Grumpy Editor

FASCINATION WITH BRITAIN'S PRINCESS DIANA CONTINUES

Media continue the fascination with Britain’s Princess Diana on the 25th anniversary of her death in a Paris car accident, notes Grumpy Editor.

Diana, 37, died on Aug. 31, 1997, stunning people who felt they knew the princess after following her struggles and successes in media coverage over 17 years.

Anniversary stories focused on Diana's fans placing flowers, photos and messages outside the gates at Kensington Palace.

Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London.  It has been a residence of the British royal family since the 17th century.

 

IN CASE YOUR FAVORITE NEWS OUTLETS MISSED THESE...

 

KIDS' MATH, READING SCORES DROP.  In a setback for the nation’s children, a federal study shows math and reading scores for nine-year-olds in the U.S. fell dramatically during the first two years of the pandemic. 

200-YEAR-OLD SAGUARO CACTUS TOPPLES.  Heavy rains in Tucson, Arizona, topples a 200-year-old saguaro cactus.  It had more than 30 arms and was more than 40 feet high.

DOLLY PARTON DEBUTS DOG APPAREL.  Singer Dolly Parton starts an apparel brand aimed for dogs.   Named Doggy Parton, it offers gingham check bandanas, feather-brimmed cowboy hats, Dolly Parton shirts and more 

POLAND SEEKS WWII REPARATIONS.  Poland is seeking the equivalent of $1.3 trillion in reparations from Germany for the Nazis' World War II invasion and occupation.  It stems from a long-awaited report on the cost to the country of years of Nazi German occupation as it marks 83 years since the start of World War II.

YOUNGER AMERICANS DO SEEK DAILY NEWS.  A study shows 79 percent of Americans, ages 16 to 40, say they get news daily.  The report is contrary to the thinking that young people aren’t interested in daily news happenings. 

GOATS MUNCH ON PAPER WORK IN PATROL CAR.  A pair of curious goats broke into a Madison County, Alabama, sheriff's deputy's patrol car and ate his paperwork.  A video shows the hungry animals busy inside (in the passenger seat) and on top of the vehicle munching paper work.

SHORTAGE IN TOMATO PRODUCTS LOOMS.  California farmers warn ketchup, salsa, pasta sauce and other tomato products could soon be in short supply. The Golden State grows nearly all of America's processing tomatoes, but this year is shaping up to be another poor harvest season.

Media mum on Okinawa battle, Korean War anniversaries

 

Two major anniversaries shamefully went unnoticed by major media --- and the White House --- last week: The 70^th anniversary of the 82-day Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest and costliest of World War II in the Pacific, and the 65th anniversary marking the outbreak of the three-year Korean War which remains open ended following a July, 1952 cease fire, noted Grumpy Editor.

But those anniversaries were remembered overseas.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe placed a bouquet of flowers at a memorial service in Japan as he marked the Battle of Okinawa anniversary with 5,000 people in attendance.

The American victory over Japan was costly.  The U.S. suffered substantial losses in Okinawa: on land and at sea, more than 12,000 Americans were killed and more than 36,000 were wounded while 36 American ships and nearly 800 aircraft were lost.

Meanwhile, the Korean War anniversary was observed in South Korea, North Korea and even New Zealand.  North Korea marked the date with 100,000 participants in a rally at Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung Stadium.

The Korean War, often called the “Forgotten War,” resulted in 36,574 U.S. military deaths and 103,284 wounded.

Among media that did remember the Korean War anniversary were KHON-TV, Honolulu covering ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, and TV stations WGCL, Atlanta, and WCSC, Charleston, S.C. that used a six-sentence CNN story recapping the Korean War.

Generally, most media delight in spotlighting anniversaries, no matter how old.  Just last week print and broadcast outlets ran a story commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, a charter agreed by King John of England in 1215.

 

