More on the future of newspapers and today's youth...
http://www.editorsweblog.org/
analysis/2005/12/creating_their_own_content_
youth_will_no.php
Friday, December 09, 2005
FCC Petition
John Lockridge sent me a petition to the FCC on indecency on television.
I asked him if he would sign a similar petition by Howard Stern or someone else if he asked the FCC to ban Christianity from television.
Here's his response and my thoughts. What do you think?
And my response:
I asked him if he would sign a similar petition by Howard Stern or someone else if he asked the FCC to ban Christianity from television.
Here's his response and my thoughts. What do you think?
Good question. I think there is an obligation of broadcasters to use the public airwaves responsibly. I think I still would sign the petition in spite of Stern's hypothetical petition. Of course, if I perceived a real risk to wholesome endeavors such as proclamation of the Good News, then I would be slower to take such a course.
Some would argue that this issue should be left for the "free market" to decide. I agree that many things should best be addressed that way. However, I think the use of public airwaves and the protection of children from their misuse are legitimate FCC concerns -- ones that even affect our relationship with the world.
A lack of FCC enforcement has led to the envelope being pushed significantly over the past 30 years -- and a growing absense of moral content in broadcast media has had a negative affect on public morals.
In the name of free trade, our government promotes our TV shows overseas. This works against us.
Because of the irresponsibility of our media, many in the Muslim world have developed the idea that America is a wicked, immoral place -- based on the content of the media that we export. Action films, horror movies, and hollywood dramas paint a pretty sad picture. We have turned much of the world against us by exporting our trash.
It is my contention that our media is the single greatest cause of Muslim animosity against America. We are perceived as a moral risk. After all, a Muslim might reason, "if we are as wicked as our media present us, why shouldn't we be fought against?" Add a few misbehaving soldiers stationed overseas to the mix and that only reinforces the idea that we are not a moral people.
It has been said that the average Muslim father cares more about the chastity of his daughters than having a democratic form of government. That's worth thinking about.
I say its well past time that we stop exporting our trash and start cleaning up our act.
And my response:
I understand and tend to agree. I just always worry when we start censoring any type of free speech, because it gives them more ammunition to censor me and my free speech.So do you agree or disagree? Let's see some debate here ;-).
But because of limited public air space, I think for the sake of children, guidelines should be given and followed, but who gets to decide the guidelines. At what point do we stop "watching out for children" and pushing our morality on everyone else.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Want your kids on TV?
The West Wing is casting rolls for Huck and Molly, Toby Ziegler's twin childen.
Not sure on the specs of the roll, but I believe its for episode 15 of this year. As far as the storyline goes, the children should be around 3 or 4 by the time the episode is shown, but they may be giving a glimpse into the future or a look back at the past. I'm not sure.
But if you have children interested in television, you might want to give it a look.
Not sure on the specs of the roll, but I believe its for episode 15 of this year. As far as the storyline goes, the children should be around 3 or 4 by the time the episode is shown, but they may be giving a glimpse into the future or a look back at the past. I'm not sure.
But if you have children interested in television, you might want to give it a look.
The Ice Queen has come
It's icy and slick across North Texas this morning. But what amuses me most is the attitudes of most people. "Why aren't these streets sanded!? People are skidding everywhere!"
I got out and drove the 10 mile treck to work (it took about 30 minutes) and had no problems.
But I saw people having problems then and when I got out to take pictures.
People were slamming their breaks and yes, skidding into intersections.
People came to a full stop and then smashed their gas to get traction.
It just doesn't make sense. There's not that much ice out.
Sure, I'd recommend most people stay home -- it's not wise to be out when its icy like this, but I've seen a lot worse.
If you don't know how to drive on ice, don't. Stay home.
And if you are out, don't slam your breaks. Keep a good distance between you and other drivers and don't come to complete stops unless you must. And if you do, don't smash your gas pedal. Ease off the brake so your tires can get traction first.
Well, back to reporting the news.
I got out and drove the 10 mile treck to work (it took about 30 minutes) and had no problems.
