Sunny Side Up For America’s Egg Farmers

Posted on August 26, 2010 by Campaign Outsider

Headline of a full-page ad in Wednesday’s Wall Street Journal and New York Times (among others, presumably):

A message from America’s Egg Farmers

Body copy:

You’ve probably heard about the recent egg recall. As egg farmers, we’re concerned, and continue to work closely with the FDA and USDA to help ensure the safest and highest quality eggs possible.

Not to mention the work of the New York Times.

The same day the Times ran the America’s Egg Farmer ad (Egg Safety Center website here), the paper featured two stories about the recall.

Times Page One headline:

U.S. Rejected Hen Vaccine Despite British Success

Times Business Day Page One headline:

Egg Recall Exposes Flaws in Nation’s Food Safety System

So, to review:

To all appearances, the Times believes the problem is lack of government oversight, not lack of America’s Egg Farmers oversight.  But nowhere in the two Times pieces does the paper acknowledge its own financial connection to the industry.

Egg on the Times’ face?

Your yolk goes here.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

It’s Good To Live In A Two-Newspaper Town (Dukakis/Romney Slapfight Edition)

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Campaign Outsider

Tuesday’s dead-tree Boston Herald ran a State House News Service story headlined, “The Duke dumps on Romney.”

Subhed:

Dukakis: ‘Lousy’ gov is ‘the biggest’ letdown

The ex-gubernatorial slapfight kicked off with the Duke putting up his dukes, to wit:

A fiery former Gov. Michael Dukakis dropped his gloves on Mitt Romney yesterday, calling the presumptive 2012 Republican presidential candidate a disappointment as governor and a political shape-shifter.

“Mitt Romney’s the biggest disappointment I think I’ve ever seen,” Dukakis said. “He was a lousy governor. After a year and a half, he just walked away from the job. He just bounces around depending on the way the wind blows.”

Then Romney put up his mitts (by proxy):

A Romney spokesman wasted little time in firing back.

“Mike Dukakis sounds like a very angry and bitter old man,” the spokesman said. “I think it’s sad.”

Sadder still, Tuesday’s Boston Globe missed the whole thing.

Since then, however, the Boston Globe has . . . nothing.

Howie Carr, though, is happy to pile on in Wednesday’s Herald.

Boffo [UPDATE: Tried for sarcasm there, obviously missed. See comment.] opening:

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black – M. Stanley Dukakis is accusing Mitt Romney of being “a lousy governor.”

Takes one to know one, Pee Wee.

“After a year and a half,” the Duke told the State House News Service, “he just walked away from the job.”

Excuse me, is this the same guy who during the 1988 election once told reporters, “If I were a sitting governor . . .”

Uh, you were, Duke. You just forgot, you’d been out of state for so long, running for president in your tank. I mean, when you talk about terrible governors in Massachusetts, they fall into two classes. Acting governors – Jane Swift wins hands down, and elected governors – paging the Duke.

Yes and, paging the Boston Globe: Got anything here?

(Full disclosure: I’ll be interviewing former Gov. Dukakis at an Algonquin Club event on the evening of September 22. And yes, I will ask him about this.)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Lost Auction Action At New York Times

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Campaign Outsider

Monday’s New York Times piece on television studios auctioning off old props and costumes got half the story, anyway.

Headline:

No ‘Lost’ Left to Unravel, Fans Buy It Piece by Piece

In Santa Monica last weekend ABC orchestrated an auction of “Lost”-abilia that included items such as these:

A copy of “Watership Down,” read by the actor Josh Holloway in several episodes, sold for $3,300 (including a 20 percent buyer’s fee) against an estimate of $300. A set of Oceanic Airlines-branded water bottles, seen in the pilot episode and estimated at $200, went for $1,680.

And then there was this:

Among the top sellers was a script signed by two of the program’s creators, J. J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof. The script, estimated at $300, brought a frenzy of bidding — over 100 people were vying for it in person, on the telephone and over the Internet — and it sold for $18,000.

The Times also noted that props and costumes used to be thrown away or recycled for new programs. But the growing collectors market and increasing financial pressures on studios have led them to auction show materials instead. ABC, however, set a new standard in promoting the “Lost” cast-offs:

It is unusual for a studio to participate as fully in a sale as did ABC, which helped organize the auction into an experience worthy of charging $42 for admission (the entrance fee was waived for registered bidders). An ABC spokeswoman said an undisclosed portion of the auction proceeds would go to charities in Hawaii, where the series was taped.

