Last month delivered a buffet of bizarre and bewildering news stories, starting with the climate conference in Brazil. The sheer scale of COP30, attended by over 56,000 delegates, highlights a notable contradiction. While this gathering aimed to combat climate change, the logistics were anything but environmentally friendly. Delegates crowded in from around the globe, contributing a carbon footprint comparable to a small city. They even built a vast highway cutting through protected Amazon rainforest just to facilitate this event. The BBC reported that the highway construction was shelved for years due to environmental concerns, but those seem to have been quickly forgotten.
The costs for attending the event were staggering, even for most delegates, leading Brazil to house some attendees on cruise ships with luxury amenities. One ship featured 11 restaurants and multiple pools—an unexpected twist for a gathering ostensibly focused on saving the planet. This was less a serious global effort and more like a high-priced, extravagant vacation.
Shifting to the media realm, Ken Burns captured headlines with comments about rural America amid his promotion of a new documentary series on the Revolutionary War. During a recent podcast, he claimed that defunding public media would hurt rural communities most, presupposing that these areas rely heavily on outlets like NPR for news. This perspective seems disconnected from reality; most residents probably don’t miss the urban-centric narratives pushed by such platforms. The notion that rural dwellers would mourn their lack of NPR broadcasts is absurd and overlooks the diverse ways people in those communities stay informed.
Meanwhile, The Washington Post is making some changes with its new opinion section called Ripple. While it attempts to broaden its reach, one might wonder about the choice of name. Ripple evokes imagery of plunking a stone in a pond—not exactly a headline-grabbing concept, especially compared to more memorable names like Mad Dog or Thunderbird. The effort to refresh a political commentary section may signal a shift, but whether it resonates with audiences remains to be seen.
The saga continues with the announcement that the Farmers’ Almanac will cease publication in 2026. Long regarded as a staple, it will close due to what the Associated Press termed “a chaotic media environment.” It’s a shame to see such a longstanding publication fold, especially one with a history spanning 208 years. While many newspapers have succumbed to similar fates, this almanac has proven resilient until now, showcasing a remarkable ability to adapt through the years.
A feature from The Washington Post drew attention for its quirky focus on a farmer dealing in “gay sheep.” The headline, “I love your sweater. Is it made from gay sheep wool?” makes light of a serious trend discussed in the piece. The farmer’s engagement with the LGBTQ community through fashion shows notably opts for humor, while the sheep are presented as symbols in that narrative. The fascination with “non-procreative” male sheep might be novel, but the underlying theme risks trivializing more serious conversations about animal behavior and identity.
Meanwhile, an article in USA Today highlighted the unusual niche of “turkey cuddle therapy.” The piece emphasizes the importance of consent—mainly, that the turkey must choose to engage with the humans. This intersection of animal rights and therapy seems, at times, to lose focus on the real ramifications for both the animals and people. Those who enjoy Thanksgiving dinners would recognize the contrast between cuddling turkeys and the traditional feast—including, notably, mashed potatoes and stuffing.
In a surprising twist, Vox published a piece arguing that homeownership is overrated. The argument is as provocative as it is contrary to traditional American values. The editor’s position—that owning a home isn’t the ultimate goal—flies in the face of decades of cultural belief rooted in the American Dream. While housing can fluctuate in value, devaluing homeownership as a goal reflects a distinctly liberal mindset that diverges sharply from the hands-on ethos many Americans prize.
Lastly, a judge in Missouri, Matthew Thornhill, faced scrutiny for sporting an Elvis wig during court proceedings. His affection for the King didn’t sit well with the commission overseeing judicial conduct, leading to an impending unpaid suspension. Despite receiving strong support from colleagues, Thornhill’s unique approach to the bench did not conform to conventional standards of decorum. However, the unexpected fallout raises questions about the balance between authority and personality in such roles.
These stories converge under the banner of sensationalism and absurdity, painting a picture of how various sectors grapple with contemporary issues in unconventional ways. While the climate conference, media changes, and quirky anecdotes about judges and animals may seem disparate, they collectively reflect the complex realities faced in a rapidly changing world. Each story carries a thread of absurdity, underscoring the unpredictable nature of today’s news landscape.
"*" indicates required fields
