TURNING TRAGEDIES INTO MEDIA EVENTS or THE WHEELS OF MISERY GO ROUND AND ROUND

Quote of the day:

There will always be a part, and always a very large part of every community, that have no care but for themselves, and whose care for themselves reaches little further than impatience of immediate pain, and eagerness for the nearest good.

Samuel Johnson
English author, critic, & lexicographer (1709 - 1784)


I HATE THE NEWS!!

I REALLY DO!!

Why?

Because the little news they actually report, they end up sensationalizing it. It's not enough that there is a tragedy, but let's make sure that we can scare everyone else in America and make it worse. What the hell am I so incoherently talking about?

Well let's start at the beginning...

I don't watch the news anymore and haven't since 1988-1989. The local news channel had this commercial playing while I was getting ready for school.

The line went "RIGHT NOW THERE SOMETHING KILLING YOUR KIDS IN YOUR HOME." My sister was between 3-4 years old so this scared me, a lot! So that night I made sure to watch the news.

They talked about non-child proofed cabinets were leading to an increase of children's accidents and deaths.

At the time this pissed me off (and still does). They took something that every parent should do (but many don't), and turn it into a scare tactic to improve ratings.

I vowed that day to never sit down and watch the news. Something I have held true to this day (with the exception of September 11th, 2001 and for about a week or so after that truly tragic event).

So now let's fast forward to this past Saturday.

While Season and I were having a completely unhealthy breakfast at McDonald's I noticed a TV behind me. It was on CNN. Season says "Oh they're talking about the bus that crashed." I turn around and I see the tag line SAFE RIDES?

I started to lose it, but the simple fact that there were kids around I reigned it in, till today.

How much mileage can these so-called news stations drag out of misery, pain and death. I'm sorry but accidents happen. That is why they are called accidents.

Otherwise they would be called murder because they would be on purpose. My condolences to the families and loved ones of this shocking and heart breaking moment but a big FUCK YOU to so called news agencies who have turned it into a shock TV moment. FUCK YOU to the so called reporters who have turned this misfortune into a scare tactic to make Americans believe that they aren't safe anywhere.

The following bit of information, may open your eyes to what the media does to the truth.

According to data gathered for NHTSA's (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Fatal Analysis Reporting System, in school bus crashes over the last couple of decades, fewer that 10% of school bus occupants have had any injury and 90% were not injured at all. The occupant most frequently injured is the bus driver since that seating position does not have the same passive occupant protections that passenger seats have, such as flexible and padded seat backs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 96 percent of the estimated 8,500 to 12,000 children injured in school bus accidents annually are considered minor (scrapes, bumps, bruises, etc.).

NHTSA calculated that 4 percent of the school bus-related injuries to children -- about 350 to 475 annually -- are serious (i.e. broken bones or worse) based on the medical community's widely accepted AIS or Abbreviated Injury Scale.

An average of six children are fatally injured inside school buses annually.

About 16 children are fatally injured as pedestrians in the loading & unloading zone around school buses annually. That's better than 200 percent improvement from 75 school bus fatalities in 1975; it is still not good enough.

I agree that these numbers are still not good enough. But it's an improvement and it's a very good start!

But compare those numbers to these.

On average, there are more than 6 million car accidents on the roads of the US, annually. More than 3 million people are injured in car accidents, with more than 2 million of these injuries being permanent.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration there are about 43,000 people killed in fatal car accidents each year in the United States.

From this information I'd rather ride the bus then get into my car. But I'm not here to scare any of you. I'm just giving you the cold hard facts. There are accidents and whether it's a fender bender or a fatality they happen. Every accident that happens is an emotional and terrifying moment. All we can do, as a whole, is try to be safer. Pay attention to our actions, reactions and environments.

But mostly we as a whole need to be educated to the truth.

Not to the exploitative journalism that preys on our fears.

Not the tabloid journalism that twists the facts.

Especially not to the ratings whores who take these horrific moments, to intimidate and terrorize us all.

Let me leave you with this last article because I agree with everything he says.

