Hi Mick: My husband and I watched a couple of horror movies this weekend. While watching one I expressed frustration at the cuts and commercials. My husband said, "We have this on DVD, you know," but I didn't want to watch the DVD because then we'd be wasting time, while watching it on TV felt like we were doing something. I thought I was a fairly sane person. Any thoughts on what's going on here?-- Viv Pearson, Larkspur

Hi Viv: That makes sense to me. Putting on a DVD means you're making a conscious decision to waste your time, while watching it on commercial TV means you're not responsible. You just happen to be in the room, so you're absolved. Plus, putting on a DVD implies a commitment, while watching TV gives you the freedom to stop watching at any time. There's another thing: Watching it on TV conveys a feeling that other people are watching, too. And even though you'll never meet these people, there comes a vague communal feeling that can be cozy, especially after midnight.