Try this:

Turn off the TV, do NOT watch it for 2 weeks.  

Get all of your news from the net or the radio.  Surfing ARF a bunch is "ok".

When you find yourself feeling "bored", go for a walk, or a drive, or go shooting.  DO NOT TURN ON THE TV!!!!

NEVER turn on the TV for TWO WEEKS.

Experience Reality.  If you don't like it, you definately won't like it 5 years from now, so start practicing!

Those who wish to rise to such a "lofty goal" are more than welcome to post in this thread.  Those who think the concept is a bit on the far side of insane are also welcome to post.

I have not "watched TV" in my ENTIRE LIFE.  I watched the Drew Carry show or whatnot if it was on when I was around in the shop, but I never scheduled my life around "what show is on next?"

Then again, I am a bit wierd.  Maybe this is because I am out of touch with the "reality" that TV has everybody living in.

GIVE IT A SHOT, I DOUBLE DOG DARE YA!

I was actually thinking about turning off arfcom for two weeks. I have a much greater addiction to that than I do my telly.

no thanks, i'm not amish

Benn there done that, for alot more then 2 weeks.  I gave my tv away.

I don't watch much TV these days.

I dare ya to turn off your computer for 2 weeks

I don't own a TV, and the last time I did any real TV watching (average of probably 8 hours a week) was at least six years ago.  I don't miss it either.

How about you turn off your internet connection for two weeks??? Radio? Telephone?

I love it when people blast television like it's some evil demon.

I would, but that would mean missing the finale of Survivor.  No can do.

Quoted: no thanks, i'm not amish

It isn't a "religion issue".

I married a satanic person of a religion that banned TV.  That was OK with me, since I didn't watch it.

However, Mr. 21.45 posts per day, I also can see the folly of many around who either need to get home to watch "their show", or upgrade their TIVO to watch all they want when they want.

They don't actually SEE LIFE!  This post/thread is just asking people to just try it, just ONCE, for a couple weeks, and see how much extra time they have, how much better they feel, and how much different they think.

Mass Media has ruined America!  In this time of "Instant News" and "I want it all and I want it NOW", TV is the perfect solution.

What if it didn't exist?  Look at the downfall of America.

America was FINE for 150 YEARS.  Then came radio.  Next, came prohibition, then came the mobs, who took advantage of the huge market left by prohibition.  Due to the mobs, we have the NFA Act of 1934.  Then comes World War II.  Children and fathers of that time still had a feeling to defend their country and the right to live as they are.  We did not attack until we were attacked.  This segues into Television and the first version of MTV: Elvis.

If the "general population" of America had the "realtime news" like we do today in Iraq, we would have probably run like the French sissies and cried "foul".  War Sucks, it isn't fair, but they brought it here.  

Walk away.  Join to serve.  Do NOT let the media tell you what you Truly Believe, or what you Truly Feel.  

We are FREE, we have just become "sensitized" to new laws that we are not.

I am not calling for a revolution...  I am simply ASKING you to try to not watch TV for TWO WEEKS (Less than the time ARF was down for the awesome upgrade).

Is that too much to ask?  How did you feel when ARF was down?  What did you do?  If you simply watched TV a lot more, I feel for you, sincerely.

Don't even bring religion into this, I have refused to "Watch TV" since I was a child, my parents didn't understand that.  The reason for the hell of today is that now the "parents" are now of the generation where the TV was THEIR babysitter.  Now they got NO clue how to raise a kid of their own.

Then we all ask "What is wrong with kids these days???"

WAKE UP!

Television. Teacher, mother, secret lover.

drinking+posting=bad

Quoted: I was actually thinking about turning off arfcom for two weeks. I have a much greater addiction to that than I do my telly.

No joke, I watch about 3 hours of TV a week but waste my damn life in front of this computer screen.

Quoted: I was actually thinking about turning off arfcom for two weeks. I have a much greater addiction to that than I do my telly.

I turned off arfkom for almost 3 months to find inner peace. When I returned with a message of friendship, I was met with seething hatred.

haven't watched in about 10 years.  (not at my house, i've seen shows at other folk's places on rare occasion)

