Addicted

I have a confession to make. I have developed an addiction. There were a few years I had managed to curb my urge but it has been back for a while. I don't think I will ever be able to move on from this. It has changed my sleep patterns. It impacts my mood.

I am hooked on late night television.

My shows of choice are The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Both shows contain an off-kilter sense of humour that strikes a chord with me. Their ability to laugh at themselves and use their public flaws connects with me. It's just really funny.

It is the only medium that can regularly go from hilarious to poignant in seconds and you never know when it could happen. Because guests are part of the format there is always an element of unpredictability. They can have a conversation about nothing important that is very entertaining but they can also raise a key point on a critical issue that makes you want to know more.

These hosts were not my first go around with late night television. The first hit was The Arsinio Hall Show but that flavour is no longer available. I figured I would grow out of this one day but I'm pretty sure I will be soaking in the pure entertainment of late night will into my seventies.

I admit it I have an addiction to late night television. As addictions go, I think this one is pretty good.

The Deadliest Catch

Yes, I'm going to talk about a TV show. I love this show. It's entertaining unto itself. The man versus nature in pursuit of a fortune story is always exciting.

I also like the show because it makes me appreciate my work environment. Keeping in mind part of my job involves tying two aircraft together and flying them my workplace is infinitely safer than on the deck of a crab boat.

It's a dangerous workplace because the employers choose to operate a dangerous workplace. The hours are ridiculous and fatigue must be commonplace. They almost never stop pulling or launching crab pots no matter how bad the weather is. The training is minimal and new crew members, referred to as greenhorns, are left to fend for themselves. The faster they go the more money they make because they burn less fuel. All in all it is how not to run an organization.

There is inherent risk to crab fishing. It is conducted in some of the coldest water in the world. It is conducted during a cold time of year that doesn't have a lot sunlight. It doesn't have to be conducted with substandard equipment, a lack of SOPs and with the prevailing attitude you need to work yourself to near death or you will be fired.

All that being said it does make for compelling television and I will start watching the new season tonight.