[Taj44]

Originally Posted by Pturner

Jtdraig, don't take offense with your Sarasota friends. I think it's a fair comment. Someone who frequents first-rate museums, gallaries and/or performing arts (symphony, ballet, opera, theatre, etc.) probably is not going to find TV right for them. They probably are not going to find any small town right for them. That's ok.

Many people enjoy having those venues available but only occasionally attend them. This group might miss these venues, but enjoy on a more routine basis the people, particular sense of community and many splendid amenities that TV does offer. (I'd put myself in this group.)

Other people don't care for the artsy scene at all.

TV isn't right for everyone. That doesn't offend me.

Good comments. TV is not for everyone. Not everyone is content to play cards or softball, or participate in golf cart parades, or do what a lot of Villagers do. If you're raised in a family of musicians, you may miss going to the opera, or seeing high caliber musical events. If you're from NYC you may miss seeing the top plays and shows. It doesn't make you a bad person, or mean you have your nose out of joint. It just means that The Villages offers certain things, but not all things for all people. When we retire we have to find a place that offers us what we need, culturally, intellectually, and otherwise. We have friends in Naples who enjoy all the cultural events they have there, who would never think of moving to The Villages because they would miss those events. My husband and I tried to look at the pros and cons of TV, and the lack of cultural activities definitely was one of the cons for us, but we compromised and bought here anyways, and are happy with our decision.

[Tweety Bird]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Okay, I'm doing some serious ducking as I type this, but I agree -- the "culture" in TV is a joke at best. You can't have everything but TV comes darn close. I love the ballet -- it is a true passion of mine. I enjoy hearing a world class orchestra or performer. There's nothing like a Broadway play -- whether on Broadway or a good road show.

I haven't found a good ballet company in Central Florida and that does make me sad. Our symphony orchestra is not world class, but it is enjoyable on am amateur level. I will be kind and not comment on the shows/plays/musicals at Savannah Center. I have seen a couple of decent plays in Tampa, but nothing I would want to write home about.

So, given the standard criteria for "culture," TV is sorely lacking. If culture is a No. 1 priority, TV is not the place for you. If having many activities, seeing many different types of performances (although the majority will be at the amateur level at best), living with some of the most wonderful people in the world, then TV is for you.

If I am in dire need of serious culture, I'll dig out a CD and play some Yo-Yo Ma or Itzhak Perlman. I'll play a DVD of the Bolshoi on the big-screen TV in my living room. Heck, I'll even save my money and plan a trip to see a play or two or take in a ballet or .. There are alternatives.

The lack of culture here is not a major issue in the scheme of TV. I put it up there with missing some of my acquaintances (friends are another story) in California. When I miss my ballet, I'll find a way to watch some on TV. It ain't live, but I'm not going to cry about it.

I was first offended by the broad term of "no culture" when I read this at first. After reading the posts, I would agree, that if "musical and performance culture" is the main criteria, then a BIG city is what one needs to be in. Enjoyable and good entertainment is found here if you look.

One MAIN thing that is missing is a good classical music station. I don't have CD's of everything, nor do I want to be changing CD's every two seconds in the car and in the house. Of course I enjoy the Villages radio station. The music, the interviews, the commentaries and the oldies are fun. BUT, I basically call it the "propoganda" station. ;- You can't sit outside in a comfortable chair to read quietly without the propoganda station being on all over the place at ALL times wherever you may be. That's the design!

But yeah, a good classical music station would be wonderful. Is there one and am I missing it?

So, if you want the BEST classical music and broadway shows, you'll have to pay top dollar and pay triple the amound of money to own a house elsewhere.

One can always nit pick, but all in all, this is an awesome place to be with lots of music to be had if you're not a SNOB about it.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Tweety Bird

I was first offended by the broad term of "no culture" when I read this at first. After reading the posts, I would agree, that if "musical and performance culture" is the main criteria, then a BIG city is what one needs to be in. Enjoyable and good entertainment is found here if you look.

One MAIN thing that is missing is a good classical music station. I don't have CD's of everything, nor do I want to be changing CD's every two seconds in the car and in the house. Of course I enjoy the Villages radio station. The music, the interviews, the commentaries and the oldies are fun. BUT, I basically call it the "propoganda" station. ;- You can't sit outside in a comfortable chair to read quietly without the propoganda station being on all over the place at ALL times wherever you may be. That's the design!

But yeah, a good classical music station would be wonderful. Is there one and am I missing it?

So, if you want the BEST classical music and broadway shows, you'll have to pay top dollar and pay triple the amound of money to own a house elsewhere.

One can always nit pick, but all in all, this is an awesome place to be with lots of music to be had if you're not a SNOB about it.

Tweety? A little bird told me you sing OPERA.

[KayakerNC]

Originally Posted by Tweety Bird

One MAIN thing that is missing is a good classical music station. I don't have CD's of everything, nor do I want to be changing CD's every two seconds in the car and in the house.
But yeah, a good classical music station would be wonderful. Is there one and am I missing it?

Not free, but check out Sirius or XM Satellite Radio.
3 Classical stations for your enjoyment, half a dozen country stations for mine.
I have it in my car and they just played some Hank Snow on the Roadhouse station.

