This is the time of year when many things are traditions in my part of the country.  One of these traditions is that the local cable provider shows a continual feed of a fireplace, complete with burning logs, someone who walks by periodically stoking it and alternately poking at it in order to “keep it going”.  At first I thought this was rather strange.  Then I realized that it was a wonderful idea.  Now even people who do not have a fireplace can enjoy the whole ‘fireplace’ experience without the mess and fuss of a real fire.  And it is a continual broadcast that means 24 hrs a day you can enjoy a lit fire in the safety of your own home.  No fire hazard.  No buying firewood and being involved in the splitting and stacking of the wood.  No dragging all the bug in the wood into your house when you bring the wood into the house as well.