I don't know if I have ever mentioned it before, but I am not the only member of my family who works in news television. My Dad is in television news. My grandfather was in television news. Two of my uncles are in television news. And now, I fear that a new generation is being indoctrinated. Luke, and even Meg, are already joining the cult.
Luke first started coming into the office when he was about three. His Mom would drop him off when I was finishing my shift on days he was done with preschool early and did not want to go to daycare. It was fine, since usually my Dad and I were both there, and rarely both of us were in a crisis at once. He could either sit in the control room with me, or in engineering with Dad -- both of which are filled with buttons. At first he would just stare at them, then push them randomly. Eventually he wanted us to push them to show them how they work, watching our every move and learning. Now he pushes them, gives time cues to reporters and weather guys, and helps to tune in live shots. When anyone asks him what he wants to do when he grows up he says "my Grandpa's job." I guess he would say my job, but even he knows how unimportant I am.
So, Luke is a lost cause. But I had hope for Meg. That hope is fast fading though.
Meg LOVES the news. Most babies will stare at the television, because of the lights and the sounds, but how many will shun kids shows and pay rapt attention when "News Hour" with Jim Lehrer is on? Really, tonight she got upset because Ryan was holding her bottle so the screen was blocked. He isn't the only newscaster she likes, either. I hate to say this, but my Dad claims she likes the "Today Show." Yes, this is not technically "news" in my eyes, but I have to keep in mind Meg is still under 4 months old. I am sure by January even she will realize an exclusive interview with Kate Gosselin has no journalistic value.
I am hoping that it is just the talking that has Meg so interested. I am hoping that she will take that love of language and become a poet, or a writer, or a singer, or a teacher, or a diplomat. Or maybe I should just start with flashcards of doctors and lawyers -- wait not lawyers, even people in news pity them -- and hope I can break the cycle now.
If I don't, at least she'll have family around. Maybe she and Luke can even carpool.
Monday, November 2, 2009
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8 comments:
Obviously she understands that NewsHour is better than The Today Show.
You have NO idea how much I love her.....
I'm thinking you may be onto something with Meg. I adored commercials as a toddler--regular programming held no interest for me. It all makes sense now--my father had been in advertising. I always felt drawn to the field, but since I'm a contrary little bitch I went into customer service instead. I often feel I missed my calling...
If it's any consolation, I think Meg has a face for delivering the news. I would believe anything she said--who wouldn't trust those big, honest eyes?
No, the Today Show is not news. It's annoying.
At one time I considered being a news reporter. When I was in high school and taking journalism, our teacher would make us sit at a table and read news stories we'd written while she video taped us. She told me I had a great voice for that kind of thing. I think I'd have been better suited to radio though. I'm sort of shy. It was a great exercise though. Maybe you should do that with Meg, when she's older of course.
My dad's a pharmacist, deals with crazy people and gives them drugs. I never ever wanted to get into the family business.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
If you guys get my son, Cate & I get to lure Meg to the dark side of entertainment.
So sweet - she must be picking up the "vibe" and finding it irresistable!
If she needs to be convinced not to attend law school in approximately 22+ years (but I'm sure she's a genius, so let's be safe and say 16-18 years), please send her my way.
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