Why America's media sucks
November 19, 2004By Ben Ho
Media herding is something that always piqued my interest. During the Clinton administration, church burning suddenly became a big issue. It seemed like the news was reporting a new incident every other week.
They held Congressional hearings. Important men fulminated about the rampant problem of racism.
Then you look at the data, and the number of church burnings had been decreasing monotonically for as long as data was available. In fact, it was at an all-time low that year. The only thing that changed was the media coverage.
A few years ago, the big media story was shark attacks; lots of scary articles warning about shark attacks. Yet again, looking at the data, the numbers were tiny - less than the chance of getting struck by lightening - and again, there were fewer attacks than in previous years.
A year ago, it was kidnappings of young white girls, though once again, the number of kidnappings has also been declining.
Court cases are particularly amusing. Why is Scott Peterson so prominent, when there are lots of murders each year that people ignore?
One possible explanation is that the media is only giving the public what it wants to hear.
When one media outlet figures out a story that resonates with the people, the others just jump on the bandwagon and copy it. Once the media makes a big fuss, people start to think the story is important, and it feeds on itself - a vicious cycle of triviality.
The question to ask is how problematic is it?
Having this deluge of stories around a few select anecdotes often gives very wrong impressions about the actual state of the world.
The problem is that statistics and data are boring. They lack salience. People are much more likely to remember the poor woman with ragged clothes and disheveled hair than arcane numbers about those in poverty.
I read Time magazine every week. I am bothered by the fact that most of their news articles are primarily based on random quotes from random people across the country.
Who are these people? In a story about unemployment, they interview three random people and somehow think they have provided a complete picture of the problem.
I remember a few years ago, there was the Million Mom March in Washington, D.C. where women showed up protesting the lack of child safety locks on guns. They probably had in mind the horrible stories they saw in papers about little kids who accidentally shoot themselves.
Economist Steven Levitt finds that, statistically, having a swimming pool in a house is 100 times more deadly to children than having a gun. Levitt's point is not that we should have more guns, but that we spend so much time worrying about guns that we forget about safeguarding our children from far more significant dangers.
Hepatitis and malaria - both preventable diseases - kill more people a year in Africa than AIDS, yet AIDS gets all the media attention and more funding. AIDS is just a sexier disease than malaria. Lack of awareness has serious consequences.
Despite my general pessimistic view on the selective focus on social issues by the American populace, this is one area where I do think education can work.
It needs to start here. Harvard - yes, the Stanford of the East - actually had the good idea in requiring a statistics class for all of its undergraduates. The university wants its students to find meaning in statistics and be aware of their potential misuse.
An old definition of a scientist is someone who can get excited by a page of numbers. But we need everyone to get excited.
An informal poll of federal judges found that the great majority could not define the following words: mean, mode and median.
At the very least, we need reporters to be educated. It may be that salient anecdotes are the only means to get their point across. So far, they haven't been driving the right point home.

TWITTER THOUGHTS

I watched Steel today. It was awful the first time around, when I paid money to see it. Watching it for free was worse. I truly hate myself.

TWITTER THOUGHTS

Damn the internet with all it's distractions, although I'm now current with Justice League Unlimited, Doctor Who & Torchwood. WOW, I'm lame.

ANOTHER SURVEY

How old is the first person on your top friends?
If I told you that she's just go off and pummel me.

Will you talk to the person you like on the phone tonight?
NOPE, I actually hat talking on the phone.

Do you own a computer?
nope...I own a device that allows me access to porn from around the world.

Why is your myspace song, what it is?
I don't have a myspace song, and I've never heard the song "what it is?"
hint-read the wording on the question

Where was your default picture taken?
At the Estrogen Clans reunion 2 years ago.

Do you like messages or comments better?
I'll take any and all forms of communique

What woke you up this morning?
the cats knocking over the "to be sold CD's"

What is your current mood?
Hung over and getting myself motivated to cook

What color shirt are you wearing?
I'm at home...why do I need to wear a shirt?

Are you crazy?
why? what have you heard?

Ever had a near death experience?
yes, I rode in a car with my sister driving

What was the highlight of your week?
so far...breathing. I happen to enjoy that a lot.

How long is your hair?
it's not...at all

Last thing you ate?
a peanut butter and strawberry jam waffle sammich

What was the last thing you drank?
a diet coke

Are you happy right now?
yes

Last person you hugged?
my wife

Are you wearing make-up?
nope, I gave that up when Vince Neil amd Motley Crue went their seperate ways. Yes I know they are back together again, but it's just not the same.

