RamblingDyna

Straight out of the mouth of an old school, hardnosed, cynical New York tenured journalist, CNN’s Situation Room Host, Jack Cafferty spilled his admiration for the Michelle Obama on air and on his blog. In wake of the First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama’s first G20 summit visit, Cafferty gave a short report on Michelle Obama’s growing popularity in the United States and the European media. He cites statistics and comparisons from year ago, showing the shift has come primarily from Republicans who’ve had a change of heart. His commentary was initially objective, until he threw a surprise wrench halfway in his delivery, smiling and confessing, “I have a crush on her”. I nearly fell out of my chair as I witnessed Journalism 101 thrown out of my television monitor. Walter Cronkite (“the most trusted man in America”) should give Cafferty a good scolding. The late Edward R. Murrow (“Good night and good luck”) is probably tossing in his grave. But wait the gushing a...

Barack Obama’s journey to become the 44th Commander in Chief is an original great American story. A rag to personal riches plot filled with drama, suspense, and a determination against all odds spans two countries and one island. His journey reads like scripts from inspirational movies such as “Rocky” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”. The political world first noticed him as the skinny kid with a funny name at the 2004 Democratic Convention. Four years later, his eloquent prose, steadfast confidence, tech savvy campaigns and cool resolve swept the Democratic Primaries, the nation and the world. His powerful messages of hope and change spread like wildfire, winning blue states and garnering the highest popular vote in history. His promise and practice for inclusiveness and a transparent government promised a fresh new beginning in government for an America that’s tired and ashamed of the politics of usual. People of all ages voted for the first time because they felt truly connected to...

President-elect Barack Obama will board a train in Philadelphia, home of the American Revolution and American Independence. It’s a very fitting start for a man who is making a history as he prepares to pave the way for a renewed and optimistic American independence in the 21st century. His festivities include pit stops in Delaware and Maryland until his destination Washington. Inauguration event organizers predict two million people will attend the start studded event. But what about those who can’t attend like me? The following is a list of San Francisco parties and events that look interesting: SOCK IT TO ME: Free event will be held at the Civic Center Plaza in front of City Hall. They will have live coverage. This will be huge. I'm not sure yet if I'm going to attend since they open the barricades at seven in the morning and traffic will be a bear. Will see. Instead of an entrance fee, organizers are asking the public to donate unused socks to benefit the homeless and un...

A group of San Jose State Journalism Students and their professor are traveling through the south on their way to the inauguration. They're visiting and reporting on historic civil rights stops along the way. Here are their stories. Besides Bay Area Fox Affiliate KTVU, CNN is also keeping tabs of their emotional and historic journey. They were interviewed on CNN today. http://www.ktvu.com/video/18497558/?taf=fran This link is their latest entry about the rise of white supremacist groups since 2007. With all the euphoria and elation of America's first African American President as evidenced by his rising approval poll numbers, must be reminded that there is still a minority of racist and hateful Americans. According to the student's report, the white supremacists plan on attending the inauguration wearing black arm bands and carrying upside down crosses in protest. Disgusting and repulsive. Even after 44 years, we are not yet a UNITED States of America. Hopefully Preside...

Can you the feel energy, buzz and excitement? Forget New Years, Merry Xmas, and Y2K. From main street and church pews to television and social networking sites, people of all ages are talking, texting, and blogging about Barack Obama, his family, their new dog, their daughters’ new school, inauguration parties, the transition of power, to name just a few. Publishers are embracing him in the super hero world as he graces the cover of Marvel’s “Amazing Spiderman #583” comic book which was released yesterday. According to Marvel’s website, their first two printings are SOLD OUT and are printing a third release due to the insatiable demand. Hurry up and place that order! Of course the first one is the ultimate eye on the collector’s edition prize. Marvel Editor, Steve Wacker, didn’t think twice of featuring Obama when he first heard that the President Elect is a Spiderman fan. The story plot is about an imposter planning to ruin Inauguration day. How about Obama as a pseudo looking Sup...

Weary, baggy eyed airport travelers are stranded for the second day in a row as winter storms shut down planes and ice runways. Retailers keep their fingers crossed praying that second black Friday will reap extra change. Gas prices are down by 60% but people are still watching their mileage as with any other expenditures. Families are tightening and streamlining their belts. Xmas wish lists are pared down or done without. In the Xmas 24 hour marathon television favorite, A Xmas Story, the mother of the main character, Ralph, asks him what he wants on his Xmas wish list. Initially, she denies him his Red Ryder BB gun because it's dangerous. In the end, Ralph and his brother get everything they wanted. Even though it's a fictional and all time movie classic favorite, I'm sure financially strapped families now watch these idyllic scenes with a sobering perspective. People are coping and learning, most for the first time, how to really save and buy what's necessary. Can...

It's been a couple of years since I've been to any career networking events but the past seven days sure have been busy and they all happened by accident. I just signed up for a journalism group that meets periodically in San Francisco; missed their first meeting and didn't expect to see their next invitation for a couple of weeks. But the group organizer emailed the members about a fundraising event for two local non-profit, online news startups: The Public Press and Newsdesk. The last time I was in the same room with a group of reporters was when I was covering a murder trial in New England years ago. As many national and local newspapers and other commercial media groups are shutting down shops and slashing hundreds of editorial staff, the life and livelihood of true news reporters and the journalism field is being threatened. These two online media groups like a few others nationwide are working hard to not let true hardnosed journalism succumb and wither away to ...