I have a story that directrly relates to Bella Nika's tale about TV, VCR's and FRIENDS/friends (see http://www.dirtywords.blogspot.com/ and the entry for 01/15/03). It was about three years ago now. I hadn't talked to my friend RB in a few months. So I decided to pick up the phone on a weeknight evening around 8:10 PM and give him and his sweetie pie wife a call. RB answered, a little gruffly and I said, "hello there, RB. Long time no talk. I wanted to call, see what's been happening and catch up a bit. Maybe we can make some plans to get together." RB cut in right away with, "Look this is not a good time to call. Don't you know that Friends is on and we watch Friends?! We'll have to talk some other time." I was really taken aback by this and frankly quite pissed off. So I replied, "RB how good are the friends on Friends to you? When you have a problem can you call them? Will they listen to you, go to dinner or movies with you? Help you MOVE! Come to your aid when your car breaks down and you need a ride? HUH? Have they ever had you over for dinner, games and movies? WELL HAVE THEY!?" RB sheepishly replied, "Well no. It's only a TV show." I replied, "That's right! It's ONLY TV show! When you are ready for some real friends again give us a call" and I hung up. RB did call a few days later to apologize and talk. I was in the middle of reading a favorite book. Guess what? I put a book mark in the page and talked with my friend. Frodo and Sam didn't seem to mind.
C ya,
--Will