10 minute read
Ask Cappie the Computer Cat
WHAT IS STREAMING?
Dear Cappie, I am not very technologically savvy to say the least so I’m not even sure how to pose my question except to ask what is streaming and what do you need to get shows? A Sun City Grand resident
Let’s take apart the dictionary definition of streaming: it is … n “a method of transmitting or receiving data (especially video and audio material) n over a computer network n as a steady, continuous flow, n allowing playback to start while the rest of the data is still being received.” If you’ve used the internet for any period of time, there’s a very good chance you’ve streamed something. Whether it be watching an earlierrecorded meeting from the Sun City Grand website, a “how-to video from YouTube, a recording from Spotify, or through millions of other websites and apps, you have experienced streaming. In fact, streaming makes up some of the internet’s most popular apps and accounts for over one-third of all internet traffic. When you download a file from the internet, such as an image, video, or program and save it to your device, you’ll need to wait until that file is completely downloaded and processed before you can open it. Streaming, however, lets you see/listen to the file as it is downloading. You don’t have to wait very long to watch your movie or show or to hear the music. When the program or music is over and you close the app, the file is no longer on your device; hence, no need for extensive storage. To stream, you need access to the internet and a device to “receive” the stream. It can be a computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or television. If you purchased your tv within the last decade, there’s a good chance it is a Smart TV, which means that when you check the TV’s menu with your remote, it will have an “Apps” option to click on. If your TV lacks this option, you can still stream on your TV by purchasing a streaming device, such as a Roku Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, or even many popular gaming consoles, such as an Xbox One. Such a separate device is a one-time purchase which allows you to go online directly from your TV. Depending on the device, you can browse the web for videos to stream directly from websites, use free video services by clicking on the App from your TV or going to the website from your PC or other device. There are numerous free services such as Pluto, Xumo, Tubi, Crackle, You Tube, Canela TV, DIY Home, Filmrise, BRB, IMDB TV, etc. There are also numerous subscription (for pay) applications. Some of the most popular include Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, You Tube, HBO Now, Fubo, Sling TV, Disney +, Apple TV, Peacock, and Philo. advantages than disadvantages to streaming, the major one being is immediate gratification. When you want to watch or listen to content, you don’t have to wait for the day and time the program airs. Click on the app, click on the program and it begins. Another advantage, as mentioned earlier, is that you don’t need additional hard drives or storage space as you would if you downloaded the files. While reducing cost from having cable subscriptions is often touted as a major advantage and generally is, the cost of streaming can be equal to or even more than basic cable if you end up subscribing to numerous paid services to replicate the exact programming you purchased via cable. Because of the loss of viewership on cable, in fact, many cable companies are currently including higher channel counts and more potential bundle discounts. There are disadvantages to streaming.as well. You can only stream if you’re connected to the internet either via cellular, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet connection. You also need a relatively highspeed internet connection, and you usually need that internet connection every time you watch the program. A downloaded file, in contrast, only needs to be downloaded once for indefinite playback. To make an informed decision you must examine your own
View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www.suncitygrand.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Three-year-old Buddy was adopted last year by Mimi, a first-time cat owner. When she brought Buddy home, he hid for three days but then adjusted quickly to his new home and now loves to cuddle and follows her everywhere. When Mimi travels, Buddy has a great neighbor who also loves and takes care of him.
specific needs and budget. Smart TV or an external device … or both? An additional antenna for local channels or reliance on free headline news? Buy individual apps or bundle? Pay extra for no advertising? Keep up with the grandkids or stay in your comfort zone? Continue to ask questions! It’s the only way to get to the answer that is right for you.
Aly Cline Council Member
RideChoice Transportation Program Valley Metro’s RideChoice program, which offers discounted transportation options for eligible riders, has been expanded to allow more access for Surprise residents. Persons age 65 and over and people with disabilities still automatically qualify for this program. For more information, click the link below surpriseaz.gov/RideChoice or call 602.253.5000. Surprise Fiesta Grande Join us for Surprise Fiesta Grande on October 8! Surprise Fiesta Grande street festival celebrates our unique culture, traditions and community! This familyfriendly event on Saturday, October 8, from 5 - 9 p.m. in the Original Town Site on Hollyhock Street in the Grand Avenue corridor, offers a fun evening of live music, food, dancing, vintage classic cars and so much more! Baseball is back in Surprise! Major League Baseball has announced the Arizona Fall League 2022 schedule. The Surprise Saguaros, one of six teams who compete in the Arizona Fall League, will begin their season on Tuesday, October 4 at Surprise Stadium. The roster for the Surprise Saguaros will include the top prospects from the Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates. Individual game tickets will be available for purchase on game day, one hour prior to game time, at the stadium box office. During the 2022 season, box office transactions will be cashless. Accepted forms of payment include: Visa & MasterCard.