Quoted: Quoted: no thanks, i'm not amish It isn't a "religion issue". I married a satanic person of a religion that banned TV.  That was OK with me, since I didn't watch it. However, Mr. 21.45 posts per day, I also can see the folly of many around who either need to get home to watch "their show", or upgrade their TIVO to watch all they want when they want. They don't actually SEE LIFE!  This post/thread is just asking people to just try it, just ONCE, for a couple weeks, and see how much extra time they have, how much better they feel, and how much different they think. Mass Media has ruined America!  In this time of "Instant News" and "I want it all and I want it NOW", TV is the perfect solution. What if it didn't exist?  Look at the downfall of America. America was FINE for 150 YEARS.  Then came radio.  Next, came prohibition, then came the mobs, who took advantage of the huge market left by prohibition.  Due to the mobs, we have the NFA Act of 1934.  Then comes World War II.  Children and fathers of that time still had a feeling to defend their country and the right to live as they are.  We did not attack until we were attacked.  This segues into Television and the first version of MTV: Elvis. If the "general population" of America had the "realtime news" like we do today in Iraq, we would have probably run like the French sissies and cried "foul".  War Sucks, it isn't fair, but they brought it here.   Walk away.  Join to serve.  Do NOT let the media tell you what you Truly Believe, or what you Truly Feel.   We are FREE, we have just become "sensitized" to new laws that we are not. I am not calling for a revolution...  I am simply ASKING you to try to not watch TV for TWO WEEKS (Less than the time ARF was down for the awesome upgrade). Is that too much to ask?  How did you feel when ARF was down?  What did you do?  If you simply watched TV a lot more, I feel for you, sincerely. Don't even bring religion into this, I have refused to "Watch TV" since I was a child, my parents didn't understand that.  The reason for the hell of today is that now the "parents" are now of the generation where the TV was THEIR babysitter.  Now they got NO clue how to raise a kid of their own. Then we all ask "What is wrong with kids these days???" WAKE UP!

I think it's insulting that you would think other people here don't live life or that they let the media tell them what to think simply because they watch TV. They have brains and can exercise their own judgement, too - just like you.

Geez. Get off the stump.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: no thanks, i'm not amish I married a satanic person of a religion that banned TV.  That was OK with me, since I didn't watch it. ! They have brains and can exercise their own judgement, too - just like you.

apparently most have alot more...

This is the article I think of whenever I see the 'TV is rotting your brains! My life is so much better than yours because I don't watch TV' threads:

Area man constantly mentioning he doesn't own a television

Since I was born, raised and still don't have cable tv, theres not much for me to watch anyways.  All I need is King of the Hill, Simpsons and the occasional Bernie Mac.

Quoted: This is the article I think of whenever I see the 'TV is rotting your brains! My life is so much better than yours because I don't watch TV' threads: Area man constantly mentioning he doesn't own a television

I own a TV.  I have many many DVD's I watch.

At the same time, when looking at the discussion topics in the threads, it seems that many live their life somewhere in between TV, ARF, work, and sleep.  (in that order)

I am not saying you can't have a TV.  I not saying you can't watch TV.  I am only saying you should TRY to not watch TV for two weeks.  Dump the net for two weeks too if you are brave enough.  I can walk away at any time once my incoming work is finished.  Can you?

Stop justifying it.  Do not let yourself turn the TV on, and then you will realize exactly how much "bubble gum for the brain" you have been digesting.  

Report back.

Count me in with Taxman and Greenhorn.  I don’t even own a TV.  

Whenever I see it on at other people’s houses I feel like I have on the magic sunglasses for the movie “They Live”.  I am the only one who sees the true nature of the programming while the regular TV watchers just tune in and zone out.  Its creepy really.  

I especially love taking walks with the dog during prime time.  No cars out, no people out.  Its nice and quite.  The eerie blue glow comes from 90% of the living room windows as America settles down for their nightly programming.

And people call me weird for not having a TV….  Whatever.  

Quoted: I went outside once. There people there depressed me and made me fear for the future. I went back inside and turned on the History channel. I felt much better.

History Channel is acceptable.  The only good one left, even Discovery Channel has been overrun.   I only know this because I look when History Channel is on at whateverplaceIamat.  Good Stuff there.

However, try a break! Buy the History Channel Machines of War DVD set instead of a stupid monthly cable bill.

Why is it that people cannot actually fathom not having "news"  instantly?????

Worse yet, what some freaks in Kali think is "normal" shown to your kids?

Quoted: Quoted: This is the article I think of whenever I see the 'TV is rotting your brains! My life is so much better than yours because I don't watch TV' threads: Area man constantly mentioning he doesn't own a television I own a TV.  I have many many DVD's I watch. At the same time, when looking at the discussion topics in the threads, it seems that many live their life somewhere in between TV, ARF, work, and sleep.  (in that order) I am not saying you can't have a TV.  I not saying you can't watch TV.  I am only saying you should TRY to not watch TV for two weeks.  Dump the net for two weeks too if you are brave enough.  I can walk away at any time once my incoming work is finished.  Can you? Stop justifying it.  Do not let yourself turn the TV on, and then you will realize exactly how much "bubble gum for the brain" you have been digesting.   Report back.

No thanks, I make my living working on the internet. And I don't need to get away from anything to get perspective on life. I already have it. Maybe you don't and you need to do this, but don't try to make judgement on how other people live by your deficiencies.