That would have been the perfect place in the Times piece to mention the other end of the TV show-and-sell spectrum: the “Mad Men” low-overhead charity auction on eBay (via New York).

Have you always wanted to hold Peggy’s diaphragm in your hands? Well, unfortunately you can’t do that, but what you can do is buy Betty and Joan’s dresses, conference-room abstract paintings, and a vast amount of Sterling Cooper office furniture. You could literally fill your (small) house with Mad Men chairs alone — 46 of them are available.

(Sorry – the auction ended Sunday.)

But the Times didn’t mention it.

Lost opportunity.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ad o’ the Day (K-9 Bulletproof Vest Edition)

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Campaign Outsider

Sunday’s Boston Herald featured a half-page four-color ad that showed (lower right) a German shepherd at a river’s edge, and (upper left) military – yes – dog tags imprinted with this:

I CAN LOCATE A VICTIM SUBMERGED UNDERWATER, BUT I CAN’T FIND MONEY FOR A BULLETPROOF VEST.

At the bottom of the ad:

Help buy a police dog a bulletproof vest. Donate at http://www.mavestadog.org

That would be Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog, which describes itself this way:

In April 2008, *Massachusetts Vest-a- Dog, Inc. was organized as an independent non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to raising funds to provide bullet-protective vests for police dogs throughout Massachusetts. The vest padding also protects against blunt force trauma, from the impact of a shoe, fist or other object.

* Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog was a division of the Barnstable Police Association from May 2000 to March 2008, during which volunteers and donors made it possible to  provide 192 bullet/stab-protective vests across Massachusetts in the following law enforcement agencies: local police departments, sheriff departments, MA State Police, MA Dept of Corrections, MBTA (MA Bay Transportation Authority), MA Environmental Police, MA Dept of Mental Retardation, USAF- Hanscom AFB, and USCG Gloucester. The wonderful people – and their pets – we met along the way enriched our lives in ways we could never have foreseen.  Thank you!For every K-9 risking his life, day in and day out…and for the peace of mind for the officer by his side.

The President and Director of the organization is Dr. Drew Brodsky who – if he’s the Dr. Drew Brodsky in the Googletron results here – has seen his ups and downs (haven’t we all).

But an admittedly amateur survey of news reports about the organization reveals nothing negative, so the hardworking staff thinks this outfit just might be legit.

We’ll try to dig a little deeper, but any of you splendid readers have something to say about the group?

Thanks.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Clemens-y For Roger?

Posted on August 22, 2010 by Campaign Outsider

All you folks out there gloating about the federal Rocket’s Dread Glare indictment of Roger Clemens might want to check out this New York Times report:

Possible Flaw Could Turn Clemens Case, Expert Says

Lede:

When a Congressional committee summoned Roger Clemens to testify at a nationally televised hearing in February 2008, it was trying to determine the accuracy of George J. Mitchell’s report, which had named Clemens as a user of steroids and human growth hormone.

According to a high-profile lawyer in Washington, the release of the Mitchell report at the behest of Commissioner Bud Selig and not Congress raises questions about why the committee was investigating the matter in the first place. And that, according to the lawyer, Reginald J. Brown, a former special assistant to President George W. Bush and an associate White House general counsel from 2003 to 2005, has given Clemens’s lawyers a strong argument to have the government’s perjury case dismissed.

So the Rocket might dodge the bullet.

Your shot goes here.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

O’Reilly? Flimflam? O’Really?

Posted on August 21, 2010 by Campaign Outsider

From Friday’s New York Times:

O’Reilly Distances Himself From a Video Promotion

Lede:

This summer Bill O’Reilly, the biggest star on the Fox News Channel, lent his name — inadvertently, he says — to a Web ad that lured viewers to sign up for a financial newsletter sold by Newsmax, the conservative Web site.

From that point, we get an excellent he-said/he-said:

He #1:

The appearance was set up by Don Walker, an agent with Harry Walker who books Mr. O’Reilly’s speaking engagements. Mr. Walker said in an e-mail that “we understood Newsmax would mention a financial newsletter service during the program, which was explicitly separate from Bill’s appearance.”

