Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Is More Better?


President Obama has floated a plan for longer school days and shorter summer vacations. It doesn't seem like a bad idea. I haven't been impressed with a lot of schools, although some are doing a very good job.

Is more necessarily better?

Let's take you back a few decades. My high school was spread over two buildings, separated by a street. Both buildings were in rough shape, due to a history of massive incompetence and catastrophic bungling. One building was so bad, it was actually condemned by the state because it was unsafe. That happened about half way through my sophomore year. For the second half of my sophomore year, and all of my junior year, we doubled up in one barely adequate building. Half day sessions. I was out the door at 12:30 pm, and I loved it.

Here's why.

I actually did some school work, on my own, in the afternoon, using the Penn State Dunmore campus library rather than that poor excuse for a library offered by my school district.

If kids want to learn, they'll learn. It doesn't make a difference if they're in a traditional school building four hours, eight hours, nine months, or eleven months. I truly believe a lot of students will be better off with independent tracks, instead of that "going through the motions" stuff offered in many schools. Keep an eye on them. Give them guidance. Let them be bound by their imagination, rather than a structure that's apparently not working.

A longer school day, and a longer school year can help, in some cases. It's not the only way to fix a broken system.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Thanks For Listening

One of the reasons I've enjoyed this blog so much over the last four years and eleven months is it can be therapeutic.

Let me tell you about my Monday.

A photographer and I were assigned to go to Rush Twp., Susquehanna County where there was a horrible crash Sunday afternoon. Two adults and a one year old child died. One adult and two children were badly hurt.

We got there around 5:00 AM. It was dark and foggy. We found the spot where it happened. As the photographer recorded his video, I looked down on the ground. The fire department and others did a good job of clearing away the debris, but it was impossible to get everything. There were various plastic car parts, a couple cell phone chargers, pieces of tail light, and something that hit me like a ton of bricks. It was a little, purple hair band. I'm not sure what they're really called, but I do know one brand is called "scunci." I can still see it in the wet grass along the highway. It will be a while before I can get that image out of my mind. You wonder about the hair band's owner. Did she die? Did she suffer? If she survived the crash, will she recover? Four children will have to go through life without their mothers. It's not right. It's not fair.

I don't want to be a drama king. My heart goes out to the families involved in the crash. They have it a lot worse, infinitely worse, indescribably worse, than I do.

It's bothering me. I had to write about it. Thanks for being here.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Sports Envy


Most of the time, I envy my co-workers in the sports department. They get to attend all sorts of baseball, football, basketball, and hockey games. No charge. Trips to bowl games. Cheerleaders. Mascots. Brent Musberger. Erin Andrews. Free hot dogs in the press box.

And, then there are days like Saturday, when my envy goes out the window.

Sharla McBride and Steve Lloyd attended the Penn State/Iowa game. They battled traffic to get to Beaver Stadium, stood in the cold rain for more than three hours, and battled more traffic after the game. A long drive followed. They returned to the office around 3:30 AM, still wet and muddy. Going home to warm showers and warm beds would have to wait. They had to put together a piece for Newswatch 16 Sunday Morning.

I snapped the above, annoying photo in a WNEP edit booth around 4:00 AM Sunday. Sharla's on the left.

College football is great fun on a warm fall afternoon. You can keep chilly, rainy Saturday nights in Happy Valley.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Scrapple Friday


After a hiatus, there are new entries on the Wyoming Valley Photos blog. It's one of my favorites.

Is it me? I read rave reviews of two new ABC Wednesday night shows, "Modern Family" and "Cougar Town." I thought both were awful-- unlikeable people in awkward situations, a la the hideously unfunny "The Office." The guy eating a two foot long cheesesteak on the Travel Channel provided better entertainment.

Can it be? We will go through an entire week without a high level indictment?

Another baseball season is nearing an and, and it's been another bad year for the former cream of the league-- Kansas City, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. That's just sad.

Who thought the Tennessee Titans would be 0-2?

There has to be better anti-swine flu advice than "wash your hands." It reminds me of Tom Ridge's "plastic sheets and duct tape" counter terrorism measures.

Four major cases of arson this week. We're lucky no one was killed.

This blog is up to five "followers." Thank you.

Penn State actually has a real opponent this week.

I saw Christmas trees in Bon Ton and Boscov's yesterday.

