BS: why is the news so wearying right now?

Subject: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 05:05 PM

Some of you may ask, the news about what, exactly?
Sorry. Can't help you with anything specific.

It's just, I guess for me,
I've hit some sort of critical mass. Or, the final straw. The limit. I dunno exactly.

A South African tavern full of youths, some of them positively minors,
drinking or smoking something toxic, and by the time they unlock the tavern door,
the floor has -- how many dead bodies strewn over it?
And just enough survivors to describe how things went wrong,
and even they don't know precisely the what or the why of it.

Talking of strewn dead bodies, San Antonio, Texas, and the truck.

The state where I spent roughly fifteen years of my adult life, New Mexico,
bracing itself for all the out-of-staters who will come there to get legal abortions.
And, sad to say, their infrastructure and health providers could be better as it is.

New York's state law about concealed carry gets overturned, in spite of the present governor.

Somebody looked at a photo of Her Majesty in a yellow dress
and panicked, wondering if she would make it to the Prince Philip commemoration,
because she looked so unwell.

Well, if you want to say sarcastic or humorous things about the sudden limit
of my tolerance for sensational/touching/depressing news reports,
I can't stop you.
But I don't like how numbing and desensitizing it is for me today. That's all.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 05:29 PM

keberoxu, it seems to me, here in Australia, that the grim news has been going on and on for years so I can totally empathise with how you are feeling.

We've had years of drought, then bushfires, then the drought was broken bringing floods, and meanwhile we have had the whole COVID pandemic, and then for some ungodly reason Putin decided to invade Ukraine, as if the world doesn't have enough sadness already.

And we read about the troubles in the U.S., like the mass shootings, and the prolonged aftermath of the Trump era, and the Roe v. Wade fiasco, and it can all become overwhelming.

But then, there are beautiful moments in life which can lift us above that, like the group of people I play music with. We used to meet twice a month, but during the COVID period we started playing weekly, except during lockdowns. We get together, play music, have afternoon tea, have a chat, and walk away with a lightness in our step. Or sometimes we go out and busk on the street to share our music with other people and bring a smile to their faces.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 06:22 PM

The news is this way every day for hundreds of years.
You've just become more aware which is Good 4 you.
Go back to sleep or shed tears if you need to
Careful, Learning way too much too quickly
Is never very healthy or easy
News make you queasy & old
if you try to swallow
it whole.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 06:26 PM

Thanks.
It's just good not to feel all alone with the feeling.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 06:35 PM

No, you are definitely not alone.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: gillymor
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 06:48 PM

Having dealt with depression most my life there are times when I have to shut myself off from the news or risk going into a downward spiral. Right now I'm following the Jan. 6 committee hearings closely and it's giving me hope that we might be able save our democracy but it's certainly not guaranteed.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Neil D
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 07:31 PM

I'm up and I'm dressed, I'm having some coffee
I sit down and turn on some news
I watch for a minute to see how they spin it
And turn it off now I'm crying the blues

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 07:32 PM

My depression was migraine driven. It was tough having them weekly.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 08:14 PM

Yes, gillymor, the Jan. 6 committee hearings are definitely looking hopeful.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: JennieG
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 10:27 PM

The news is indeed depressing, so much so that we hardly watch it any more, and I am careful about which links I click on. We watch a short local bulletin each weekday evening (not shown at the weekend - because nothing local happens at the weekend? who knew?) then the TV is either turned off or tuned to something other than more news.

Like Helen I take pleasure in music, in books, in sewing/quilting/knitting and creating, and in time spent with my husband and friends, and sometimes just in my own company.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 10:59 PM

... oh, and then there is a fellow who is over one hundred years of age,
and the courts are just now figuring out that
he was on the rolls of the Russian Army in the second War,
and engaged in the genocide of European Jews.
He managed to hide all this time??

My avoidance, in fact, has historical precedent in my life.
My childhood years included the Vietnam War,
and in the house where my extended family raised us children,
my mother firmly put her foot down
and refused to have the television on during network news broadcasts
so as not to bring the Vietnam War into her living room.

But then, I have this thing about the Weather Channel as well.
I like their boring updates about current weather.
But in recent years, the Weather Channel has filled out their broadcast schedule
with shows that document past stories of catastrophic weather.
This is SO not for me.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Senoufou
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 01:30 AM

You're not alone keberoxu, I feel just like you do about all these horrible things happening around the world. It makes me despair.
I try to cultivate kindness and consideration in my own insignificant little life as a gesture against the evil which seems to be on the increase everywhere.
Thinking of you and sending you love and support.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 01:35 AM

The harsh reality that comes to me out of the blue is the knowledge that we're all on edge. An unexpected loud noise, a flight overhead of an unprecedented number of jets, sirens screaming past, voices raised in alarm- all of these make me realize anew that I'm holding my breath.

