FROM WHERE I SIT: We Have Control

cover your eyes and plug your ears. Now, I’m not so sure. I’ve certainly taken a break from news consumption. And was probably the better for it. Believe it or not, many big names on the speaker circuit in the field of success and personal development also advocate for shielding yourself from the negativity of the news. The belief there is that we achieve what we focus on, that negativity can be crippling, that we need to keep our eye on the prize. Anyone with a predilection to depression or other mental health concerns would probably benefit from avoiding the news. All we have to do is remember the all-consuming news coverage of the wildfires, the war on Ukraine, the Humboldt and Carberry bus crashes, the 1987 Edmonton tornado, September 11th, Princess Diana car crash, the Pickton murders, the Trump years, and countless other natural or manmade disasters.

Perhaps the best advice is tune in occasionally to what’s happening so you’re not a total mushroom---kept in the dark and fed manure. Don’t get sucked into the

24-7 vortex of non-stop, wall-to-wall coverage of the disaster. Forego the victim interviews, the political posturing, the endless recapping of the event, the expert analysis, and the pundit panels. Don’t allow this to drag you into a paralysis of despair and affect your functioning in your own life.

And when you do choose to get informed, seek out the best sources. Which brings me to Vassy Kapelos. Many people may remember her from her days on Global TV in Edmonton. Like most broadcasters she’s worked for all three major networks. She is currently the host of the daily political show Power Play and Sunday’s Question Period on CTV aas well as a self-named daily show on iHeart radio. The common thread running through all these gigs is the focus on politics.

I think she’s a Canadian gem and a credit to the journalist/reporter/host genre of media. In the promo clip about her shows, she says she’s not a political insider. And trust me, that’s a good

Bethany

Lutheran Church

20577 TWP 550 Fort. Sask.

(7km East of Josephburg) 780-998-1874

Pastor Rev. Jeff Dul

Worship Service 9:30 am

Sunday School (during service)

Coffee after Service thing. It ensures the distance between subject and host remains impartial. Her interview style should be taught in journalism school. Her questions are complex not puffball. Her research and preparation are impeccable. She sits impassively listening to the usual BS, long-winded, non- answers before coming back with, “I get that, but respectfully, you didn’t answer my question.” Or “Yes, I understand that but what about the thing (you said or did) in 2016….?” Let the squirming begin. It is a sight to behold. Some days, I wish she’d add a few old favourites to her panel of experts, whether they be politicians or journalists but maybe they’re too senior for such roles or are in fact has-beens and I just don’t know it.

In any case, you deserve to watch her in action and see the bar she’s set. One hour on Sunday morning (not sure if Question Period is re-aired later that day) will give you a nice overview of the political landscape in Canada. You won’t become overly immersed or damaged by non-stop coverage of political scandals, antics, and buffoonery but will be in the know.

As for the rest of the news, turn it on if you’ve had your head in the sand to the point of oblivion. Turn it off if it’s adversely affecting your health and well-being. This at least we have control over, from where I sit.

LAMONT UNITED CHURCH

5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145

Rev. Deborah Brill

Josephburg

Community Church 21380 Township Road 550 Josephburg, Alberta 780-998-9331 josephburgchurch@albertacom.com

Sunday Worship 10:30am

All are Welcome!

Fellowship & coffee following service

Pastor Brad Diprose

Worship Leader Debra Morris

Check us out on Facebook pm in Lamont

Lamont Alliance Church

5007 44 st., Lamont 780-895-2879

Sunday Service 10 am

J OINUSFOR SERVICES

SUNDAYMORNINGS @ 10 AM

Pastor Darren Anderson

Check out: www.lamontalliance.com

Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775

Sunday Worship

10:30 am

All are Welcome!

Pastor Wayne Larson

Check us out on Facebook

ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH SERVICES

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays @ 9:00 am

St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael 2nd, and 4th Sundays @ 9:00 am Administrative Office: Our Lady of the Angels Parish 10004 ~ 101 St., Fort Sask. 780.998.3288 Email: olangels.ftsask@caedm.ca www.olafortsask.caedm.ca

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