Compare the Advocate and Enquirer Yourself.

What a rare treat last Sunday, the Advocate front paged a really interesting article for it's readers.  Brought to my mind when people are asked, are you playing with the cat -- or is the cat playing with you.

They published an article about teenagers fighting in public, and the old saying give them enough rope and they'll hang themselves never could have been better.

Jimenez vs the Advocate, a slam dunk double homicide.  What a front page story worthy of the checkout line news rack at any supermarket across the county. Just the other day while checking out one of the leading papers which contained this sensational headline, O.J. Simpson is Kim Kardashian's dad. I wondered to myself if O.J and company had been a blog at the Advocate how it would stack up against the Advocate's front page news last Sunday.

The Enquirer's site had some good stories to compare with, but they don't have a blog site to interact with.

The Advocate's site does that and more, and you can go straight to the story at Advocate, award winner, it really focus's on Victoria and the community. A young 18 year old high school sophomore and his posse beat up on each other in moderate doses at public displays in search of alpha dog characters and codependent cronies for a real in depth look at what's going on in Victoria these days.

Bringing to light these fun loving youth and their extracurricular hobbies, with all the attention they garnered the Advocate really got the blog rolling, especially with all the colorful comments the young film maker could muster with his iPhone feature films and gang-bonic over the top comments guaranteed to put a broad smile on any high school English teacher. 

Couple of helpful commentators suggested that the 18 year old sophomore and aspiring filmmaker solicit H.O.T funds for a good V-town downtown throw down next year. Tattoo artists and street fighters should provide ample entertainment for family members. Throw in a couple of gang fights in the crowds and it's a sure success.

Moving along, the interaction between bloggers had different viewpoints, hence the banter stayed hot and heavy throughout the day.  Seems like those bloggers, that really don't represent Victoria, didn't have anything much to say good about the filmmaker, or his video's.  But the Advocate led the way with thorough journalism and cutting edge storyline to bring us a really in-depth look, even the filmmaker's mother gave the nod of approval, and that's hard to argue  Nice to have family support !

And they followed the story up, as they're known to do like they have in the past, with more blogs and updated new stories.  It's hard to get extremely good stories like this . . . but the Advocate rose to the occasion and let people know where they stand on social issues. They're always every wary to scoop the greatest stories on the streets.  Real young reporters really watch for great news, and when you're close to the action, great stories evolve. 

I didn't want to steal any Advocate thunder so I didn't post the videos, but you can link on them again if you missed anything the first time.

Then the Advocate followed up the story, as to leave no stone unturned with this blog that I'll link you too. 
More youth fight-sport coverage promotional link.

Over all the coverage was thorough and well thought out. Exciting to say the least.

I have to give the nod to the Advocate, as opposed to the Enquirer, on this one.


Plus it garnered some attention to a young and aspiring filmmaker, and as important as the arts have been promoted lately, it really showed what Victoria is all about.



“Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone.”
― Dorothy Parker

 “I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.”
― Dorothy Parker

Editors and Codependency

Everybody seeks approval, it's natural. Others need it more often than not. Some really need to hear it.

What the Advocate doesn't want to hear are opinions that differ, case in point, Mr. Matt Ocker, wrote an editorial to the Advocate last week, in reply, they refused to print it.  But soon a story is going to break.  They ask for an opinion, then they delete it, deny it, or censor it

On one hand the Advocate is holding out an olive branch, whispering in your ear, ever so caring and nice. In their other hand they're holding the delete dagger, and man do they wield it. Editorial citizen slashing is another side of this double edge blade.

Case in point, here's another deleted post, I'm sitting on 12 more, and censoring truth contradicts their mission statement.

Cobler commented they treaded lightly on a sad incident concerning the death of a local citizen, and he still is writing one-sided balderdash, over and over asking what should be done in the pursuit of justifying poor journalism.  

All these points are very valid, Treading lightly you say -- I don't feel the Advocate did that in the recent incident when they reported the manner in which the deceased died. And honestly I'm a little reluctant to even comment on this because in fairness to the family, had the Advocate just reported in a very simple fashion, this blog would not even be here.

It pains me a great deal to think the deceased's children and family members might be reading these comments, and that the man should be honored for his accomplishments, rather than being the reason the Advocate had to take a stance and review how reporting is done on such delicate issues.

I feel anyone with a Master's degree in journalism would already know the delicacy of dealing with a person's feeling in such matters.

And that a public forum is not necessary to give the powers that be in the Advocate a reason to question longstanding journalistic principles.

It reminds me of the Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) paradigm and to do what's already been done and not ask questions to answers many of us already know.

If it were my choice, I would recommend the Advocate scotch all comments relating to this incident from their website so the kids or family members don't inadvertently stumble across this now, or in the future.