On the other hand, there is this thought:

"If in the midst of the twilight, dim be the regions afar
Does not the deepening darkness brighten the glimmering star?
Then, when the night is upon us, why should the heart sink away?
When the midnight is over, look for the breaking of day."
from an old song, Whispering Hope.

And that makes me think:

There is always hope. Where there is hope, there is love. Where there is love, there is peace.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Senoufou
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 02:07 AM

That's a lovely thought Ebbie.
I think that all human beings in the midst of these catastrophes should draw closer together in mutual support and care. People should hold back from sniping, being nasty, finding fault etc, and instead 'be kind' and try to cheer others up. We're all in the same boat, so lets toast some crumpets, spread them thickly with butter and offer them round.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Mr Red
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 02:40 AM

Well - there have been droughts and poor harvest. I have seen a reasoned analysis that showed a drought caused a lack of grain, which caused certain Mediteranean countries to not export. The drought was general in the Eastern Med. Then Syria happened. Ergo, people short of food and almost nothing to loose.

Added to it all there has been a rise in dictatorships. Think Putin, fomenting division everywhere. Think Assad. Think Erdogan. Trumplestiltskin (and he hasn't gone away). Venezuela?

Also there was a report of statistical research that came to the conclusion that a recession pre-empts a shift towards the right, politically. And, well, er, um ........ 2008? And it gets worse because I predict a recession in 2023. We are overdue one, and there are plenty of pundits warning it is on the way, citing food, inflation, wars. Well?

Have a nice day, y'all

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 02:52 AM

Aah, thank you Ebbie.

My sister and I used to play this on flute and lever harp, and it was one of the songs at my Mother's funeral. It's a beautiful, uplifting song:

Whispering Hope - duet by Gordon MacRae and Jo Stafford, 1949

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 07:23 AM

Again, for those committed to violence, Trump worship will last as long as Hitler worship but for those who are not violent, they will simply not speak of Trump and their fervor will fade in eight years just like George Bush fanatics.

The lure of fascism for most people is getting a piece of the theft of civilization. Hitler's global art theft epitomizes the promise of treasure. The lure of killing the boogyman can and did get out of control. For Hitler it was the Jews. For Trump it was Antifa scists and BLM. Do not forget Trump would have been delighted to see Mike Pense publicly hanged. Trump supporters forget that Trump has no friends no matter how loyal they are.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: JennieG
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 07:59 AM

Back when we lived in the Big Smoke my choir sang "Whispering Hope".....and just a few years ago my choir here in the Small Smoke, at my suggestion, also added it to the repertoire.

Something for those who, like me, enjoy trivia: it was written back in 1868 by Alice Hawthorne - who didn't really exist; Alice Hawthorne was one of the pseudonyms used by Septimus Winner. Septimus also wrote the words to that great classic "Where, oh where has my little dog gone" (set to a German tune).....talk about going from the sublime to the gor blimey.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 09:15 AM

Too long a sacrifice
Can make a stone of the heart.   
O when may it suffice?
That is Heaven's part, our part   
To murmur name upon name,   
As a mother names her child   
When sleep at last has come   
On limbs that had run wild.   
What is it but nightfall?
No, no, not night but death;   
Was it needless death after all?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 09:48 AM

All the bad news from around the world engenders a sort of guilt. We have a drop of midweek wine on Wednesday evenings with some nice cheese and agreeable nibbly bits. We'll talk again about earthquake victims in Afghanistan, the distress of millions of American women, the mass wreckage of lives in Ukraine, all while we sit in the early evening summer sunshine watching the butterflies and bees enjoying the flowers. We might even gently complain and tut about the price of pasta. It almost seems that we lucky sods deserve a bit of bad living, just to even things up. It's a bit irrational but that doesn't stop it from seeping into your soul.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: meself
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 12:03 PM

I don't know - but I've learned more about the American political system in the last few years than I ever wanted to know .... Primaries, Electoral College, Electors, Super Majorities, filibusters, Executive Orders, Congressional Committees, Congressional Districts, recalls, gerrymandering ... and on and on ... talk about 'wearying' ... !

