No More TV!

buzzkill

I'm in the minority here in that I like TV and recently there's loads of shows that I really enjoy, e.g Dexter, The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Family Guy, The Big Bang Theory, South Park, the list goes on and on.

Monkerz

I find myself getting drawn in to a few shows my other half tends to watch. For the most part I am trying to do away with watching TV and dedicating more time to studying.

We have just recently started reading for a few hours before bed. Seems to be working well, since she can DVR everything she misses....ugh.

CodeBlox

xirtlook wrote: »

Okay so this Winter I'm going to attempt a new challenge.

I'm going to take my Television out of my bedroom, and attempt to go the entire Winter without Television.

Besides the Occasional Football games, and out to the movie theatre.

my goal is that I want to read more, I want to study more, I want to be more focused.

I want to spend my time more wisely.

has anyone else attempted this? did you go nuts and kill anyone?

lol wish me luck.

I gave what you are mentioning a try. I felt like if I continuously read all day and non-stop studied, I'd not only be less likely to remember stuff but I'd be stressed from the no breaks at all. I study a few hours on off days and in between calls at work on the helpdesk. Especially when its slow at night, I can get a lot of studies in. That way, I can either go home and implement what I studied, or sit back and play some xbox or watch a movie.

xirtlook

demonfurbie wrote: »

my kids have taken over the tv at my house

so i get the computer

so the remedy is to make babies? I'll get lots of studying done then, right?

demonfurbie

xirtlook wrote: »

so the remedy is to make babies? I'll get lots of studying done then, right?

yea tons .... in fact i stay at work late to study

xirtlook

when I was studying for my CCNA, I sat in the middle of my futon everyday, with the TV directly infront of me on mute.
I was able to focus with a lil bit of background noise/distraction.

My desk is a corner desk, and cluttered with computers, papers, accessories.

I found the TV to be not only distracting me for studying, but in the mornings, I find myself wasting time looking at weather, and traffic reports.
Really doesn't matter since I only have one way to work.

I also find it more difficult to fall asleep with the tv on, versus reading a book.

So not only am I removing my TV from the bedroom, I am replacing my broken futon bed (from sitting in the same spot for months), with a real bed.

I am also looking into purchasing a big U-shaped desk so I can hold all my computers/monitors/laptops/books. Feel like a big boy when I'm studying LOL.

I was going to remove my TV this past weekend, but due to my discomfort with a broken bed, I tried to snap/crack my neck to comfort, but infact I did the opposite. Torn something, and pinched a nerve, so needless to say I was in pain, and bored, so I'm glad I didn't remove my TV yet. Got to enjoy a few shows/movies before it gets exiled.

someuser23

I live alone and my light bill each month is under $30 bucks a month.

I have 2 tv's, I don't watch either, I usually watch football at Friday while I drink a beer or 2.

I think TV is a big distraction to getting work done, so is video gaming (xbox live)

However, if you have internet access you basically have TV still if you know what I mean.

I was in the process of buying a xbox since I'm pretty bored at home and I'm single but I'm not going to bother, that's getting back into old unsuccessful habits.

When I'm bored, honestly I go for a drive to a starbucks or go to a plaza for a little walking around.

drkat

I'm getting awesome at iCarly and shake it up (nick/disney) haha

instant000

I got rid of my TV last summer (2010), when I realized that I wasn't watching it, and had a cable bill coming in because I watched Sportscenter every now and then.

As others have posted, the news in this country is slanted.

As far as video games, I go back to remembering what a poster on this forum said a while back, that he didn't play video games because he knew they were programmed to allow him a chance to win.

As far as the news, I tend to be critical of it all the time, no matter the source, as I always ask if they offered the other side of the story, or not.

chrisone

TV is fun and awesome! what are you guys smoking?! hahaha

1 to 2 hours of study a day is enough for me. Most of the time i do that at work, reviewing PDFs and technologies. Most of the time i try not to burn my life hours on studying technology all day. I try to make it a habit to NOT study every single day. When i do, it will be for an hour, maybe 2 tops. However I will never do it 5 or 7 days out of the week. It isnt worth it anymore, life is precious, i cant wait for my CCNP Security certs to be completed, then i wont have to study anything at home, i will no longer have any cert ambitions. Anything i need to read will be done during work hours, since it is work related.

JDMurray

Does watching old TV programs on Netflix count as TV? I'm spending about two hours a day working my way through all episodes of Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Deep Space 9.

Yeah, that's kinda like TV, I guess.

demonfurbie

JDMurray wrote: »

Does watching old TV programs on Netflix count as TV? I'm spending about two hours a day working my way through all episodes of Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Deep Space 9.

Yeah, that's kinda like TV, I guess.

i have ds9 lunches ... only so much studying i can do aday

xirtlook

I still haven't removed my TV yet, I'm waiting for my 6ft Bean Bag to come in.
Walmart.com: XL 6' Fuf Comfort Suede Bean Bag, Black Onyx: Kids' & Teen Rooms

I'm completely removing my entertainment center and everything and replacing with a comfy giant bean bag.

this will be my "reading area" LOL!