Not a single iota of difference relates to readers what happens behind closed doors at the Advocate's ethic meeting, because they will do what they will do. And that's proven.

I just pray the ethic's committee does what is right and to respect all members in the community through all facets of life and how it is reported, and how words effect the day to day lives of those in this community as they go about their business without having to read one's laundry.

I hope this comment is shared with all the board members, and people take heart how fortunate we are, and for the Advocate to quit asking us what they should do.

And do what is right.

January 12, 2012 at 8:22 p.m. 

Deleted minutes later.

Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.

Sir Winston Churchill, Speech in November 1942

BREAKING NEWS -- Advocate Blatantly Misinforms Victoria Citizens-- Cover up Suspected.

Ed says,"This is Horse Shit."

Pretty sensational wouldn't you say

The Advocate had the Huevos to post this:  
And My Friends, They Know It's False

Check out the red highlights in one of the latest Editorial Board comments below.

The gentleman filing for the Film Festival funding is Anthony Pedone,  His Father, Dan is one of the larger political contributors in the city, I believe he gave a pretty penny to Don Pozzi's campaign..

In fact he's very well connected in the good ole boy system, and is involved with the Patillo's, the Mayor, etc
How fascinating?

The Advocate is well aware of this and that blatant lie really makes one wonder if the "Running with a Record" article was a political hit piece to influence the county Judge election -- which it did.
Speaking of fascinating this just got posted on Gheni Platenburg's wall, let's see how honorable the Advocate is.     (Place your bets as to the length it will remain)

This would be a great story for a change ! .
Report a Violation
"Gheni, though sometimes we don't see eye to eye, I'm 100% percent behind you on this, and this needs to be addressed, rules are rules.

Hey Advocate, you might want to retract this statement -- It's kind of like when you have a correction to make or a retraction that's necessary.
                                                                                     

Copy and pasted from the EditorialBoard 15 January 3:21pm "As for the issue of cronyism, Mr. Pedone's bio indicates he was born in Dallas but spent most of his youth on a ranch in Clayton, N.M. He hardly seems to qualify for inclusion in the so-called "good ol' boys club" of Victoria." 

Wrong Advocate, entirely wrong.... His father was a major Political contributor to the Pozzi election, is friends with the mayor, should I go on, and on here.

Good ole boy, in fact that would be a good story, since the African American Chamber of Commerce was denied funding for deadline tardiness, and the African American business's are here all year long and need the support of the community as opposed to a film festival for three days.

I think excluding them money and giving it to a good ole boy's son, is horrible, and the Advocate's position is questionable. That would be a good story to report on. Is there a good reason behind the scenes here, because the members of your board know this?

As for the issue of cronyism, Mr. Pedone's bio indicates he was born in Dallas but spent most of his youth on a ranch in Clayton, N.M. He hardly seems to qualify for inclusion in the so-called "good ol' boys club" of Victoria. LOL on the Editorial board on this one! "
1/17/2012 - 10:52 AM
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EditorialBoard Report a Violation

Permalink

We think it's healthy to have a conversation with readers about important local issues of the day. That's why we choose from time to time to respond to readers' questions about our viewpoints.
As long as we have attention focused on this issue, we want to let you know that we will begin webcasting our editorial board meetings. You may join our conversations at 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. This will be the same format we've used for our morning news meetings. The views expressed here represent a consensus of the board; its members are listed under the Editorial Board bio and on our Viewpoints page.
In terms of the question about Mr. Halepaska's position. He's an honorable man with a legitimate view, expressed by some of you here. We happen to differ with him on this point.

As for the issue of cronyism, Mr. Pedone's bio indicates he was born in Dallas but spent most of his youth on a ranch in Clayton, N.M. He hardly seems to qualify for inclusion in the so-called "good ol' boys club" of Victoria.

Removed Blog

January 15, 2012 at 3:21 p.m.

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Then they had the foresight to remove this:

Lyndon B. Johnson, grew up in the middle of nowhere next to a ranch in Johnson city, eating hardtack biscuits living on hardscrabble land, and as things progressed he became the biggest good ole boy of all time, and he did it all without an iPhone.4S

Gotta gets some better fiction than that to use as a talking point--lol.

Instead of hiring experts on the editorial board(hired guns) Edith Ann and Mzmizer woul be an excellent addition to your editorial board. I know the Advocate is greatly concerned with public opinion, and such a move would certainly enhance their stance.

But more likely the vote would run about the same percentages as city council's.

Suddenly it's really refreshing to relax the St.Louis rules of fiefdom and tout new found flexibility.

Rules are for nothing if they're bent.

But that's about flexibility, not consistency.

