In response to the TV networks' trash and in support of Michelle Taggart's letter in the forum (Nov. 24), I will tell you how nice it is to not have a TV. I have recently moved to a new city and left my TV at home. I do not have access to one and really don't miss it. I get all my news from the Deseret News online or I buy a paper.
An hour and a half a day over a week makes 10.5 hours a week. In a year that's about 546 hours. Over 10 years, say, for some kid growing up, that's 5,460 hours. Or the equivalent of about 227 days or 7 1/2 months of nonstop TV.May I list a few things those 5,460 hours could have gotten you spread out over a longer time and not taken as a 7 1/2-month chunk.
1. You could have learned to play an instrument, not only that but probably really well with that much practice time.
2. You could have read more books than you probably own. (Have you even read all the books you already own?)
3. You could have dated a few people and maybe even gotten married. (Okay, not exactly for youngster, but sometimes it seems to us in our mid-20s that finding that special someone is taking forever.)
4. You could probably have learned a few languages.
5. Your area of town would be spotlessly clean from you alone.
6. One needy child could have had had a close mentor for 10 crucial formative years.
7. You may have even gotten in a year or two of college.
8. 5,460 hours of exercise could make anyone skinny, not to mention more healthy.
9. You could compose at least 10 symphonies.
10. You could paint at least five art masterpieces.
Life is just too wonderful to waste away. Go and do something.
Chris Johnson
Los Angeles, Calif.