Park Place

First of all, I want to thank my loyal readers. I've been sporadic at best, yet I know that my fan base seems to have remained true, based on the commentary, anonymous or otherwise (I'm looking at YOU mom). Anyway, when in doubt, an update on the Big-O is always good fodder.

So, over a year into the pig gig now, and we continue to learn a few things. For example, did you know that a pig could be uppity? You didn't, did you? Uppity, stubborn, chickens*it, aloof, loving, curious, and flippant? I didn't either.

Actually, all in all, Orville's being a good boy (he's LITERALLY trying to eat today's mail as I just typed that). The newest wrinkle is that we've recently found a nice little park for him. It's nice. It's about a 5-10 minute walk each way, depending on his mood, and it's gotten him some "social" interaction with other people and dogs. Actually, I have to reiterate that before we even get to the park, Orville is a local celebrity. I know every parent thinks that about their "child," but honest to God, Orville stops traffic. And I swear, there is an endless supply of old Russians that are just smitten with him. The other day, two older gals were out for an evening promenade of their own, and when they saw Orville's jowls jiggling up the block, they stopped dead in their tracks like they'd just gotten a face to face with the Pope. "BEA-YOOOOUUUUUTIFUL!. BEA-YOOOOOUUUUUUTIFUL BOY!" Like he's an angel.

Anyway, to give you perspective, the park to Orville, is like if you got an all you can eat pass to your favorite 4-star restaurant. To him, it's a smorgasbord. A buffet without the sneeze guard. He can eat 'til his heart's content. It's also socializing him to other dogs. Well, it's socializing THEM, to him, but he could care less. They sniff him, poke him, tenederize him, eyeball him, and so long as it doesn't interrupt his chewing rhythm, he's cool with it. So far, only one dog spooked him. So much so that O busted a move like I've never seen before. He was like, "F this! The pig that opts to run away, comes back to gorge another day. Let's get the hell outta here!" So we did. And he will.

Thrill of the Chase

So, a few days ago, I'm watching the local evening news. First of all, before I even get into the crux of today's rant, a few notes about the local news. To my tastes, it's COMPLETELY forgetable. The formula is, one forgetable man, one notably busty, "saucy" Latina co-anchor, and one weatherperson with impeccable hair. Honest to God, not one name has registered in my mind the entire time I'm here. Conversely, I can tell you every newsperson from New York to this day. Let me give a shout out to Sue Simmons, Chuck Scarborogh, Ernie Anastos, Warner Wolf, Storm Field, and, just to kick it old school, big ups to Lloyd Lindsey Young., and I see the same story I've seen about once every two weeks ever since I got here. And that story is...the car chase.
It's unbelievable. I'll be watching the Simpsons or something only to hear, "we interrupt this program to take you live to a breaking story." Cut to some type of SUV/truck, driving relatively slowly, with 5 or 6 cop cars in IMMEDIATE proximity, AND, a helicopter above watching its every move. This goes on for like 30 minutes before the perp inevitably turns himself in.
Now, the mindset behind this completely escapes me. There is ZERO percent chance of escape. This is L.A. There's ALWAYS traffic. That's what's so funny. These chases occur in rush hour, and it's like, best case scenario you have a quarter of a mile where you can run 35 mph. THEN, they hit the side streets. THERE'S NOWHERE TO GO. Yet they persist.
What's also interesting is, I think we can see direct fallout from Rodney King and The O.J. See, O.J. popularized the car chase with his white Bronco, and since he got off, these yahoos seem to think they will too. Secondly, I guess these guys feel like, "hey I KNOW I won't get beat down since the Rodney King trial happened. What have I got to lose?" And to an extent it's true. These cops seem to show the utmost tact and prudence in these pursuits. When they finally catch them, they are a little physical, but all and all not too bad.
I don't know why this bothers me so. It's not the pre-empting of my shows (I don't think). It's the futility of it all. The wastes of time and energy. And lastly, the fact that we as Americans get so compelled by it. I can't say I immediately change the channel, but I should.