tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48971588538938245072024-03-04T12:23:28.446-08:00Frye on the NewsKeeping his eye on the news and offering commentaries and insights on what is happening in Oakland County, around the world, on the tube and in the news.Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.comBlogger520125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-17332133139292405022015-03-23T11:13:00.002-07:002015-03-23T11:13:37.444-07:002016 race officially startsWith <a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20150323/cruz-becomes-first-major-candidate-to-jump-into-2016-race" target="_blank">Ted Cruz announcing his candidacy for president</a>, the 2016 race officially kicks off.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_ARl2a6tcm4Lef1Str_kAobcLvcrmGViI5lXW8VEJRNCqKyLwYJm-CypC_CAKL_uvV_P_ZeX-OUCbfRMPRKNXXTIaDbc9XU15_ZpbLZ5a_9K4SOh4ArmwrLaYCmleZjPVMBiGAVl9qI/s1600/EP-150329840.jpg&maxh=400&maxw=667.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_ARl2a6tcm4Lef1Str_kAobcLvcrmGViI5lXW8VEJRNCqKyLwYJm-CypC_CAKL_uvV_P_ZeX-OUCbfRMPRKNXXTIaDbc9XU15_ZpbLZ5a_9K4SOh4ArmwrLaYCmleZjPVMBiGAVl9qI/s1600/EP-150329840.jpg&maxh=400&maxw=667.jpeg" height="274" width="320" /></a><br />
He is the first of what promises to be a crowded Republican field. I can only hope for a vigorous Democratic campaign as well, though the main narrative now is that Hillary Clinton is the front runner and only top candidate who may run.<br />
<br />
I can't believe Democrats won't come out and challenge her, as it stands that giving up a chance to run in 2016 means a Democrat plans to sit out potentially 10 years of campaigning for nation's top political job. Whoever wins in 2016 will seek reelection in 2020 and, as both Obama, Bush and Bill Clinton proved, no matter how unpopular you end up, it's hard to unseat an incumbent.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26XpoilCyrJ2bR_tkHaQjxvN7C7F_ejVDNqKd29Egcym86UueS-RqCjj_IlyzFEfqCnbDDZoLWc6mjvSXgrOCoV1yAMFmFUz18_YxkFlFrDsRbQ-tMNoLPQO4CsPlJXw78qzyPJ74TJE/s1600/AR-150139980.jpg&maxh=400&maxw=667.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26XpoilCyrJ2bR_tkHaQjxvN7C7F_ejVDNqKd29Egcym86UueS-RqCjj_IlyzFEfqCnbDDZoLWc6mjvSXgrOCoV1yAMFmFUz18_YxkFlFrDsRbQ-tMNoLPQO4CsPlJXw78qzyPJ74TJE/s1600/AR-150139980.jpg&maxh=400&maxw=667.jpeg" height="146" width="200" /></a>The<a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20150130/bloomfield-hills-native-mitt-romney-will-not-run-for-president-in-2016" target="_blank"> preliminary act </a>in the campaign season was for Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee, to announce he would not run. How quickly will the next candidates come? Who will challenge Clinton? I hope someone does, as the key to a healthy democracy is consideration of a wealth of ideas and the more candidates the better.<br />
<br />
And how will journalists cover the candidates?<br />
<br />
<br />
So far, the most interesting piece I've read about the upcoming race is <a href="http://pressthink.org/2015/03/journalists-have-to-decide-what-to-do-about-candidates-who-are-climate-change-denialists/">how journalists will cover the candidates who deny climate change</a>.
