Today, Tomorrow and

Reading the explosive headlines on my new MAC Air last night, I suddenly remembered that night in America last November, slightly longer than a year ago.

I honestly don’t believe anyone was sleeping as we all watched history unfold. Some of us were devastated; others enthralled. Certainly, we can all agree, no one was disinterested.

For that matter, most of us had been glued to our television sets for weeks. We all had our favorite commentator; personality and opinion maker.

I knew which friends not to call at 5 pm while they watched the friendly round table likable group they invited nightly into their home.

I knew others who remained glued to their sets from 7 pm when their personalities of choice appeared and then signed off after 11 pm.

I did not know anyone who didn’t watch TV news.

Last night while dining in the pub, I heard someone asked to have it turned off. No one in the large room disagreed as the hostess clicked the remote.

Initially I was surprised. Until that moment I believed I was the only one who no longer cared about the news channels that just seven months ago were such an important part of our life style.

I wonder if anyone watching our history unfold is cognizant of what is happening, not just politically, but in the cultural habits of America’s voters. We have begun forming our own opinions, no longer swayed by soothing voices or personalities wearing the facade of friendly neighbors, business associates or kindred souls. The perky blonde with the appealing personality is no longer invited into our homes via a TV screen. She has moved onward or elsewhere, but is not missed and only vaguely remembered.

Indeed history is unfolding at a rapid pace. Similarly other life patterns are changing also; perhaps a bit slower, more quietly and not being quite as noticed. While the political theatre is always open to revision or change, I doubt if the average American household will revert to earlier viewing habits.

Regardless of political affiliation, the addiction to TV has faded slowly but surely. In the entertainment arena, streaming is encroaching assiduously into network choices. There are several reasons; the ability to choose, and watch at a more leisurely pace. The attraction of commercial absence also adds considerably to the choice factor.

Many viewers prefer to pay a monthly subscription fee rather than enter a movie theatre. Popcorn is cheaper and easier to eat at home if you enjoy refreshments, and far more appealing financially when a family watches a film together.

Ironically, none of these changes are due to the political upheaval or the current administration. Rather it is a subtle change in lifestyle that has gone unrecognized due to the widely recorded volatility of the political arena.

I no longer worry about calling a friend at a certain time of day. Everyone I know is capable of hitting the pause and record button when the phone rings.

More often than not, if or when I admire a friend’s purchase, they smile and murmur, Amazon, and then add “free shipping.” A weekly trip to the local Mall is no longer part of our agenda. Of course, it is once in a while, but no longer a constant. There is no need when it is simpler to press a button on your laptop.

Perhaps when history records this segment of life in America, the noteworthy changes in entertainment, shopping and choice of information sources might head the list rather than the oft cited political divide. Because all of these choices we make today contribute to the quality of life tomorrow.