Note To Self
Make time to email broadcast journalism departments with plea to teach students at least one adjective other than "incredible."
Monday, September 13, 2004
Customer Arrested For Skimpy Tip
(Lake George, NY) Humberto Taveras is charged with misdemeanor theft for leaving a tip of only 10% when 18% was customary. He says he'll fight the charge in court because he was not happy with the food at Soprano's Italian and American Grill restaurant.
(Lake George, NY) Humberto Taveras is charged with misdemeanor theft for leaving a tip of only 10% when 18% was customary. He says he'll fight the charge in court because he was not happy with the food at Soprano's Italian and American Grill restaurant.
Canadian Unemployment
(Ottawa) The government released the unemployment statistics in Canada for July and August and they indicate that the rate is steady at 7.2 percent. Unfortunately, the high rate will probably only fuel some sort of odd arrogance toward the U.S. which has an unemployment rate that is 1.5 percentage points lower.
And, of course, liberal minded Americans will continue to point to Canada as the quintessential example of how the United States should be governed. As points of reference, Germany and France have learned to tolerate unemployment rates continually above 9 percent.
(Ottawa) The government released the unemployment statistics in Canada for July and August and they indicate that the rate is steady at 7.2 percent. Unfortunately, the high rate will probably only fuel some sort of odd arrogance toward the U.S. which has an unemployment rate that is 1.5 percentage points lower.
And, of course, liberal minded Americans will continue to point to Canada as the quintessential example of how the United States should be governed. As points of reference, Germany and France have learned to tolerate unemployment rates continually above 9 percent.
Wasp Found Above Arctic Circle
(Arctic Bay, Canada) Noire Ikalukjuaq, the mayor of Arctic Bay at the northern tip of Baffin Island, was flummoxed when he spied the yellowjacket.
Expect the end-of-time scare mongers to jump on this freak occurrence as evidence of global warming.
(Arctic Bay, Canada) Noire Ikalukjuaq, the mayor of Arctic Bay at the northern tip of Baffin Island, was flummoxed when he spied the yellowjacket.
"I didn't know what that was at the time I saw it," recalled Ikalukjuaq, who managed to take a picture of the insect. "It didn't look scary to me, but I'll know better next time I see one."Having no word for it in the Inuktitut language, he sent a picture of the wasp to the Nunavut Research Institute which got confirmation of its identity.
Expect the end-of-time scare mongers to jump on this freak occurrence as evidence of global warming.
Document Materialization
Oddly, Dan Rather's current dilemma seems to have a precedent. If memory serves correctly, not too many years ago a similar situation occurred where some documents appeared out of nowhere from some unknown source. Remember the Rose Law Firm billing records? It's still not clear what's been forged, though.
Funny, huh?
Oddly, Dan Rather's current dilemma seems to have a precedent. If memory serves correctly, not too many years ago a similar situation occurred where some documents appeared out of nowhere from some unknown source. Remember the Rose Law Firm billing records? It's still not clear what's been forged, though.
Funny, huh?
Tattoos In The Workplace
Over a year ago, Interested-Participant addressed the subject of tattoos in the workplace and described an occurrence where a young lady lost her job due to a visible tattoo. My contention then and now is that young people do not realize that their trendy visible tattoos will potentially affect their employability. Also discussed was the process and cost of tattoo removal which, by the way, is very expensive.
Weighing in on the subject of tattoos and their effect on employability is a front page story in today's Christian Science Monitor. It is welcome news that the major media is starting to inch into the story since, what's trendy now, is going to be a measurable problem in the future. For example, one aspect of the fallout from tattooing is that many tax dollars are being spent removing gang tattoos from paroled convicts so that they can get jobs in society. And, ten or so years from now, many people are going to want to have their trendy tattoos removed, because what's fashionable at age 19 can be awkward or embarrassing at age 35. It's reasonable to expect that tattoo removal services will be a profitable business venture in the near future.
Over a year ago, Interested-Participant addressed the subject of tattoos in the workplace and described an occurrence where a young lady lost her job due to a visible tattoo. My contention then and now is that young people do not realize that their trendy visible tattoos will potentially affect their employability. Also discussed was the process and cost of tattoo removal which, by the way, is very expensive.
Weighing in on the subject of tattoos and their effect on employability is a front page story in today's Christian Science Monitor. It is welcome news that the major media is starting to inch into the story since, what's trendy now, is going to be a measurable problem in the future. For example, one aspect of the fallout from tattooing is that many tax dollars are being spent removing gang tattoos from paroled convicts so that they can get jobs in society. And, ten or so years from now, many people are going to want to have their trendy tattoos removed, because what's fashionable at age 19 can be awkward or embarrassing at age 35. It's reasonable to expect that tattoo removal services will be a profitable business venture in the near future.
