This is exactly why, once upon a time, TV sitcoms were so outlandish and fantastic: to offer the people a form of escape from the grim reports that plagued TV news every night, especially during such a tumultuous decade like the 1960s; it’s how we ended up with such gems as THE ADDAMS FAMILY, THE MUNSTERS, BEWITCHED, I DREAM OF JEANNIE, and the like. Nowadays, it’s like networks want “sitcoms” to be just as grim and dreary as the world around us is today, with unlikable jerkass characters who obsess over their sex lives (or lack thereof), because it supposedly makes shows “more believable” and “more relatable.” Give me any of the aforementioned shows, plus I LOVE LUCY, THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, GREEN ACRES, M*A*S*H, HOGAN’S HEROES, THE ODD COUPLE, or SANFORD AND SON over any of the garbage on TV any day.
When was news ever not distressing? Even in the golden age of journalism, before which channel you watched became so politicized, the rule was still, “If it bleeds, it leads.”
The problem with modern televised news reports is that too many broadcasters feel they have to insert their opinion(s) in the story. Just give me the facts, I can make up my own mind on the topic. It’s gotten to the point that Don Henley’s song “Dirty Laundry” has become a training guide for the “news folks”. ♫We can do “The Innuendo”, we can dance and sing. When it’s said and done, we haven’t told you a thing. We all know that crap is king, give us dirty laundry!♫ …it’s all facocta.
News is supposed to be the facts, as in: who, what, where, when, why and how. Today’s so-called “news” shows are actually thinly disguised op-ed shows (left or right, one is as bad as the other), so I don’t watch them. I just read the headlines on-line, and I might click on one or two to read the story(ies) trying to edit out the op-ed parts.
If it’s messed up for you, imagine what it’s like for the billions not living they comfortable middle-class life that you are. To say nothing of the sick, the lonely, the unloved..
Of course, since I lived in Florida from 1981 through almost the end of 2020, working for local governments as a city or county planner, the latest news about Hurricane Ian is painful to watch. It has quickly been replaced today on the major networks by various sports shows and even the Weather Channel seems to have gone back to its usual programming. I’ve been able to access some of the online newspapers from Central Florida, and the County where Iived and worked (Seminole, which is northeast of Orlando) is really in trouble. As floodwaters recede elsewhere in the state, they rise in Seminole, because they drain to the rivers in that county. So far, 2,000 homes in that little county have been damaged by floodwaters. Anyone who is looking to help should consider donating to charities that will help Hurricane Ian survivors. Please…
Sometimes when you get overwhelmed with the negativity nothing but a nap will do. I try not to dwell on it. But I do feel very sorry for our larger cities these days. So many seem to have fallen.
So will Stef have the room all to herself, then? I can’t imagine the university would give Tiff a refund this close to the school year starting. If so, she’ll be thrilled, no more need for the Privacy Hut.. just lock the door.
I see Bets isn’t very sympathetic to Tiff’s situation as long as there’s the chance of getting a good vid for her channel.
Do we think they’ll try to talk her into staying??
I haven’t watched/followed the news in about 2 1/2 years. It just makes me sick/angry – still can’t get away from it though. The only time I pay any attention is when a hurricane is heading for Florida and even then, I go to the weather channel online or my local news app and I’m signed up for alerts; I don’t watch in on TV
Templo S.U.D. about 2 years ago
can’t go wrong with those three words
J. Scarbrough about 2 years ago
This is exactly why, once upon a time, TV sitcoms were so outlandish and fantastic: to offer the people a form of escape from the grim reports that plagued TV news every night, especially during such a tumultuous decade like the 1960s; it’s how we ended up with such gems as THE ADDAMS FAMILY, THE MUNSTERS, BEWITCHED, I DREAM OF JEANNIE, and the like. Nowadays, it’s like networks want “sitcoms” to be just as grim and dreary as the world around us is today, with unlikable jerkass characters who obsess over their sex lives (or lack thereof), because it supposedly makes shows “more believable” and “more relatable.” Give me any of the aforementioned shows, plus I LOVE LUCY, THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, GREEN ACRES, M*A*S*H, HOGAN’S HEROES, THE ODD COUPLE, or SANFORD AND SON over any of the garbage on TV any day.
Dreamdeer about 2 years ago
When was news ever not distressing? Even in the golden age of journalism, before which channel you watched became so politicized, the rule was still, “If it bleeds, it leads.”
linus82 about 2 years ago
If I were Frank, I would feel stressed and depressed more often.
Joe1962 about 2 years ago
A nice little Sunday strip.
Airman about 2 years ago
We are definitely victims of news overexposure.
Mordock999 Premium Member about 2 years ago
You’re so right, Frank.
In fact, the only “news” worth watching these days is SNL’s Weekend Update.
Especially when Jost and Che do the “joke swap” thing. ;-)
ronaldspence about 2 years ago
sunday naps are best!
Enter.Name.Here about 2 years ago
The news has always been grim reports, likely sprinkled with occasional good news.
Those three words? What the Hell (shrugs shoulders). Whacha gonna do about it?
Argythree about 2 years ago
When did the ‘three little words’ change from ‘I love you’ to ’It’s Nap Time’???
Ray Helvy Premium Member about 2 years ago
Or the other three words: Not Your Fault
Brdshtt Premium Member about 2 years ago
Meanwhile, yesterday on “Today”…
Later this evening on “Tonight”…
Today on “Tomorrow”…
An hour from now on “60 Minutes”…
.
Nothing on the 6 o’clock news, and no film at 11.
