“None of us are adults. We just think we are.” From the movie Liberal Arts

One thing about Gate Guarding……entertainment opportunities are limited.

Reading and TV. Not much else…………..at least not for me.

I love to read. Most of my entertainment and mental stimulation is gained between the covers of a good book.

Lately, however, the boob tube is claiming more of my time. The cry of the remote grows louder and more demanding. While I check out different shows, most of my viewing time is limited to a select few.

I’m curious. Do our viewing preferences say something about us? Sure. What would Freud say? No way to answer that but I suspect he would diagnose me as confused.

I love College Football, especially my beloved Texas Longhorns and TCU Horned Frogs. For me, College football is the epicenter of sports entertainment. During the season, every Saturday is heaven. I suffer February through August.

I never miss Judge Judy. I love that woman. My wife does not share my enthusiasm. She says Judy has an attitude. Darn right she has an attitude. The right attitude. Her interpretation of right and wrong is pretty much black and white. I love how she dispenses lectures on responsibility and moral living. Give them hell Judy.

I used to like Mike and Mike but not so much anymore. I hardly watch the show at all after the football season is over and even then, Mike Greenberg gets on my nerves with his supercilious rantings. Big Mike needs to punch his lights out. Ya……………right on the set. I would pay to see that.

Big Cat Diary. Wow. Now that is a show. John, Simon, and that gorgeous Saba do an excellent job  showcasing life on the plains of Africa. While the show focuses on the lives of Lions, Cheetahs, and Leopards, it also offers glimpses of the lives of other animals such as Wild Pigs, Hyena’s, and Antelope, Crocodiles, Wildebeest and more.

Pawn Stars. Another favorite. Not sure why I enjoy this show. The old man is an obnoxious, foul-mouthed bore. Corey is overbearing. Chumlee is well….Chumlee. Rick is OK. The history lessons and the back and forth negotiating is good stuff.

Americas Funniest Home Videos. Now this is one of my favorites. The crotch shots, the piñatas miss-fires, and especially the carnival rides with terrified riders. I laugh hysterically.

American Restoration. I really like this show. Rick Vail performs miracles restoring all types of things. Even though the customers pay excessively to have things restored, the joy they experience upon seeing the final product is wonderful.

So what would Freud say about these choices? Probably that I have too much time on my hands.

“Since I retired,”  my father said, “I have been reading a lot. Even books with big words. I have been dying to say paradigm.”

“I’m proud to call you Daddy,”   From “Spare Change” by Robert B. Parker.