RE: Trash your TV (was Bananas/fruit)

[Guest guest]

I have a Radical Solution for that...trash your TV.

I have one but I only use it to watch movie videos...occasionally I tape

something from PBS for future watching but I now have a backlog of about

three years' worth of taped stuff....never have time to watch 'em, there are

all these GREAT movies out there...and they don't have commercials, either

(except for other movies).

I HATE COMMERCIALS. They're manipulative and I hate being manipulated. So I

avoid 'em like the plague...and anything that goes along with them.

I must be one of the ten people in the U.S. who doesn't watch TV <g>

OTOH...there are a Million Zillion Quatrillion good books to read out

there...you'd never run out.

While other people are watching dumb TV shows and being manipulated into

buying stuff they don't need or want or shouldn't have, I'm curled up with a

good book.

If your eyes don't like to read books, there are always books on tape.

Give it a try sometime!

Vicki

In a message dated 08/02/2002 9:28:42 AM US Mountain Standard Time,

JusMakeLemonade@... writes:

> i think lots of my problem is those stupid

> commercials that make me run to the kitchen. maybe we should try to get

> them banned from TV. lol pat

>

[Guest guest]

yep, but hard to read while you're weaving, and i go nuts in a room without

something as a diversion for my eyes. i've got some books on tape, and

i'll probably buy more or rent some. but when i'm in there 8-15 hours a

day (except for potty and email breaks), i have to have something. i know,

addict again. pat

> OTOH...there are a Million Zillion Quatrillion good books to read out

> there...you'd never run out.

[Guest guest]

yep, but hard to read while you're weaving, and i go nuts in a room without

something as a diversion for my eyes. i've got some books on tape, and

i'll probably buy more or rent some. but when i'm in there 8-15 hours a

day (except for potty and email breaks), i have to have something. i know,

addict again. pat

> OTOH...there are a Million Zillion Quatrillion good books to read out

> there...you'd never run out.

[Guest guest]

i'm gonna check for some, but you know, i really like TV (just not

commercials). i hate to admit i'm " trailor trash " , but i watch Springer

some, Big Brother, American Idol and yes, sitcoms. it's a way of forgetting

my problems and just escaping. i love Trading Spaces and HGTV, but this is

repeat season. I was a legal secretary and paralegal for 85 years before i

retired 15 years ago, and i love the Judge shows and Court TV. and, i'm a

political junkie. so, when i get up, after i cut on my computer, visit the

bathroom and get water, the TV goes on, and it's the last thing i cut off at

nite. there's lots of junk on, and i agree with Oprah and others that a

good book is much more educational, but, i like watching the boob tube, and i

guess i figure i've paid my dues in this life, so if i enjoy it, then so be

it. i just have to train the self here to potty or check emails during

commercials and not watch the food stuff. pat

> Pat,

> They have lots of books on tape at most libraries :-)

>

[Guest guest]

i'm gonna check for some, but you know, i really like TV (just not

commercials). i hate to admit i'm " trailor trash " , but i watch Springer

some, Big Brother, American Idol and yes, sitcoms. it's a way of forgetting

my problems and just escaping. i love Trading Spaces and HGTV, but this is

repeat season. I was a legal secretary and paralegal for 85 years before i

retired 15 years ago, and i love the Judge shows and Court TV. and, i'm a

political junkie. so, when i get up, after i cut on my computer, visit the

bathroom and get water, the TV goes on, and it's the last thing i cut off at

nite. there's lots of junk on, and i agree with Oprah and others that a

good book is much more educational, but, i like watching the boob tube, and i

guess i figure i've paid my dues in this life, so if i enjoy it, then so be

it. i just have to train the self here to potty or check emails during

commercials and not watch the food stuff. pat

> Pat,

> They have lots of books on tape at most libraries :-)

>

[Guest guest]

yep, but hard to read while you're weaving, and i go nuts in a room

without

something as a diversion for my eyes. i've got some books on tape, and

i'll probably buy more or rent some.

Pat,

They have lots of books on tape at most libraries :-)

Sandy

[Guest guest]

i'm a tv addict, and i don't mind saying it. however, if either Dr.

