And Now for the GOOD News…
by Sue Ray
Published by Moment Point Press
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at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Connie Anderson
Subtitled: A mega-dose of positive news to inform, inspire and fill you with optimism (of news not seen on TV)
“It’s enough to leave one feeling hopeless.” (pg.4)
What’s that? 24-hour news, expanded news shows that cover negative news (or quasi news) stories ad nauseam.
In 1980 Ted Turner founded CNN—and news went from a manageable 15 or 30 minutes minutes (true news) report to—well, you know. Soon the networks followed. We’re inundated with cable news shows, even where we eat, walk, shop and travel. Realty TV and shock jocks (people who are encouraged to behave badly) fill the airwaves. No wonder as a nation we are in depression. “Severe depression is ten times more prevalent today than it was 50 years ago.” (Learned Optimism, Vintage 2000).
When my husband grouses about this pervasive negativity, I tell him at least we can turn it off—or never turn it on—and we do. Is this kind of news showing us the accurate picture of human beings? I hope NOT for this country’s sake and for the world.
Experts tell us that we are healthier if our beliefs and thoughts are positive–and when we feel our actions matter. That is: If the world around us is a reflection of what we think and believe, if our society focuses on bad news—will society act that way?
FACT: Regular doses of positive news contribute to our overall feeling of optimism—and inspires us to take action.
In the author’s search for “good news,” she found charity, love, goodwill, generosity, and mercy. People giving their time, attention and money to their community—and to strangers. Living in Minneapolis where the major bridge collapsed, our helping citizens were a perfect example of that good news story.
Ah, optimism.
Sue Ray, publisher and self-professed news junkie, has written a book about the good things in life, things we do not hear about in the news, or just a brief mention. She divided her book into 6 sections, including one on youth. Each chapter contains stats, stories and resources (books, web sites, etc.)
Following are some of her lines that I especially liked:
—“New paradigms start with the individual. You and me (instead of: That’s just the way it is).”
—“How we frame (think about) the issue matters.”
—“Youth are doing wonderful things for people and the world.”
—“The world just got a whole lot smaller.”
Armchair Interviews says: Just when you thought the world was sinking into negativity, along comes And Now the Good News…
Author’s Web site: http://www.AndNowForTheGoodNews.com