Jay Rosen's piece is highlighted with the idea of journalism as finding evidence and shaping beliefs and actions.<br />
<br />
With science almost fully accepting that climate change comes from human activity, to deny that is to deny evidence. What method should journalists take with reporting that part of this race?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pressthink.org/2015/03/journalists-have-to-decide-what-to-do-about-candidates-who-are-climate-change-denialists/">Read more of Rosen's analysis here</a>. Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-61452108226823711282014-07-30T08:26:00.001-07:002014-07-30T08:31:44.875-07:00Primary election, 2014Please refresh or update page for the latest results from the Oakland County Clerk's Office.<br />
<br />
Here are the results of the primary election in Oakland County, Aug. 3, 2014:<br />
<iframe frameborder="1" height="2500px" marginheight="px" marginwidth="0px" name="Election Night, Aug. 5, 2014" scrolling="yes" src="http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/MI/Oakland/52669/137612/en/summary.html" style="border: 0px #000000 none;" width="90%"></iframe>Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-84449103120785423142014-06-25T07:26:00.000-07:002014-06-25T07:26:07.880-07:00World Cup shines despite bite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_lX00xrspismi85XWrLJBLKTzuF9Z2IxtQI24twYytZAb1wQbQc19RNxAg8QG-GG2aORtjNq2jQk9zyqkHMogAHJTdALUPo4_bLNBAq7_mDdC2nLh-QPmtj7x0LoPEvB4iKM725-yrw/s1600/AR-140629765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_lX00xrspismi85XWrLJBLKTzuF9Z2IxtQI24twYytZAb1wQbQc19RNxAg8QG-GG2aORtjNq2jQk9zyqkHMogAHJTdALUPo4_bLNBAq7_mDdC2nLh-QPmtj7x0LoPEvB4iKM725-yrw/s1600/AR-140629765.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></div>
I've enjoyed the return of the World Cup, especially with the stronger interest in the U.S.<br />
<br />
It's good for ESPN to have a heightened American interest, boosted by strong publicity and the need for the big story to be covered by all. A team that could slip into the second round helps.<br />
<br />
With nearly 25 million watching the second match of the 3-match first round, again pundits and callers/commenters are debating whether football will finally emerge in the US market. Yes, that's the common debate: Soccer is here; not it's not.<br />
<br />
I don't care if other people are interested, but the interest does impact potential viewership opportunities. Without this current rise, NBC put on a fine season of EPL coverage on it's NBC Sports and main network this past season. I was able to watch almost every match, four to five weekend and another five to six On Demand.<br />
<br />
So for football fans, we don't need a new audience to come, though networks, I'm sure, want the increased number and NBC may be gambling now hoping for a larger audience next season.<br />
<br />
I just hope that Liverpool's Luis Suarez stays in the English Premiere League, where he dominated last season, leading the league in scoring despite a five-game ban for a 2012-2013 biting incident.<br />
<br />
And on <a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20140624/world-cup-roundup-uruguay-beats-italy-but-game-overshadowed-by-bite" target="_blank">Tuesday, perhaps the best day of action</a> so far, his bite on the shoulder of an Italian opponent when helping lead his Uruguay to the second round (and leaving Italy to join England and Spain as surprise first-round losers) overshadowed Greece's stunning win over the Ivory Coast, a team featuring many EPL players.<br />
<br />
I've hoped Suarez would end up with Arsenal, and many wanted him out of the league after last season's bite. Now, <a href="https://twitter.com/patcaputo98/status/481521735703879680" target="_blank">some here are shaming the game for this latest bite</a>. You can't defend the action, but like many American sports stars who are hated for their antics, their own teams and fans often tolerate it if they make them winners. But like all business, more talk and more debate is good. At least they're talking about you.<br />
<br />
For me, it's just fun to watch every game (mostly on DVR) when so much rides on a single kick.Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-7777636075418563672014-04-24T10:51:00.001-07:002014-04-24T10:51:31.610-07:00Tennessee in the newsThey are getting noticed but they are not (hopefully) making their state proud.<br />
<br />
Two Tennesseans are in the news today, both for semi-crazy and fairly stupid crimes.<br />
<br />
First, a man is accused of <a href="http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/cops-man-fakes-kidnapping-mom-wont-pay-ransom/25636778" target="_blank">faking his kidnapping</a>, as he tried to get his mother to pony up a $200 ransom. The headline there is she didn't want to pay, believing he was faking. Instead, she called police. It leads to a decent mug shot and a story shared around the nation.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipox6HhPBQVcgrwkx8W4GCDlcsf7CZLKj_6fvk3KjRS0-hxPy7VJrbB92CpiTJmaVkS_zkhviXvZK-v5DaBPGSYzEzWxbYMALBjp8xkn-9XYvwt_v0OhOn2h4znclFEztXlpUWj5uabM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+1.37.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipox6HhPBQVcgrwkx8W4GCDlcsf7CZLKj_6fvk3KjRS0-hxPy7VJrbB92CpiTJmaVkS_zkhviXvZK-v5DaBPGSYzEzWxbYMALBjp8xkn-9XYvwt_v0OhOn2h4znclFEztXlpUWj5uabM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+1.37.50+PM.png" height="320" width="234" /></a>Next, and with another mug shot to attract attention, another <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20140423/NEWS07/304230198/woman-hid-gun-in-vagina" target="_blank">wire story from Tennessee</a> is about a young woman arrested on a traffic violation, a minor offense until police found a gun hidden inside her vagina.<br />
