Survive this

I have to admit that a part of time killing involves watching too much tv. It's gotten worse with the technical advances in hi-def resolution. Even the crappiest shows look pretty good. There are some re-runs I like (Sopranos) that seem to be bloated or artificially stretched to accommodate the HD "look". Everyone looks like they gained 40 lbs and became bow-legged (I wonder if anyone ever noticed that?)

There's so much on TV now it's hard to not find something to watch. There are all sorts of categories including sports, movies, reality, games/contests. There are also those one-hour dramas that have initials that everyone screws up - CSI, SVU. There are some oddball genres of reality that I've run across...I've seen enough of those crab fishermen yanking in those damn crab pots in the Bering Sea. Yes, it's interesting but every show seems just like the last one - engine trouble, the greenhorn who needs to hustle, the captain smoking too many cigarettes, the ice building on the deck, empty pots, giant waves knocking the hell out of the crew, etc. There IS a point to that, however, since they can make a ton of money for 9 days work so risking their lives makes some sense. It's the same for the Ice Road truck guys and the crazy loggers.

The latest time killing discovery is this show Survivorman. I kept seeing it listed but never took a look. It's what you think. They drop off this nut in the middle of nowhere with a boy scout knife, a flint and a video camera. There's no safety net and he agrees to survive for a couple of days without getting eaten by alligators or grizzly bears. He has to make his way back to a pre-determined point of pick up (if he can).

I have to admit to being mildly entertained but I had NO sympathy for this guy. He asked for this and I assume the Discovery Channel is paying him something but there's no point in doing this.. I guess people say it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Of course this guy eats anything on the ground and we are supposed to be impressed. OK, It's true, my idea of roughing it is staying at a Motel Six without an elevator OR going for the final video challenge question on the Cash Cab (now there's a show)..