Sometimes I wonder...about talk show hosts and call in shows in general. There are several call in shows in my city and lately I've tried listening to some of them. I've noticed a pattern: There are certain unwritten rules when it comes to talk shows. Here are a few:

The talk show host is ALWAYS right! Even when they're wrong and don't have any facts to back up what they're saying they are still far more knowlegeable and clever than any person who might call in.

Talk shows are NOT a democracy. They are a dictatorship! The talk show host has the first, final and only say that matters. The callers are allowed to call in and voice their opinions, but they are only sheeple. They are the huddled masses. Having totally no idea what they're talking about...UNLESS: They agree with the talk show host. In that case they are smart, intelligent, witty and full of fascinating facts, data and info.

Talk show hosts must always cut off the caller. Especially when the caller has an opinion that the talk show host disagrees with. Nevermind saying goodbye and wishing the caller well...have a nice day and all that. Not only that, but talk show hosts should always restrict the time a caller has on the air to a minimum amount of time. They always need to take care to be sure that the caller is rushed along and asked pointed questions along the way to throw the caller off their guard. And the host should always be arrogant and smug and dismiss the caller outright when the caller comes up with evidence to back up their view...

I'm not really a cynical person. But I think talk shows are bogus. Most of the topics are depressing. Politics. The economy. City bylaws and taxes...blah, blah, blah...so why do I even bother to listen at all?

Because, I'm trying to be informed. I'm trying to better myself and have some insight into how things work and what the pulse of the city, provice and country is. But it seems like a lot of people out there are scared and worried. Adults can be bitter at times. And there's so much bad news out there that it makes me wonder if anything positive is happening at all. I think my voyage into listening to talk radio is coming to an end. I don't want to end up bitter and angry all the time like many of the callers and talk show hosts out there.

I just wanted to get this off my chest. Maybe in other cities and countries the talk shows are full of happy hosts and cheerful callers. Is it just Toronto that's like this? If I don't turn off the radio and go so something else, I feel like my head will explode!


I am now more determined than ever to do something that will bring some joy and happiness into this part of the world. Which is why I am really digging in and getting everything set to write a novel. I realise I'm way in over my head... but I have to do it. I want people to have something to smile about and feel good about. If the ET Teenage Mimickers can do that... then I will have done my part.

Thanks if you read this all the way through. I just wanted to share that will you all.

Sometimes it can seem as if everything in life is depressing, painful, stupid or unfair. Some days folk just want to vent, so I don't mind when they do I've never found anyone I 100% agree with, and sometimes they might have opinions or beliefs that upset me.

Having said that, there really is so much to enjoy in life.. I walked into work today, enjoying the old Victorian houses at the top of my hill, the carpets of bluebells in the gardens, the sunny sky (with some lovely rain-clouds on the horizon, which will water my grass nicely) some rockin' tunes on my mp3 player, and a lovely cheese and tomato slice from the bakery on the way to my store. And I get to do this almost everyday, which is cool!

I find so much of tv and radio depressing - I usually focus just on things that interest me, and avoid shows that just seem to be there to humiliate frighten or depress us (although I do occasionally weaken and have to watch something really trashy, like a Springer/Maury/Stevewilkos kinda show - cleanses the palate!)

Anyway, I have to go back to sorting comics! Have a fun day Francine!

Thank you, Robert. That was really well said. It is a nice day here, too and it's spring. I was just kinda down because of all the news and stuff that's going on it the world. But there is a lot of good here and there are some good and positive people in the world. I think you're one of them. :hug;

This is why I listen to the Bob & Tom Show -- they mostly just feature their own lame comedy bits and have guests on who are stand-up comedians. It's all about the funny.

Can I listen to that online, UT? I need more funny right now...

Francine, you should listen to Rush Limbaugh. If he does have people call in, they are screened so that only callers who agree with "El Rushbo" or "The MahaRushi" get through. He is always right, never wrong. He is so full of himself, it's not funny.

Yes, talk shows are not a democracy. In fact, I think they like it when a caller calls up who doesn't agree with them, because it's "controversial" and a good on-air fight stirs up the audience.

I read somewhere once that people like Rush and other talk show hosts don't even believe half the stuff they say -- they just throw it out there to stir people up. And it works. Rush gets on the cover of national magazines because of the so-called "controversy" he routinely stirs up. And he loves every minute of it.

Check out http://www.bobandtom.com -- at the very least, you might be able to find a radio station near you that plays them in the mornings. I know they broadcast in some parts of Canada as well as in the U.S.

Be warned, though -- some of their humor is a little crude. Nothing like Howard Stern, mind, but perhaps a little cruder than you'd care for. And not all of the stand-up comedians are crude at all -- Jim Gaffigan, for instance, who appears regularly. Or Heywood Banks -- you'd like him and his songs a lot.

You can find clips of the Bob and Tom Show on Youtube, also.

I enjoy that show. It's great to be able to hear a group of people laugh themselves into tears.

Interesting. I just assumed that Rush meant everything he said. But I hear you, there are one or 2 hosts here in Toronto that I do like. One is a guy named Mike Stafford. He does serious topics, but he's also very funny. His impression of a wacked out teen is really great!

Thanks, Uncle. I'll check them out.