Swine Flu Hysteria--Stage Two
Last Friday night, the story broke swiftly.
By Saturday, normally the slowest day of the news week, it developed into a league of its own.
We're talking about the phenomenon known as Swine Flu. It's being discussed everywhere. In cafes, on the net, at the water cooler in offices--hell, it's become such a medical fuss/paranoia Joe Biden told his family to stay off the subway and airplanes. Biden backed down, (haven't we heard this before?, but that's another story) in any event what we have here, as someone once said, "is a failure to communicate".
All I know is this: I don't know. I'm listening to CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta, live from Mexico City telling me that as long as I wash my hands and practice proper hygene, my Swine Flu paranoia is just that, and worrying about this virus is nonsense. Fine, sounds good to me.
Ditto KGO's Dr. Dean Edell, who is the most candid, reliable, source on this subject who essentially said the same thing, and pointed out, rather rationally, that over 37,000 people, countrywide, die every year due to complications of influenza, yet that doesn't make it to the CNN Situation Room, nor is it at the top of the factor with Bill O'Reilly.
Which brings me to my main point here: our media outlets suck big time when it comes to stories like this Swine Flu deal. As I pointed out last week, they all need to take a very deep breath and sit down and quit playing with our collective mindset.
We're hearing conflicting statements from the WHO. Is it serious? What about the numbers? Is it in mutation form? What about a vaccine? Is it all really a 'Mexico City issue?These are all legitimate questions and I do believe a majority of the citizens, even those rational ones who've turned off the radio station because they're sick and tired of hearing such rubbush that they don't really care any more, one way or another. And that's the scariest thing. All of us could use some basic, reliable information.
I recall a few years back, ABC had one of those town hall meetings on 'Nightline and had a few, so-called experts discussing the Middle East.
Hey networks, cablets, I have a great idea for you guys and I gurantee you a ratings winner: why not do for the Swine Flu subject what ABC did with the Middle East conundrum?
Block out ninety minutes of time and have a live forum with various doctors, WHO officials and take questions from a few folks in the audience. It's fairly simple.
What we crave here is INFORMATION and FACTS. We don't need, nor care about the "16th confirmed case in Mexico City" or the first confirmed case in the Bay Area. That doesn't really give us anything specific; we know there's something out there, be it something faily benign, something in the middle, or god forbid, another Spanish Flu or Hong Kong Flu--see, we don't know and for once we'd all like to get some decent info on this matter--that's not too much to ask for, is it?
Posted By: Rich "Big Vinny" Lieberman (Email) Apr 30 at 12:57 PM
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
GIANTS Hijack KNBR; Wednesday Media File
I KNOW the Giants top management were instrumental in replacing KNBR's Damon Bruce and Giants post-game host, with their own David B. Flemming, and that KNBR brass cowardly allowed Larry Baer and co. to hijack their late-night programming....I know that Rod Brooks doesn't know a damn thing about sports and, furthermore, has a chip the size of Mt. Rushmore, on his shoulder, but then again, it's KNBR...I know that KRON4's Vern Glenn deserves better, but the doofuses that run KRON are about as pithy as an "Amy G" update on Comcast during a Giants game...I know that all the "experts" that have written off the Raiders/Al Davis' selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey as their first-round pick are the same "experts" who thought Mike Williams would be the next Jerry Rice...I know that Rick Barry would make one helluva coach in the NBA for a certain franchise that could use him, but that won't happen because there's an unwritten agreement. Figure it out...I know that the A's are a colossal bore and that their early failures are not a blip and portend to long-term status...I know that the core of the Giants latest success is their pitching, but that's not going to get them to October, and that their fans are far more on the ball than their KNBR tonsils, (31,000 last night for a Dodgers game)...I know that it's professional heresy to dare criticize Gary Radnich; after all, no media person here does so, namely because said media figure wants to be on "Raddy's" show, thus, you rip, it's "bye-bye"...I know that now that the Sharks have been eliminated, (again) the NHL playoffs coverage here in the Bay Area print media will be delegated to near the obituary page. How symbolic...I know that Ed Baxter is the ONLY reason I listen to the KGO radio Morning News...I also know that KGO has a budget issue, but the 10-1AM rotating-shuffle is pathetic and slot-status should be handed over to the very capable and esteemed John Rothmann...I know it's scary to say this, but syndicated talk's Michael Savage, (KNEW 910 AM) makes me laugh and is borderline hysterical even though I think he needs the 'meds now and then...I know that KCBS' mojo is news 24/7, but I'd like them to talk to the Raiders about forging a partnership for 2010, 'cause KSFO is a joke on and off the air...I know that KTVU/FOX2's Sal Castenada is the best traffic reporter in local media and should be promoted to something more compelling than a 'big-rig problem on 880...I know that Rita Williams is the best, hardest-working reporter in the market--ditto, ABC7's Wayne Freedman, Dan Noyes and CBS5's Hank Plante...I know that KCSM, (91.1 FM) does it every day, with some great nostalgic big band and jazz, but just how?...I know that KQED-FM's Michael Krasny and KGO's Ronn Owens are damn good, but could we have just a smidgen of sports every now and then?...I know that "Armstrong and Getty", (KNEW 910, 6- 10 AM) are beginning to get a pulse of the city, but 'howza 'bout a few LOCAL analysts as opposed to a CNN guy every other day?...CLEAR CHANNEL 'pink-slipped 590 people today, including local radio, "Star 101.3's Sylvia Chacon.
