The key is moderation

Last week, I had a conversation with a friend who, like me, is also graduating in May. She asked me how I was enjoying my last couple of weekends in college. I told her they'd been great. She then asked what I'd been doing to make them so great. I told her that last weekend I watched the whole third season of "The Sopranos," (among other things).\nShe seemed shocked that I had spent one of my last college weekends watching 13 back-to-back episodes of "The Sopranos," let alone any show. But I explained to her that I couldn't help it; seasons of shows on DVD are addicting, kinda like Pringles, "once you pop the fun don't stop." Once you start watching and you don't have to wait until next week to see what happens next, you feel the need to feed the addiction.\nTo date, I own every season of "Sex and the City," the first season of "Nip/Tuck" and the first season of "Grey's Anatomy," (compared to some, I'm sure thats not much). Not to mention that at home my family has countless other seasons of shows on DVD, including "The Family Guy," "Lost" and "The Sopranos."\nNow don't get me wrong, having my favorite shows at my fingertips for rainy days is nice, but at times it is problematic. Like I said earlier, I never just watch one, especially when I first get the season. A prime example of this is when I got addicted to "Grey's Anatomy."\nAfter the two "code black" episodes around Super Bowl time, I was hooked. So when season one came out on DVD -- for roughly $25, when most of the time seasons on DVD are rather pricey -- I bought it ASAP. And then I sat inside all weekend and watched all nine episodes. It should be noted that I had two tests and a paper due later that week, but I was too hypnotized by Dr. McDreamy to care. \nThese shows on DVD feed our binging and addictive personalities. We watch the same shows over and over, and some of us (like myself) will do so all at one time. Spending 13 straight hours lying on my bed watching Tony wack as many people as he kisses on the cheek can make me forget there is a world outside my bedroom.\nBeyond these DVD show addictions, we have marathons of shows on TV. You could have already missed the first three or four episodes of "The Real World: Key West," but never fear. Just wait a couple of weeks and one fateful Saturday afternoon, MTV will re-air the first six or seven episodes again. That way you can see the magic of the "seven strangers picked to live in a house..." for seven straight hours. \nI realize these shows are viewed for entertainment purposes and should be seen the amount of times that meets your enjoyment. It's nice to be able to watch your favorite episode of "The Family Guy" over and over or even go to Comedy Centrals Web site -- www.comedycentral.com -- and watch last night's "The Daily Show" or "The Colbert Report" that you missed. \nSo while the DVD seasons, marathon TV programing and Web site extras feed our addictions and our binging, they also recognize our society's busy nature. These show extras are the re-runs of yesteryear, except now you can control which episode of "Will and Grace" or "Seinfeld" you watch on Wednesday night.\nThere are dualities and balance to everything and the entertainment industry is no different. But there is a need for moderation in watching these shows. So as spring begins and school winds down, I've decided to make a pledge and practice my moderation. No more all-weekend parties with my seasons on DVD. I'll enjoy the warm weather and the rest of my time in college. After all, those shows are always at my disposal but college only happens once.