The 155th annual Bloomsburg Fair begins tomorrow. Enjoy!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Crisis


You have to wonder what would happen in this country if we were ever faced with an immediate health care crisis.

I went to my doctor yesterday for my annual flu shot.

I love my doctor and his staff. I don't suffer fools gladly, and if I thought they were anything less than totally competent and professional, I'd be searching for another doctor right now.

I asked what I should do about the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu. I was told to watch the news, and call when I hear the vaccine is available. Get this. My health care professionals put in a request to the government for the vaccine, but they're not sure if they'll receive any. I was told the government may opt for mass inoculation clinics,to make sure as many people as possible receive the vaccine.

If health care professionals don't know what's going to happen, how are the rest of us going to stay safe? Thank you, federal government. The feds had months and months to get ready for this, and it appears they're as clueless and unprepared as when the H1N1 virus first started to appear.

God forbid there's ever a major unexpected problem in this country. I fear funeral directors will be very busy.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Arson


There are few crimes as heinous as arson.

Someone torched a cluster of row homes, in Edwardsville, late Monday night.

A lot of people lost their homes-- and their stuff. They could have lost their lives. The lives of firefighters were also at risk. It's horrible.

I consulted several web sites. They can't agree on a number, but they do agree the arson conviction rate is dismal. A firebug almost has to be caught in the act to go to jail.

This was the second case of arson, in two days, in the Wyoming Valley. Both resulted in huge fires.

Luckily, and thankfully, there was no loss of life.

It could have been a lot worse.

It's a cliche, but no one wins when someone plays with fire.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Let It Burn


I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, but I found a Sunday afternoon blast of common sense overwhelmingly refreshing.

There was a huge fire in Wilkes-Barre, at the old Murray Complex on Pennsylvania Avenue. It was a vacant building that was due to be torn down. Wilkes-Barre firefighters wisely reasoned that it wasn't worth saving. It wasn't worth risking a life. They poured water on it from the outside. No one went inside. Only one firefighter suffered a minor injury, and he was treated and released at a hospital.

They drowned it from the outside to keep the flames from spreading. Good.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Follow Up File


Just a few updates for you this morning...

A while back, I wrote about the "Blogging Through a Layoff" blog on the Allentown Morning Call's web site. Happily, the author, Paula Beck, has found a new job. The Morning Call is looking for someone to take over the project. I fear there will be no shortage of takers.

Congratulations to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. The team made it all the way to the International League finals, only to be swept by the Durham Bulls. The team did well, in spite of political bickering, questionable leadership, a soggy field, a summer of bad weather, and apparent indifference on the part of the fans. Attendance at Thursday night's game in Moosic: 1,500. That's not right.

When I was a kid, WDAU's news had an "Eyesore of the Week" feature. The 2009 version? "Indictment of the Week." Thieving school directors bug me. While they, allegedly, didn't send kids to a detention center for money, like Conahan and Ciavarella, they did make money off your kids. They did it by selling jobs and taking cash for awarding contracts. That's not right, either.

Just after Labor Day, I wrote of my fondness for GE locomotives-- the ones used by Amtrak. Many of those engines were built in Erie, one of my favorite places. Last week, GE announced it's chopping 1,500 people from the Erie payroll.

I've caught a little more of NBC's new 10 PM Jay Leno Show. A source in the NBC family tells me the broadcast isn't expected to be number one. I now have no doubt they'll be able to meet that expectation. The show looks great. Leno is an extremely likable guy. Some of the stuff is moderately funny. The problem: just about all of the competition is better.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Stephen Lukasik

His name was in just about every newspaper I read growing up.

Beneath the pictures, it would read "photo by Lukasik."

Stephen Lukasik of Dupont passed away Friday. He was 81.

Do yourself a favor and read the obituary in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre newspapers. The life of Stephen Lukasik mirrors the life of many of the newspapers here in our area. If it was big, the chances were very good that Stephen Lukasik was there with his camera.

My smpathy to his family and friends.

Friday, September 18, 2009

He Has A Point, But Then Again...


Michael Moore has a new movie out. Capitalism is in Moore's cross hairs. He equates it with greed.

