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Bimbo NOMINEES for January 2005

January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December

WINNING BIMBO
“The United States is not stingy,” said Secretary of State Colin Powell. The charge had been hurled at the U.S. by Jan Egeland, the UN’s under secretary-general for humanitarian affairs. Egeland specifically used the word ‘stingy,’ which was repeated several times in the news story and in the headline. Obviously, when his words were reported to Powell, Powell fell into the familiar trap of repeating and denying the negative. This is also another example where a good comment – Powell also said the U.S. is “the greatest contributor to international relief efforts in the world” – was crowded out by the negative. The debate about whether the U.S. is “stingy” was still raging two weeks later.

MISSING THE POINT
A play by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, a woman born in Britain of Sikh immigrants, provoked such violent opposition that the Birmingham Repertory Theatre cancelled the performances. The play, “Behzti,” meaning dishonor, infuriated Sikhs because it showed a scene where a woman is beaten in a temple after being raped. Gurharpal Singh explained the community’s reaction, “It’s nothing to do with the content; it’s the context. We are not against freedom of speech, but there’s no right to offend.” Play Furor Exposes Deep Rifts in Britain,”
Alan Cowell, The New York Times, Dec. 24, 2004

(What’s scary – besides the point that he missed the whole meaning of freedom of speech – is that Mr. Singh is a professor of interreligious studies at the University of Birmingham!!)

“I am not a failure,” said Kevan Barlow, the 49ers running back who got an $8 million signing bonus and managed just 3.2 yards per carry. He added, “I’m not going to be a letdown. I am not a bust."
“Barlow: ‘I am not a failure’,” Daniel Brown, Yahoo! Sports, Dec. 03, 2004

(What would disappoint him? He should have learned from Scarlett O’Hara, “Tomorrow is another day.”)

“I never viewed the Cuban show as a threat. I feel he has no television persona, I don’t feel he’s got the charisma necessary to pull it off, and I hear the show is not very good,” said – who else? – Donald Trump about “The Benefactor,” a new TV reality show with Mark Cuban, owner of the Mavericks.
“Trump v. Cuban,” New York Post as reported in D Magazine, January 2005

(Does Trump have class or what?)

“I am not gouging,” said Hawaiian businessman Mele Kalikimaka Turner, to consumers who objected to paying $200 for a Christmas tree.
“Christmas tree prices hit $200 in Hawaii,” Associated Press Writer, USA Today, Dec. 20, 2004

(This is a classic “good/bad” example. Mr. Turner also said, “It’s a fair price for the time and energy. There’s a lot involved in bringing a tree to Hawaii.” What made the headline? “Gouging,” of course.)

“There is no punishment in this country for expressing ideas that are different than those of the government,” said Roberto de Armas, a senior official at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, after Cuba freed seven dissidents from jail and human rights groups protested it was a token gesture.
“In Cuba, Castro foes wage lonely fight,” Tracey Eaton, The Dallas Morning News, Dec. 19, 2004

(In order to work at the Foreign Ministry, you have to be able to say this with a straight face.)

A drug sniffing dog identified marijuana in a vehicle which turned out to be driven by the County Supervisor in Cochise County, Ariz. The County Supervisor said, “(he)…was not smoking marijuana on that day.”
“Pot claim costs supe county car,” Ignacio Ibarra, Arizona Daily Star, December 8, 2004

(They should throw him out of office for linguistic incompetence.”)

London tabloids covered the rumors that a former lover of Princess Diana’s was killed after the affair was discovered. The paper quoted one of the Princess’ former bodyguards, Ken Wharfe, who said, “Of course I don’t think he was killed, there was no reason for him to be killed.”
“Guard: Di’s lover not killed,” Associated Press, Dec. 1, 2004

(Expect to see more stories about whether the lover was ‘killed.’)

WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE
In the midst of the controversy over inflammation fighting drugs, Pfizer’s Celebrex has come under scrutiny. Defending Pfizer, Winton Gibbons, an analyst at William Blair, said “Celebrex is not another Vioxx.”
“Pfizer joins drug troubles,” Matt Krantz, USA Today, Dec. 20, 2004

(Is this like when the head of US Airways swore they didn’t face bankruptcy?)

Research in Motion Ltd., makers of the fabulously popular Blackberry, lost an appeal of a court judgment that they had infringed on another company’s patent. As the stock price roiled, analyst Kona Shio, with Conscius Capital Partners, defended the company, saying, “They’re not even close to becoming a bankrupt company.”
“Not even close to becoming bankrupt,” Kevin Restivo, National Post, Dec. 15, 2004

(Another “good/bad” example. Shio also said, “It’s something they can obviously pay.” But the “not even close to becoming bankrupt” was the phrase picked out and blown up in a headline for Canada’s National Post.)

“In no way is (the bill) intended (to create) a national ID,” said a spokeswoman for Senator Joe Lieberman, one of the sponsors of legislation establishing state standards for driver’s licenses.
“Legislation sets stage for uniform driver’s licenses,” Donna Leinwand, USA Today, Dec. 16, 2004

(Interesting times. The legislation is being challenged by a coalition of the ACLU and Gun Owners of America.)

LAWYERS COMMENTS
The trustee for Enron’s restructuring issued a report which excoriated former Chairman Ken Lay, and Lay’s lawyer, Michael Ramsey, gave new meaning to the word ‘spin,’ by saying “I am highly encouraged. There is no allegation of crime, no claim of intentional wrongdoing and no assertion of fraud…” finally saying that the bankruptcy examiner only could find “negligence.”
”Lay, Skilling linked to Enron Failure,” AP Writer, MSNBC.com, Nov. 25 , 2003

Chuck Meadows, attorney for Dr. Thomas Butler, the Texas Tech professor accused of smuggling deadly germs and convicted of some of the charges, said “We are pleased that Tom was found not guilty of lying to the FBI. We are particularly pleased that the jury found him not guilty of perpetrating a hoax.”
Both these are examples of repeating and reinforcing all the negative words and concepts.
”Researcher guilty in plague case,” AP Writer, MSNBC.com, Dec. 1, 2003

Peter Axelrad, the lawyer for Fax.com, a junk fax company facing multiple lawsuits, told the press he would not talk about the litigation but went on to call the law banning junk faxes unconstitutional and added, “It’s all much ado about nothing. I think they’ve confused us with the purveyors of pornography.”
”Directing a war against junk faxes,” Lisa Napoli, International Herald Tribune, Dec. 18, 2003

Ricky Clemons, former Missouri basketball player in jail for choking his girl friend, and taped in multiple phone conversation saying that his attorney had told him to lie about getting money from coaches. His attorney, Wally Bley, said “I would never tell any client to lie, including Ricky Clemons, and did not tell him or suggest to him to lie about anything.”
This is a classic scenario because it’s clear that what happened was that Clemons uses the word “lie;” reporters ask Bley whether he told Clemons to “lie,” and Bley repeats and denies the allegation, using the word ‘lie’ twice.
”Papers have Tapes of Phone Conversations,” ESPN News Services, ESPN.com, Dec. 10, 2003

THIN SKIN?
A flattering profile in The New York Times apparently wasn’t flattering enough for departing anchor, Tom Brokaw. The ‘paper of record’ included the tidbit that Brokaw skinny dipped in the pond near their home. Brokaw’s spokesman issued the denial saying that Brokaw “does not skinny dip.”
“The skinny on Brokaw,” Peter Johnson, USA Today, Nov. 22, 2004

(This is an example where the denial highlighted the skinny dipping comment and caused more news.)

