TV-D-tox, just say 'NO' to HBO?

What does one do when there's no Pamela sashaying across your boob tube in HD? When all the 'big bang', '30 rock' talk is all heresay? More often than not I have heard of Manhattanites that either do not own or do not watch their televisions. Cable can be pricey and with so much else to do when not at your 9-7 5x a week, it can become only an afterthought. Personally, I have an all or nothing approach. I want my particular shows (True Blood, HowToMakeItInAmerica, Family Guy, Kell on Earth, Project Runway when I have ample patience to tune the Klum out) and I want them when it's convenient for me. I was holding out for extraordinary cable. And in the meantime, I was attempting to re-familiarize myself with my high school language of choice: French.
Think of the hours that you watch television. Chances are one program runs into 2-3, especially if you're the type to leave it on as white noise while you cook/eat/half-ass chores, and sleep. Now think about the influx of productivity; the recipes you could be trying; re-centering yourself at mealtime and honing in on the flavors that you slaved over to make (or take-out). The extra thing-youve-been-meaning-to-do while you do the thing-you've-been-putting-off (as the screws I was meaning to tighten pop off with my purse hook grrr).
Now this is all well and good in theory, of course. One I was seriously testing until I realized HBO On Demand was being factored into my new apartments rent (may as well get my moneys worth right?) But if you have the opportunity and your roomie is amenable to the idea (aka hippie or tight-wad?:) TRY and do a TV D-tox and forgo digital cable for a month or so. Come to terms with and keep me updated with your new-found efficacy. In the meantime, I will be 'curb'ing my enthusuasm for francais and getting my Larry David fix as I dig out the duck tape and jury-rig these purse hooks for the time being...

Right now, Discovery, "Osaka Loop Line"