[cashman]

Originally Posted by jtdraig

Was perusing Graciegirl's discussion about finding the Villages and was reminded that we have friends in Sarasota and Venice who come up to visit once in a while and both have said "WELL, the Villages is very nice but there really is no culture here"...which puts me into a not so nice mood. I think we have a LOT of culture here and it's growing.

Not being able to see the rare and unique culture that is and is in the Villages is an indication that your friends do not have any culture themselves because it takes one to know one.

[Yoda]

Please excuse this lower type for asking but,

What is CULTURE & why is it.

Yoda

[redwitch]

Originally Posted by Pturner

Someone who frequents first-rate museums, gallaries and/or performing arts (symphony, ballet, opera, theatre, etc.) probably is not going to find TV right for them. They probably are not going to find any small town right for them. That's ok.

Many people enjoy having those venues available but only occasionally attend them. This group might miss these venues, but enjoy on a more routine basis the people, particular sense of community and many splendid amenities that TV does offer. (I'd put myself in this group.)

Other people don't care for the artsy scene at all.

TV isn't right for everyone. That doesn't offend me.

Okay, I was one of those who had season tickets to ACT, the symphony and ballet in San Francisco. I went to museums and art galleries almost weekly. When I moved to TV, I knew I would be giving this up. Do I miss these things? Of course I do. I also miss San Francisco sourdough bread, Gallo salame, camping every August in Yosemite; riding my bike up Mt. Diablo.

In exchange, I get enough activities to choose from to keep me occupied from 7-9 daily; some of the best neighbors I've ever had; a chance to meet some of the most wonderful people in the world; and I SMILE every day!

Pick your needs. Decide what you truly cannot live without, what you are willing to give up to live here. If the cost (both emotional and financial) is right, then TV may be right for you even with the "lack of culture."

[pooh]

Originally Posted by kentucky blue

Could not have said it any better, sooooooooooo i won't. But i would love a radio station in TV that would play some of my all time favorite songs.Like, I'm just a bug on the windshield of life, or My wife ran away with my best friend, and i sure do miss him.Also , How can i miss you if you won't go away. My final 2 favorites are, I'll marry you tomorrow, but let's honeymoon tonite and Beauty is only a light switch away.Just a little levity to end the day, goodnite all

Let me know if you ever find a radio station with those songs!!...

[billethkid]

in relax mode of life. If I really needed a culture fix there are too many ways to get it. I don't see it as something that has to be at my elbow to enjoy where I live.

And just how many hours per week or month or year are spent involved in culture things? A very, very small percent of ones total life. I suspect even the most cultured (what ever that self gratifying measurement means)....most of the time they do what we do most of the time here in TV or any of the other non culture providing communities.

It is not what most of us had on our list of "musts" and obviously not on those that miss it. It is available....we don't need it here in our back yard.......in my humble opinion.

btk

[Taj44]

Well, if you live in The Villages, cultural activities are obviously not on your list of "musts", because they pretty much aren't available here. I think the point people are trying to make, is that everyone is different. Some people need and value cultural activites as a high priority, and will not find the Villages attractive for that reason. No reason to take offense over that or take it personally.

[champion6]

I haven't been to Sarasota and Venice Fla. so I'm curious what "culture" they offer that compares to the metropolitan areas in the US and Europe that others have mentioned.

A lack of "culture" does not mean a lack of cultured people. From what I can tell, there are many, many highly cultured people that have chosen to live in TV. Most small cities and towns have a lack of big city "culture", if that is defined to mean stage and fine art entertainment. I suspect most of those cultured cities don't have many (or any) of the amenities we have in TV - nicely appointed and equiped recreation centers within walking distance of most residents, nearly 40 golf courses easily accessible, nightly live entertainment on the plazas and the beauty of the resort-style landscaping and maintenance. And, all accessable via golf cart. Add to that the mild climate and relaxed atmosphere. To me, one of the reasons, and the fun, of traveling to other places is to experience and enjoy the culture offered there. If it was all available in TV, what fun would it be to travel to NYC or any other large city, if not to have access to something not available where we live.

[BUC]

Hey, you've got Golf, Fishing and NASCAR, How much more culture does a person need?

[K9-Lovers]

Originally Posted by snok

a lack of "culture" does not mean a lack of cultured people. From what i can tell, there are many, many highly cultured people that have chosen to live in tv. Most small cities and towns have a lack of big city "culture", if that is defined to mean stage and fine art entertainment. I suspect most of those cultured cities don't have many (or any) of the amenities we have in tv - nicely appointed and equiped recreation centers within walking distance of most residents, nearly 40 golf courses easily accessible, nightly live entertainment on the plazas and the beauty of the resort-style landscaping and maintenance. And, all accessable via golf cart. Add to that the mild climate and relaxed atmosphere. To me, one of the reasons, and the fun, of traveling to other places is to experience and enjoy the culture offered there. If it was all available in tv, what fun would it be to travel to nyc or any other large city, if not to have access to something not available where we live.

AMEN!

[graciegirl]

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