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 12:24 PM

I try to take a news holiday at least once a week, put on the classical music station instead of NPR, stay off of the news pushed forward on my phone apps. It does help.

I am once again making a list of organizations to support, like I did when Trump was first elected. Some of those groups are still on the list, and others like NARAL will be listed now. Small donations, but everything helps. I also think it's time to bite the bullet and sign up to be an election worker. Tough job, but people with sound judgement need to step up.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 02:29 PM

I heard about 200,000 US troops to Poland.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/biden-announce-extension-us-troop-presence-poland-rcna35587

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 04:07 PM

Quite.

Maggie has a good point. Find something worthwhile to support. Something that needs you to DO something, not just give money, etc. I've found something to do to help elderly people to get more out of life. It takes up a bit of my time and a bit of my money but I enjoy it hugely and it doesn't feel like a burden. I'm amazed at myself. I won't dwell!

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 10:17 PM

Look up your own research Ebbie, its good for ya.

Kelly's defense lawyer promises an appeal
"Obviously he's devastated," Kelly's lawyer Jennifer Bonjean said outside the courthouse. "Thirty years in prison is like a life sentence for him, but at the same time we knew the government was asking for 25 years. We were prepared for what the judge might impose and we are now prepared to fight this appeal."

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 01:19 AM

Do you mind if we keep this interpersonal negativity out of this thread, please?

The topic says it all, so sniping at each other is dragging the mood down even further, whereas I think the aim of the thread was to help us all to feel a bit more positive - spiralling upward rather than downward would be nice.

When You Wish Upon A Star

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Senoufou
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 01:40 AM

I agree Helen. Let's all be kind and supportive if possible.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 03:25 AM

Sorry. I agree.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 08:03 AM

Potatoes in a leisure suit!?

I would never have thought of that, and I can be quite vulgar.

Look here, now.
The whole point of the thread is that word "wearying",
and there is a hint in that word.

The hint means that blunt humor is wasted, thoroughly wasted,
on people who are, as Ebbie rightly says, "on edge".
If people "on edge" respond to blunt sarcastic humor
with something that reads as hostility when
printed out in black and white,
it is down to the "weariness" and it is protective.

Perhaps, self-appointed Court Jester,
this is not the place, and now is not the time,
to be provocative. Yes, provocative.
Sorry, but I find that I feel as protective of my fellow Mudcatters posting to this thread
as They Who Must Not Be Named feel about the forum as a whole.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 08:11 AM

On a bright note, my son’s partner is bringing my three-month-old grandson (my only grand-child) over for a visit this afternoon. They live forty miles away so we don’t get enough time with him, but we do as much as we can.

Cuddles on the sofa with Jack, and tea, cake, and a long natter with his mum are good for my mental and emotional health. I’m a happy bunny today!

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 09:06 AM

Wearying presents in many ways. I see I'm weary too in contrast to the beautiful weather being wasted. I think most people see themselves as the best character in their own story and present their best selves which is fine. People on Facebook who mega brag about their vacays be damned.

The news is speaking of July 4th getaways in terms of a nightmare.
Dear news, you are not helping.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 09:48 AM

BWM, how do your grandson and Baxter get on?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 10:13 AM

A young news-maker's name is BongBong Marcos.
You cannot make this stuff up.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 12:02 PM

A portion of the thread has been trimmed for squabble-removal.

It was good news, I think, when Cassidy Hutchinson testified earlier this week. It let a fresh perspective into the process, and some of the talking heads I listen to were remarking how it takes a 25-year-old to come forward and testify because so many of the older and seasoned veterans are unwilling to. I suspect we haven't heard the last of her (I look forward to Saturday Night Live's rendering at some point.)

Texas had a horrible event this week with the deaths of so many migrants being smuggled in the semi-truck trailer. I was a ranger out in Organ Pipe Cactus the year after one of the local border patrol agents discovered a similar grisly scene in the Sonoran desert near the park. The circumstances are so similar that I'm not able to bring up that earlier event, all search results point to this tractor trailer in Texas. It seems like every migrant trying to get into the US that way needs a well-equipped Swiss army knife to unscrew door hinges should the need arise.

There is better news out there. On Instagram there are a couple of pages I follow that shift to good news on the weekend, and one that always plays positive items. COVID-19 gave rise to that one and it continues strong even though COVID has been knocked off the the front page most days now.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 12:54 PM

”BWM, how do your grandson and Baxter get on?”