Bernstein or Grethen Becker's books were on tape, i would gladly listen.

unfortunatley, the movies i love are mostly not on DVD. they seem to be

putting the new stuff (with the kiddie bops) on DVD, but the old Cary Grant,

Deborah Kerr, Doris Day are not there (at least, not all of them). i have

lots, but some days, i'm in the mood for something that is not on DVD.

soooooo, i'm getting another VCR for birthday, and will be able to watch when

i want, what i want. some days i really enjoy having CNN on (like 9/11; or

i watch while the House expels Traficant; or i watch Court TV. other days,

there is absolutely nothing on that i want to see, and i wish i had a

satellite. i'm thinking that's my next purchase. pat

>

> But I don't mean to bash tv either, really. It's a personal thing. We

> still don't purposefully avoid tv. It just winds up that way. The

>

[Guest guest]

Vicki wrote:

> there are all these GREAT movies out there...and they don't have

> commercials, either (except for other movies).

and I turned the tv off for about two years. We didn't plan it that

way. We just weren't much interested in watching what was on. The only

time the tv was used during that time was to run the ocassional movie on the

VCR, to check the news about an earthquake nearby that had us rockin', and

to watch the news again when the World Trade Centers were hit.

We've turned our tv on now, a couple of weeks ago, but only because we've

reactivated our satellite and have all those wonderful commercial-free movie

channels again. We are enjoying it. And, because I'm ill right now,

watching movies keeps me resting more.

One thing we do now that we didn't do before our no-tv years, is

reads to me. We started with short romances. When we tired of those, we

moved on to science fiction and historical fiction. We love it. Sometimes

we sit on the yard swing while he reads to me, sometimes we read in bed

before lights out. We haven't stopped doing it just because the tv is on

sometimes now and I'm glad of that.

Music is nice, too. The kind you listen to, and the kind you make yourself,

singing or playing an instrument.

But I don't mean to bash tv either, really. It's a personal thing. We

still don't purposefully avoid tv. It just winds up that way. The

advertisers are paying for the programs; if I enjoyed a particular program

I'm sure I would appreciate that, and I've seen some really great

commercials, too. I just prefer not to see them so often! (g) And they are

usually so LOUD! ach.

Sedra

[Guest guest]

Vicki wrote:

> there are all these GREAT movies out there...and they don't have

> commercials, either (except for other movies).

and I turned the tv off for about two years. We didn't plan it that

way. We just weren't much interested in watching what was on. The only

time the tv was used during that time was to run the ocassional movie on the

VCR, to check the news about an earthquake nearby that had us rockin', and

to watch the news again when the World Trade Centers were hit.

We've turned our tv on now, a couple of weeks ago, but only because we've

reactivated our satellite and have all those wonderful commercial-free movie

channels again. We are enjoying it. And, because I'm ill right now,

watching movies keeps me resting more.

One thing we do now that we didn't do before our no-tv years, is

reads to me. We started with short romances. When we tired of those, we

moved on to science fiction and historical fiction. We love it. Sometimes

we sit on the yard swing while he reads to me, sometimes we read in bed

before lights out. We haven't stopped doing it just because the tv is on

sometimes now and I'm glad of that.

Music is nice, too. The kind you listen to, and the kind you make yourself,

singing or playing an instrument.

But I don't mean to bash tv either, really. It's a personal thing. We

still don't purposefully avoid tv. It just winds up that way. The

advertisers are paying for the programs; if I enjoyed a particular program

I'm sure I would appreciate that, and I've seen some really great

commercials, too. I just prefer not to see them so often! (g) And they are

usually so LOUD! ach.

Sedra

[Guest guest]

they seem to be

putting the new stuff (with the kiddie bops) on DVD, but the old Cary

Grant,

Deborah Kerr, Doris Day are not there (at least, not all of them

Pat,

I enjoy the old movies too... also A & E and PBS :-) No food commercials

that I can think of. Love " Keeping Up Appearances " , a British show, and

Mystery on PBS. I also read a lot... the two --watching TV and reading --

aren't mutually exclusive. However, I have to say, we don't ever watch

sitcoms, and I couldn't tell you what shows are on network TV. Just not of

interest to me....

Sandy

[Guest guest]

I think _Outlander_ by Gabaldon would fit into all those categories!

P

<snip> We started with short romances. When we tired of those, we

moved on to science fiction and historical fiction. We love it.

<snip> . He likes King, Dean

Koontz, and science fiction, and I like Jane Austen, Barbara Kingsolver,

Maeve Binchy, etc.

<snip>

[Guest guest]

One thing we do now that we didn't do before our no-tv years, is

reads to me. We started with short romances. When we tired of those, we

moved on to science fiction and historical fiction. We love it.

Sometimes

we sit on the yard swing while he reads to me, sometimes we read in bed

before lights out.

Sedra,

I love that idea :-) I would love to read to my husband and have him read

to me, but our tastes are different in books. He likes King, Dean

Koontz, and science fiction, and I like Jane Austen, Barbara Kingsolver,

Maeve Binchy, etc. :-) We read together, though... sometimes much too late

into the night.

