Septmeber 2003

TeeVee Schmee-Vee

When I would sit in front of the TeeVee, I'd often think how terribly boring it is to watch TeeVee. The light from the set just mesmorizes us & keeps us firmly planted in our seats no matter how bored we are. TeeVee is to humans as a porch light is to bugs. I mentioned to Grandpa over a year ago that we should get rid of cable. He agreed, but then backed out. He wasn't ready to give it up. So, we kept our TeeVee, cable, HBO, & all. We grew really fond of HBO's series The Wire and Six Feet Under. I forget all about my desire to get rid of TeeVee. I sat lobotomized on the sofa night after night.

Grandpa came back around to the idea of dumping cable late into his unemployment. I was less enthusiastic now that I'd become firmly addicted to HBO. We waited until The Wire was over and then Grandpa took back the cable box before I could consumed by anything else.

The last night we had cable, I sat on the sofa and dedicated myself to watching bad bad bad shows on TeeVee. I even watched Newlyweds, the reality show about Nick Lachey & Jessica Simpson. (She's pretty foolish and Nick is impatient with her spoiled routine. Didn't he find out how dippy she was before they got married? Come on!) I said goodbye to all the crap I wouldn't be seeing anymore. And I said goodbye to Trading Spaces.

I think life with just an antenna will be good. I'll find out very quickly if there's nothing on. I'll only have a handful of shows to watch. I'll think of other ways to spend my time; maybe I'll get my attention span back if I'm really lucky. Right now though, the antenna makes me feel like I've gone back to days before remote controls. Channel 24 is clear but I can't see anything on 45. Do I really want to walk up to the TeeVee to adjust it? Nah!

After our 6 month study, will I want TeeVee back? Stay tuned for the fascinating conclusion…

Also be sure to read Grandpa's thoughts on the matter.