I love the song, “I’m the Slime” from Mother’s of Invention’s equally funk, funny, and musically out there 1973 album, Over-Nite Sensation. For those who are not Zappa-inclined, the song unravels the nefarious nature of television’s beguiling electron pull.
How about these Zappa lyrics:
“I may be vile and pernicious, but you can’t look away. I make you think I’m delicious, with the stuff that I say. I am the best you can get. Have you guessed me yet?”
He’s talking about television folks, as only Frank Zappa could.
One aspect of truck camping that Angela and I really enjoy is how it gets us away from the television. In fact, we did not have a television at all in our first truck camper. Most days we were too tired after a full day of exploring to watch a TV show or movie. We spent our evenings cooking dinner, looking at maps, and gazing into each other’s eyes. Too much information? Well, if a happily married couple can’t cook dinner together, what can they do?
Since that first camper, we have never been without a television. This has been a blessing as we are often on location working at a truck camper dealership, manufacturer, or show, and enjoy unwinding with a little boob tube after dark. Even after a long day of exploring, I have to admit it’s nice to catch the evening news – vile and pernicious as it may be – or watch a TV show or DVD movie.
Ten years after that first TV-less camper, our new-to-us used camper does not have a television. While we are enjoying our semi-Luddite experience (with laptops and internet of course), we are in the market for a television. Come to think of it, we’re also in the market for a television antenna as our camper has neither.
This week’s Question of the Week is, “What make and model of television do you have in your truck camper, and do you like it?” Furthermore, we want to know what antenna or satellite system you use, and how that works out as well. It’s time to name names, and confess all your truck camping television habits.
Until then, I’m going to cue Over-Nite sensation on the turntable, turn up the tube amp, and rock out to “Camarillo Brillo”. Over and out.
Click here for readers’ responses about television systems.