Who do you most look like in your family?
MOM

Did you have a dream last night?
uhhh sure, let's go with that

What were you doing at 11:30 last night?
going to the bathroom.

Are you left handed?
no

What's the fifth text say in your inbox and who is it from?
N/A

What did you do today?
worked on my blog (i know i'm such a loser)

Who was the last person's voice you heard?
My wife's

What is bothering you right now?
allergies are a bit annoying, while waiting for the drugs to kick in

Have you ever seen somebody get hit by a car?
yup

Who do you tell everything to?
my wife (apparently this is my default answer, heh)

Have you ever taken a picture in a bathroom?
yes...oh wait, you weren't being polite? You actually mean "a picture" heh my bad

Do you use big words?
only when the little ones get redundant

Favorite number?
19

Name a part from the song you're listening to?
silence...it's not a song.

Do you fight with your parents often?
whenever I get the chance

Where is the shirt you're wearing from?
I'm at home...why do I need to wear a shirt?

Do you know anyone with cancer?
not anymore

Do you have any picture frames in your room?
this room...nope

Where did you spend Christmas?
in my wife's arms

Do you get good grades?
I graduated high school

Have you ever thought about getting your nose pierced?
did...got infected...hurt like hell...never re-pierced again

Have you ever passed out on the bathroom floor?
yes

Do you start the water before you get in the shower or when you get in?
depends on whether or not I'm running on time or late

Would you rather be in a permanent relationship or play the field?
I'm married. if I play the feild now, my wife's retribution would be swift and severe

What did you accomplish today?
I finished this survey and wrote my next blog

What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
finishing this survey and writing my next blog

Do you like your life as of now?
Absolutely

Last thing you purchased?
My Tuesday Night 6 pack - but last night it was a 12pack. I splurged.

Where are you right now, and how do you feel about where you are?
well I'm still at home, in the computer room, and I feel fine
blah blah blah blah LEONARD BERNSTEIN

TWITTER THOUGHTS

Rules of Marriage-Spraying Febreeze on clothes & tossing them in the dryer does not equate doing laundry. But it is an excuse for pummelings

TWITTER THOUGHTS

Rules of Marriage - "Thread count" (whether you know what it is or not), IS important and IS more meaningful than any sports score.

TWITTER THOUGHTS

How to Compliment A Man - On the day when you force him into a tuxedo. Tell him he looks sharp, like James Bond, suave with a hint of danger

TWITTER THOUGHTS

Being away from a computer for a day, is liberating. Yet when you're ready to write something, it takes 2 days to get back the typing groove

TWITTER THOUGHTS

Summer was here and we had frost. Now who is STILL complaining about global warming?

A QUESTION ABOUT "PROPER DATES"

ORIGINALLY POSTED AS A COMMENT ON "Saturday May 3, 2008, 11:19 PM" It was a decent little comment that I decided to save it for those days when I am feeling a bit on the lazy side. This is one of those days.

Hello again. Here I am to leave yet another "epic" comment.

I want to say that it's not proper dating that has gone the way of the dinosaurs, but all forms of courtesy, respect and polite public behavior. At one time parents raised their sons to be boys around other boys, and to be gentlemen around women.

Even the old TV shows presented this "proper" behavior. The perfect example is Eddie Haskel. He was an ass; everybody knew he was an ass. But he was always on his best behavior when dealing with adults. Sure it was slimy behavior and they saw right through it, but he still followed the rules as did every other boy.

Nowadays, what was once improper behavior is considered normal. You can say and do whatever you want in mixed company and no one bats an eye. This translates to how men and women act towards each other.

So as time goes by, what was once considered improper behavior becomes the current accepted behavior. And this behavior keeps perpetuating in a negative growth trend.

In conclusion no you are not wrong to expect to be asked out on a proper date. But sadly you might have to remind your "potential" that you are a lady, and expect to be treated like one. If they don't understand what you mean...lets hope the curb you kick them to leaves a good bruise.