Pretty good, Keb, although Jack’s only three months old, so not crawling yet. However, Baxter doesn’t react to him if he’s crying, grizzling, or making other baby noises - he usually has a sniff of him when they arrive, and then he pretty much ignores him from that point onwards. We reward Baxter with a treat and tell him he’s a good boy, just to reinforce that the human puppy is a Good Thing! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 04:41 PM

The good news in Australia last night was a two hour TV show celebrating 90 years of the ABC broadcasting network, which is more than just a network. It covers the whole of Australia, the news is factual and fair, the TV shows are excellent and over the decades there have been hundreds of shows, not just broadcast but also developed by ABC. Then there is the radio network, and the support for musical and artistic creators and performers. The list of achievements goes on and on, but a key achievement is connecting everyone scattered over our very large and diverse country.

The song which the ABC network has embraced over the years is I Am Australian and a special reworking of the song opened last night's TV show celebrating ABC's 90 years. That song brings tears to my eyes every time because it celebrates everyone living in Australia.

ABC 90 years

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 04:51 PM

Celebrating 90 Years of the ABC in 2022

For me, in these wearying times, the ABC is the antidote to fake news.

A prime example is that their factual coverage of COVID has literally been a life saver for many people.

I could go on and on, waxing lyrical about how important the ABC network is but....I don't want to bore you all. LOL

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 04:56 PM

Seasons of Peace

Just hopeful thoughts.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: gillymor
Date: 01 Jul 22 - 06:34 AM

A historic news item worth celebrating in an otherwise disastrous SCOTUS session-

Ketanji Brown Jackson sworn in to high court

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 01 Jul 22 - 07:26 AM

Thanks gillymor. That is good news!

Bill D, thanks for the link to Seasons of Peace. I have never heard of that song and it seems so appropriate at this time in the world.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Jul 22 - 07:35 AM

Local ABC stations are unwatchable over here due to the hard core pro trump take over by the Sinclair group.
https://www.vox.com/2018/4/3/17180020/sinclair-broadcast-group-conservative-trump-david-smith-local-news-tv-affiliate

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Jul 22 - 07:58 AM

why so wearying

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 01 Jul 22 - 04:01 PM

RE: the south africa tavern and all those youths:

somebody is alleged to have locked them all inside
and released tear gas and/or pepper spray?!
not to speak of whatever they were given to drink?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 04:43 PM

On a similar bright note to Backwoodsman's post, we finally had a family gathering which has been postponed from Easter, due to various delays, including some of the family finally being able to go away on holidays now that COVID restrictions are eased.

It was a lovely day, with a lovely lunch and we were able to give each other a big hug and a kiss - aah, the things we used to take for granted. The two boys, my great-nephews were boisterous and loud, except when they weren't sitting together reading a book I gave them showing lots of amazing Lego creations, and I had trouble hearing the conversations around me, but it was a lovely day. We also shared a great big Easter egg, I mean it was huge, 1 kilogram (2.2lb) that we had saved since April.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 06:00 PM

what was the Easter egg made of?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 06:09 PM

Well it wasn't egg! We thought it might have been second-grade chocolate - the type that a lot of Easter eggs tend to be - but we were pleasantly surprised. It was nice chocolate. Just plain milk chocolate.

Subject: RE: BS: why the news is innately wearying
From: Donuel
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 08:11 PM

I know people are posting pollyana antidotes but here is an answer to the topic's question
It will challenge attention spans but that is the nature of worthwhile things.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 08:55 PM

What we don't need in this thread is arrogant and patronising attitudes. Some of us are not as inferior to you as you appear to think.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 11:59 PM

A young black man in Akron, Ohio was shot at least 60 times by police.
Akron Police Officers Placed on Leave After Fatal Shooting of Black Man
A lawyer for the family of the victim, Jayland Walker, said he was struck dozens of times. The Ohio city braced for protests as footage of the shooting is expected to be released Sunday.

Lots of versions of the early story here, but eight officers all shot at this guy and are on paid leave. Traffic stops often times happen because of racial profiling. And traffic stops should never result in the defacto death penalty.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 05 Jul 22 - 08:22 PM

keberoxu, I just went grocery shopping and this beautiful music came on my stereo. (I have a USB connected with lots of my favourite music.)

The first time I ever heard this music I sat and cried, in my car, parked outside a shop. I couldn't turn it off. I had to wait to hear it all of the way through.

It is tragic, and beautiful and then uplifting towards the end. To me it says, there are dark moments or dark days or even years, but there is hope and beauty. Light at the end of the tunnel.

