THE Storm of 2015

It's really unusual, folks, for Albuquerque to have measurable snowfall.  To have 8 inches of snow...wow!

Here are a couple of snapshots, Mailbox in the front yard, dog in the back yard this morning, Saturday, February 28, 2015.

And, the forecast...more snow and then rain!

Legislature Coverage Throwback Thursday

Way back when I covered the New Mexico State Legislature for KOAT-TV.  I was the first full time television reporter to be assigned to that beat.

It was a terrific learning experience, something today's TV reporters should have to experience - learning how to tell a story, accurately.

In this old yellowed newspaper clipping I can be seen focusing our cheap camera in on some activity in a legislative committee.  In the foreground, Senator Ike Smalley from Deming - one of the most feared legislators - but one with a kind heart.   The legislature needs people like him, today.

While attempting to watch some local TV news recently I have been reminded how things have changed.  Not the stories that get covered, necessarily, but what is in those stories.

Last evening a reporter for KRQE sent down a story that included comments from "democratic speaker" Brian Egolf, and comments from "majority speaker" Nate Gentry.

Who?  What?

There is only one "Speaker" in the House of Representatives - it's a gentleman from Socorro by the name of Don Tripp.

There is no "democratic speaker".  Nor is there a "majority speaker".

Imagine how confused students of government must be.

Lordy, Lordy, Lordy - throw us back this Thursday to the times of yesteryear when facts made a difference!

Media Mess

Coming from a lifetime of work in and with the media, television, marketing and the like, I just can’t let the present situation go without comment.

Brian Williams – how sad.   We all tell “war stories” and get away with enhancing the story to make it a bit more fun, palatable, or worth telling.  But, Brian ol’ buddy, what you say while telling stories while drinking a cold one with pals, and what you say on national television – there’s a difference.  

I understand a lot of your co-workers don’t like the way you’ve swaggered around the campus, being the BMOC, but swagger is good – and deserved – if you deserve it.   Your 6 months sabbatical is what you deserve.  You might even deserve a swift kick in the butt.   Clean up your act and come back.  You’re a great story teller, a great communicator.  Use your skills to make this a better place for everyone, not just Brian Williams.

John Stewart – OMG.  We’ve just begun to know you, and poof, you’re gone.  Comedy Central was built around you and your trusty corral of magnificent writers, observers, and bit part players.  Hope you find another avenue to continue your good work.

David Letterman.  Stay,Dave, the comedy world needs some silver haired Daddy to maintain the balance.  You’ve seen a lot, you accept your entertaining guests for what they are – and we laugh every night you’re on.

As a society of tv watchers, newsmen, and casual observers of the social and political scene, we’ll survive the loss of all these guys.  But it won’t be the same.

It’s not the same without Larry King, Johnny Carson, Walter Cronkite, Peter Jennings, Tom Brokaw, Regis, and Dan Rather.   Some of you still pop up now and then, but not regularly 

We’ve gotten along without you…but it was sure nice having you there.

Stay tuned!

Home Office Beep Beep

Beep Beep

A sight out the home office window

TBT

In more ways than one, this is a throwback

Office Staples Depot

Office Depot and Office Max merge

Staples buys them both

What's going to happen to prices?

Any bets?

Dog Shadow Day

Teddy and his shadow striking a pose on Groundhog Day 2015

Coffee and common sense

There are times emotion and dreams take over from common sense. 

Let’s say you hope for a pot of gold at the end of a double rainbow by opening a nice-cream store, offer some great desserts, a selection of magazines and newspapers, and a place to eat the food and sample the news.   Everything’s coasting along magnificently.  So great, in fact, if 1 store can do this well, what can we do with 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8?

You see successful restaurants in neighboring towns, and move in to compete – but you don't!

And, as you expand, you get away from the core business.  No longer is the draw the desserts, ice cream, and newspapers.  Now the appeal is a cup of coffee and a menu of foodstuffs.

About this same time, some guy from Seattle starts expanding his brand of coffee stores.  Beverages and some limited food.

So, you expand the menu – full course meals in addition to the coffee, scones, and desserts.  And so do the prices.

Meanwhile, that Seattle guy opens another store just down the street.  Fast service.  Good coffee.  Nice environment.   

Did you get that…fast friendly service.  Apparently not!

Then, you decide no longer will you offer newspapers and magazines.  But, you continue to build a restaurant and charge more than the market will stand.

Oops!

Bankruptcy, Chapter 11.  

A lot of debt could be erased, employees will lose their jobs, and small businesses will suffer from unpaid bills.

And, the blame goes to a “bad business environment and a poor economy.”

Do ya think?