Fire Kills Ten In Columbus
(Columbus, Ohio) An apartment complex fire in Lincoln Park in West Columbus has left ten dead even as firemen look for others that are missing. Sixty firefighters from five different departments fought the Sunday morning inferno. Investigators suspect arson.
(Columbus, Ohio) An apartment complex fire in Lincoln Park in West Columbus has left ten dead even as firemen look for others that are missing. Sixty firefighters from five different departments fought the Sunday morning inferno. Investigators suspect arson.
"The way it was contained in a hallway, which normally would have no combustibles in it at all, makes it highly suspicious," said Prairie Township Fire Chief Steve Feustel.An accelerant is believed to have caused the fire to spread so rapidly, destroying 12 of 24 units in the complex.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
CBS's Forgerygate
Dan and the Newsdreamers may have a scapegoat. Remember the name Mary Mapes. (via Country Store)
Dan and the Newsdreamers may have a scapegoat. Remember the name Mary Mapes. (via Country Store)
Explosion In North Korea
There's a lot of dialogue in the blogosphere about the massive explosion that occurred last Thursday in North Korea. Reports coming from all points of the globe include speculation that the blast was possibly rocket propellant, or an ammunition depot, or a nuclear device, or a fire. Nobody knows for sure.
A few things that are known is that the explosion produced a mushroom cloud over 2 miles in diameter, it created a crater large enough to be seen by satellite, and it occurred in a location reported to have a major missile base that is also adjacent to the border with China. Robert Koehler of the Marmot's Hole in South Korea notes that the location cited is one of three places previously reported as possible uranium enrichment sites. Jeff at Ruminations In Korea is skeptical of a report that an oil tanker train hit a power line. Much more information at Winds Of Change.
In summary, big bang in North Korea and many people are interested but, so far, what or why are unconfirmed.
There's a lot of dialogue in the blogosphere about the massive explosion that occurred last Thursday in North Korea. Reports coming from all points of the globe include speculation that the blast was possibly rocket propellant, or an ammunition depot, or a nuclear device, or a fire. Nobody knows for sure.
A few things that are known is that the explosion produced a mushroom cloud over 2 miles in diameter, it created a crater large enough to be seen by satellite, and it occurred in a location reported to have a major missile base that is also adjacent to the border with China. Robert Koehler of the Marmot's Hole in South Korea notes that the location cited is one of three places previously reported as possible uranium enrichment sites. Jeff at Ruminations In Korea is skeptical of a report that an oil tanker train hit a power line. Much more information at Winds Of Change.
In summary, big bang in North Korea and many people are interested but, so far, what or why are unconfirmed.
Doctor Lets Off Steam
(Cleveland, Ohio) After losing a $3.5 million malpractice verdict, Dr. Franklin Price was so steamed that he wrote presiding Judge Robert Feighan a letter. He started with:
(Cleveland, Ohio) After losing a $3.5 million malpractice verdict, Dr. Franklin Price was so steamed that he wrote presiding Judge Robert Feighan a letter. He started with:
"My prayer is that you suffer for what time you have on earth and that you rot in hell."After some racial and ethnic slurs and insults, he finished by stating:
"So every day I pray for your suffering here on earth and in hell which will be your just reward."Judge Feighan said he didn't care much for the letter.
Rod Paige Booted From NAACP Convention
(Cleveland, Ohio) At the request of NAACP national leadership, presumably Kweisi Mfume, U.S. Education Department Secretary, Rod Paige, was rudely booted from the speakers program at the NAACP's 74th Annual State Convention. Apparently in their focus of advancing blacks, the NAACP doesn't want to have differing opinions clutter their predetermined liberal political message.
It seems that the NAACP wants African-Americans to advance in only one approved direction, entertaining neither enlightened nor alternative viewpoints. Some might refer to the program as propaganda.
(Cleveland, Ohio) At the request of NAACP national leadership, presumably Kweisi Mfume, U.S. Education Department Secretary, Rod Paige, was rudely booted from the speakers program at the NAACP's 74th Annual State Convention. Apparently in their focus of advancing blacks, the NAACP doesn't want to have differing opinions clutter their predetermined liberal political message.
It seems that the NAACP wants African-Americans to advance in only one approved direction, entertaining neither enlightened nor alternative viewpoints. Some might refer to the program as propaganda.
DUI Defender Charged With DUI
(Ravenna, Ohio) Highly regarded as Portage County's top defense lawyer for drunken driving cases, 60-year-old Craig Stephens refused to take field sobriety and breath analysis tests when stopped for speeding. He was charged with speeding and driving under the influence. It's assumed that he'll be a bit less uppity with future clients.
