RamblingDyna

I took a picture with CNN's 360 anchor Anderson Cooper! Well ...I took a picture with a poster of him reporting in the field but it’s good enoug h for me. Anyway, he’s based in New York City and he ne ver re turns my call. :o) I did witness, w ith about 50 other ethnic journalists, Dr . Sanjay Gupta, CN N’s Chief Medical Correspondent and Brain Surgeon, do a taping at CNN's Atlanta headqu arters. The free ($12 value) two ho ur tour was part of my two day ticket to the National Ethnic Media Expo and Awards event at the Hyatt Hotel. Thousands of ethnic news organizations reach out to over 60 million ethnic Americans acc o rding t o a recent poll conducted by Ne w America Media (NAM), the main organizer of the annual event. Even as print newspapers continue to shut down or shrink its staff, it's great to know that ethnic newspapers continue to survive. I hear time and time again from ethnic journalists from California to Michigan that the Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese...

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...

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...

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...

So for the last 3 days I've been watching CNBC's morning Squawk reports about the financial fiasco. I'm not a regular watcher but I check in now and then when I have time. Financial news is usually boring but even prior to the Wall street mess, the CNBC commentators and reporters are an entertaining bunch. Most of their dialogue is non scripted and the impromptu questions and market hourly changes reveal that these men and women know their stuff. The hosts and reporters also have a sense of humor, that New York sarcasm and quick wit which helps soften the blow of the changing hourly news. First I'd like to comment on their presentation. Now I understand that when you're reporting from the busy NYSE trading floor, you need to raise your voice but that doesn't mean the on-set anchors have to shout at each other. Even the women hosts fall prey to this. But I do like that despite the shouting and some of the disagreements between the hosts and reporters, at the e...