The only consistency is the trump card dealt time again from the bottom of the dealers deck'.
Always aces and eights when it doesn't suit the agenda and a royal flush when it does.

Gonna get me a deck of cards --

Next year file'em on time -- remember . . .rules

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Removed comment:

 

I had sincerely believed the purpose of the media was to be the eyes and ears of the community at large instead of the voice of the few and select.

I have felt for sometimes that the voices of the citizen's prove most important.

Damn the torpedoes and the full speed ahead mentality backing city council and then blatantly telling your customers, who buy your paper, and advertise with you, that it okay to bend the rules, and you're going to get this whether you like it or not, and as you read these posts, there are jurists and experts pouring over the rules to substantiate the funding.

Kind of reminds me of when Clayton Williams was running for Governor of Texas and his historical comment that you just might as well lay back and enjoy it..

How'd that work out for ole Clayton.

Sounds similar to what's being said now?

January 17, 2012 at 7:55 a.m.

Chris Cobler pulled this blog down claiming it was an attack on Platenburg, and her Article. I contend, and back up with facts, that the person Attacked here is Victoria citizen, Dr. Tanya Seiler.

In a study of 7,000 surgeons it was found that approximately one in four were in the midst of litigation. Surgeons involved in lawsuits are more likely to suffer from depression and exhaustion than professionals in any other field. How often have you ever heard of a lawyer being sued for poor legal advice, they have to do something pretty wicked to come under the gun, and it compares with the ethics committee in congress as to the extent of their punishment that is doled out

And as you know, it’s a slap on the hand. Cobler vs Truth Fairy

Malpractice is at the top of the list of physicians. And as everybody tries to make ends meet, and keep their bills up to date, the most critical check a doctor writes every month is to their insurance carrier to shield them from a malpractice suit.
And every lawyer knows, the insurance companies pay, and pay dearly. Seventy five percent of all doctors will be a party to a malpractice suit in their lifetime. And 33% of the money goes into the lawyer's coffers to keep the cycle going.

How often have you seen a lawyer on the front page of a newspaper for giving poor advice to the person he is representing, I can’t think of one incident, and I have read a few papers too. Unless it’s moral turpitude or his own follies, he’s pretty much immune to the persecution of those he represents.

But doctors aren’t, and they literally go to work every day with targets affixed to their backs. Doctor clinics are like deer corn under a feeder, and some patients they treat might have well just bought a cheap scope, put it on a cheap gun, and they are looking to gut shot the first doctor they can, and cry foul. Of course this is not always the truth, a doctor or two has been known to stitch up a patient now and then and find a pair of forceps missing from his tray, and then he remembers he left it inside someone’s torso.

Fortunately for personal injury lawyers, no one is perfect.

A lot of people don’t realize how difficult it is for a reporter to properly report a malpractice suit, or any controversial issue in the media. And that's where experience and the steady guidance of a good editor that knows the ropes may really come in to play. Quite often, a doctor sure doesn’t want to talk to a reporter.

A good reporter has to realize that's exactly what the doctor’s lawyer trains his clients to do, say nothing. It's pretty hard to get into trouble for something you didn't say. It's not what the reporter wants to hear. It's very similar to pleading the fifth.

That’s where sound ethical journalism comes to play, and how critical it is for a reporter to remove the emotion from their writing and report the facts. And report the facts fifty-fifty. That’s unbiased journalism, and I’m going to write a quick make-believe story to illustrate fair reporting.

The old adage walk a mile in another man’s shoes really tells the story and should be every good reporters motto.
________________________________________

Dr. Cassandra Feelgood, a doctor in Transylvania has been named as party to a lawsuit filed by Count Dracula. Dracula's attorney, Count Z.Cash contends Dr. Feelgood administered a blood transfusion that led Dracula to contract Hepatitis.

Dr Feelgood has practiced for years in Transylvania and has administered thousands of blood transfusions in her career and her tireless work has saved many lives.

This is the first time a complaint has been lodged against Dr. Feelgood and per her attorney’s advice, she declined comment.

Count Dracula, a pillar of the community, who is known to give away free coffins to the deceased of the needy, contends the hepatitis he contracted was from the blood transfusion he was injected with by Dr. Feelgood. Dracula is adamant as to the cause, and says he will suffer for the rest of his life, and wants to be compensated. Dracula’s attorney says this is a growing epidemic, and Dr. Feelgood acted unprofessionally.

Dr. Feelgood's attorney, Ima Cashkeeper contends her client acted professionally and conducted the procedure in a sterilized environment and all blood administered to patients is tested to the highest standards. Cashkeeper contends Dracula’s promiscuous lifestyle should be called into question, and that her client is innocent.

The case will be heard before a judge and jury and we will update you on the outcome.

