Throw away your television

Having trouble concentrating in class because you just can't wait to see what happens on this week's Laguna Beach?

Ever wish your lectures had a perfect "narrative climax" and "to be continued" suspense?

Turns out, the rumors are true: Television really does rot your brain.

Or at least that's what a new study has revealed. According to a 10-year study conducted by UW researchers children under the age of three who were allowed to watch more than two hours of TV a day have below average reading abilities by age 6.

These TV-suckled children also scored 10 percent lower in reading comprehension and short-term memory later in childhood.

These research results are telling and confirming of suspicions pediatricians and childhood experts have had for years.

Watching large quantities of TV is harmful early in life and later. And just because your mom and dad aren't monitoring your TV privileges doesn't mean you should spend every waking moment glued to the boob tube.

Each year more and more research is formed intimating the detrimental effects of television watching at every age level.

Even if you were one these children whose days were filled with Muppet Babies, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rescue Rangers, and Darkwing Duck ad naseam, it's not too late.

As finals week approaches, no one needs his or her attention spans shortened. Turn off Dancing with the Stars, at least for a few nights, make you little sister go to bed before Law and Order and stop TV's assault in it's tracks.