In the meantime

Tim Russert, 1950 - 2008

Last Father's Day, my family gave me a copy of Tim Russert's book "Wisdom of our Fathers."  The book, a sequel to his 2001 bestseller "Big Russ and Me," is an incredibly touching book, and it has a great story behind it.  Russert's first book told about growing up in South Buffalo under the guiding hand of his father.  One reviewer wrote, "Most adult men have a difficult time embracing their fathers.  Russert spends 22 chapters hugging his in this book."

Almost as soon as "Big Russ and Me" hit the shelves, Russert began getting wonderful letters from people about the relationship they had with their fathers.  Some were funny, some were heartbreaking.  Some told of wonderfully close relationships, others told of waiting too late to make things right, and having to live with the regrets for the rest of their lives. Russert read them all, and realized this was a story that needed to be told.  Out of those letters came "Wisdom of Our Fathers."

Tim Russert passed away suddenly yesterday while recording voice-overs for tomorrow's edition of Meet the Press, the iconic Sunday news show that he hosted for 17 years, longer than any other host in the history of the program.  It is ironic, in an incredibly sad way that Tim Russert died two days before Father's Day, since he is known by millions for writing two bestselling books celebrating fathers and fatherhood.

Fatherhood wasn't something Russert wrote about in the abstract.  He was a dedicated son to Big Russ who now survives him, but he was also a doting father to his son Luke, Tim and Maureen's only child.  They say that off camera he was constantly talking about his family.  Tim, Maureen and Luke just took a trip to Italy to celebrate Luke's graduation from Boston College.  Maureen and Luke were still there when the news came that Tim had died.

On Meet the Press recently, Terry McAuliff - Hillary Clinton's resident lunatic - made a moronic remark about how Big Russ must be smiling down from heaven.  Russert patiently informed McAuliff that Big Russ is still very much alive. Just last weekend, Russert was back in Buffalo to move big Russ into a home.

I had a chance to meet Russert once in the late 1980s, not long after he became NBC's Washington Bureau Chief.  He and ABC's Jeff Greenfield were on a panel discussion.  Both of them seemed to be regular guys who didn't take themselves too seriously, and they certainly weren't prima donnas like many in the news business were.

Tim Russert was, by all accounts, one of the genuinely good guys.  He was secure in his own skin and comfortable with his abilities, so he was never threatened by someone else's advancement in the news business.  His closest friends were his competitors, so when he passed yesterday, there were people on every network - cable and broadcast - who were choking back tears as they reported the news of Russert's passing. The list of people who got their start or their first job in broadcast journalism from Russert reads like a who's who of today's news reporters.  As host of Meet the Press, he reached out beyond the circle of Beltway elites to bring in talented journalists to the weekly panel. 

In a move that must have made blue bloods at the Washington Post gag, Russert added David Brody, senior correspondent for CBN news to the panel.  Brody handled himself well and proved Russert's instincts right yet again.  It's hard to imagine who will succeed Russert in the host's chair for Meet the Press.

Tim Russert was a giant in the field of broadcast journalism, yet he never allowed his success or his love of politics and the news business to overshadow his family or his faith.  He never forgot who he was and where he came from.  He was and always would be was the kid from South Buffalo, a diehard Bills fan, Maureen's devoted husband and Luke's doting dad.  And Big Russ' loving and appreciative son.

Music City USA Under a Blanket of White

NASHVILLE - We arrived here last night for the National Religious Broadcasters Convention which begins Sunday at the Gaylord Opryland, and we apparently brought the snow with us.  The whiteout conditions we experienced yesterday in Kentucky arrived here in full force around 7:00 pm as we were walking down Broadway.  We stopped off in Ernest Tubb's record store and then made our way down to Big River for dinner.  By the time we left 90 minutes or so later, the snowstorm was so intense there was lightning accompanying it.

Nashvillians are about as adept as Atlantans are at handling snow, which is to say they stink at it.  The streets were empty except for a occasional car or truck you would see sliding toward you.  (We were in an Audi equipped with Quattro, which gets high marks from me for keeping us between the white lines, at least those you could see.)  I-40 was closed in both directions because of a nine car pile up, so we had to make our way back to the hotel on secondary roads which were rapidly becoming difficult to navigate.

