I. Thoughts

It is a sullen, rainy autumn's night. Two friends are enjoying the calm, safe indoor atmosphere as the water descends outside. Only the faint light of the television illuminates the soft-coloured lounge, with the warm glow of a halogen light in another room casting an ominous glare through the living room. Alison is sitting on the lounge in a cuddled up position watching the television, a look of amazement to the point of tears upon her face. Enter Jodie, who stands next to the couch watching what is on:

J - It would appear another dogma has failed

A - It would appear all that is dogma and all that surrounds the concept has failed

J - Seriously, it isn't that bad

A - Well, I think it is

J - Well, you should lighten up

A - Well, you should fuck off
(Both ladies erupt in laughter. Jodie takes a seat next to Alison)

A - I can't help but watch TV, there are some amazing things you would not even know of without it

J - You don't have to generalise TV, what about books, pictures, the internet...

A - TV just seems to perfectly marry images and sounds to convey a message

J - Whose message? Not mine. What about the net, you can watch videos, is that the same as TV, or television programs on the net, does that count, or does the different setting throw you off...

A - Ha Ha. Yeah, but it feels as if I was there, touching the history that has shaped my life and future. I am in the room, a helpless fly on the wall as important decisions are made. My eyes and ears are open, but the feeling evokes from the centre of my being

J - And were you there?

A - Well, No, but...

J - So who fucking knows what happened

A - I do, I just watched it manifested in my lounge room

J - O Come on (makes wanking sign with hand)

A - Well what do you know

J - As much as you

A - Don't you feel the pain of thousands before you then?

J - No, why should I? They had theirs now I have mine. The reaction you get from watching a television program and the feelings experienced in a room of people are two completely different constructed things. All constructed for a reason - to evoke a feeling. It isn't a bad thing Alison, watch it, enjoy it, but at the same time, decide what is worth worrying about and what isn't.

A - What about death, is that worth worrying about?

J - Is he or she here?

A - I hope not

J - Not much you could do anyway. Just like there is not much you can do about past generations. Just keep doing what gets you off, woman.

A - watching TV and contemplating life through the shows get me off, Jodie

J - (sighs, happily) - then who am I to complain

(Both parties laugh lightly, knowing full well the subject of death breeched is nothing to laugh at as its fear consumes us all)