The July 9, 2007 issue of Newsweek’s feature article is titled “181 Things You Need to Know Now“. It discusses a myriad of hot button topics that Americans should be well versed in so as to adeptly partake in common discussion with fellow citizens about things that affect all our lives. Poppycock! (I’m making an effort to bring back that word.) The list includes such over-exposed topics as radical Islam, global warming, the 2008 Presidential race, and what actress made some movie that made a pile of cash. You know, I think Americans should be somewhat informed, especially around the time of choosing leaders, but we have got our heads way too far up the arse of so called “global issues”. I’m sick and tired of having daily discussions and reading about the impending doom of terror and the impact of Hillary being President. I don’t give a crap what Paris Hilton is doing, EVER. And you know, I am on board with recycling so please stop telling me you have used 30 years data to predict what a billion year old planet will do. One thing I do know, holding a mass concert event that generates more garbage, uses more energy and tramples more vegetation than 10,000 gas powered stampeding African elephants with diarrhea is not exactly the best way to support Ecology.
You know what things every American should know? Things like, how your kid is doing in school. Do they need help with Math? Does your wife like snapdragons or foxglove more? Does your elderly neighbor need help cleaning her gutters? Should the neighborhood playground be assessed for safety upgrades? Does the local Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop need volunteer leaders? What card should I send my friend for their birthday? Where are the redfish biting this weekend?
We are so wrapped up these days in 24 hour news about places on the other side of the world that we often neglect slowing things down and enjoying the simple pleasures of family, friends and community. Turn off the TV and listen to more music. Use an RSS reader to filter your news of all that junk and serve yourself up hobby and local event news so you can get out and do something. That’s not to say to totally disconnect yourself, but you can catch up with just an hour of reading on Sunday morning or something. Spend the rest of your life living it.