TonysSon about 2 years ago
The problem with modern televised news reports is that too many broadcasters feel they have to insert their opinion(s) in the story. Just give me the facts, I can make up my own mind on the topic. It’s gotten to the point that Don Henley’s song “Dirty Laundry” has become a training guide for the “news folks”. ♫We can do “The Innuendo”, we can dance and sing. When it’s said and done, we haven’t told you a thing. We all know that crap is king, give us dirty laundry!♫ …it’s all facocta.
BJShipley1 about 2 years ago
Looks like it’s “Frank is old and/or clueless” this week.
https://i.imgur.com/PhlWbTz.png
kenhense about 2 years ago
I’m getting old and I take too many of those.
Aladar30 Premium Member about 2 years ago
It’s so sweet to see a couple still so in love after decades of living together♡. They are so lucky.
cholomanaba about 2 years ago
Those who sows winds will reap storms….
OneTime59 about 2 years ago
Guess the news affects Frank depending on which mood he is in. Coupla Sundays ago, he tried using the news to engage Luann in something to talk about.
luann1212 about 2 years ago
Awww, sweet.
Amina Rush about 2 years ago
Technically that’s 4 words
Chris about 2 years ago
I like that… I’ve got me a spot on the sofa with my name on it. ;)
rxrjay about 2 years ago
She looks like a good napper.
Dkram about 2 years ago
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Calliope about 2 years ago
That’s the same thing I think after reading the daily “Luann.”
WilliamVollmer about 2 years ago
And, nap time CAN lead to something more, once in a while, that won’t be so depressing.
comic reader 22 about 2 years ago
All the news does is repeat the same stories over and over, sometimes for days at a time and again on the weekends.
mourdac Premium Member about 2 years ago
You’ve got each other, that’s the most important thing.
Aficionado about 2 years ago
News is supposed to be the facts, as in: who, what, where, when, why and how. Today’s so-called “news” shows are actually thinly disguised op-ed shows (left or right, one is as bad as the other), so I don’t watch them. I just read the headlines on-line, and I might click on one or two to read the story(ies) trying to edit out the op-ed parts.
Ellis97 about 2 years ago
They’re so happy together.
Autological about 2 years ago
To quote Snoopy, “No problem is so big or so complicated that it can’t be run away from.”
locake about 2 years ago
That is a nice position for cuddling, but I could not sleep in either of those positions. Sleeping is best done alone.
sueb1863 about 2 years ago
“In times like these, it is helpful to remember that there have always been times like these.”
-Paul Harvey
Bucinka about 2 years ago
Four little letters…. E S P N
Call me Ishmael about 2 years ago
If it’s messed up for you, imagine what it’s like for the billions not living they comfortable middle-class life that you are. To say nothing of the sick, the lonely, the unloved..
Johnnyrico about 2 years ago
Turn it off, unplug, shut it down…
BeakerFrodo about 2 years ago
Aw.
flying spaghetti monster about 2 years ago
yes, close your eyes and in the next election your nightmares will become reality.
RSH about 2 years ago
a nice day to curl up, if you can. Ian is blowing through here (coastal NY) with rain and blustery wind.
Lescoe Brandon about 2 years ago
Whiskey is good
BuckarooDave about 2 years ago
tomorrow: the Mansion beckons.
raybarb44 about 2 years ago
We all could use more of those….
rklynch about 2 years ago
I’m with Frank on this one. Today’s news broadcasts are just plain depressing to watch.
Joe1962 about 2 years ago
Aug moved quite smothery then in September it was like a class ring from hell that lasted way to long.
majobis. about 2 years ago
Maybe some more comfort in bed later…
Argythree about 2 years ago
Of course, since I lived in Florida from 1981 through almost the end of 2020, working for local governments as a city or county planner, the latest news about Hurricane Ian is painful to watch. It has quickly been replaced today on the major networks by various sports shows and even the Weather Channel seems to have gone back to its usual programming. I’ve been able to access some of the online newspapers from Central Florida, and the County where Iived and worked (Seminole, which is northeast of Orlando) is really in trouble. As floodwaters recede elsewhere in the state, they rise in Seminole, because they drain to the rivers in that county. So far, 2,000 homes in that little county have been damaged by floodwaters. Anyone who is looking to help should consider donating to charities that will help Hurricane Ian survivors. Please…
eladee AKA Wally about 2 years ago
Sometimes when you get overwhelmed with the negativity nothing but a nap will do. I try not to dwell on it. But I do feel very sorry for our larger cities these days. So many seem to have fallen.
Betrayral In The Common Room about 2 years ago
here’s 3 more words, Change the channel
The Quiet One about 2 years ago
Works for me.
Sisyphos about 2 years ago
Great sentiment1
(But ever-vigilant Grammar Police says, it’s technically four words, expanding the contraction.)
RolloTheGrouch about 2 years ago
… so this is what Luann’s future looks like, except it’ll be naps with Bernice.
Better she stay perpetually 19 years old.
lvlax about 2 years ago
So will Stef have the room all to herself, then? I can’t imagine the university would give Tiff a refund this close to the school year starting. If so, she’ll be thrilled, no more need for the Privacy Hut.. just lock the door.
I see Bets isn’t very sympathetic to Tiff’s situation as long as there’s the chance of getting a good vid for her channel.
Do we think they’ll try to talk her into staying??
dayle2 about 2 years ago
I haven’t watched/followed the news in about 2 1/2 years. It just makes me sick/angry – still can’t get away from it though. The only time I pay any attention is when a hurricane is heading for Florida and even then, I go to the weather channel online or my local news app and I’m signed up for alerts; I don’t watch in on TV
Laurie Stoker Premium Member about 2 years ago
Works for me.
198.23.5.11 about 2 years ago
And they lived happily ever after.