End of Blog.
________________________________________


Gheni Platenburg's article in the Victoria Advocate is biased, one-sided, and leaves pertinent facts and omissions regarding Dr. Seiler's views completely out of the article. There's no mention of her exemplary record, years in practice, affiliations with the medical community, nor does it contain any detailed facts or ongoing problems with the plaintiff's health. Platenburg's way over her head in the field of medical reporting, and could have used a little guidance.

Furthermore, before this article was published, a single call to Dr. Seiler's office shouldn't merit the go ahead, nor recuse reporter Platenburg from writing a well rounded article that presents equal sides to the story. Platenburg should have finished the process of reporting fairly, instead of slinging mud on a wall hoping it sticks. Perhaps pressure to meet an imposing deadline, but that's conjecture, and that's just giving her the benefit of the doubt. 

This article is biased, and it's not the first time, and I contend it is tabloid reporting under Editor Cobler's guidance.
Cobler vs King Kong

Read it below and find the fairness: Another hit piece, and piss poor journalism.

Study it and find Dr.Seiler's side.

Dr. John Vaughan's view on Platenburg's story

His March of Dimes comment was subtle, to say the least.

When the Advocate reports something, it's beyond reproach in Editor Cobler's own words.

If the subject is broached to him -- it's an attack. I think not. Simply stating facts proves pure and simple, but the next comment out of his repertoire is undoubtedly, "You're off topic."

It's the truth. Speaking of more bad news  . . . .  Cobler vs The Supreme Court of Journalism

Nothing more -- Nothing less. . . .

Please pay particular attention to the Red, Blue, and Green colors of the text, We will use this to break down articles in the Victoria Advocate, to show the public what is fair, and what is not.  You will find this particularly interesting when we dig into Matt Ocker's "Running with a Record" written by Gheni Platenburg.

Editor Cobler slams the door on this time after time when I broach the subject, and recently talking with Stephen McHaney he said I couldn't be objective since I'm a friend of Matt Ocker.

Speaking of one door slamming and another opening. . . . I found this interesting . . . Cobler vs Cobler

Minutes later McHaney was surprised to hear I had never met Matt Ocker prior to the published story.  It started one Sunday morning November, 2010.  I walked to my driveway to pick up my paper. Minutes later, over a cup of coffee their I sat reading Miss Platenburg's article.  This way horribly wrong.  I had the Victoria Advocate in my hands, and I had to do a double-take to make sure I hadn't picked up the National Enquirer.

Then and there, I knew it was time to do something.  I called Michael Cloud, and was able to contact Mr. Ocker, and the story he told me really opened my eyes up. A little digging into this story confirmed what he told me.  Three words Editor Cobler.   Shame . . . Shame . . . Shame. . . .

News Flash . . . . Cobler vs Captain Amnesia

Marvin Hileman the UT professor, I was unable to interview, had tripped and fell down his stairs at his home and died.  Unable to take his comment I kept digging

And after talking to Charlie Stoops the social case worker Platenburg interviewed on the phone about Ocker, raised serious reservations

I recorded the conversation and I asked him if he read the article quoting him about his take on Ocker, he said no.

I read the article to him.
Silence ensued, He said that's not how their conversation went  I reminded him that'ss what it said in the paper.  Nothing like a little inaccurate misquoting.
So here we are.. .   . . . . More Old news . . Cobler vs The Jolly Green Giant.

And I've got "Running with a Record" colored too.  That will be my grand finale.

In the meanwhile we're going to focus on Cobler -- here and now.  There's enough subterfuge in the last thirty days to keep the most ardent researcher busy around the clock. I've interviewed people involved with the story, and I firmly believe, until this editor Cobler gets run out of town, he has some explaining to do.

He can paint me in colors he see's fit, I personally don't care. I'm telling the truth, and this story on Dr.Tanya Seiler, his conduct of deleting opposing views on his blogs, deleting blogs entirely, programming delays into comments so he can filter out opposing views when he's trying to make a point, having staffers assume aliases in violation of Advocate Forum rules then posting dissenting comments upon innocent readers and bloggers, and misleading the ethics board of his true actions.

Have I said enough.  Stay tuned for the next chapter in dealing from the bottom of the deck.

Please pay particular attention to the Red, Blue, and Green colors of the text, We will use this to break down articles in the Victoria Advocate, to show the public what is fair, and what is not.  You will find this particularly interesting when we dig into Matt Ocker's "Running with a Record" written by Gheni Platenburg.

In the meanwhile -- the task at hand is to take a look at Platenburg's article on Dr, Seiler.