Bruch: Adagio appassionato, Op. 57

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 05 Jul 22 - 09:44 PM

Beautiful. I love the variable natural vibrato of the violinist. Mahler can do that to me sometimes.

Stevie, the inferiority you feel is self generated, which I bet is a symptom of wearyness. I know my short comings, foibles and angst. Get over it, you have plenty to feel proud about. You tell us daily. I enjoy having you around like a wall to play solo tennis. Sometimes the ball takes a wild bounce but c'est la vie.

My mindset for BS mudcat is to have it be more than cute cat videos, even though I love cute cat videos.
My son is also stricken with hyperlexia so he too can drone on like me.
{the irrelevant alarm just went on}

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Jul 22 - 09:18 AM

My name is Steve. Would you like me to call you Dumb-bell? You were shouted at by a mod yesterday for trolling but you haven't taken it to heart, have you?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 06 Jul 22 - 01:32 PM

I take it as it comes. 22 years ago there were cries of spam over my hobby. Your singular cries of troll is just as misunderstood. Only a handful of us have stood up against your various teapot tempest tirades. Some say we all have a darkside or meanstreak, some bigger than others, so its better to be a forgiving sort regarding human nature.
My hope is to not become so desensitized that I stop caring. However with years, the hide does harden.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Jul 22 - 02:38 PM

You're a loser.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 06 Jul 22 - 04:01 PM

Cute cat videos?? Where did that come from?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Jul 22 - 04:20 PM

My teapot tempest tirades are typically measured and hard-won. I don't think I have a dark side and no-one I know, friends or family, thinks I have a dark side. In real life I'm a jovial sort of chap. My less serious posts here in joke threads and other founts of whimsy reflect that, I hope. The thing is, you really should speak for yourself instead of this constant and trying habit of yours of needily aligning and comparing yourself with people here who you simply don't know well enough. Mudcat is a wonderful place, but it's also a two-dimensional place. After all your 22 years here, you have yet to pick up on that. Just speak for yourself, give us your considered opinions in plain English (I know that's hard for you) - and leave other people alone.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 06 Jul 22 - 05:15 PM

I can see that two people on this thread are aptly illustrating why the news is so wearying right now.

Take Putin's invasion of Ukraine, for example. A male with a sense of all-encompassing power to do whatever he wants, decides to invade a peaceful nation for reasons only known and understood by himself, and despite the rational and impassioned pleas of those around him. Why? Because he thinks he knows better than anyone else. And he takes no responsibility for what he is doing to that country, to the people in the armies on both sides, to the civilians on both sides, to the land, and to the society of both sides.

Meanwhile, the poor innocent people - on both sides of the fight - caught in the crossfire, are suffering and dying. And for what? For the sake of a man's out-of-control ego.

Or take the case of COVID. We have been at the mercy of politicians who choose to look after their own interests and ignore the needs of the real people. The people who are suffering, who need vaccines, who need the truth and factual evidence and not squabbling politicians or self-serving politicians who are in denial about what really matters in life here on earth i.e. all of earth's people, the earth itself, the future of our planet.

Or there are the natural disasters which have been hitting our planet, and over which earth's people have little or no control. One disaster after another. And a large chunk of the people who are most vocal, and who have the power to make changes are too busy squabbling about tiny, little things which mean nothing in the great scheme of things.

I'd rather focus on lifting people up than pulling them down. On making people feel better and not worse. On happiness and emotional, spiritual and physical well-being. On reminding people to look on the bright side and not spiral down into depressing thoughts of powerlessness. On looking for positive and proactive actions we can all take to try to make life better for everyone and for the planet.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Jul 22 - 05:22 PM

One person, maybe. Otherwise, I echo your sentiments heartily.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 06 Jul 22 - 05:33 PM

Man up, buddy!

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Jul 22 - 05:37 PM

A couple of points, however. You emphasise more than once the fact that Putin is a man. Well Margaret Thatcher also started an unjustified war. It's true enough that most conflicts are caused by men at the top, but, at least in part, that's a reflection of the fact that men are overwhelmingly the people in power. You might argue that there would be fewer wars were more women at the heads of governments. You could be right, but you don't know for sure.

Who was it who asked whether there shall be womanly times, or shall we die?

