Something that drives me batty about the 24-hour cable news cycle is the repetition on the news channels. The only thing that is worse is video rubbernecking – glomming onto a story and not being able to bring it to a conclusion. This most often occurs with natural disasters and other conflagrations such as domestic terrorist attacks – mass shootings, for instance. We get repeating loops of the crime scene and first responders, and endless commentary from former FBI, counterterrorism, ATF, and other law enforcement folks. What all these experts bring to the story is exactly the same thing that they brought to the last mass shooting. At least they are consistent.
Yesterday’s story about the death of Queen Elizabeth II was like that. Her life and death were analyzed and dissected by former diplomats, current diplomats, American reporters, British reporters, historians, military commanders, and everyone except the Queen’s Corgis. I suspect that the Corgis knew her better than all the folks offering their reminiscences and opinions. Most dogs are better judges of human character than are most people, I think.
So, today I have been avoiding MSNBC, CNN, BBC and FOX; I always avoid FOX. The British catharsis over this event entails a 10-day ritual. That’s more mourning than I can bear. I’ll have to read a book or maybe do more doomscrolling on FB to keep myself busy. Oh, there is always cooking, Fantasy, SciFi and horror (Food Network shows, House of the Dragon, Resident Evil, She-Hulk, and so on). And I can go get my bivalent COVID booster on Monday.
I wonder whether a ruling by Judge Cannon regarding the DOJ’s motions will break the spell – that or maybe new revelations regarding additional missing classified documents taken by Trump. Anything to end the rubbernecking of Queen Elizabeth’s death.
The first hour wiped out a favorite show. Oh well. Then we had chores so I was able to leave the TV off all afternoon.
I know you aren’t a football fan per se, but we were thrilled that the first Thursday Night Football broadcast was last evening. It lasted through several hours with no interruptions to reprise the death announcement and related chat.
This morning when the “schedule” for the proceedings was announced, I learned the funeral would be on the 10th day after her death. I then was attempting to figure out what day we could schedule a big shopping or some other activity. By that time I know I will not tolerate the whole day of pomp and circumstance.
The good news: Sarah bought me a BIG screen SMART TV for my birthday. We took time yesterday to set it up. It requires me to totally rearrange my living room and we got it enough done (thus avoiding the day-long coverage of the queen) to watch the football game. It is going to be awesome! I love it!
Hope both of you are well.
Sharon
Thanks for the wish; we’re fine. Congratulations on your new TV. 🙂