After reading the responses. I would like to add that I think sports is the most mind-numbingly boring shit to watch. In order for sports to be at all interesting, you need to be fanatic about a team or player. Fanaticism is never a good thing. Think about it, some dudes chuck a fucking ball around and make millions, the corporations or individuals that own the team and stadium are making billions and the fans are paying for it, all the while convinced that they are actually being entertained. In reality, they are watching a highly repetative series of patterns that could be out-varied by a plastic bag blowing in the wind. If you actually watch sports without the hype you see the same shit happen over and over again and you wonder "Why do people pay for this shit?"
Another major point people have been making is that you can learn from television. In reality most television relies on you already having the knowledge. The material is presented as satire, and often the facts are mixed up to make it humorous for those who already have knowledge of the material. Those who don't, think they are learning, but are in-fact learning false facts. For example: On the Simpsons, Neslon goes around saying to people "Your epidermis is showing!" and people get embarassed because they don't know what it is, near the end of the show he says "Haha! It's your hair!" which is funny to those who know what the epidermis is, because it's not hair and Nelson is an idiot. But for those who don't know what the epidermis is, they may think "That's a good bit of knowledge. See television is educational!". Think again, you can't trust the Simpsons to give you any facts. The history channel gives you one version of history which is often in dispute. The Science Network on the other hand is very good and I'm a big fan of Roger Bingham's work. I frequently check out TSNTV.org for the latest videos of conferences put together by Roger. Most of that stuff, like TSN can be viewed online for free.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
This is very good news. I hardly watch television meself...Me thinks that as tech advances that we don't even want to use or stretch our minds...Sort of have every item of info spoonfed to us...I was having a conversation with someone earlier...At some forums the participants don't even address eachother directly...This can be frustrating sometimes and I even fell victim to my ego concerning it all about a year ago...I had to work and to read the innuendos...like the Simpsons...they throw so much obscurity in the lines of their show, that most of it's viewing population doesn't understand the linguistics....
As for the internet..When one of those obscure friends of mine makes a post, I find myself running a search on words that may either be spelled incorrectly for content or have a meaning all in their own life. This is how I learn so much each and every day...I love that my friends care enough to respond indirectly becasue it always seems like a thousand doors of adventure opens up...
peace...and good love...goood light and most of all good vibes......
all insanity:
a derivitive of nature.
nature is god
god is love
love is light
After reading the responses. I would like to add that I think sports is the most mind-numbingly boring shit to watch. In order for sports to be at all interesting, you need to be fanatic about a team or player. Fanaticism is never a good thing. Think about it, some dudes chuck a fucking ball around and make millions, the corporations or individuals that own the team and stadium are making billions and the fans are paying for it, all the while convinced that they are actually being entertained. In reality, they are watching a highly repetative series of patterns that could be out-varied by a plastic bag blowing in the wind. If you actually watch sports without the hype you see the same shit happen over and over again and you wonder "Why do people pay for this shit?"
Another major point people have been making is that you can learn from television. In reality most television relies on you already having the knowledge. The material is presented as satire, and often the facts are mixed up to make it humorous for those who already have knowledge of the material. Those who don't, think they are learning, but are in-fact learning false facts. For example: On the Simpsons, Neslon goes around saying to people "Your epidermis is showing!" and people get embarassed because they don't know what it is, near the end of the show he says "Haha! It's your hair!" which is funny to those who know what the epidermis is, because it's not hair and Nelson is an idiot. But for those who don't know what the epidermis is, they may think "That's a good bit of knowledge. See television is educational!". Think again, you can't trust the Simpsons to give you any facts. The history channel gives you one version of history which is often in dispute. The Science Network on the other hand is very good and I'm a big fan of Roger Bingham's work. I frequently check out TSNTV.org for the latest videos of conferences put together by Roger. Most of that stuff, like TSN can be viewed online for free.
anhimus, i used t think the same, god you know i was such a beligerent b*tch....but i learned from these obscure friends that even sports has a place....
it's like going to a place and wanting to learn the dance...you have to replay a thousand times..sports can be viewed similarly...well, take care; it's really good to see you and to say hi....
all insanity:
a derivitive of nature.
nature is god
god is love
love is light
After reading the responses. I would like to add that I think sports is the most mind-numbingly boring shit to watch. In order for sports to be at all interesting, you need to be fanatic about a team or player. Fanaticism is never a good thing. Think about it, some dudes chuck a fucking ball around and make millions, the corporations or individuals that own the team and stadium are making billions and the fans are paying for it, all the while convinced that they are actually being entertained. In reality, they are watching a highly repetative series of patterns that could be out-varied by a plastic bag blowing in the wind. If you actually watch sports without the hype you see the same shit happen over and over again and you wonder "Why do people pay for this shit?"
