Being a reporter is often portrayed in movies and television as a somewhat glamorous profession. Media depictions would have you believe were often consorting with shady yet important sources during clandestine meetings; solving crimes; bringing down powerful yet corrupt politicians; and, in the case of the movie All the Presidents Men, looking like Robert Redford.
Sadly, this is not the case, although in all fairness I do not claim to speak for all reporters.
No, part of reporting involves plenty of mundane activities that simply must be done, such as waiting for phone calls to be returned; waiting for phone calls that are not returned; actually spending time in front of the computer typing out the story; and attending meetings that are so boring they would put hard-core insomniacs who dont respond to medication into comas.
For example, Ive been to my share of Tacoma City Council study sessions that seemingly dragged on forever. During those trying times I often imagine that I am someplace else doing something more pleasant, such as having eye surgery without anesthetic.
I think the U.S. government should put the sheer boredom generated at these meetings to good use as a means of torturing Al-Qiada prisoners into giving up their terrorist plans. (Please, Ill tell you where Osama is, just dont make me sit through any more talk about mid-biennium modifications, general fund revenues, unreserved balance funds and property tax levies! Aaarrrgghh!!!)
Still, the job does have its perks. You get to meet some fascinating people and take part in some interesting experiences.
During my tenure here at the Index Ive had my share of good times, apart from the nice people I work with daily.
By way of example, Ive had the pleasure of meeting Marcia Wallace, the voice of Mrs. Krabappel on The Simpsons, which is one of my favorite television shows. Also, I got to take one of those Segway Human Transporter machines – the worlds first electric, self-balancing transportation device – for a spin, which was a lot of fun. More oddly fascinating than fun was my opportunity to witness several surgical procedures on cadavers during a presentation at Tacoma Community College.
Never a dull moment. Well, not quite.
My Two Cents is a weekly column where the author – who has never been mistaken for Robert Redford – gets in his two cents worth in spite of the old saying that you only get a penny for your thoughts.