Follow me daily on http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lieberman/index and http://www.twitter.com/richlieberman
Follow me daily on http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lieberman/index and http://www.twitter.com/richlieberman
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Friday File--Giants Mess; John Madden and the Raiders--OPD Update
Giants Mess; Madden and the Raiders; OPD Update--The Friday File
The Giants are reeling--not exactly big news, but the manner in which they played on their winless sojourn in Southern California is cause for major concern.
Look, on the face of it, Bruce Bochy can't be the sole reason why this team is so awful. Bochy is not a particularly passionate, emotional, "chew 'em out" kind-of guy, nevertheless the lackadaisical performance by the players is on his watch.
Then again, it isn't Bochy's fault, for example, that Edgar Renteria appears to be a major flop nine games into the season, nor can he be responsible for the worst free-agent signing in the history of professional sports that is Barry Zito.
That falls on the lap of GM Brian Sabean, who made the brilliant $18 million Renteria deal, and vastly overpaid two marginal relief pitchers.
Bottom line? Clearly, this isn't a very good team and the personnel is nowhere near the talent level of the Dodgers, or even Arizona for that matter--I mean, if they were 6-3 and the pitching was decent, you'd still have to be cautious. But 2-7? Six-game losing streak? Randy Johnson looking positively lousy? The tepid hitting? Hello.
And a quick aside to Zito--when you continue to perform like the gawd-awful doofus you've become, stay off the post-game twitter account. Hide Barry, hide.
SHARKS UPDATE: The sky has fallen. The Sharks were shut out in Game 1 of their best-of-seven opening NHL playoff series with the Anaheim Ducks. 'Puck that!
John Madden to consult for the Raiders? Not necessarily as 'out-of-the-question' as one may think--Madden knows football; after all, he did coach for ten years and win a Super Bowl-- a 15-20 hour consulting gig with Al Davis every now and then is perfectly possible. I mean, it's not as if he has to work for a living.
The A's raised nearly $200,000 last weekend for the families of the four slain Oakland Police officers. Speaking of the OPD, I had a chance to schmooze with Dom Arotzarena, President of the police officer's union, at Pican last night. He said the outpouring of support from the public has been phenomenal. I asked him about morale. "Much better--we need it".
Indeed.
Follow me on http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lieberman/index and Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richlieberman
The Giants are reeling--not exactly big news, but the manner in which they played on their winless sojourn in Southern California is cause for major concern.
Look, on the face of it, Bruce Bochy can't be the sole reason why this team is so awful. Bochy is not a particularly passionate, emotional, "chew 'em out" kind-of guy, nevertheless the lackadaisical performance by the players is on his watch.
Then again, it isn't Bochy's fault, for example, that Edgar Renteria appears to be a major flop nine games into the season, nor can he be responsible for the worst free-agent signing in the history of professional sports that is Barry Zito.
That falls on the lap of GM Brian Sabean, who made the brilliant $18 million Renteria deal, and vastly overpaid two marginal relief pitchers.
Bottom line? Clearly, this isn't a very good team and the personnel is nowhere near the talent level of the Dodgers, or even Arizona for that matter--I mean, if they were 6-3 and the pitching was decent, you'd still have to be cautious. But 2-7? Six-game losing streak? Randy Johnson looking positively lousy? The tepid hitting? Hello.
