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Today tsuwm sent me the word "nullifidian" our of a quotation from George Eliot. That sent me into the Internet to refresh my scanty recollections of that gifted lady. In browsing, I ran across a statement that Cardinal Newman had thought cheap books undesirable, which much surprised me.
To us who live in an age in which educators and pundits continually elevate reading books as an educational ideal and continually attack television as a medium that victimizes a passive audience, it comes as a shock to encounter Newman claiming that cheap, easily available reading materials similarly victimized the public
It occurred to me that perhaps the Board members might have some interesting ideas on the overall merits of television.
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Maverick blackens television with his white ink.
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Nah, it's a little bit of all white, but mostly grey and boring 
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i read some ones comment once about television -- stating in effect that it was sad that such a powerful means of communications was used as it was-- he likened it to Gutenburg's press-- (as if nothing had been publish for 400 years but comic books)
I think TV can be very powerful-- it changed american minds about war-- and the russians too. even censored images from afganistan were too much.. Its also played a part in American's, at least thinking, (if not always acting) about the environment.. visual images of oil spills, smog, soiled beaches, dead trees.. these "live panaromic views" sicken us. So we at least articulate that protecting the world is a good thing-- even if we don't yet consistantly act that way.
There have been some great moments of television.. and endless hours of junk!
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...stating in effect that it was sad that such a powerful means of communications was used as it was-- he likened it to Gutenburg's press-- (as if nothing had been publish for 400 years but comic books)
There have been some pretty amazing, artistic, thought-provoking, funny, poignant, and entertaining comic books, though...
I guess I'm not as pessimistic about television as the previous posters. A lot of it has been and still is crap, but people did criticize books, and novels, and film, in the same way many now criticize television. For a medium that has only existed for 50 years, I think it has produced some impressive works of art (not to mention the way it enables the eyes of the world to witness the events that change the world). I have never lived without television and I don't think I'd like to.
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Theodore Sturgeon was reported to have been accosted at a science fiction convention by someone who told him that 90% of science fiction was crap.
Sturgeon responded that that was right, but that 90% of *everything was crap.
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this is now recognized throughout the Known Universe as Sturgeon's Law. then there is Fischer's Corollary: 99% of the people in the galaxy are [jerks] 
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"Cosmos"
"All In The Family"
"National Geographic Specials"
"Cheers" and "Frasier"
Hallmark specials
"Star Trek" and "Next Generation"
"Perry Mason"
"Sesame Street"
"West Wing"
All the well done "Cop Shows" starting with "Hill Street Blues" up to current "The District" et.al.
The definitive medical shows "Chicago Hope" and "E.R."
The British comedies
Masterpiece Theater
Mystery
Nero Wolf ... new ... the set design and costumes are wonderful.
CNN's coverage of world events.
"Meet The Press"
"Nightline"
Those are just a few I have and do enjoy when I have time to watch them.
And my sons are fans of all the sports coverage.
TV's part of life, now.
Get used to it!
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TV's part of life, now.
Get used to it!
I watch TV sports (usually while doing something else) although I'd much rather go to the event. I watch nature shows (when they are on - I don't have cable) but I'd rather take a tour or go camping at the site. I can't stand watching the news (although I do) and am happy to criticize people who regurgitate those facts as reported yet have no other knowledge of what they have "an opinion about". Although I do enjoy occasional comedies and fantasies/sci-fi they never seem to be on when I have the time to "watch" anyway...
WOW - I think a more appropriate sentiment is "get over it"... (and get on with life!)
As early TV marketers promoted the educational value of it, good old consumerism got a hold (like they weren't all along (ha)) and what we have now is - my guess - 25% fact (I believe this is being generous)... watch out internet. I'm not pessimistic (there is plenty good in it for me), however, watch what happens when "free broadcast TV" disappears in 2015 (I'm not making this up).
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While I know there's a lot of worthwhile viewing on television, I simply am not attracted to it -- maybe that's from living in the Third World for most of my adult life, where TV pretty much sucked.