But I saw people having problems then and when I got out to take pictures.
People were slamming their breaks and yes, skidding into intersections.
People came to a full stop and then smashed their gas to get traction.
It just doesn't make sense. There's not that much ice out.
Sure, I'd recommend most people stay home -- it's not wise to be out when its icy like this, but I've seen a lot worse.
If you don't know how to drive on ice, don't. Stay home.
And if you are out, don't slam your breaks. Keep a good distance between you and other drivers and don't come to complete stops unless you must. And if you do, don't smash your gas pedal. Ease off the brake so your tires can get traction first.
Well, back to reporting the news.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
TNA president talks about WWE drug policy
TNA President Dixie Carter talked about WWE's new drug policy on a radio program this week.
According to wrestling-news.com, "Dixie was asked about the recent drug policy made by WWE. Dixie commends WWE for their effort. She was asked if TNA will adopt a similar policy and responds by saying that TNA wrestlers are not all about the muscular look and that they feel they do a strong job keeping the TNA locker room clean. She says in the past there was a drug problem with Raven that has been resolved."
According to wrestling-news.com, "Dixie was asked about the recent drug policy made by WWE. Dixie commends WWE for their effort. She was asked if TNA will adopt a similar policy and responds by saying that TNA wrestlers are not all about the muscular look and that they feel they do a strong job keeping the TNA locker room clean. She says in the past there was a drug problem with Raven that has been resolved."
Radio Recap: Dixie Carter on Between The Ropes
The audio of the interview can be found on the Audiowrestling.com website.
Dixie Carter is welcomed to the show and says you can expect several exciting announcements to come from TNA soon.
Dixie tells Monday Night Mayhem they are getting a scoop as there might be a major add-on to this weekends TNA PPV Turning Point that will "change the face of the wrestling business." Dixie goes on to say that if things go as planned, this will be the best TNA PPV in the companies history!
Dixie says she talked with Christian Cage recently. She says Christian received a great offer from WWE but chose to join TNA despite the risk of perhaps giving up a better salary with WWE. She said Christian wanted to join TNA because he felt it was what is exciting now.
Dixie mentions TNA's strong Buffalo audience (where the Mayhem show is based out of). She says despite Buffalo not having had the FSN Impact show when it was on, Buffalo has always been a strong PPV buy area for TNA and that they hope to make Buffalo one of their first stops when they start touring in 2006.
Dixie was asked about Christy Hemme, Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit possibly being brought into TNA sometime soon should they not be with WWE. Dixie says that the most important thing is promoting the talent already with TNA. Dixie says bringing in the outside talent mentioned could help get TNA guys over faster.
Dixie points out she is the president of TNA, not the owner.
Dixie is asked about the recent drug policy made by WWE. Dixie commends WWE for their effort. She is asked if TNA will adopt a similar policy and responds by saying that TNA wrestlers are not all about the muscular look and that they feel they do a strong job keeping the TNA locker room clean. She says in the past there was a drug problem with Raven that has been resolved.
On the radio
So, I'll be on the radio today and tomorrow (depending on the weather) around 9:05 a.m.
Listen on 1390 KBEC if you feel so inclined.
Listen on 1390 KBEC if you feel so inclined.
A good friend
A good friend will come and bail you out of jail.
A better friend will be sitting next to you in the cell saying, "Boy that was fun."
A better friend will be sitting next to you in the cell saying, "Boy that was fun."
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
This week's column: O Christmas Tree
In my search for the history behind our holiday traditions, I decided nothing says Christmas more than the evergreen Christmas Tree. Oh wait -- I apologize, make that "Holiday Tree," "X-mas Tree," or "Gift Bush."
I want to be sure I don’t offend anyone.
The tree brings out the holiday spirit in everyone – almost.
People from around the world come to New York City just to watch someone flip a light switch on the giant tree in Rockefeller Center.
The White House hosts a huge ceremony and party each year to bring in the annual Tannenbaum.
