The P-I's New Target: Honey

Posted Dec. 30, 2008 at 9:17 am by David Stoesz

Yes! It was about time for one of those breathless investigative pieces from the P-I. It's been months since they explained how laundry detergent is killing you and your kids. Today they turn their sights to the other silent killer in our midst: honey. The opening paragraphs throw you headlong into the pulse-pounding world of honey inspectors:

Seven cars with darkened windows barreled east toward the Cascades, whizzing past this Snohomish County hamlet's smattering of shops and eateries. The sedans and sport utility vehicles stirred up dust as they rolled into the parking lot of Pure Foods Inc., a Washington honey producer. Out popped a dozen people in dark windbreakers identifying them as feds — agents from Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Some raced to the loading docks. Others hurried through the front door. All were armed.

Armed? OMFG! So what happens next? You'll have to read it yourself. Suffice it to say that if honey inspection is your thing, you will not, repeat not, be disappointed. The next installment of this 38-part series will blow the lid off the lie that is "organic" honey.

Topics: Media

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Local Media Agree: Sims Being Vetted for Federal Job

Posted Dec. 17, 2008 at 10:20 am by Mark Fefer

On Friday Dec. 5, Laura Onstot reported that federal agents were in town vetting Sims for a possible appointment in the Obama Administration. Then, this past Monday, Joel Connelly of the P-I reported that federal agents were in town vetting Sims for a possible appointment in the Obama Administration. Now, today, Jim Brunner of the Seattle Times reports that federal agents are vetting Sims as a possible candidate for a federal appointment. Sounds like we can call this a consensus.

Of course many people assumed Sims made a big blunder by getting behind Hillary early on in the race (as Aimee describes in her story). But it turns out that was probably the best way to win Mr. Team of Rivals' heart. Indeed if Sims had only ripped Obama a new one during the campaign, maybe he would be head of the Interior Dept. now.

Topics: Media and Politics

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Medved Puts Finger to Wind

Posted Dec. 4, 2008 at 5:00 pm by Brian Miller

The presidential election is over, the inauguration is nigh, and Seattle's best-known conservative is, ahem, undergoing a realignment with the prevailing political mood. Apparently it's time for right-wing radio pundits like himself to stop with the crazy, take a cold shower, and tone down their election-losing rhetoric? In a blog entry for The Washington Post, Michael Medved writes:

"A radio show (locally or nationally) that draws just 5% of the available audience can achieve notable success in ratings and revenue, but a conservatism that connects with only a disgruntled, paranoid 5% of the public will wither and die."

And further:

"During the recent campaign, talk radio looked far less formidable than it did during its glory years. The GOP candidates most relentlessly bashed by leading talkers (John McCain and Mike Huckabee) became the two top vote-getters among Republicans, and the McCain-Palin ticket got 90% of GOP votes despite reluctant support from most prominent hosts."

Not that the author of The 10 Big Lies About America is entirely changing his tune as Bush-backing conservatives prepare to surrender power. But he ends his post on a decidedly temperate note: "The most effective broadcasters in the Obama Era won't try to destroy anybody. But we should make an impassioned effort to convince everybody."

Topics: Campaign 2008, Media, News, Politics, and Radio

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Speculation Make You Smarter?

Posted Nov. 20, 2008 at 11:09 am by Chris Kornelis

Every morning for the last year, I feel like I've read the same story: revenue's down, journalists laid off. Then comes the companion piece: News organizations aren't going to be their to hold government accountable and keep an eye on the public square. At least not as well.

But, the one brand of journalism that appears to be recession proof, appears to be the one with the least merit: the business of speculation. Hey, did you hear Hillary could be the next Secretary of State? HOLY SHIT! What are they going to do about Bill? Oh, wait, maybe it'll be Richardson. HOLY SHIT! What are they going to do about Bill. Did you hear that democratic sources say he's picked a Homeland Security chief? HOLY SHIT! What are they going to do about Bill!

Continue reading "Speculation Make You Smarter?"

Topics: Media

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The Newsstand That Launched Microsoft is Closing

Posted Nov. 19, 2008 at 12:34 pm by Mark Fefer

A famous story in the history of Bill Gates and Microsoft takes place while the future billionaire is in college. One day Paul Allen shows his Lakeside buddy a 1974 issue of Popular Electronics.

Here's how it's described in a 1994 New Yorker piece:

Gates and Allen sometimes talked about how cool it would be to design the software for the first personal computer, which appeared to be on the horizon... The question was settled in dramatic fashion in December, 1974, when Allen, who was working in Boston, passed a newsstand in Harvard Square and saw on the cover of Popular Electronics a computer called the Altair 8800. The Altair 8800 was the first computer that ordinary electronics hobbyists could afford to buy and that people with reasonable technical knowledge could assemble in their homes. Basically, it was the first personal computer. Allen bought the magazine, rushed over to Gates' dorm, and showed it to him. "Look!" Allen said. "It's going to happen! I told you this was going to happen! And we're going to miss it!"

And here's how it's described in a 1995 quote from Gates:

"The past twenty years have been an incredible adventure for me. It started on a day when, as a college sophomore, I stood in Harvard Square with my friend Paul Allen and pored over the description of a kit computer in Popular Electronics magazine."

