Don't get confused: Pick FSU, not USF, to win

Bob Gabordi's blog Bob Gabordi is executive editor of the Tallahassee Democrat and Tallahassee.com. He can be reached through this blog, at bgabordi@tallahassee.com or (850) 599-2177

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Don't get confused: Pick FSU, not USF, to win

Posted 9/24/2009 6:26 AM EDT on tallahassee.com

OK, you’ve got to love this – you don’t have to believe it, but come on, this is great stuff.

My favorite power-rating guy, Jeff Sagarin, who is the dean of his biz, has these football teams as the top five:

1. Miami

2. FSU

3. Cincinnati

4. Boise State

5. LSU

The football gods, aka BCS and NCAA, must be turning all shades of red, purple and blue, either from holding their breath or laughing. Sagarin has been doing his ratings for USA TODAY since the mid-1980s. He knows his stuff.

But … really?

OK, onto this week’s picks:

Favorite Muppet: First, let me say how disappointed I was that Fred Flintstone was not on the ballot. That just isn’t right. In the area of home entertainment for children, Fred is my hero. One heckuva actor, too. I went with Kermit.

South Florida at Florida State: Or USFFSU. The letters are the same, just backwards. The score might be, too. Like 31-13. Don't forget to Tweet #noles to join the conversation with our reporters and fans on our NoleSports.com live blog during the game. FSU.

Tennessee State vs. FAMU at Atlanta: First, why, why, why? I know, marketing and doing something nice for the Atlanta area alum. But this is football, not marketing, and the idea is to win. Play at home. You are 3-0. Make it 4-0. FAMU.

Florida vs. Kentucky: Were this basketball and 10 years ago, I would go with Kentucky. It might be a better game than you think, though. Still, UF.

North Carolina at Georgia Tech: Were this basketball and 10 years ago, I would go with UNC. I still will, in a mild upset: UNC.

LSU at Mississippi State: Hey, LSU is good. Mississippi State, not so good. LSU.

Wake Forest at Boston College: You’re not so tough, Boston College, when you’re not running up the score on my poor Northeastern University team. For shame. Wake Forest.

California at Oregon: Cal is supposed to be the best in the Pac-10 this year. I pay absolutely no attention to the West Coast schools and have no clue. Still, I have to pick someone, so ... Cal.

Pittsburgh at N.C. State: Why would a school with a perfectly good name call itself Pitt? Why would N.C. State field a team so bad? Pitt.

Miami at Virginia Tech: This is when we find out if Miami is for real. I think they are. Speed always wins. Miami.

Arizona State at Georgia: Look, ever since they hired Jim Donnan, I’ve disliked the Bulldogs. Still, they are probably better than ASU, though I hate myself for doing this. Georgia.

Look for all of our panelists’ picks in Game Plan inside this Saturday’s Tallahassee Democrat.

You can send your comments by clicking the button below, e-mailing me at bgabordi@tallahassee.com, sending a private message on Tallahassee.com, Twitter @bgabordi, LinkedIn, Blogger.com or on my blog on Friendster.

You can also find links to my blogs on Facebook.com, but you have to request to be my friend.

Sunday print exclusive: Wakulla's David Harvey

Sunday print exclusive: Wakulla's David Harvey

Posted 9/23/2009 6:04 AM EDT on tallahassee.com

Senior Reporter Jennifer Portman has been working on a story about Wakulla County Sheriff David Harvey for months.

She has read countlesss documents and conducted hours and hours of interviews to tell the story of the man who has been in office for 30-plus years, examining his service, style and the personal and business relationships that make him a powerful force -- a seemingly untouchable force -- in his small community and beyond.

The story will appear in Sunday’s Tallahassee Democrat print edition.

That’s all I’m going to tell you about it for now, except to say don’t look for it on Tallahassee.com. It won’t be here.

Sunday’s are special days for readers of traditional print editions of newspapers. More people read the newspaper that day. There are more features and advertisements. More young adult readers pick up a copy of the Sunday paper than any other day of the week, based on national statistics.

We want to keep Sundays special for our print-edition readers, who pay extra for the newspaper and deserve more.

Each week, we’re going to develop a special report aimed at them, something that moves beyond the news to provide greater depth and analysis of a story, and publish it exclusively in print.

This week, it’s the story about the Wakulla County sheriff.

What you will get on Tallahassee.com on Sunday is a brief summary of what the print story is reporting, the opportunity to talk about it and any extras, such as video, photo galleries or documents. In print, we'll still point to them online.

It is, as I said, a way to reward our readers who buy the print edition with something extra and special, but also it is an attempt to take advantage of the strengths of each medium.