And don't tell me how much 'bubble gum' I've been digesting. You have no freaking idea what I or other people watch or do, yet you issue directives in order to save us from ourselves.

Reality is for people who can't handle drugs or alcohol...

SGtar15

No can do, AMA Superbike, World Superbike, and the MotoGP seasons are in full swing.

Quoted: Reality is for people who can't handle drugs or alcohol... SGtar15

Which leads me to my next point:

I don't drink alchohol. No drugs. Never smoked. Don't drink anything with caffeine in it. No carbonated beverages. I think they're all bad. I think people would be better off in general if they did what I did.

But do I go around telling people what to eat or drink or smoke? Hell no. Because people enjoy those things and they've made the determination that the cost is worth the rewards. And it makes them happy. And I don't feel it's my place to go around saying "You fools! You don't know what you're doing to yourselves! Follow my lead and ye shall be saved! Stop justifying and do what I tell you do! If you don't do what I say you don't have control over your actions because you are addicted and don't know it!"

Damn. People make their own decisions and do what they want to do. If it doesn't harm you, why the hell do you feel the need to tell them how to act?

P.S.: Often I find the people who don't have their own shit together like to tell other people how they should live their lives. Witness the gun control movement. Just an observation.

Quoted: Quoted: Reality is for people who can't handle drugs or alcohol... SGtar15 Which leads me to my next point: I don't drink alchohol. No drugs. Never smoked. Don't drink anything with caffeine in it. No carbonated beverages. I think they're all bad. I think people would be better off in general if they did what I did. But do I go around telling people what to eat or drink or smoke? Hell no. Because people enjoy those things and they've made the determination that the cost is worth the rewards. And it makes them happy. And I don't feel it's my place to go around saying "You fools! You don't know what you're doing to yourselves! Follow my lead and ye shall be saved! Stop justifying and do what I tell you do! If you don't do what I say you don't have control over your actions because you are addicted and don't know it!" Damn. People make their own decisions and do what they want to do. If it doesn't harm you, why the hell do you feel the need to tell them how to act? P.S.: Often I find the people who don't have their own shit together like to tell other people how they should live their lives. Witness the gun control movement. Just an observation.

Defensive this eve, aren't we?

If you need to go to such lengths to feel ok with wasting time, then do it!

I am not "forcing beliefs" on you.  I stated a premise and a reason, and left that for the choice of the reader to decide.

I also asked for input, both positive AND negative (which you have been eager to supply) on the topic.  I will take all into consideration.  However, look at history, look at the rate of the decline of America, and then stack that next to technological advances.

Yes, that last statement says I should not even have Internet, then again..  I won't go there.

Quoted: Quoted: I was actually thinking about turning off arfcom for two weeks. I have a much greater addiction to that than I do my telly. I turned off arfkom for almost 3 months to find inner peace. When I returned with a message of friendship, I was met with seething hatred.

That's because you are totally full of shit.

Quoted: I also asked for input, both positive AND negative (which you have been eager to supply) on the topic.  I will take all into consideration.  However, look at history, look at the rate of the decline of America, and then stack that next to technological advances.

Actually, a more accurate statement would be; look at the rate of decline of America and compare that next to technological advances that resulted in freeing up women's time.  Because as a result of women being freed up from daily house hold chores they had more time to think and get out of the house.  Next thing you know they demand the right to vote and then we had the stock market crash of the 1920's, which lead to Roservelts "New Deal " program of big government and the start of socialism in this country.  This continued on with the womens and the civil rights movement of the 60's  culminating today with women taking away job from men and fucking up the political world with all their "touchy -feely" voting meathods.

Sgtar15

Yep. I get tired of people dictating how others should live. The anti-tv threads in particular getting tiresome, since they imply that anyone who hasn't completely abandoned TV lacks self control or is some kind of puppet.  People here are neither. They just do what they like.  And I get defensive when some condescending post tells me I'm "wasting my time" when they have no idea how I spend it.

The 'television leading to the decline of america' is just BS. It didn't start with tv or radio, or even the telegraph. It started with the death of the 9th and 10th amendments, and with the introduction of the 17th. Blaming television for harming america is like blaming guns for violence. Both positions are ridiculous. It is individual action, not a box that can be turned on and off, that is responsibile for behavior and quality of life.

And for the record, I watch roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of television a week. This week was out of the ordinary since I wanted to watch the really bad '10.5' miniseries for a laugh. So that made it 5 hours. And you know what? I was entertained by how bad it was. It made me laugh and I enjoyed the experience.

Seriously, you haven't stumbled on to some great secret of happiness or enlightenment. Other people have TV in the perspective they feel is right for them. Why can't you just accept this?

Reality is scary.