According the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association, nearly 200,000 trees are produced annually on approximately 150 Christmas tree farms in Texas.
The tree growers contribute over $12-million to the Texas economy each year.
Robert Feigly who’s operating his second Christmas tree stand in Waxahachie this year, said there’s nothing quite like a fresh cut Christmas tree.
Feigly’s trees vary in size, but he said that most people are looking for an eight to twelve-foot tree.
"I have a 21-foot tree coming this weekend," Feigly said. "And I have a feeling it will be gone almost right away."
The trees average in price around $65 a piece.
"People who choose artificial trees miss out on the Christmas experience," Feigly said. "You miss the smells, the family time while picking out the tree and then taking time to decorate the tree as a family. A lot of people with artificial trees will decorate them and then store it in a closet for next year -- with all the decorations on it. You don’t get to enjoy time with your family while decorating it each year."
While many believe the Christmas tree is an American Christian tradition, others hold firm that the symbol of the season originated in many pagan cultures.
The idea of the evergreen tree represents a celebration of continuing renewal of life and a number of medieval legends tended to concentrate on the miraculous "flowering" of the evergreen trees at Christmastime.
According to German medieval chronicler, Adam Bremenis, aka Adam of Bremen, Scandinavian kings sacrificed nine males of different species, including slaves, by suspending them on the branches of trees.
And while the medieval stories sound frightenly familiar to our tradition of hanging ornaments on an evergreen, there’s no specific proof tying our modern day tradition with the horrific tales of the past.
Our modern traditions can however be traced to a 16th century professor. Professor Ingeborg Weber-Keller identified a reference to reports of a small fir decorated with apples, dates, nuts and paper flowers to benefit the children of a local working guild.
Another story tells of a tailor’s apprentices that carried a tree around town, decorated with apples and cheese.
It’s suggested by some that both of these references were spurred by a family tradition begun by Protestant theologian Martin Luther. The tree has often been used to illustrate the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, for its triangle shape and many believe Luther used the Trinity illustration, along with candles on the branches to illustrate the "Light of the World," found in Christ.
But despite which story you choose to believe, the Christmas tree tradition began to flourish in the 17th century. And like many other traditions, the church wasn’t entirely happy with the newfound custom.
A priest from Stasbourg, Johann Konrad Dannerhauer, complained that the custom was distracting people from the Word of God. For the next 100 years the tradition remained confined to the lower Rhine, now the northern areas of France and southern areas of Germany. It was also regarded as only a Protestant custom.
In 1816 the Christmas tree was introduced in Austria by Princess Henrietta von Nassau-Weilburg. The tree was soon introduced in Britain by King George III and spread across the nation through illustrations in the Illustrated London News.
By 1850 the tradition was copied in America, although Easton, Pa. and Windsor Locks, Conn. both claim the country’s first Christmas tree as early as 1777.
Traditionally the trees were not brought in and decorated until Christmas Eve and then removed after the 12th night. To have a tree up beyond the 12 days of Christmas was considered bad luck.
But now with the increasing commercialization and business of the holidays, it’s not uncommon to see Christmas trees in homes before Thanksgiving.
Personally I’m quite sure my aunt would display her love of Christmas and leave her tree up year round if it wasn’t so taboo.
It’s also interesting to note that some ultra-conservative Christians believe the Bible prohibits the Christmas Tree tradition in Jeremiah 10:3-4.
"For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
So whatever you call it, whichever origin you choose to believe, whether you hang your tree upside down or set it up-right and however long you choose to leave your tree up – lets lift our glass of eggnog and say a toast to the Christmas tree whose "branches green delight us."
I want to be sure I don’t offend anyone.
The tree brings out the holiday spirit in everyone – almost.
People from around the world come to New York City just to watch someone flip a light switch on the giant tree in Rockefeller Center.
The White House hosts a huge ceremony and party each year to bring in the annual Tannenbaum.
According the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association, nearly 200,000 trees are produced annually on approximately 150 Christmas tree farms in Texas.
The tree growers contribute over $12-million to the Texas economy each year.
