Things Cannot Be This Bad. The Supremes and More. 90 Days. Racquel Welch.
- I get it but have a difficult time consuming it. One objective of media outlets is to get our eyes on their content. Whether a national news network, a local television affiliate, an online outlet, or your local newspaper, the media is micro-focused on ratings and subscriptions. My concerns are the amount of negative, shock-value, or negative stories the media generates, broadcasts, and publishes every day, day in and day out. Yes, I do stay away from politics and religion, but here is a sample of the headlines from last Friday:
- A judge released parts of a grand jury report about a Trump investigation.
- People are reporting headaches and rashes after a toxic train crash in Ohio.
- The U.S. and its allies are working to destroy Russian spy networks.
- Man arrested after 6 killed, including suspect’s ex-wife, in series of shootings in Mississippi, sheriff says.
- Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with a rare type of dementia.
- Top Putin war official plunges 160 feet to her death from high-rise building.
- Tesla recalled more than 360,000 vehicles over its self-driving software.
- Microsoft’s new AI chatbot is giving out bad information and getting angry and defensive when questioned.
- Canada to send warships to Haiti amid ongoing violence.
- Poppy Harlow storms off CNN set after tense spat with Don Lemon over Haley comments.
Ten headlines from two days ago. I know a few media executives who read justmytake.net – maybe it is time to start a new media concern branded “PNN”, the Positive News Network. After reviewing some of my posts over the last few years, I realize I am being a bit hypocritical. Some of my posts, whether they relate to my self-deprecating humor or sarcasm, have a spin of negativity that I will try to refrain from going forward.
- Two hours of great television. I watched the documentary, Hitsville: The Making of Motown last week, a remarkable story of Motown, from its birth in Detroit in 1958 until its relocation to Los Angeles in the early 1970s. Berry Gordy started Motown in the late 1950s creating a record label and management company known around the world. This documentary is very well done, giving us insight into the many hurdles Gordy and his management staff encountered along the way of bringing us some of the greatest music artists ever. The Supremes are still one of America’s most successful groups with twelve No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Other Motown artists of the past include Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five, The Temptations, The Commodores, and Michael Jackson. Then, of course, there is the one and only Marvin Gaye.
It has been suggested that I try to refrain from my take on sports as there are so many journalists serving that space through the avenues of podcasts and blogs. I have and will continue to shy away from many sports stories, but I do want to remind everyone that this time of year brings us some great sporting events. Here is a quick look at the next ninety days:
- Major League Soccer’s season openers are February 25th
- March Madness – the NCAA’s basketball extravaganza, starts in two weeks
- Opening day for Major League Baseball is March 30.
- The Masters starts April 6.
- The NBA playoffs start with play-in tournament on April 11.
- The NHL playoffs start April 17.
- The horses run at the Kentucky Derby on May 6.
- The PGA golf tournament begins May 18.
- The race date for the Indianapolis 500 is May 28.
- The French Open, played on the famous red clay, starts May 28.
- The Premier League’s final day is also May 28.
- With all due respect to the likes of Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Marilyn Monroe, Mila Kunis, Kate Upton, and Emma Stone: no one celebrity brought more appeal than Raquel Welch. Sure, we can argue about Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida, but in my book, Raquel Welch signified beauty, charm, and sex appeal. I am sure I will get a response from many who disagree. Raquel Welch passed away last week at the age of eighty-two. RIP Raquel.
The iconic poster from the 1966 movie One Million Years B.C.
The countdown continues: We are three weeks away from daylight savings time!