Non-electronic

A billion people waited anxiously, watching a small chimney on the roof of the chapel at the Vatican.  They were watching to see the color of smoke that came out.  Black smoke prompted a moan.......3 times.  Finally, what they all were watching for....white smoke!!!!  Yippee!!  A new Pope.  Someone charged with control of an empire rife with problems.

In this age of electronic media and games,  I found it interesting that such an event would capture the attention of so many.  No campaigning, mud-slinging or outright lying could be found in the media.  It must frustrate the hell out of media pundits not to be able to do more than sit a watch with the rest of the billion.  From what I saw,  speculation of front runners was way off target.  Newscasters seemed lost for words.  No juicy sub plots. (Other than the need for reform within the Catholic Priesthood)

Entertainment does not have to be electronic.