No TV critic

As one who watches only news programs, the History Channel and the Discover Channel, I don't qualify as a TV critic, especially of the prime time programming of the major networks. Nevertheless, like everyone else, I have an opinion on TV programs and those who watch them. The current rage and proliferation seems to be so called reality TV shows. If they are as gross and exploitative as viewers say, I can't imagine why anyone would watch. The tendency is to blame producers for such bad choices in programming content. However, viewers are the ultimate determiners of what lasts on TV. Shows that don't get watched soon fade away. Obviously, with the current proliferation of reality TV shows, someone is watching.

Observations

Friday, during one of the intensive bombings of Baghdad, Iraq, I was in a doctor's waiting room with close to a dozen other people. An overhead television, tuned to a CBS station, displayed vivid pictures of the devastation as Dan Rather added background details. As the bombs fell and buildings burned, I tried to listen and watch for reactions from those around me and to what had to be sheer terror for anyone in or around Baghdad. An elderly man worked on a crossword puzzle and only occasionally glanced up at the television. Two young boys played with hand-held, electronic games, totally oblivious to the carnage except to note that the scene looked like Fourth of July fireworks. Two ladies carried on a mundane conversation and once in a while broke in with a comment such as, "Would you look at that?" A young mother tried to calm her daughter before going in to see the doctor. Patients came in and patients left and Dan Rather droned on about the military might of the USA as the bombs fell and buildings burned.

An Old English book, Beowulf, has a line I like to quote, "That evil ended, so too may this."

Sure sign

Last night, around 8 o'clock, while walking on the Ghost Town Trail, I heard a positive indication that spring is here. The peepers were out in full force.

Why men are just happier people! (first of series)

What do you expect from such simple creatures!?
Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of the! mselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be president.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station because this one's just too icky.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress - $5000; tux rental - $100.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood,! ALL the time.

Lenten thought for the day

In Thee is wealth for the needy, heartfelt joy for the sorrowing, restoration for all the wounded, consolation for all who mourn.

—Saint Ephraim the Syrian, Fourth Century
Sent by Fr. Antonious Henein

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