Time.

Here in this life we all get the same amount of time in the day, in the week, month and years. Everyone gets 24 hours each day, 60 minutes per hour. In this time we have things we must do.
We have things we want to do. Plus a few things that just seem to happen whether we want them to or not.
At the end of the day some of the most common sources of relaxation are watching TV and goofing off online. Both can be quite enjoyable. There are however other hobbies of pleasures that seem to have a bad rep. Obviously these are not exact quotes but you have most likely heard the same sentiments or felt them before.

• "Video games are such a waste of time."
• "What a bunch of geeks, playing role playing games."
• "Comic books are for nerds."
• "Wow, you have way too much time on your hands if you are spending it painting miniatures."

Here are some thoughts going through my head on the subject. ( I know you have been begging for me to weigh in on this for a while now... )

• When you play video games, you are actively participating.
• When a group of role players get together they are interacting with other human beings.
• Some comic books have really great stories and morals in them.
• Miniatures give you a real physical product you can handle when you are done.

Now there are people who take any of these things to extremes. We all know someone who does something to the point where they have lost balance.

I have a few questions about these past times.

• Why is TV watching considered a perfectly acceptable use of time? Please consider

1. There is no generally no human interaction
2. The morals are frequently questionable
3. There is no way to participate
4. You have absolutely nothing to show for the time you spend there

So... painting a miniature is a complete waste of time- but watching House is not? At least later on in life I could actually give it to someone. It is hard to pass on what I just sat back and absorbed.