More annoying interviews
Today just happened to provide two especially alarmingly bad interviewees on National Public Radio. Anyone who has read previous posts knows my feelings about so many people using "Thanks for having me" when they are thanked for appearing. Although yelling at the radio these days is stimulated by interviewees of both genders, today's were both women. A coincidence.
The first one actually caused me to raise my eyebrows. It wasn't that primarily because she seemed incapable of answering questions posed by the host but seemed to have written a script that she insisted on following regardless of the questions asked. No, what made her even more astounding was that she appeared to be using Sarah Palin's speaking style, if "style" is appropriate when speaking of the ubiquitous Sarah. Really: In pronunciation, intonation, that odd articulation that Alaska's Own uses, and mannerisms, the lady could have been mistaken for Sarah Palin until her subject matter had a chance to sink in.
But then, why wouldn't one channel Our Lady of the Hustings? She can draw a crowd as no other person currently can. She is adored by masses of right wingers. Maybe the lady being interviewed has decided that she wants a piece of that action.
The second instance of the day was an interview with Jill Abramson, the new executive editor of The New York Times. Her way of speaking reminded me of the ditsy girlfriend in the movie, Auntie Mame, in which Rosalind Russell played the lead. In this case, I can only refer you to the interview, which is available on line. I fear for the well-being of The New York Times with this person at the helm, and it has crossed my mind that hosts of talk shows my end up pleading with their directors and producers not to invite Ms. Abramson to appear as a guest on their shows.
The first one actually caused me to raise my eyebrows. It wasn't that primarily because she seemed incapable of answering questions posed by the host but seemed to have written a script that she insisted on following regardless of the questions asked. No, what made her even more astounding was that she appeared to be using Sarah Palin's speaking style, if "style" is appropriate when speaking of the ubiquitous Sarah. Really: In pronunciation, intonation, that odd articulation that Alaska's Own uses, and mannerisms, the lady could have been mistaken for Sarah Palin until her subject matter had a chance to sink in.
But then, why wouldn't one channel Our Lady of the Hustings? She can draw a crowd as no other person currently can. She is adored by masses of right wingers. Maybe the lady being interviewed has decided that she wants a piece of that action.
The second instance of the day was an interview with Jill Abramson, the new executive editor of The New York Times. Her way of speaking reminded me of the ditsy girlfriend in the movie, Auntie Mame, in which Rosalind Russell played the lead. In this case, I can only refer you to the interview, which is available on line. I fear for the well-being of The New York Times with this person at the helm, and it has crossed my mind that hosts of talk shows my end up pleading with their directors and producers not to invite Ms. Abramson to appear as a guest on their shows.