Our odd topic for today
One of my favourite radio programs is “Cross Country Checkup” on CBC, hosted (regularly) by the erudite Rex Murphy, Newfoundland’s answer to the thesaurus. Excellent use of the spectrum. Exceptions occur.
Now that summertime is here, and Rex is off doing something vacational, the program gets guest hosts and guest topics. This week: “Are you watching the World Cup?”
It must have been a real brainstorming session that came up with this idea. There are two camps this year; those who are struck with FIFA Fever, and those who couldn’t care less. Four years till the next time. Fine by me. So here we are, after one month of games, in the final, in overtime, ON TV. What does the host want to know, exactly?
Are there people that are triple-tuned with the screen, the speaker and the phone close at hand? Did someone turn off the V to come listen to the radio about the TV? Does Canada really need a two hour phone-in show about whether it should be called soccer or football? I am truly perplexed.
I did watch fifteen minutes of the match, out of curiosity. I did see Zidane win a red card. I did see too many lame shots on goal in the kickoff. If this is as good as it gets, then I rest thankful for the next Alouettes game in true football.
Oh, and yes, I am glad Rex gets a vacation, but please, air some reruns until he gets back to the studio.
