News items from the wire:
"Eight of broadcast television's 20 most popular programs last week featured contestants competing on their ability to dance, remember song lyrics, cook, impersonate celebrities or display some other talent, according to Nielsen Media Research."
The most watched show? "America's Got Talent."
America's Got Problems.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
On writing
In my short career as an editor, I have encountered many great writers.
I also have seen some awful stuff. But nothing like this:
"Gerald began — but was interrupted by a piercing whistle which cost him ten percent of his hearing permanently, as it did everyone else in a ten-mile radius of the eruption, not that it mattered much because for them 'permanently' meant the next ten minutes or so until buried by searing lava or suffocated by choking ash — to pee."
That gem was written by Jim Gleeson 47, of Madison, Wis., who beat thousands of English perpetrators on Monday in an annual contest that celebrates bad writing, according to an Associated Press story.
He said his time in college prepared him.
I also have seen some awful stuff. But nothing like this:
"Gerald began — but was interrupted by a piercing whistle which cost him ten percent of his hearing permanently, as it did everyone else in a ten-mile radius of the eruption, not that it mattered much because for them 'permanently' meant the next ten minutes or so until buried by searing lava or suffocated by choking ash — to pee."
That gem was written by Jim Gleeson 47, of Madison, Wis., who beat thousands of English perpetrators on Monday in an annual contest that celebrates bad writing, according to an Associated Press story.
He said his time in college prepared him.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Two sides to every story?
A column on today’s Wall Street Journal (yes, I also read other papers) by Dennis Patrick and Thomas W. Hazlett, both former Federal Communications Commission officials, tackled the now defunct “Fairness Doctrine” — the rule that forced broadcasters to basically give time for other “contrasting perspectives” when a controversial issue was raised.
In it, Patrick and Hazlett criticized U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, and others for efforts to re-impose “fairness” regulation.
The issue of government enforcement and regulation notwithstanding, there is a school of thought in journalistic circles that says that in order to be fair, every side has to be presented. And everyone can agree with that.
But not every position has two or more sides.
If you allow me to be a bit ridiculous, allow me to present the following example:
Say you are writing a story about the roundness of the Earth. Do you have to introduce the Earth-is-flat crowd?
(Believe me, there are some still out there — look them up).
Now, say you are writing the same story at the time it was discovered the Earth was round. Having a large and loud constituency, the Earth-is-flat crowd has to be part of that story.
The challenge, thus, is determining how large is a certain view. If it is too small, giving that side a forum may distort the story by giving the sides equal footing. Some of this shenanigans passes for debate on cable news channels today (they know you’ll watch with amusement if they get the loonies on their show, news be dammed).
I mentioned some of this to colleague and masterful reporter Paul Kirby, who deadpanned me with this:
“There’s only one side to the story: The truth.”
I could not have said it better.
By the way, the “Fairness Doctrine” didn’t apply to newspapers.
And that is good. I’m a big fan of Uncle Sam, but not if he’s making newsroom decisions.
In it, Patrick and Hazlett criticized U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, and others for efforts to re-impose “fairness” regulation.
The issue of government enforcement and regulation notwithstanding, there is a school of thought in journalistic circles that says that in order to be fair, every side has to be presented. And everyone can agree with that.
But not every position has two or more sides.
If you allow me to be a bit ridiculous, allow me to present the following example:
Say you are writing a story about the roundness of the Earth. Do you have to introduce the Earth-is-flat crowd?
(Believe me, there are some still out there — look them up).
Now, say you are writing the same story at the time it was discovered the Earth was round. Having a large and loud constituency, the Earth-is-flat crowd has to be part of that story.
The challenge, thus, is determining how large is a certain view. If it is too small, giving that side a forum may distort the story by giving the sides equal footing. Some of this shenanigans passes for debate on cable news channels today (they know you’ll watch with amusement if they get the loonies on their show, news be dammed).
I mentioned some of this to colleague and masterful reporter Paul Kirby, who deadpanned me with this:
“There’s only one side to the story: The truth.”
I could not have said it better.
By the way, the “Fairness Doctrine” didn’t apply to newspapers.
And that is good. I’m a big fan of Uncle Sam, but not if he’s making newsroom decisions.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Et tu, YouTube?
Warning: The following blog is long and contains references to other media.
I listened to a radio ad recently for a story about the much-publicized Kingston mayor's bout with the wife of a candidate for district attorney.
The lead of the story in the ad made much ado about the video ending up on YouTube.
As you may know from reading our blogs, we posted it -- we had to, after all, since it's news -- -- so I was confused about YouTube being part of the story.
The lead of the radio station story on its Web site reads: "KINGSTON, NY (2007-07-16) Kingston Mayor James Sottile and the wife of Democratic DA candidate Jonathan Sennett got into an argument. She punched him, they threw drinks at each other. And it's all on YouTube. ..."
The audio story ends with this when mentioning the YouTube posting: "Sometimes the context is lost without an objective reporter," which is something I can agree with.
Which also is one reason why I posted on the YouTube page that the Freeman had the whole story. And If you click on the link about the person who posted it, you'll also get a link to the Freeman Web site. The "context" was provided by Political Editor Hugh Reynolds with help from Freeman Reporter Paul Kirby and City Editor Jeremy Schiffres -- all of them veteran journalists.
Alas, in retrospect, that might not have been enough.
Other local media and even a New York City daily made note of YouTube in their stories as well, and none of them mentioned who had posted it or why. And nobody bothered to contact the person who posted it (I would have gotten an e-mail, since that person was me.) Add to that the fact that I know most of the people who worked on those stories, and you've got yourself a confused editor.
