I Want One Of These!

Mitch Altman, a 48-year old inventor living in San Francisco, said that in the last three months he has sold about 30,000 of his key-chain-size zappers called TV-B-Gone, which can be used discreetly to switch off televisions in public places. "When you go to a restaurant to talk with friends, why should you have to deal with the distraction of a ceiling-mounted television?" Mr. Altman said.

I absolutely hate the fad that has swept Kuwait in the form of loud plasma TVs blasting in restaurants. I don't mind loud music in certain places, but the addition of a TV screen is too distracting. And also because the TVs are either tuned to video channels which add loud commercials to the noise mix, or they play the same three music DVDs every time you go there.. (MAKI anyone?).

The only worthy exception in my opinion is having a loud TV in sports bars or cafes, where at least there's a game to be watched and enjoyed in a fun atmosphere.