Category: The BruceV Blog

As the Flyer‘s Chris Davis reported online last week, there is yet another round of layoffs coming to The Commercial Appeal on February 1st. My condolences to those who will feel that pain. I’ve been there, and even though it was 20 years ago, I still get a hot flush of anger when I think about it.

Additionally, the CA has cut the size of the paper by 10 percent, effective January 14th. Most of the cuts come from the “A” section and will effectively reduce the paper’s world and national coverage.

Frankly, I don’t believe the CA is losing money any longer; it’s just not making enough to make Scripps management and stockholders happy. I don’t think the parent company is overly concerned about the quality of news its Memphis property gives to the citizens of Memphis.

• Katie Couric

And that’s the problem with current journalism in a nutshell: It’s top-heavy, concerned more with profit margins and executive pay and bonuses than getting news on the street. The CA, like most American newspapers these days, is a monopoly. It has no competitor nipping at its heels, forcing it to work harder. When reporters are more worried about losing their jobs than beating the competition, everybody loses.

The Flyer? Sure, we do what we can, but we have a tiny staff and budget and we are currently not a threat to become the “paper of record.” The CA, for better or worse, owns the franchise in Memphis. They’re the MLGW of news — and they’re slowly turning down the lights.

The same dilemma is playing out with national television networks. NBC anchor Brian Williams makes $10 million a year; Katie Couric at CBS, $15 million; Diane Sawyer at ABC, $12 million; Anderson Cooper at CNN, $10 million. The average starting salary for a reporter in television news is about $28,000 a year. Can you imagine the kind of news coverage we could get if CBS spent, say, half of Katie’s salary on reporters and researchers? Which do you think would give you a better sense of the situation in Haiti: Katie Couric and her hairdresser and handlers, or 15 reporters scattered around the island?

News ratings have fallen 30 percent in the past 10 years, and the decline continues. “Star-based” news is only part of the problem, but it’s significant. So what happens after this system collapses?

The future is the Internet. We all know that. At least, we all think we do. That’s how those of you reading this post probably get most of your news. And it costs you no more than your monthly wireless bill, or you’re getting it for free at work. But eventually, someone‘s going to have to pay the people who actually go out and create the content — the “news.” And whoever figures out how to create fresh content and make a buck, will remake the rules of news.

We at the Flyer are taking a week off to recharge for the new year. But I have had some thoughts and perhaps you will enjoy them.

1. I think you should mentally say “That’s what she said,” after reading a fortune cookie fortune. “In bed” is so tired. Here’s an example from a cookie I just ate: “A big surprise awaits you.” See?

2. I keep hearing about Starry Nights… Starry Nights is wonderful. Starry Nights sucks. Etc. etc. I went today at lunch to see for myself. Not impressed.

3. I really wish the media would do some, you know, end of the decade, end of the year lists. That would
be cool.

4. Top 10 Reasons a Week Off at Christmas Rules: no alarm, pajamas, a morning fire, a second java pot, happy dogs, sunbeams on the floor, a big ol’ Gibson guitar, thick socks, a quiet house, and rubbing it in when you see people who have to work.

5. The new Sherlock Holmes movie is cool, but loud. Robert Downey is impossible not to watch. Except if Rachel McAdams is around.

6. I made Paula Deen’s green bean casserole for Christmas dinner and lived. Sweet butter of God!

7. I saw where some old lady tackled the Pope just short of a first down. The Vatican hasn’t had a decent left tackle in years. Somebody needs to cover the pontiff’s blind side. Who were they playing anyway, Little Sisters of the Poor? Oh wait …

8. I should probably go back to being on vacation now.

So, things were a little slow around here at lunchtime. I was kicked back at my desk with my laptop on, well, my lap, daydreaming. But daydreaming now is different than it was 10 years ago. It’s more results oriented. That’s because my brain is so much bigger. Google-big. Here’s an example:

I got an email from a former colleague, a fellow I worked with in Pittsburgh. He was just checking in, not much news, happy holidays and such. But that email exchange got me thinking about another colleague from back in the day, a guy I hadn’t heard from or thought about in 15 years. Pre-Google, my thoughts would have gone like this: Hmmm. Wonder what ever happened to ol’ Vince? Did he divorce that hellcat he was married to? Did he stop drinking? Is he still taking pictures? Huh. Oh well.

And that would have pretty much been it. I would have soon moved on to other thoughts — or even done something productive. Not in 2009. Now, I Google him, Google-image him. I see if he’s on Facebook. Or Linked In. And in fact, he is. There’s ol’ Vince’s entire back-story, with pictures. If I’m feeling like I want to touch base, I can email him, friend him, or even call him, since I now know where he works. I can even drive by his house using Google-map Street View. It’s daydreaming with an action plan.

Here’s another example: The “Billy Jack” movies of the ’70s are sort of a standing joke between me and another old friend. (In case you’re wondering, the Billy Jack movies are crummy action flicks directed by, and starring, a guy named Tom Laughlin, who plays a noble, lone-wolf, karate-chopping bad-ass aka Billy Jack.) At any rate, my friend called, and before he hung up, he made a passing reference to Born Losers, perhaps one of the stupidest flicks ever made. In it, Billy Jack single-handedly fights off a biker gang and rescues a chick who spends most of the movie riding around on a motorcycle in a white bikini, trying to escape the bad guys. My friend made some crack about wondering what bikini chick’s name was and where she was today. “Probably, a grandmother,” he laughed. Maybe so, I thought.

Once upon a time, I would have hung up the phone, and maybe pondered who the white-bikini-chick was for a minute, then moved on to other things. Not with Google-daydreaming! It’s results-oriented and action-packed! A quick visit to IMDB.com gives me the actress’ name — Elizabeth James — and her meager film resume: Born Losers and Crazy Mary Dirty Larry. A google image search turns up a picture of Elizabeth in her white bikini next to her motorcycle. Aaaaand, in the process, I’ve managed to waste 20 minutes.

We are — those of us sitting behind a computer all day, at least — blessed (and cursed) with the luxury of being able to tap into the entirety of mankind’s knowledge in seconds — from trivial minutiae to the deepest philosophical questions. If we have a question about something, we can learn the answer immediately. Never before in human history has so much knowledge been so available to so many so quickly. Learning has never been easier. But by making learning easier are we appreciating it less? I don’t know. Thinking, unfortunately, is just as difficult as it’s always been.

Which makes me wonder if there have been any studies on the impact of Google on human thought processes … Hmmm, I should probably Google that.

UPDATE: Wiseman issues statement:

“Regarding all of the reports about my recent Facebook remarks, I want to take this opportunity to say how much I regret that I offended anyone with my poor attempt at tongue-in-cheek humor amongst friends. While my comments were certainly blown way out of proportion, I do recognize that I allowed things to go too far.

As you might have guessed, I don’t really care for President Obama or his policies. That being said, I understand how my comments might have been interpreted by people who don’t know me and who have no reason to give me the benefit of the doubt. When defenders of President Obama started chiming in on the Facebook comment thread, I’m afraid I let my frustrations and my sarcastic and joking nature get the best of me, and so I egged and goaded them on within the confines of what I considered at the time to be a semi-private conversation among friends.

I trust that we have probably all experienced things getting out of hand from time to time, and I do regret it. I also take some measure of comfort in knowing that the people who know me best, and who know my background, my work in the community, and my heart — they understand that I am a progressive and tolerant person who believes wholeheartedly in the rights and equality of all people. I think my record and the way I live my life certainly reflects those views, and I hate that I may have caused anyone to question my commitment to it. I also regret any embarrassment that might have been unfairly visited on my friends, my family, my church, and the citizens and officials of the Town of Arlington.

One troubling and eye-opening aspect of this whole episode has been the literally hundreds and hundreds of fanatics who have directed some of the most vile and profane comments towards me and my family that I’ve ever heard, including making physical threats and even posting my home phone number and address online for the benefit of the fringe element.

In the interest of moving forward, I will not be giving interviews or fielding questions because I have no interest in taking any step that might perpetuate this whole episode or inadvertently be interpreted as an attempt to dignify my unfortunate comments. I have learned a valuable lesson, and I look forward to moving on and focusing on the business of the Town of Arlington in a manner befitting the good citizens I represent.”

The Town of Arlington, Tennessee, has issued the following statement on the city’s website:

Statement from the Town of Arlington
The views of Russell Wiseman, Mayor of the Town of Arlington, expressed on his Facebook account do not reflect an official position of the Town of Arlington. His comments were not made on a Town computer, or using Town computer services. The Town recognizes Barack Obama as the President of the United States, and in accordance with the Constitution, recognizes both the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech. We welcome all law abiding people to our town. We do not discriminate and we provide essential services to all Town of Arlington people without regard to their religion, race, color, age, gender, sex or national origin.

In other Wiseman news, a Facebook page supporting Wiseman’s statements has been created, as has a website promoting a national presidential ticket of Russell Wiseman and Sarah Palin. Talk about your dream ticket!

Read my original post here, and Jackson Baker’s take here.

