CALL ME SNAKE

I’m often impressed by research on TV viewing (a subject about which I knew a fair amount), and I can say that a recent press release I saw from the University of Alberta fits well within this proud tradition. To quote the executive summary: “Researchers discovered students who reported medium or high television viewership snacked more frequently while watching TV and recognized more advertising than students who were considered low TV viewers.” That is pretty incredible. Who would ever have suspected that people who watch lots of TV would also tend to eat more while watching TV than people who watch a lot less? Even more amazing, who would have figured that people who watch lots of TV will be more familiar with TV ads than people who watch a lot less? It is studies like these that raise my undying awe for science to new heights. [DISCLAIMER: I didn't actually read the scientific study itself; I just read the press release. Or kind of skimmed it as I was kind of busy snacking in front of the TV at the time, trying to familiarize myself with as many ads as possible--just in case I ever found myself near a water cooler and needed something to talk about...]