PBS anchor Jim Lehrer, leaving a grand legacy for others to pick up

“Journalism is caring where the fire-engines are going.”

Jim Lehrer – novelist, playwright, and most noted..veteran news journalist, TV anchor, editor whose news career in journalism spanned over 50 years. Also, the co-founder of PBS Newshour TV program, and frequent presidential debate moderator. He won many awards, and to me, a prime example of journalism of how it’s meant in pure form, without the punditry and theatrics. He passed away on January 23, 2020 at age 85.

But one important page of note, are Jim Lehrer’s NewsHour guidelines in 2009, as a standard for his show, and to inspire others who may follow:

I practice journalism in accordance with the following guidelines:
• Do nothing I cannot defend.
• Do not distort, lie, slant or hype.
• Do not falsify facts or make up quotes.
• Cover, write and present every story with the care I would want if the story
were about me.
• Assume there is at least one other side or version to every story.
• Assume the viewer is as smart and caring and good a person as I am.
• Assume the same about all people on whom I report.
• Assume everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
• Assume personal lives are a private matter until a legitimate turn in the
story mandates otherwise.
• Carefully separate opinion and analysis from straight news stories and
clearly label it as such.
• Do not use anonymous sources or blind quotes except on rare and
monumental occasions. No one should ever be allowed to attack another
anonymously.
• Do not broadcast profanity or the end result of violence unless it is an
integral and necessary part of the story and/or crucial to its understanding.
• Acknowledge that objectivity may be impossible but fairness never is.
• Journalists who are reckless with facts and reputations should be
disciplined by their employers.
• My viewers have a right to know what principles guide my work and the
process I use in their practice.
• I am not in the entertainment business.

Moving forward, that should be the legacy unforgotten, and looked at for many generations ahead in professional news journalism overall.

– Orion T

The Sadly Gone Newsstand

Last Christmas Eve, I stopped by the world-famous Pike Place Market, to have a last look at a familiar staple of preserved atmosphere for 40 years within Downtown Seattle. There was the First and Pike News newsstand in all its glory, for over 40 years on the corner, ever welcoming and giving locals and tourists a deep look into Seattle culture in print, along with a very wide selection of magazines and reads from around the world.

First and Pike News closed on December 31st, 2019.

That part of the market hit me as a wonderful, nostalgic part of this city, that will likely never come back. Meanwhile, the local Barnes and Noble book store, with another large newsstand holding rows of magazines, recently closed on January 18th, 2020. Both closings add a sadness, of a declining city tradition that is the great multiple newspapers and magazine newsstand.

Both, doubly sad signs of that wholesome access to news and magazines in print, dwindling as not just from its outdated model of receiving ad revenues, but its lessening exposure in public places. More people are exponentially are drawn to new media with our Reddits, Facebooks, Twitters. Then battle it out with instant messages, notifications, invitations, interruptions, memes, all taking our attention to faster and shorter spans, as we frantically swipe through ad revenue life-streams, polluted with data mining, privacy-invading bots, mostly run by online conglomerates.

But for a moment, let’s take a look at the beauty that was a wholesome, plentiful newsstand, with its cheapo snacks, postcards, maps, other helpful things that would help both travelers and locals find their way. We then swipe those eyes on printed pages, keep us focused on just the words and images. Those were light, convenient, with no battery charge notice.

That is a beautiful view of colorful machine-bound printed paperworks.

To see a row of frequent prints, each and choice of topics tailor-made by a passionate and dedicated staff is a joy that I shall remember. The newsstand has the nostalgia of browsing and enjoyment of sampling through what’s worth paying. Also, as a light read for that day in the park or evening on a porch. Some places give a little more like snacks and maps. The sadly gone First and Pike News stand offered many more delights and souvenirs for the passing tourists.

