no TV

[Joe G]

I'm sure most would agree that excessive tv watching has unhealthy side-effects. Up to you to define "excessive".

Well, the damn stations don't sign off anymore. That changed everything.

I mean, how can they expect us to shut the set off and risk the chance of missing something?

Turns out that there is another downside to curtailing your time on front of the tube.

Study:Watching Fewer Than Four Hours Of TV A Day Impairs Ability To Ridicule Pop Culture

NEW YORK—A Columbia University study released Tuesday suggests that viewing fewer than four hours of television a day severely inhibits a person's ability to ridicule popular culture.

"An hour or two of television per day simply does not provide enough information to effectively mock mediocre sitcoms, vapid celebrities, music videos, and talk-show hosts—an essential skill in modern society," said Dr. Madeleine Ben-Ami, a professor of cognitive science and chief author of the study. "The average person requires a minimum of four to six hours of television programming each day to be conversant on the subject of The Apprentice or able to impersonate Anna Nicole Smith."

[7/4]

I'm sure most would agree that excessive tv watching has unhealthy side-effects. Up to you to define "excessive".

Well, the damn stations don't sign off anymore. That changed everything.

I mean, how can they expect us to shut the set off and risk the chance of missing something?

Turns out that there is another downside to curtailing your time on front of the tube.

Study:Watching Fewer Than Four Hours Of TV A Day Impairs Ability To Ridicule Pop Culture

NEW YORK—A Columbia University study released Tuesday suggests that viewing fewer than four hours of television a day severely inhibits a person's ability to ridicule popular culture.

"An hour or two of television per day simply does not provide enough information to effectively mock mediocre sitcoms, vapid celebrities, music videos, and talk-show hosts—an essential skill in modern society," said Dr. Madeleine Ben-Ami, a professor of cognitive science and chief author of the study. "The average person requires a minimum of four to six hours of television programming each day to be conversant on the subject of The Apprentice or able to impersonate Anna Nicole Smith."

That may be the only reason I still watch.

[catesta]

I'm sure most would agree that excessive tv watching has unhealthy side-effects. Up to you to define "excessive".

Well, the damn stations don't sign off anymore. That changed everything.

I mean, how can they expect us to shut the set off and risk the chance of missing something?

Turns out that there is another downside to curtailing your time on front of the tube.

Study:Watching Fewer Than Four Hours Of TV A Day Impairs Ability To Ridicule Pop Culture

NEW YORK—A Columbia University study released Tuesday suggests that viewing fewer than four hours of television a day severely inhibits a person's ability to ridicule popular culture.

"An hour or two of television per day simply does not provide enough information to effectively mock mediocre sitcoms, vapid celebrities, music videos, and talk-show hosts—an essential skill in modern society," said Dr. Madeleine Ben-Ami, a professor of cognitive science and chief author of the study. "The average person requires a minimum of four to six hours of television programming each day to be conversant on the subject of The Apprentice or able to impersonate Anna Nicole Smith."

Well, that seals it.

[GA Russell]

Son of a gun. Here is an interesting article published today about people who live without television.

I note that it says that many adults point with pride that without television they are out of touch with popular culture!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/200809...holivewithouttv

[T.D.]

Turns out that there is another downside to curtailing your time on front of the tube.

Study:Watching Fewer Than Four Hours Of TV A Day Impairs Ability To Ridicule Pop Culture

NEW YORK—A Columbia University study released Tuesday suggests that viewing fewer than four hours of television a day severely inhibits a person's ability to ridicule popular culture.

"An hour or two of television per day simply does not provide enough information to effectively mock mediocre sitcoms, vapid celebrities, music videos, and talk-show hosts—an essential skill in modern society," said Dr. Madeleine Ben-Ami, a professor of cognitive science and chief author of the study. "The average person requires a minimum of four to six hours of television programming each day to be conversant on the subject of The Apprentice or able to impersonate Anna Nicole Smith."

That reminds me of a weirdly self-referential (IMO) aspect of TV. Back when I watched, I found that the overwhelming source of material for TV comedy shows (SNL and that ilk, not sitcoms) was other TV shows. Funniest things on the comedy revue programs were always spoofs of old shows. That's one of the reasons I scaled back viewing (even before stopping altogether).

[Neal Pomea]

Well, the damn stations don't sign off anymore. That changed everything.

They also used to end the day's programming with the national anthem but they don't do that anymore. Why does TV hate America?

[jostber]

In my Firefox I have installed Adblock, which filters out all ads on all sites. I have not found that functionality for TV yet. Did let that box go with my ex six years ago. I kept the record player.

If I want to watch something, I'll usually make a visit to someone nearby. Love cooking and art programs. Can't stand ads for more than 30 secs. I would might have been watching more if I could avoid those constant loud annoying ad breaks. I don't envy kids today who have to endure all that nagging everytime they watch a children programme.