America's North Shore Journal » Old Media
CBS Exclusive Report on H1N1 uses fake numbers?
CBS News Exclusive: Study Of State Results Finds H1N1 Not As Prevalent As Feared Chuck Simmins states: I looked at the story and my jaw dropped. Without any research at all, I could tell something was wrong with their numbers. These numbers are supposed to be through late July, when the CDC asked the states to change their reporting. As we have shown in our prior reports, many of the states had ceased reporting case numbers long before. Florida: Florida had stopped publicly posting case counts before Memorial Day in May, 2009. The numbers in the table were updated with the CDC’s count. CBS states that by the end of July, Florida had examined 8,853 specimens and only 17% were positive for H1N1. That means the CBS number of confirmed cases at that point is … Read entire article »
Filed under: Analysis, Influenza, Media, Old Media, Original writing, Pandemic, Reporting, Swine Flu
AP Botches Army Relief Story
Surprise! The AP seems to have gotten its story about Army Emergency Relief a little wrong. John of Argghhh: Just where did Donn get his information? We really don’t know. Col. Cohen isn’t exactly sure, and neither are his counterparts at other military charities. The AP article says that they analyzed the tax records of the AER, but if they were doing such a great job, how did they miss the following: During the period in question ( ’03-07), the AER distributed $250 MILLION in financial assistance Outstanding loan balances are considered an asset of the trust, even though the money is actually not in their possession. Much like a 401(k) plan, outstanding loan balances are included in the total assets, as if they money was still there, because it’s … Read entire article »
Filed under: Media, Military, Old Media, Other Bloggers
Media and Mumbai
The deputy commissioner of police argued that the terrorists, who were holed up in two major hotels and became involved in floor-by-floor firefights with police, were gaining tactical information from TV. Using powers under Section 19 of the country’s Cable Television Networks Act, he ordered a blackout of TV news channels. “Transmission of various clippings/live relay/coverage of the actions being taken by the police against the terrorists in South Mumbai is causing impediment in the police action … thereby endangering the lives of the police personnel as also of the hostages,†the order stated. Cable and satellite channels went off air for nearly half an hour before the order was rescinded. Media chiefs present at a meeting between the MIB, the Indian Broadcasting Federation and News Broadcasting Assn. hit back by accusing the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Media, Old Media, Television, War on Terror
Gustav Gives New Media a Workout
Hurricane Gustav was far less a threat than many expected, this past week. It presented the new media, Web 2.0 and even Web 3.0, with the opportunity to strut their stuff. Community building, networking, two-way communication, citizen journalism and more were on display. Rick Sanchez led the way over at CNN. On Twitter, Rick is @ricksanchezcnn. Using Twitter, Facebook, e-mail and other New Media tools, Rick covered the hurricane with up to the second reports from people in New Orleans and elsewhere in the affected region. He was also able to respond to questions and concerns on the spot. I was one of many who had their “tweet” read on the air during that time. Twitter is an unusual product that has exploded into the Internet in 2008, though it has been … Read entire article »
Filed under: Commentary, Disasters, Media, Old Media, Original writing, Tech
The Amazing Internet
In 1992, sixteen years ago, it was virtually impossible to view a picture on the Internet. Connection to the Internet was through a slow dial-up modem or, for a lucky few, through academic, governmental or business T-1 connections. Today, I can look at a photograph taken in China at the scene of a disaster within moments after it was taken. I can read first person accounts of a battle in Iraq within hours. I can exchange points of view with a Peruvian in real time, You young people, he says in a quavery old voice, don’t know how lucky you are. The Internet has made the world realtime. The potential of the Net is that everything can be witnessed, worldwide, as it happens. The only obstacle is implementation of the existing technology. CNN, Fox … Read entire article »
Filed under: Commentary, Media, Old Media, Original writing
Media Mavens Mistake Military Moves
Several memes are developing in the old media about the Sadr Revolt in Iraq. They seem to be relying on anonymous sources and lack of familiarity with operation in Iraq. Let’s take a look at some of them. CBS reports: “The Iraqis didn’t ask permission, they just went, which seems to have caught President Bush by surprise.” Basra Province is under the control of the Iraqi national government, as are the Iraqi Army and other security forces. The Iraqis do not need anyone’s permission to conduct operations. The Iraqi government has been moving troops south since late summer, which did not go unnoticed by our leadership. There are American advisors at all levels of the military, from the Ministry of Defense on down. To suggest that the United States was not aware that … Read entire article »
Filed under: Commentary, Iraq, Media, Old Media, Original writing, War on Terror
New York Times Blogs Baghdad
Oh, God, I’m about to say something nice about the New York Times. Do not adjust your set. The Times’ Baghdad Bureau has a blog. It’s called Baghdad Bureau – Iraq From the Inside. It appears to be an outstanding effort at a group blog. It’s full of information, pics, video, and links. OK, now back to the regularily scheduled critism of the New York Times. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Blogging, Media, Old Media, Other Bloggers
Cox Communications Adds Pentagon Channel
BRAVO! There’s no reason this channel should not be on every cable system in the nation. DVIDS By Samantha L. Quigley American Forces Press Service Arizona cable subscribers will soon have access to the latest military news from the comfort of their living rooms, thanks to an agreement between an Arizona city and a national cable provider. The Peoria City Council amended its cable franchise agreement with Cox Communications during a city council meeting last night. The change will allow the cable provider to share the city’s Pentagon Channel broadcast with Cox digital customers in the state. … Read entire article »
Coming Soon: Future Posts
- Declaration of War 1812 (in 131 days)
- USS President vs HMS Belvidera (in 136 days)
- General Hull Invades Canada (in 155 days)
- First Battle of Sacketts Harbor (in 162 days)
On Y!CN
- Radioactive Gravel from Japanese Nuke Disaster Used in Buildings
- Fuel Supplies Reach Nome
- Fuel Convoy Reaches Nome
- Russians Sail to Rescue of Ice Bound Alaska Community
- Pope Embraces Anglicans in U.S. with New Ordinariate
- Nebraska Nuke Plant Placed on Special Inspection Status
- Radioactive Water Leaks at Japanese Nuke Site
- Japan Damaged Nuke Plants Still Not Under Control
Social Links
Murderer Had Pistol Permit
February 19th, 2009 | Comments Off
In a novel twist, Frank Garcia, the suspect in the 4 weekend murders, had a legal pistol permit. It may be the only murder in several years in this area committed by a legal handgun. Today’s Democrat & Chronicle reports on his multi-year attempts to acquire a permit, as well as his prior criminal record. Outstanding leg work by reporters Brian Sharp and Meaghan McDermott. The story online is accompanied by copies of all the various documents which is exactly the way a story ought to appear on the Net. After a slow start, all the local media have been working hard on this story. Garcia’s work history has been explored as well as how he knew the two female victims in the case. Lots of background from neighbors and friends filling in … Read entire article »
Filed under: Commentary, Crime and Punishment, Media, Old Media, Original writing, Reporting