Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

If only they knew........

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

It was the TV advertising that surprised me when I came here four years ago. With the exception of car and drug companies (who`ve got the money),it all looked so cheap! Google Billy Mays, Anthony Sullivan, Vince and his Sham Wow, and those one time, "call now" offers that drag on for the next six months, so are blatant lies! The products were like the cheapest offers from the old "Innovations" catalogue.
It all made British advertising look so classy!

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

Can you tell me how awareness of (eg) the earthquake in Spain last week affects "the world I live in"? I'm sure if I had friends or family there, I'd be aware, but since I don't, what value does that information add to my life? I've been to Spain twice in the past decade, exploring the area around Seville and Grenada primarily. I will very likely return in the future. It makes me a little sad to think that some of the treasured buildings may have been damaged ... is that sadness adding value to my life? Is a general awareness of seismic activity in the region useful ... I guess so, but I would probably read that in a guide book. My point being, this is not something I need to know the moment it happens.

The bigger issue here is that the news reports the 'fast changing' events but does not report the slower changing aftermath. If you live on a steady diet of news, you would think the world was a disaster area. So you hear about the earthquake in Japan, or Spain, or New Zealand ... do they later report on the rebuilding efforts ...? No, because that's not an immediate 'event' but rather a gradual process. I lived in San Francisco during the 'big one' in 1989. The news (in UK also - my family told me) suggested the whole city was destroyed, and there was never a follow up story on the news itself. My brother arrived 10 years later to visit, and wanted to see 'the earthquake damage' ... the city was completely back to normal but no 'news' story had reported that.

I think the PBS news hour is very good if you want quality news; as good as any UK newscast. I think you are somewhat contradicting yourself by complaining it is 'dry as dust' and suggesting it is not appealing. Have you seen Fareed Zakaria on CNN? He has a great show where he grills world leaders and asks hard questions. Overall, there are several sources of decent news, but not necessarily with the packaging and timing you are seeking.

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

This I noticed after coming back to America, it makes me feel isolated.

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

I would also argue that the NY Times leaves British newspapers in the dust when it comes to depth and quality of news coverage. Even the supposedly sensible British dailies seem far more sensationalist and shallow than the like of the NY Times and Washington Post.

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

It's more relevant to me than Britney Spears spotted taking a dance class in North Hollywood, which was the headline on the news the last time I bothered to watch.

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

Or the Rainbow that was Headline News round here....

I agree - these are good papers, and often included with UK "broadsheets" (ex-broadsheets).

OK - another question.

In the UK/Europe there are heaps of magazines available from local newsagents for all sorts of things. There are also loads of kids magazines, usually weekly and collectors sets.

There are a few here in our local Safeways, but there doesn't appear to be a newsagent/agence-de-presse anywhere near us, and very, very few kid-friendly mags. NG Kids seems to be the best there is.

Any ideas ? Our local Borders has just closed which doesn't help......

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

Never ever, buy magazines off the stand. Subscribe, you normally get an annual sub for the cost of around 2 magazines. My daughter gets NG Kids, it's the only one she really likes. Loads of people go on about Highlights but my daughter thought it was crap.

http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Maga...pf_rd_i=599858

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

Barnes & Noble have magazines up the ying yang

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

I used to get 'The Week' back when I was in the UK. I thought that was very good for getting your fill of news from all the different papers. Keep meaning to sign up to the U.S version but haven't got around to it yet.

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

I'm a little confused - BBC news over here (the main 6pm one anyway) is half an hour of main BBC news, followed by half an hour of local-ish news from the region you get your signal from.

So, isn't that the equivalent of CNN/MSNBC/whatever for the main news and KSTU or whatever for the local?

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

Yes I agree with you.

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

The BBC local news is in another dimension compared to the LA local news stations.

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

Being news as opposed to an extension of TMZ. Speaking of which, I hate celebrity gossip.... but would love to work at TMZ:o they have an 'office atmosphere'

Re: Very low - what should we do ?
 

:lol: It must be quite funny.