FYI, IN CASE YOUR FAVORITE NEWS OUTLETS MISSED THESE…

Looks like financial events in Greece will continue to affect up and down movements on the New York Stock Exchange this week…Whose house is it?  When a heckler interrupted Barack Obama’s gay rights speech at the White House, the president told the transgender woman, “Hey, listen, you’re in my house.”  (It may have slipped the president’s mind, but the White House is known as the People’s House.)…Ho-hum, keep trying.  From the Washington Examiner:  "House Speaker John Boehner said Thursday that the GOP will keep trying to repeal ObamaCare, after a Supreme Court ruling that upheld subsidies to people using the federal insurance exchange and basically left the law intact"…Guess what influenced TPP votes?  In connection with Congress’s action with the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership, The Guardian, London, cited backers of the trade deal “turned on the cash spigot” with donations to U.S. senators between January and March when fast-tracking the TPP was being debated.  It said out of $1,148,971 from corporate TPP supporters, an average of $17,676.48 was donated to each of the 65 “yea” votes, with the average Republican member receiving $19,673.28 while the average Democrat received $9,689.23…Media runs with it, not raising an eyebrow and asking “how calculated” when a White House-released study on climate change comes up with a figure.  As the Washington Post put it: “A global agreement to curb greenhouse gas emissions would prevent nearly 70,000 premature American deaths annually by the end of the century”…Media continued to call inflation tame, even after the Commerce Department noted the personal consumption expenditures index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, rose a seasonally adjusted 0.3 percent in May from the prior month, biggest rise in more than two years…El Monte, Calif. police responding to a burglary report chased a man riding a bicycle.  The bicyclist crashed into a bush and ran off as police gave chase on foot and arrested him.  But on returning to their police vehicle --- it was gone, stolen by someone who left it, motor idling, on a freeway onramp…Cheers to The Herald-Dispatch, Huntington, W. Va.  The newspaper welcomed 15 high school students to a four-day workshop last week that included participating in news coverage planning sessions, talking to reporters about various aspects of their jobs, learning about digital media, observing production of a newspaper page and accompanying reporters on assignments.

 

Finger-licking good?

Most front-page stories in the past week were rather glum but Grumpy Editor saw a line on Thursday’s Drudge Report that triggered a rare (these days) belly laugh:

Indiana cops arrest man spotted licking a toad…

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Few media eyebrows raised as 11 jetliners disappear

Most U.S. major print and broadcast media, usually relishing intrigue and mystery disappearances --- especially with the 9/11 anniversary on Thursday --- took a rain check in reporting 11 commercial jet airliners vanishing from Libya’s Tripoli International Airport after an Islamist militia took control, notes Grumpy Editor.

Free Beacon writer Bill Gertz on Tuesday revealed, “Intelligence reports of the stolen jetliners were distributed within the U.S. government over the past two weeks and included a warning that one or more of the aircraft could be used in an attack later this month on the date marking the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against New York and Washington, said U.S. officials familiar with the reports.”

A number of Web sites picked up the information, mentioning the possibility of suicide attacks utilizing aircraft.

London’s Daily Mail pointed out the 11 commercial jets from state-owned carriers Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways went missing in August after militants overran the airport.

Sept. 11 marks the 13th anniversary of terrorist attacks by airliners in the U.S. and the second anniversary of the raid on the U.S. Ambassador's compound in Benghazi, Libya, where four Americans were killed, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens.

 

IN CASE YOUR FAVORITE NEWS OUTLETS MISSED THESE…

Although Friday’s Labor Department report mentioned U.S. businesses added just 142,000 jobs in August, below the 226,000 added on average in the prior seven months, Vice President Joe Biden, filling in for President Barack Obama with the weekly White House address Saturday, painted a rosier picture, saying the “jobs report was another reminder of how far we’ve come. We’ve had 54 straight months of job creation. And that’s the longest streak of uninterrupted job growth in the United States’ history”…Film critic Leonard Maltin’s 2015 edition of "Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide," out tomorrow, will be the last in the series.  Maltin, now 63, was 18 when the first edition of his "Movie Guide" was published in 1969…USA Today, Gannett Co.’s flagship newspaper, laid off about 70 people, equally split between newsroom staffers and employees in other departments.  The newspaper said it is “working to align its staffing levels to meet current market conditions”…Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg soon will return to run Bloomberg LP, a financial data and media company…Reporting becomes dangerous job.  The Committee to Protect Journalists estimated at least 72 journalists have been killed covering the Syria conflict; more than 80 have been kidnapped and about 20 remained missing…Danger in San Francisco, too.  A KRON, San Francisco, TV reporter, sitting in the station’s van, was robbed by two men who stole his wallet plus TV equipment before fleeing in the Potrero District. It was the latest in a series of Bay area robberies involving news media members…Although Bank of America Corp. recently settled on a $16.65 billion fine for mortgage law violations, it faces PR problems with its patrons.  In the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study, BofA rated at or near the bottom for customer service in most U.S. geographic regions where it conducts business…Investigation results near?  After more than three months of investigation into Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s 2009 disappearance in Afghanistan, a final draft should be close. Bergdahl, who was held by the Taliban for five years, was released in May in a controversial exchange for five Taliban members.  Several fellow soldiers labeled Bergdahl a deserter who walked away from his outpost in Afghanistan.