<br />
Yes, not serious news, but such titillating headlines of the various misadventures people find themselves a part of spread easily via social media. Really, they are just minor cases, except they possibly involve drugs and guns, two issues facing all American society.<br />
<br />
The coincidence of both being from one of our Southern states just makes it a little more peculiar, but the reality is this stuff happens all over.Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-56706246626245062022014-02-04T19:31:00.001-08:002014-03-15T04:54:30.866-07:00Suburbs versus cityFor decades, leaders in Detroit and its surrounding suburbs, particularly Oakland County, enjoyed the back and forth of being adversaries. Often, they were wrapped racial politics. But as one area went from undeveloped to being developed, the other crumbled with shrinking population and failing infrastructures.<br />
<br />
I'm late to commenting on this, but the recent profile in the New Yorker of L. Brooks Patterson overshadows his overall success as county executive. <a href="http://glenngilbert2.blogspot.com/2014/01/in-defense-of-brooks-patterson.html" target="_blank">As many have noted</a>, he has maintained a watchful eye that has created a healthy economic system in Oakland County.<br />
<br />
Pa<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">tterson's job has been to protect his turf. It is the job of the governor and state to promote a healthy region. Too bad the local political battles couldn't be managed with more reasonable approaches from the state. But I find no fault with Brooks looking out for us, <a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/government-and-politics/20140204/report-oakland-county-executive-l-brooks-patterson-says-no-to-detroit-water-deal" target="_blank">just as he is doing with our water bills and a Detroit water system that has been neglected.</a></span>Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-80675475924177127912014-01-09T10:27:00.000-08:002014-01-09T10:27:01.304-08:00Will we still have Chris Christie to kick around?Yes, it is <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=richard+nixon+birthday&oq=richard+nixon+birthday&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.4264j0j8&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">Richard Nixon's birthday</a> today, someone on Twitter pointed out.<br />
<br />
Though he denies, it has been deemed that Chris Christies, New Jersey's wildly popular and entertaining governor, a man who decries politics and is celebrated for his ability to get things done and step across the aisle, is the top presidential candidate for the GOP.<br />
<br />
He may be, but he is struggling this week as Bridgegate, as Twitter is calling it, explodes, the scandal that he has long denied but appears to have seen his administration punishing a town's residents with a poorly timed traffic study that snarled traffic.<br />
<br />
As a commuter, messing with the drive is one grave sin. Not as sexy as an affair, for the media, but for people stuck in traffic, politics wasting our time and productivity is unforgivable.<br />
<br />
How Christie handles it is the key. It's not like his weight and eating a donut on late-night TV. Early thoughts are that blaming others and firing them quickly will not do the trick.<br />
<br />
The governor's lengthy press conference avoided the usual advice of keep it simple and apologize and then get out of the room. He took the questions, which is good. He rambled on and expressed many emotions, but who knows how people will take that attitude.<br />
<br />
Here's what people were saying on Twitter, looking at the Bridgegate hashtag, which is always loads of fun and very insightful:<br />
<br />
- Siouxsie Sue @JanisIanCurtis<br />
I had to stop listening to Christie, my quota of male blathering was hit for the day. #bridgegate<br />
<br />
- Jennifer Maurer @Maurer_Jen<br />
Can't get the image of Christie in boxers and suspenders in his bedroom, turning red as he read the news on his iPad. Argh! #bridgegate<br />
<br />
- Matt Arco @MatthewArco<br />
Christie #bridgegate press conference approaching 1.5 hours. Press corps laptop batteries beginning to die. This one may be next…<br />
<br />
- R.S.S. @_R_S_S_<br />
Why would Kelly lie to Christie about actions that couldn't possibly benefit her personally in the slightest? #bridgegate<br />
<br />
- Kellan Martz @KellanMartz<br />
Chris Christie is trying his best but not coming off as fully believable. He had to know about #bridgegate to some degree. embarrassing 4 NJ<br />
<br />
- Brian Garcia @CieraRio<br />
Breaking News: Jersey Shore cast hopes people don't judge whole state by actions of Chris Christie. #bridgegate<br />
<br />
- Erik Rhine @Erhine1<br />
Chris Christie is taking more heat from the media over #bridgegate than Obama got for the IRS, NSA, Obamacare, national debt, and so on.<br />
<br />
- DamienMShirley @DamienMShirley<br />
Chris #Christie isn't a good Gov if he doesn't know what the people in his own office--including close advisors--are doing. #Bridgegate<br />
<br />
- Frank Scandale @FScandale<br />
""#bridgegate @PoliticalStile asking the right question: why did your staff think they could do this?<br />
<br />
- The Daily Edge @TheDailyEdge<br />
Christie: "I believe the people of New Jersey will forgive me. Especially when they see my sad face" #bridgegate pic.twitter.com/pBhXmj64la<br />
<br />
- Kathy Gray @michpoligal<br />