Robert Feigly who’s operating his second Christmas tree stand in Waxahachie this year, said there’s nothing quite like a fresh cut Christmas tree.
Feigly’s trees vary in size, but he said that most people are looking for an eight to twelve-foot tree.
"I have a 21-foot tree coming this weekend," Feigly said. "And I have a feeling it will be gone almost right away."
The trees average in price around $65 a piece.
"People who choose artificial trees miss out on the Christmas experience," Feigly said. "You miss the smells, the family time while picking out the tree and then taking time to decorate the tree as a family. A lot of people with artificial trees will decorate them and then store it in a closet for next year -- with all the decorations on it. You don’t get to enjoy time with your family while decorating it each year."
While many believe the Christmas tree is an American Christian tradition, others hold firm that the symbol of the season originated in many pagan cultures.
The idea of the evergreen tree represents a celebration of continuing renewal of life and a number of medieval legends tended to concentrate on the miraculous "flowering" of the evergreen trees at Christmastime.
According to German medieval chronicler, Adam Bremenis, aka Adam of Bremen, Scandinavian kings sacrificed nine males of different species, including slaves, by suspending them on the branches of trees.
And while the medieval stories sound frightenly familiar to our tradition of hanging ornaments on an evergreen, there’s no specific proof tying our modern day tradition with the horrific tales of the past.
Our modern traditions can however be traced to a 16th century professor. Professor Ingeborg Weber-Keller identified a reference to reports of a small fir decorated with apples, dates, nuts and paper flowers to benefit the children of a local working guild.
Another story tells of a tailor’s apprentices that carried a tree around town, decorated with apples and cheese.
It’s suggested by some that both of these references were spurred by a family tradition begun by Protestant theologian Martin Luther. The tree has often been used to illustrate the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, for its triangle shape and many believe Luther used the Trinity illustration, along with candles on the branches to illustrate the "Light of the World," found in Christ.
But despite which story you choose to believe, the Christmas tree tradition began to flourish in the 17th century. And like many other traditions, the church wasn’t entirely happy with the newfound custom.
A priest from Stasbourg, Johann Konrad Dannerhauer, complained that the custom was distracting people from the Word of God. For the next 100 years the tradition remained confined to the lower Rhine, now the northern areas of France and southern areas of Germany. It was also regarded as only a Protestant custom.
In 1816 the Christmas tree was introduced in Austria by Princess Henrietta von Nassau-Weilburg. The tree was soon introduced in Britain by King George III and spread across the nation through illustrations in the Illustrated London News.
By 1850 the tradition was copied in America, although Easton, Pa. and Windsor Locks, Conn. both claim the country’s first Christmas tree as early as 1777.
Traditionally the trees were not brought in and decorated until Christmas Eve and then removed after the 12th night. To have a tree up beyond the 12 days of Christmas was considered bad luck.
But now with the increasing commercialization and business of the holidays, it’s not uncommon to see Christmas trees in homes before Thanksgiving.
Personally I’m quite sure my aunt would display her love of Christmas and leave her tree up year round if it wasn’t so taboo.
It’s also interesting to note that some ultra-conservative Christians believe the Bible prohibits the Christmas Tree tradition in Jeremiah 10:3-4.
"For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
So whatever you call it, whichever origin you choose to believe, whether you hang your tree upside down or set it up-right and however long you choose to leave your tree up – lets lift our glass of eggnog and say a toast to the Christmas tree whose "branches green delight us."
ABC picks team to lead World News
ABC News announced yesterday that Elizabeth Vargas and Bob Woodruff would fill the void left by veteran anchor Peter Jennings on the networks nightly news cast.
The two are also expected to host a daily webcast, giving a summary of the days news before the nightly broadcast.
The team is also expected to broadcast a second news program for the west coast, rather than a rebroadcast of the east coast newscast.
It will be interesting to see what overall changes, if any, this will make to the way we get our news.
News directors all over the country are clammering for ways to attract a younger audience back to traditional media -- or find ways to transform their traditional forms to the new medias.