I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. There is only so much time you can spend on a single story, and some information is not gathered (Follow up stories take care of that). Besides, who posted the video is obviously peripheral to the story itself. I also don't think that our competitors would've been too happy saying the Freeman was the medium that posted the story online. In return, you might have noticed, I mention no news organizations by name (you know who they are anyway).
Notice also that the Freeman Web site -- like every other Web site -- has the same global reach as YouTube (though, obviously, not as many visitors). So posting it exclusively on our Web site, which we can't do yet, had the same potential to reach as many people.
We saw it as a tool, especially as the "The video speaks for itself" quotes began piling up. We even quipped about giving our competitors a free bone (after all, they could have gotten the video themselves -- like the New York City network did -- and post it on their Web sites, if they have the capability). The pack, by the way, was happy to chew the bone. Most of them link to the YouTube page.
The security camera video was a primary source. The Freeman got a copy, and we put it online.
So, again, why was YouTube part of stories by other media?
Because, I want to believe, the reporters who worked on the story probably thought it was a random citizen who posted the video ("Broadcast Yourself" is the site's motto). One paper even editorialized about being "leery about how the video ... ended up on You Tube so quickly." That speaks to an unwritten newsroom fear about unreliable reporting, (you may not believe me, but journalists are professionals --constantly learning and with an understanding of the written word, ethics, history and all the other goodies formal training provides).
A more cynical me thinks a lot of journalists are still struggling with the fact that newspapers are evolving, and video and audio are becoming part of what we do.
But an even more cynical me thinks the whole YouTube mention was a way for other media to link to the video without having to get it themselves or pay lip service to their competitor.
Think about it. Rework the lead on the radio story:
"KINGSTON, NY (2007-07-16) Kingston Mayor James Sottile and the wife of Democratic DA candidate Jonathan Sennett got into an argument. She punched him, they threw drinks at each other. And it's all on the Freeman's Web site."
"Reporters do reporting" -- no matter the medium --is not a story.
I listened to a radio ad recently for a story about the much-publicized Kingston mayor's bout with the wife of a candidate for district attorney.
The lead of the story in the ad made much ado about the video ending up on YouTube.
As you may know from reading our blogs, we posted it -- we had to, after all, since it's news -- -- so I was confused about YouTube being part of the story.
The lead of the radio station story on its Web site reads: "KINGSTON, NY (2007-07-16) Kingston Mayor James Sottile and the wife of Democratic DA candidate Jonathan Sennett got into an argument. She punched him, they threw drinks at each other. And it's all on YouTube. ..."
The audio story ends with this when mentioning the YouTube posting: "Sometimes the context is lost without an objective reporter," which is something I can agree with.
Which also is one reason why I posted on the YouTube page that the Freeman had the whole story. And If you click on the link about the person who posted it, you'll also get a link to the Freeman Web site. The "context" was provided by Political Editor Hugh Reynolds with help from Freeman Reporter Paul Kirby and City Editor Jeremy Schiffres -- all of them veteran journalists.
Alas, in retrospect, that might not have been enough.
Other local media and even a New York City daily made note of YouTube in their stories as well, and none of them mentioned who had posted it or why. And nobody bothered to contact the person who posted it (I would have gotten an e-mail, since that person was me.) Add to that the fact that I know most of the people who worked on those stories, and you've got yourself a confused editor.
I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. There is only so much time you can spend on a single story, and some information is not gathered (Follow up stories take care of that). Besides, who posted the video is obviously peripheral to the story itself. I also don't think that our competitors would've been too happy saying the Freeman was the medium that posted the story online. In return, you might have noticed, I mention no news organizations by name (you know who they are anyway).
Notice also that the Freeman Web site -- like every other Web site -- has the same global reach as YouTube (though, obviously, not as many visitors). So posting it exclusively on our Web site, which we can't do yet, had the same potential to reach as many people.
We saw it as a tool, especially as the "The video speaks for itself" quotes began piling up. We even quipped about giving our competitors a free bone (after all, they could have gotten the video themselves -- like the New York City network did -- and post it on their Web sites, if they have the capability). The pack, by the way, was happy to chew the bone. Most of them link to the YouTube page.
The security camera video was a primary source. The Freeman got a copy, and we put it online.
So, again, why was YouTube part of stories by other media?
Because, I want to believe, the reporters who worked on the story probably thought it was a random citizen who posted the video ("Broadcast Yourself" is the site's motto). One paper even editorialized about being "leery about how the video ... ended up on You Tube so quickly." That speaks to an unwritten newsroom fear about unreliable reporting, (you may not believe me, but journalists are professionals --constantly learning and with an understanding of the written word, ethics, history and all the other goodies formal training provides).
A more cynical me thinks a lot of journalists are still struggling with the fact that newspapers are evolving, and video and audio are becoming part of what we do.
But an even more cynical me thinks the whole YouTube mention was a way for other media to link to the video without having to get it themselves or pay lip service to their competitor.
Think about it. Rework the lead on the radio story:
"KINGSTON, NY (2007-07-16) Kingston Mayor James Sottile and the wife of Democratic DA candidate Jonathan Sennett got into an argument. She punched him, they threw drinks at each other. And it's all on the Freeman's Web site."
"Reporters do reporting" -- no matter the medium --is not a story.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Star notes
* Colombian-born comedian-actor John Leguizamo, who has a dwelling in Ulster County, turned 43 on Sunday. Happy Birthday!