Single Game Tickets
Adult: $10 | Senior 55+: $8
Kids 12 and under are free, but must be accompanied by an adult. To check out the 2022 Arizona Fall League schedule or to purchase a season pass, go to AZ Fall League. For additional information, contact the Surprise Stadium Box Office at 623.222.2222 or visit MLB AZ Fall League. Stay connected Want to get notifications about events, activities, City news and more? Don't miss out! Make sure you're signed up for City notifications! Head to surpriseaz.gov/ subscribe now and pick which updates you want to receive via text or email. If you were previously subscribed, doublecheck that you are still connected with us by logging into the site above. With the launch of our new website, an email was sent to subscribers to confirm information, but it may have ended up in spam. Surprise seeking sponsors and exhibitors for SciTech event The City is currently seeking event exhibitors and sponsors for the 2022 SciTech event that will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 10 in the Mark Coronado Park parking lot, 15850 N. Bullard Ave. More than 600 science enthusiasts of all ages attended the City’s last SciTech Festival to view robotics presentations, fun experiments and learn about opportunities to engage in STEAM-related (science, technology, engineering, art and math) programs. Organizations, schools and businesses with hands-on, interactive STEAM projects or presentations are invited to request a free booth to participate in this year’s event. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations who would like to partner with the City to host the event. To participate in the Surprise SciTech Festival or for more information, visit surpriseaz.gov/SciTech or contact Lord Garcillano at 623.222.1647 or lord. garcillano@surpriseaz.gov. Day of Service volunteers needed Looking for a way to serve your community? Surprise is seeking volunteers for Day of Service events coming up. Surprise Day of Service is an opportunity for Surprise residents to give back to our community. From community cleanups to food bank events, join us and help make our city a better place for all! Event dates are: n Wednesday, September 14
St. Mary’s Food Bank n Saturday, October 15
Community Cleanup event n Saturday, December 10
Community Cleanup event To register please contact Larry Garcia at 623.222.1522 or larry.garcia@surpriseaz. gov Meet & Greet My monthly Meet and Greets will be at 6 p.m. on September 27 at Sun City Grand in the Pima Room, 19781 N. Remington Dr., and at 10 a.m. on September 30 at Arizona Traditions in the Ballroom, 17221 N. Citrus Rd. I look forward to discussing the latest City news and answering any questions you have. City Council Meetings The next regularly scheduled Council meetings are October 4 and 18 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers. You can also watch live on surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/cityofsurprise or on Cox channel 11.
OCTOBER FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines.
Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families.
ARIZONA STATE FAIR
1826 W. McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85007
n Now thru October 30, 2022 n (602) 252-6771 n 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
For more than a century, the Arizona State Fair has been a gathering place for residents from the far corners of the state. Guests come here to enjoy the richness and diversity of communities, to honor the past, celebrate the current and explore the future. Get out of your daily routine, and immerse yourself in a wonderland of amusement right in your backyard.
The Arizona State Fair is a family tradition across many generations. Filled with cute animals, blue ribbons, fried food, and all the fun carnival rides you can imagine.
MAJESTIC MARIPOSAS
Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008
Families can get an up-close and unforgettable experience when monarchs and other native Southwestern butterflies return for our Fall Butterfly Exhibit. Get acquainted with thousands of butterflies, observe each stage of their life cycle and learn what actions we can take to protect them. SPOOKY SCIENCE AT ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER
Arizona Science Center 600 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85004
n October 3, 2022 - October 31, 2022 n https://www.azscience.org/eventsprograms/spooky-science n (602) 716-2000 n Free with general admission n 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Boo! Arizona Science Center will become bewitched with bats, black cats, bones and more bizarre beasts from October 3 through October 31 during Spooky Science, our signature Halloween event. With four levels of thrilling themes, daring demonstrations and mysterious activities, these spell-binding activations are sure to inspire, educate and entertain Guests of all ages about the science of Halloween.
All Spooky Science activities are included with general admission to the Science Center. Additional tickets are required for the Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater, Dorrance Planetarium and featured exhibition. Children under 3 are always FREE. PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS TEAMS SERIES
Desert Diamond Arena 9400 W. Maryland Ave. Glendale
Professional Bull Riders Teams featuring the Arizona Ridge Riders will be at Desert Diamond Arena October 14-16.