Now, that thrill left this part of Seattle. But maybe, you might know of some newsstands in your area. Stop by, browse and appreciate the joy of printed media, formatted for your full attention. Buy some papers and cheap stuff, and smile to the seller. Every little bit of support helps, and maybe keep that wholesome bit of honest joy a part of your neighborhood for more days ahead.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 1/29/2017, Hope Within Resistance..

The latest rally against Trump across many cities, here again in Seattle.

Though, this particular gathering happened in response to the sudden and troubling new Executive Branch order put forth by President Trump. Such was the denial of citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States, for the next 90 days while suspending the admission of all refugees for 120 days. A great many including myself, were not happy with this confounding orders, frustrating many while driving tens of thousands across the nation to protest.

The Seattle crowd this time, took a more focused approach on immigration, in defense of those wronged by the new policy. The most popular chant was “Say it loud, say it clear..immigrants are welcome here,’ delivered in massive unison through the streets. The police led them around the blocks, and I think split the marching portion crowd into separate groups. A clever ploy to dwindle the crowds perhaps, as they seemed much smaller in number with less time to prepare. Still, all went well for the protesters in the thousands gathered to have their say, including Mayor Ed Murray and Governor Jay Inslee.

To where all this will lead, is foreseen. But such unity is inspiring a great hope for the troubled times ahead, that all will be okay in the end.

– Orion T

Post Election Rally Reflections…

The days since the election have been a roller coaster of emotions for many after the surprise results of Donald Trump’s electoral win for the next President of the United States.

And, what a reaction! There was the initial shock, then the reality set in. Yet, nearly half the country didn’t vote, perhaps because of from much disillusionment with Hillary, turned to apathy and third-party alternatives. The bulk of the Trump supporters I think were turned on by his anti-PC attitude, the usual right-wing rhetoric but in a more authoritarian tone, controversial remarks that many felt were xenophobia, racist, sexist, with other fears bringing out the worse in others, and driving the results of the election to its unexpected conclusion.

Such resulted into fears of new America where ugly attitudes towards minorities, women, LGBTQ, immigrants could increase with the rise of the alt-right and controversial proposals of Trump, backed by his voters who succeeded and feel somewhat empowered. Many were also unhappy with his comments hinging with overtones of xenophobia, racist, sexism, and fears based on untruths.

Then came the protests, prominently throughout the major cities of the US. Groups mostly youthful, chanting “Not My President,” “Love Trump Hate” and other slogans turned hashtag phrases. The reaction was mainly positive, in showing unity and strength against the new establishment. Keep in mind the protesters are also engaged in progressive causes, many of which met with great resistance to the GOP of Trump who also controls the Senate and House of Representatives, and soon the Supreme Court. So, there is plenty of concern for all, not quite ready for the Donald as Commander-in-Chief.

And the rallies were great, far more than I expected. Thousands especially in New York City, Los Angeles, Oregon, Oakland. Most of which was peaceful and organized, with some incidents of violence by some troublemakers here and there. Nothing got too out of hand. those willing to listen had much to understand and listen to for their messages were scattered throughout social media and other press outlets, both digital and press. Those not willing to listen, mostly Trump supporters would pass them off as illegals, rioters, welfare and unemployed bottom feeders’ whatever it takes to cloud their message and keep Trump going toward his idea to “Make America Great Again.”

Whether that happens or it goes completely the other way, is up to all involved in this process of democracy, where voices on the street can be just as powerful as the Election Day ballots. There is much time before Trump’s big Inauguration Day, where he can make amends for his negative comments that perpetuated the rallies, and perhaps ease the concerns of those outside his voter demographic. If not, Inauguration Day will be interesting, and busy.

The pictures above and below are from Sunday night in Seattle, from Capitol Hil to the Downtown area. The last two are from the first night after the election. Mostly, among them were mostly young adults, many college students, I think. Cops stayed along the edge on their bikes, seem cool headed as many would ride ahead to direct traffic as the flow stay organized. Group stopped when cops needed to get ahead of the march at narrow turns. Some of the protesters gave the cops high fives when close. The local atmosphere felt positive with no violent incidents that I know of from all this. Overall, a success for the protesters.