* Ulster County's Aidan Quinn (also an honorary "doctor" from SUNY New Paltz) got an Emmy nod for HBO's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" last week. It is his second nomination. He'll be in good company. Sister-in-law Lorraine Bracco (the shrink on "The Sopranos") got a nod for the HBO hit mob drama. Quinn is married to actress Elizabeth Bracco (who also was on "The Sopranos").
* Steve Buscemi is said to have fallen for the area thanks to Quinn. Although officially a New York City resident, Buscemi has a place in Ulster, and if you're lucky you might spot him here and there. You can see him now in "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry."
* Ulster County's Aidan Quinn (also an honorary "doctor" from SUNY New Paltz) got an Emmy nod for HBO's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" last week. It is his second nomination. He'll be in good company. Sister-in-law Lorraine Bracco (the shrink on "The Sopranos") got a nod for the HBO hit mob drama. Quinn is married to actress Elizabeth Bracco (who also was on "The Sopranos").
* Steve Buscemi is said to have fallen for the area thanks to Quinn. Although officially a New York City resident, Buscemi has a place in Ulster, and if you're lucky you might spot him here and there. You can see him now in "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry."
Friday, July 20, 2007
Harry Potter and the worldwide craze
The Associated Press moved a review of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” at 7 p.m. Friday, many hours after we had finished our Saturday Life pages.
If you are a regular Freeman reader, you know we don’t run book reviews. I had blogged (is that a verb?) about this before.
Having said that, tomorrow’s Freeman will have the review (And don’t worry, there will be no spoilers).
Why are we making an exception for this book?
The answer is you.
As in, YOU are the one who's going to be at the bookstore at midnight tonight -- dressed up as a wizard with a wand and a goblet -- buying a children’s book (Sorry, young adult).
Children actually wanting to read?
Adults captivated by a children’s book?
A worldwide celebration of a fictional character?
That, my friends, is news, if not magic.
So if you want to know if Harry lives or dies, well, you’re going to have to read a book.
What a crazy concept.
If you are a regular Freeman reader, you know we don’t run book reviews. I had blogged (is that a verb?) about this before.
Having said that, tomorrow’s Freeman will have the review (And don’t worry, there will be no spoilers).
Why are we making an exception for this book?
The answer is you.
As in, YOU are the one who's going to be at the bookstore at midnight tonight -- dressed up as a wizard with a wand and a goblet -- buying a children’s book (Sorry, young adult).
Children actually wanting to read?
Adults captivated by a children’s book?
A worldwide celebration of a fictional character?
That, my friends, is news, if not magic.
So if you want to know if Harry lives or dies, well, you’re going to have to read a book.
What a crazy concept.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Web matters
Freeman readers might have noticed today's food story in the Life section highlighted a Culinary Institute of America video the facility posted on YouTube.
YouTube allows fans to post and even paste videos on other Web sites (The mayor's infamous bout, which we posted, is a good example).
Expect more Web things from us now that the floodgates are open. Whenever you see the computer mouse in the Life pages, you can expect to see a complementary feature online.
Case in point, tomorrow's Harry Potter stories have an accompanying Web feature: a "Jukebox" provided by Random House with excerpts from previous books. The new one is in Guantanamo, apparently, until its release Friday at midnight, though photos of pages of “Deathly Hallows” are said to be online (And no, I’m not giving you the link).
And if you have time, check out the mayor's video (one more time) and compare the level of discourse of The Freeman's monitored forums with the one from anything-goes YouTube.
Ouch!
YouTube allows fans to post and even paste videos on other Web sites (The mayor's infamous bout, which we posted, is a good example).
Expect more Web things from us now that the floodgates are open. Whenever you see the computer mouse in the Life pages, you can expect to see a complementary feature online.
Case in point, tomorrow's Harry Potter stories have an accompanying Web feature: a "Jukebox" provided by Random House with excerpts from previous books. The new one is in Guantanamo, apparently, until its release Friday at midnight, though photos of pages of “Deathly Hallows” are said to be online (And no, I’m not giving you the link).
And if you have time, check out the mayor's video (one more time) and compare the level of discourse of The Freeman's monitored forums with the one from anything-goes YouTube.
Ouch!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Allaire Studios
Life readers might have noticed today that Mandy Moore recorded her new album at photographer and musician Randall Wallace’s Allaire Studios in Shokan.
Allaire has hosted a plethora of artists, including David Bowie, Tim McGraw, Norah Jones, Rush, Ray LaMontagne, Dar Williams, the Gipsy Kings, My Morning Jacket, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Strokes, Jason Mraz, Tim & Neil Finn, The Magic Numbers, Staind and on and on and on. The list is quite large (and impressive).
Local artists like New Paltz’s The Trapps and Woodstock’s Donald Fagen (of Steele Dan) have also recorded there.
The Associated Press’ Michael Hill wrote about the studio a few years back (it opened in 2002). The New York Times called it a haven.
As I said before, there must be something in the valley.
Visit www.allairestudios.com for more information.
Also, like anything and everything music, the studio has a presence on MySpace.
Allaire has hosted a plethora of artists, including David Bowie, Tim McGraw, Norah Jones, Rush, Ray LaMontagne, Dar Williams, the Gipsy Kings, My Morning Jacket, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Strokes, Jason Mraz, Tim & Neil Finn, The Magic Numbers, Staind and on and on and on. The list is quite large (and impressive).
Local artists like New Paltz’s The Trapps and Woodstock’s Donald Fagen (of Steele Dan) have also recorded there.
The Associated Press’ Michael Hill wrote about the studio a few years back (it opened in 2002). The New York Times called it a haven.