Tucson’s Deputy City Manager Michael Letcher might want to spiff up his resume. The City Council first voted against making him acting city manager, then reversed itself and appointed him acting city manager. Letcher has applied for the manager’s job, but Councilwoman Shirley Scott said the council wanted to be clear that Letcher doesn’t have an inside track to the job. She told the press, “This is not a position that is wired in from the start.”
“Council appoints acting city manager,” Oscar Abeta, Tuscon Citizen, Dec. 9, 2004

(It’s not even clear what she means by that.)

HE GOT IT HALF RIGHT...
Martin Frankel, the financier who swindled insurance companies out of over $200 million, was sentenced to 16 years in prison. The judge let him speak for 45 minutes during which he made excuse after excuse, ending up by claiming to be misunderstood. “Everybody looks at me as if I’m an evil genius.”
“Frankel sentenced to more than 16 years,” Associated Press, Courtesy of MSNBC.com, Dec. 10, 2004

(He could have quit with “evil.”)

LAWYERS
Canadian litigator Cam Godden obtained a settlement of almost $13 million (Canadian) for a personal injury case. The amount, shockingly high for Canada, generated headlines. The plaintiff was injured when a car in which she was a passenger rolled over. The driver’s insurance paid part of the money, but the bulk came from the company from which the driver had leased the car. Godden was upfront about his strategy, saying, “We had the advantage of having a defendant with deep pockets.”
“U.S.- size settlement may blow awards wide open,” Drew Hasselback, National Post, Dec. 18, 2004

(Refreshingly honest at least…)

Scott Peterson’s lawyer asked jurors not to assess the death penalty, saying, “We’re not asking you to let this man go free. Life without parole is not some sort of a holiday.”
“Peterson’s father describes son as good-natured,” Associated Press, Courtesy of MSNBC.com, Dec. 2, 2004

(The jury disagreed.)

Teenagers sued a Burger King franchise in St. Louis, charging that the manager had groped them and demanded sex. The girls had complained to assistant managers and finally went to Burger King headquarters. The franchise’s lawyer said, “The consent degree specifically states that Mid-America and Northwest (Burger King) deny all liability. The decision to settle the case was based on economics, considering the time and expense involved in a trial and the unpredictability of litigation.”
“Burger King franchisees settle sex harassment suit,” Cheryl Wittenauer, Associated Press, Dec. 7, 2004

(Looks like “have it your way” is now “up yours.” This lawyer forgot the audience here is the general public and prospective employees. She should have said, “We want to put this unfortunate episode behind us so we can concentrate on offering opportunity to our employees and a great meal to our customers.”)

STATISTICS
An example of “by lawyers, for lawyers,” was Fox TV’s protestation that it shouldn’t have to pay a $1.18 million fine for airing indecent content on a show, “Married by America.” The scenes cited included a topless woman and whipped cream. Fox’s statement said that “the program pixilated or obscured the nudity.” Fox also tried the defense of saying that the “activities alleged to be indecent comprised just 105 seconds in an hour-long program.”
“Fox TV wants out of $1.18M indecency fine,” Associated Press, Courtesy of usatoday.com, Dec. 3, 2004

(But they were the 105 seconds that caught the eye of every teenager.)

A rising number of complaints about how long insurance companies are taking to pay claims arising from the Florida hurricanes provoked a response from Sam Miller, executive vice president of the Florida Insurance Council, who claimed that the problems had been blown out of proportion. He pointed out that over two million claims had been filed and only 30,000 complaints had been filed. “To me, that’s a sign that we’re doing a pretty good job,” he said.
“Slow, small payouts leave hurricane victims in lurch,” Larry Copeland USA Today and Matt Reed with Florida Today, Dec. 9, 2004

(He’s making the familiar mistake at looking at the macro economics where the consumer only cares about his or her problem. He should have said, “Every customer is important to us, and we’re redoubling our efforts.”)

Plano West Senior High School got the dubious honor of being the cover story for Newsweek’s examination of steroid use by high school athletes. Plano Superintendent of Schools, Doug Otto, said in a statement that steroid use was “not extensive,” and noted that they had done a survey finding that two percent of students had used steroids, a fact which matched the state average.
“Plano ISD uneasy in steroid spotlight,” Kim Breen, The Dallas Morning News, Dec. 14, 2004

(All he accomplishes is the confirmation that there is steroid use and that they’re willing to tolerate it.)

Passengers’ luggage wasn’t all that was left behind during the airline snafus over the holidays. Over 100,000 pounds of priority mail got left behind, too. When Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta, announced an investigation and indicated the USPS might rethink how it awards its contracts, the papers went to the airlines for reaction. The Comair spokesman blamed the problems on weather. A Delta spokeswoman said the Postal Service approached them late, and the US Airways spokeswoman acknowledged there were “disruptions to its mail service, though no more than any other carrier.”
“Postal service links delays in deliveries to airlines,” Eric Dash, The New York Times, Dec. 29, 2004

(Mom… all the kids stay out past midnight…)

THE WRONG THING TO SAY
Newmont Mining Corporation admitted in Jakarta, Indonesia, that it had dumped heavy metals into Buyat Bay. The company faxed a statement saying, it had adhered to all “appropriate standards.” A company spokesman, Doug Hock, said that the mine released 17 tons of mercury into the air and 16 tons into the water. Hock said, “The government was aware that there was mercury being released from the plant. This is not news. It is not a surprise to anyone.”
“U.S. firm admits pollution,” Associated Press, Dec. 23, 2004

(Except to the local residents, and yes, it was news, and 17 tons sounds like an awful lot...)

...AND WORLD WIDE
An example of how comments, particularly stupid or salacious ones, travel around the world…. Andrew Whittaker, winner of the largest U.S. lottery two years ago, was fined $100,000 for attacking the manager at a local bar. He had previously been charged with drunk driving, and said, “It doesn’t bother me because I can tell everyone to kiss off.”
“Mayhem dogs US$315 – million lottery winner,” National Post, Courtesy of Can West News Service, Dec. 15, 2004

(We found the story in the National Post in Canada.)

WORDS AS WEAPONS
Outdoor activity in Banff National Park in Alberta is regulated in Canada by a national agency, Parks Canada. Recreation and preservation are supposed to be balanced, but Parks Canada does not allow downhill skiing within Banff’s boundaries. Recreational tourism is a big revenue producer for communities outside the park, but Parks Canada labels it “inappropriate” and “non-conforming.”
“Killing tourism in Banff,” Barry Cooper, National Post, Dec. 15, 2004

(“Inappropriate?” These are the Rockies? “Non- conforming?” Conforming to what? To those who believe people should only set foot in the national parks wearing snow shoes and back backs.)

AND FINALLY SOME GOOD EXAMPLES...
When Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith was suspended for violating team and NCAA rules, instead of complaining or blaming others, the young man said, “I am aware of what is expected, both on and off the field at Ohio State, and I have fallen short of those expectations.”
“Rules violation sacks Ohio State QB for bowl,” Staff and Wire Reporters, USA Today, Dec. 21, 2004

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre was victorious in his 200th start. His third touchdown, one of which was caught by 31-year-old Najeh Davenport graciously said, “This was a big night for me and a big night for the team. I’m honored to play with (Favre). Who knows how long he’ll be around. He’s an old guy who’s young at heart.”
“Packers stop Rams cold 45-17,” Skip Wood, USA Today, Nov. 30, 2004

HUMOR
We’re a little late getting to this, but it’s such a great example of how humor can defuse a tense situation, we wanted to share it. In the 1950s, jazz great Dizzy Gillespie and a group were touring in the South. At two o’clock one morning, they were starving and found a local diner. “No Negroes” was posted in the window, but Gillespie went in anyway. The waitress said to him, “I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t serve Negroes in here.” Gillespie replied, “I don’t blame you. I don’t eat ‘em. I’ll have a steak.” He got his steak.
“Following a debilitating stroke, the incomparable jazz pianist Oscar Peterson had to start over,” Marya Hornbacher, Smithsonian Magazine, January 2005