====================================================================================

The following is neutral coded in Green

A Victoria woman is suing her obstetrician over claims that her son was injured during birth as a result of the doctor's negligence

Anna Flores sued Dr. Tanya Elise Seiler and the Victoria Women's Clinic on behalf of her son Natividad 

Barrientes, a minor, in district court in late November.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following shows Plaintiff's side and contends injury

Flores claimed Seiler failed to engage in appropriate medical decision-making concerning the need to deliver the infant via Cesarean section instead of vaginally.

As a result, Barrientes developed shoulder dystocia. "It's a traumatic injury," said J. Todd Trombley, the plaintiffs' Houston-based attorney. "The doctor failed to exercise ordinary care. That is the definition of negligence in the state of Texas."

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The Defendant's only side to the story -- A detailed synopsis of the pre-existing conditions would have been nice. The reporter simply could have gleaned this information from the Plaintiff, in detail. Platenburg took the time to meet my wife's pot-bellied pig in an article she did on Merle. Surely she met face-to-face with the Plaintiff. And if she did, her notes would be interesting to see. Perhaps she interviewed her on the phone.

The Defendant's only mention in the story. Makes one wonder.

Earlier this month, the defendants filed a formal response denying the allegations.

"Defendants would state that plaintiff's injuries or damages, if any are proven, relate to or were caused in whole or in part by pre-existing conditions," according to the response.

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The following is Neutral and states facts

Messages left for the Victoria Women's Clinic and William Abernathy, the clinic's Corpus Christi-based attorney, were not returned as of Friday afternoon.

Flores was treated in September 2009 for the labor and delivery of her child.

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The following shows the Plaintiff's side and contends injury

The lawsuit contends that medical records indicated before delivery was attempted, Seiler knew or should have known that the infant was at high risk for experiencing shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury based on several risk factors.

These risk factors included Flores' diabetes and maternal obesity; Barrientes' excessive birth weight; and the usage of epidural anesthesia.

Additionally, Barrientes' protracted descent through the birth canal was another indication he was vulnerable to injury, according to the lawsuit.

Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby's head is delivered through the vagina, but his shoulders get stuck inside the mother's body behind the mother's pubic bone. If this happens, the remainder of the baby does not follow the head easily out of the vagina as it usually does during vaginal deliveries, creating a risk for both mother and baby, according to the March of Dimes website.

Shoulder dystocia can result in injury to the nerves in the baby's shoulder, arms and hands, which can cause shaking or paralysis; a broken arm or collarbone; a lack of oxygen, which can cause brain damage and death; and even Erb's palsy, according to shoulderdystocia.com.

"Despite the evidence concerning this risk factor to Ms. Flores and Nate, Dr. Seiler ignored it, or failed to appreciate it in caring for these patients," according to the lawsuit. "These risk factors for Ms. Flores should have been a 'red flag' for Dr. Seiler."

The lawsuit also asserts that Seiler was negligent because she applied traction to the baby's head to free his shoulder, failing to use any rotational maneuvers that did not include pulling on the head.

Flores is seeking damages for past and future physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment and medical care expenses as well as future loss of earning capacity.

"We hope that we prevail and that we can take care of the child's future needs," said Trombley.

====================================================================================
Now we will take a look at my article.  This will make a valid point as we dig deeper. Here’s a fair and balanced article that would be a model in any journalism class on fairness and ethics--
====================================================================================
Neutral

Dr. Cassandra Feelgood, a doctor in Transylvania has been named as party to a lawsuit filed by Count Dracula

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Plaintiff

Dracula's attorney, Count Z.Cash contends Dr. Feelgood administered a blood transfusion that led Dracula to contract Hepatitis.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Defendant

Dr Feelgood has practiced for years in Transylvania and has administered thousands of blood transfusions in her career and her tireless work has saved many lives.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Neutral

This is the first time a complaint has been lodged against Dr. Feelgood and per her attorney’s advice, she declined comment.

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Plaintiff

Count Dracula, a pillar of the community, who is known to give away free coffins to the deceased of the needy, contends the hepatitis he contracted was from the blood transfusion he was injected with by Dr. Feelgood. Dracula is adamant as to the cause, and says he will suffer for the rest of his life, and wants to be compensated. Dracula’s attorney says this is a growing epidemic, and Dr. Feelgood acted unprofessionally.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Defendant--

Dr. Feelgood's attorney, Ima Cashkeeper contends her client acted professionally and conducted the procedure in a sterilized environment and all blood administered to patients is tested to the highest standards. Cashkeeper contends Dracula’s promiscuous lifestyle should be called into question, and that her client is innocent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Neutral--

The case will be heard before a judge and jury and we will update you on the outcome.