As I said before, there must be something in the valley.
Visit www.allairestudios.com for more information.
Also, like anything and everything music, the studio has a presence on MySpace.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Steve Buscemi, part II
Buscemi (see first post from Thursday) is a part-time resident of Ulster County, and good friend of fellow actor (and Ulster County resident) Aiden Quinn, according to Abbe Aronson, publicity director of the Woodstock Film Festival. I had long suspected this, having heard many people talk about sightings of the actor-director over the last years.
The stars are all around us.
There must be something in the valley.
...
Talking about the festival, its organizers are having a gala with a Not So Silent Auction Saturday from 6:30 to 10 .m. at the Wiltwyck Country Club, 404 Steward Lane, Kingston.
The auction features some interesting goodies, including some items from area stars Uma Thurman, David Strathairn and, of course, Buscemi.
As always, the Freeman will keep you posted.
The stars are all around us.
There must be something in the valley.
...
Talking about the festival, its organizers are having a gala with a Not So Silent Auction Saturday from 6:30 to 10 .m. at the Wiltwyck Country Club, 404 Steward Lane, Kingston.
The auction features some interesting goodies, including some items from area stars Uma Thurman, David Strathairn and, of course, Buscemi.
As always, the Freeman will keep you posted.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Entertainment and religion can mix, and well
Alert readers might notice an unusual “Best Bet” in Preview this week.
The Saved Skaters, a Christian group that mixes faith and skateboarding, is coming to Accord’s Skate Time 209 for a free skating demonstration and possibly some Jesus stuff.
Is the Freeman, all of a sudden, proselytizing?
Hardly.
Just like a traditional klezmer concert or a spiritual drum circle, some entertainment events do have religious overtones, and we have them all. As an editor, it is one of my responsibilities to tell you about not just the events, but what and who is behind them (and, of course, when, where and why).
So if a screening of a local movie happens to be fundraiser for a church or even a politician, we’ll tell you about it. We have to.
Some readers might choose to go, some not. Caveat emptor (“Let the buyer beware”).
I think it would be dishonest to omit who’s behind a certain screening or concert or skating demonstration.
Besides, note that the event is “unusual,” one of the very definitions of news (as in “Man bites dog”).
...
Skate Time 209, you might remember, got in trouble with the state Division of Human Rights for having a “Christian Skate” night. The state thought the facility was discriminating.
To avoid the problem, the event -- playing Christian music while people skate -- was changed to “Spiritual Skate” night and the whole storm disappeared from cable TV and Christian Radio.
I always thought the whole issue was weird.
Say you were to go to “Spiritual Night” because you are a spiritual person who practices a non-Christian religion. Remember caveat emptor? How do you, the “buyer,” “beware,” if you are not aware?
So I’m glad they’re spelling it out this time. Everybody can go. And obviously, some might choose not to.
Like me.
The Saved Skaters, a Christian group that mixes faith and skateboarding, is coming to Accord’s Skate Time 209 for a free skating demonstration and possibly some Jesus stuff.
Is the Freeman, all of a sudden, proselytizing?
Hardly.
Just like a traditional klezmer concert or a spiritual drum circle, some entertainment events do have religious overtones, and we have them all. As an editor, it is one of my responsibilities to tell you about not just the events, but what and who is behind them (and, of course, when, where and why).
So if a screening of a local movie happens to be fundraiser for a church or even a politician, we’ll tell you about it. We have to.
Some readers might choose to go, some not. Caveat emptor (“Let the buyer beware”).
I think it would be dishonest to omit who’s behind a certain screening or concert or skating demonstration.
Besides, note that the event is “unusual,” one of the very definitions of news (as in “Man bites dog”).
...
Skate Time 209, you might remember, got in trouble with the state Division of Human Rights for having a “Christian Skate” night. The state thought the facility was discriminating.
To avoid the problem, the event -- playing Christian music while people skate -- was changed to “Spiritual Skate” night and the whole storm disappeared from cable TV and Christian Radio.
I always thought the whole issue was weird.
Say you were to go to “Spiritual Night” because you are a spiritual person who practices a non-Christian religion. Remember caveat emptor? How do you, the “buyer,” “beware,” if you are not aware?
So I’m glad they’re spelling it out this time. Everybody can go. And obviously, some might choose not to.
Like me.
Steve Buscemi
Woodstock Film Festival's 2005 Honorary Maverick Award-winner Steve Buscemi has a new movie, “Interview.”
The late Hallie Arnold wrote about him when he came to the film festival in October of 2005 here and here. There were more stories, of course, but you get the idea.
Before that, he was “whacked” in “The Sopranos” at a farm in Red Hook. Hallie wrote about the filming when the crew was here in 2003 (and stayed at the Holiday Inn, less than a block from where I’m writing this). That story does not mention him nor the plot of the episode, HBO being HBO (“It’s not TV, it’s ‘I’ll sue you if you reveal the plot’ HBO").
Also a director, the “fiercely independent” “funny-looking" man (“Fargo,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Armageddon,” just to show his range) directed and stars in “Interview.”
In the film, Buscemi plays, get this!, a journalist who gets to interview a TV and movie star (played by the gorgeous Sienna Miller) AS PUNISHMENT from an evil editor (not me). It is a punishment, apparently, because the journalist he portrays is a serious reporter who has no time for trivialities.
Paris Hilton notwithstanding (see post below), I wonder what Hallie would have thought, since she was a serious reporter who loved covering stars like Buscemi.
