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Anti-social behavior

 Aug 01, 2007

Good morning.  It’s Wednesday, August 1st.

Yesterday, Johnson City police and city officials said they’re planning to rid area parks of “anti-social behavior”.

I’m pretty sure that’s a nice and safe way of saying public sex acts.  No doubt, Johnson City government hopes to avoid criticism that they’re targeting specific segments of the population, so they’re keeping their terminology pretty generic.

Over my years of reporting news in the region, I’ve heard about this problem periodically at parks and public restrooms in more than one local city.  Police have deal with it on a case by case basis until the complaints increase in frequency.  Then, they usually announce an “initiative” or “crackdown” with increased patrols.  Often, their efforts pay off.  That’s whay they tell us, anyway.

The new crackdown in Johnson City came after an assistant city manager walked in on some “anti-social” behavior at a Winged Deer Park bathroom.  Needless to say, he didn’t need to file a report.  The crackdown likely was just a phone call away.

Have you ever encountered such “anti-social” behavior in the Tri-Cities region?  Do you think it’s a big problem?  Is it a proposed solution that’s long overdue?  Share you experiences and your thoughts about the problem.  Keep it clean - no dirty details needed or allowed. 



Posted by Josh Smith
News

Are you just wild about Harry (Potter)?

 Jul 17, 2007

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Good morning.  It’s Tuesday, July 17th.

Harry Potter fever has hit the Tri-Cities region.

I know kids and adults who love the fantasy series.  They’ve read the books.  They’ve seen the films.  They own the DVD’s.

But I know others - and you know who you are - who want nothing to do with Harry Potter, the little wizard who casts spells and fights evil with his “virtuous” brand of magic.

They, I’m told, don’t like the darkness.  They don’t like the sorcery, and they don’t like the “kids know best” portrayal of adult/child relationships.

Me?  I have no opinion.  Honestly, I haven’t seen the movies or read the books.  But I’m curious.  What do you make of the Big HP?  Love him, or leave him on the shelf?

Sound off in your own magical way.

Josh



Posted by Josh Smith
News

Would you vote for Fred?

 Jun 25, 2007

Good morning!  It’s Monday, June 25th.

Nashville television station WSMV reports this morning that Fred Thompson will announce his presidential candidacy this week.  Maybe tomorrow.

Thompson’s people aren’t talking.

The Tennessee Republican party isn’t talking.

What about you?  There’s been lots of buzz about a Thompson candidacy for months.  He’s raised a ton of cash, and polls show not everyone in love with the current field of GOP contenders.  I’m really interested in what our morning viewers think about this Tennessean actor turned politician turned actor turned possible politlcal candidate.

Have a good one.
Josh



Posted by Josh Smith
News

Journalists who donate to politicians

 Jun 22, 2007

Good morning.  It’s Friday, June 22nd.

Over my years as a reporter, I’ve been accused by a few viewers of all sorts of bias.  Without exception, they who were confident of being right were resoundingly wrong.  At first it was surprising, but then I realized that most viewers of news have grown to distrust most reporters of news, and much of the distrust is deserved.

I can’t imagine the accusations that will be flying at the list of journalists identified in a just-released MSNBC investigation.  This list identifies journalists who’ve donated to political candidates.
It’s on the msnbc.com website, the Drudge Report picked it up this morning as well.

For the record, News Channel 11 policy strictly limits how employees support political candidates.

What do you think?  Should news reporters be allowed to donate to politicians?  If so, should they be forced to publicly disclose it?

Let me know your opinion.

Josh



Posted by Josh Smith
News
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