Editors overlook event marking last U.S. bayonet battle

Overlooked by U.S. media was an anniversary ceremony at South Korea’s Osan Air Base last Thursday marking the U.S. Army’s last known bayonet charge, known as the Battle of Bayonet Hill on Feb. 7, 1951, during the “forgotten” Korean War --- which remains open ended, notes Grumpy Editor.

The battle --- involving the Army’s 27^th Infantry Regiment’s Easy Company --- pitted Americans against North Korean and communist Chinese soldiers.

Nine U.S. infantrymen died in capturing so-called Hill 180 while 47 enemy troops were left dead on the slope.

 

Revised Condé Nast contract irks writers

Freelance writers are grumbling over a revised Condé Nast master contract that includes a line declaring the publisher owns television and movie rights to all stories that appear in its magazines.

It could mean a financial loss into six figures for contributors.

Condé Nast’s two dozen titles include Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, GQ, Glamour, Self, Golf Digest and Brides. Advance Publications is Condé Nast’s parent.

No Saturday mail affects some publications 

The Postal Service’s planned termination of Saturday deliveries starting Aug. 3 will affect distribution of some publications.

The National Newspaper Association notes about 30 percent of its member papers rely on Saturday mail deliveries.

Time magazine subscribers receive the mailed weekly on Fridays or Saturdays.  Bloomberg Businessweek, which already is using alternate means to get its weekly issues to some subscribers, figures a quarter of its subscribers will see mail deliveries extended to Mondays.

The Postal Service figures ending Saturday deliveries would help save the agency about $2 billion a year.

 

In case you missed these…

The Weather Channel stirs up its own storm by labeling the weekend northeast blizzard Nemo.  Turning thumbs down on the name include the National Weather Service and independent meteorologists…Look for President Barack Obama in his State of the Union address tomorrow to work in the often mentioned-for-months line:  The economy is heading in the right direction…Not a good time for copy editors.  The sharp-eyed word/fact/grammar watchers are sacrificed more than any other newsroom personnel --- with a 50 percent reduction in the past five years…No major headlines, as a Navy budget is being considered in Washington, on how the Navy’s fleet is down to 287 ships, the smallest American armada since the early 1900s.  A 2010 independent panel called for a fleet of 346 ships…The Washington Post Co. signs an agreement to sell its Herald, in  Everett, Wash., daily it has owned since 1978.

National Coffee Day 2012 serves abundance of free cups

With all the fast-moving worldwide events and pressures going on these days, how about a soothing break in routine with a FREE cup of coffee --- favorite beverage (at least during work hours) of editors --- today, tomorrow or Saturday at a number of locations around the nation, poses Grumpy Editor. 

It’s all part of Saturday’s National Coffee Day 2012. 

Take your choice of with or without caffeine. 

Getting a jump on the official day are participating McDonald’s Restaurants that will be passing out free small cups of coffee today and the rest of this week. 

Joining in one day ahead of the official National Coffee Day are participating 7-Elevens tomorrow.  The outlets will serve free 20-ounce cups of coffee from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

Then on Saturday, others join in marking National Coffee Day, including: 

Participating Krispy Kreme outlets with free 12-ounce cups of the classic American beverage.  Of course, the 75-year-old retailer will try to lure visitors to munch on one of its sweet treats.

Don’t drink coffee and still want to celebrate? 

Well, Saturday also is Confucius Day, observing the philosopher born in China in 551 B.C. 

So drop by a Chinese restaurant and pick up a fortune cookie.

See what your future holds.

Maybe with a little tea.

USA TODAY marks 30th year with front-page blue dot

USA TODAY reached its 30^th year on Saturday and marked the occasion by unveiling a big, blue dot logo on Friday’s front page --- that featured only three stories, plus “refers” to inside content  --- along with new designs for its website and mobile apps, notes Grumpy Editor. 

The newspaper’s overhaul is “designed to showcase USA TODAY's prowess in visual storytelling and bring stronger voices to its stories" and "the new logo reflects the pulse of the nation," points out the company. 

Gannett Co., Inc., parent of USA TODAY, launched the newspaper on Sept. 15, 1982, with the mission of providing news and information that was clear, concise and presented largely without opinion or unsubstantiated analysis.  Gannett owns more than 90 daily newspapers, nearly 1,000 weeklies and 23 television stations. 

In its debut and onward, few USA TODAY stories jumped to other pages.  Entertainment and sports grabbed many readers.  Stories were short.  Pages were splashed with color. 

Original core readers were baby boomers, sports fans, singles and travelers, reminds John K. Hartman, journalism professor at Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, in an Editor & Publisher article.  But “all four groups largely have gone elsewhere for their news,” he adds, as “smartphones and tablets are the reading platform of choice.” 

