Picture This Bernie

If ever there were a case for cameras in the court room Bernie Madoff’s appearance in federal court on Thursday is it.

The main objection to having cameras has always been that cameras create a “circus” atmosphere in the court room. Bogus argument. Every judge that I’ve seen in every courtroom has run his or her court room with amazing precision and control. At the slightest hint of a “circus” most judges gavel things back to order.

Anyone take notice what it was like when Bernie ran the gauntlet of cameras, photogs, reporters and producers this morning?

Dead silence.

Not a word from anyone. The predictions from veteran court observers of their being a “real zoo” at Bernie’s appearance this morning was over-rated. If cameras were allowed inside, I am sure there would have been similar control by the media.

Now’s the time to revisit the cameras in the court room controversy. It’s time that our judicial system take a look at the calendar. It’s 2009 not 1809.

Bernie cheated thousands of people out of 50 or 60 billion dollars. It would have been great for his victims to be able to see him in front of a judge. It would have been gratifying for all his victims to see Bernie led out of the court room in handcuffs.

Instead we got to see just snippets of our judicial system at work. Bernie’s victims were ripped off twice. Once by Bernie and a second time by the antiquated and biased judicial rules against the news media and the public it serves.

Hug a Newsman

Well now. Mark your calendars for this one. I am giving you ample notice. Tomorrow is “Hug a Newsman Day”.

A thorough search…5 minute Google…revealed the following:

Hug a Newsman Day gives you the opportunity to give a great, big hug to your local news person. C’mon, admit it. You’ve watched your cute newsman day in and day out. You’ve always told your self if you ever see him, you would give him a great, big hug. Well, today is your opportunity. Any questions on how to celebrate this day? Important note: Today is also a day to hug a news “woman”. They wouldn’t want to be left out of this very special day.

So to observe this rather obscure holiday The Grand Central Oyster Bar, In New York City will be paying tribute to the news media with a [sic] hors d’eorves and cocktail reception on Friday night, April 4, 2008 from 6:00 to7:30 PM.

Oyster Bar General Manager Mike Garvey and Executive Chef Sandy Ingber and Cirillo World are inviting everyone. John Cirillo emphasizes that they’re going to have a few professional “huggers” (both male and female) to engage in a group hug. The celebration includes print and broadcast media. Now what could be better.

How many anchormen does it take to…?

Ok. It’s an old joke. Great for April 1st. How many anchormen does it take to change a light-bulb? The answer in just a moment, or maybe you can figure it out from the picture. But first this:

Parental Discretion Advised

 

Don’t allow your kids to read this. Sometimes it won’t be “appropriate” for children. They’ll pick up some nasty habits.

No, I’m not about to make a ”shocking” gubernatorial admission here like the “Luv Guvs” of New York and New Jersey. It is, however, an admission of a nasty secret I have harbored for most of my life.