DirecTV will be moving MASN and MASN2 into consecutive channel positions -- MASN to 640 (Aug. 27) and MASN2 to 641 (Aug. 13). This is an entirely logical move that I wish Comcast could figure out a way to do. Yes, I know MASN2 is just a part-time channel, so that's why it pops up on one of the C-SPAN channels. Still, the DirecTV approach is consumer-friendly.

DirecTV has done the same sort of thing for its customers during the Olympics, putting the channels with Olympic programming -- except NBC -- at 750 through 756.

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Friday basketball update: another good turnout of eight, with five games. Stevie G. was hot from three-point range. Somehow, the wind wasn't blowing whenever he shot. It even got a little heated because of some physical play. There seemed to be some disagreement about whether the offense or defense should be calling the fouls. The Scranton Flash and Shutterbug each hit the blacktop a few times. So did Mr. Jones, who went down for a loose ball, but got called for traveling when he stood back up. It's Dead Man Walking's opinion that no one who goes to the ground for a loose ball should ever be called for traveling, even if he proceeds to stick the ball under his shirt and parade around the court saying he's Angelina Jolie carrying twins.

Also of note: Stevie B. provided comic relief as the object of taunts about a coming blind date with a young woman who works in some church capacity, then earning her the Stevie G.-bestowed title of "The Priestess."

                                                                                     Associated Press