Well, it looks like we are in the middle of another ice storm. If the sheet of ice on your porch steps or the overturned trucks on the highway didn't clue you in to this, don't be alarmed, our local media will do everything possible to over hype this and sensationalize this event. Things like:
"¢ Sending every assignment reporter available to a bridge or overpass to provide live coverage of this "once in a lifetime" weather event. Am I the only one hoping that one of them slips and falls?
"¢ Having an anchor go to an Ace Hardware to report that they are out of generators and ice melt.
"¢ Allowing anybody or anything to submit a "weather related closing" to the scrolling ticker thing at the bottom of the screen. Seriously, this little thing has gotten way out of hand. Our local networks need to come together and institute some universal standards for it immediately. With the advent of the "internet" and "telephone," it's not really needed. Plus, other than Clark Matthews, who really needs to know that Dean's School of Dance is closed or that the classes are canceled at Dragon Kim's Tae Kwon Do.
What makes the hype so frustrating, is that I kind of like these ice storms. That is unless I lose power for three days and my neighbor's tree slams through my fence. Hell, even with the damage I'd take them over severe weather. When has a severe thunderstorm ever caused your work to send you home early to play online poker and watch icicles form on Gan Matthews beard??? When was the last time that a steady stream of rain guaranteed that you could come into work late the next day and maybe even get away with wearing jeans and a hat??? My guess would be never.
Hell, if our news channels were smart they would get their reporters off the highway overpasses and into the homes of people like you and me. You know, the people who are enjoying and abusing the overreaction to all the hype that they created. You know, the smart ones.
Anyway, when you get drunk tonight because you don't have to be at work until 10:00am tomorrow, take a little sip for me. Also, say a litte prayer to Gary England. Maybe he'll make sure that it's nice and pretty for the Super Bowl party this Sunday.
