The plan had been to take a week off from filling this Saturday morning space. While there always seem to be possibilities rattling around the attic, no particular topic or thoughts seemed all that urgent this past week.
But then, Friday afternoon while putting this Saturday page together, an “AP Breaking News” alert arrived in my inbox with a “ding.” AP, as you most likely know, is short for the Associated Press, which supplies the N-B with state and nationals news. These are not meant to be a top-news-of-the day notification, but are only used when AP editors feel they need to alert their members of an important, breaking news story.
For example, when Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones against Israel, and when Israel retaliated. When a rare East Coast earthquake shook New York City earlier this month and when the bridge collapsed in Baltimore, the inboxes of editors and newspapers dinged across the country. Occasionally you question whether a ding is newsworthy, but that’s how I learned that O.J. Simpson had died a couple weeks ago while puttering around on the computer at the office.
But there are other times when you really question AP’s news judgement.
Friday, April 26, 1:15 p.m: “Alert: Buckingham Palace says King Charles III will resume his public duties next week following treatment for cancer.”
I think I did an “LOL.” I think. I’ve never been totally sure if that means “laugh out loud” or “lots of luck.” But I digress.
I’ve never understood this fascination we have in America about the British royal family. While what they do and think and say and when they have a bowel movement might mean something to the Brits, why should we care?
Now, I have to pause and admit that I have watched the entirety — or perhaps “totality” is a better word in this year of the eclipse — of “The Crown” series on Netflix. I found it intriguing to see how these people can lead meaningless, ceremonial, yet luxurious lives completely in the public eye. What is depicted may be fictionalized to some extent, but it is clear that it is not easy. How they cope with their fate — those born into it have little if any choice — is quite interesting. Found myself actually feeling sorry for them.
So, by the time you are reading this, I presume that this news flash has reached you. It may actually displace Donald Trump from being the lead story on the major networks for a few minutes.
So maybe I shouldn’t be laughing. Maybe I should be grateful. And I guess that might be why the King’s return to official duties is such big news — it’s a diversion from our otherwise worrisome world.
miller@news-banner.com