Chris "I am not a bully" Christie presser going on for more than one hour. #bridgegate.<br />
<br />
- Sheryl Kaye @sherylkaye<br />
This presser has turned in to self indulgence true to who @GovChristie is. Already over an hour and 15 minutes and counting. #bridgegate<br />
<br />
- Scott Wooledge @Clarknt67<br />
Not sure #NJ's @GovChristie is now accomplishing anything more than ensuring there is TONS of video for the 24-hour news cycle. #bridgegate<br />
<br />
- April @ReignOfApril<br />
Why wouldn't Christie request the same documents/emails, etc the Bergen newspaper has? That really makes no sense. HUGE problem. #BridgeGate<br />
<br />
- Chelle @chellegaylor24<br />
He fired his Deputy Chief of Staff without even talking to her. No surprise there, most bullies are cowards. #bridgegate<br />
<br />
- Andrew Jerell Jones @sluggahjells<br />
It's gotten so bad for Christie, Fox News has pulled the plug and left the press conference #bridgegate pic.twitter.com/apWkOTM8i9<br />
<br />
- Alex Trillo @atfiles<br />
1 hour and 22 minutes. An apology has turned into an episode of Biography. #bridgegate #mediahasnolife<br />
<br />
- Robert Mitchell @RLM_3<br />
Chris Christie is picking a fight with a true fighter. Mayor Sokolich will start issuing receipts and I can't wait! #bridgegate<br />
<br />
- Midterm Machine @MidtermMachine<br />
Christie can't stop lying or blaming other people! It's pathetic and disgusting. Be a man fess up! #bridgegate #ChrisChristie<br />
<br />
- Scott MacNeil @WinnipegFatArse<br />
Chris Christies's body language in this "long march" presser leads me to believe his bravado & confidence is ebbing. #BridgeGate<br />
<br />
- kherman @kherman<br />
Christie sending diplomat extraordinaire Dennis Rodman to Fort Lee to smooth things over. #bridgegate<br />
<br />
- Sam @ohsam<br />
I wish someone got fired every time there was inexplicable/unnecessary traffic #bridgegate<br />
<br />
- Deborah NYC @DebsWorldNY<br />
Funny, never seen Christie be this humble and respectful when at a school meeting w/ general public or teachers. Actual VOTERS.<br />
<br />
- Greg Kielec @gkielec<br />
Let me know if Gov. #Christie suddenly sprints across the room and knocks over an elderly lady. #FordChristie #bridgegate<br />
<br />
- John M. Becker @freedom2marry<br />
BAHAHA RT @GlennThrush: Having exhausted credentialed press, Christie is now fielding questions from drifters and custodial staff #Bridgegate<br />
<br />
- Elsie Snuffin @ElsieSnuffin<br />
It's Richard Nixon's birthday. How's that for timing? I mean, if you're going to jump... #bridgegate pic.twitter.com/AVOBAArhNX h/t @BeschlossDC<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-78304001090859584862014-01-06T10:06:00.004-08:002014-01-06T10:08:02.276-08:00Snow-related videosWow, what a <a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/article/20140106/NEWS/140109606?source=jBarPopUp" target="_blank">snow storm</a>, and next comes the cold, a <a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20140106/dangerous-cold-can-mean-frostbite-car-trouble" target="_blank">dangerous situation</a> for anyone who ventures outside.<br />
<br />
Here are some videos from the staff at TheOaklandPress.com:<br />
<br />
<div class="tout-widget" id="tout_widget_ik2l8j">
<script charset="utf-8" src="//www.tout.com/widgets/ik2l8j.js"></script></div>
<br />Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-25135221064540930492013-12-03T09:37:00.000-08:002013-12-03T09:37:24.457-08:00Detroit bankruptcyLots of news about Detroit's bankruptcy approval, though to me this is the expected result following the earlier decisions of the governor to install an emergency manager and for them to move into bankruptcy. There was no way they were going to step back from that. The economy and budget have not gotten better. There's still the debt.<br />
<br />
If the city had been ruled ineligible, then it would have been a temporary stop on the way into bankruptcy.<br />
<br />
The bigger news for the soccer fans in all of us, announced today, are the pots for the World Cup draw, and wondering which 4-nation group the US will fall into. Simulate the <a href="http://ultra-zone.net/2014-FIFA-World-Cup-Group-Stage-Draws" target="_blank">effort here</a>. Basically, if we get Brazil or Spain, we are in very poor shape, as there's likelihood that another strong contender could get into the group. Only 2 teams advance to the playoff round.<br />
<br />
Read more on it here from <a href="http://deadspin.com/here-are-the-pots-for-the-world-cup-draw-1475609543?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebook&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow" target="_blank">Deadspin</a>.Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-43130130878761906232013-11-14T10:31:00.000-08:002013-11-14T10:31:18.986-08:00Judge's comments are interestingIt's an old and familiar story: Adult has sex with teenager. Used to be legal at 16 but if one is a coach or a teacher or boss, then the sex is illegal for two more years.<br />
<br />
And it is wrong for the representatives of the Macomb coach on his way to jail to blame the girl, who is the victim in the eyes of the court and society, as the 'aggressor.' Yet they do anyway, from the point of view it wasn't a coerced rape. But it's illegal and the adult should know better, prosecutors and judges (and society) agrees.<br />
<br />
But the judge says something else, according to the Macomb Daily story:<br />
<br />
<i>Judge Mary Chrzanowski agreed with (assistant prosecutor) Blank.<br />“She was 16. In my eyes, and I’m sure in the eyes of her parents, she’s still a baby,” Chrzanowski said. “She lacks the ability... to know the difference between right and wrong, and he was entrusted with the responsibility to know right from wrong.”</i><br />