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Pretty simple journalism -- You be the judge.  Now you get the idea !
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Here's a post that has not yet been deleted to my knowledge and it's one of many stating their dissatisfaction with Cobler.  Let's stay on topic, More Cobler shenanigans Cobler vs Ethic Monster

As follows:

• sunshinekid Report a Violation
Permalink
I was disgusted by this article on Dr. Seiler. I have dropped my subscription for good now as well. The only reason I even looked this up today was to use this in the history class I teach. We were talking about yellow journalism, and the Spanish-American war, and how stories can be so miscontrued just to boost readership and sales. Most of my students do not know the parties involved but after reading the article were amazed by this story. I told them that you should never believe 100% of what you read. Even the students were talking about how they have noticed a decline in our local paper. This new generation that is now running the paper needs to figure out how to increase sales, not decrease them. Do what othere area newspapers do - publish once or twice a week - as the local paper only. The Victoria Advocate has become the local gossip rag. I say this in sadness as many of my ancestors were with the paper in the beginning of it through the 1950s.
January 12, 2012 at 11:44 a.m.
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Bessie Braddock: “Sir, you are drunk.”
Churchill: “Madam, you are ugly. In the morning, I shall be sober.” 

Sir Winston Churchill






=========

Chris Willy and Billy Dan

Chris Willy and Billy Dan proved quite a team, they grew up in Victoria, Texas, and ran the streets, rivers, and saloons, longer than they could remember. Everybody in town knew ‘em. They were inseparable. Man, did they like to gig dem frogs. Sun up to sundown they waded through creek beds, rivers, and slews. They were known to drink a few too.

Billy Dan cut a profile in a mirror, one of his ears flattened cauliflower from a young age when he picked up a hot iron by a ringing telephone and answered it. Never quite heard the same after that, hell to top it off, it was the wrong number when he got things right.

Billy Dan's face was pockmarked, his nose beakish, with high cheekbones and worm lips protruding under a dense uni-brow, most unusual . . . those that knew him would say, one of his eyes looked about half the size of the other one. He stood 5’10’ tall, topped 220 pounds wet. Trackin’ him in the woods never proved much a task, cause he walked pigeon-toed. He was good natured to say the least . . . but his friend, Chris Willy, parlayed pure trouble since the day he popped out his mother.

Chris Willy stood 6’2, in his waders, weighed in 162 pounds dry, and proved meaner than a cornered coon. His sand blond hair, it looked like a mop dipped in dirty water, and that hair hung over his eyes, so people weren’t really ever sure what color his eyes looked. Kind a like the neighbor’s long hair dog that ‘d never been clipped. Buck toothed too, and his grin was infectious But when you did see them eyes, they looked mighty beady. Christopher Willy chased trouble from the get go, but he had a tad a smarts too him that people had a hard time denying.

He had some good looks to him. Hell he thought so.

It was hot that September day when Chris Willie and Billy Dan commenced to drinkin’ late into the evening. Let’s hop into the 56 Ford truck with’em and ride along.

They’d already hit a Chinese buffet to the tune of about ten pounds of food, then walked the check. How the hell Chris Willy got that bag of fortune cookies out the door is a great mystery to this day, but he was coon coy when he plopped into the Ford’s seat and pulled the cookies outta his britches.

The first stop was Dairy Queen. Here’s how it began.

Pullin’ into the drive through, Billy Dan ran the ole' Ford over the rubber hose, ringin’ the bell, then he eased on up a bit. He opened the door and leant over to the speaker box, “I’d like this order to go if you please.”

That speaker crackled back, “Talk to me.”

“I’d like two Mississippi mud blizzards to go, and two extra cups to go too.” The DQ dude at the other end of the mike just couldn’t believe, but he had a job to do, and did it.

Billy Dan closed the door and rolled down his window, took the blizzards, the cups, and paid with two dollar bills, Billy Dan, he liked two dollar bills, dem were easiest to count in the clutch.

Chris Willy beamed a bit, when the blizzards were in hand, pulling out a bottle of good ole Jim Beam whiskey, he commenced to mixing the whiskey with the chocolate blizzards, and by the time they got to Garcita’s creek, they’d polished off the Jim Beam and almost a bucket of Mississippi mud. Their t-shirts with the bold lettering were a bit obscured by the skid marks the chocolate left, that’s the story, and they’d stick to it.

Billy Dan's big eye bloomed at Chris Willy, “Let’s get that john boat off the trailer and get to froggin’”

“I’ll second that.” Moonlight was beginning to twinkle and you could see hundreds of pairs of dem frog eyes reflectin' off the creek like stars in the sky.

"Looky at all dem frogs, Chris Willy, ain't that a beautiful thing?"

Billy Dan gargled his beer a little trying to cleanse his palate of the chocolate so he could enjoy his beer better. His moon like eye a sparklin' too. His lip curled up a little like only Elvis's could, "Yeah it is."

