Chairman’s Chit Chat January 2024
Of late Jessie and I have been indulging in a new pastime. We are not sure if it could be classified as a hobby but it gives us endless pleasure and all done in the comfort of our own home. It is, of course, shouting at the TV. Maybe it is an age thing because we know a number of our friends also participate in the same activity.
A fertile source for shouting at the TV is drama series, particularly those of the thriller variety. You must have seen them.
A typical scenario goes something like this: there is a young woman alone in an old farmhouse somewhere in the back of beyond.
She is being stalked by a psychopathic serial killer. It is night time, raining cats and dogs and blowing a gale.
Out in the yard she hears strange noises. A torrent of self-preservation measures is hurled at the screen
“Lock and bolt all the doors and windows,”
“Grab that poker,”
“Lock yourself in the bathroom”
“PHONE THE POLICE.”
All this advice is ignored. What does our heroine do?
She goes OUTSIDE to investigate.
This is met with cries of “What do you think you are doing?” and, accusingly, “You silly woman.”
You will have to watch next week’s episode to find out what happens.
One of the most satisfying things to do is to have a good rant at politicians. On the 6 O’clock News the Political Editor asks a Minister a searching question on the latest government policy for which he is responsible. The response is the usual evasive “blah, blah, blah, rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb.” This has us on our feet – “Answer the question” we chorus belligerently.
Then of course there is the politician who, metaphorically speaking (although not always so), has been caught with his trousers down, fiddling his expenses, for example. He comes on TV and gives a mealy-mouthed apology. We go ballistic. There is a lot of finger wagging directed his way and strident cries of “You are not sorry for your criminality; you are only sorry you got caught out.”
Ah, TV commercials – a rich seam to dig into. The adverts we most commonly shout at are the ones for anti-wrinkle creams, air fresheners and shampoos but most of them are fair game.
If you are not already a participant in this pastime, I encourage you to join in. You will get a wonderful sense of relief and satisfaction from it. Remember, the comments you shout don’t have to be negative or critical.
You can also shout words of agreement and encouragement.
There are endless opportunities to shout at the TV, so go on, use your imagination and get creative.
And a Happy New Year to all!