The Odd Couple

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Raving - 30 Dec 2006 05:35 GMT

Larry G. wrote:

> On Thu, 28 Dec 2006 09:28:51 -0600, Raving <raving.loonie@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Larry G. wrote:
> >> On Wed, 27 Dec 2006 23:26:46 -0600, Raving <raving.loonie@gmail.com>
> >> wrote:
> >>
> >> > Larry G. wrote:
> >> >> PL,
> >> >>
> >> >> There is precious little more that I can add to our discussion.
> >> >>
> >> >> I will ask that you please forgive some of the rougher comments and
> >> >> suggestions I've made along the way. Two factors may have
> >> >> contributed to my lack of sensitivity in this particular case:
> >
> >> What part of what I wrote upsets you?
> > Oh,
> >
> > it was just a building feeling spread over a few threads and days,
> >
> > leading to a sort of overdose of Larry.
> >
> > Partly, you are very effective ( ... a compliment )
> >
> > Partly, you are very reckless (impulsive, close minded, manipulative)
> > There is a "Je ne sais quoi" quality to it.
> >
> >> We can discuss this if you are able to articulate something
> >> other than lame insults.
> > I am working on it. ... (As per the examples, above and below.)
> > ---------------
> >
> >> --
> >> Your mind is a terrible thing to waste - TURN OFF YOUR TV!
> > For example, your sig line is something which I find to be very
> > irritating.
> >
> > It is so preemptive and correct, yet also so premature.
> >
> > Cordially,
> >
> > Raving
>
> Now we are getting someplace.
>
> Is television one of your guilty pleasures? One that you
> really don't want someone to attack, or remind you of
> the tremendous harm it does to your life?

Guilt.

What's that?

A person has do 'do something'; has to 'complete' something to feel
guilty in taking the initiative.

If one never does, ( I.E. one spends one's time reacting to others )
they cannot feel guilty.

Is a person doing something when they are watching T.V.?

Where can the guilt enter into it?

> If so, please allow me elaborate, further:
>
> WATCHING TV MAKES YOU FAT!
> Countless studies note the link between obesity and
> the amount of TV fat people watch. More TV => more weight!

As an adult, I don't watch much T.V. ... did my share of it as a kid!
By the time that I reached adulthood, I found it soooo boring, I fell
out of the habit!

> WATCHING TV MAKES YOU STUPID!
> More recent studies show the link between TV and lowered
> academic performance.
> * More TV watching => less time spent studying => lowered grades
> * Most of the kids who drop out of school have a TV in their
> bedrooms, and no parental control over when, what and how long
> they watch.
> * In America, the rise of television sets in the nation's homes
> presages a proportionate drop in academic test scores and critical
> thinking skills of all ages!

On the occasions that I do watch T.V. I seem to gravitate to the
documentaries, these days. There seems to be much more of that
available now than when I was a kid!

These shows are often very thought provoking and stimulating for me.

At one time, I was a news junkie, saturating myself with news &
commentary programming.

.. Would this make me smart? I found that the exercise soaked up
all the available time; be it listening to the radio; reading the
newspaper or watching T.V.

> WATCHING TV MAKES YOU POOR!
> Commercial television is subsidized by . . . selling commercials
> selling a lot of useless stuff you really don't *need*.
> Viewers are encouraged to buy, buy, buy - even when they can't
> afford it.
> Easy finance terms lead to overspending and overborrowing.
> This in turn leads to unpayable debt, which leads to bancruptcy.

In lieu of watching T.V., going to the mall ... window shopping can
make you poorer, a whole lot quicker!

> WATCHING TV MAKES YOU LONELY
> TV programming is *designed* to get your attention.
> This robs your family, friends and guests of your attention.
> They, in turn, resent you for being an inconsiderate dolt,
> and eventually stop associating with you.
> Eventually, the only relationship you have left in your life
> is with your TV, and maybe the cable guy.

Oh?

Tell my wife that! Because T.V. no longer grabs me, I spend my time on
the internet or reading trashy novels, or playing computer games,

One thing is certain ... If I spent more time watching T.V. with my
wife, I would be less lonely.

... and more bored.

When one is married and as a couple, T.V. watching is a group activity.

After a day of working, my wife wants to relax.

> Besides, who in their right mind wants to spend time with
> a fat, stupid, poor slob who does nothing with their life
> but sit and watch the g*ddammed TV?!

There are no shortage of hobbies amnd time wasting diversions to occupy
one's attention.

Whether it is reading the newspaper, technical references, going to the
pub, reading literature. .. reading trashy novels, ... , ... , ....
it is endless.

One of the reasons that I don't watch T.V. anymore is that there are so
many other things to waste my time doing ( such as writing this posting
.. or reading what others post.)

So?

> ;-)
>
> Ball's in your court.

Your serve.

Cordially,

Raving

Reply to this Message

Larry G. - 30 Dec 2006 06:23 GMT

> Larry G. wrote:
>> On Thu, 28 Dec 2006 09:28:51 -0600, Raving <raving.loonie@gmail.com>
>> wrote:

>> >> --
>> >> Your mind is a terrible thing to waste - TURN OFF YOUR TV!
[quoted text clipped - 34 lines]
> By the time that I reached adulthood, I found it soooo boring, I fell
> out of the habit!

This was sufficient to answer the question (TV == guilty pleasure ?).

So, what DOES irritate you about my sig-line?

Cheers,
Larry G.

Signature

Your mind is a terrible thing to waste - TURN OFF YOUR TV!

Reply to this Message

Raving - 30 Dec 2006 06:38 GMT

> >> WATCHING TV MAKES YOU FAT!
> >> Countless studies note the link between obesity and
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> So, what DOES irritate you about my sig-line?

Yes. I understand what you mean.

It's something about your OCD type awareness versus my ADD type
awareness.

Almost all the significant people in my life seem to have been OCD
types.

It's a love - hate relationship.
( and strongly weighted on the love side. )

You are asking me why I find your sig assertion irritating.

A very interesting question. I will have to think about it. ...

Cordially,

Raving

Reply to this Message

Tai - 30 Dec 2006 06:38 GMT

> One of the reasons that I don't watch T.V. anymore is that there are
> so many other things to waste my time doing ( such as writing this
> posting .. or reading what others post.)
>
> So?

Usenet ate into my TV watching a while ago but I often do both together.
Actually it's rare for me to watch TV without doing something else at the
same time but I don't feel guilty if I don't.

However, this year I started taping TV shows to watch while I use my
exercise bike every morning. That way I get to feel positively virtuous as I
keep to the only successful New Years' resolution I've ever made while
immersing myself happily in the product of other people's imagination.

Tai

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Family Forum / Marriage / Marriage / December 2006

The Odd Couple