With as mind-numbingly clinical as you appear to be it is no surprise that you don't like sports. But I recall you also don't believe that anyone is born with talent, and that anyone can learn to dunk a ball or throw a touchdown pass.
Do you do anything for entertainment aside from watching lectures on the Internet? There are many things people do which don't necessarily improve their knowlege, but which improve their enjoyment of life. You may be thrilled by reading a musty 30 year old text on psychology. Someone else may be thrilled watching their team put a ball through a hoop. As long as one is enjoying what they're doing, more power to them.
Another major point people have been making is that you can learn from television. In reality most television relies on you already having the knowledge. The material is presented as satire, and often the facts are mixed up to make it humorous for those who already have knowledge of the material. Those who don't, think they are learning, but are in-fact learning false facts. For example: On the Simpsons, Neslon goes around saying to people "Your epidermis is showing!" and people get embarassed because they don't know what it is, near the end of the show he says "Haha! It's your hair!" which is funny to those who know what the epidermis is, because it's not hair and Nelson is an idiot. But for those who don't know what the epidermis is, they may think "That's a good bit of knowledge. See television is educational!". Think again, you can't trust the Simpsons to give you any facts. The history channel gives you one version of history which is often in dispute. The Science Network on the other hand is very good and I'm a big fan of Roger Bingham's work. I frequently check out TSNTV.org for the latest videos of conferences put together by Roger. Most of that stuff, like TSN can be viewed online for free.
When most of us talk about learning through TV, I don't think we're talking about that as a sole, or even primary vehicle. And we're certainly not talking about using the Simpsons as a teaching tool. The Simpsons fall into the category of entertainment and what I said about sports above applies to entertainment as well since sport is simply a form of entertainment. If it is enjoyable to take a half hour and watch some TV to decompress after a crazy day, what is the harm? If you end up laughing in the process that can only be a good thing. If someone spends a couple of hours on a Sunday with friends a few beers and a bag of chips while watching a football game, that sounds like a good use of a couple of hours. A little social bonding, a little fun, no harm there. Using the TV as an entertainment device doesn't sound any more detrimental than using the computer as an entertainment device. Using the TV as an educational device is a little less flexible than using the computer as an educational tool, but again - garbage in/garbage out.
"I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
With as mind-numbingly clinical as you appear to be it is no surprise that you don't like sports. But I recall you also don't believe that anyone is born with talent, and that anyone can learn to dunk a ball or throw a touchdown pass.
Do you do anything for entertainment aside from watching lectures on the Internet? There are many things people do which don't necessarily improve their knowlege, but which improve their enjoyment of life. You may be thrilled by reading a musty 30 year old text on psychology. Someone else may be thrilled watching their team put a ball through a hoop. As long as one is enjoying what they're doing, more power to them.
When most of us talk about learning through TV, I don't think we're talking about that as a sole, or even primary vehicle. And we're certainly not talking about using the Simpsons as a teaching tool. The Simpsons fall into the category of entertainment and what I said about sports above applies to entertainment as well since sport is simply a form of entertainment. If it is enjoyable to take a half hour and watch some TV to decompress after a crazy day, what is the harm? If you end up laughing in the process that can only be a good thing. If someone spends a couple of hours on a Sunday with friends a few beers and a bag of chips while watching a football game, that sounds like a good use of a couple of hours. A little social bonding, a little fun, no harm there. Using the TV as an entertainment device doesn't sound any more detrimental than using the computer as an entertainment device. Using the TV as an educational device is a little less flexible than using the computer as an educational tool, but again - garbage in/garbage out.
What makes sports or other television programming more entertaining and relaxing than watching a plastic bag float around in the wind?
I do actually play sports games on my Wii or computer. I play a lot of video games that are interactive. But even the sports games are far too repetative to have replay value. Playing video games requires a lot of skill, many veteran players can pick up a new game and have the controls mastered in a short period of time, and master the game within a few days. Give a Wiimote to a Tube junky and watch their reaction times.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
What makes sports or other television programming more entertaining and relaxing than watching a plastic bag float around in the wind?