(Ravenna, Ohio) Highly regarded as Portage County's top defense lawyer for drunken driving cases, 60-year-old Craig Stephens refused to take field sobriety and breath analysis tests when stopped for speeding. He was charged with speeding and driving under the influence. It's assumed that he'll be a bit less uppity with future clients.
Hurricane Ivan - Category 5
Traveling at about 9 miles per hour, Ivan has sustained winds of 155 MPH, anticipated to increase to 165 MPH, with hurricane force winds extending 90 miles out from the eye. It's currently between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, traveling northwest. Ivan is expected to veer north toward the west coast of Florida after demolishing Cuba. The death toll is 65 thus far.
Cuba is nervous even though a cavalier Fidel Castro assured everyone that "This country is prepared to face this hurricane." Good luck.
Having some experience with these storms, Interested-Participant strongly recommends getting as far away as possible. If this means visiting grumpy Aunt Sally in Tennessee, swallow your pride and do so.
Traveling at about 9 miles per hour, Ivan has sustained winds of 155 MPH, anticipated to increase to 165 MPH, with hurricane force winds extending 90 miles out from the eye. It's currently between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, traveling northwest. Ivan is expected to veer north toward the west coast of Florida after demolishing Cuba. The death toll is 65 thus far.
Cuba is nervous even though a cavalier Fidel Castro assured everyone that "This country is prepared to face this hurricane." Good luck.
Having some experience with these storms, Interested-Participant strongly recommends getting as far away as possible. If this means visiting grumpy Aunt Sally in Tennessee, swallow your pride and do so.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Realtor Photo
House For Sale - Friendly Neighborhood
Here's an interior photo of a house for sale in Danville, California. Inquire here.
(via The Grey Biker)
Here's an interior photo of a house for sale in Danville, California. Inquire here.
(via The Grey Biker)
Is Dan Rather Left Holding The Bag?
Now, even Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe concedes that the Bush National Guard documents could be forgeries. He insinuates that the White House, Karl Rove specifically, is responsible for planting them. Of course, the White House scoffs.
With evidence accumulating that the documents may be forged and Democrat McAuliffe in agreement, it sure seems like Dan Rather and CBS News is up the proverbial creek without any lifelines. The Democrats, the Republicans, and a growing number of independent experts are saying that CBS News is putting out bogus information based on forged documents. Their credibility is liable to take a big hit.
Now, even Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe concedes that the Bush National Guard documents could be forgeries. He insinuates that the White House, Karl Rove specifically, is responsible for planting them. Of course, the White House scoffs.
With evidence accumulating that the documents may be forged and Democrat McAuliffe in agreement, it sure seems like Dan Rather and CBS News is up the proverbial creek without any lifelines. The Democrats, the Republicans, and a growing number of independent experts are saying that CBS News is putting out bogus information based on forged documents. Their credibility is liable to take a big hit.
Dan Rather Worked Hard
Lt. Col. Killian's supervisor at the Air National Guard, Maj. General Hodges, has stated that CBS "misled" him about the questionable documents by telling him they were handwritten so he vouched for them. However, finding that the documents weren't handwritten, Hodges now believes they are a "fraud." Dan Rather had stated that Maj. Gen. Hodges would corroborate CBS's assertions that Lt. Bush didn't complete his service commitment.
A CBS executive charges Hodges with changing his story.
In the meantime, Dan Rather is stoically maintaining that the documents are genuine while being bombarded with questions about their authenticity. Although he asserts that he's worked hard and exhaustively, the firestorm is not being quelled, primarily because the questions being asked are valid and CBS doesn't seem to have the answers.
Make a note, the way things are trending, nobody should be surprised when a whine is offered by Rather, stating that a person or an organization can't do their job effectively when strong partisan forces are aligned against them. (Hat tip: Instapundit)
Lt. Col. Killian's supervisor at the Air National Guard, Maj. General Hodges, has stated that CBS "misled" him about the questionable documents by telling him they were handwritten so he vouched for them. However, finding that the documents weren't handwritten, Hodges now believes they are a "fraud." Dan Rather had stated that Maj. Gen. Hodges would corroborate CBS's assertions that Lt. Bush didn't complete his service commitment.
A CBS executive charges Hodges with changing his story.
In the meantime, Dan Rather is stoically maintaining that the documents are genuine while being bombarded with questions about their authenticity. Although he asserts that he's worked hard and exhaustively, the firestorm is not being quelled, primarily because the questions being asked are valid and CBS doesn't seem to have the answers.
