Leading expert discusses sagging market

What is the future of the U.S. and world economies? Anyone's guess.

Rutgers University will expand to the tune of $500M

Rutgers University is funding more than 20 building projects on its Camden, Newark and New Brunswick-Piscataway campuses. According to a Star-Ledger report by Staff Writer Mark Mueller, the spending will be funded through the sale of bonds. The new expansion initiative will reportedly cost $500 million.

For the full story go to NJ.com.

The New York Post's 'non apology' is part of the problem

At his blog (www.middletownmike/blogspot.com), Mike Morris discussed the recent New York Post cartoon that depicted President Barack Obama as a wild chimp. There is little doubt that the Post's 'non-apology apology' falls short of actually expressing regret over this characterization of President Obama. Congratulaitons to Mr. Morris for taking on a tough issue.

The Post's adversaries are noted in the so-called apology. Yet, this error of judgment was not about the Post's adversaries. No one compelled this publication to print any material it presented. The fact is, in my opinion, that an editorial error was made (people being imperfect sometimes make errors). It should be owned up to, but it wasn't. The apology fell short, and so was an opportunity missed.

It is true that there is freedom of the press, and that artists are allowed to express themselves also. So too, there is also the concept of accountability for what one prints and says. It appears that, sadly, this concept is lost upon the New York Post.

Newspaper accountability should not stop at libel and defamation. If the idea of journalistic ethics is simply to not print that which is legally wrong, then that really isn't ethics. To be 'ethics,' there is a higher bar that speaks to character, of the lack of it.

I was always a fan of the Post, because it was daring and often brave about stories. But there is a difference between bravery and stupidity. The comparison of African Americans, or any African American, to a monkey is an echo of another day. It is unnecessarily hurtful to not only the president but to a race of people that fought hard to free themselves from not only captivity but also oppression afterward. In many ways, this fight still goes on.

Personally, I have no idea why the Post is trying to pull back the hands of the clock on racial characterizations. I have heard it said that "all controversy is good controversy." I look at it differently. Anything that comes off as vulgar and without taste is just that.

North America has struggled with various issues involving race since the 17th century. There is nothing clever about the old, degrading references to African Americans. Certainly, there is nothing witty about it. As a matter of fact, those old characterizations were a part of the problem, and trying to breathe new life into them is spectacularly idiotic.

To have the privilege of delivering news to any community is an honor. I think the New York Post has lost touch with that, and its responsibilities to that community.

-- Jim Purcell, Publisher, The Courier

Obama to put together car industry committee

It has been said it take a "...village to raise a child..." In that spirit, President Barack Obama says it will probably take more than one person to put the auto industry back together again. According to an AP story, a presidential panel is being put together to help sort out the domestic car industry wreckage.

Are things going to get worse before they better? That's what "they" say. Let's hope "they" are wrong. For the full story, go to www.ap.org.

AJR writes about life after journalism for reporters

In what is a practical decision to write about a necessary topic, American Journalism Review's (www.ajr.org) February-March edition has dedicated some space (including the cover) to "Is There Life After Newspapers: What happens to all those laid-off and bought-out journalists?"

The editorial in this month's edition is from Lee Thornton, interim dean of the Phillip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland. She says that more newspapers are moving online to cut costs. She also criticized news organizations giving away news, and thereby costing themselves profit.

Staffer Dana Hall pens an interesting piece about "Goodbye and Good Luck: The art of the newsroom farewell note," in the edition's Page 14.

The maini article is "Is There Life After Newspapers?" by Robert Hodierne, on Page 21. The bolded pull out to this was: "So it's safe to say there is life after newspapers. But it's not always the life journalists had expected."

AJR writer Meghan Meyer then writes a piece titled "The MBA Option," pushing ex-journalists to examine a future in business: "MBA programs target journalists because they add a diverse professional element to the classroom, and they have skills corporate employers value: writing, communication and a keen understanding of deadline," on Page 23.

Then, on Page 31, AJR writer Sherry Ricchardi spreads a little more joy talking about the nationwide layoffs going on at newspapers in her article, "Down to the Wire."

