie Brothers

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ClarkGable

Today at 6:33 AM

Another One Bites The Dust - Queen

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Bobby

Today at 11:01 AM

Oh Susanna, Dust off the Old Pianna - Ozzie Nelson & His Orchestra

harshness

47 minutes ago

Garden Party - Ricky Nelson

Reactions: RaiderPower

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 1:05 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Claude's site is still up and running. New link required

I figured some of the guys would be looking here for an answer. You'll need to use this link

DishRetailer

America's Oldest Satellite Forum!

satelliteretailer.com

I'll mention what happened over there. I don't want to cause Scott any issues or put him in a bad spot.

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 5:34 PM

If any of you know some of the guys from the board and you have their contact info, please reach out to them....many failed to update their contact info and some even had starband email addresses.

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Scott Greczkowski

Yesterday at 8:29 PM

dishstaller said:
I figured some of the guys would be looking here for an answer. You'll need to use this link

DishRetailer

America's Oldest Satellite Forum!

satelliteretailer.com

I'll mention what happened over there. I don't want to cause Scott any issues or put him in a bad spot.

Now I have to go check out what happened now. Lol!

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Scott Greczkowski

Yesterday at 8:31 PM

Went and looked, not too bad...

Just let people know the address is satelliteretailer.com as DishRetailer.COM is not working.

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(((Garyd)))

Today at 1:05 PM

dishstaller said:
If any of you know some of the guys from the board and you have their contact info, please reach out to them....many failed to update their contact info and some even had starband email addresses.

Your old link triggered my Bitdefender today.

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ewindowman

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 1:01 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Dish Bankruptcy - Business as Usual

Looks like dish is Bankrupt. Filling tomorrow Tuesday June 30th

428 Replies · 14274 views

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Almighty1

Oct 7, 2026

EchoStar fixes some of its mess, but there's much more to mop up

EchoStar's satellite TV and Sling TV services have exited Chapter 11, but clouds still hover above Dish Wireless, which faces a multitude of lawsuits.

www.lightreading.com

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

Bruce

Today at 7:11 AM

News about the tower's dispute-

Towercos now own Dish's 5G radios – and SpaceX might be a buyer

Tower companies now own Dish's deserted 5G gear, says American Tower CEO Steven Vondran. This could feed into SpaceX's mobile ambitions, analysts say.

www.lightreading.com

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comfortably_numb

Today at 9:50 AM

Bruce said:
News about the tower's dispute-

Towercos now own Dish's 5G radios – and SpaceX might be a buyer

Tower companies now own Dish's deserted 5G gear, says American Tower CEO Steven Vondran. This could feed into SpaceX's mobile ambitions, analysts say.

www.lightreading.com

So does this mean the churches and businesses that Dish owes back payments to are going to get paid now?

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navychop

Today at 10:53 AM

Reactions: comfortably_numb and charlesrshell

nelson61

Today at 1:01 PM

"
They note that the Dish Wireless radios at issue support the 2GHz and 800MHz spectrum SpaceX is acquiring from EchoStar and Grain.

"Buying compatible equipment already installed on towers could give SpaceX a head start on its wireless terrestrial network build and throw a big bucket of cold water on Verizon's four-to-six-year timeline and $300-$500 billion estimate for SpaceX's buildout," said the analysts."

Reactions: charlesrshell

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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Today at 12:40 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Gas Price Info With National Gas Temperature Map

Stumbled across this ... http://www.gaspricewatch.com/USGas_ZipSearch.asp
I found no local prices, although it did show stations at my location...
Added these to this post...
USA National Gas Temperature Map
State By State Gasoline Taxes
Gas Buddy

Ethanol Free Stations

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harshness

Oct 18, 2026

I wonder if California is getting into the Winter formula.

harshness

Oct 20, 2026

harshness said:
I wonder if California is getting into the Winter formula.

It turns out I was justified in my suspicion.

Gavin Newsom somehow authorized the temporary move of the distribution date of the Winter blend to September 28th.

Foxbat

Oct 20, 2026

harshness said:
It turns out I was justified in my suspicion.

Gavin Newsom somehow authorized the temporary move of the distribution date of the Winter blend to September 28th.

Does that raise, or lower, the overall price? Our State Government has been doing everything it can to minimize the impact of the current situation and put a freeze on the State Taxes on fuel sales at the pump. That's why we're still under $4.00/gal. while across the border in Michigan it's much higher.

Bobby

Oct 21, 2026

Regular$5.839
Premium$6.299
Diesel$7.999
at Costco, Rohnert Park.

harshness

Oct 21, 2026

Foxbat said:
Does that raise, or lower, the overall price?

Winter blend is reportedly 10-30 cents cheaper, but I would point out that prices have dropped as much as 62 cents at RP.