We got back to the hotel in one piece, although we did have to dodge one Dodge truck (hence the name, I suppose) that was coming down the hill sideways toward us.  Bubba don't do snow apparently, and Bubba also don't understand that it takes BOTH four wheel drive AND common sense to drive safely in heavy snow.

The NRB Convention should be interesting.  At it's core, the NRB represents and exists for mostly traditional TV and Radio broadcasters.  That means we are a new media company at an old media event.  Multicast is sharing a booth with Adobe.  Our partnership with them has been mutually beneficial to both companies in the deployment of live Flash. Adobe has embraced Vidego because it combines ease of use with powerful CDN delivery of video content.

One of the rewarding things for me about working for Multicast has been to see some of the church media market be on the leading edge of new media technology.  We've noticed the NRB folks have been a little slow to embrace new media, but that is somewhat understandable since they are so heavily invested in more traditional broadcast technologies.

It will be interesting to see the blend of new vs. old media at this year's convention.

God and Gadgets

What is the appropriate use of technology in the church?  When does it help and when does it hinder?  C.A. Phillips has written a thoughtful post about the danger of technology becoming a substitute for the real thing, especially in our spiritual life.  The post was inspired by a conversation about someone saying they didn't need to come to church because they could listen to the church's podcast.

Since I'm no longer on the staff of a church and not constrained by the need for diplomacy, I can say it bluntly: That's just plain stupid.  When I see a commercial for Red Lobster showing me every kind of delicious shrimp imaginable, I don't stand up, pat my belly and say, "Wow, that was great.  I'm stuffed."

There's two reasons we need to come together in worship - to be fed and to lift each other up.  A technology substitute for worship - whether it be a TV or radio broadcast, live stream, or podcast - can accomplish the feeding part, but at best it can only give you some semblance of encouragement and uplift.  You miss out on being an encouragement to others.  Being a blessing to others is a vital part of your spiritual growth.  In his famous prayer, St. Francis of Assisi wisely stated that "it is in giving that we receive."  You need personal interaction with others!

My friend Kurt Kaiser is best known for writing the song "Pass It On" in the 1970s.  He says the inspiration for that song came at a campfire.  He saw a brightly glowing ember roll away from the fire.  Almost immediately the bright glow began to dim and in just a matter of moments it was cold.  That ember needed the fire to keep glowing. In the same way, you and I need the corporate setting to realize we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Hebrews 10:25 says "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (NLT)  You'll notice that verse doesn't say anything about the "feeding" aspect of gathering together, only the encouragement part.

Let's be honest - when someone tells you they don't need to come to church because they can watch it at home, that is nothing more than a cop out.  If I don't want to come to church, one lame excuse is as good as the next one.  If it's not "I can just listen to the podcast" it would be "I can worship God just as well on the lake or the golf course."

So should we limit the availability of technology because someone will use it as an excuse to not come to church?  Absolutely not!  Why penalize the hundreds of people who will be touched, encouraged and inspired by your broadcast or podcast just because of one disingenuous person who uses it as an excuse to not come to church?  For every one who uses it as an inappropriate substitute there will be scores of folks who cannot come to church due to illness or being out of town who will use it appropriately to stay connected.

I make my living with technology, and specifically with technology that assists churches and ministries in distributing their message to a wider audience.  We help churches around the world stream their services live or on demand and to distribute podcasts and downloadble MP3s.  I can point you to case study after case study that proves conclusively when a church uses these strategies, local attendance goes up, not down.  That's because most people when they see the yummy seafood on TV want to go to Red Lobster. They aren't satisfied with just the electronic image, they want to taste and experience the real thing.

For the past few weeks I have attended the video venue at my church.  We're on the same campus, just fifty yards or so from the main auditorium.  The worship is live but when the time comes for the message, we watch Mike on a high-def screen.  It was interesting to watch the people interact with "video Mike."  They responded just as if they were in the "live" service, nodding their heads, verbally responding when appropriate, even standing in response to the invitation to say, "please pray for me." This is a prime example of where technology not only doesn't get in the way, it literally expands our territory.

Wise ministries look for ways to use technology to make them more effective at both the feeding and the encouraging components of our mission.  You can't fail to take advantage of these opportunities just because someone will use it as an excuse to not gather with the body.  That is nothing new - it was happening back in the first century since the writer of Hebrews included the line "as some people do." 

C.A. put it well in his post: "If your idea of church is listening to a sermon each week, then I guess it doesn't change much in your life."

