People often ask if I have background entertainment while painting.  I’ve tried listening to educational CDs, so that I can multi-task on the job.  But, this really doesn’t work.  When I’m painting, I really need to be totally there, in the process, not distracted.  But, if I do have any accompaniment, it’s television.  Occasionally, when I’m open to drifting, I’ll learn snippets of information, or be able to phase in and out of a very slow plot.  Here are some of the shows that play in my area on weekdays, and my discoveries about them:

The Today Show (7 - 10 am)
There’s usually something interesting to pick up here.  It’s like a "university of popular culture,"  and my ears prick up when topical issues are featured.  It’s one of those shows that surprises us by trying to to include items that are timely and engaging for most viewers.

Rachel Ray (10 - 11 am)
An amazing array of guests and ideas.  Cudos to someone who’s been able to keep her finger in so many pies without getting burned (no pun intended). 

Martha (11-12 noon)
Despite her talents and more fine-tuned delivery style, her history and need for power and control sometimes have her appearing to upstage her guests.  

The View (11 - 12 noon)
Must confess, I got turned onto this show during the Rosie/Donald fiasco. You can’t help noticing how everyone talks at the same time, with Joy, Barbara, and Rosie being an animated and engaging combination. Elisabeth, so far, doesn’t impact me in the same way.  Interesting how her role on Survivor might have got her there!

America’s Funniest Home Videos (12 noon)
Short, sweet, and funny—a real "pick-me up."  Basic slap-stick style humor that’s harmless and brings a smile to your face.

Extra (12:30 - 1 pm)
(This show can be easily confused with Entertainment Tonight or the The Insider.) Celebrity gossip that reveals interesting priorities, encouraging us to forget the mundane and what might really be news-essential in the wider world.  Sheer distraction and entertainment.

Days of Our Lives (1 - 2 pm)
The slowest plot, so you can miss it for days or weeks and still catch up.  Some of the scenarios are so ridiculous, you can’t help wanting to know more.  Some of the sex scenes are astonishing for daytime TV.  The hour passes very quickly.

Passions (2 - 3 pm)
Just like Days of Our Lives.
(The slowest plot, so you can miss it for days or weeks and still catch up.  Some of the scenarios are so ridiculous you can’t help wanting to know more.  Some of the sex scenes are astonishing for daytime TV. The hour passes very quickly.)

Dr. Phil (3 - 4 pm)
This is when I have a snack or turn off the TV.  This guy can’t know better about everything—can he?  Not only does he appear to challenge the bounds of traditional (and safe) psychotherapy, he also seems to enjoy some Jerry Springer-like sensationalism—and personal language that doesn’t always set the best example.

Ellen (4 - 5 pm)
Always a breath of fresh air.  Fun, cute, and engaging, you can’t help but love Ellen—how she includes her regular viewers in any way possible and is genuinely into what she’s featuring.  If Ellen isn’t an authority on something, she’ll do her best to learn new skills and make sure that her viewers have the opportunity to do so too.  There’s only one Ellen!