Hootin’ Anni’s

“ We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart? “

This is definitely a Monday charmer. I’m thoroughly perplexed over television and the mindless obsession of reality programming. This American Idol that is sweeping the viewing prime time this next couple of days this week makes me question our intelligence (Hey, when I was a youngster, I thought my father was stupid…yes, I thought stupid—to love watching those programs like the amateur hour with Arthur Godfrey!!!). I remember watching all kinds of similar television when I was a youngster, tho to be honest there wasn’t much else on. It was either that or go to your room as my dad would often tell me. And, I usually opted for a book or radio in my room. Back then, these kinds of programs did not interest me and today they’ve become MORE insipid for me. We humans are highly intelligent creatures yet we fall down each time these types become number one programs for our viewing ‘pleasure’. I find myself wondering just what the mentality of the American people have.

I’m sitting here reading yesterday’s newspaper and reading the Nielsen’s ratings list from last week and find that NFL lead most evenings. Hmmmmm, tho I am an avid sports fan I don’t watch much for the entire 3 hours or more; nor every second of action plays. I most always have my crocheting project right in front of me to lull away all the penalty times-out and commercial breaks that seem to come more and more these days. OH! And speaking of commercials—have you ever disliked a commercial so bad that muting it isn’t enough and you find yourself switching channels just to find a commercial on the same time from where you switched off? Does that make you wonder if something in the pro sports is NOT fixed? Try it sometime…you’ll see that no matter what commerical slot you switch off of, you get to another station from there, and there is a commercial on an entirely different channel? Seems odd that the timing is just so precise, doesn’t it? Okay, so I can be a skeptic. Always thinking.

But top programs are ones like “Trading Spouses”? “Nanny 911″?

Now, back to American Idol. I know it’s supposed to be entertaining, but I just don’t see it. The contestants don’t have talents, it’s very mundane to me….I read about those judges, and see commercial spots of the program —the cutting remarks from the judges are entirely uncalled for. But yet, this is what sells their ability to bring in money to the sponsors. And people love it. I always have found myself not a follower. But a doer! It’s much more pleasing to watch something of interest to me.

And because the regular series programming is being cut the next few weeks, you’ll see that PBS gets a lot of my time at night. TCM is another of my favorites. I love to compare the old style of movie making and acting comparing it to today. Of course on any given night TCM is a preferred choice, actually.

I’ve tried to watch another program that seems to be in the top list each week, and I can’t see the interest. It again, at this point in my life, seems to sell sex. Ya, life is all about it….true. But to hold an interest for me, climbing into bed the first 2 minutes, of a program about medicine, with a co-worker….well, this is not entertainment for me! And the program I’ve tried to watch a few times is Grey’s Anatomy. No, again—not my style.

Yet, there are programs that has kept me engrossed. Two only, but captivating none-the-less.

Firstly, I’m still counting the days for it’s return with new episodes. That’s Prison Break. It has been noteable for me from day one. Two years ago. And I’m an avid viewer. No blatant sexual behavior, tho possibly subliminally, which is figuratively better for me than the actuality of performing in front of a camera. Bloody, perhaps. But in all reality in today’s world, shedding blood is more REALITY than the survivor whimps on stage; acting. The script is closely followed. Very few mistakes. I like that! It tends to keep me with vivid, on the edge, nail biting….. And when the program ends each week with a cliff hanger, I’m counting the hours for the next installment. That’s more entertaining than watching some dumb, anxious and nervous contender trying to sing. Music is beautiful and butchering a song to entertain the people of television-land is degrading to our mentality and purpose. (In all honesty I do enjoy Dancing with the Stars — but if they DO mock and mess up and the judges and so called honest voting fans begin to make it a popularity casting, and tells us on the next program they’re good….I don’t watch it!! That’s insanity. If they’re no good…get ‘em off and let us enjoy the beauty and talents of GOOD dancers!! It’s an art not a comic strip, or perhaps a comedic version of mudslinging! The one season that a man that had no ambition to learn to dance with his professional partner kinda burned me away from viewing more….I got blatantly upset with the whole concept.)