And now that I've introduced Paris (I'm not sorry this time) and if you can’t wait to get your Steve Buscemi fix, you can see him at Upstate Films in Rhinebeck in one of the 18 shorts of “Paris je t’aime,” which means “Paris (and something else in French which is definitely not ‘Hilton’).”
Actually, Freeman reporter Mary Fairchild just told me “Paris je t’aime” means “I love you, Paris,” so pardon my French.
...
“Interview” opens Friday “in selected cities.” We, of course, have not been selected.
But the folks at Upstate Films in Rhinebeck have, and are planning to have the movie starting in August.
The Freeman, of course, will keep you posted.
The late Hallie Arnold wrote about him when he came to the film festival in October of 2005 here and here. There were more stories, of course, but you get the idea.
Before that, he was “whacked” in “The Sopranos” at a farm in Red Hook. Hallie wrote about the filming when the crew was here in 2003 (and stayed at the Holiday Inn, less than a block from where I’m writing this). That story does not mention him nor the plot of the episode, HBO being HBO (“It’s not TV, it’s ‘I’ll sue you if you reveal the plot’ HBO").
Also a director, the “fiercely independent” “funny-looking" man (“Fargo,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Armageddon,” just to show his range) directed and stars in “Interview.”
In the film, Buscemi plays, get this!, a journalist who gets to interview a TV and movie star (played by the gorgeous Sienna Miller) AS PUNISHMENT from an evil editor (not me). It is a punishment, apparently, because the journalist he portrays is a serious reporter who has no time for trivialities.
Paris Hilton notwithstanding (see post below), I wonder what Hallie would have thought, since she was a serious reporter who loved covering stars like Buscemi.
And now that I've introduced Paris (I'm not sorry this time) and if you can’t wait to get your Steve Buscemi fix, you can see him at Upstate Films in Rhinebeck in one of the 18 shorts of “Paris je t’aime,” which means “Paris (and something else in French which is definitely not ‘Hilton’).”
Actually, Freeman reporter Mary Fairchild just told me “Paris je t’aime” means “I love you, Paris,” so pardon my French.
...
“Interview” opens Friday “in selected cities.” We, of course, have not been selected.
But the folks at Upstate Films in Rhinebeck have, and are planning to have the movie starting in August.
The Freeman, of course, will keep you posted.
Monday, July 9, 2007
First of all, I’m sorry.
I had to bring her up if we were to discuss this.
Browsing the Associated Press wire today, I found a story about the upcoming E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo for video games, which starts tomorrow. I found three photos for that story. One of them was a file photo of Paris Hilton.
Thing is, the story really has nothing to do with her.
So when I read the cutline (that’s the caption, for people who speak normal English), I found this unbelievable sentence:
“There will be no celebrity appearances from the likes of Paris Hilton ...”
In the most uncanny move to make the irrelevant relevant, the first paragraph of the story ends with this:
“Celebrity appearances from the likes of Paris Hilton or Snoop Dogg are a thing of the past, too.”
As I said before, I’m sorry for bringing her up.
So here’s my apology, via MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski:
...
Hilton was at E3 once, so the almighty AP decided in its infinite wisdom that she was relevant for this year’s story.
Well, I lived in Albany for two years, so from now (and applying its same formula), the AP should include me in every story about the state politics.
Here’s a token:
ORIGINAL: ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Despite their recent feuding, Governor Eliot Spitzer said Monday he has a "fine" relationship with Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.
“IMPROVED”: ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Despite their recent feuding, Governor Eliot Spitzer said Monday he has a "fine" relationship with Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. One-time Albany resident Ivan Lajara -- who once saw Gov. Spitzer when he was state attorney general -- visited the Legislature once and even pressed the “Nay” button in the Senate chambers, even though he was told not to touch anything.
How’s that for news.
I had to bring her up if we were to discuss this.
Browsing the Associated Press wire today, I found a story about the upcoming E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo for video games, which starts tomorrow. I found three photos for that story. One of them was a file photo of Paris Hilton.
Thing is, the story really has nothing to do with her.
So when I read the cutline (that’s the caption, for people who speak normal English), I found this unbelievable sentence:
“There will be no celebrity appearances from the likes of Paris Hilton ...”
In the most uncanny move to make the irrelevant relevant, the first paragraph of the story ends with this:
“Celebrity appearances from the likes of Paris Hilton or Snoop Dogg are a thing of the past, too.”
As I said before, I’m sorry for bringing her up.
So here’s my apology, via MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski:
...
Hilton was at E3 once, so the almighty AP decided in its infinite wisdom that she was relevant for this year’s story.
Well, I lived in Albany for two years, so from now (and applying its same formula), the AP should include me in every story about the state politics.
Here’s a token:
ORIGINAL: ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Despite their recent feuding, Governor Eliot Spitzer said Monday he has a "fine" relationship with Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.
“IMPROVED”: ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Despite their recent feuding, Governor Eliot Spitzer said Monday he has a "fine" relationship with Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. One-time Albany resident Ivan Lajara -- who once saw Gov. Spitzer when he was state attorney general -- visited the Legislature once and even pressed the “Nay” button in the Senate chambers, even though he was told not to touch anything.
How’s that for news.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Ulster resident can't see her movie in Ulster
Ulster County resident Vera Farmiga is one of the protagonists in the thriller “Joshua,” opening Friday in limited release and “nationwide” later (quotes in “nationwide” means “probably not in the mid-Hudson Valley”).
She played the female role in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning “The Departed” (She was the love interest of Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio).
Funny thing: According to IMDB.com, she lives in both New Jersey and Los Angeles.
But if you are to believe print interviews with her, she’s been in Ulster since 1999 and likes it a lot, thank you very much.