The other thing is that we should be careful not to assign disasters to nature when that might not be justified. I've seen Californian wildfires and floods in Sydney ascribed to Mother Nature. Unfortunately, the increasing consensus among scientists is that man-made climate change is the culprit. It's important that we recognise that, because if we don't we won't think that we have to do anything to fix it.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Jul 22 - 05:40 PM

And I'm most decidedly not your buddy. I can talk to you civilly if you like, but, if you don't want to, just carry on that way. No worries, as you Aussies are wont to say.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 06 Jul 22 - 09:39 PM

The narcissist has an inflated sense of self. When threatened they must belittle others to raise themselves. Trump is a US example, Monty a UK example. Unbearable? Montgomery was arrogant and unlikeable. He famously lacked diplomacy and tact when dealing with others. But this directness made him a military leader. An example of his difficult personality was when US Major General Bedell Smith made a wager that British forces would not capture the Tunisian city of Sfax by 15 April 1943. Sfax fell on 10 April and Montgomery won the bet. As his prize, he demanded an American bomber to use as his personal transport. Smith, who had only entered into the wager in jest, was ultimately compelled to pander to Monty’s 'crass stupidity' at the bidding of General Eisenhower.

'In defeat, unbeatable; in victory, unbearable.'
Winston Churchill on Bernard Montgomery, 1945
Perhaps someone has missed his calling or is immersed in hero worship.

What is up with European spiking of young women in clubs?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: gillymor
Date: 07 Jul 22 - 08:57 AM

In reading your posts I sometimes wonder if you're doing a Professor Irwin Corey impersonation,"The World's Greatest Authority ". If so, you should be aware that he was a put-on.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 07 Jul 22 - 09:49 AM

Dave Barry is a name that Donuel often drops.


The Seattle Times has been very busy interviewing people regarding the tragedy of the South African teenagers in the tavern/nightclub in "East London".
The story says that a resident of the neighborhood lives so close to that disreputable tavern (now shut down by the authorities) that
some of the teenagers, jumping out a window, landed on her roof or on her lawn.
She phoned the police ten times before dawn,
but authorities were slow to respond.
It makes for grim reading.

report by Lynsey Chutel and Zipo-zenkosi Ncokazi

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 07 Jul 22 - 02:57 PM

I love Prof. Irwin Corey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dave Barry is a hilarious humorist in print but can not make anyone crack a smile in person.

I know that the most precious secrets are usually hidden in plain sight but people don't expect to see it. Those things in heaven and Earth that are so strange are merely not accepted in certain cultures and times. I am willing to admit UAPs are real and official research has always continued just as much as psychic remote viewing research has continued but culturally we are supposed to pretend its ridiculous.
It annoys me more than I must annoy some of you who have a mindset that I think I am an authority. I've just had experiences and people few of you have ever met up with. But you could.

A third of my life involved some things mentioned in the Documentary Third Eye Spies because of a government interview when I was a hypnotist In Rochester New York.

There are all kinds of forces of nature out there, I say get to know some, if you dare.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 07 Jul 22 - 03:46 PM

Donuel, I read four books about the psychic remote viewing research a couple of years ago. Three of the books were written by Joseph McMonagle and one by Dean Radin. Interesting and fascinating.

As Shakespeare said, "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy" - or the majority of our scientific studies.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 07 Jul 22 - 04:28 PM

"It annoys me more than I must annoy some of you who have a mindset that I think I am an authority. I've just had experiences and people few of you have ever met up with."

Well I don't know anyone here who thinks that you're an authority on anything. I could be wrong, of course. And we've all had experiences and there are no people I know that you've ever met up with. Have you had visions?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 07 Jul 22 - 04:38 PM

Clickbait: hooked!

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 07 Jul 22 - 06:52 PM

?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 07 Jul 22 - 08:13 PM

I was responding to gilly...and with all due respect I can not decipher Steve's post or Helen's. Must be an early night.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 07 Jul 22 - 08:31 PM

If I were to speak about Naval Intelligence it would not be prudent.

How about narcissists? The profile of the young male mass shooters share a 3 element matrix.
They have;
1 A grandiose towering narcissism
2 an Immense amount of insecurity and grievance
3 An adolescense that believes the world has not respected them or paid them their due.

The young alienated losers have an anger that builds up that the presence of an AR 15 is virtually a shooting waiting to happen.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 07 Jul 22 - 08:32 PM

Oh, gosh, isn't life hard...