Whatever exactly happened, there's no doubt that Allen spied that magazine at the iconic Out of Town News, located in Harvard Square. Today brings news that it's shutting down, a victim no doubt of the industry that Gates and Allen helped to launch.

Topics: Magazines, Media, and Technology

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Another Crosscut Cutback

Posted Nov. 17, 2008 at 9:48 am by Mike Seely

Deputy editor Lisa Albers is scaling back to a contractual relationship with the web-only news source, which is making the transition from for-profit to non-profit status. Here's what she had to say in her farewell note, which comes two days after editor Chuck Taylor's:

"Following up on Chuck's message below, I want to let you know that I'll most likely continue to help Publisher David Brewster during this transition period, but on a contract basis, as needed...While it's certainly sad to see an awesome staff disband for a time, Iwant to echo Chuck's sentiments on what this means for Crosscut's future. Crosscut seems best suited to the non-profit model, given our mission to promote public service journalism, especially as it is created by a diverse group of contributors, comprised both of professionals and citizen journalists. There are a few models for this non-profit journalism mash-up, from the obvious (NPR) to the staid (PBS) to the new and exciting (ProPublica, MinnPost). It's no magic bullet, especially now, when the ailing economy would seem to put a damper on giving (though that's not necessarily the case). But it could be the model that saves investigative journalism and provides a non-partisan platform for civic discussion. Selfishly, perhaps, I hope so."

Topics: Media

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Chuck Taylor Leaving Crosscut

Posted Nov. 16, 2008 at 2:35 pm by Mike Seely

Former Weekly managing editor Chuck Taylor, who has served as editor-in-chief at Crosscut since the online news source's inception a year-and-a-half ago, is leaving the company, which will be transitioning to non-profit status. Weekly and Crosscut founder David Brewster will fill the shoes of Taylor, who leaves the door cracked for a return in his farewell note to colleagues and contributors, the bulk of which appears below:

"I want to let you know that I am stepping away from Crosscut.com as the company transitions from for-profit to non-profit status. This is an exciting change that we think will make for a stronger platform for both professional and amateur local journalism. But it's a legally complicated one that briefly interrupts cash flow, so I'm going to bow out, at least for a while. Publisher David Brewster will fill the editor-in-chief's role until further notice... I'm not sure what is next for me, but it's very possible, perhaps even likely, that I will return to Crosscut after the company switches to non-profit status. That said, I'm exploring the proverbial 'other opportunities,' too. And I'm going to take it easy for a time. Crosscut has been a real adventure, starting before we launched in April 2007. I'm grateful to David for giving me the chance to be involved. I've learned a lot and have made a lot of new friends, and I hope we can keep in touch."

Topics: Media

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Fox News Reads The Daily Weekly

Posted Nov. 14, 2008 at 2:13 pm by Chris Kornelis

In their story today on a potential ban on nudity in city parks:

"If they outlaw nudity, only criminals will be nude," a Seattle Weekly blogger noted.

That blogger would be Don Ward. FOX, please drop Don's name next time so he can show his family.

Topics: Media

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Students, It May Be Time to Take Your Journalism Elsewhere

Posted Oct. 14, 2008 at 10:01 am by Chris Kornelis

Just saw an story in the (Tacoma) News Tribune that goes something like this:

— Students are engaging in oral sex at Emerald Ridge High School.
— Student newspaper writes about said oral sex.
— Students providing the oral sex get pissed for being named in student paper.
— Adults get involved, principal can now veto articles in student newspaper.

Obviously, this is ridiculous, and just another example of teacher/principals/schools treating teens like brain-dead toddlers rather than students learning, in this case, how to be professional journalists. The newspaper, JagWire at Emerald Ridge is a class, which, I agree, allows the "oversight" of the school to toe the line between publisher (sort of) and government, which it is to these students, without question. But, rather than providing the students with the real-world experience of running sensitive articles — and naming teenage head-givers would certainly be that — by an attorney (Student Press Law Center is already involved) for potentially libelous content, the principal — THE MAN — is approving the content. This is now the case for all student publications and drama productions at all three high schools in the Puyallup School District.

“All magazine publications and newspapers have clear, established editorial protocols and standards of writing content for their reporters. Reporters for these aforementioned organizations can not write whatever they want and get it published without the close scrutiny and prior right to review of their submitted article,” Superintendent Tony Apostle said in a written statement. "The Puyallup School District is no different and will continue to protect students and staff from degrading, vulgar, indecent, cruel and insensitive journalism in district-funded publications.”

Woof.

It's obvious that this award-winning student newspaper is doing a lot of things right, by serving its audience and starting all kinds of conversations. And, guys, I'm not confident you're going to win this one. So, perhaps it's time you take your kick-ass journalism elsewhere. Start a web site. Hell, start a blog, and let your student-commenters and editors run wild (I don't mean inaccuracies and libel). There's nothing a public high school can do about your off-campus, journalistic endeavors here. Keep fighting the good fight. It just looks like it's time to find a new avenue.