There has probably never been a more misnamed public servant than Arlington’s Mayor Russell Wiseman, who unwisely revealed on his Facebook page that a) he thinks the president is a Muslim; b) that things would be better if only those who owned property could vote; c) that the president purposely scheduled his speech on Afghanistan to preempt “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Here’s an excerpt from his Facebook entry: “Ok, so, this is total crap, we sit the kids down to watch ‘The Charlie Brown Christmas Special’ and our muslim president is there, what a load…..try to convince me that wasn’t done on purpose. Ask the man if he believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and he will give you a 10 minute disertation (sic) about it….w…hen the answer should simply be ‘yes’ …

Good Grief!

Like Congressman Joe Wilson’s shout-out to President during his healthcare speech a few months back, Wiseman’s comments have gone viral, hitting every major internet and news outlet over the course of the past 12 hours. The link to The Commercial Appeal‘s story on Wiseman has been almost impossible to get to for hours today, due, no doubt to its being linked on dozens of websites nation-wide.

I’m not sure what’s sadder, the fact that Wiseman apparently really believes this stuff, or that he got elected in the first place. Tennessee is widely perceived as one of the most backward states in the union, politically. That, I’m afraid, is a very accurate perception.

One of my regular stops on the Internet trail is at Professor Hex‘s blog. The professor calls himself a “scholar of the strange and mysterious,” and his site mainly consists of links to news accounts and stories on the web about flying saucers, bigfoot, ghosts, and other paranormal subjects.

Most of the links are interesting if you are intriqued, as I am, by weird stuff. But today, well, the ol’ professor linked to one of the dumbest stories I’ve ever seen. It’s a hilarious report by a Minnesota television station on some locals whose brooms stand up by themselves — as in they don’t fall over when you stand them upright. The report is mind-bogglingly stupid faux journalism, the kind that is rampant all over the country, particularly in small markets. The formula is as follows: Raise a ridiculous question — in this case, “Standing Brooms: Is it spirits? Is it science? Is it simply the style of the brooms?” — then find “experts” to talk about it, i.e. a physics professor and a “pyschic.” Simply hilarious. Trust me.

And what’s even more hilarious is that it turns out that this “phenomenon” is happening all over the country. How do I know? I googled “standing brooms.” Check out the headlines from local television “reports” from around the country: “Brooms Standing Up: Planets Aligning?”; “Magical Standing Broom Stuns Alabama Town”; “Standing Broom: Is It Paranormal?”.

I love America. I can’t wait to go home and stand up my broom. Then I’m calling Fox 13.

There has been some discussion lately in journalism circles about the burgeoning phenomenon of anonymous comments on newspaper websites. Proponents for eliminating anonymity say it will improve the level of civic discourse and make people much less likely to post libelous, obscene, or irresponsible statements. That’s probably true. “Muskrat” is much less likely to call “boogerholler” a “stupid, racist, dickweed” if he has to post under his real name of Ned Gene Flanderson. That’s because Boogerholler, aka Percy Leon Smithers, may look up Ned’s address and shoot his tires out in his driveway. Or worse.

There is little doubt that fear of bodily harm will make people a more careful with their words. Of course, there’s also the very real possibility that two high-strung non-anonymous people will challenge each other to a fight in the real world, with tragic consequences. That’s not something we want any part of.

Still, I must admit, I find it admirable when people post under their own names. It’s like walking into the saloon unarmed. It’s badass. Which is why I do it on the Flyer site. I’m a badass. Not really. I post anonymously on other sites, just like most people. I post as myself on the Flyer site because I believe it would be unethical of me to post under a pseudonym on my own site.

The fact is, I don’t believe anonymity is necessarily a bad thing. I get many weird, scary, unbelievable communications from people anonymously that I wouldn’t get if they used their real identities. I think this is helpful. It lets me know that real evil, real assholes, and really twisted people exist out there. I like being forewarned. (All their IP addresses, emails, comments, and grungy hand-scrawled letters and envelopes, etc. are neatly preserved, in case they are ever needed.)

On a less serious note, I just like it that people can create noms du web that allow them to express themselves without restraint. They may be at work (most likely) and posting under their real names could jeopardize their job. There are many reasons people may prefer to remain anonymous. And that’s okay by me. If they cross the line, we can just eliminate the comment. If they cross the line repeatedly, we can simply block them from participating.

I liken the Flyer website to a big neighborhood saloon. You may not know the guy you started talking politics with at the bar, but you argue in a civil way, if at all possible. If things get out of hand, the ol’ bartender walks over with his Louisville Slugger and gently thumps the table.

