Ann Curry leaves the Today Show

I just watched Ann Curry's announcement that she is leaving the Today Show. I watch this show each morning as I am getting dressed for work and I am sad that she is leaving. I liked Ann very much and felt that she was a genuine newscaster. The rumors persist that the ratings were lower because of Ann and I certainly hope that this is not proven to be true after the replacement comes on board.

I feel that the Today Show has focused too much on entertainment style reporting over the last few years. If I want to hear about celebrities, I’ll watch Entertainment Tonight. I will say that I do not mind hearing about something a celebrity does for the good of a community; such as Brad Pitt helping to build homes in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina or Oprah building the school in Africa.

What I can’t stand is that last hour with Hoda and Kathie Lee. I like Hoda but think that Kathie Lee adds nothing to the Today Show or this last hourly segment. I hope she is next. The Today Show needs to get back to real reporting and I know that it is not an easy job as they compete with the other news shows during the same hour. It is all about chemistry between the hosts and journalistic flare.

All of the news shows are trying to capture the same audiences. Many newscasters have come and gone and I know this is just the way it is. Things change, management makes a decision, and people are left with hurt feelings. I do not like Ann’s untimely exit. I believe in her and hope to be able to see her in the future doing what she loves.

Brother saves siblings lives

I read this story about a 14-year old that shot an intruder while he was babysitting his younger siblings. I do not like guns and do not own one but in this instance he knew where to retrieve the weapon and potentially kept his family alive.

I cannot imagine what was going through his head and I agree with the police officer who said, ““I’m not sure he gave full thought about what he had to do. He just acted.” This could have been a much worse scenario than what happened. I’m not a gun enthusiast and do not want one in my home. I have read too many stories about children finding the gun and accidently killing themselves or a loved one, so this type of story is rare. I applaud the teen for being able to safely get his siblings out of harm’s way and using the gun to wound the intruder. If he had not, he and his siblings may not be alive now.

I hope that I can find more information in the next few days about this shooting. I cannot fathom that the teen was trying to kill the intruder. Scare him, yes, hurt him, yes, kill him, no. There is a part of me that wonders what would have happened to the teen if he had killed the intruder? There are crazy laws in place in some states about using a firearm in your house. Not to mention what could happen to the parents for having a loaded gun in the home.

My personal opinion is that the teen acted appropriately to save his family. His parents should not incur any charges for having a loaded weapon either. After some counseling I believe that they will be okay and will be able to resume their normal lives. Just a little piece of advice. Change the locks and invest in more secure doors, windows, and an alarm system. (Assuming they don’t have these things.)

As far as the intruder – I hope he survives. He is after all someone’s son, possibly a husband, brother, uncle, etc… No matter what reason he gives for breaking in, he needs a long jail sentence and he should tell the police who the woman is too. If the woman remains free there is not telling what she could be up to now. She is a threat to the greater Phoenix area and no one should be afraid to leave home or be home and worry about an intrusion.

This post will be updated if I see additional news.

My first blog

This is a little exciting but at the same time a little scary. I will not have a blog that focuses on one particular topic or thing, but rather I will comment on news stories that may or may not be considered top stories. Some may make you feel good, others may make you feel sad, and some may make you mad, or have you shaking your head. Either way - I encourage your feedback and discussion.

In no way shape or form will I engage in any heated discussion nor tolerate any abuse on my blog. You can create your own if you would like to do that. I do encourage thoughtful and respectable commentary.

I’ll talk to you soon!