When I first came to Arizona, back in 1972, (Wow! That was 41 years ago!) I landed a job at a television station in Phoenix. At first I was a producer but then went back to being a reporter, which is what I really liked to do. Somewhere shortly after I began covering the news I became aware that Sun City, Del Webb's paradise for seniors on the edge of Phoenix, was the scene of an unusual number of suicides. Seniors were supposed to be enjoying the good life in their golden years. Instead, an unusually high number of them seemed to be finding life too much for them. I proposed that I do a documentary on the subject. I even had a name for it: Sunset in Sun City. I thought it would be great. Obviously someone above me did not share my opinion. The documentary, not to mention any single news stories on the subject, never saw the airwaves.
I still think it would have been a great idea but . . . that was just one of many disappointments in my broadcasting career.
All of which brings me to the real subject of today's blog post.
A semi-beautiful sunset.
Last night's was better as the sky turned crimson. I spotted it too late to grab a camera but I was ready tonight.
No matter where you live, if you're a photographer . . professional or amateur . . your files are probably full of sunset pictures. Everyone thinks they have the best ones.
Let me tell you. The best sunsets are in Arizona.
And once again, I must apologize for those power lines marring the view. Sorry 'bout that.
There seem to be differing opinions as to whether or not suicide should be talked about openly. One school of thought is that open discussion might encourage copycat behaviour. I like to think it is always good to talk openly about subjects that once were considered taboo.
ReplyDeleteI think your story should have aired and it was a shortsighted decision to censor it.
ReplyDeleteAs a former News Director, I would have green lighted your project. First, I know you are (were) a helluva good reporter with great instincts. Second your title for the series would have sold me alone.
ReplyDeleteOK, so the power lines may mean you wont sell the picture for a postcard, or desk top, but the shot is magnificent anyway and the lines just kind of disappear.
Gorgeous sunset shots. The whispery lace of the tree is a great foreground. Peaceful and tranquil.
You know lines add character to a portrait and you were there to capture what most people here in AZ take for granted every night. Good post!
ReplyDeleteThe best sunsets are probably in Arizona. And for your "never published documentaries" you could always bring them to life in this blog.
ReplyDeleteWonder if Del Webb had any part in seeing your story killed? And yes, your sunsets are gorgeous, power lines and all. :)
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Old age is much different from what we anticipate in youth. We outlive friends and loved ones, bringing isolation. Miserable medical procedures test our will to live. As Jack London said: "The function of man is to live, not to exist.". My 92 year old Christian neighbor would say: "Suicide is the one sin you can't atone for.". I lean to Jack London.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures! One issue I have with where we live is that we can't really see the sunset or sunrise properly. If I would bestir myself to walk two streets over I could - but who wants to do that? :)
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