I was reading News9.com last night and stumbled across this story about how fewer people will receive winter heating assistance this year. It's some riveting stuff:
A program that has helped low-income Oklahomans with their winter heating bills in the past won't help as many in need this winter.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has greatly reduced the dollar amount available this winter. OKDHS officials say because of the lower amount provided in the federal budget, the number of Oklahomans who traditionally receive benefits will be drastically reduced.
Yeah, that's sad and everything. Poor people, especially kids, shouldn't have to go cold in the winter. But do you know what's even sadder??? That would be Channel 9's use of stock photography. Here it is:
I don't know about you, but I feel like putting some blankets in my car and driving over to my grandparents house to give them a hug right now. Hell, maybe while I'm there Grandma will make me some grilled-cheese sandwiches and then ask me when I'm going to grow up and get a real job.
Seriously, that's just a bad photo. The only thing that could make it more depressing is if the old man was eating a can of Alpo or his wife was changing his diaper. Also, if the couple is so cold, why don't they cuddle underneath an electric blanket and watch Lawrence Welk on OETA?
Anyway, I understand that Channel 9's use of an early 1990's "File Photo" fits the story and everything, but it's depressing. They should follow my example and just use pictures of large-breasted girls in bikinis to accompany their depressing news reports. Not only will that probably lead to more people reading the story, but it will make the world a happier place. Hell, it may even warm up some cold old men.
p.s. - The picture I used is of South African swimsuit model Genevieve Morton. The picture above and two below are from the new Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Yeah, that thing still exists.
