Fascination

So...my job involves doing health stories for use by network affiliates. The stories run on several markets in and around the state, and it's not a bad job, but I wouldn't consider it a glamorous vocation. I haven't been stopped yet by someone who saw my story about acid reflux and just had to have my autograph--and yet I've found that a camera, a microphone and a big goofy smile can sure stop traffic.

I was in a local grocery store shooting a story on how to have your holiday feast without fear of fat (how's that alliteration?), when it came time to do the "standup," the part of the story in which the reporter appears on camera and says something enlightening.

It was as if I'd held up a sign that said, "Free food," or "Get your $100 bill here." Shoppers gathered round, first politely, then more openly staring as I tried to explain to the tv audience about meal replacement drinks and frozen foods with fewer than 300 calories. Fascinating stuff, I'm sure. One elderly fellow didn't even have a grocery cart--he was just there to watch. Several people wanted to know my name, what channel I was on, and if they could "be on tv."

As we lugged the equipment back to the car, I was preoccupied by that amusing display--how fascinated we are with shiny objects and shiny smiles. Lights and cameras hypnotize. We want to see who's in the spotlight--however miniscule the spotlight might be--and we want to connect with it somehow.

With 1,000 channels and endless web video outlets, I'm amazed that anyone even notices a video camera these days. But they do.

Or maybe it simply was the riveting way I talked about fruit and calories.

Just wait till they see my story about heartburn.