Monday, December 23, 2013

Merry Christmas MSNBC. Well done today. Thank you.

It was nice. And guess what? The other stories are still there and not going anywhere. Stepping back and taking a logical approach rather than an emotional one works for me. Pauses can be important, burning the candle at both ends isn't healthy and skews life. When I think of the Americans that need the pause the most, it is the working poor and the families they support. 

I promise the return to topics in assessment after New Year will be my best effort. Today's emotions were well received and I thank you.



According to Wikipedia the history is:

The Yule Log was created in 1966 by Fred M. Thrower, President and CEO of WPIX, Inc. Inspired by an animated Coca-Cola commercial a year earlier that showed Santa Claus at a fireplace, he envisioned this television program as a televised Christmas gift to those residents of New York who lived in apartments and homes without fireplaces. This also provided time for employees of the television station to stay home with their families, instead of working for the usual morning news program....

It was filmed at Gracie Mansion in New York by the then mayor John Lindsay.
I watched two consecutive shows yesterday for the first time. The reason I watched the second show was because the first one was so bland. So, I thought I'd give it a second chance. What is interesting here, I am trying to figure it out?

These are old world stereotypes. It enforces men will be idiots about life and women are always to the rescue.

There is nothing redeeming about their character strength and where are all the hot tips about duck hunting?

The most redeeming dialogue was surrounding the granddaughters and the fact they were into computers too much. That was a good statement. Then they went outside and were able to hook a fish for dinner. It stated girls are diverse in their interests and ability. Go Grandpa.

But, the idea this is a way to success as it portrayed in the opening video with the stretch limo is a bit weird. I don't find the people strange, they seem like nice folks but they play more than they work.

I didn't see any ambition and nearly turned off the second hour of this show before it was over. I had to stop myself from changing the channel in order to carry out the promise to myself I would give it a chance. I wasn't sincerely entertained, was bored and didn't see any innovation in any approach to family life. I think they are fairly normal folks in their value system, live modestly and make the most of their day. But, to say this is an exceptional group with profound meaning deserving a lot of attention to move people forward in ambition and prosperity? I don't see it.

I mean 120 minutes of insults to each other, laughing it off and trying to get a bachelor married was uninteresting. Somehow purchasing a canoe for Christmas for the kids was controversial. ???????????????  I think they talk a lot and seek to provide a reason to be redeeming to each other, but, it isn't my idea of uplifting. 

I suppose if alcohol free and activity to 'let's move' is the focus, then I applaud the program. These folks are mostly fit and active. I think this is a real change for this population of viewers from "Preppers." This is more NORMAL than I have witnessed with many other shows. But, I am not interested in obsessing about Prepping, so this might be a very pleasant change for them.

Beyond the 'niceness' of the people and the occasional view of water and boats, there isn't that much I found interesting. I know folks are not going to believe this, but, any of the two shows I watched reflected an average hunting day with the men in my family. The only thing missing were the beagles. Considering these are duck hunters, where are the retrievers? A relative doesn't own one? No prize winning blood line on the estates of fortune?

I think the show is a parody rather than 'real life.' But, parodies can be interesting, too. I expected to see the masters of marketing at work. I saw people that had an idea for the crowd of real TV. But, it isn't at all what I expected. A little more ambition and less sitting and talking might spice up the interest of the audience, but, then again some people like a male alternative to a soap opera.


This isn't cutting edge and is primarily old world gender roles. It isn't my thing. There is a reason why I wasn't watching in the first place. It wasn't until the insults of the show extended into the realm of civil rights of others did I ever tune in. I might point out, these are all white folks, so the political focus is obvious, right? Not even a black lab retriever. It is the old ENFORCED south. It is the mantle of the Good Ole Boys, except, it doesn't tout moonshine or whiskey. They don't beat their wives and end up in fist fights rather than simply arguing one's character over another.

I might point out they don't obsess over guns and violence. I like that a lot.

It would seem as though there is still an audience for it in a more civilized venue. The fact it is popular and more civilized is a good quality and I wish them well. 

The First Day of Winter was December 21st. Ya think?

December 23, 2013
1215 gmt
The Weather Channel Current Temperature Map

The most important focus for people traveling is the infrastructure and now it is surviving these temperatures.

Transportation infrastructure is going to have problems. But, keeping main roads open and emergency response if a vital part of this winter.

When traveling this holiday season bring food and water and warm blankets for any delays and by chance there should be trouble with the car. Make sure pets have food and water too if they are traveling with the family.

Homeless shelters and soup kitchens have never been more important. 


This is a handy website by the FAA indicating any trends in trouble (click here)