The Week That Could Have Been

Proving That It’s Knowing What To Do With What You Have

The names might have been Smith and Phelps instead of Woodward and Bernstein if two New York Times reporters had followed up a hint from FBI director L. Patrick Gray that President Nixon was aware of the Watergate break-in and the dirty tricks campaign being run against the Democratic party by Donald Segretti. What happened to the original notes and recording is a mystery to both men. Eds note: Donald Segretti’s first appearance in a Tampa, Fla., courtroom was my first out of town trip for the Orlando Sentinel where I began my newspaper career.) [ New York Times ]

Another Sign of Newspaper Problems.

The Associated Press has offered buyouts to 263 employees offering $500 for each year of service and an enhanced retirement benefits package. An AP insider says it’s unlikely union-covered employees will take the bait of the greater retirement package with a yearly buyout much less that the contract’s requirement. Severance pay in the contract is equal to a week’s pay for every year of employment. [ PDN Online ]

When Sex Become A Commodity

Playboy is searching for a Sugar Daddy. It says all it needs is $300 million to keep 83-year-old Hugh Hefner’s iconic publication out of the financial gutter and allow the patriarch of mens magazines to continue his lavish lifestyle. The only thing that is down at the Playboy Mansion is the company’s value after increased losses in the most recent quarter. [ New York Post ]

Print-On-Demand Customizes Obama

It’s only $35 for 202 pages of Obama and you can add your favorite photos for several pages in this print-on-demand book from Day in the Life and America 24/7 photographer Rick Smolan. Using HP’s digital printing technology, the book is available only through Amazon. HP recently began a beta run of a print-on-demand magazine product being used by Gardiner NewMedia for sports magazines for the Arnold Sports Festival. [ PDN Online ]

Google is “The New Frontier”

Historian and critic Simon Schama offers a Turner Thesis for the new century. He tells Newsweek that the latest chapter of American history has ended and new entry titled Google begins the newest venture in modern politics that may redefine what it means to be American. “The new frontier has to be conceptual and digital. We have to rely on the nimbleness of our wits,” he told the magazine. [ Newsweek ]

Photo News

Newsweek Scales Back White House Photo Coverage

Awkward Family Photos

>Twenty Photo Sessions That Should Never Have Happened

The Friday Photo

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This communication is from Gary Gardiner of Gardiner NewMedia. It’s a freebie. Enjoy it but remember where it came from. Gary wants to be your friend.

(Published Friday, May 29, 2009)