<br />
Lacks the ability to know right and wrong? Something was left out of the quote, so I don't want to be too directly questioning.<br />
<br />
But 16 year olds do know the difference between right and wrong, and many of them go to prison.<br />
<br />
Now, the Supreme Court agrees with the judge, kinda, outlawing mandatory life sentences with no parole for offenders under 18. But they can still get life in prison, it's just not mandatory.<br />
<br />
I do think teenagers lack the ability to measure consequences, but my thoughts on this comment, perhaps we need more compassion when teenagers commit crimes. Seems like this judge agrees.<br />
<br />
As for this case, the coach is lucky to be going to jail for a few months instead of prison. And it's not the girl's fault. The adult should have known better and did know better.Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-59954671517780601362013-11-12T07:24:00.001-08:002013-11-12T07:24:31.106-08:00Post-electionThis year's election stories proved a quick hit for news organizations, perhaps readers/viewers don't want to be overwhelmed by what is to come next year, when the election cycle will be much longer. Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-22537427371745391682013-11-04T07:41:00.001-08:002013-11-04T08:16:44.719-08:00Halloween is a great time for photosNothing is as photogenic as Halloween. Here are some of our Halloween-related photo galleries at The Oakland Press:<br />
<br />
A look at the <a href="http://media.theoaklandpress.com/2013/10/30/photos-the-exorcist-true-story/" target="_blank">true story of 'The Exorcist,'</a> <br />
<br />
A look at the making of<a href="http://media.theoaklandpress.com/2013/10/30/photos-october-30-1938-orson-welles-causes-panic-with-war-of-the-worlds-broadcast/" target="_blank"> the Oct. 30, 1938, 'War of the World' broadcast</a> led by Orson Welles,<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://media.theoaklandpress.com/2013/10/30/conway-halloween-home-in-franklin/" target="_blank">home of Van and Lori Conway in Franklin, where Halloween</a> is wildly celebrated,<br />
<br />
A gallery of some of the <a href="http://media.theoaklandpress.com/2013/10/30/photos-carved-pumpkins/" target="_blank">best pumpkin carvings from around the world</a>,<br />
<br />
Halloween <a href="http://media.theoaklandpress.com/2013/10/31/photos-halloween-around-the-world-october-31-2013/" target="_blank">celebrated around the world</a>,<br />
<br />
Happy <a href="http://media.theoaklandpress.com/2013/10/31/photos-happy-halloween-2/" target="_blank">Halloween from photojournalists</a> around the world, <br />
<br />
A look at <a href="http://media.theoaklandpress.com/2013/11/02/photos-la-calabiuza-festival-in-el-salvador/" target="_blank">La Calabiuza festival</a> in El Salvador, Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-83778076401379925762013-10-28T06:55:00.002-07:002013-10-28T06:55:59.157-07:00Lou Reed rememberedLou Reed was one of the greats, starting a rock band that changed rock and roll.<br />
<br />
Velvet Underground is one of the few bands to influence generations of musicians. When he had the liver transplant in the past year, it seemed to be that minor national story that everyone reported.<br />
<br />
Shame that he didn't survive, <a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/arts-and-entertainment/20131028/lou-reed-iconic-punk-poet-dead-at-71" target="_blank">dying this weekend at age 71</a>. People were rooting for him. Now, the news is much bigger as the impact of his talent and his work are celebrated.<br />
<a href="http://media.theoaklandpress.com/2013/10/27/rock-poet-lou-reed-1942-2013/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://media.theoaklandpress.com/2013/10/27/rock-poet-lou-reed-1942-2013/" target="_blank">Here are some photos. </a>Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-13247944627563350832013-09-17T05:27:00.000-07:002013-09-17T05:27:02.805-07:00ShootingMore wall to wall coverage of a shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C, dominated the cable news on Monday.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, Zimmerman turned into a non-story quickly, though it seemed that all the reporting on Syria had difficulty in spinning as a positive or negative story.<br />
<br />
Fabulous coverage from Denver, especially by The Denver Post and NBC News, on the flooding in Colorado, but it's easier to follow natural disasters because of the ample video footage. Covering a shooting with only static shots of standing around and waiting is more difficult, forcing the talking heads and speculation to take over. Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-11630911984133095642013-09-09T13:26:00.001-07:002013-09-09T13:26:35.054-07:00Syria dominates, but is that Zimmerman returning?Syria and the possibility of war, or at least war-like airstrikes, have dominated the news this weekend and into Monday, and rightfully so. It's a major issue and it has both politics and recent history going up against it, especially the comparison to Iraq and our march to Baghdad.<br />
<br />
But wait, it's George Zimmerman and the national battle of historic racism and gun rights appearing, detained after police were called to his home by his wife, apparently due to a domestic situation.<br />
<br />
Oh my, as a wise man says. Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-88659375389301026872013-08-27T05:02:00.001-07:002013-08-27T05:02:56.149-07:00My oh MileyYou can't buy this kinda good press, because nothing beats supposed bad press when it comes to good press.<br />
