Tuesday, February 11, 2003

We've recently gotten our American Forces Network (AFN) decoder, which allows us to watch 6 channels of US TV programming.  It's largely utilized by military forces overseas.  Essentially, US networks seem to donate many of their top shows so that Americans abroad can see them.  There are no commercials--just public service announcements for military folks as well as a variety of military promotion ads.  It's sort of bizarre to see shows cut away and, rather than seeing an idiotic beer ad or annoying Verizon commercial, to watch a military guy offer the "Air Force Minute." I have to confess that I began salivating when the Sportscenter music came on the other day.  Of course, the 2 AM EST Sportscenter is on at 9AM here, and I often know all the NBA scores by then, but it's still pretty awesome to watch highlights.  Games are even on, but they are either shown in real time at 3 AM here, or on tape delay.  One interesting element of having AFN is recognizing how separation from American culture makes one crave it (if you've been brought up in American culture, that is).  We've been watching "American Idol", for instance, partly out of boredom and partly because it feels like a connection to what's going on in the States.  How standards change--as mentioned before, I'm a fan of reality TV, but American Idol really is el stinko.  It's boring and limited, and I loathe the music they sing in the competition.  I'd never watch that crap in the U.S.  However, if my choice is Al Jazeera, Syrian variety shows, Kuwaiti sitcoms, or American Idol, you may as well sign me up for the sing-a-long.  There's always the "no TV" option.  But I'm no communist.   5:25:20 PM    Let's hear it. []