When I first returned for good to the US, I watched a lot of stuff to try and catch up on popular culture as well as movies I'd missed first time around. But the attraction didn't last too long. Nowadays the only programs I make any effort at all to watch on a regular basis are 'CBS Sunday Morning' and some kind of evening news. Lately I've become interested in watching Rupert Murdoch take on Ted Turner with his Fox News Channel. And once in a while, if I really don't feel like reading and there's nothing going on at AWADtalk or anywhere else cyber-wise, I'll have the baseball game on or a cooking show (during the gloomy dark baseball off-season).
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Pooh-Bah
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<<90% of everthing is crap>>
If only 90% of crap is crap, 90% of everthing can't be.
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If only 90% of crap is crap, 90% of everthing can't be.There you go, convoluting again, IP! 
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In a listing of worthwhile TV ( and I'd include most of your list , wow) I can't, in good conscience, leave these omitted: "The X-Files" (even though the station is owned by Rupert bleepin' Murdoch!) "NYPD Blue" "M.A.S.H." The traditional annual showing of "The Wizard of Oz" when I was growing up. "The Dick Van Dyke Show" "The Carol Burnett Show" (her original variety hour with Harvey Korman and Tim Conway) Ken Burns' "The Civil War," "Baseball," and "Jazz" the original "Saturday Night Live" "The Honeymooners" and "The Jackie Gleason Show" "I Love Lucy" "Kaptain Kangaroo" Some fine telemovies like "Brian's Song" and the recently remarkable "Life With Judy Garland" "Miami Vice" "The Andy Griffith Show" The History Channel, The Learning Channel, Discovery "Candid Camera" "The Cosby Show" And any post-season baseball featuring the Team of the Century NEW YORK YANKEES! ... especially that tantalizing one-game playoff in '78! [ducking for cover from all Red Sox fans emoticon] And lots of other shows that deserve a mention I'm forgetting here... I've tried to shut it off...I can't! I begin to feel too disconnected. And, at the very least, I need my baseball fix. So I guess I'm just a child of the tube, a naturalist at heart hopelessly wired...now where's that remote???
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<<There you go, convoluting again, IP!>>
But my dear! I stir the broth to clarify, just to clarify! ;)
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I only watch tv for a few shows, like Get Smart, the old Star Trek shows, and sometimes the Twilight Zone, and for baseball, and old movies. Whitman, you like the Yankees? My Grandfaher worked for CBS when they owned the Yankees. This was when they played the worst. (this was the same grandfather that worked on radar, as I mentioned in some other thread somewhere)
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And ..baseball featuring the Team of the Century NEW YORK YANKEES! ...especially that tantalizing one-game playoff in '78! [ducking for cover from all Red Sox fans emoticon
Right about here I want two emoticons : the "raspberry" and a pair of RED SOX!
You better well duck, you... you... you... YANKEE fan!
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You better well duck, you... you... you... YANKEE fan!
Hey, they had the Bambino. And they've won the last 5 "world" series.
note: I like the Yankees, but not as much as my little brother. He's mad because I'm verifying my information. AND he's annoying me because I supposedly know nothing about Ruth.
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I supposedly no nothing about Ruth.
The Babe was scouted for the Red Sox and played for them then traded hence the "curse of the Babe" which is what that other poster is relying on to get the Yankees thru the Series and which -- as far as I am concerned -- will not be lifted until Patrick J. ("Patsy") Donovan is in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Hi Whit
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The Curse of the Babe Yeah, and the modern version has translated into The Curse of the "Buck"!...Bill Buckner and Bucky Dent....so I guess Buck Showalter will never manage the Red Sox! Ha! hi, wow
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The Twilight Zone ...sorry for forgetting that one! This was when (the Yankees) played their worst Ah, yes...the ol' Roy White, Horace Clarke, Stan Bahnsen era!  ... and poor Mel Stottlemeyer, he would've gone to the Hall-of-Fame with any of the other Yankee teams behind him!
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How could I forget! A special mention here to TNT Originals for the fine work they've been turning out over the years! Especially their historical endeavors that have always followed the laudable commitment to of paying almost-meticulous adherence to the factual! Here I list a few of the brightest works:
"The Hunley"
"Kingfish"
"Andersonville"
"David"
"Buffalo Soldiers"
"The Day Lincoln Was Shot"
"Rough Riders"
"Animal Farm" -- a superb live-action adaptation of George Orwell's classic novel! If you missed this one, find it, watch it!