Sandy

[Guest guest]

pat wrote:

> i wish i had a satellite. i'm thinking that's my next purchase.

hi pat,

The satellite company has frequent specials which include free equipment.

In July the disks, receivers, and full set up were free with a year's

committment. We already had the receivers but we upgraded our disk, free.

Plus the two years we set our account on seasonal status ($5 mo) was paid

for by having recommended our daughter-in-law's name to them when she wanted

to have a satellite installed. Our account was credited $150 for that. So

when you call them, be sure to ask about the specials. Happy TV. :>

My mother loved watching TV; she watched it all day long if she was at home.

When she was in the hospital dieing and I was there with her that last week,

she wanted to watch the info-mercials a lot. I begged her, " Mom, please

can't we watch something else? I'm going broke! " She had a good laugh and

said, " no. keep it there. "

I admit I like that channel, too. But I've only watched it once since we

turned the satellite back on --- and hehe, purchased our new Total Gym

exercise machine. Mom would be enjoying that.

Now Vicki don't you be thinking I was manipulated into buying those things.

(VBG) I've been sick a lot (CFS) and can't shop around. The things I've

purchased through tv have been used and were things on our shopping list

anyway (-- well except for the cookware I bought that week my mom was in the

hospital. It was on our list but for some reason I have not used it yet.)

I can appreciate you not wanting to be manipulated by commercials. And I

love the things you have been doing with your life! When I feel manipulated

I avoid the manipulator as much as possible, too. But that's not why I avoid

commercials. Mostly I avoid them because they interrupt my thoughts and are

often noisy. But I am not opposed to them. I was a business copywriter for

a long time so my experiences with advertising have a different flavor than

some people's. I actually rate commercials for heart and mindfulness when I

do see them, granting laughter, applause and " right on " s to the ones that

have it, and granting a loud rude " bonk " award to the ones that do not. My

family cracks up. It's just something I do.

Sedra

[Guest guest]

Sandy wrote:

> I would love to read to my husband and have him read to me, but

> our tastes are different in books.

Each of us still has our own books being read separately, too. But we also

pick a book together that we read when we want to do the read out loud

thing, and neither of us jumps ahead in it when the other can't be there.

So, if the book is good enough we do it more often. That's why we moved on

from the romances. It needed to be more about the book we were reading,

than about the reading out loud part. So I understand what you're saying.

(g)

Sedra

[Guest guest]

Each of us still has our own books being read separately, too. But we

also

pick a book together that we read when we want to do the read out loud

thing, and neither of us jumps ahead in it when the other can't be there.

So, if the book is good enough we do it more often.

That's a good idea, Sedra... say, speaking of books, have you heard of the

cities who have chosen a book that the whole city reads? So, people will be

talking about that book on the subway, in grocery stores, etc. I thought

that was a cool idea... I think Chicago started it, and someone who lived in

Denver mentioned she was reading the book chosen for the city.

Sandy

[Guest guest]

Each of us still has our own books being read separately, too. But we

also

pick a book together that we read when we want to do the read out loud

thing, and neither of us jumps ahead in it when the other can't be there.

So, if the book is good enough we do it more often.

That's a good idea, Sedra... say, speaking of books, have you heard of the

cities who have chosen a book that the whole city reads? So, people will be

talking about that book on the subway, in grocery stores, etc. I thought

that was a cool idea... I think Chicago started it, and someone who lived in

Denver mentioned she was reading the book chosen for the city.

Sandy

[Guest guest]

I avoid the manipulator as much as possible, too. But that's not why I

avoid

commercials. Mostly I avoid them because they interrupt my thoughts and

are

often noisy. But I am not opposed to them.

I don't usually watch them, as that's my time to get up, put clothes in

the dryer, wash a few dishes, fold clothes, etc. I can't just sit :-)

Sandy

[Guest guest]

a friend told me to check it out, and i did, but i could only find the newer

movies with child actors. lol i hope eventually lots of the good old

movies will be put on DVD. our local video store (kinda reminds you of the

sketches where they have two to rent) has very few DVDs. i guess it's to

make money, and obviously, they make more money by putting the stuff that

appeals to the younger generation (or at least old folks who love action

movies). i think i'm on amazon's list for about 3-4 dozen on the " when it

comes on DVD, let me know " . oh, well, such is life. pat

> It does cost $19.95 per month. But, I can order as

> many movies every months, as I chose.