Finally, in its parting piece, on Page 37, AJR's Paul Farhi gives the reader "To Quit or Not to Quit?" This article discusses what journalists do when confronted with cutbacks that seem devastatng.

While this was not the 'industry feel good' edition of AJR, I do give the magazinie a lot of credit for being honest and useful in what it prints about the industry. Not everything people need to hear is good news.

Has Springsteen bounced back from Wal-Mart deal?

Money & Business writer Matt Bandyk talks about Bruce Springsteen's recent Super Bowl appearance. But, more importantly, he goes on about the whole Wal-Mart issue and the opinion that the company is not a friend to the working man. Consequently, Springsteen may have made a mistake in signing an exclusive deal with the chain.

This is pretty much a ridiculous argument. Wal-Mart is just another chain, perhaps more popular than most. Springsteen is a popular NJ musician...and he has a new album out. Wal-Mart is one of the few chains actually doing well today.

Springsteen is reported to have regretted the Wal-Mart deal, but the whole thing seems like a lot of nonsense. For more, go to http://www.usnews.com/blogs/risky-business/2009/02/02/bruce-springsteen-bounces-back-from-wal-mart-mistake-by-rocking-super-bowl.html.

Why are newspapers dying in New Jersey?

As many readers of The Courier know, the newspaper decided to become a basically online publication, with a printed bi-weekly supplement, around the beginning of the year. That was because, for many years now, the prophets of the news industry, at all levels, have warned about the "death of print."

There are an awful lot of bad things that come with print dying, in my opinion. But that is all the more reason for credible, traditional news organizations, at each level, to consider their online presence much more carefully.

The habits of the reading public have driven the news industry since its beginning. Before the advent of computers, print was the only game in town. Newspapers seemed to have a monopoly on the news because they had the presses, and they owned the ink. But like all things, this changed.

If nothing else, the Internet is 'the great equalizer' among publications. No more does a news organization need to operate at the costs traditionally associated with the business. So, just what a news organization is has become relative. Now is not the time for traditional newspapers to dig a fortified ditch and wait for the comeback of print. It isn't coming back. The Internet isn't getting turned off. As my late father used to say, "No use closing the gate when the horse is already out of the barn."

As in all things, the market dictates how industries move. Just as the creation of the automobile pre-destined the creation of vastly improved U.S. roads, the Internet has pre-destined that news is going to be conveyed digitally, and not so much in ink.

Paper optimists say there will always be room for news print. But, I disagree. Sure, it will hold on for awhile -- a long while. But let's face it: The horse is out of the barn.

When I came into this industry, in the mid-1990s, it was pretty much the industry that has always been there: typewriters everywhere, people cutting and pasting the mock-ups of news pages. I used to run around getting stories and scurry back to whatever newsroom I was at and start banging away on a typewriter. The camaraderie was great and the institution of news was one you could plan a career around. Yet, as nostalgic as that is, it's a memory for albums and not a business plan anymore.

The question is credibility of news sites now. Everyone and their brother is jumping into an online presence. The question that news organizations are going to have to ask themselves behind closed doors is if they are prepared to have kids in garages and non-journalists grow up in online news because they are waiting for some flood to wipe out electricity.

During the absence of good, solid news organizations online, amateurs and non-professionals are filling a void that gives them a growing advantage while solid publications linger dying. There is an old saying about the Lord helping those who help themselves. In my opinion, they are words to live by.

-- Jim Purcell
Publisher, The Courier

April 13 could be last edition for Jersey Journal

If revenue doesn't improve for The Jersey Journal, the daily Hudson County news staple could close its doors in April, according to a published report from the AP.

Reportedly, Evening Journal Association members were informed that April 13 could be the final day for the publication if sales and other revenue doesn't pick up. In addition, some of the Jersey Journal's weekly publications could be lost during this process.

For the full story, go to www.NJ.com.

Cards flirt with history but Steelers take crown

In a Super Bowl that came down to the last five seconds of regulation, the Pittsburgh Steelers became the first franchise in NFL history to win six Super Bowls since the event was minted during the 1960s.