I'm doing pretty good at not watching TV as it is since I'm staying later at work.

demonfurbie

reading aarea riiiiiiiiiiiight

you building the ultimate pillow fort

jibbajabba

JDMurray wrote: »

The best thing I ever did for getting more rest was to forbid a TV in my bedroom.

That - never ever had a TV in my bed room .... but I do need some background noise when I am working on my PC :P

Mishra

Don't watch much TV because I can't really stand sitting there the entire time watching something.

But I do waste a ton of time on video games. Interacting with something keeps me busy so this succeeds in taking my attention away.

When I work on projects on the weekends, my weekend is soo much longer. I wish I had the motivation/ability to constantly do housing projects (maybe have a investment home). But I need motivation from another source to keep me going. I can't ever find that source so a lot of my time is still wasted in games... That's just my personality I guess, I hate it though. I wish I could keep self motivated.

If you have any suggestions where I could do this without a partner then please let me know.

Akaricloud

Am I the only one that likes having the TV on while studying? -I find that studying while listening/watching a TV series or movie helps me to better associate unrelated parts of a topic with a chronological order. Instead of getting confused and remembering steps out of order I associate them with parts of a movie that builds on itself and has easily remembered ordered events.

I've really just found that distractions can be my friend. Sometimes I drink while studying(the increasing effects form a timeline that I use to relate information to), move around while studying or otherwise make distractions for myself.

xirtlook

..........

Cpl.Klinger

I'm finding myself getting away from TV and games lately, and it's quite interesting to say the least. Maybe it's turning 30 this year that gave the the "You're grown up now" kick I needed. I actually sold/donated my Flight Sim stuff (which in my opinion is a worse gaming habit than WoW) the past two weeks, and I just uninstalled Team Fortress and Steam (no paid games on there). Granted, I still watch movies and have the very rare session on GT5, but it's not a must for me anymore. I'm looking forward to 2012 as time to reinvent things with the upcoming transfer to WGU and I don't want anything to get in the way. I'd like my plans for '12 to include lots of reading, labbing, picture taking and hanging out with the family, not lots of wasted time in front of a game or show.

Forsaken_GA

I cut out gaming (with The Old Republic dropping next week, we'll see how long that lasts...) but I gotta have my TV fixes. Dexter, House, and Sons of Anarchy are requirements to continue breathing!

demonfurbie

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

I cut out gaming (with The Old Republic dropping next week, we'll see how long that lasts...) but I gotta have my TV fixes. Dexter, House, and Sons of Anarchy are requirements to continue breathing!

i dont watch tv really but games are my downfall, love eve online ... sadly i know i need to quit but its hard

fredmoogie

if you're given an ultimatum either to stop watching tv or stop going online?

which would you opt, and why?

and no, u cannot watch tv online

Tackle

99% will say they'd give up TV.

As to why...it's a no brainer.

MAC_Addy

If I were given the ultimatum I'd tell the person saying it to get out of my house.

demonfurbie

mmos are harder for me

its like hanging out with the guys on friday night (we have 3 chicks in our group as well)

Turgon

fredmoogie wrote: »

if you're given an ultimatum either to stop watching tv or stop going online?

which would you opt, and why?

and no, u cannot watch tv online

I would give up both if you are about to work for a managed service provider. The hours are long and unsocial. When at home you need to either unwind completely or sit quietly researching something to help you cope with the hundreds of unfamiliar technology situations you will have to adapt to. You can go online to learn that stuff.

Other than that, no TV, no online and no WoW.

Spend quality time with your wife too if she gave you the ultimatum. Women like to spend time with their men out of office hours.

Geek1969

I recently cut our satellite tv's from 6 down to 4. You'd have thought I took away someone's birthday. We have 3 kids at home and at least 2 tv's are always on. I reserve Sunday's for football and occasionally relax on the couch with the wife for NCIS, but other than that, I'm either on TE, studying or working on the house or vehicles. Wish I could do away with the TV's though. I might get more help then.

SteveLord

Oh no, god forbid people do something other than work and bury themselves in books all day.

Plantwiz

JockVSJock wrote: »

I haven't owned a tv since 1999, and I don't miss it.

Indeed!

We completely rid ourselves of television for 4 years now...(been so easy it seems longer though).

Best thing we ever did!

Kids don't mind.
We have more time for EVERYTHING and it has been a great way to shrink unnecessary expenses by not paying for cable or the extra electricty to run the stupid box.

We'll watch videos with a projector for "Movie Night" on Friday evening and occassionaly on weekends play games (but it's been months since the Wii's been plugged in).

I'm confident if you give it a chance (if you were a heavy user of TV) you'll find that you have so much more time, are more relaxed (no stress from scare-tactic news repeats) and can exercise, read, study, spend time with spouse, kids, you alone just being quiet, etc.. Totally love it! Best wishes and welcome to the 'other' side

Plantwiz

Turgon wrote: »

.... Women like to spend time with their men out of office hours.

ehhh

Something to be said for the spouse having a hobby.
Certainly, their attention (undivided attention) on occassion is a must for a marriage...but time apart and involved in separate activities has proven useful for us.

YMMV