They ambled over to the boat with their gig poles, tackle box and lights, then stepped over the boat’s prow and pushed off the bank. The cantankerous old Johnson outboard sputtered to life with a little elbow grease and cussin’ -- but Billy Dan wouldn’t be denied, and finally the boat’s bow rode high on the creek, followed by a luminescent v-wake furling off the boats stern.

The best o’ times for now.

Roiling the water under a full moon was good, till the boat hit something hard.

“What the hell was that CW?”
“I'm thinkin' it was a Catfish"
”You don’t say.”
"Must a been a big'un."
"Sure seemed so."

About a minute later the Johnson outboard died suddenly as they glided to a stop. Chris Willy took over, found the blown fuses, then started a cussin’ as he rummaged through the tackle box. Not finding the fuses, he instead found a box of .22 shells and got to thinkin’.

“Looky here, these .22 shells are about the same size as them there fuses.”

“Damn straight they are,“ Billy Dan drawled then drooled, “Got a case a beer in the bait well, cause for a celebration I’d say.”

Chris Willy poked a cigarette in the front gap of his buck teeth, lit it, then sucked the sweet turgid smoke of the tobacco down. He was proud of that there fix, felt especially good when his friend nodded approvingly.

The cold beer Billy Dan tossed him made it all right, even better.

Chris Willy clipped the bullets snugly into the fuse holder and they commenced to drinking and thinking once the motor sputtered up and loped along.
Dozen beers later, they had gigged’em 19 or so frogs and things were lookin’ real good.

One of the captured frogs had a third leg, but hell they shrugged it off then downed another beer while lookin' across Matagorda bay at all the chemical plants lit like Christmas trees. Billy Dan slipped that extra-legged frog into the burlap sack, that three legged frog's two eyes were staring right into Billy Dan's big eye.

It was unnerving at first, but he kind of felt a bond for a second.

He shook it off sluiced down another beer. Then one more.

That’s when all hell broke loose.

Chris Willy's Q-beam had surely heated the fuse box hot when the first .22 shell blew a hole in the bottom of the boat. Got dark fast suddenly. When the second shell went off and blew Billy Dan's big toe off. Calamity central. That was the beginning of the end. He let go the tiller, grabbed his foot, then the boat set course for shore. They were going about 25 or so when the boat whipsawed up the banks and threw them like a wild bronco onto the bank.

Good God them frogs littered the banks everywhere. That three legged frog must a hopped fifteen feet twice before it splashed the water and dove for freedom. They gathered up the rest of the frogs in wild frenzy.

Well, the Game Warden found them, took’em in for questioning, because, well, they didn’t have no hunting license and it didn’t help’em that they wouldn’t stop a cussin’ and arguing. Funny thing though, all the fortune cookies separated from the bag and littered the banks. Before Chris Willy got handcuffed, he managed to stuff him a half dozen cookies or so in his britches,

These Parks and Wildlife guys have seen more than the likes of Chris Willy and Billy Dan, time again, this time, they were prepared. They had a colander, a pair of jumper cables, and a copy machine. A poor man’s lie detector machine they would call it, and it was a real thing of beauty.

Then the secretary handed them a typed piece of paper with the words in big bold print across the middle of the page that read, YOU’RE LYING.

It got pretty simple after this, when they asked Roscoe a question, all they had to do was hit the copy button, and outta the machine would come a fresh piece of paper that read, YOU’RE LYING.

They moved a chair over next to the copy machine, making a big production with stern faces as they seated Chris Willy, then placed the colander on his head, clipped the jumper cables to the bowl handles, then surreptitiously ran the wires behind the copy machine, like it was real serious. Chris Willy, albeit a little drunk, acted a whole lotta scared.

The Game Warden’s voice was sure and smooth, “Chris Willy, what were you shooting at?”

“Not a damn thing, hell we didn’t even have no damn gun.”

Sweat beaded CW's forehead as he watched the other warden go to the lie detector machine and hit the button. Seconds later the warden snatched the paper from the tray and read it. YOU’RE LYING. “Tell me everything, it’s your last chance”

Chris Willy readied to wet his pants and prayed his boots wouldn't leak. “Well we did it all right, we walked the check at the Chinese buffet.”

The wardens laughed hard and the tall one stared down CW, “Well Chris Willy, when Billy Dan gets out of the emergency room, take those frogs to the restaurant and pay’em, then give them the frogs as goodwill.”

“I promise I will.”

“You’re free to go.”

Chris Willy saunters out, but he’s a little bit hungry. That chocolate and Jim Beam was stirring the pot. Remembering the fortune cookies, he pulls one out, scotches the plastic, splits the cookie and then eats it.