I do actually play sports games on my Wii or computer. I play a lot of video games that are interactive. But even the sports games are far too repetative to have replay value. Playing video games requires a lot of skill, many veteran players can pick up a new game and have the controls mastered in a short period of time, and master the game within a few days. Give a Wiimote to a Tube junky and watch their reaction times.
Unless you're talking about WWE, the NBA or Italian soccer, the final outcome of a game isn't determined before the game begins. It can be a test of endurance, skill, strategy and luck to see which team or individual prevails over the other. It is more than an inanimate object moving on a whim. I'm certain there people who enjoy the cathartic nature of watching a feather or plastic bag being carried by a breeze or lifted by a thermal. Other people are entertained by watching shows where poeple answer questions about various topics. What makes one more entertaining than the other? Personal preference, I suppose.
"I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
Unless you're talking about WWE, the NBA or Italian soccer, the final outcome of a game isn't determined before the game begins. It can be a test of endurance, skill, strategy and luck to see which team or individual prevails over the other. It is more than an inanimate object moving on a whim. I'm certain there people who enjoy the cathartic nature of watching a feather or plastic bag being carried by a breeze or lifted by a thermal. Other people are entertained by watching shows where poeple answer questions about various topics. What makes one more entertaining than the other? Personal preference, I suppose.
Or their exposure to various marketing schemes and social dynamics.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
Or their exposure to various marketing schemes and social dynamics.
Sure, those things would play a role as well. I've been a soccer fan for over 30 years. I can tell you that the marketing and social dynamics in the US were/are not set up to support soccer fans. Popular sports media has always looked down on it. And none of my friends were soccer fans when I became one. So something other than marketing led to my love of the game.
"I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
Sure, those things would play a role as well. I've been a soccer fan for over 30 years. I can tell you that the marketing and social dynamics in the US were/are not set up to support soccer fans. Popular sports media has always looked down on it. And none of my friends were soccer fans when I became one. So something other than marketing led to my love of the game.
Why don't scientists get paid millions to talk about all their hardwork that is in-fact productive?
Probably because it requires some kind of thought participation from the observer, and not just screaming hollering and painting one's own body.
In other words, because science isn't mind-numbingly stupid. Otherwise we might have a scientific world series where people pay $200 just to watch science happen.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
Why don't scientists get paid millions to talk about all their hardwork that is in-fact productive?
Probably because it requires some kind of thought participation from the observer, and not just screaming hollering and painting one's own body.
In other words, because science isn't mind-numbingly stupid. Otherwise we might have a scientific world series where people pay $200 just to watch science happen.
That's an idea.
I'd watch that over poker, or golf. I know that isn't saying much.
Why don't scientists get paid millions to talk about all their hardwork that is in-fact productive?
Invent something useful and they'll get paid accordingly. Actors, musician and sports stars provide us with something many find useful.... entertainment and they get paid acordingly. Bill Nye the Science Guy has found a way to entertain us with science. Don't blame the viewer because the scientist is boring.
“One good thing about music,
when it hits you, you feel to pain.
So brutalize me with music.”
~ Bob Marley
Why don't scientists get paid millions to talk about all their hardwork that is in-fact productive?
Probably because it requires some kind of thought participation from the observer, and not just screaming hollering and painting one's own body.
In other words, because science isn't mind-numbingly stupid. Otherwise we might have a scientific world series where people pay $200 just to watch science happen.
Right. Go back and read about entertainment vs. learning. There is a time and place for entertainment and a time and place for learning. Learning is very, very important. For a balance in life, and to enhance the enjoyment of life, many find entertainment, in whatever form, important as well. If you don't value the benefits of entertainment, that's cool. But there are times when people want to focus, stretch, learn, grow. And there are times when they want to relax, veg, decompress. You seem to get your entertainment and your learning from the same vehicle, and if that works for you, great! I would guess you are the rare case. The two are distinct and separate for me.
"I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
Right. Go back and read about entertainment vs. learning. There is a time and place for entertainment and a time and place for learning. Learning is very, very important. For a balance in life, and to enhance the enjoyment of life, many find entertainment, in whatever form, important as well. If you don't value the benefits of entertainment, that's cool. But there are times when people want to focus, stretch, learn, grow. And there are times when they want to relax, veg, decompress. You seem to get your entertainment and your learning from the same vehicle, and if that works for you, great! I would guess you are the rare case. The two are distinct and separate for me.
