Can You Hear Me?

We just heard on the evening news that Dr. Joyce Brothers died..........one of those "oops, I didn't realize they were still alive" moments that I find myself having more and more these days. She always seemed like such a gracious lady on her many TV appearances, and she always came across as so knowledgeable and always "hitting the nail on the head".

I reminded hubby of her winning appearance on "The $64,000 Question" in the 1950's and her chosen subject of Boxing.Our discussion then ventured to whether or not either of us had ever seen that show. I resorted to Wikipedia to tell me Dr. Brothers appeared in 1955.....so no, I'm sure I didn't see that show since I was only 2! That brought back memories, though, of watching TV in my early childhood.

As I've mentioned in an earlier blog, we had a TV when I was very small, then had an extended "blackout" period after that TV quit on us until mid-way through my 5th grade year of school. I have vivid memories, though, of watching the sitcoms......."I Love Lucy", George Burns, Jack Benny. In particular, I remember hearing the laughter and the clapping. I have vague memories of hearing an announcement, "Filmed before a live studio audience."

In my childhood mind, though, I somehow meandered my way to this explanation:  the TV, being the magical piece of equipment it was, made it so we could hear everyone everywhere watching the show - all that laughter happened at the same time we laughed at home. Mom and Dad didn't clap, but I would. And I have memories of  wanting to"shush" them during the show, because I just knew that people in all the other living rooms across America could hear what was being said. I don't know if I actually shushed them, or if I just thought about it. But that memory is so strong!

By the time we got that second TV, I was old enough that I was fine with talking during the TV shows.....I did occasionally shush Dad during the news. Somehow that didn't make him very happy, but I guess I was always a news junkie.

I understand people who prefer to have a home without a TV - but that's not for me. I love being able to have the world in my living room. Whether it's news, entertainment, or what I believe is the ultimate of reality on Food Network, DIY, HGTV (a plug for my smart and lovely sister-in-law Kathleen), I enjoy having its company on a daily basis. It stimulates me, makes me think, inspires me to be creative.

But I'm glad that when I'm in my living room watching TV that I no longer think everyone else watching at the same time can hear whatever I say!

TTFN