Do We Have the Attention Span of a Two-Year-Old?

I’m not much of a television watcher, but the mercury has been climbing at my house and it’s forced me to look for my entertainment indoors.  So, I flip the channels and find myself popping bag after bag of popcorn because I can’t take my eyes off the T.V., and I’m just watching the news!  When did the networks decide that they needed to actually reach out and grab our attention by the collar by putting their news anchors in ridiculous situations?  I’m watching a reporter being harnessed up to a wind machine, strapping on a pair of goggles as he’s blasted by 80 mph winds.  He’s trying to sound confident and knowledgeable, with his lips flapping and drool is rolling up his cheek, while the news-desk anchor is asking him stupid questions like, “Is this how it would feel if you were in the middle of a hurricane?”  My bet is no, because people don’t generally stand outside during a hurricane.

I remember a time when the news was read to us calmly while still pictures popped up over the reporter’s shoulder, but those days are long gone.  Now they interview a Senator, and the next minute they have to diaper a baby while grilling a rack of ribs.  But the best is watching those poor weathermen.  They make them stand in the middle of flooded roads wearing gators, all the while asking dumb questions like, “Does the water appear deep to you?”  I’m waiting for one to answer, “Nope, I’m wearing rubber pants because I like it!”

All I know is that we must not have much of an attention span anymore, because the networks are wearing themselves out trying to keep us from changing the channel. Imagine what my kids are going to expect of me!  I am NOT going to juggle while serving dinner—a mom has to draw the line somewhere.