<br />
It is cute watching the former (already paid) customers complaining about the new product, which is being sold now to new customers, who are getting loads of glimpses into the grown up and gone bad Miley Cyrus they can now buy. This has long been apparent on the HuffingtonPost.coms of the Internet, but this week, it is everywhere, like a back to school sale.<br />
<br />
I forget who I first saw make the comparison, one of the nightly news shows, but the similarities to Britney Spears is obvious. So whoever planned this out, they must be pleased with how the week has progressed.Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-13857381940411137712013-08-07T16:20:00.000-07:002013-08-07T17:43:10.892-07:00Was it a tornado?Check out the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcT_ihxjgJE" target="_blank">video</a>. It may not have been a tornado technically, but it was a serious storm passing through Clarkston and northern <a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/07/23/news/doc51eed1ceabb03181728030.txt" target="_blank">Oakland County on July 23</a>.<br />
<br />
And if you're living there, hey, it's close enough! Thanks for the reader posting this video:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hcT_ihxjgJE" width="560"></iframe>Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-83774437872008402932013-08-07T16:02:00.001-07:002013-08-07T16:02:36.865-07:00Solving drunken drivingSo how do you fix drunken driving, meaning stop it?<br />
<br />
Doing so would save lives.<br />
<br />
We had this comment on a recent story about a crash, from a reader, John:<br />
<br />
"It is time we get serious about Drunk drivers. I would like to see the laws changed to the following:<br />1. A second offence, life in prison.<br />2. If you are stopped for DUI, and you are, that would be attempted assault with a deadly weapon. <br />3. If you are involved in any crash, but with no injuries, attempt to do great bodily harm.<br />4. If there are injuries, attempted murder.<br />5. if there is a death as a result of the crash, murder one."<br />
<br />
<br />
That is tough on a crime, for sure, but would it work? It would certainly help.<br />
<br />
I visited Finland years ago and went to a bar with a young man, and he drank non-alcoholic beer. I asked if he wanted to just have one, and he said. The law was tough there, including lengthy jail sentences. People were still arrested and jailed. But there was more. He had a small plane pilots license and a single conviction meant a lifetime ban on flying.<br />
<br />
He wasn't going to risk it.<br />
<br />
More people wouldn't risk it if lengthy jail terms followed simple convictions.Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-24500865538050687702013-08-07T08:40:00.003-07:002013-08-07T08:40:51.942-07:00Buying someone a drink just got riskierThe woman and the bar have already faced sanctions after a fatal crash in Texas, but now prosecutors are looking at the man who bought her the last drinks before she drove home.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/crime/2013/08/05/nrm-brooke-legal-panel-on-jail-for-buying-drinks.cnn.html">According to CNN.com, the woman</a> had consumed more than a dozen drinks, including shots and beers, in just a few hours before trying to drive home from the Texas bar, where she had been stumbling around.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/man-faces-misdemeanor-charges-for-buying-drunken-drivers-drinks-19882575">ABCNews.go.com reports that the man</a>, Kambiz Duran, is charged with a misdemeanor. The bar was cited, and the woman, Nicole Baukus, charged with the vehicular homicide. Should the man who bought her drinks, if she was visibly intoxicated and intent on leaving, be held criminally responsible in the death?<br />
<br />
<iframe height="221" id="kaltura_player_1375884081" src="http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/embedIframe/entry_id/0_hjiuf078/widget_id/_483511/uiconf_id/5590821?referer=http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/man-faces-misdemeanor-charges-for-buying-drunken-drivers-drinks-19882575&flashvars[autoPlay]=false&addThis.playerSize=392x221&freeWheel.siteSectionId=nws_offsite&closedCaptionActive=false&" style="border: 0px solid #ffffff;" width="392">Unfortunately your browser does not support IFrames.</iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: x-small; margin-top: 0; text-align: left;">
<br />
<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/?cid=11_extvid1">Breaking News</a><br />
|<br />
<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/entertainment/?cid=11_extvid2">Celebrity News</a><br />
|<br />
<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/video/?cid=11_extvid3">More ABC News Videos</a><br />
</div>
Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-24827608755955585512013-08-05T13:14:00.000-07:002013-08-05T13:14:11.633-07:00My ToutsHere is a look at what I've done on Tout, the quick social media video platform:<br />
<br />
<div class="tout-widget" id="tout_widget_kl60mx">
<script charset="utf-8" src="//www.tout.com/widgets/kl60mx.js"></script></div>
<br />Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-42624382904738260932013-08-05T11:26:00.001-07:002013-08-05T11:26:44.894-07:00Mr. Busted moves on after being bustedYes, Chris Hansen has not committed any crime.<br />
<br />
However, he did savor the act of busting on camera and confronting possible sex offenders, men believing they were going to get it on with a young teenager, someone too young to have sex legally. Interestingly, "To Catch a Predator," blurred the lines between reality TV and journalism, between law enforcement/entrapment and investigative journalism.<br />