He #2:

Similarly, Newsmax said Thursday that “both parties agreed that Newsmax could offer financial newsletters during our broadcast,” separate from Mr. O’Reilly. The Web site’s chief executive, Christopher Ruddy, suggested that Fox had made a rush to judgment.

The initial judgment about this scheme came from Kathy Kristof of CBS MoneyWatch who, the Times reported, “questioned why Mr. O’Reilly was promoting ‘investment flimflam.'”

Maybe because it’s the next logical step from political flimflam?

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“I’m Ready For My VoxOp, Mr. De Mille”

Posted on August 21, 2010 by Campaign Outsider

Imagine the hardworking staff’s surprise when, while reading Friday’s Boston Globe op-ed page, we came across this:

FIRST GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE ON ENERGY

“The candidates spun a head-spinning array of figures throughout the hour, from electricity rates to Cape Wind building costs to Massachusetts taxpayer subsidies to green-energy employment projections. Winner: Wikipedia.’’

JOHN CARROLL

http://www.campaignoutsider.com

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!

(Lewis Carroll. No relation.)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Who Is Gwilym McGrew? III

Posted on August 21, 2010 by Campaign Outsider

The official answer to Who Is Gwilym McGrew? II:

John,

You are getting lazy. Why do I have to do the work for you? My life and “bio” is entirely online. My work history, the few contributions I have made, the articles I have reprinted for feminists, MASS fisherman, etc. My life is an open book. If you want to know about me do what you suggest others do, google me. It is all there.

Geez man, my life is out there for all to see. Do some work if you want to know about me. Trust me, you will just find a gray haired old fat guy though.

I love how you make my efforts seem conspiratorial. Very funny. No, I was not on the grassy knoll either. You said the following below and my comments/reaction are in ALL CAPS below as well:

“So Gwilym McGrew is a bit less illusory now.” [JOHN, WHEN WAS I ILLUSORY OR DECEPTIVE (AS THE DICTIONARY DEFINES ILLOSORY) ? YOU MADE A NOTE OF MY REPRINT OF AN EDITORIAL IN THE GLOUCESTER TIMES. YOU WONDERED WHO I WAS. I FOUND THIS POST AND WROTE TO YOU “Gwilym here……..Glad to see you found me John. If you have a question feel free to reach me directly. No problem.” NOW HOW IS THAT ILLUSORY. I INVITED YOU TO CONTACT ME IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ME? I THEN TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ABOUT HOW OBAMA THROUGH NOAA IS IMPLEMENTING “CATCH SHARES” NATIONWIDE AND HOW YOUR COASTAL TOWNS ARE NEGATIVELY IMPACTED. HEY, YOU HAVE A BLOG, WHAT A GREAT WAY TO SPEAK DIRECTLY TO A “communication professor at Boston University and media analyst” AND DRAW HIS ATTENTION TO THIS ISSUE. I ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENSURE YOU AND YOUR READERS WERE AWARE OF KERRY’S INADEQUATE ACTION ON THIS ISSUE. NORMALLY WHEN SOMEONE LIKE MYSELF HAS A POINT OF VIEW IT IS NICE TO INFORM A “communication professor at Boston University and media analyst” OF THAT POINT OF VIEW IN HOPES OF PUTTING THIS ON THEIR RADAR SHOULD THEY WISH TO DIG INTO IT MORE. SO, “ILLUSORY,” I THINK NOT. AGAIN, MY LIFE AND ACTIONS ARE AN OPEN BOOK (GOOGLE).]

“But plug “Gwilym McGrew” into the Googletron and you still get this.” [YES AND PLUG “John Carroll” INTO GOOGLE AND YOU FIND HIS NAME IS VERY COMMON. PERSONALLY, I LIKE MY DISTINCT NAME. AT LEAST NOONE CAN CONFUSE ME WITH THIS GUY http://www.clickorlando.com/news/24275503/detail.html