So here’s hope the movie comes to her county.
She played the female role in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning “The Departed” (She was the love interest of Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio).
Funny thing: According to IMDB.com, she lives in both New Jersey and Los Angeles.
But if you are to believe print interviews with her, she’s been in Ulster since 1999 and likes it a lot, thank you very much.
So here’s hope the movie comes to her county.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Useless "Transformers" trivia
Former SUNY New Paltz theater student John Turturro is one of the organic characters in the live-action movie about the robots that made me waste a lot of hours in the '80s (Damn you, Megatron!)
The Freeman has the review of the movie on Wednesday.
The Freeman has the review of the movie on Wednesday.
Away message away
This is what you should’ve been exposed to on June 23:
“I’m going to be away until July 3. I’ll be back then” (I forgot to push the PUBLISH button)
...
I was on vacation, and I actually took a painfully forced break from the news and the Web (or at least I tried until the terror plots in the U.K.).
So I missed reading about the gigantic Ellenville drug bust and the tiny ‘hippie’ bust, a racy DA race, the Hilton interview (no loss there), “Die Hard 4” (call it what you want, it’s just “Die Hard” to me), the iPhone (I want it), the Libby quasi-pardon and the iPhone.
Did I mention the iPhone? And how its only carrier, AT&T, has no reception either at the Freeman office or at my house?
Anyway, this is my belated way of saying sorry. And get out there. It’s nice.
And get me an iPhone.
“I’m going to be away until July 3. I’ll be back then” (I forgot to push the PUBLISH button)
...
I was on vacation, and I actually took a painfully forced break from the news and the Web (or at least I tried until the terror plots in the U.K.).
So I missed reading about the gigantic Ellenville drug bust and the tiny ‘hippie’ bust, a racy DA race, the Hilton interview (no loss there), “Die Hard 4” (call it what you want, it’s just “Die Hard” to me), the iPhone (I want it), the Libby quasi-pardon and the iPhone.
Did I mention the iPhone? And how its only carrier, AT&T, has no reception either at the Freeman office or at my house?
Anyway, this is my belated way of saying sorry. And get out there. It’s nice.
And get me an iPhone.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Et tu, Dylan?
Some guy named Bob Dylan rehearsed with his band at the Bardavon this week.
(The Freeman will have the story Saturday).
Photos and recordings were NOT allowed.
And no photographers will be allowed next week at the concert at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, Bethel Woods, either.
Upon hearing about this, a coworker raised an interesting issue: Why this God-like status for a songwriter whose greatest times were more than three decades ago? (“‘Modern Times’ notwithstanding,” I would have added).
And how many times is “Bob Dylan rehearses at the Bardavon -- again” going to be a story?
In the trade, we like to call that concept “reader fatigue”: As something happens more often, it becomes less unusual and less interesting, and readers stop ... well, reading.
(How many stories or photos of Middle East violence — or a starving refugee from Darfur, etc. — do you have to see or read before you stop paying attention?)
So next time Dylan shows up at the Bardavon (and he’s said he will -- and you can't go to that one, either), will that be news?
Full Disclosure: Chris Silva, the executive director of the Bardavon, saw his idol close and personal (I told him -- for all of you readers -- that he sucks).
I said that to him (in a jovial manner, by the way) because I’m planning to go to the June 29 concert (lawn tickets are modestly priced). And I’m probably just going to see Dylan as a dot on a stage next to a big screen with a half-second delay.
We’ll see.
(The Freeman will have the story Saturday).
Photos and recordings were NOT allowed.
And no photographers will be allowed next week at the concert at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, Bethel Woods, either.
Upon hearing about this, a coworker raised an interesting issue: Why this God-like status for a songwriter whose greatest times were more than three decades ago? (“‘Modern Times’ notwithstanding,” I would have added).
And how many times is “Bob Dylan rehearses at the Bardavon -- again” going to be a story?
In the trade, we like to call that concept “reader fatigue”: As something happens more often, it becomes less unusual and less interesting, and readers stop ... well, reading.
(How many stories or photos of Middle East violence — or a starving refugee from Darfur, etc. — do you have to see or read before you stop paying attention?)
So next time Dylan shows up at the Bardavon (and he’s said he will -- and you can't go to that one, either), will that be news?
Full Disclosure: Chris Silva, the executive director of the Bardavon, saw his idol close and personal (I told him -- for all of you readers -- that he sucks).
I said that to him (in a jovial manner, by the way) because I’m planning to go to the June 29 concert (lawn tickets are modestly priced). And I’m probably just going to see Dylan as a dot on a stage next to a big screen with a half-second delay.
We’ll see.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Book note
Some readers wanted to know how to get Shari Aber’s book, “A Kayaker’s Guide to the Hudson River Valley: The Quieter Waters, Rivers, Creeks, Lakes and Ponds.” The Freeman featured the New Paltz resident and her book in today’s Life section.
The publisher is Black Dome Press. You can order the book by calling (800) 513-9013 or online at www.blackdomepress.com
For more information, call (518) 734-6357.
The publisher is Black Dome Press. You can order the book by calling (800) 513-9013 or online at www.blackdomepress.com
For more information, call (518) 734-6357.
The story that hasn't happened (yet)
A multi-media project was set to take over Kingston for 24 hours a few weeks from now. And the Freeman was going to cover it.
Called “Kingston 24,” the project set out to record the city in a variety of ways in a 24-hour period.
“Unfortunately, this project has been postponed indefinitely.”
That was Arthur Zaczkiewicz, one of the organizers.
“We're looking for a physical space that would accommodate the work, which would include photos, video and audio (oral histories) as well as someone kind enough to host a Web site for the project,” Zaczkiewicz said via e-mail.
As Pink Floyd used to say, “Is there anybody out there?”
Called “Kingston 24,” the project set out to record the city in a variety of ways in a 24-hour period.
“Unfortunately, this project has been postponed indefinitely.”
That was Arthur Zaczkiewicz, one of the organizers.
“We're looking for a physical space that would accommodate the work, which would include photos, video and audio (oral histories) as well as someone kind enough to host a Web site for the project,” Zaczkiewicz said via e-mail.
As Pink Floyd used to say, “Is there anybody out there?”
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Payola pays off
A long time ago, in the far-away galaxy known as New York State, a whole bunch of record companies -- and later radio conglomerates -- settled lawsuits by then-New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer (who now lives in a “green” mansion in Albany working as something else, I think).
The labels were paying the stations to get play for acts that apparently needed help — acts like Celine Dion, Green Day and U2, to name a few.
(Where’s Bono when you need him?)
From those settlements, a music fund was created. The music fund awarded $32 million to 371 music projects throughout the state, with more than a dozen area groups benefiting. Life had the skinny in January.
This week’s Preview showcases the Maverick season, which also received one such grant. If you’ve noticed, a great many Previews have featured acts that came to the area thanks to those grants. Black Mozart, Michelle Shocked and Ladysmith Black Mambazo are but a few that come to mind.
What follows is the area list of who received how much and for what. The complete one is available at http://www.rockpa.org/.
Grants List
June 2006
Deep Listening Institute (Kingston) $65,000
To support Deep Listening Convergence 2007 presenting workshops, open rehearsals and live performances for in-person and online audiences.
Dutchess County Arts Council (Poughkeepsie) $16,000
To support the Hudson River Arts Festival which includes a series of folk music performances featuring African-American gospel, Puerto Rican jibaro and salsa, and bluegrass at different venues in Hudson Valley.
Hudson Opera House (Hudson) $100,000
To support the 06/07 presentation series featuring Afro-Cuban, flamenco, Latin American, classical and jazz music, as well as educational and artist workshops related to the performances.
Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural and Sports Center (East Durham) $45,000
For Catskills Irish Arts Week featuring performances, singing and over 60 daily music classes in new and traditional Irish Folk music.
The Olana Partnership (Hudson) $16,000
For a series of performances from a variety of musicians and musical genres such as pop, soul, bluegrass and swing.
Potential Unlimited Productions (Poughkeepsie) $37,000
To support the Summer Music Institute and Fall Mini-Institute projects which allow adult, performing artists with developmental disabilities from throughout New York State to develop their natural talents, explore performance media, hone skills, perform and network with other performing artists with and without disabilities.
Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson) $100,000
For The Blackamoor Angel, a new opera in three acts written by Carl Hancock Rux with music by Nancy Zi and Grisha Coleman.
Unison Arts and Learning Center (New Paltz) $80,000
To support a series of live performances showcasing a variety of artists from genres such as hip-hop, electronic music, zydeco, Cajun, folk or hula-blues.
December 2006
Arm-of-the-Sea Theater (Malden on Hudson) $12,000
For a series of free public performances throughout the eastern half of New York State in collaboration with different local partners showcasing music by Dean Jones, Juan Basilio Sanchez and the Big Sky Ensemble in a number of shows of the company’s repertoire.
Bard College/Bard High School Early College (Annandale-on-Hudson) $100,000
To support the expansion of contemporary music education through artist residencies that will include performances, workshops and classes open to community residents and students; and for creating a new after-school music program.
Bardavon 1869 Opera House (Poughkeepsie) $195,000
To support 36 performances of contemporary music in Poughkeepsie and Kingston through the Bardavon/UPAC Mainstage Series, the Bardavon’s Hudson Valley Philharmonic Symphony Concert Series, and the free Hudson River Arts Festival.
Catskill Mountain Foundation (Hunter) $100,000
For the year-round Music on the Mountain, presenting an eclectic lineup of concerts in genres from classical to folk to jazz, in partnership with various local arts organizations.
Center for Creative Education (Stone Ridge) $130,000
For the collaboration with the Kingston City School District to utilize the Carnegie Library building for teaching music and music technology through training in digital composition, sound recording, podcasting, video music production, and acoustic instrumental music; and as a rehearsal space for music and dance ensembles.
Maverick Concerts (Woodstock) $44,000
To commission and premiere a chamber orchestra version of the opera Final Alice by David Del Tredici that will be professionally recorded for broadcast over public stations WMHT and WRHV to reach a wider audience throughout the region.
Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural and Sports Centre (East Durham) $63,000
For the Catskills Irish Arts Week 2007 presenting concerts, music activities and over 70 music classes in new and traditional Irish folk music.
Mount Saint Mary College (Newburgh) $58,000
For a series of free community education music classes and a free concert series, featuring genres such as African, Caribbean, klezmer, jazz and Brazilian music.
Planet Arts (Catskill) $30,000
For Jazz in the Hudson Valley, a comprehensive initiative that will provide jazz programming from New York City to Albany through performances, open rehearsals, student and adult workshops and lectures in Ulster, Greene and Columbia counties.
Soundscape Presents (Accord) $57,000
To present, record and distribute via CD and radio broadcast a public concert of the Trombone Shout Band, featuring trombonist Roswell Rudd and the Rondout Valley High School.
