Well Little Hawk, when you and I manage to calm down and listen to each other, it does appear that we can agree on things.

I'm with 100% on comic books. I grew up with and still read them.

I guess our individual experiences with television account for our different opinions. I think those of us who grew up with commercials learned to separate them from the story, and developed a fondness for them in fact. A lot of people watch the Super Bowl just to see the new ads that are debuted. There can be an artform to advertising, just as there is in print.

I agree with you about the storyline. What has become a new technological trend is the DVD box set of television shows - without the commercials. It becomes wonderful to watch a show without the interuptions.

The other item is that cable television has a number of channels without commercial interuptions such as HBO or Showtime.   I wasn't a fan, but I do see the value in programs such as The Sopranos. The writing and acting were superb.

I am also with you with your concerns about the government intervention with television and radio. De-regulation, which should have become a blessing, turned into the fiasco that you now see. The media is controled by a handful. I volunteer for a non-commercial radio station, but even in the non-commercial field I've seen a number of stations that have altered programming to accomodate the consultants who bring in CPB money. The FCC has limited freedom of speech.    The public outcry has been minimal, and it is a real issue in my estimation.