Some time ago, I became disenchanted with the inanity that makes up most of cable television. I was tired of turning on the TV only to be faced the quandary of having to choose between programming shows like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Ellen, Desperate Housewives, The Big Bang Theory, Gossip Girl, or any number of the other intellectually bankrupt shows that currently fill the cable time-slots. So, I decided to limit my viewing experience to cable news, the occasional sporting event, and the sporadic channel surfing in pursuit of something edifying to watch. But I soon discovered that even the latter was a rarity, and the former was replete with self-generated, salacious content, bent on sensationalizing every current event in a desperate attempt to attract viewers and then to keep them returning for more. And that is when I had enough. Perhaps what came next was an emotional response that was triggered by some specific event, or maybe it was even a moment of senility. Whatever the ultimate impetus, I decided to try something new - something revolutionary that most Americans would be aghast at the very thought of -- and you might have guess it. I decided to cancel my cable subscription, and instead, devote my time to the pursuit of other interests.
I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out or if I would rue the day I canceled my subscription. However, nearly a month has passed, and I can honestly report that I have rarely regretted the decision I made. Not having cable has allowed for more time to spend time with my family, to read, to write, to design web pages, to enjoy nature - or more specifically, to redeem the time. Now, I cannot say for certain how long I will be able to continue with this counter-culture experiment, but for the past month, I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have been able to devote to the finer things in life without the distraction of cable television. No matter how long my quest lasts, I know for myself that I could survive in this world with only a good book if I had to...