Despite a gallant effort by the Cards, with highlight after highlight by veteran QB Kurt Warner and acrobatic WR Larry Fitzgerald, not to mention a tenacious ensemble effort by the Arizona D, the Cardinals were denied destiny after a circus catch by steady handed Pittsburgh WR Santonio Holmes in the closing minute of the match-up.

Though the saying goes that "...no one remembers who lost...," Super Bowl LXII may be one of the best fought in the history of the game and perhaps the sport. For more details about this contest of gridiron greats, go to: www.nfl.com.

Newspaper legend bids farewell for now

I read the column written by Greater Meadia Newspapers' executive editor, Greg Bean, and discovered that he was not going to continue in his position at GM, for health reasons. According to Greg, he will be leaving around the end of the month.

I have known Greg since about late 1996, when I applied for a job as a reporter and I was given the East Brunswick beat for The Sentinel. I worked at GM for about a year and then landed my job at The Courier as its editor, in 1998. In about 2002, I became Courier's publisher.

In knowing Greg, I can admit there were some rough patches in our acquaintance, but I will just as easily admit that, though I might not have always thought he was right, I respected him a great deal personally and professionally.

I can honestly say I had some of my best arguments with him. But when I wrote for him I also learned more about writing than at any time previously. In a profession where anyone can call themselves an editor by plugging their laptop into an outlet in their garage and running off editions on a copier, there are a lot of people who call themselves journalists.

In my time in Central Jersey, I have met darn few writers who merit being called journalists or reporters, let slone anything more than that. But Greg Bean is someone who gets respect the old fashioned way -- he earns it. In an industry plagued with schmucks, he was and is the genuine article where it invovles excellence.

Personally, I wish Greg a lot of luck. He is a good man, and there are fewer of those than there are good journalists. He is a class act and one of the best at the community news game. Of course, it has been my privilege to meet and know his successor, Mark Rosman, some. And, whenever anyone has brought up his name, despite the fact he worked for the competition, I always responded with "one of the best." He is a great editor, and an awesome newsman. I also wish him a lot of luck. No one deserves it more.

While working at Greater Media, I also worked for Adele Young, who Greg noted would be even more involved in the future. And, if there is anyone who knows more about the English language and editing, I have yet to meet them. I still remember her edits and remain thankful for her patience with a relatively new, thought-he-knew-it-all writer. Best of luck to her.

Jim Purcell
Publisher
Courier

To go to Coda go to Greater Media's site at http://www.gmnews.com/.

Blagojevich first gov. to be impeached in 20 years

Beseiged former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was given a lighter calendar yesterday, when Illinois' state senators voted unanimously, 59-0, to remove Balgojevich from office. The former hizzoner is the first governor removed from office by impeachment during the last 20 years in the U.S. Blagojevich was reportedly nabbed by the F.B.I. for attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama after he became president of the United States. As storm clouds continue to deepen for the very 'in touble' Blagojevich, new Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has taken the helm of the state of affairs in the "Land of Lincoln."

2009 to be marked by closings, bankruptcies

Everyone knew it was coming and here it is -- the beginning of the bad news for 2009. Reportedly, Linens N' Things and Circuit City just scratch the surface of the bad news that can be expected from the retail sector nationwide. YahooNews! has a great story about it.

For more information, go to http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/106466/Where-You-Won't-Shop-in-2009.

Freeholders to take reduction to help save money

Monmouth County freeholders taking a pay deducation to help the budget? It hasn't been seen anytime recenty. But, according to Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is taking a 10 percent voluntary reduction of pay.

For the full story, go to The Courier Online at http://www.bayshorenews.com/publication/show/829.

Barbershop Quartets to deliver Singing Valentines

RED BANK – They’ll be saying “I love you” in song during Valentine’s Day week – and they’ll be leaving thousands of sweethearts speechless.

This year, hundreds of barbershop quartets across the continent will deliver singing Valentines to thousands of special sweethearts. Listen for the sound of harmony in offices, factories, schools and homes throughout North America. Whenever they appear, they’ll draw a crowd – and sometimes a few tears.

The quartets belong to the Barbershop Harmony Society (www.barbershop.org). The price of a typical Singing Valentine starts around $50, depending upon the location, and often includes two songs sung in barbershop harmony, a card and a rose. Men and women alike are on the receiving end, with moving results.