In a chat room, ideas are the important thing, not identities. If someone’s an ass, or a “troll” as they’re called in cyberworld, it’s best to let them stew in the corner rather than provoking them. But I say let’s keep the conversation flowing. Let’s enjoy the camaraderie with our anonymous and not-so-anonymous pals on MemphisFlyer.com. Better to communicate anonymously than to fume alone in the dark.

And should we ever meet in the real world, feel free to introduce yourself. Or not.

So, here I sit in my Flyer office, with its thin gray carpet and faded yellow walls. My desk is utilitarian — steel-and-fake-wood, with one drawer that won’t close all the way. There’s a window to the larger office outside, but it’s got a curtain, and when I shut my door and draw the curtain, this place is a great spot to focus on writing and editing and blogging. Dark and cozy.

At least, it used to be. But now the bottom of my computer screen is constantly teasing me, trying to divert me from the task at hand. As I write this, for example, the e-mail icon is tirelessly bouncing up and down, indicating some fresh e-juice awaits. The Twitter alert is popping onscreen in the lower right-hand corner every few seconds, letting me know that one or more of my “friends” has posted an update.

How the hell am I supposed to work? How can I possibly ignore my friends? See, here’s an email letting me know that someone wants to be my friend on Facebook. A new friend!! How great is that!

I know. I know. I could and should turn off the alerts. Shut out the cyberworld. Focus.

But I don’t wanna. Besides, I’m in the news and entertainment biz. If I shut off the outside world, I’ll miss something important.

For instance, since 8:00 this morning I’ve learned the following from Twitter:
A man was arrested for trying to burn the gay pride flag in Cooper-Young; Hippolite Tsafack will play basketball for the University of Memphis; there will be a speed-dating event at SOB tonight; WREG reporter Mike Matthews joked that he is known as the King of cold cuts; the Memphis Airport has become a nation-wide joke on Twitter, thanks to R.C. Johnson’s referring to it as a recruiting asset. And that’s just the minimal highlights gleaned from 148 tweets. There’s so much more.

E-mail, for instance. All day long, my email has been delivering even more exciting news: Marsha Blackburn is doing something patriotic for Veterans Day; four bands want their CD reviewed; several folks think my penis needs improvement; my buddy Jerry wants to play golf Saturday; somebody thinks we should run a different astrology column (the one he writes) in the Flyer; there’s a new recycling thingie called “trash talk” that’s perfect for tailgating and parties. And those are just a very few of the highlights from the more than 220 e-mails I’ve received so far today.

So you see, I couldn’t possibly shut off the outside cyber-world. This is vital information, necessary for my work. Without it, for example, I couldn’t possibly have written this blog post.

There has been a great public outcry over the deplorable conditions at Memphis Animal Shelter. Mayor Wharton has reacted quickly and decisively. Today, he fired shelter director Ernest Alexander and appointed former Med CEO Lucy Shaw as interim director. Cameras are being installed at the facility and criminal charges may be filed.

The Commercial Appeal reported today that there were similar problems at Alexander’s previous employer, the Animal Services Division of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Alexander was hired by the Herenton administration after the proverbial “nationwide search.”

• Bianca Phillips
• Vigil at Memphis Animal Shelter

The public’s outrage was fueled by photos in local media of starving animals and the disgusting conditions at the shelter. There have been dozens of letters to the editor, comments on websites and, last night, a candlelight vigil. And as might have been predicted, numerous reactive letters and comments immediately appeared along the lines of: “How come all these people are outraged about animals when (pick one) 1) babies are being aborted 2) children are being shot 3) people are being murdered at Fort Hood …”

It’s so tiresome and misguided. The director and employees of the Animal Shelter betrayed the public’s trust. We expected them to treat animals in their care humanely and compassionately. Instead, they ran an animal holocaust. Why shouldn’t people be pissed and why shouldn’t they protest vociferously? And what’s that got to do with drive-by shootings? They are also horrible, but caring passionately about one cause does not preclude people from caring passionately about another cause.

I don’t understand why it’s somehow deemed clever or insightful to demean the outrage because it’s “just about animals.” As in, “I love my dog, but he’s not as important as my Momma.” Well, duh.

Comparing the importance of causes is not insightful or clever. It’s predictable and meaningless. If you feel your issues are more important, then by all means organize, protest, make your voice heard. But lay off the silly conflation of issues. It’s apples and kittens.

I’m sure Dale Crum is a lovely man and a fine fellow, but he can’t draw for crap. This editorial cartoon that ran in today’s Commercial Appeal is an embarrassment for a major metro newspaper. Somewhere, laid-off former cartoonist Bill Day is laughing (or crying). Seriously, did the powers-that-be at the CA really think this is worthy editorial commentary? Unbelievable. Click on the image to enlarge it and experience the work in its full glory.