Hartman sees USA TODAY running into choppy waters.  “More likely,” he envisions, it “will be shuttered in the next three years, a product of the collective turning away from print and from the concept of being fully informed about national issues (even sports and entertainment) that has swept the country.” 

However, Larry Kramer, USA TODAY president and publisher, declares:  “We are making a real investment in USA TODAY, and putting a major focus on reinvigorating the value of print media while introducing new digital products.  We want to provide our readers with a unique perspective and relevant context on a full range of issues, across all mediums. We are revolutionizing the way we cover and distribute the news in relevant ways that inform and entertain our readers."

National Lighthouse Day allows time to sniff sea air

In offsetting the “heavy” news this week, Grumpy Editor reminds that today is National Lighthouse Day --- a happening probably overlooked in your local newspaper or broadcast outlet. 

For those near the water, it’s a splendid time to visit the beacons that guide ships to harbors, especially vital during foggy or stormy periods. 

Check your local Coast Guard office for tours and activities marking the establishment and importance of lighthouses. 

Not sure about the location of the closest lighthouse? 

Go to www.us-lighthouses.com that lists 432 sites with guiding lights for sailors. 

On this day in 1789 Congress approved an act for the establishment and support of lighthouses. 

Well before that date, still-functioning Boston Light was built in 1716 on Little Brewster Island in outer Boston Harbor.  It received a facelift in 1783 after Revolutionary War damage. 

Another old timer guiding ships over the years is Sandy Hook (N.J.) lighthouse.  It went into operation in 1764. 

Maine, where two dozen lighthouses overlook its rocky shores, celebrates its own lighthouse day on Sept. 15. 

More than 15,000 people visited light stations in the Pine Tree State at last year’s annual event.

 

Expect 1992 L.A. riots anniversary coverage in print, TV

With many print/broadcast editors ever craving for anniversary stories --- partially because it’s an easy way to fill chunks of editorial space around ads or chew up TV time --- look for lengthy pieces through Sunday on the 1992 Los Angeles riots, predicts Grumpy Editor. 

Editors get especially excited when recycling anniversary events that include elements that grab attention. 

The April 29, 1992 L.A. unrest coverage included images of police actions, fires, smoke, looters storming supermarkets and TV stores --- even National Guard troops getting into the fray. 

The 1992 rioting broke out after a jury acquitted four Los Angeles Police Department officers accused in the videotaped beating of black motorist Rodney King after a high-speed pursuit. 

Reappearance of that footage is likely to be seen on TV. 

The rioting over five days resulted in about $1 billion in property damage, 63 deaths and thousands injured. 

Also look for King to appear in interviews.  He’s making the rounds pitching the book, “The Riot Within:  My Journey from Rebellion to Redemption,” coauthored with Lawrence J. Spagnola, that debuted this week.

 

Lincoln’s birthday gets less attention as years go by

Few readers of Sunday newspapers were aware that yesterday marked Abraham Lincoln’s birthday ---  a sad reflection on modern editors who usually relish anniversaries as easy ways to fill up columns around ads throughout the year, notes Grumpy Editor. 

Just last week, much editorial space was filled with two lengthy Associated Press stories on English novelist Charles Dickens birthday --- three years after Lincoln’s in 1809. 

Marking Lincoln’s birthday, once widely celebrated on Feb. 12, is now combined with all other presidents on next Monday’s Presidents’ Day.

However, Illinois, in observance of the 16^th president's birthday, closes  government offices, courthouses and libraries today (since Lincoln’s birthday falls on Sunday this year).  Even there, though, honoring the occasion is limited.  A banquet, organized by the Abraham Lincoln Association, was held last night at the President Lincoln Hotel in Springfield.

In New York, the state designated Lincoln's birthday as a floating holiday in 2012 for state employees in certain bargaining units. 

Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., yesterday celebrated Lincoln’s birthday and the opening of the Center for Education and Leadership with a day of free programming and activities that started with the National Park Service commemorating the occasion with wreath-laying in front of the theater.

One of the noteworthy tributes to Lincoln came yesterday in a Christian Science Monitor story by Peter Grier, who reminded: 

“Abraham Lincoln may be the greatest of all U.S. presidents. He ended slavery, won the Civil War, and ensured that the United States would remain united in the modern world. His face is printed on the five-dollar bill and stamped on the penny. The Lincoln Memorial is one of the nation’s iconic sites. 

“But Lincoln’s Birthday on Feb. 12 is not a national holiday, and it never has been.”

In one of the few mentions on television, Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential nominee, interviewed by Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday, greeted the host with “Happy Abraham Lincoln birthday.”  He responded by noting her birthday was the day prior (in 1964, at Sandpoint, Idaho).