Inside Television 580
Publication Date: 11-25-11
By: Hubert O’Hearn
For: Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal
I think that for all but one of the past eleven years I’ve given you some version of a Christmas Buying Guide - what to get for the television aficionado. What chives will enhance the life and flavour of the couch potato?
My notion for this year is to save you money. I know times are tough for you right now, or if they aren’t right now, you punch the pillow at night with worry that things are about to become tough. So let’s get real here.
First, things you don’t want to buy. You don’t want to buy a phone that will stream television programs. When you’re at home, you have your television. When you’re not at home, do whatever it is you left your home to do. If you’re in transit, read a book or listen to a radio. Done. I just saved you $400.
With that $400 you can do Christmas for your whole family. Don’t believe me? Let’s play along.
First, buy local. You say free trade, I say Chinese workers committing suicide by leaping off bridges after working 72 hour weeks. If you buy your cuddly scarves, lovely paintings and romantic jewelry from local crafts people a) you’re saving a ton of money and b) the money you’re spending is staying in your hometown. Also, think about how much smaller the carbon footprint is - the distance from an urban neighbourhood is a heck of a lot less than Asia to Ontario. You just gave a gift to the whole planet.
I think that for all but one of the past eleven years I’ve given you some version of a Christmas Buying Guide - what to get for the television aficionado. What chives will enhance the life and flavour of the couch potato?
My notion for this year is to save you money. I know times are tough for you right now, or if they aren’t right now, you punch the pillow at night with worry that things are about to become tough. So let’s get real here.
First, things you don’t want to buy. You don’t want to buy a phone that will stream television programs. When you’re at home, you have your television. When you’re not at home, do whatever it is you left your home to do. If you’re in transit, read a book or listen to a radio. Done. I just saved you $400.
With that $400 you can do Christmas for your whole family. Don’t believe me? Let’s play along.
First, buy local. You say free trade, I say Chinese workers committing suicide by leaping off bridges after working 72 hour weeks. If you buy your cuddly scarves, lovely paintings and romantic jewelry from local crafts people a) you’re saving a ton of money and b) the money you’re spending is staying in your hometown. Also, think about how much smaller the carbon footprint is - the distance from an urban neighbourhood is a heck of a lot less than Asia to Ontario. You just gave a gift to the whole planet.
You still want some television enhancing gifts however. Here’s my secret. I don’t buy anything new. I like to give books (there’s a shock), movies and music and my favourite web site is alibris.com. I found it years ago, when I wanted a copy of old Bob and Ray scripts. Alibris sells both new and used and there’s something comforting about a used book; it’s like sharing a life. Speaking of lives, you’ll save a tree by buying used.
Let’s see if they still have those Bob and Ray shows. (type type type) Yes indeed they do. Hardcover - hardcover! - editions start at a buck fourteen. that’s cheaper than your large double double.
Maybe your daughter is like our Miss Amanda and she loves them singin’ kids on that there Glee show. What does Alibris have for Glee? (type type type) well you can get a four disc set of Season One starting at, yes, $1.14 or the whole first season for $10.35.
One of my favourite things to do at Alibris is to browse through rare and collectible books. I’ve always loved Groucho Marx and my favourite book of his is The Groucho Letters. I’ve given copies of it as gifts in the past. I could order a signed copy of Groucho’s selected letters for $373.72. Hmmmm....
There you go then. Buy a locally produced greeting card for $5, sign it over to the fam, $1.14 gifts for each of them and you treat you well. After all, they love you and want you to be happy right? Best of all, if you buy yourself your gift...you save them money! Everybody wins!
Be seeing you.