And a quick aside to Zito--when you continue to perform like the gawd-awful doofus you've become, stay off the post-game twitter account. Hide Barry, hide.
SHARKS UPDATE: The sky has fallen. The Sharks were shut out in Game 1 of their best-of-seven opening NHL playoff series with the Anaheim Ducks. 'Puck that!
John Madden to consult for the Raiders? Not necessarily as 'out-of-the-question' as one may think--Madden knows football; after all, he did coach for ten years and win a Super Bowl-- a 15-20 hour consulting gig with Al Davis every now and then is perfectly possible. I mean, it's not as if he has to work for a living.
The A's raised nearly $200,000 last weekend for the families of the four slain Oakland Police officers. Speaking of the OPD, I had a chance to schmooze with Dom Arotzarena, President of the police officer's union, at Pican last night. He said the outpouring of support from the public has been phenomenal. I asked him about morale. "Much better--we need it".
Indeed.
Follow me on http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lieberman/index and Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richlieberman
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I'd Rather Make Love to Demi Moore
Wouldn't Making Love To Demi Be Better Than This?
From mediabistro.com, an item that begs the question: Has the internet destroyed civilization?Twitter dominator Ashton Kutcher is talking about his race to 1,000,000 followers and his closest competition - the CNN Breaking News Twitter feed. In a video on Qik.com, Kutcher, found here says, "I just thought that was just kind of an amazing comment on the state of our media, and I said that, if I beat CNN to 1 million viewers, then I would ding-dong ditch Ted Turner -- because I don't think it's gonna happen".
BusinessInsider reveals that CNN bought the Twitter account from previous owner James Cox, a British web developer. Cox launched the account three years ago, according to CNN.com spokesperson Jennifer Martin.
As of this writing CNNbrk has a 13,000+ follower lead at 966,247 to Kutcher's 952,865. Another celebutwit, Britney Spears, is falling behind with 932,062.
Kutcher will appear on Larry King tomorrow night to talk about the race to million. Also, Chartbeat is tracking the race in real time. Currently Kutcher is gaining, down by approximately 9,000.
CNN.com
King and the 'Kutch
Follow me daily on my SFGate.com media blog: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lieberman/index and Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richlieberman
From mediabistro.com, an item that begs the question: Has the internet destroyed civilization?Twitter dominator Ashton Kutcher is talking about his race to 1,000,000 followers and his closest competition - the CNN Breaking News Twitter feed. In a video on Qik.com, Kutcher, found here says, "I just thought that was just kind of an amazing comment on the state of our media, and I said that, if I beat CNN to 1 million viewers, then I would ding-dong ditch Ted Turner -- because I don't think it's gonna happen".
BusinessInsider reveals that CNN bought the Twitter account from previous owner James Cox, a British web developer. Cox launched the account three years ago, according to CNN.com spokesperson Jennifer Martin.
As of this writing CNNbrk has a 13,000+ follower lead at 966,247 to Kutcher's 952,865. Another celebutwit, Britney Spears, is falling behind with 932,062.
Kutcher will appear on Larry King tomorrow night to talk about the race to million. Also, Chartbeat is tracking the race in real time. Currently Kutcher is gaining, down by approximately 9,000.
CNN.com
King and the 'Kutch
Follow me daily on my SFGate.com media blog: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lieberman/index and Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richlieberman
Collinsworth to Replace Madden
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Collinsworth To Replace MaddenFrom NBC Sports: Cris Collinsworth will be in the Sunday Night booth to replace John Madden.
Posted By: Rich "Big Vinny" Lieberman (Email) Apr 16 at 10:23 AM
Listed Under: Breaking News Permalink Comments (0) : Post Comment
Collinsworth To Replace MaddenFrom NBC Sports: Cris Collinsworth will be in the Sunday Night booth to replace John Madden.
Posted By: Rich "Big Vinny" Lieberman (Email) Apr 16 at 10:23 AM
Listed Under: Breaking News Permalink Comments (0) : Post Comment
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Cantu Murder Suspect Attempted Suicide--CBS Report
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lieberman/index
CBS Radio Report: Huckaby Attempted Suicide Days Before Arrest
Just a few days before she was arrested on charges of kidnapping, raping, and murdering Sandra Cantu, Melissa Huckaby apparently attempted suicide, according to CBS Radio news correspondent John Blackstone.
