Knee Deep in the Hooah!

When I working out on the cross trainer at the gym I am forced to watch television. Unless I close my eyes or contort my neck in a wildly uncomfortable position, I am looking straight ahead at 3 large televisions that are tuned into different channels. Fortunately the sound is an option. However, what I am finding is that the imagery is often enough, and words could not bring any further illustration to what my eyes are beholding.

The scenes that really get me are the violent ones. One of the stations is tuned into Fox News. One moment I am reading the closed captioning for part of General Patraeus‘ speech, and then in a single flash there is suddenly a video of a gang beating the living daylights out of person who is wadded up on the ground. The image is in my brain before I am even able to shut my eyes, and it makes me so angry. I don’t want those images. This is why I hate television. Sometimes you simply don’t have a choice as to what image could be flashed in front of you, and therefore it is in your brain. No thanks. That is giving way to much power over to broadcasters. I have learned to do much of my workout with my eyes pointed downward or closed.

This also makes me wonder what in the living world is “news flash!” worthy these days? I mean one second you see the words “News Flash!” and a headline appears and it is in regards to Iran making threats to our troops. I totally understand and appreciate the “News Flash!” for items that truly affect us as Citizens and things that affect our great Country. I am very disturbed when I see the words “News Flash!” with the headline “Spears loses custody of children!” That is not a “News Flash.” It is no more a newsflash than saying “Gas is expensive!” It is no more an important matter than anyone else in this Country who has lost their children due to poor parenting skills and bad decisions. This does not affect our lives in any way shape or form. No more than Hilton’s jail fiasco, Lohan’s repeated failures at rehab, and Smith’s “whose the baby daddy” circus following her death.

I have always been under the impression that people like singers, actors, and socialites are “entertainers.” I have always thought that entertainment is just a small part of life that gives us a little relief from reality. So, why in the world do I want to constantly hear about the horrible realities that some of these entertainers create for themselves? That’s pathetic. That’s not entertaining. It’s just such an oddity to me. Maybe I have the propensity to see each of these people and their problems as case studies. I feel propelled to start a case plan and get to work. I don’t know. Does anyone else get sick of how the news mixes vital and important news like what is going on with Iran, Presidential news briefs, diseases outbreaks, etc. with news about Spears and Lohan? Can’t we put them under the “Entertainment” news and leave them there?

Bah. This is just a rant on a rainy day. I am just airing my grievances. Feel free to list your own. It’s good to get that stuff off your mind.