As we are bombarded with adverts from all angles, pity the poor marketers who must think up new and creative ways to get their messages across. One Scottish lass has a bonny idea for head scratching marketers. And she's laughing all the way to the bank. Randy and I are thinking of similar ideas, but the end result just seems wrong. - Doug

Is it just us or does anyone else sense multiple levels of irony in this past week's ONLY news items...?

Terri Schiavo becomes 'severely brain damaged' due to complications arising from her bulimia, so a feeding tube is inserted to keep her alive. Her feeding tube is removed and she dies - essentially being 'starved' to death.

The day the tube is removed, Pope John Paul II states that doing so is "truly euthanasia by omission" and tantamount to murder. The following day the ailing Pope has a feeding tube inserted by his doctors to keep him alive. The world's cardinals have been called to conclave, signifying the first step in papal succession.

The Mainstream Media (MM - remember them?), reported on almost nothing else. CNN, FOX, MSNBC, BBC... all the acronyms, even local 'newslets' rotated so-called 'experts' through Q&A sessions with the ever-present 'live' shot hovering in the background. First it's the hospice in Florida, then the Vatican in Rome.

These are important stories, yes. But did nothing else happen in the world this week...?! Where have all the reporters gone - print included? Surely they're not all basking in the pathos of a small Florida town, or the Klieg lights of Vatican Square.

Others have gone off on rants on this topic, how reporters no longer report and news is no longer news, but this piece from Tina Brown hits the nail on the head for us.

In a world where pop culture is replacing history and press releases supplant news, it's somewhat refreshing to see the media take a look at itself, albeit through a rose-tinted monocle!

Randy

Here's an interesting little tidbit from c|net that didn't escape our 'news bots' - for obvious reasons!

It seems some people are using Skype as an actual platform for delivering podcasts, and not just as a means-to-an-end tool to communicate with, as Doug and I do when we're in different locales (check out the ANJ 20050308 edition below).

I would argue c|net's point that it takes a "...high level of technical know-how" to accomplish the desired result, but the article does underscore the continuing global march toward an alternate 'radio' broadcasting system. A replacement, perhaps...?

Randy

ANJ is all about giving you alternate takes to mainsteam news. And in this case, this is a mainsteam RUSSIAN take on the occupation of the Baltic Nations.

Pravda's take.

Doug

I love Eastern Europe. To see all the changes these countries have gone through in the past century (and especially since 1989) up close and personal is like walking through a history text.

I love it so much, that in May, my feet will carry me to places like Serbia, Macedonia, and Albania.

This morning, whilst perusing the morning news, I came across

THIS STORY.

Seems German unification isn't so easy after all. 24% of Wessies want the wall back. And 12% of Ossies want to put another brick in it too.

What do you think? The comment lines are open. Just gaze to the right for our email and voxmail info.

Doug

ANJ Tech: We all hate our alarm clocks... and in 4 hours I will really hate mine. But at least a good smack will turn it off.

But check this baby out... no more excuses!

Doug

You gotta love the 'Beeb'. From Friday's edition of BBC News World Edition - Technology:

PODCASTING AND MONEY

Could happen!

Randy

It's cold and white here in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (or Winterpeg, Man-it's-cold-out). I'm here for a couple of weeks to do some work and to housesit.

Trolling the online media this morning, I've found some interesting tidbits that you might want to check out:

DRUDGE has a report on the HBO Film that takes you behind the scenes of the left leaning US radio network Air America.

DRUDGE REPORT - AIR AMERICA

On Wednesday 3/23/05, Canada's GLOBE AND MAIL newspaper had a rather large article on podcasting. You'll have to register, but it makes for good reading:

GLOBE AND MAIL - Podcasting (registration req)

Have no fear: the next ANJ is coming soon. And remember: your story ideas, thoughts, and bricks are welcome. Gaze to the right for our direct line. Give us a buzz!

Cheers!

Doug

...is podcasting suddenly making it's way into the worldwide mainstream media?

There have been sporadic stories over the past few months, true, but in the last week it seems everybody's taking notice. And not just with simple 'sidebar' stories.

It seems to us that the 'MM' (mainstream media) is more than just interested in reporting the latest 'media craze' (their words), they're getting concerned.

We remember a time (not so long ago) when TV news organizations began soliciting home video from viewers. The idea was that ordinary citizens were, in a lot of cases, the 'first responders' to a possible newsworthy event - be it a traffic accident a fire or what have you.

Cameramen and reporters were furious believing that their very livelihood was at stake, that their jobs would be taken over by hobbyist handycamers. The fact is, some of that did occur.

So, the question is, does the advent of blogging, and more specifically podcasting, threaten the very foundation of journalism...? We're beginning to hear rumblings!

We'd be curious to know what you think. If you've read or heard anything lately in the MM regarding podcasting's impact, let us know. Send us the link. We'll make this the subject of a future edition of ANJ with your input.

Randy