In an 'exclusive report, (aired locally this morning on KCBS) Blackstone said that Huckaby was treated in a local Tracy hospital for "internal bleeding", which was the result of the 28 year-old woman apparently trying to swallow three 'X-Acto-knife' blades.
The suicide attempt took place the day authorities found the remains of Cantu in a suitcase, according to Blackstone's report.
KGO NEWS DIRECTOR 'FIRES BACK ON 'CANTU STORY COVERAGE
KGO Radio News Director Paul Hosley took exception to my account last week that the 'news-talk' outlet gave only scant coverage of the arrest of Huckaby over the weekend.
"You gave the impression we didn't cover the story," asserted Hosley in an e-mail to me yesterday.
"We had reporter Jeannie Lynch in Tracy doing live reports Saturday morning during the 'top and 'bottom hour news updates--did we call 'wall to wall'? No--but neither did KCBS".
In my initial report last Saturday, I acknowledged that KGO provided updates on its top and bottom-hour news "segs", but that KCBS was 'front and center' early on the 'arrest story', with 3-4 updates per hour, and correspondent Margie Shafer on the scene, hours before any KGO staffer had filed a report.
In addition, KCBS covered the Tracy Police briefing on Huckaby's arrest in its entirety, while KGO provided only portions of the briefing.
Bottom Line: I never said KGO "didn't cover the story"--they did. I just think KCBS' coverage was far more comprehensive and they did a better job.
Posted By: Rich "Big Vinny" Lieberman (Email) April 15 2009 at 04:53 AM
Listed Under: National Media
CBS Radio Report: Huckaby Attempted Suicide Days Before Arrest
Just a few days before she was arrested on charges of kidnapping, raping, and murdering Sandra Cantu, Melissa Huckaby apparently attempted suicide, according to CBS Radio news correspondent John Blackstone.
In an 'exclusive report, (aired locally this morning on KCBS) Blackstone said that Huckaby was treated in a local Tracy hospital for "internal bleeding", which was the result of the 28 year-old woman apparently trying to swallow three 'X-Acto-knife' blades.
The suicide attempt took place the day authorities found the remains of Cantu in a suitcase, according to Blackstone's report.
KGO NEWS DIRECTOR 'FIRES BACK ON 'CANTU STORY COVERAGE
KGO Radio News Director Paul Hosley took exception to my account last week that the 'news-talk' outlet gave only scant coverage of the arrest of Huckaby over the weekend.
"You gave the impression we didn't cover the story," asserted Hosley in an e-mail to me yesterday.
"We had reporter Jeannie Lynch in Tracy doing live reports Saturday morning during the 'top and 'bottom hour news updates--did we call 'wall to wall'? No--but neither did KCBS".
In my initial report last Saturday, I acknowledged that KGO provided updates on its top and bottom-hour news "segs", but that KCBS was 'front and center' early on the 'arrest story', with 3-4 updates per hour, and correspondent Margie Shafer on the scene, hours before any KGO staffer had filed a report.
In addition, KCBS covered the Tracy Police briefing on Huckaby's arrest in its entirety, while KGO provided only portions of the briefing.
Bottom Line: I never said KGO "didn't cover the story"--they did. I just think KCBS' coverage was far more comprehensive and they did a better job.
Posted By: Rich "Big Vinny" Lieberman (Email) April 15 2009 at 04:53 AM
Listed Under: National Media
Friday, April 3, 2009
Raiders Reach out to Community; The Leno Story in Boston
The Oakland Raiders and NFL Charities gave a $40,000 grant to refurbish Willie Wilkins Park In Oakland's Elmhurst neighborhood. Recent grants have also gone to Oakland's Ernie Raimondi Field and San Leandro's Burrell Field, bringing the gift total to $140,000.
Read my blog, http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lieberman/index to read about the Jay Leno snubbing by Boston's NBC affiliate, and how it may play here in the Bay Area.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
No April Fool...A 'Comcastic Experience" and Media Notes
READ the account of my COMCAST Appearance, and other Media Notes on my SFGate.com blog: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lieberman/index
Look in this space later today for my MLB picks!
Big Vinny Exclusive.
Look in this space later today for my MLB picks!
Big Vinny Exclusive.
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