The two are also expected to host a daily webcast, giving a summary of the days news before the nightly broadcast.
In choosing to invest in the future, ABC appears to be acknowledging that the network news landscape has changed mightily in the last year, in terms of talent rosters and technology used for delivering the news to consumers. Ms. Vargas and Mr. Woodruff, for example, will have as their principal rival a contemporary: Brian Williams, 46, who succeeded Mr. Brokaw as the anchor of "NBC Nightly News" on Dec. 2, 2004.
The team is also expected to broadcast a second news program for the west coast, rather than a rebroadcast of the east coast newscast.
It will be interesting to see what overall changes, if any, this will make to the way we get our news.
News directors all over the country are clammering for ways to attract a younger audience back to traditional media -- or find ways to transform their traditional forms to the new medias.
Already gone to press
It's 9:26 a.m. and we've already gone to press with our paper. Our normal press deadline is 10:30. We're moving ahead.
I came in at 8 a.m. after working on three stories till 1 a.m.
I was waiting on a phone call from a source and by the time he called the paper was already gone.
Oh well, that's why you write expecting you won't hear back from people in time.
But now I've got a follow-up story.
Sweet.
I came in at 8 a.m. after working on three stories till 1 a.m.
I was waiting on a phone call from a source and by the time he called the paper was already gone.
Oh well, that's why you write expecting you won't hear back from people in time.
But now I've got a follow-up story.
Sweet.
Monday, December 05, 2005
West Wing Season Five
The West Wing, Season 5, comes out on DVD tommorrow.
I still need to buy all the other seasons as well, but I think I may have to go jump on this one tomorrow.
Several places have lowered the cost on Seasons 1-3 to $20, but I haven't been able to find them anywhere. I guess I'll have to order them online if I don't get them for Christmas (hint - hint).
And last night's episode was really good.
This has been a really season. It will be interesting to see who they chose to win the presidential election.
I would imagine it would be Democratic nominee Santos, but they could surprise everyone with the Republican nominee.
We'll see.
I still need to buy all the other seasons as well, but I think I may have to go jump on this one tomorrow.
Several places have lowered the cost on Seasons 1-3 to $20, but I haven't been able to find them anywhere. I guess I'll have to order them online if I don't get them for Christmas (hint - hint).
And last night's episode was really good.
This has been a really season. It will be interesting to see who they chose to win the presidential election.
I would imagine it would be Democratic nominee Santos, but they could surprise everyone with the Republican nominee.
We'll see.
#1 and #2 out
Last year's #2 team in the nation, UMHB, was beaten out in the second round of the NCAA Div III Playoffs. And this weekend, last year's #1 team, Linfield, was beat by Whitewater.
So going into the semi-finals, its Wesley (who beat UMHB) at Whitewater and Rowan at Mt Union (who UMHB beat last year).
I'm picking Wesley and Mt Union in the championship.
Who's your pick?
So going into the semi-finals, its Wesley (who beat UMHB) at Whitewater and Rowan at Mt Union (who UMHB beat last year).
I'm picking Wesley and Mt Union in the championship.
Who's your pick?
Saturday, December 03, 2005
24 year old runs for congress
I found these site this week...
Joey Dauben for Congress and Ellis County Observer
Funny, he makes a lot of claims about media attention and I've never heard of the guy until I oversaw a local official reading one of his blogs.
Oh well. Maybe I'm just not in the know.
I think Mike might enjoy them.
Apparently he's a big fan (or not) of our paper. Most of his news stories/blogs are in reference to the WDL.
Joey Dauben for Congress and Ellis County Observer
Funny, he makes a lot of claims about media attention and I've never heard of the guy until I oversaw a local official reading one of his blogs.
Oh well. Maybe I'm just not in the know.
I think Mike might enjoy them.
Apparently he's a big fan (or not) of our paper. Most of his news stories/blogs are in reference to the WDL.
