One of the biggest stories in the news over the last week has been the 6 trapped miners in Huntington, Utah. It’s a terrible situation that hasn’t seen seen any improvements; in fact, 3 would be rescuers were killed and another 6 injured. Now, as emotional as the situation is or may be, I’m a little tired of the constant news coverage.

It’s not really a problem with the local news outlets. They mention it, and then they move on with the other stories they need to get to. The cable news channels are a completely different story however. Every day this last week during lunch I’ve seen CNN covering what they call a “Developing Story”.

I don’t know what’s “developing” about it. Other than the second cave in, the situation hasn’t really changed. They’ve been drilling new holes and trying to tunnel in underneath, but the fact that six miners are trapped hasn’t changed.

I’m also not just talking about a quick update here and there. It’s been the only story that they’re covering for hours on end. They’re showing live coverage of the many press conferences. I thought the press conference was for the press and then they would deliver the important points to us, the viewing public. The press conferences also haven’t been saying anything new. Mostly different people expressing their condolences and saying that the rescuers are focused.

By far the worst part about these endless broadcasts is when they show the President of the mining company standing in front of a TV that’s broadcasting different shots of the rescue workers. Every once and a while he would say something about what was going on, but for the majority of the time, we were watching another man watch TV. Unbelievable.

To reiterate though, it’s a sad situation there for the miners and their families, but the cable news is turning it into a cross between a circus act and National Geographic. Enough already.

There are so many new blogs being started every day that you have to wonder why. They originally started out as a way for people to keep an online journal. Now they’re so much more.

Some blogs try to provide good information about a specific niche. Others are just miscellaneous ramblings about anything and everything. It’s also becoming a good way for friends to keep up with each other.

There’s also a lot of blogs out there that are completely focused on trying to make money. If this is the reason you plan on starting a blog, then you’re almost surely going to fail.

You’ve got to have good content that people will want to read. You can’t just throw crappy content up and expect to have hundreds of visitors. People can also tell if you’re in it just for the money.

You should enjoy what you’re blogging about and also be prepared to keep fresh content on your site. You’re site traffic will be terrible if you update your blog sporadically.

Is a blog right for you? Only you will know, but don’t expect people to read mindless drivel.

Some things in life are extremely irritating. I’ve tried to capture a few of those things here:

1. People not following through on their commitments.

I can’t stand it when people say they’re going to do something and then don’t. It’s not much better when people get around this by being practically non-committal to everything. Do everyone a favor and do what you say you’re going to do.

2. Aggressive and reckless driving.

No one likes being cut off, but I really hate it. You’re not going to get where you’re going much faster by being one or two car lengths further ahead. Also what are you trying to prove by tailgating someone. And finally, pay attention to whether you have your high beams on or not. They’re extremely annoying.

3. People wearing their sunglasses inside.

I’m envious of how incredibly cool people are when they keep their sunglasses on once they’ve come inside. Now that I think of it, I mustn’t forget how glaringly bright it is inside all the time. Also, it’s not any better to take them off and hang them on the back of your collar.

4. People breathing heavily into the telephone receiver.

Not much can be said about this. It’s just annoying.

5. Obscenely loud car stereo systems.

People think they’re so amazingly awesome because they’re driving around in some Cutlass Sierra with an enormous sound system you can hear for blocks. It’s especially comical when the the trunk rattles and is actually louder than the music. Such a sound system doesn’t make you “cool” at all; it only exposes you for what you are: annoying.

If you’ve got something to add, feel free. If you don’t agree with what I’ve listed, let yourself be heard.