The bottom line is this: Your goal is to communicate with honesty and integrity.  There's no reason not to use any and all technology you can to help you do that more effectively and to a wider audience.  But when you attempt to use technology to make it appear that you are something or someone that you are not, as a leader or as a church, that is wrong and eventually you will be exposed as a fraud.  Even in things technological, be sure your sins will eventually find you out.

Read C.A.'s post "Technology as a Substitute?" here.

This n' That About This n' That...

No Run Newt

I had this really insightful post 90% completed on why Newt Gingrich should not run for President.  Then yesterday Newt inconveniently took my advice before it was even offered rendering the post about as timely as a discussion on the merits of Windows ME.  For what it's worth, here is the gist of my now-useless argument: Like Jimmy Carter, Newt Gingrich has been much more effective and useful since he left office than he was while in office.  The former speaker has done a great job of reaching across the aisle to get both sides to stop posturing and yelling at each other long enough to think strategically about solutions to our current problems.  It would be a real shame for him to leave that behind to go back to being a partisan political hack.  Plus his negatives are out the wazoo.  Good call, Mr. Speaker.

Millions Flock to Jesus' Defense... Well, OK, Thousands So Far

The good folks at The Miracle Theatre in Pigeon Forge are just not going to take a bad TV actress dissing Jesus sitting down.  (See Kathy Griffin and Jesus) So they purchased a full page USA Today ad ($90,000) in an effort to get one million Christians to sign their "Enough is Enough, Stand Up for Christ" petition.  So far they have 65,000 of their "One Million Voices for Christ."  And from their press release they are pretty proud of that.  Someone needs to explain to these Theatre majors that 65,000 is only 6.5% of 1 million.  That's like expecting 1,000 people for a concert and only 65 show up. 

I find it strange that their petition is not addressed to Kathy Griffin or even "Dear Low Lifes in Hollywood."  It is addressed to the American people and declares that they should not mock the name of Jesus or slander any of His followers.  If you simply must sign the petition and scream "Enough is Enough" at the "American People" click here.  But please don't.

Braves Miss Playoffs Again But Season is Saved By Monumental Mets Meltdown

I am sorely disappointed that the Braves season is over again this year in September, not October.  But my heart was strangely warmed by the record-breaking (worst in MLB history!) crash and burn by the team we affectionately refer to as "Those Scum Sucking Mets."  They were in first place by seven games the second week in September, but they won't be going to the playoffs.  This is just too sweet for words.

Q: Is it true the Mets are leaving New York and moving to the Phillipines?
A: Yes.
Q: What will they be called there?
A: The Manilla Folders!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!  I crack me up.

End of An Era

Yesterday was the last Braves game that will be broadcast on TBS.  For the last 30 years, this partnership made the Braves America's Team and turned a laughable, pathetic excuse for a UHF TV station into the first "Superstation" a broadcasting dynasty that also spawned the first 24 hour news channel.

Yes, the geniuses at Turner Broadcasting have opted to go with such laugh-packed winners as "The Bill Engval Show," "House of Payne" and "My Guys" and to turn their backs on the programming that got them where they are.  TBS's motto is "Very Funny" but none of the aforementioned programs are even remotely funny.  Sure, the reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond and Friends are funny, but they have already run through all available episodes several times now.  Skip Caray hit the nail on the head when he commented on TBS not asking him to be a part of the postseason announcing crew. "I'm mad at myself for thinking there was any loyalty left in this business. I should have known better."

For what it's worth, I choose to not watch TBS in the future.  No big sacrifice here, their programming reeks.  You guys not only have no loyalty, you have no class.

You should have heeded the words of that great philosopher Jimmy Dean and "danced with the one what brung you."

The Don Imus controversy

Don Imus is by most accounts a miserable human being.  He's turned a dour personality, a mean spirit and tons of insensitivity into a good living as a radio broadcaster for the last 40 years.  Every year or so his show makes the news because of something particularly odious that he said or because of who was present when he said it, because for some unknown reason the powerful and the influential, especially in the political realm all appear on "Imus in the Morning."

I've never cared for Imus.  I've listened on rare occasions but never got into his show.  I have never understood the allure of people like Imus.  If you were in the same room with him, you would think, "Who is this obnoxious horse's behind?" But for some reason if that horse's behind is on the radio it is quality entertainment.