Reactions: Foxbat

Bobby

Today at 11:03 AM

Regular$5.699
Premium$6.199
Diesel$7.999
at Costco, Rohnert Park.

osu1991

Today at 11:26 AM

Was just out running errands and saw $3.69 at most places

dfergie

Today at 12:40 PM

$4.04 most places, Diesel $5.85...

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Van

Last reply Today at 11:26 AM · posted in What's Cooking?

Whats for breakfast?

Who says dinner or lunch has to be the only good meals of the day?

Honey butter grits with scrambled eggs and grilled boneless pork ribs on flakey biscuits washed down with cranberry juice.

6636 Replies · 380329 views

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TRG

Sunday at 1:40 PM

Breakfast Quesadillas. Grilled flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, hash browns, chopped green chile, cheddar & Jack cheese and bacon. Coffee.

Bobby

Wednesday at 1:53 PM

Taco omelette. 3 eggs, taco meat from yesterday, diced green chilis, cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, avocado, black olives, chopped tomato, La Victoria Salsa Brava.

This one was really, really good!

Reactions: TRG and dfergie

dfergie

Wednesday at 3:35 PM

Thought I was getting a Chorizo and egg burrito (marker had rubbed off)but was a roast beef/potato I made up before hunting this morning.
Btw every morning at camp I cooked my homemade Chorizo and scrambled eggs plus sausage side while my brother brought bacon. (they liked both the beef and pork versions)

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TRG

Wednesday at 5:06 PM

dfergie said:
Thought I was getting a Chorizo and egg burrito (marker had rubbed off)but was a roast beef/potato I made up before hunting this morning.
Btw every morning at camp I cooked my homemade Chorizo and scrambled eggs plus sausage side while my brother brought bacon. (they liked both the beef and pork versions)

I had a chorizo and egg burrito for you. With lots of green chile and cheese of course.

Reactions: dfergie

dfergie

Today at 11:26 AM

Mixed one egg, one tablespoon cottage cheese with a small fine grated potato, salt and pepper, made 3 waffles in the small waffle iron... Bacon, sausage and milk. (next time will add grated cheese to mix)

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 9:42 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Club TWiT: AI User Group #21 - Superpowers With Jesse Vincent

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDUacUpCR04

Direct YouTube Link - Club TWiT: AI User Group #21 - Superpowers With Jesse Vincent
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 12 views

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 3:27 AM · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.

129 Replies · 2545 views

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rvvaquero

Oct 22, 2026

Jimmy Johnson is a football guy. Jerry Jones is a marketer (hustler).

When I see a football player get a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (like taunting) in a close game, I often wonder what he was thinking. Was he thinking, I'm doing everything I can to make this a better team and help win a championship? Or, was he saying to himself, I want everyone to notice how great I am?

Johnson inspires one, Jones the other.

Reactions: dfergie, AZ., b4pjoe and 1 other person

meStevo

Oct 22, 2026

View: https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2113438192913588676?s=20

Reactions: dfergie, AZ., Mike0616 and 1 other person

meStevo

Sunday at 8:17 PM

Got to unfurl and hold the flag at Allegiant for the anthem today - amazing experience.

Reactions: dfergie, AZ., RaiderPower and 4 others

HipKat

Tuesday at 6:21 PM

Balls
Bears. Gave the Pats a good beatdown.
Bucs. Got Baker back and absolutely demolished the previously surprising Panthers.
Falcons. Took care of the 49ers and did so convincingly.
Vikings. I hate them. I do. I've never seen such a bad/good team. Know what I mean? I know their D is epic. But their O is insulting. How they remain undefeated is a mystery.
Rams. Finally looked the part. Mind you against the hapless Cards.
Cowboys. Fireworks performance from their O.
Dolphins. Finally logged in a W. There won't be many. Enjoy it, Miami fans.
Browns. Still atop the AFC North.
Giants. Epic OT win with Buffalo's very own Motor Singletary finishing it off.
Seattle. Dominated KC from start to finish.

Goats
Jets. Couldn't beat the winless Dolphins. Aaron Glenn is a dead man walking.
Eagles. Injured beyond repair
Ravens and Lamar. Has he ever played a full season? Honestly, dude is fragile. Of course he's back for the Bills game.
49ers. No longer undefeated.
Colts. A sh*t show. When are they gonna realize that Daniel Jones is ass?
Steelers vs Saints game. Ass, just ass all around. Those poor people in Paris have had enough lately, and on top of that, endure that game.
Chiefs. They looked terrible. Like really bad.
Pack vs. Detroit game refs. Some of the worst refereeing I've seen in a long time. And the sample is pretty large.

meStevo

Today at 3:27 AM

Pretty great story.

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zjrCABzVWzQ?feature=share

Reactions: Mike0616

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