PiMPing the TV

While waiting for coffee to brew the other day, one of my managers said to me "So, how's the TV watching coming?"

Caught a bit off guard by that, I asked him for some clarification. It probably sounded something like "Wha . . huh?"

He said, "Well, I hear that's all you do; watch TV."

Folks, this is the guy that does my PERFORMANCE REVIEWS every year and now he's got me pegged as a no-account TV watchin' boob. Not good times.

(Also . . . apropos of nothing but my instant desire to justify myself . . . he admitted that when he was sick recently, he realized that he couldn't get HBO On-Demand for his bedroom TV and quickly called the cable guy to install it while he was laid up in bed for several days.)

But, back to my problem.

Do I watch too much TV? I'm guessing every one of you reading this will say, "Well, hell yeah!"

So, let's break it down:

Monday--The only thing worth watching on Monday's was "Arrested Development" and its not long for this world. While I have been known to sit down and watch some of Monday Night Football, I don't care enough to make this a important thing. I used to watch "American Chopper" on this night, but that seems to have been a phase that has run its course.

Tuesday--Currently, the only thing going on here is "Scrubs" which might be on Thursday next month or gone completely. Most Tuesdays I am driving to and from our bible study group. I hear that "Bones" is good, but haven't made an effort.

Wednesday--Naturally, "LOST" is big on this night. Similarly, when "Alias" isn't on hiatus, I watch it on Wednesdays. So, here is the first truly multiple show night.

Thursday--I used to religiously watch "CSI" on this night, but for whatever reason, I've let that slip this year. I still like the show but haven't been going out of my way to watch it. In my viewing area, this is the night that "Smallville"is on, which is what I focus on.

Friday--Here is "Battlestar Galactica" night. But, its one of those shows that has four months of episodes and then goes on a hiatus for six months.

Saturday--nothing permanent

Sunday--Getting kids to bed has (seemingly) permanently damaged my ability to watch "The Simpsons." I have slowly given up my interest in "Desperate Housewives." So, there isn't much here that I consistently catch.

So, what do we see here? I have a steady cycle of shows that I try my best to keep up with, about one per night. That doesn't seem abnormal or excessive.

The point, however, is that I KNOW a heckuva lot ABOUT TV. I read about it on the web and in magazines. I certainly don't watch it all, nor have I ever. I do TALK about it a lot, because it is a point of commonality among many kinds of people--much as sports serves a similar function.

But, do I turn the TV off when these shows aren't on? Well, no, I admit I don't. I surf around a lot (and I occasionally stay up to watch "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report"). But more often than not . . . if I am not watching a designated series mentioned above, I settle on the Food Network.

I find it both entertaining AND educational. I have learned some valuable cooking tips from those shows that has made me a more confident cook and my wife at least appreciates that.

Basically, I think the perception of my TV obsession is slightly overblown (with my admitted participation in that at times). I don't think I'm that bad, honestly. I am generally aware of the TV choices and I think I am fairly judicious in my choices.

And if you don't like it, well . . . at least YOU are completing my performance reviews.