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It May Actually Be Time to Get Sirius

Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.

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LAist had the chance to try out a SIRIUS satellite radio unit during their morning commute this morning, and this thing might actually live up to the hype.Not only does it offer 7,549 music channels (a slight exaggeration), but it also offers news, sports, entertainment, weather, traffic, and makes lattes. This morning during our commute we listened to The Breeders, The Clash, Sammy Hagar (whoops), Marty Robbins (ah, the City of El Paso), Bruce Hornsby ("CHANGE IT!"), some tropical "World" music, wacky Radio Disney (for the few seconds we could stand it), an old-time radio show about the life of Satchel Paige, and a very fascinating Discovery Channel special, "Who Shot the Red Baron?", which we must admit we were glued to.

Not only that, but the LA traffic/weather channel (Channel 153, for you folks about to jump on the bandwagon) actually lists important information, and is updated and repeated every 4 minutes. If you listen to Kevin & Bean or anyone else on your morning drive, you probably have to wait at least 15-20 minutes between updates, and they are only partial updates, at best. "Well John, it looks like a big rig is stalled on the side of the 605, backing up things and is slow and go for about two miles. This traffic update has been brought to you by the good folks at Craftmatic Adjustable Beds. Get a good night's sleep, for both you and your loved one, try a Craftmatic! And now, back to the Zany Nutty Crazy Hoo-Ha Morning Show!"

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