Most digital readers simply won’t read the long narrative Sunday story; we know that these stories, while in high demand in print, don’t generate huge traffic online, which has evolved into a breaking-news medium and a place for readers to discuss the news. We'll use online to provide multimedia and long documents that don't work in print.

So, this week, if you want to read the full David Harvey story, pick up a copy of the printed Tallahassee Democrat, then come back on here to talk about it.

You can send your comments by clicking the button below, e-mailing me at bgabordi@tallahassee.com, sending a private message on Tallahassee.com, Twitter @bgabordi, LinkedIn, Blogger.com or on my blog on Friendster.

You can also find links to my blogs on Facebook.com, but you have to request to be my friend.

Gannett plans for when the rain stops

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Bob Gabordi's blog Bob Gabordi is executive editor of the Tallahassee Democrat and Tallahassee.com. He can be reached through this blog, at bgabordi@tallahassee.com or (850) 599-2177

Report item as: (required) X Obscenity/vulgarity Hate speech Personal attack Advertising/Spam Copyright/Plagiarism Other Comment: (optional) Gannett plans for when the rain stops Posted 9/18/2009 7:46 AM EDT on tallahassee.com I’ve spent the past few days at a conference of Gannett Co. Inc.’s senior editors, news directors and top corporate executives, discussing something some don’t think we have: a future. We beg to differ. That such a conference was even convened in these economic times – with dozens of publishers, editors, general managers and news directors, some 130 people in all, flying in from across the country – to map our strategy for the future is remarkable. At a time when every action we make seems measured by its costs, we stopped “working” on our day-to-day stuff to think and talk – and mostly in that order. Only Gannett – and certainly no other news-media organization – would have the panache to do such a thing right now. Why Gannett? Why now? Because eventually, the rain stops. Umbrellas are put away. Clouds give way. This might have been that first hopeful ray of light piercing through the long darkness. Not that the storm is over, certainly not. It was just a reminder that, as I said, eventually the rain stops. Gannett understands that those who come out of this economy with the right plan to meet changing consumer demands have the best chance of surviving. We had long days and nights this week. This is being written from a corner of the airport in Charlotte, N.C., where – after missed connections out of Washington – I stayed an extra night. But sometime around hour 14, day two of the conference, I realized what this meeting was all about. Gannett is ready to move out of transforming to operating as a new-age media company. This was about making sure the business imperatives are in sync with our journalism, that we remain true to the underlying principles that differentiate us and our business. Our competitive advantage has always been our journalists’ hearts, our passion for serving our communities. It is what allows us to do what is right when everyone tells us we are wrong. The two must be in sync – the right plan and the right passion. This is what those who suggest the death of newspapers and our company itself miss. They cannot measure what they cannot see. Such passion doesn’t fit neatly onto a spread sheet to be analyzed. It is not a number to be crunched. It is why they are wrong. This week’s conference was not about corporate executives issuing marching orders from on high; it was, in fact, anything but that. Over and over, executives at the highest level of our company were, it seemed, looking for approval on the direction we are headed. Journalists were asked to pick apart plans and fix what doesn’t make sense. We did, and we will continue to do so. This was Gannett being Gannett, staying in touch with its core values, reminding itself and its top journalists of what built the company into a media giant, making sure the foundation is still strong. Almost no one missed what was almost surely chance symbolism: As we huddled to discuss how to muster all of our company’s strengths to better serve each of our communities, Gannett stock rose to its highest level in quite some time. As for details of our discussion, you will see many outcomes soon. One is called ContentOne, a new division of our company whose purpose is to muster the combined strengths of our 84 community newspapers, 23 TV stations, USA TODAY and digital division to create better journalism and better serve advertising customers. ContentOne has provided the most comprehensive coverage of the health-care debate to date. Still, editors demanded more and better coverage of what is being proposed in what might be the most divisive national debate since civil rights and the Vietnam War. You will soon see new tools for journalists, readers and viewers of Tallahassee.com and the Tallahassee Democrat. More and deeper national news will supplement local reporting, for example, among the many planned changes. What is important for now is that for the first time in, well, what seems like forever, the discussion centered on what and how to restore content and resources to newsgathering operations, and not what to cut. It is still raining. But, as I said, eventually the rain stops. You can send your comments by clicking the button below, e-mailing me at bgabordi@tallahassee.com, sending a private message on Tallahassee.com, Twitter @bgabordi, LinkedIn, Blogger.com or on my blog on Friendster. You can also find links to my blogs on Facebook.com, but you have to request to be my friend.

Testing this blogging tool.

This is a test of blogging via iPhone.

Yep, I look goofy, but healthy babies are worth it

Bob Gabordi's blog Bob Gabordi is executive editor of the Tallahassee Democrat and Tallahassee.com. He can be reached through this blog, at bgabordi@tallahassee.com or (850) 599-2177

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Yep, I look goofy, but healthy babies are worth it

Posted 9/14/2009 8:23 AM EDT on tallahassee.com

When my first child was born more than 28 years ago, I had to fight to get into the delivery room. It was little more than a sterile operating room with a narrow, uncomfortable operating table with a think mattress.

The doctor was unhappy with me being there and made it clear I was to stand near my wife’s head and not bother him.

By the time our last baby was born 15 years ago, the world had changed. Not only was I now allowed into the bedroom-like delivery room, it was expected that I would be there and had duties assigned to me during the entire process.

Now more than ever, we are learning that dads play an important role in ensuring the healthy birth of a child. Statistics show that one of the best indicators of a healthy infant is the involvement of the dad in the entire pregnancy and delivery, making sure there are two parental names on the birth certificate.

So go ahead and look at these photographs and chuckle. I’m OK with being laughed at. They are quite funny.

Speaking for the whole bunch of us guys who are playing “pregnant” dads in the March of Dimes’ Men in Labor program, if we can help one young man think about what a vital role he can play in his child’s birth and life, it is worth the public laughter.

Men dressing up with pillows under their gowns are funny; men not helping their ladies stay healthy and produce a healthy child is serious business.

Twelve of us agreed to dress up and raise $1,000 for the March of Dimes. I hate asking people for money. I hate watching babies die even more. So I’ll tell you more about how you can help with this program in another column. Meanwhile, write a check to the March of Dimes if you want to help.

Almost two years ago, the Tallahassee Democrat began a series of stories, commentaries and public forums to bring attention to high rates of infant mortality in our region, especially black infant mortality. Our reports showed that as state and national rates were in decline, local rates were not. Our coverage was picked up by medical Web sites, such as Medical News Today.

At the time, for example, Leon County's infant-mortality rate among blacks was 15.8 deaths per 1,000 births, while the rate was 4.5 deaths among whites.

Our reports showed premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, sudden infant death syndrome and child abuse were among the factors causing infants to die before their first birthdays.

Important efforts are under way at Florida A&M University and in community organizations throughout the region.

During community-group discussions, the importance of fathers in ensuring healthy outcomes was underscored time and time again. It just makes sense that fathers can help mothers make healthy choices, such as regular doctor care and taking folic acid, something all women of childbearing years should do.

So, yeah, I look and feel foolish with the pillow and the gown. I can handle the humiliation for three weeks if it helps even one little baby’s daddy make a good and healthy decision. When we launched this effort, I wrote a blog saying our commitment was to help keep babies alive.

When you are finished giggling, help make that come true.

You can send your comments by clicking the button below, e-mailing me at bgabordi@tallahassee.com, sending a private message on Tallahassee.com, Twitter @bgabordi, LinkedIn, Blogger.com or on my blog on Friendster.

You can also find links to my blogs on Facebook.com, but you have to request to be my friend.

Thank God we still have football and superheroes

Bob Gabordi's blog Bob Gabordi is executive editor of the Tallahassee Democrat and Tallahassee.com. He can be reached through this blog, at bgabordi@tallahassee.com or (850) 599-2177

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Thank God we still have football and superheroes

Posted 9/11/2009 5:50 AM EDT on tallahassee.com

OK, back to important stuff: football.

This week, for the football panel they asked me my favorite “superhero” growing up. Hasn't this week been tough enough, what with Gerald Ensley expressing an opinion that has a "few" people offended, no doubt because he made them think? Why would a newspaper columnist go and do that?

Now this. Just when my brain needs a break.

I know I was supposed to say something profound, but I used up my allotment of profound by Wednesday. I'm expecting more by next Tuesday.

OK, I said, try this one: Wonder Woman, for obvious reasons.

“We can’t put that in the paper,” I was told.

OK, then, I said: Green Lantern. He was green before it became the right thing to do, even before Kermit, and he never whined about it not being easy being green.

Now back to football.

Jacksonville State vs. FSU: First, I didn’t even know Jacksonville had become a state. This one better be over early. FSU had better be motivated. My daughter goes to FSU. FSU

Troy vs. Florida: Well, the competition for UF has gotten decidedly tougher this week. I’ve always liked the Troy program, never liked the UF program and never is a long time. Still. Florida

Fresno State vs. Wisconsin: What, Fresno is a state, too? What’s next, are we going to admit Alabama into the Union? Wisconsin

North Carolina vs. Connecticut: My daughter goes to UNC (Yes, I have multiple daughters and a couple sons, too). My brother went to Connecticut. I’ve lived in both states. Flip the coin here. Heads it is. Connecticut

Stanford vs. Wake Forest: Jim Grobe’s boys let me down last week. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Shame on me. Nah, I still trust you. Wake

East Carolina vs. West Virginia: I’m so confused. East Carolina is part of a state called North Carolina, but West Virginia is a whole state. Don’t you ever wonder why life is so complicated? I consulted my GPS for this one. WVU

Notre Dame vs. Michigan: I am still Catholic, and Michigan only beat its kid brother last week. They have miles to go before you can say they’re back. Miles. Notre Dame

UCLA vs. Tennessee: Remember the old days, when John Wooden was a sure thing? I love John Wooden. Great coach and wonderful role model. Unfortunately, for UCLA football, he coached basketball. Tennessee

Mississippi State vs. Auburn: Mississippi is a real state. Auburn is a color. Great for hair. Great for football, too. Auburn

University of Southern California vs. Ohio State: Southern California should be a separate state. Look at the map. California is too long. This is my upset of the week pick. USC

You can send your comments by clicking the button below, e-mailing me at bgabordi@tallahassee.com, sending a private message on Tallahassee.com, Twitter @bgabordi, LinkedIn, Blogger.com or on my blog on Friendster.

You can also find links to my blogs on Facebook.com, but you have to request to be my friend.

Now is truly the time to lead, Mr. President

Bob Gabordi's blog Bob Gabordi is executive editor of the Tallahassee Democrat and Tallahassee.com. He can be reached through this blog, at bgabordi@tallahassee.com or (850) 599-2177

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Now is truly the time to lead, Mr. President

Posted 9/10/2009 8:21 AM EDT on tallahassee.com

Last night, after watching President Obama’s speech to Congress live on Tallahassee.com with an amazing 1,200 other viewers, I went on Facebook. I told my friends that I gave his address high marks overall but thought he had missed a huge leadership opportunity.

In the overnight hours, more than 40 posts were made in response. It drew comments from my work and after-work friends, my graduate-school classmates, readers and relatives. Overnight, they debated as I slept.

The quality of that debate stayed at a relatively high level, even if intense differences were underscored. This country faces a huge challenge. More critical than the health-care debate itself is whether we have the capacity to tolerate those differences.

The question now as it always has been is whether democracy can survive such deep divides. Democracy's enemies have always seen this as our great weakness, but being able to tolerate our great differences of viewpoints must be our strength.

It is on this point that the president reached out to his political foes with one hand and slapped their faces with the other. Last night, we saw this presidency in transition, from partisan politician to national leader. Still, there were too many elements of the partisan in his address.

We witnessed the president’s attempt to place his politics in the center, calling out those who mix politics with policy from either extreme but also reminding all that Republicans left him to deal with a trillion-dollar deficit and two wars in the Middle East. His reminders of the failures of the past decade were sprinkled throughout an otherwise great speech.

Posting on my Facebook page, Tallahassee Democrat political editor and columnist Bill Cotterell put what is going on into this perspective:

“One side seems to want to shout people down (even tonight in the Capitol) and the other seems to think health services will fall from the sky like gentle rain, if they wish hard enough.”

But bickering and wishing are hardly owned by any one side. There has been ample of both from all. Obama addressed this, too, and he denounced as “lies” allegations that his plan would create “death panels,” force people off their current health-care insurance and diminish Medicaid.

“Instead of honest debate, we have seen scare tactics. Some have dug into unyielding ideological camps that offer no hope of compromise. Too many have used this as an opportunity to score short-term political points, even if it robs the country of our opportunity to solve a long-term challenge. …

“Well, the time for bickering is over. The time for games has passed. Now is the season for action. Now is when we must bring the best ideas of both parties together and show the American people that we can still do what we were sent here to do.”

In attacking the extremes, the president implicitly made his own promise that he would rise above the partisanship that has become so divisive that compromise becomes impossible; every negotiation leads to impasse; and every disagreement brings the ugly, hateful rhetoric we have witnessed in town-hall meetings across America.

These are not things of the president’s making, but something he is called to change. Before the public – or for that matter Congress – can focus on the details of this debate, if and when they become available, minds and hearts must be opened.

A president cannot change the tone of the debate by sprinkling magic dust, but perhaps he can do so by acting presidential. Reaching out with one hand and patting a foe on the back with the other can do much to jumpstart that change.

This presidency is no longer about what the Bush administration did or didn’t do but about what the Obama presidency and Americans on all sides can accomplish for generations to come. Bringing America back together, and not any single piece of legislation no matter how dramatic, could be this president’s greatest legacy.

Now indeed is the time, Mr. President.

You can send your comments by clicking the button below, e-mailing me at bgabordi@tallahassee.com, sending a private message on Tallahassee.com, Twitter @bgabordi, LinkedIn, Blogger.com or on my blog on Friendster.

You can also find links to my blogs on Facebook.com, but you have to request to be my friend.