<br />
I liked the show. It was compelling TV, simply stunning in catching people as they were arrested and exposed publicly. Funny, how the charges in court and arrest is most serious, but for some, it seemed being on TV was the worst part. Talk about the worst of both worlds.<br />
<br />
But the entrapment is troubling. Like with drugs, it's OK, it seems, if police buy drugs and arrest the supplier. But when police sell drugs and then arrest the buyer, would a crime have been committed without the police? And what about repeated sales, allowing the buyer to reach a higher platform of sentencing? If they broke the law for real, why allow them to leave and come back later to buy more?<br />
<br />
Anyway, Chris Hansen got his as the media was ready for a story of the gotchya reporter getting caught with his hands in the cookie jar, and very busy hands they did seem to be.<br />
<br />
Here's a story we had today, as Hansen has finally been chased from NBC:<br />
<br />
According to reports, NBC News' host Chris Hansen, who previously worked in Detroit, is leaving the network.<br />
<a href="http://www.tvguide.com/News/Chris-Hansen-Leaving-NBC-The-Biz-1068826.aspx">TV Guide</a> first reported the news about Hansen, who has been embroiled in his <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/29/chris-hansen-caught-cheating-on-wife-camera_n_887289.html">own sex scandal</a>. His wife caught the popular host in an affair, the HuffingtonPost.com reported. A woman has<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/ex-lover-pens-open-letter-host-catch-predator-article-1.1388765"> written an open letter about their affair</a>.<br />
Henson is from Michigan and reported for both WXYZ-7 and WDIV-4 in Detroit<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Hansen"> before moving to NBC in 1993</a>.<br />
His popular show, "To Catch a Predator," relied on hidden camera videos showcasing a steady stream of men showing up for supposed sexual encounters with young or underage teenagers. The show then highlighted their arrests and even the processing and interviewing of the suspects by detectives.<br />
After a suicide and subsequent lawsuit as well as complaints about the tactics, which scared potential advertisers, however, the segments stopped appearing on "Dateline," despite a win for an Emmy for Hansen.<br />
The cameras then turned onto Hansen and his personal life, culminating in the first-person letter in the National Enquire and a report of <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/catch-predator-host-chris-hansen-caught-cheating-time-stripper-report-article-1.943940">an affiar with a stripper</a>.<br />
<br />Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-46095226085746831502013-08-02T10:01:00.001-07:002013-11-12T07:25:50.863-08:00Classic car videosHow do you winterize your classic car? <br />
<br />
Here are classic car videos:<br />
<br />
<div class="tout-widget" id="tout_widget_3scsya">
<script charset="utf-8" src="//www.tout.com/widgets/3scsya.js"></script></div>
<br />Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-11123717926645709102013-08-01T08:24:00.002-07:002013-08-01T11:29:05.628-07:00Bill Clinton twitpic funIt looks like an exceptionally worthy cause but the photo sent via Twitter of former President Bill Clinton raised my eyebrows.<br />
<br />
With more than 900,000 followers, less than <a href="https://twitter.com/nprscottsimon" target="_blank">NPR's Scott Simon</a>, <a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/08/01/news/doc51f916bbd184b109126139.txt" target="_blank">@BillClinton</a> sent out this picture:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bt77bECIfZrniehxFHmCSpQ6mUHFnBifgnCbdXj3V2vPS6VM25S4LgnZsg2oPjGUQSaYSyn-U2XMLRNAYJ18L0JwXvtHAMczHFOjIi3PAwei8HnK5H3_DRgln4lEkAZN5YUtWqJCyWM/s1600/BQlyOVkCYAAvPUp.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bt77bECIfZrniehxFHmCSpQ6mUHFnBifgnCbdXj3V2vPS6VM25S4LgnZsg2oPjGUQSaYSyn-U2XMLRNAYJ18L0JwXvtHAMczHFOjIi3PAwei8HnK5H3_DRgln4lEkAZN5YUtWqJCyWM/s320/BQlyOVkCYAAvPUp.jpg-large.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
He's the president to send this out, that's for sure, and hopefully, he doesn't delete it. <br />
<br />
Of course, this is what can happen when someone else is doing the tweeting for you, as I'm sure happens with some of the bigger wigs. Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-39129401347645995382013-07-30T07:40:00.002-07:002013-07-30T07:43:42.248-07:00KTVU gaffe never gets oldIt's unbelievable that an anchor could read the four names they thought to be the pilots of the South Korean plane that crashed in San Francisco this summer, but she not only did so with a straight face but without realizing she and the station had been pranked.<br />
<br />
You don't need to think quickly on your feet to be on tv; you need to clear your head and read what is on the screen, looking good and sounding confident. I feel for her, having trusted what she was reading was right. She hasn't been fired, though <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2377570/KTVU-staff-members-fired-Asiana-racist-gaffe-including-producer-tweeted-moments-later-oh-s-.html" target="_blank">three others at the station have been, according to reports</a>.<br />
<br />
But the video is crazy to watch, listening to the names, which sound like "Something (is) wrong," "We ('re) too low," "Holy F---" and then relating the crash and injuries. It is incredibly disrespectful and proves that competent media people need to act as a filter but are vulnerable when met with the need for haste and being a target to pranksters and trolls.<br />