Topics: Media

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Hard to Escape Your Past Online

Posted Aug. 15, 2008 at 10:00 am by Mark Fefer

Today's story in the Seattle Times about an SPU alum and his years-long campaign to get the SPU student newspaper to purge from its online archives stories reporting allegations of sexual assault against him, reminded me of a difficult situation I faced last year. I was contacted by Episcopal Bishop Vincent Warner—then-head of the Western Washington Episcopal Diocese—about a woman he was counseling. She had been alleged to be part of the infamous Miss Washington brothel scandal of 1999 and we had named her in a Rick Anderson story . The article was showing up whenever anyone searched on her name. The Bishop told me that the woman had turned her life around and he asked if I could please remove the story from our site. The woman herself also contacted one of our classified ad reps about it. I feel for her, but seems like a better solution would be for her to change her name.

Topics: Media, News, and Newspapers

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What to watch? What to cover?

Posted Aug. 8, 2008 at 1:04 pm by Don Ward

Let's see...

Russia and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia (and U.S. ally) are at war.

The Beijing Olympics have started.

And former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards admits to having an affair but denies fathering an illegitimate child.

Gee. I wonder what story the cable news networks will give the most coverage to?

Continue reading "What to watch? What to cover?"

Topics: Media

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More tips for hikers who don't want to be shot and killed

Posted Aug. 7, 2008 at 11:52 am by David Stoesz

Yesterday the Seattle Times ran a big-picture analysis of the recent killing of a hiker by a hunter in Snohomish County. They included some tips for other hikers who would prefer not to be shot and killed, including this one: Avoid "animal-colored clothing."

A few they neglected to add:

• Don't go hiking in a bear outfit.
  
• Avoid the urge to go, "Rarr!! Rarr! Here comes a bear! A really big, scary bear!"
  
• Stay upright! Never lumber along on all fours.
  
• Don't devour raw salmon or climb trees in search of honey.
  
• Never go hiking with Piglet or Boo Boo
  

One of the hunters quoted in the story said the real problem was that the young shooter in question "failed to positively identify his target with binoculars before firing." So most hunters, after they get you in the cross hairs of their high powered rifles, will first double check before blowing you away. Well, that's reassuring.

It would have been nice if the Times also ran a list of suggestions for hunters. Number one: How about not shooting your big fucking bear guns anywhere near where humans are hiking?

Topics: Civics 101, Crime & Punishment, Environment, and Media

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Local Traffic Scholar Gets NYT Nod

Posted Aug. 4, 2008 at 12:15 pm by Brian Miller

In this weekend's Sunday New York Times Magazine, UW prof Bill Beaty gets prominent mention in a story on traffic bottlenecks and the difficulty of merging. In terminology we know all too well from trying to merge from Montlake onto 520, or from Mercer onto I-5, he divides us motorists into two categories: "Cheaters" and "Vigilantes."

As the NYT mentions, Beaty keeps a stat- and equation-filled Web page to help us understand traffic flow and its impediments. Some of which might require a PhD to understand, though there's a useful Seattle sub-section including the ominous link "NW USA worst traffic: Seattle, I-90 merge into I-5." Those who drive that infernal snarl—thank God I don't—can probably attest it's true.

In the end, as we're all jockeying to put too many cars in too few lanes, mathematicians like Beaty propose something called the "zipper merge," which ants apparently do on their own, because good traffic flow principles are embedded in their DNA. Now if only insects could tell us what to do about the Alaskan Way Viaduct or this fall's vote on the $17.9 billion SoundTransit light rail expansion.

Topics: Media, Newspapers, and Transportation

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More Bike Rage, Nationwide

Posted Aug. 1, 2008 at 4:01 pm by Brian Miller

It's not just that Critical Mass incident. Reuters reports on more bike-car violence in Portland, and mentions us, while examining increased friction between motorists and cyclists.

Topics: Media and Transportation

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NYT Finds Internet Scourge in Kirkland

Posted Aug. 1, 2008 at 12:29 pm by Brian Miller

OMG! You mean you've never heard of trolls? The kind who harass Internet users via "chans" and the notorious, anonymous message board known as "/b/"? Beware /b/! Beware the Internet! Don't use it! Trolls are lurking! That's the the subject of this coming Sunday's big story in the New York Times Magazine. We, being in the media, love media scare stories. And reporter Mattathias Schwartz travels all the way to Kirkland to hook up with a troll source, Jason Fortuny, whom the writer describes thusly:

"the closest thing this movement of anonymous provocateurs has to a spokesman. Thirty-two years old, he works 'typical Clark Kent I.T.' freelance jobs — Web design, programming — but his passion is trolling, 'pushing peoples" buttons.' Fortuny frames his acts of trolling as 'experiments,' sociological inquiries into human behavior."

And now Fortuny is the nation's most famous troll! It must be true, because it's in The New York Times! And another thing: we should all be very, very afraid of him. He's mean to people on the Internet. He's mean to Schwartz. So turn off your Internet and unplug your computer! Because there are mean people out there like Fortuny.

Besides, it's August, when news is slow. So if there aren't any shark attacks, at least we have trolls.

Topics: Media, Newspapers, and Technology

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