Last Wednesday, Imus made an offhanded remark about the Rutgers women's basketball team, calling them "nappy-headed hos" in banter with one of his staff.  There was no immediate backlash but by Friday there was enough heat that he apologized on his show.  Over the weekend the Blogosphere exploded with calls for Imus' head on a platter.  Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton got involved.  By this morning, Imus was in deep kimchee and went on Sharpton's radio show in a desperate attempt to stem the tide. Today, CBS Radio and MSNBC suspended Imus for two weeks, not because they are genuinely shocked by Imus' comments - otherwise he would have been off the air last Thursday - but rather as a way to appear to be doing the right thing (feigning sincerity as it were).  After all, they make millions off him being... well, himself.

As I said earlier, I am no fan of Don Imus. But this weird media dance is just plain looney.  Never mind that you can hear similar (or even worse) invective directed at African-American women on just about any rap or hip hop music video.  The bottom line is what Imus said was and is completely inexcusable. There is no possible context in which what he said about these young women would be acceptable. 

I just find it surprising that anyone is surprised that such talk would spew forth from the mouth of Don Imus.

Ever heard the story of the guy who had a pet rattlesnake?  He loved and cared for the snake for years and one day with no warning, the snake bit him, injecting him with a fatal dose of venom.  As he lay dying, the man looked at the snake and asked him why he would do such a thing.  The snake replied, "Dude, I'm a rattlesnake... this is what we do."

Imus is famous precisely because he is foul-tempered, insensitive and cruel.  And now we are somehow appalled because he has publicly said something foul-tempered, insensitive and cruel.  Hello?  How can we be surprised at this?  Imus' informal job title - in a genre that he is largely responsible for creating - is "shock-jock." So how is it we are somehow caught off guard when he says something shocking?

I watched the clip of the exchange between Imus and Sharpton today.  I have to admit it was a poignant moment when Sharpton introduced his daughter -  who is roughly the same age as the Rutgers players Imus maligned - and he told Imus this young woman was not a "nappy-headed ho."  While he did not call her that directly, the implication was painfully obvious:  Those young women were, in fact someone's daughter.

On the other hand, I was also surprised that the Rev. Sharpton steadfastly refused to allow for the possibility that Imus could ever be forgiven for his offense.  At the end of the day, even Don Imus deserves our forgiveness if he sincerely asks - and in this case all but begs for it.  I would venture to say that Rev. Sharpton has at some point in his life said something he sincerely regrets saying.  I know I have.  If he has not, maybe he should be dubbed Saint Al. 

This morning outside NBC's Chicago studios, Rev. Jesse Jackson was leading a protest.  Jackson is also calling for Imus to be fired and his nationally syndicated show to be taken off the air.  But Jesse Jackson of all people should understand Don Imus' current predicament.  During the 1988 Presidential campaign, Jackson was outed for referring to Jews as "hymies" and calling New York "hymietown."  He was also quoted as saying he was "sick of hearing about the Holocaust."  Jackson owned up to the "hymietown" comment and apologized saying, "Charge it to my head and not my heart."  The remarks damaged Jackson politically, but by most accounts he was forgiven and he certainly still wields some measure of influence. Jackson should have been forgiven because let's face it - all of us can think of things we have said that we sincerely regret saying - things that don't really reflect what is truly in our hearts.

At the end of the day, we have to remember the message of the gospel is grace, mercy and forgiveness being extended to those who don't really deserve it.  We follow a Savior who offered forgiveness to the very people who were crucifying Him.  I might not like it, but if someone sincerely asks me to forgive them, I have no choice but to forgive them, because of the grace extended to me - grace that I can never deserve or be worthy of.

Do I think Don Imus should be fired and his show taken away from him?  Probably not, because that could lead to a situation where anytime someone says something on the air that makes people mad people will call for them to get fired, which could lead to even more political correctness.  As much as I detest what Don Imus said, that is a slippery slope we don't want to start down.  Besides, as we learned with Howard Stern, going that route can potentially just make you even more popular on satellite radio where there is no restriction on what can be said.

What I really would love to see is people all over the country choosing not to listen to Don Imus.  Tune him out, find something better to listen to (which shouldn't be too hard).  Then he would be off the air not because he said something that got him fired - which could potentially turn him into some sort of First Amendment martyr - but because since no one was listening, no one was advertising and there was no money to be made off his obnoxious, offensive and negative commentary on life.