“Regardless. Bio, please, Gwilym” [WHEN I RETIRED FROM HOLLYWOOD I STOPPED UPDATING A BIO. A BIO HAS GREAT ATTRACTION WHEN LOOKING FOR A JOB OR TRYING TO GET PRESS OR TO GIVE TO SOMEONE READING AN INTRODUCTION ABOUT YOU BEFORE YOU GIVE A SPEECH. BUT, ALAS, I AM NOT LOOKING FOR A JOB, DON’T SEEK OUT PRESS, AND AM NOT SCHEDULED TO GIVE A SPEECH. HOWEVER, IF YOU CAN GATHER A LEAST 100 STUDENTS AT YOUR COLLEGE TO LISTEN TO ME FOR 45 MINUTES I WILL FLY ON MY DIME TO SPEAK ABOUT CATCH SHARES. THE BOSTON GLOBE IS NOT DOING A GREAT JOB INFORMING BOSTON CITIZENS ON THIS ISSUE. MAYBE I CAN BRING A FEW LOCAL FISHERMAN TO SPEAK WITH ME TO EDUCATE THE CROWD. SO, IF YOU WISH TO INTRODUCE ME THEN I WILL WRITE A BIO FOR YOU. SO, I DO NOT HAVE A WRITTEN FORMAL “BIO” ANYMORE, BUT ANYONE CAN FIND ALL THAT WOULD NORMALLY BE IN A BIO BY GOOGLING ME AS YOU SUGGEST.

SO, NO ILLUSION, DECEIT, ETC. I AM OUT THERE FOR ALL TO SEE.

MY GUESS IS IN ANOTHER MONTH OR FOUR YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH WILL YIELD SOME FRESH RESULTS. THERE JOHN, DOES THAT HELP YOU CREATE THE ILLUSIONARY TEASE FOR YOUR READERS?

LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE THE STUDENTS READY FOR MY PRESENTATION ON CATCH SHARES.

FORGIVE ANY SPELLING ERRORS. I HATE TO PROOF COPY. GWILYM

I officially forgive your spelling errors, Gwilym. And I’m looking into getting 100 Terriers together to hear you speak.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Who Is Gwilym McGrew? II

Posted on August 20, 2010 by Campaign Outsider

Several months ago the hardworking staff posted this under the headline “Who Is Gwilym McGrew?”:

Sunday’s Boston Globe op-ed page featured an advertorial about a virtually impenetrable National Marine Fisheries Service dustup in Gloucester. The ad – which reprinted a March 9 Gloucester Daily Times editorial – was paid for by “Gwilym McGrew, a concerned citizen.”

Plug “Gwilym McGrew” into the Googletron and you get this.

Questions? Comments? Bitter Recriminations?

Well, ladies & gentlemen boys & girls, Gwilym McGrew is now in the house.

Comment #1:

Gwilym here……..Glad to see you found me John. If you have a question feel free to reach me directly. No problem.

Comment #2:

The ad was a reprint of an editorial in The Gloucester Times.  I merely thought it should have broader exposure.

Interesting, NOAA has delayed my FOIA’s on “Catch Shares.”  They were filed in February 2010…about 7 months ago.  By law they are supposed to respond within 30 days with the information requested or provided an expectation of completing the FOIA.  I received notice the FOIA information was gathered within 2 weeks of its filing but NOAA does not want to reveal the information.  So much for this administrations transparency.  Others in Gloucester have had their FOIA’s delayed as well without explanation.  Search The Gloucester Times for articles about these.

Why delay if the information is already gathered.  If the request does not meet FOIA standards then send notice saying this.  Delay and lack of response increases the chance that the information will show inner workings of NOAA that will put them in a bad light.

Comment #3:

By the way, while I have your ear and maybe a few others in your state….I think The Globe has not covered the “catch shares” issue approriately or in the volume needed.  The Gloucester Times and the paper in New Bedford are on this because it is a local issue but the cost of seafood and the negative impact on your state’s economy is a broader issue and makes this a cause worth of coverage.  This is one of the rare issues I find myself aligning with B. Frank.  Frank gets it on this issue.  Your Gov and Senators don’t.

Kerry’s quote that the head of NOAA “is a friend of fisherman” will sink his campaign in these coastal towns when he runs for reelection.  I’m thinking of buying a few bill boards at that time in those towns to remind them of his support of NOAA on this issue when these local residents needed his support and found it lacking.  Kerry won’t be swiftboated but maybe his quote will “keelhaul” him politically.

Ah…sunshine and truth are great things.  Here is my 1 minute interview with the mayor of San Fran on the issue http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR8iI4Pwj8I

So Gwilym McGrew is a bit less illusory now.

But plug “Gwilym McGrew” into the Googletron and you still get this.

(Note this, however)

Regardless. Bio, please, Gwilym.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

America-the-Crude Patrol (pat. pending)

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Campaign Outsider


(via mediapost)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments