Where for art thou television?

Television. Some say a necessary part of day to day life, some, the root of all evil. I say an entertaining distraction that I could live without!

Why when faced with free time, would I rather sit and stare at a dvd I have watched a thousand times, or an episode of neighbours that I suddenly can't live without seeing the end of?

I am currently reading 'Scar Tissue' by Anthony Kiedis, a book which I started approximately 4 and a half years ago on a family trip to a friends beach house. It was hidden away in a bookshelf amongst old newspapers, a jar of tobacco and many obsolete videos. I was drawn to it, particularly as I had heard that it was quite a 'full on' story, and being 15 I couldn't resist the temptation! Why am I still only half way through? Partly because I had to leave the book behind, and partly because of laziness, but I also blame television.

It is a similar story with 'The Valley of the Horses' by Jean M Auel. I started reading it about a year ago and still haven't finished. This one is more important to me to complete though, as someone whose opinion I value highly recommended it to me, and I want to be able to talk to them about it! I enjoyed the first book in the series so much that I went and bought them all, so I really have no excuse.

I think part of the reason is that it is so easy to do other things whilst watching television; talk on the phone, eat, check facebook, blog (I am watching Veronica Mars as we speak!). Reading requires us to stop, to engage. Television only requires ones auditory skills, and can often forgo the visual aspect.

I am about to embark on a three month overseas trip. My plan is to do as much reading as possible, especially during those loooong flights! I went overseas a few months ago, for two weeks, and managed to read four books cover to cover, so I hope this trip will be even more productive!

S.