Make a note, the way things are trending, nobody should be surprised when a whine is offered by Rather, stating that a person or an organization can't do their job effectively when strong partisan forces are aligned against them. (Hat tip: Instapundit)
Friday, September 10, 2004
CBS News Recoils In, Tries To Hunker Down, But The Jig Is Up
The blogosphere is on fire with the CBS memo controversy. So many questions and too few answers from Dan Rather and the gang. Things are trending towards CBS being slammed for general bogusology and bloggers will be demonstrating why. Start by checking out:
[Update] The Shape of Days takes a long look at the IBM Selectric Composer that was used to create the questionable documents and, not surprisingly, additional questions are raised. In particular, the method used by typewriters to center text made it virtually impossible to precisely duplicate, yet it occurred with the subject documents. It's strongly suggested that Microsoft Word was used instead, which wasn't available in 1971. Remember the hassle of centering on a typewriter (i.e. having to set margins exactly, count the number of spaces to be centered, divide by 2, and then backspace from the centerline the resultant amount)? I do and I find it hard to swallow that anyone could precisely duplicate text as was apparently done with the purported Air National Guard records of President Bush's service.
The blogosphere is on fire with the CBS memo controversy. So many questions and too few answers from Dan Rather and the gang. Things are trending towards CBS being slammed for general bogusology and bloggers will be demonstrating why. Start by checking out:
Wizbang,Busy bloggers are happy bloggers.
The Command Post,
Allah Is In The House,
Spoons,
and Power Line.
[Update] The Shape of Days takes a long look at the IBM Selectric Composer that was used to create the questionable documents and, not surprisingly, additional questions are raised. In particular, the method used by typewriters to center text made it virtually impossible to precisely duplicate, yet it occurred with the subject documents. It's strongly suggested that Microsoft Word was used instead, which wasn't available in 1971. Remember the hassle of centering on a typewriter (i.e. having to set margins exactly, count the number of spaces to be centered, divide by 2, and then backspace from the centerline the resultant amount)? I do and I find it hard to swallow that anyone could precisely duplicate text as was apparently done with the purported Air National Guard records of President Bush's service.
Cronkite Should Be In A Home
(New York City) At the Society of Professional Journalists National Convention today, Walter Cronkite assessed "The State of the News" by saying he believes the American media do "a very good job" of being impartial.
Astonishingly, the iconic old war horse discounts any substantive possibility that the American media are biased. Meanwhile, the editors of essentially all of the elite print and broadcast media are scratching their heads trying to figure out how they can increase their help to the Democratic Party without being officially tied to the Kerry/Edwards election campaign.
It's troubling that the veteran newsman cannot see media bias since it is readily apparent to most rational observers. Show's over, Mr. Cronkite, the curtain's coming down. It's time to sit back and enjoy the applause.
(New York City) At the Society of Professional Journalists National Convention today, Walter Cronkite assessed "The State of the News" by saying he believes the American media do "a very good job" of being impartial.
Astonishingly, the iconic old war horse discounts any substantive possibility that the American media are biased. Meanwhile, the editors of essentially all of the elite print and broadcast media are scratching their heads trying to figure out how they can increase their help to the Democratic Party without being officially tied to the Kerry/Edwards election campaign.
It's troubling that the veteran newsman cannot see media bias since it is readily apparent to most rational observers. Show's over, Mr. Cronkite, the curtain's coming down. It's time to sit back and enjoy the applause.
Hurricane Journalism
Carl Hiaasen describes some aspects of hurricane reporting for the novice and the veteran in this Miami Herald article. Worthy pointers include:
Carl Hiaasen describes some aspects of hurricane reporting for the novice and the veteran in this Miami Herald article. Worthy pointers include:
- Wear flimsy jacketIf choices have to be made, keep in mind the intrinsic aspect of hurricane reporting that is of paramount importance.
- Begin every broadcast with bent-over palm trees
- Maximize credibility by looking tired and weather-beaten
- Frequently say "storm surge"
- Broadcast video loop of residents boarding property
- Also frequently say "Conditions are deteriorating"
"Remember, your viewers' expectations are high. They've watched that big slow mother whorling across the Doppler for a week, and they've been primed for devastation on a biblical scale.To be pedigreed as a genuine hurricane news report, there must be a trailer park clip. There's more at the link.
Take no chances. Proceed immediately to the nearest trailer park, being extra careful not to crash into other TV crews on the way."
U.S. Navy Memorializes 9/11 With Two Ships
The Navy announced that two ships will be built and christened to memorialize 9/11 victims. The USS Somerset will be named after Somerset County, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed. The USS Arlington will be named after Arlington, Virginia, location of the Pentagon. Both ships will be built in New Orleans and will be San Antonio class amphibious transport docks. Each will have a crew of 363 and be able to carry 699 Marines.
The Navy announced that two ships will be built and christened to memorialize 9/11 victims. The USS Somerset will be named after Somerset County, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed. The USS Arlington will be named after Arlington, Virginia, location of the Pentagon. Both ships will be built in New Orleans and will be San Antonio class amphibious transport docks. Each will have a crew of 363 and be able to carry 699 Marines.
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