Friday, December 02, 2005
AJ meets AJ
AJ Styles meets AJ Pierzynski
World series champion catcher A.J. Pierzynski of the Chicago White Sox found himself in the middle of a brawl Tuesday, Nov. 29 in Orlando, Fla., when he attended a TV taping for TNA Wrestling's iMPACT!, which airs every Saturday night on SPIKE-TV (11 p.m. EST).
Pierzynski, a longtime pro wrestling fan, was there to present White Sox memorabilia including numerous team-signed items to The Phenomenal A.J. Styles, Chris Sabin and Sonjay Dutt -- three of the top wrestlers of TNA's electrifying, death-defying X-Division, a group of amazingly-talented wrestlers who have no fear, no limit and no boundaries.
During the presentation, the cocky Simon Diamond and his Diamonds in the Rough entourage of David Young and Elix Skipper interrupted the proceedings.
Dale Torborg, one of the White Sox' strength and conditioning coaches and a former pro wrestler (WCW's Demon), also was present, along with pro wrestling Hall of Famer Bobby The Brain Heenan.
Torborg, a former Florida Marlins conditioning coach, is the son of former major league player/coach/manager Jeff Torborg, now a broadcaster for FOX-TV.
The highlights from Pierzynski's TNA Wrestling appearance will air 10 p.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 8, during a one-hour prime-time iMPACT! wrestling show on SPIKE-TV.
Plus, Pierzynski will manage Sabin, Dutt and Torborg against Diamond, Young and Skipper in a live pay-per-view match on Sunday, Dec. 11 in Orlando. Fellow Major League Baseball players are expected to be in attendance to support Pierzynski.
During the White Sox 2005 playoff run, ESPN and numerous other media outlets referred to Pierzynski as, The Phenomenal A.J. Pierzynski, borrowing the nickname from Styles, TNA's X-Division champ.
Other athletes and celebrities including race car driver Hermie Sadler, ultimate fighters Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock and country music star Toby Keith have been involved in TNA matches in the past.
World series champion catcher A.J. Pierzynski of the Chicago White Sox found himself in the middle of a brawl Tuesday, Nov. 29 in Orlando, Fla., when he attended a TV taping for TNA Wrestling's iMPACT!, which airs every Saturday night on SPIKE-TV (11 p.m. EST).
Pierzynski, a longtime pro wrestling fan, was there to present White Sox memorabilia including numerous team-signed items to The Phenomenal A.J. Styles, Chris Sabin and Sonjay Dutt -- three of the top wrestlers of TNA's electrifying, death-defying X-Division, a group of amazingly-talented wrestlers who have no fear, no limit and no boundaries.
During the presentation, the cocky Simon Diamond and his Diamonds in the Rough entourage of David Young and Elix Skipper interrupted the proceedings.
Dale Torborg, one of the White Sox' strength and conditioning coaches and a former pro wrestler (WCW's Demon), also was present, along with pro wrestling Hall of Famer Bobby The Brain Heenan.
Torborg, a former Florida Marlins conditioning coach, is the son of former major league player/coach/manager Jeff Torborg, now a broadcaster for FOX-TV.
The highlights from Pierzynski's TNA Wrestling appearance will air 10 p.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 8, during a one-hour prime-time iMPACT! wrestling show on SPIKE-TV.
Plus, Pierzynski will manage Sabin, Dutt and Torborg against Diamond, Young and Skipper in a live pay-per-view match on Sunday, Dec. 11 in Orlando. Fellow Major League Baseball players are expected to be in attendance to support Pierzynski.
During the White Sox 2005 playoff run, ESPN and numerous other media outlets referred to Pierzynski as, The Phenomenal A.J. Pierzynski, borrowing the nickname from Styles, TNA's X-Division champ.
Other athletes and celebrities including race car driver Hermie Sadler, ultimate fighters Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock and country music star Toby Keith have been involved in TNA matches in the past.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Bush sent jurry summons
President Bush has received a jury summons in McLennan County.
It's unsure whether he'll report or not.
It's unsure whether he'll report or not.
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