Originally posted by Cris'pus:
Originally posted by Static:
I look at kids riding bikes today



Uhhh, kids ride bikes still??? I'm almost serious!

Can't say that this world's view of "FUN" isn't affecting me tho. Schtupid time-wasting computer/TV/Expensive recreation, isn't nearly as enjoyable as the simple things in life.



You know, this raises a good point with me.

I was in a constant battle with my Dad over watching TV. He always griped about me and my older brother wanting to watch it. "Why, we never had that when I was a kid, I don't see why," etc. We'd get home from school and watch Gilligan's Island reruns, then turn off the TV with enough "cooling time" before he got home. Then we'd rush off and get our chores done so he'd think we'd really been doing something. Fun times. I think I remember thinking that I'd never terrorize my kids that way over something as fun and normal as TV.

So, now, I find myself the father of an 8 year old kid, fighting the same battle, only now besides TV there's the darn Gamecube there, too. My fault, entirely. And it's not friggin Gilligan anymore, either, it's 8 channels of cartoons and "youth" programming 24/7. And I caught myself the other day quoting my Dad almost word for word. He's limited, and he whines about it sometimes, but it's definitely for his own good.

Thanks Dad, for showing me the light. For being tough. For pushing me beyond my limited vision. My best memories of childhood have nothing to do with TV.

Function before fashion. '96 Contour SE "Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998