Orion T

Thoughts of Today 12/31/14, Goodbye 2014

2014 was a crazy year, and anything but mundane and boring.

The past year was happy for me at least. However, with a lot of other emotions thrown in. Every year, one must take the good with the bad. I lost a lot, including an organ, and a wonderful friend to an underestimated mental illness. I also gained a lot, including some fantastic video/audio producing skills and new friends; including a person of great inspiration worked for, who fought off life-threatening cancer..twice. I didn’t travel as much, though I have seen some incredible sights around this great Emerald City. I read some great books (lots of comics, ask me for recommendations), and watched some great movies (Nightcrawler, Guardians of the Galaxy, Birdman, Under the Skin, Black Mirror Christmas). I was guest host on a podcast (Junk Food Dinner), and experimented with audio journalism (not the best results however). I learned that I can quit sodas and deep-fried foods (and avoided such for 99% of the year). I also learned how awesome ice cream and waffles taste on a late sleepless night, and the joy of crazy cloud formations and epic sunsets. I spent great time with old friends I haven’t seen in many years, of who I missed much. I also broke my favorite camera, which I have attempted and failed to fix (may have to give and buy a new body for it..sigh). But at least I put some great pictures before that.

Also, the world around me changed. 3-D printing has jumped very far ahead, where we can now print objects in space orbit. We also landed a machine on a comet traveling 55,000 kilometers per hour. Some US states legalized marijuana and gay marriage. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge raised more than 88 million dollars, through fantastically viral Internet social networking. Robin Williams passed away, much too soon and very tragically. Multiple police brutality incidents and accusations of such lead to some riots and civil unrest. Far off, there are escalating conflicts with heavy casualties worldwide; most notably in Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, the Central African Republic. Also, the Ebola virus took some major headlines, as doctors and nurses personally handling the spread are this year’s greatest heroes to me. There was much good and bad, of which we will not forget.

Well 2014, all has been fun and everything else interesting.. My eyes are still open.

There is a little left, of which I will spend in a local café writing and organizing. Later I will be on the roof of my Seattle apartment, awaiting the fireworks close by at that Space Needle. To all: have a great and safe New Year’s Eve, and a 2015 run full of great experiences.

Picture of Today 1/26/14

Local solidarity,

for the protests turned violent on the other side of this world.

….

Picture by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved

Seattle May Day yesterday..

May Day is an interesting day for this great Seattle city.

In the past, the day seemed worldly focused more on festivities, associated with some kind of pole. Now and especially in Seattle, May 1 is part of the International Workers’ Day movement. So, there are big massive public gatherings of protest and solidarity. In most, the participant organize well with much shouting and marching with a focus on worker and human rights. However last year, the city had its troubled incidents involving the Black Bloc anarchist group, the Seattle Police Department and a local famous superhero.

Yesterday, I took an errand-filled evening walk on this bright and sunny day, almost forgetting the May 1st significance. Then, I heard the chanting and cheering. Streets closed, and a march through the downtown city streets happened. All seemed to move well, as I joined with curious intent.

For 2013, the majority issue was on immigration rights and reform. For this particular portion, the atmosphere was positive and feel good. I listened to the loud voices, chanting with the American flags waving and large signs held high. Not all was agreeable, some messages were unclear. Overall, I felt reassured and positive for this society where peaceful gatherings are allowed, encouraged, and attended with many participants.

Also noticeable, were the large number of people snapping and recording visuals. Many will spread online, especially to the great social networks where the message will go global and observed with inspiration. Also, much police stood aside and ready; keeping the peace as they should. Other places and times nearby not so much, as violence broke out and questionable tactics happened, ending with 17 arrests, 8 police officers reported injured.

Here below, are my low-res phone pics on the lighter side of Seattle’s May Day 2013.