I find learning entertaining. You can too. Just give up the stupid entertainment.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
And this is why scientists don't make millions entertaining people.
Because they aren't stupid?
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
TV is like a drug. People feel they can "unwind" when they watch it, because it shuts down the brain from having to think all that much.
It also puts people in a state of consciousness whereby they are more susceptible to being fed information without thinking about it critically.
Progress is not made by everyone joining some new fad,
and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
over specific principles, goals, and policies.
I think I was born in the wrong era, I'm just not a video-oriented person. It's rare that something can hold my interest. I rarely watch television because most of it either bores or annoys me. I like baseball, but I prefer to listen to it on the radio. One of the main reasons I don't post here as much as I used to is that so many threads want me to watch a YouTube video, which I seldom have the patience for.
There's certainly quality programming out there, just not very much of it. I don't have a problem with anyone spending an hour here or there relaxing in front of some mindless entertainment, but for a lot of people it seems to be a way of life. When you don't watch television, it's really surprising how many conversations you can't participate in. People at work, several people in my family, and even a couple of friends are forever talking about what they watch on TV. Once in a while I'll be tempted to go take a look at some show I've heard a lot about, and I invariably find that it's awful. And don't even get me started on the advertising, almost all of which is positively insulting (or ought to be) to anyone with a triple-digit IQ.
I'm not sure if large amounts of television make adults stupid, or if you have to be stupid in the first place to be able to tolerate large amounts of television, but there does seem to be a correlation. The people I know who watch it constantly are significantly less informed about reality than those who only watch a little, or not at all. They sure do know a lot about Americas Idols though.
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." ~ MLK, 1963
0
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Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,200
Even though this could be anywhere in the world and the correct ones edited out. The reason some of us are like this could be due to Television...The Drug Of The Nation.
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Comments
Another major point people have been making is that you can learn from television. In reality most television relies on you already having the knowledge. The material is presented as satire, and often the facts are mixed up to make it humorous for those who already have knowledge of the material. Those who don't, think they are learning, but are in-fact learning false facts. For example: On the Simpsons, Neslon goes around saying to people "Your epidermis is showing!" and people get embarassed because they don't know what it is, near the end of the show he says "Haha! It's your hair!" which is funny to those who know what the epidermis is, because it's not hair and Nelson is an idiot. But for those who don't know what the epidermis is, they may think "That's a good bit of knowledge. See television is educational!". Think again, you can't trust the Simpsons to give you any facts. The history channel gives you one version of history which is often in dispute. The Science Network on the other hand is very good and I'm a big fan of Roger Bingham's work. I frequently check out TSNTV.org for the latest videos of conferences put together by Roger. Most of that stuff, like TSN can be viewed online for free.
As for the internet..When one of those obscure friends of mine makes a post, I find myself running a search on words that may either be spelled incorrectly for content or have a meaning all in their own life. This is how I learn so much each and every day...I love that my friends care enough to respond indirectly becasue it always seems like a thousand doors of adventure opens up...
peace...and good love...goood light and most of all good vibes......
a derivitive of nature.
nature is god
god is love
love is light
it's like going to a place and wanting to learn the dance...you have to replay a thousand times..sports can be viewed similarly...well, take care; it's really good to see you and to say hi....
a derivitive of nature.
nature is god
god is love
love is light
With as mind-numbingly clinical as you appear to be it is no surprise that you don't like sports. But I recall you also don't believe that anyone is born with talent, and that anyone can learn to dunk a ball or throw a touchdown pass.
Do you do anything for entertainment aside from watching lectures on the Internet? There are many things people do which don't necessarily improve their knowlege, but which improve their enjoyment of life. You may be thrilled by reading a musty 30 year old text on psychology. Someone else may be thrilled watching their team put a ball through a hoop. As long as one is enjoying what they're doing, more power to them.