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 08 Jul 22 - 08:54 AM

For the adolescent, life's a bugger --- it's called puberty. (Some alleged grownups never leave it, cf Agent Orange.) In previous centuries, the poorer ones would have been shoved down the mine or up the chimneys; in these allegedly enlightened days, we give them nothing to do and all day to do it in, then wonder why some of them go *sproing* and disappear into the dustier corners of sanity. The surprise to me is that so few do so, to the extent that someone going *sproing* with lethal results is rare enough to be considered newsworthy.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 08 Jul 22 - 09:31 AM

Again we are entering a RE age. As we REdefeat the Nazis into the woodwork we need to REengage womens rights, REpair damage done by the Trump corrupted REligious right. Regain democratic values and REmove some meat splattering guns.
REcovering from the early stage of climate change is going to be the hardest thing to do but they say it is REcoverable.
Personally I REally don't think so. I THINK It will take longer than our curREnt species will live.

Subject: RE: BS: old mc donalds mmm
From: Donuel
Date: 08 Jul 22 - 10:09 AM

Barack Obama is an adult,
Trumps a spoiled brat
As an adult its not his fault
Trumps a spoiled brat
Ketchup here and ketchup there
here a bag there a bag
everywhere a french fry

Old man Trump is so damn fat
All he eats is crap
and in that crap is rat feces...
thats old and mold and grease
I know he loves that Mickey D
Soon he'll be deceased ...with...

Ketchup here and ketchup there
here a bag there a bag
everywhere a french fry

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: gillymor
Date: 08 Jul 22 - 10:24 AM

That is REally lame.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 22 - 10:56 AM

Throw the assassination of the former Japanese prime minister Abe into the mix and it's a damned grim day today. And in Japan? They are "gobsmacked" said one former Australian ambassador to Japan. "We expect that kind of thing to happen in America."

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 08 Jul 22 - 01:09 PM

(Verse)
The more I read the papers
The less I comprehend
The world and all its capers
And how it all will end
Nothing seems to be lasting
But that isn't our affair
We've got something permanent
I mean in the way we share

(Chorus)
It's very clear
Dystopia's here to stay
Not for a year
But ever and a day
The tv and the telephone
And the movies that we know
May just be passing fancies
And in time may go!
But, oh my dear
Dystopia's here to stay
Together we're
Going a long, long way
In time the Rockies may crumble
Gibraltar may tumble
They're only made of clay
But dystopia's here to stay

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 08 Jul 22 - 02:23 PM

Maggie,

A news article this week on Oz's ABC news site:

The economic cost of gun violence in America was $810 billion in one year. Here's why.

Here in Australia we read about American gun violence or see it on the news and we are bewildered by it.

Gun Deaths by Country 2022

Hold the cursor over each country and the statistics will show below the map.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 08 Jul 22 - 04:34 PM

News that is not wearying for a change:

Simone Biles was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom July 7.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 08 Jul 22 - 05:43 PM

Donuel, I'm halfway through the video you recommended, Third Eye Spies. Thanks, it's interesting.

I realised I misspelled Joseph McMoneagle's surname when I mentioned him before.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 08 Jul 22 - 10:55 PM

I have a memory block with names and spellings which was a good thing for confidential work but was bad for social life.
Stanford sounds like fascinating place.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 08 Jul 22 - 11:06 PM

I can highly recommend the books by McMoneagle. They were interesting and informative.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 10 Jul 22 - 04:40 PM

There is new action comedy movie coming out, " Notre Dame on Fire "
It's by the same French director as The Name of the Rose.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 11 Jul 22 - 12:00 AM

The destruction by fire of NDdeP some years back was, surprisingly, a visceral shock to me, but, after a while, I did think the necessary restoration/rebuilding might give an opportunity to acknowledge how the demographics and indeed the civilisation in the country has changed, irrevocably, from the era of the Cathedral's design and construction. The Cross over the Crossing should really, now, be accompanied by a Crescent, and, for balance, a six-pointed Star. Would that not be a fine symbol of Pluralism, Multi-Culturalism, Miscegenation and Tolerance? Or, at least, an amusing consideration to dispel, momentarily and in different ways for different people, the Weariness which may be found in the News. I prefer the Olds.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 11 Jul 22 - 06:23 AM

Here is a new Parisian museum meh I've seen more artful dog turds.
I like Notre Dame's bilateral symmetry.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 11 Jul 22 - 07:16 PM

Miralles lives on, it seems.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 14 Jul 22 - 09:04 AM

A new Broadway comedy hit "Potus" runs through August.
A meek executive secretary who keeps President Dumbass on point ingests a hallucinagen and becomes a powerhouse that ascends to the Presidency with wit, wisdom and factual knowledge.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 14 Jul 22 - 08:34 PM

Regarding the East London, Cape area, South Africa tavern
and the deaths of 21 youths:
Three arrests have been made regarding liquor licensing
and underage drinking,
and the suspects are the tavern owner and "two employees",
according to the BBC News.