Secondly, The all knowing, drug addicted, grouchy, egomaniac, Dr. House! His personal interview at Web, M.D. is quite provocative. (I found it shocking that in real life he’s only 40 something….he carries himself as a much older man–well, for me anyway, with ingenious ideals and performances.)
Now, mind you, I realize that this is probably reminiscent of an oldie TV programming from my youth…But this guy, Gregory House, is a genius! He’s also portrayed as: boorish, arrogant, insensitive, disgruntled, —you name it, but again, he’s the best. And his relationship with his ‘staff’ of doctors is beyond compare. Actually, Dr. Cuddy –the hospital’s chief surgeon is my favorite character. At times while watching I can’t help myself feeling sorry for her. She puts up with and lives with knowing her best doctor is an addict, and they can’t do without him. In the last episode she admits to fixing documents and perjuring herself on court’s stand….to protect Dr. House and his radical behavior and addiction. She makes it clear to House– ” that she owns him now. It may entail clinic duty, unruly patients or extra hours. Whatever she wants, he’s going to do it.” And she walks away from his jail cell.

Okay….my whole point in this blog this fine day is: “Why do we pre-empt the good programming for American Idol?” Can’t these television schedulers at least show the excellent, intriguing, programs after the dumb ones? They always take the good stuff off and the intelligent programs are dumped! Guess they think there is no truth behind them- after being tortured through A.I. and Paula Abdul’s crushed boobies in revealing garb! Too hot for us to handle how House gets another case solved and life saved. (Oh, and House, M.D. and Prison Break IS in the top 20 of the ratings ———-IF they’re televised and not pre-empted!!!)

Personally, give me a movie channel anytime!!!

When I was a teen, in my youthful days (and I might add my ornery days!), I was told to do certain things and NOT do certain things. Especially while attending school.

In school, unlike home, I could be a rebel. Ya, ya….my mother had many meetings with the counselors, I admit. Like I said….a rebel.

And this school tower was off limits!

Of course, back then, when the ‘autorities’ told us kids we weren’t allowed up there, naturally…….we found a way. At one time, an old school bell that was from a one-room prairie school was moved to the ‘brand new’ school and placed in the tower. Somehow in days before I attended, the bell was stolen. How and who, I don’t know –to us kids, it was never revealed. In fact, now that I’m older could it have been a ‘prank reason’ to tell us that no one is allowed up there? I don’t know…it’s all history now.

Anyway, a few of us, found a trap door above our lockers and stairway. We knew that that was the entry way to the bell tower!! It just had to be. And only inches away from the top of the metal lockers that were along the hallway walls.

And our school always had extracurricular activities goin’ on after school and nights after big games held in the gym or on the football field.

Aha!!!

This was our chance to explore. Since the halls were vacant and open during games — and at that time, no patrolling ’cause we were trusted—-a bunch of us had made plans to climb up to the tower.

With our permanent markers and pocket knives in our jeans pockets…one on top of the lockers —Larry was his name(really cute!!)…he was the tallest of our ‘gang’ and could reach the hatch! And with no lock on it, he got it opened for us—each of us was either hoisted (some of the guys got up on their own) up the lockers and pulled up by Larry—into the tower.

A few steps on the stairway, and we found ourselves on the platform–looking up to the spot where a bell was either once hanging—or an area FOR a bell!! Looking through the gables we could see forever above the treetops into the night—stars everywhere. If we weren’t up to mischief, it really could have been a romantic spot. But no———

We were there to leave our mark. But wait, don’t panic. It was nothing like ‘gang graffiti’ or anything like that. We just wanted to put our names up there. Ya know, like carving initials in a tree to announce your love for one? Very small and hidden under crevices to remain unnoticible to the human eyes.

Whispering and giggling at the same time, and one keeping an eye on the opening below us, we scrolled with our knives and marked over with the thin tipped felt pens to darken the names, climbed down, shut the hatch, went out into the dim lighted hallway and into wash our hands of evidence of where we had been!————–

All without being caught. And as far as I know our names are still there!!!

NOW—at my age, I wouldn’t dream of marring such a beautiful structure. But in a way, I’m still proud to know my name is permanently scrolled on something historic. Like JOHN HANCOCK!!! And who knows? The kids that ‘stole’ the bell coulda easily been one of my brothers since they too were rebels away from the home environment!!! But, they’d never tell me even if it was them!!!

(the school is 120 years old this year!!!) Still in use by the local school district.

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You are Shetland Wool.
You are a traditional sort who can sometimes be a little on the harsh side. Though you look delicate you are tough as nails and prone to intricacies. Despite your acerbic ways you are widely respected and even revered.

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