<br />
You would think that she would realize instantly, but it didn't happen on the air. The correction came quickly, though.<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="270" id="flashObj" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=2542526559001&linkBaseURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Farticle-2377570%2FKTVU-staff-members-fired-Asiana-racist-gaffe-including-producer-tweeted-moments-later-oh-s-.html&playerID=1989148206001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAFSL1bg~,CmS1EFtcMWELN_eSE9A7gpcGWF5XAVmI&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=2542526559001&linkBaseURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Farticle-2377570%2FKTVU-staff-members-fired-Asiana-racist-gaffe-including-producer-tweeted-moments-later-oh-s-.html&playerID=1989148206001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAFSL1bg~,CmS1EFtcMWELN_eSE9A7gpcGWF5XAVmI&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="480" height="270" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object>
<br />
A couple thoughts:<br />
<br />
Though disrespectful and insensitive, the station is damaged by the airing of this gaffe, so no lawsuit is necessary. In fact, what kind of monetary damage could they seek. The station apologized, though the first on-air apology should have been more forceful and pointed out how stupid they were to let this through. They could have taken a cue from NBC's Brian Williams.<br />
<br />
<object width="420" height="245" id="msnbc224f0d" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=10,0,0,0"><param name="movie" value="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" /><param name="FlashVars" value="launch=52434987&width=420&height=245" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed name="msnbc224f0d" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" width="420" height="245" FlashVars="launch=52434987&width=420&height=245" allowscriptaccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><p style="font-size:11px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #999; margin-top: 5px; background: transparent; text-align: center; width: 420px;">Visit NBCNews.com for <a style="text-decoration:none !important; border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; font-weight:normal !important; height: 13px; color:#5799DB !important;" href="http://www.nbcnews.com">breaking news</a>, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507" style="text-decoration:none !important; border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; font-weight:normal !important; height: 13px; color:#5799DB !important;">world news</a>, and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072" style="text-decoration:none !important; border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; font-weight:normal !important; height: 13px; color:#5799DB !important;">news about the economy</a></p>
<br />
Secondly, efforts by the station to scrub this off the internet should be battled by everyone who has access to a Twitter account, Facebook page, blog or other form of online media, with which to share this. Though KTVU should not be sued, they should not be able to remove the gaffe. They own this and cannot hide from it. The shame is not on the victims of the crash; rather, it is on the ones who produced this.<br />
<br />
C'mon: The poor "Boom goes the dynamite" rookie student student <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/where-are-they-now-boom-goes-the-dynamite-brian-collins-2010-5" target="_blank">sportscaster</a> is still available, viewed more than eight million times.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/W45DRy7M1no" width="420"></iframe>
Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-73627031346058586342013-07-29T06:06:00.005-07:002013-07-30T08:01:28.835-07:00Newspaper columnist waves his caneMitch Albom is sounding more old timely than usual, complaining about someone in Tennessee making a video of his wife's incredible fit and posting it to YouTube.<br />
<br />
It's remarkable stuff, considering I have three young daughters and I've seen a few this bad. But this lady wants a cigarette and a trip to a lake.<br />
<br />
Albom has some points to make about our society, youtube, a toilet, you know the gripe. Also, he seems interested in saving their marriage, a little bit of Dr. Phil leaking through. This, though, is what most shocked me: The column by someone posted on the freep.com comes with no link to the video let alone an embedded clip. For real.<br />
<br />
Here is the video to watch. It's worth it, and more than 20,000 agree, at least with just this posted version:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/popi3-_RBPI" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
And though I hate to promote such garbage and don't want to waste your time, here's a link to Mitch's gripe:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20130728/COL01/307280072/Mitch-Albom-You-know-it-s-over-when-he-s-filming-you" target="_blank">Read here</a>. Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897158853893824507.post-69291175248078540442013-07-22T13:47:00.000-07:002013-07-22T13:47:03.264-07:00Good honest reportingCheers, Simon McCoy, of the BBC, sharing the truth as he had the task of standing outside the London hospital and await the announcement of the royal baby.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cQZKooDv1D8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />Stephen Fryehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13097573630683392618noreply@blogger.com0