Word is still being withheld about the question of
the vile smell, and gas, and inhaling anything.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 17 Jul 22 - 07:11 AM

I missed this report when it came out last month.


Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism: avoiding news more, trusting reporting less

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 17 Jul 22 - 01:46 PM

People have wised up to propoganda but when coupled with daily presidential accusations of FAKE; news, ruse, views, dues and coups, I am not surprised that criminals are winning the truth war.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 19 Jul 22 - 11:46 PM

This is a disgusting thing to say, I'm sure, but
I am SO ready for Henry Kissinger to die already.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Jul 22 - 12:57 AM

Things are direct, hard and violent now. Its tougher than the reported news which makes the reality even worse. There are those who tell it like it is and we like it; we like war, we like being made angry, many of us like extending racism to the max, we lov our stuff and hate their shit.
We can cancel those idiots and we are always right. Or so some think.
It seems like we are in an evolutionary dead end.
The planet will shake us off like a flea by means of a combination of virus, starvation/thirst, war and being blind to insights.
This is hitting home nowadays. The Bull Shit of lies, religion and false hope are all arriving 20 years late. Oh and regarding Henry Kissinger who is to say he is human?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Jul 22 - 06:56 AM

Henry Kissinger appears to have melted into a lump years ago.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Jul 22 - 08:34 AM

edit:
The Bull Shit of lies, religion and rigged false solutions will always arrive before we can save the day.
Its a losing game we play.
The promise of winning with wonder weapons like Fusion is always a day away.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 22 - 11:31 AM

There are three major museums in the cultural district of Fort Worth that are renown for their architecture. The Amon Carter Museum by Philip Johnson, the Kimbell Museum by Louis Kahn and the Modern Art Museum by Tadao Ando. The Kimbell added a new building, by Lorenzo Piano. Great names here in town, none of them quite so dramatic, but very effective in their design to house great art.

The news here is the heat and the effects, including lots of broken pipes when the pavement gets so hot.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 25 Jul 22 - 08:33 AM

It's called methanol.
The chemical was detected in the bodies of every teenager/youth
who died at the South African tavern one terrible night.
The toxicologists are still working out if the methanol killed them.

One thing the toxicologists have concluded is that:
alcohol poisoning may be ruled out.
Also, although carbon monoxide was present in all the dead bodies,
it was not carbon monoxide poisoning, either, which killed them.

The tavern is closed,
and following arrest,
the owner is out on bail. I wonder if he still requires guards?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Jul 22 - 05:44 PM

. . . and,
four people, including a sixteen-year-old,
have been arrested in South Africa
because they went into that very nightclub
to rob the dying and the dead of
everything from shoes to cellphones.

Like I said, wearying.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 01 Aug 22 - 05:34 AM

Now, I find myself wondering if this criminal act
was done precisely in order to steal/rob from those in the club.
There were graduations and birthdays being celebrated.
Was this poisoning done on purpose
in order to take money and clothes from the teenagers?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 02 Aug 22 - 05:42 AM

The Lionesses (England's women footballers) won the European Cup in a well played and, generally, sporting match against Germany.
They then continued to cheer their fans by partying into the night and well into the next day.

Of course, if you look for dreary news, you will find it!


100!

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 02 Aug 22 - 07:25 AM

Major news outlets such as national papers and TV channels will always focus more on "bad" news, as bad-news stories are usually more shocking and sensational, much better for selling copy and grabbing attention. Major good-news stories can often be trivial stuff such as what celebrities or the royals are getting up to. Stuff that often seems to pad up, unjustifiably in m'humble, the news bulletins. I suppose the news purveyors don't want us to switch off feeling miserable, though I often feel more miserable after being fed that stuff than I do after seeing the real news (which I can't define anyway...).

Our local papers are more inclined to carry more "good" news, trivial though it can seem on the surface. The Bude and Stratton Post fills its pages with agricultural shows, fêtes, local sports reports and kids' achievements in schools, etc., usually with lots of cheery photos. I tend to flick through it all quickly but I would never diss it.

It's always worth remembering that the news fed to us by the mass media is what someone in an office somewhere has decided we should get, and will routinely fail to balance the good happening in the world with the bad.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Aug 22 - 07:56 AM

South America has an eco front to restore wetlands *nurseries of the seas and plant a million trees.

Here is a surprising red eye flight

World's most deadly terrorist killed by hellfire missiles.
He was the same age as Steve Shaw.