[Guest guest]

i weave baskets for a living. no disability, it's just kinda difficult to

weave, and read at the same time. and when you're concentrating on an

intense pattern, some times you need a diversion. rather than getting up

and walking outside, i just look up at the TV, and it " rests " my eyes. pat

> Are you aware that if you have low vision, or, for some reason have a

> physical problem holding a book, you are eligible for Talking Books,

>

[Guest guest]

> I only use it to watch movie videos...occasionally I tape

> something from PBS for future watching but I now have a backlog of about

> three years' worth of taped stuff

I agree, Vicki. I enjoy PBS, and with my satellite TV, I get a second,

PBS channel. It is called PBS-You. Lots of interesting, educational

programming. I also bought a DVD player recently. As the result of

hearing about a new, by mail service for movie buffs. The business is

called " Netflix " . It does cost $19.95 per month. But, I can order as

many movies every months, as I chose. They are mailed three at a time,

and as I return one, another is sent. I love it! {:-D

Sheila

[Guest guest]

> I enjoy the old movies too... also A & E and PBS :-) No food commercials

> that I can think of. Love " Keeping Up Appearances " , a British show, and

> Mystery on PBS.

Me, too, Sandy. I have watched " Keeping Up Appearances " segments many

times, and laugh every time. With satellite TV, I get the BBC America,

which offers me two channels of KUA per week. Did you ever see the

British comedy called: " Waiting For God " ? I found it hilarious. I

also like " The Vicar " . About a woman Vicar. Very funny, IMO.

One of the reasons I like BBC programming, is because I see people who

look like real people. i.e., bald, fat, old, young, and many have teeth

that aren't perfect. They seem far more real to me, than America's

assembly line choice of " stars " .

Sheila

[Guest guest]

> yep, but hard to read while you're weaving, and i go nuts in a room

> without

> something as a diversion for my eyes. i've got some books on tape,

> and

> i'll probably buy more or rent some.

>

> Pat,

> They have lots of books on tape at most libraries :-)

>

> Sandy

Are you aware that if you have low vision, or, for some reason have a

physical problem holding a book, you are eligible for Talking Books,

from the Society for the Blind? My husband was blind for the last 11

years of his life. He loved this book service. They sent us catalogues

regularly. I would read what was offered in the latest catalogue. He

would tell me which he wanted.

He was assigned his own " reader " . She would call him, and he would call

her. They would discuss which books he wanted, and which he didn't

like. I will always be grateful for this service.

Sheila

[Guest guest]

Me, too, Sandy. I have watched " Keeping Up Appearances " segments many

times, and laugh every time.

Me too, Sheila.... I love when they do a segment with her sister and her

husband.... oh, and her long suffering husband :-)

With satellite TV, I get the BBC America,

which offers me two channels of KUA per week. Did you ever see the

British comedy called: " Waiting For God " ? I found it hilarious. I

also like " The Vicar " . About a woman Vicar. Very funny, IMO.

No, I haven't seen them... I'll keep an eye out for them. I don't have

satellite TV, though.

One of the reasons I like BBC programming, is because I see people who

look like real people. i.e., bald, fat, old, young, and many have teeth

that aren't perfect. They seem far more real to me, than America's

assembly line choice of " stars " .

My husband and I have noted the same thing.... in French movies too. I've

often noticed that the hero is very normal looking.

Sandy

[Guest guest]

One of the reasons I like BBC programming, is because I see people who

look like real people. i.e., bald, fat, old, young, and many have teeth

that aren't perfect. They seem far more real to me, than America's

assembly line choice of " stars " .

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you watch them for a number of years, you will see that a lot of the

actors appear over and over in different parts and different shows. My

favorites are " Yes, Minister " and " Fawlty Towers " :-)

Art

Art Mc

moseart@...

" A person who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world "

[Guest guest]

i spent a year there looking for a DVD with someone in it i recognized. lol

i have all the musicals, and lots of the older movies, but there are still

some i'd like to have. i love the old romance things, but i'm a minority.

and, i ran outta money before i could get all i wanted.

brother said that the recorders will come down in the next few years. he

got one of the first VCRs and paid $5000. there is no DVD recorder

(burner??) in the world that i will pay that much for.

i don't care for PBS. for me, too dry. but i love some of the movies on

Lifetime and A & E. and of course, AMC has SOME good, but some are horrid

(at least for me). so, i will sit there and work and watch, and have my

water there, and hope i can get rid of weight and keep the BP down. pat

> .

>

> Do you have a SAM's Club nearby? They have great prices on DVD's! I'm

> afraid you're right, though... most of the older movies are still on video.

>