...Bought Rock Salt.

We live in Western Pennsylvania. It is widely known that Western Pa. is cold and sometimes snowy at this time of year.

However, for the last few days, there has been what I call "overexposure" of the topics of snow and its associated cold. Just listen to the local television or radio newscasts' lead stories and you'll find out what is really important to us in this city, what really brings in ratings: weather.

If it is possibly to sensationalize weather, we do it well in Pittsburgh, with popping headlines atop blaring music beds. Here's what I've been hearing in the electronic media since 4:45 a.m.:  "Don Smith, Bought Rock Salt;" "Couple Anticipating Cold, Locks Their Doors;" or how about "This Snow is Not Good Packing Snow," which was actually the lead story on our noon television news story today, along with a hands-on demonstration by the reporter. (Followed by of course a story about the Steelers' weekend win; we do have one other interest.)

I'm thinking there MAY be other more important news this morning in the 'burgh. For example, locally: gang violence, murders, high unemployment, our free library system in financial peril; internationally: two wars and a third brewing, tax reform.

Instead, like dripping water, these news editors and reporters find the path of least resistance with story assignments. Well, Christmas is less than two weeks away...and this year we actually may have a shot at a white one.