A MOMENT OF SILENCE

Now those of you that actually know me, know that I'm not a pro-military person. But I do have a respect for those that do choose this way of life. Yes, it is a way of life. It takes someone of a special courage, an unbelievable strength of character and a love for their family, home and friends, to join the military. It takes someone who is afraid but won't and didn't let that stand in his or her way. It takes ultimate sacrifice, for those that laid it all on the line, because whether they lived or died, they're the ones who pay the price of freedom. I may never know all of you, but to you all I do say "thank you"! To the families and friends of these courageous individuals, my prayers are with you.

To those who never came home... a moment of silence.

TAKE A MOMENT

This is for those who fell, and never stood again,

Those who chose bravery over timidity,

Who chose liberty over constraint,

Who stood for freedom,

Who knew the cost,

Who made that choice,

Who ultimately paid the price,

This is for you,

You are not forgotten.

You are remembered.

In every flag that waves,

With every word voiced,

With every freedom we hold dear,

This is for you.

Thank You,

We miss you,

We remember you,

Always.

TWITTER THOUGHTS

I went five months without smoking read about my slight lapse in judgment. http://tinyurl.com/6nsmy8

IT WAS FOR SCIENCE

I wanted a cigarette.

I have for the past 2 weeks.

Yesterday, I finally broke down.

I bought a pack.

Pall Mall Light 100's.

That used to be my brand.

Sat in the car.

Contemplated having one.

Finally, I said, "It's an experiment."

I opened the pack.

I took out a cigarette.

I lit it.

I smoked a cigarette.

It was awful.

The need to vomit was overpowering.

Did not vomit.

Later that day...

for some reason unknown to me

I did it again.

I took out another cigarette.

I lit it.

I smoked another cigarette.

It was awful.

The need to vomit was still overpowering.

Did not vomit.

I actually had a few more.

It was in the interest of science.

THESE ARE THE RESULTS OF MY EXPERIMENT

I have a headache that won't quit.

My throat hurts.

I feel nauseous.

My mouth tastes like the cats shat in there.

The pornado sanctum stinks.

My clothes stink.

My hair smells like bar room floor.

Overall I think that experiment went quite badly.

That officially cures my want of cigarette.

TWITTER THOUGHTS

I'm amused that twitter is overworked. I'm not amused that I can't read what I've missed. I love the twitter. I hate the twitter.

TWITTER THOUGHTS

I can't be neglecting my dirty knees, http://tinyurl.com/6d3ekw and my whoring duties.

TWITTER THOUGHTS

So is it bad form for it to be Noon on a Saturday, and to be getting drunk?? Just being curious?

TWITTER THOUGHTS

‘Terminator Salvation’ Site Goes Live + Synopsis http://tinyurl.com/5gq4s9

A QUESTION ABOUT TELEVISION VIEWING HABITS

Originally posted as a comment on Posted on "Wednesday April 23, 2008, 3:55 PM"


It was a decent little comment that I decided to save it for those days when I am feeling a bit on the lazy side. This is one of those days.


I am not an intelligent TV viewer, and despite my own delusions I'm not that intelligent to begin with (if you read my words, that comes across pretty well).

I stopped watching the news regularly on TV about 19 years ago. I will sit and read a book when Sue decides to watch the news and on occasion I will glance up at the TV.

Usually resulting in my heart getting torn from my chest. I'm tired of seeing tragedy, horror, hatred and indifference in my community and the world around me displayed at 5PM, 6PM and 10PM. And then again at 2AM for the rebroadcast and at 5AM and 6AM.

Or I get some scare tactics/shock journalism, telling me that me or my own could be dying right now.

My wife enjoys the History Channel, TLC, Discovery, Style, HGTV and the news.

I'm the Cartoon Network, Sci-fi, Nickelodeon, WWE and Showtime Network kind of guy. I want to be entertained by shows where the good guys win and the bad guys lose. I want to see the happy ending, the long lost lovers/family/friends reunited. So I go for sheer entertainment when it comes to TV.

At least once a day my wife will mention some news related issue. Then she has to bring me up to date on that particular issue. Normally it's some awful tragedy that, in all honesty, I would have lived my life just fine not knowing about it. Other times it just pisses me off or worse. It adds fuel to the simple fact that I really don't like 80% of the people that inhabit my planet.

I'm not an intelligent TV viewer, but I'm very OK with that. I never claimed to be intelligent.

TWITTER THOUGHTS

Just kidding...I just wanted to create a dramatic moment.