LynneSin's current events quiz got me thinking...

[SoyCat]

How many of you don't watch television at all and still manage to remain well-informed?

Most people I meet think my husband and I are crazy for not watching t.v. I've tried watching it at my mom's house and just can't do it; there's just nothing worth watching.

[billyskank]

1. I don't even have a TV

I do seem to learn about some things a little later than others. For instance, I learned about the July 2005 London bombings on DU...

...I am less than 100 miles away :blush:

[SoyCat]

2. We keep up on news but never know a thing about crap like

American Idol, etc.

I think we're saving brain cells that way!

I'm sure you're doing just fine and by comparison to your peers, probably very well-informed.

[taterguy]

3. My TV news comes from Bill Maher's HBO show

I stay up on current events via newspapers, books and the Net but I do enjoy his guests and their commentary. Otherwise, we make a conscious effort to avoid news on TV since it's annoying, deceptive and depressing.

[SoyCat]

10. It sounds like you've got a good mix. I want Monk on DVD.

We plan on buying a television just for movies. I did really like Monk but I haven't watched it in...I don't even know how long ago it was. I watched most of the first season and then we haven't had a television since.

I'll keep getting my news from all the other sources (internet, newspapers, magazines, etc.) but will never return to television news. Your description of it as "annoying , deceptive and depressing" couldn't have been more accurate!

[BarenakedLady]

4. I barely watch tv

and when I do, it is pay stations like HBO and Showtime. I never watch the news. It is too depressing. I get my info online

[SoyCat]

11. The legions of those disenchanted with television news are growing.

Maybe one day they (the broadcast/cable media) will learn and clean up their act. Nah, that is *way* too hopeful...

[greendog]

5. I haven't watched TV since 1975...

...and I manage to stay informed.

How do people watch that crap anyway?

[SoyCat]

8. Your brain is probably healthier than most!

[deadparrot]

6. DU and Yahoo are my main news sources.

I rarely, if ever, watch any TV.

[SoyCat]

9. Good for you. I would rather read the news, as well.

[av8rdave]

7. I'll watch TV occasionally with the Mrs, but by and large it

doesn't do much for me.

[SoyCat]

13. More and more people are complaining that "there is nothing to watch". A zillion channels

and there is nothing but crap. It is easy to understand how it "doesn't do much" for you. I'd wager a guess that you're more of a reader. Most of the people I talk with who admit to hating the crap that's on television are also avid readers. I fear that those who are addicted to television are infrequent readers...

[av8rdave]

15. I am in fact an avid reader

mostly nonfiction, but some fiction....better return for the time spent, IMO.

[flvegan]

12. No cable, no dish. If my tv is on, it's a dvd spinning.

Informed doesn't come from the idiot box.

[SoyCat]

14. Our dvd player has been idle--well, actually at my mom's house.

We'll be getting another and a television so that we can get Netflix (1 day turnaround where we're moving). So, we view the television the same way. I am always amazed by the people who ask how we stay informed if we don't watch t.v. They are some of the least-informed people I know. Coincidence--I think not.

[buddhamama]

16. i do but not TV news

i usually watch whatever my son is into watching. thank goodness it is mostly discovery channel stuff and NOVA. i don't watch TV unless he is watching TV.

i went six-seven yrs without a TV, and was able to remain informed.

[RevolutionaryActs]

17. I never watch the news.

I can't stand it. It either leaves me feeling pissed off or sick. Most times both.
Mostly I just read Yahoo Headlines(or some such thing) or hear about it from my mom, who is a glutton for punishment and always watches the news. She's nutty that way. :crazy: