.
The whole universe seemed to change last week. Americans were forced to make the switch from their old television system, to something new. In the process, some folks lost tv reception altogether.
Newsday directs these folks, “Viewers without cable, satellite or other pay service have three options: sign up for such service; purchase a TV converter box, with or without a government coupon; or buy a TV with a digital tuner.”
But, there is a fourth option: Give up television.
It is wonderful to have a television-free home. There is no background chatter–of people selling you stuff, or screaming, or shooting guns–if you forget to turn it off, or you other half is watching something in the other room. There is no need to make your plans around some show you got addicted to. There is more time for real events, like local music, or local gatherings, or talking to your family on the couch.
Hope that people who lose reception will see this as an opportunity to “hide from their tv.” (A favorite bumper sticker that my husband and I found on an upstate journey.)
Also, a friend who just made the switch noticed that his television set announced, “The weather in Glen Cove is xxx degrees.” “How did the tv know I’m in Glen Cove?,” he asked. Well, in thinking about it, if you have cable or pay per view or anything like that, people can kind of track you and your viewing habits, too. This just made it easier to track everyone.
Oh, well.
Another day in the life of America.
Some articles to help you give up television:
Give up tv and find time and passion: here.
Turn off the tv to help your children become more active and less obese: here.
Change your habits from tv to exercise: here.
TV and affluence and what it does to you: here on page 186, etc.
Filed under: children, News, rants Tagged: | analog, digital, television, tv
You rarely hear people talk about constant TV watching a an addiction, but it certainly has all of the earmarks. And like any addiction it slowly draws it’s victims away from the things that matter — friends, family and community.
Television watching is also robs your budget. Many cable packages are now over $1,000 a year — and growing! And it’s TV advertising — and those ubiquitous merchandise peddling programs — that prey on people’s weaknesses and promote consumerism.
Really, LI would be a healthier place if more people followed your advice.
Yup.
;)