Comments on: Giving and Receiving http://www.thedarkglass.net/2007/12/14/giving-and-receiving/ trying to nail down the shifting signifiers Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:10:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: ROG http://www.thedarkglass.net/2007/12/14/giving-and-receiving/comment-page-1/#comment-2858 ROG Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:24:27 +0000 http://www.thedarkglass.net/2007/12/14/giving-and-receiving/#comment-2858 Thanks. Here's a way to watch TV without doing the 8-11 vegetative state - record EVERYTHING you want to watch. I haven't experienced that effect - and I used to, big time - ever since we've had the DVR. I can't watch that Law & Order marathoon because I need to watch Monday's JEOPARDY! or last night's news. Interestingly, the VCR wasn't as good at controlling my consumption because I could just buy tapes and record more and more, while the DVR has a limit; a good thing, I think. Thanks.

Here’s a way to watch TV without doing the 8-11 vegetative state - record EVERYTHING you want to watch. I haven’t experienced that effect - and I used to, big time - ever since we’ve had the DVR. I can’t watch that Law & Order marathoon because I need to watch Monday’s JEOPARDY! or last night’s news.
Interestingly, the VCR wasn’t as good at controlling my consumption because I could just buy tapes and record more and more, while the DVR has a limit; a good thing, I think.

]]> By: Anthony Velez http://www.thedarkglass.net/2007/12/14/giving-and-receiving/comment-page-1/#comment-2857 Anthony Velez Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:16:30 +0000 http://www.thedarkglass.net/2007/12/14/giving-and-receiving/#comment-2857 Good question! Paula and I have decided that we can watch occasional movies doing pay-per-view, or a DVD, and by this, I do mean occasional. So far we have watched 1/2 of a movie that we will finish later. If we are not watchful about this allowance, then all we will be doing is substituting one crutch for another. This allowance has something to do with intentionality, and with the fact that on some level it is a different media than broadcast television. Often I will turn on the TV at 8pm to watch a show that I like, and then keep watching till 11pm, because I am plugged in, and because networks are really good at putting out enticers, even before the theme song plays, that gets you hooked. A movie via pay-per-view or DVD is a more autonomous medium that unhinges some of the more negative elements of broadcast TV. These negative elements are not something that necessarily exists in the media itself, all though to some degree I think it does, but that exist also within myself, and how I relate to the media. Regarding me personally, DVDs, etc don't tap into this. My post is not meant to be a banner call for all people to join me, or meant to judge others who watch TV. It was more of a confession of my inordinate relationship to the TV. More importantly, it was about being willing to take steps to free up space in my life and heart to more deeply receive from God. Having said this, however, I bet there are a lot of people out there who could use a TV fast. Good question! Paula and I have decided that we can watch occasional movies doing pay-per-view, or a DVD, and by this, I do mean occasional. So far we have watched 1/2 of a movie that we will finish later. If we are not watchful about this allowance, then all we will be doing is substituting one crutch for another. This allowance has something to do with intentionality, and with the fact that on some level it is a different media than broadcast television. Often I will turn on the TV at 8pm to watch a show that I like, and then keep watching till 11pm, because I am plugged in, and because networks are really good at putting out enticers, even before the theme song plays, that gets you hooked. A movie via pay-per-view or DVD is a more autonomous medium that unhinges some of the more negative elements of broadcast TV. These negative elements are not something that necessarily exists in the media itself, all though to some degree I think it does, but that exist also within myself, and how I relate to the media. Regarding me personally, DVDs, etc don’t tap into this.

My post is not meant to be a banner call for all people to join me, or meant to judge others who watch TV. It was more of a confession of my inordinate relationship to the TV. More importantly, it was about being willing to take steps to free up space in my life and heart to more deeply receive from God. Having said this, however, I bet there are a lot of people out there who could use a TV fast.

]]> By: ROG http://www.thedarkglass.net/2007/12/14/giving-and-receiving/comment-page-1/#comment-2855 ROG Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:31:05 +0000 http://www.thedarkglass.net/2007/12/14/giving-and-receiving/#comment-2855 Interesting. Certainly I've watched less TV in the past three years), and taking on new shows is harder (though, conversely, took on 5 this year, and still watch 3). Still, most of what I watch (news programs, Ebert & Roeper, JEOPARDY!) give me joy and/or make me feel like a better-informed citizen. So, I probably won't forego it, but I do understand the urge. BTW, does this include DVDs or videos you happen to watch on the TV set? Interesting. Certainly I’ve watched less TV in the past three years), and taking on new shows is harder (though, conversely, took on 5 this year, and still watch 3). Still, most of what I watch (news programs, Ebert & Roeper, JEOPARDY!) give me joy and/or make me feel like a better-informed citizen. So, I probably won’t forego it, but I do understand the urge.

BTW, does this include DVDs or videos you happen to watch on the TV set?

]]> By: Anthony Velez http://www.thedarkglass.net/2007/12/14/giving-and-receiving/comment-page-1/#comment-2847 Anthony Velez Sat, 15 Dec 2007 05:08:18 +0000 http://www.thedarkglass.net/2007/12/14/giving-and-receiving/#comment-2847 Hold on Obi-Wan, did you say "a few years"? Wow!!  That is more than just a fast, that is a lifestyle. How much TV did you let back into your life? Do you have a different relationship to it now that you have abstained from it for such a long time? As for me, I see TV as the first symbolic step toward something greater, but I am not sure what that is at the moment. My growing conviction is that we can truly live like Jesus in love and holiness, have his very relationship to the Father, be like any of the Saints that we lionize and admire. All of this is freely available to us provided we trust God and let go of those specific things that God directs us to that keeps us from deeply receiving and embracing him. Hold on Obi-Wan, did you say “a few years”? Wow!!  That is more than just a fast, that is a lifestyle. How much TV did you let back into your life? Do you have a different relationship to it now that you have abstained from it for such a long time?

As for me, I see TV as the first symbolic step toward something greater, but I am not sure what that is at the moment. My growing conviction is that we can truly live like Jesus in love and holiness, have his very relationship to the Father, be like any of the Saints that we lionize and admire. All of this is freely available to us provided we trust God and let go of those specific things that God directs us to that keeps us from deeply receiving and embracing him.

]]> By: Rachel http://www.thedarkglass.net/2007/12/14/giving-and-receiving/comment-page-1/#comment-2845 Rachel Sat, 15 Dec 2007 04:53:16 +0000 http://www.thedarkglass.net/2007/12/14/giving-and-receiving/#comment-2845 You are really are giving up things! Multiple! I'll just start with my shoes.. but tv. yeah. I went a few years without it.... i was so productive during that time. I did all the studies in the bible i intend to do now, spent time with God a lot more, read more, it was great. tv can be more of an addiction then i think we often see. Hats off to you though in this new commitment.. i hope it goes well and i wonder do movies in the theatre count? I used to have that debate with myself.. do movies and other people's tv's count. Its kind of pain to go to someone's house and try to avoid the tv set EVERYONE is watching a White CHristmas on. but i digress, good post. You are really are giving up things! Multiple! I’ll just start with my shoes..

but tv. yeah. I went a few years without it…. i was so productive during that time. I did all the studies in the bible i intend to do now, spent time with God a lot more, read more, it was great. tv can be more of an addiction then i think we often see. Hats off to you though in this new commitment.. i hope it goes well and i wonder do movies in the theatre count? I used to have that debate with myself.. do movies and other people’s tv’s count. Its kind of pain to go to someone’s house and try to avoid the tv set EVERYONE is watching a White CHristmas on. but i digress, good post.

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