When most of us talk about learning through TV, I don't think we're talking about that as a sole, or even primary vehicle. And we're certainly not talking about using the Simpsons as a teaching tool. The Simpsons fall into the category of entertainment and what I said about sports above applies to entertainment as well since sport is simply a form of entertainment. If it is enjoyable to take a half hour and watch some TV to decompress after a crazy day, what is the harm? If you end up laughing in the process that can only be a good thing. If someone spends a couple of hours on a Sunday with friends a few beers and a bag of chips while watching a football game, that sounds like a good use of a couple of hours. A little social bonding, a little fun, no harm there. Using the TV as an entertainment device doesn't sound any more detrimental than using the computer as an entertainment device. Using the TV as an educational device is a little less flexible than using the computer as an educational tool, but again - garbage in/garbage out.
What makes sports or other television programming more entertaining and relaxing than watching a plastic bag float around in the wind?
I do actually play sports games on my Wii or computer. I play a lot of video games that are interactive. But even the sports games are far too repetative to have replay value. Playing video games requires a lot of skill, many veteran players can pick up a new game and have the controls mastered in a short period of time, and master the game within a few days. Give a Wiimote to a Tube junky and watch their reaction times.
Unless you're talking about WWE, the NBA or Italian soccer, the final outcome of a game isn't determined before the game begins. It can be a test of endurance, skill, strategy and luck to see which team or individual prevails over the other. It is more than an inanimate object moving on a whim. I'm certain there people who enjoy the cathartic nature of watching a feather or plastic bag being carried by a breeze or lifted by a thermal. Other people are entertained by watching shows where poeple answer questions about various topics. What makes one more entertaining than the other? Personal preference, I suppose.
Or their exposure to various marketing schemes and social dynamics.
Sure, those things would play a role as well. I've been a soccer fan for over 30 years. I can tell you that the marketing and social dynamics in the US were/are not set up to support soccer fans. Popular sports media has always looked down on it. And none of my friends were soccer fans when I became one. So something other than marketing led to my love of the game.
May be the beauty of Cannavaro and Pirlo's game
Nicely said. An appreciation for the art of athletes in their game.
all posts by ©gue_barium are protected under US copyright law and are not to be reproduced, exchanged or sold
except by express written permission of ©gue_barium, the author.
Probably because it requires some kind of thought participation from the observer, and not just screaming hollering and painting one's own body.
In other words, because science isn't mind-numbingly stupid. Otherwise we might have a scientific world series where people pay $200 just to watch science happen.
That's an idea.
I'd watch that over poker, or golf. I know that isn't saying much.
all posts by ©gue_barium are protected under US copyright law and are not to be reproduced, exchanged or sold
except by express written permission of ©gue_barium, the author.
when it hits you, you feel to pain.
So brutalize me with music.”
~ Bob Marley
Right. Go back and read about entertainment vs. learning. There is a time and place for entertainment and a time and place for learning. Learning is very, very important. For a balance in life, and to enhance the enjoyment of life, many find entertainment, in whatever form, important as well. If you don't value the benefits of entertainment, that's cool. But there are times when people want to focus, stretch, learn, grow. And there are times when they want to relax, veg, decompress. You seem to get your entertainment and your learning from the same vehicle, and if that works for you, great! I would guess you are the rare case. The two are distinct and separate for me.
I find learning entertaining. You can too. Just give up the stupid entertainment.
when it hits you, you feel to pain.
So brutalize me with music.”
~ Bob Marley
Because they aren't stupid?
It also puts people in a state of consciousness whereby they are more susceptible to being fed information without thinking about it critically.
and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
over specific principles, goals, and policies.
http://i36.tinypic.com/66j31x.jpg
(\__/)
( o.O)
(")_(")
There's certainly quality programming out there, just not very much of it. I don't have a problem with anyone spending an hour here or there relaxing in front of some mindless entertainment, but for a lot of people it seems to be a way of life. When you don't watch television, it's really surprising how many conversations you can't participate in. People at work, several people in my family, and even a couple of friends are forever talking about what they watch on TV. Once in a while I'll be tempted to go take a look at some show I've heard a lot about, and I invariably find that it's awful. And don't even get me started on the advertising, almost all of which is positively insulting (or ought to be) to anyone with a triple-digit IQ.
I'm not sure if large amounts of television make adults stupid, or if you have to be stupid in the first place to be able to tolerate large amounts of television, but there does seem to be a correlation. The people I know who watch it constantly are significantly less informed about reality than those who only watch a little, or not at all. They sure do know a lot about Americas Idols though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiOoNph-YSM
Peace
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)