" Gettysburg"
And millions and millions of thanks for the inspired production and reverential historical treatment of "Gettysburg"!
I've watched this magnificent movie on the big screen in its original theatrical release, and countless times since!
A noble tribute to the terrible tragedy that forged this country into one nation! I try to watch it every July 1-3, each day of the battle on it's appropriate day, to reflect in tribute on the sacrifices that were made on both sides of the conflict. And I still believe Jeff Daniels was robbed of the Supporting Actor Oscar he so richly deserved for his brilliant interpretation of Gen. Joshua Chamberlain, only because the Academy establishment refused to recognize Turner's "upstart" new studio...a real crime!
Coming up shortly, "Wallace", the life of George Wallace starring Gary Sinise (sp.?) and "James Dean", a biography.
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Thanks for link, AnnaS! Love it! All of Boston and New England should see this one! I appreciate your worthy word of experience on the recommended new baseball thread. But before I abandon those posts here, you should also understand that in September and, especially, October baseball IS television!...What else is there?
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television (T.V.):
a primitive, non-interactive mass medium that maintained wide appeal until decent, digitally individualized forms of information broadcasting and entertainment took root.
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curse of the Babe
Hence the chant, 1918. This curse supposedly ends this year, I think.
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If only 90% of crap is crap, 90% of everthing can't be.
Good point, IP! Now a visit to the proper specialist might help you in that respect. Course you'll never be able to get there since you'll have to travel 90% of the distance first...
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<<Good point, IP! Now a visit to the proper specialist might help you in that respect.>>
No need for specialists; after only several iterations, there's scant turd in that absurd.
:)
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Apropos of another thread: http://www.comics.com/comics/getfuzzy/archive/getfuzzy-20010529.htmlI've come to really enjoy this comic, which is new to my area. Today the cat called the main human character a "big, pink, water-loving freak." Now I know what my cat's thinking...
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And I still believe Jeff Daniels was robbed of the Supporting Actor Oscar he so richly deserved for his brilliant interpretation of Gen. Joshua ChamberlainYeah, but he became famous after Dumb and Dumber.
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If 90% of everything is crap, then we can separate everything into ...
crap 90%
non-crap 10%
Now if 90% of crap is crap (and hence 90% of non-crap is actually crap), then ...
crap crap 81%
non-crap crap 9%
crap non-crap 9%
non-crap non-crap 1%
As crap crap is a double negative, we now have...
crap 18%
non-crap 82%
Thus proving that "90% of everything is crap" is part of that 90%, or is that 18%....
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90% crapI think you just crapped out, doc!
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I would be remiss if I did not mention the brilliant new C-SPAN series, "American Writers, a journey through history," that I've been watching diligently since it began this winter. 138 episodes starting with William Bradford and the Mayflower Compact at Plimoth Plantation and running through 1974, it features an American writer of influence and focuses on a major work of that author, as well as surrounding historical discussions. The live broadcast each Monday morning at 9 a.m. offers an interactive discussion with phone calls and e-mails accepted. Fridays at 8 p.m. a tape of the same week's author is rebroadcast. All have been marvelous...today was Mark Twain, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and the next two weeks offer Willa Cather, "O Pioneers!" and Black Elk, "Black Elk Speaks." Some of the most intriguing so far have been William Bradford, "The Mayflower Compact;" Thomas Paine, "Common Sense" ( I now believe Paine to be the true Founding Father!...he believed in the sovereignty of the individual!), Lewis and Clark,"The Journals of Lewis and Clark;" Emerson and Thoreau, "Nature" and " Walden;" Elizabeth Cady Stanton, "A Declaration of Sentiments;" Frederick Douglass, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass;." and Mary Chesnut, "Diaries From Dixie." And in August the episodes will be re-aired from the beginning so those who missed all or some can catch up! This is an incredible project folks, make it a point to see some of it if you can! VCR Alert! Worthwhile TV if there ever was! Here's the site URL for more information: http://www.Americanwriters.org/
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