Quoted: Yep. I get tired of people dictating how others should live. The anti-tv threads in particular getting tiresome, since they imply that anyone who hasn't completely abandoned TV lacks self control or is some kind of puppet.  People here are neither. They just do what they like.  And I get defensive when some condescending post tells me I'm "wasting my time" when they have no idea how I spend it. The 'television leading to the decline of america' is just BS. It didn't start with tv or radio, or even the telegraph. It started with the death of the 9th and 10th amendments, and with the introduction of the 17th. Blaming television for harming america is like blaming guns for violence. Both positions are ridiculous. It is individual action, not a box that can be turned on and off, that is responsibile for behavior and quality of life. And for the record, I watch roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of television a week. This week was out of the ordinary since I wanted to watch the really bad '10.5' miniseries for a laugh. So that made it 5 hours. And you know what? I was entertained by how bad it was. It made me laugh and I enjoyed the experience. Seriously, you haven't stumbled on to some great secret of happiness or enlightenment. Other people have TV in the perspective they feel is right for them. Why can't you just accept this?

I tried REALLY hard to read all of this, but thanks to TV commercials I know only have an attention spane of 30 seconds and couldn't quite get thru it....

SGtar15

Quoted: Try this: Turn off the TV, do NOT watch it for 2 weeks.   Get all of your news from the net or the radio.  Surfing ARF a bunch is "ok". When you find yourself feeling "bored", go for a walk, or a drive, or go shooting.  DO NOT TURN ON THE TV!!!! NEVER turn on the TV for TWO WEEKS. Experience Reality.  If you don't like it, you definately won't like it 5 years from now, so start practicing! Those who wish to rise to such a "lofty goal" are more than welcome to post in this thread.  Those who think the concept is a bit on the far side of insane are also welcome to post. I have not "watched TV" in my ENTIRE LIFE.  I watched the Drew Carry show or whatnot if it was on when I was around in the shop, but I never scheduled my life around "what show is on next?" Then again, I am a bit wierd.  Maybe this is because I am out of touch with the "reality" that TV has everybody living in. GIVE IT A SHOT, I DOUBLE DOG DARE YA!

LoL what will hapen in 5 Years?????????????????

I want to get on record as being a member of the "don't own one" club.  My wife and I gave it away in 1995.

It's really funny to listen to our friends and family -- many can't seem to remember we don't have one.  They still say things like, "Did you see that funny commercial where..."

Other people simply can't relate.  They say, "How do you get by without it?"  Sad.

It's ironic how many people who always have the TV on say that they rarely watch it.

Congratulations to the folks who swear, "I could quit any time I want."

IT WAS ONLY A GOD DAMN SUGGESTION PEOPLE!

Quoted: IT WAS ONLY A GOD DAMN SUGGESTION PEOPLE!

Damn dude...can you turn down the volumn??

SGtar15

TV Sucks.
I only watch The Simpsons on Sunday evenings.


Well, I tend to watch my huge collection of war & cop DVD's on the weekends...

The few times I watch TV at someone elses house makes me hate society and alot of other things more then I did before.

Quoted: Quoted: IT WAS ONLY A GOD DAMN SUGGESTION PEOPLE! Quoted:Damn dude...can you turn down the volumn?? SGtar15

IT WAS ONLY A GOD DAMN SUGGESTION PEOPLE!

Quoted: The few times I watch TV at someone elses house makes me hate society and alot of other things more then I did before.

true that, homey...

Quoted: I was actually thinking about turning off arfcom for two weeks. I have a much greater addiction to that than I do my telly.

That makes much more sense then turning off the TV.
Actually, it is much more fun listening to people who don't have a TV brag about it like it somehow makes them superior.

I'm "in" after the season finale's of "24" and "NYPD Blue".  I'll go all summer.

I will not be watching "Friends".  Probably the only person in America.

Quoted: Try this: Turn off the TV, do NOT watch it for 2 weeks.

No.

I figure I could turn off the TV for two weeks, but I can't turn the internet off for let alone two minutes.

Going on 3 weeks with no TV but not by choice. I moved to a rural location and forgot to call the Satelite company ahead of time (oops). I do miss the history channel though.

History Channel, Hockey Games,that's it for regular TV.
I can't take those stupid-ass sitcoms, reality shows. etc.

I will watch rented movies.

My family did this for a month last September.

My kids read more books, as did my wife an I.  We spent more time interacting as a family.

After September, we went back, but not nearly as much as before.  There is no 'grazing', that is, if you know what time a specific show is on, you can turn it on and watch it.  No turning on and channel surfing until you find something interesting.

Like anything, in moderation...  if you spend 50% of your waking hours in front of the tube...  that is your choice.

Does that include Buffy and Vic Mackey? A lot can happen in two weeks...

Must....

Have....


SOPRANOS.... (and now Deadwood)