Category Archives: tv

Shiny Black Box

Tonight I was cleaning the house, and the TV had some smudges on it. I quickly got out the Windex and sprayed it all over the screen. As I was wiping it down I realized I didn’t know whether or not I should have sprayed Windex on the TV. Is there a proper way of cleaning a TV? I have sprayed Windex and other cleaners on it before, but I never really thought about it. You see, I have never actually owned a TV. They have just sort of been brought into my life.

When I had my own apartment I never had a TV and never thought I needed it. Aside from when I used to live at my parents’ house, these things always came with men. Or rather the men came with them. I am beginning to think they are like a standard feature that all men come with. I can almost hear the voice announcing what kind of TV your man will bring into your life.

Maybe that is how you are supposed to pick a man. Sony or Panasonic? 42 inch or 38 inch HD? The funny thing is, I don’t care. I never had one because I never had an interest in one. They just magically appeared next to the couch, I would shrug, and then later spray Windex all over them.

However, this is not to say I don’t enjoy them. If they are there, and not otherwise occupied, I like them enough to watch. I have never been motivated enough to get my own, but when possible I used to sneak in episodes of Jeopardy, and there was a time I loved Desperate Housewives. In fact, there is a list of things I want to one day watch, including all of the seasons of Alias because I love Jennifer Garner, and Xena because it was my favorite show growing up. One day these things will happen. In the meantime I will try not to bleach the TV.

P.S. Remote controls also need to have far fewer buttons. Like three. Three is good.

What Type of TV is Bad for Kids?

Whether or not your child watches TV is a controversy onto itself. For those of us who do let our children watch TV, what is appropriate? Let’s face it, there is only so much Yo Gabba Gabba or Wa Wa Wubbzy I can tolerate in one day.

When I am sitting on the couch with my daughter, watching Nick Jr. with her, and I need to change the channel for a little sanity, what shows and or channels are really that inappropriate? Is daytime TV going to teach her how to become a mafiosa and marry the ringleader of some exceedingly wealthy east coast family? Are talk shows going to get her to question the way she looks?

What about in the evenings? My husband loves Family Guy. Is it wrong to subject a sixteen months old to Stewey’s potty mouth? I don’t think she understands any of the jokes, or what they are really saying. So, as far as I am concerned, she is just watching the cartoons for the visual aspects.

When we first moved into our house and cable was not yet installed, we would put on Simpsons DVDs for her to keep her busy while we unpacked. But even with as bawdy as the Simpsons at times get, it is not the same as putting on CSI where they show replica carcasses and other material which could potentially give Munchie nightmares for many months to come. But shows like these are the extreme. So where is the line drawn? When is adult TV too grown up?

Yes, in make believe land this would not be an issue, and I would be able to entertain my daughter every second she is awake without the use of TV. However, in real life, I need a break, and a shower, so the Wonder Pets are going to have to baby sit for a few minutes. Also, even when I am with her, there are times I just want to sit next to her, mellow out, and cuddle. TV zones her out just enough to make this happen.

What channels and programs do you allow in your house?