With soaps, they often remind you of the relevant plot points constantly, so you don't really have to follow closely or even watch every day to follow the stories.
These reality shows are like that. There's a lot of exposition, and a recap of what's going on after every commercial break. They're perfect for people who have trouble following a narrative structure, or are just too tired to focus.
{{Cass}} So sorry to hear about Kittenish. The universe needs to back the fuck off.
There are times I'm too stressed out to even watch tv. Then I watch, like, Pawn Stars and American Pickers, because I don't have to think enough even to follow a plotline. Frankly, I think that's why those shows are popular.
That's when I watch comfort movies that I can recite all the lines to. Because when I'm that stressed out, I want imagery I know I like.
With soaps, they often remind you of the relevant plot points constantly, so you don't really have to follow closely or even watch every day to follow the stories.
Plus the canon is continually re-invented, so what you managed to remember from last year may (or may not--variety is the spice of life) be irrelevant today.
I watch the weather channel. Besides having all kinds of nifty weather related stories, they also have ones about the Coast Guard search and rescue folks in Alaska, one about cargo pilots in Alaska and now one about iron workers in New York. They're easy to tune out, but also easy to tune back in when they're doing something I find interesting.
My brother got released from the hospital today, and tomorrow morning he starts an outpatient rehab program. Each successive day I talk to him, he sounds better and better. His liver enzymes are rapidly dropping back to normal, so he shouldn't have any permanent physical damage.
I am so glad he's getting better and getting help.
My brother got released from the hospital today
Glad to hear it Tep! I hope that means he has jumped the big hurdle. Continued ~ma to him for continued rehab.
ION-
I got confirmation, I did win the iPad3! It's 16gb model. I haven't seen the box yet or anything. If it's unopened, do you think the Apple Store will let me swap it with a 32gb model (and pay the extra $100 of course)?
That's sweet, omnis!
In random news, I live about a block from some huuuuuge radio towers. It's always caused a crap-ton of interference in my phone lines, and my alarm clock picks it up, etc (...could be worse, what I hear is the NPR station). But today I picked up my phone to make some work calls, and....no interference. Can't hear Morning Edition at all. NO idea what changed, but this is AWESOME!!
Meara, if you have a landline (or rather non-cell line), the cables connecting the phone to the wall (or VOIP modem) can make all the difference in the world. If you have FLAT cable (which is very common for connecting phones), they will be a big radio antennae! Especially if you have the phone a long way from the jack. I suggest getting ROUND cable, as the wires inside are typically twisted, which gives a shielding to the wires, and greatly reducing the interference into your phone.
Can't help with the alarm clock interference.