“It’s especially interesting for the guys to deliver a Singing Valentine from a woman to her husband or boyfriend,” media relations manager Julie Siepler said. “One year, a quartet went to the Chrysler factory here in Kenosha, and caught a guy going off shift. He was stunned. His co-workers gathered around and were ready to start razzing him, until they saw the tears welling up in his eyes.”

She continued, “Of course, our service also lists female or mixed quartets as well.”

Singing Valentines providers include members of the Barbershop Harmony Society, Sweet Adelines International and Harmony, Inc.

Valentine providers can be located on the web at: www.singingvalentines.com. The society also offers a toll-free number for those without Internet access at: (800) 876-SING, ask for “Singing Valentines.” Locally, the Red Bank Area Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society will provide Singing Valentines Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12, 13 and 14. For details call Jon Greene at 732583-1684, or go to: www.harmonize.com/RedBank.

Congregation pauses to remember Martin Luther King Jr.

In a story by APP Reporter Sametta Thompson, the Sunday service at Long Branch's Second Baptist Church is reported on. According to the story, guest preacher the Rev. Terrence K. Porter from Pilgrim Baptist Church, in Red Bank, was the main speaker for Second Baptist's annual Martin Luther King program.

Martin Luther King Day is celebrated nationally on the third Monday of January, in honor of the slain civil rights leader who was killed in Memphis Tenn., in 1968.

Porter focused on the significance of President-elect Barack Obama in relation to King's vision of racial equality.

King came to national attention during the famed Montgomery Bus Boycott, in 1955. Subsequently, he delivered the famed "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, in 1963. And, in 1964, King became among the youngest recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in civil rights.

For the APP story, go to: http://www.app.com/article/20090119/NEWS/901190336.

Ryan is the front runner for Jets head coaching job

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is being reported to be the front runner as the next head coach for the New York Jets, replacing former Jets head coach Eric Mangini. Mangini accepted the head coaching job for the Cleveland Browns shortly after being fired by the Jets.

Ryan is the son of former NFL defensive coaching stand out Buddy Allen.

Keansburg St. Pat's Parade to be held on March 28

The borough of Keansburg will be hosting its Saint Patrick's Day Parade on March 28th at 1 p.m. The parade start point will be at the East Baywalk Area, Beachway and Main Street. For more information, call Councilman George Hoff at (908) 902-0963.

Shore Cafe celebrates expansion with party

It's a new beginning at The Shore Cafe, Route 36, in Hazlet. The restaurant is hosting its "Regrand Opening Party" on Friday, January 23rd. Entertainment for the evening will be Danny Heise and Ernie Mossaratti. There will be a five-course dinner and open bar will follow from 7 p.m. until midnight. Dress is casual but neat.

For event pricing, or to make a reservation, call the restaurant at (732) 888-0288.

Art council hosts show and sale at museum

The Monmouth County Art Council's annual art show and sale is going on today in Lincroft. It is the 30th year for the event, which includes artist Frank Hyder as a juror. The event includes works from local and regional artists, and is being held at the Monmouth County Museum, which is on the campus of Brookdale Community College.

NJ.com has a nice piece about the event at:http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/things_to_do_places_to_go_29.html.

Express-Times, NJN cope during challenging economy

According to INPRINT, a monthly publication of the N.J. Press Association, the Express-Times newspaper, Western Jersey, is offering voluntary buyouts to staff. Reportedly, Express-Times Publisher and President Martin K. Till announced the company will offer voluntary buyouts to full-time employees. Employees have until Feb. 19 to apply for the offer, which amounts to a minimum six months of salary and maximum of one year, based on service. Health insurance is covered during the span. The newspaper will reportedly continue to honor its no-layoff policy. Tll is reported to have characterized the economy as "...in the tank..."

In a related item, NJN Publishing, in the Somerset area, has reportedly laid off 25 full- and part-time employees at the company's four weekly newspapers in North Jersey. Among those let go during December were, reportedly, long-time Hunterdon County Democrat Executive Editor Jay Langley and NJN Publishing Controller Peg Gerke. The announcement about NJN's move was made by Publisher Joy Gioioso, according to INPRINT.