Unison Arts and Learning Center (New Paltz) $75,000
For Unison’s Performance Series, live concerts from a variety of musical genres including jazz, blues, folk, ‘new’ country, Tex-Mex, gospel, Latin, Cuban rumba, Parisian cafe tunes and retro-hip.
Woodstock Guild of Craftsmen (Woodstock) $75,000
For Roots and Traditional Music showcasing both emerging and established artists of the Hudson Valley playing American roots music, indie rock and folk; local bluegrass banjo greats; and women singer/songwriters who sing blues, jazz, folk and pop.
The labels were paying the stations to get play for acts that apparently needed help — acts like Celine Dion, Green Day and U2, to name a few.
(Where’s Bono when you need him?)
From those settlements, a music fund was created. The music fund awarded $32 million to 371 music projects throughout the state, with more than a dozen area groups benefiting. Life had the skinny in January.
This week’s Preview showcases the Maverick season, which also received one such grant. If you’ve noticed, a great many Previews have featured acts that came to the area thanks to those grants. Black Mozart, Michelle Shocked and Ladysmith Black Mambazo are but a few that come to mind.
What follows is the area list of who received how much and for what. The complete one is available at http://www.rockpa.org/.
Grants List
June 2006
Deep Listening Institute (Kingston) $65,000
To support Deep Listening Convergence 2007 presenting workshops, open rehearsals and live performances for in-person and online audiences.
Dutchess County Arts Council (Poughkeepsie) $16,000
To support the Hudson River Arts Festival which includes a series of folk music performances featuring African-American gospel, Puerto Rican jibaro and salsa, and bluegrass at different venues in Hudson Valley.
Hudson Opera House (Hudson) $100,000
To support the 06/07 presentation series featuring Afro-Cuban, flamenco, Latin American, classical and jazz music, as well as educational and artist workshops related to the performances.
Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural and Sports Center (East Durham) $45,000
For Catskills Irish Arts Week featuring performances, singing and over 60 daily music classes in new and traditional Irish Folk music.
The Olana Partnership (Hudson) $16,000
For a series of performances from a variety of musicians and musical genres such as pop, soul, bluegrass and swing.
Potential Unlimited Productions (Poughkeepsie) $37,000
To support the Summer Music Institute and Fall Mini-Institute projects which allow adult, performing artists with developmental disabilities from throughout New York State to develop their natural talents, explore performance media, hone skills, perform and network with other performing artists with and without disabilities.
Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson) $100,000
For The Blackamoor Angel, a new opera in three acts written by Carl Hancock Rux with music by Nancy Zi and Grisha Coleman.
Unison Arts and Learning Center (New Paltz) $80,000
To support a series of live performances showcasing a variety of artists from genres such as hip-hop, electronic music, zydeco, Cajun, folk or hula-blues.
December 2006
Arm-of-the-Sea Theater (Malden on Hudson) $12,000
For a series of free public performances throughout the eastern half of New York State in collaboration with different local partners showcasing music by Dean Jones, Juan Basilio Sanchez and the Big Sky Ensemble in a number of shows of the company’s repertoire.
Bard College/Bard High School Early College (Annandale-on-Hudson) $100,000
To support the expansion of contemporary music education through artist residencies that will include performances, workshops and classes open to community residents and students; and for creating a new after-school music program.
Bardavon 1869 Opera House (Poughkeepsie) $195,000
To support 36 performances of contemporary music in Poughkeepsie and Kingston through the Bardavon/UPAC Mainstage Series, the Bardavon’s Hudson Valley Philharmonic Symphony Concert Series, and the free Hudson River Arts Festival.
Catskill Mountain Foundation (Hunter) $100,000
For the year-round Music on the Mountain, presenting an eclectic lineup of concerts in genres from classical to folk to jazz, in partnership with various local arts organizations.
Center for Creative Education (Stone Ridge) $130,000
For the collaboration with the Kingston City School District to utilize the Carnegie Library building for teaching music and music technology through training in digital composition, sound recording, podcasting, video music production, and acoustic instrumental music; and as a rehearsal space for music and dance ensembles.
Maverick Concerts (Woodstock) $44,000
To commission and premiere a chamber orchestra version of the opera Final Alice by David Del Tredici that will be professionally recorded for broadcast over public stations WMHT and WRHV to reach a wider audience throughout the region.
Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural and Sports Centre (East Durham) $63,000
For the Catskills Irish Arts Week 2007 presenting concerts, music activities and over 70 music classes in new and traditional Irish folk music.
Mount Saint Mary College (Newburgh) $58,000
For a series of free community education music classes and a free concert series, featuring genres such as African, Caribbean, klezmer, jazz and Brazilian music.
Planet Arts (Catskill) $30,000
For Jazz in the Hudson Valley, a comprehensive initiative that will provide jazz programming from New York City to Albany through performances, open rehearsals, student and adult workshops and lectures in Ulster, Greene and Columbia counties.
Soundscape Presents (Accord) $57,000
To present, record and distribute via CD and radio broadcast a public concert of the Trombone Shout Band, featuring trombonist Roswell Rudd and the Rondout Valley High School.
Unison Arts and Learning Center (New Paltz) $75,000
For Unison’s Performance Series, live concerts from a variety of musical genres including jazz, blues, folk, ‘new’ country, Tex-Mex, gospel, Latin, Cuban rumba, Parisian cafe tunes and retro-hip.
Woodstock Guild of Craftsmen (Woodstock) $75,000
For Roots and Traditional Music showcasing both emerging and established artists of the Hudson Valley playing American roots music, indie rock and folk; local bluegrass banjo greats; and women singer/songwriters who sing blues, jazz, folk and pop.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
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