He’s left with a fortune in hand, “Confucius says, Man who walks check rubs belly to pat dog.”


I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.

Sir Winston Churchill

Maybe some day, when I gets good, I write dem Avocate fellas a story --

House of Cards -- Stacked Deck

I'll start this off simply with a quote from Calvera, bandit extraordinaire from the Magnificent Seven, "God would not have made sheep if he did not want them sheared." Had Calvera met Lamb-chops(Cobler), he'd have never imagined how true his words fit the bill.

There's a magic music bar on the right, click on some music if you multi-task while you read, it's diverse, culturally enlightening, to me at least.

Can't find something you like, too bad, but we're flexible here. Have a particular song to request; Do it, I'll post it. Just for you.

We don't follow the St.Louis rules of fiefdom here, no sir.

Hell, we don't follow any rules. Except the 10 Commandments.

True to my word about stacking the deck of cards, I'm evoking a card theme in this post, like it or not, Lambchops, to his ire can't touch this. Man o' man that's got a nice ring too it for a change.

Moving along

Red Sovine did a song decades ago about a soldier in Vietnam and a deck of cards, so the following information below was plagiarized from his song without his permission, sound a little familiar does it, it should -- simply click on Cobler vs Godzilla on the sidebar. Enough said.

Also why you are on the sidebar, follow it down to Red Sovine and listen to the Vietnam song, for there is where this blog theme's derived, with a little spin.

Moving along to the cards; numbers, suits, marks, face-cards, and tricks, let's break it down.

Ace -- 1 God -- 1 newspaper
#2 Number of chapters in the bible -- number of times Cobler has banned me
#3 Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost -- number of times Cobler has lied to me
#4 Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John -- number of times Cobler has refused my call
#5 Number of virgins trimming the lambs -- number of aliases Cobler uses to blog
#6 Six days God made Heaven and Earth -- The number I most associate with Cobler
#7 God rested -- Advocate is distributed 7 days a week
#8 God saved Noah, his wife, their 3 sons and their wives -- Drawing a blank here
#9 Number of Lepers Jesus cleansed -- Average number of tweets Cobler does daily
#10 Nine out of the 10 Lepers did'nt thank Jesus -- Worthless staff blogs per day
Jack -- Devil -- Let's not go there
Queen -- Mother Mary -- Cobler's alter ego
King -- God -- N/A

4 Number of suits -- number of people Cobler keeps near for codependency
365 Marks on a card deck deck -- Days in a year the Advocate's electricity's on
52 Number of cards in a deck -- Is Cobler 52, hell, I don't know
13 Number of tricks -- Number of times my posts have been deleted lately
12 Picture cards -- number of journalist and reporters under 25 on staff

Hope you enjoyed the story, there's not much to my side, but Sovine's side is pretty neat. I'm just loading ink in the quill so I can get down to business.

The left side of this blog is ours, the right side is yours for request.

"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened."

Sir Winston Churchill

Journalism Under Fire

Nothing but the facts you say, well here they are, concise, accurate, and straight to the point. What we will do is examine mid December 2011 through mid January 2012 surrounding a very tumultuous time for the the Victoria Advocate's Editor, Chris Cobler. We will break down and analyze his assorted bag of tricks, behind the scenes posturing and manipulation of the Victoria Advocate's blog site, interaction with bloggers, deletion of comments, and the age old buzz word in journalism -- Spin.

Strong words in any arena, but the facts speak for themselves, as you will first hand peruse his latest posts, comments, and sordid interactions with news readers over a sad turn of recent events. From a hit piece on a local doctor, by a reporter who specializes in such tabloid. Cobler's insensitive stance to a family of a man who took his life in Victoria during the Christmas holidays. then on to a string of blogs that personifies poor judgement to justify his actions. How painful it must be for the Blackwood family to see Cobler provoke input in which the manner was handled at the Advocate. Longstanding journalistic principles don't need to be rehashed.

In the old west it was referred to as dealing from the bottom of the deck.
Simple terms for complex issues, it's stacking the deck with marked cards.

We're going to turn one card over at a time and examine them. Crooked dealers and unethical editors prove one in the same. Colluding with staff members and reporters to manipulate blogs to sway public opinion through newsprint and cyberspace.

And mind you when Mr. Cobler, and cronies, writes or speaks it's considered news, no questions asked. The glass world he resides in will be readily apparent after we whisk away the smoke and sheen. Editorial boards and experts in the same sentence are comical fodder.

The dichotomy of comparing retreat and attack -- to lies and the truth are about to come to fruition.

An Era of errors exemplified by this poisoned-penned editor.

Let's not confuse the word attack, with the word truth . . . again.

This is just the beginning.

When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber.

Sir Winston Churchill