In an interview the other day, Moore said the newspaper industry has "slit its own throat." Moore reasons that the business model is flawed. Newspapers were bought up by big companies. Those companies targeted advertising as the way to profits, rather than increasing circulation. Reporters were laid off. Newspapers contained less news. That translated into fewer readers, and down the slippery slope we go. Moore does not blame the newspaper industry decline on the internet. He punctuated his remarks by saying "good riddance."

Michael Moore does have a point.

Newspapers do some great work, and they cover things that TV doesn't have the time, the stomach, and the money to do. Listen to the radio news in the morning. Most of it has been "borrowed" from the newspapers, and that's just sad.

It all comes down to customer service. If you want more people to read the paper, put more and better stuff in the paper. The same goes for TV, and even retail. If you want people in the store, make sure shoppers have a positive experience. Make the store look good. Get people in and out without problems. Invest in the product.

Yes, I know it's easier said than done. There are a lot of comapnies, media and non-media, carrying a lot of debt. Banks want their money. You can't print it yourself. I checked. It's illegal. The cash has to come from somewhere, and that means spending less.

You just have to hope things turn around before it's too late for newspapers.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Scrapple Thursday



Why does every department store have a dress shirt section that looks like a war zone? Is it that hard to organize sizes? And, quit trying to get me to sign up for one of your credit cards. I have enough.

Any pizza is good pizza, but the vast majority of square pizzas do nothing for me.

Why is it so hard to find a good cheese steak around here?

Fall is officially here. I've made a doctor's appointment to get my flu shot.
Wednesday afternoon. Needles don't bother me. The flu does.

I had Sunday off, so I had the opportunity to sample the FOX and CBS NFL pre-game shows. Absolutely hideous. All promos and jokes. Throw in some forces un-spontaneous, witless banter. No information. ESPN was equally as hideous. There are far too many "it's all about me" broadcasters out there.

Is there any politician in Luzerne County who isn't on the take? It's so sad. The fault lies not in our stars, but in ourselves. How did these scoundrels get elected in the first place? We have to make better choices each and every election day.

Henry Gibson was a funny man.

Patrick Swayze died far too young.

I'm not buying Serena Williams' explanation or half hearted apology.

I caught a little of Jay Leno's new show the other night. Not bad, but no reason to turn a dial. I hope NBC has a "plan B."

September is flying by.

Nine days to the Bloomsburg Fair!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Sugerman's

I must have traveled Business Route 6 through Eynon thousands of times, but something really jumped out at me the other day.

I'm not sure if the sign has recently been uncovered, or I was just being more observant. Years after it closed, the Sugerman's signs are hugely prominent in front of the old store.

For those of you unfamiliar with Sugerman's, it was WalMart before WalMart, without the charm. Throw in PetSmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, Gander Mountain, and Toys R Us, and you have Sugerman's

It was a big, sprawling, often disorganized store. It wasn't pretty. Deserved or not, Sugerman's had the reputation of being the area's low price leader. It was always crowded. People loved it.

Sugerman's had dozens of different departments, including groceries. Sporting goods were huge. It wasn't fishing or hunting season without a trip to Eynon. I'm guessing about 75 per cent of the homes in Lackawanna County, in the 60's, 70's and 80's had at least one appliance from Sugerman's. Its delivery trucks were everywhere, dropping off washers, dryers and refrigerators. Even some furniture.

Sugerman's had a better than average stationery department, long before Staples and Office Max came on the scene. You could always find something here you couldn't get elsewhere. I still have a unique Parker ballpoint I haven't seen before or since.

There are many theories, and much speculation as to why Sugerman's closed. Plenty of rumors, and this isn't the place for them. I don't remember the exact date it closed, and for a store that was such a big part of the area, there's very little on the internet.

Sugerman's is now the site of flea market. The signs remain, and so do the memories.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Rewarding Bad Behavior

Kanye West behaves badly everywhere he goes.

Why does he keep getting invited to events, like Sunday night's MTV Video Music Awards?

Because he behaves badly everywhere he goes.

West grabbed the microphone from Taylor Swift, during her acceptance speech, and said Beyonce did a better video and deserved the award.

It was a horrible thing to do, but I'm not hearing any complaints from MTV. The reason? Publicity. If it was a normal, trouble-free show, no one would care. Monday morning, the MTV VMA debacle was all over TV, radio, the newspapers, and the internet. MTV got the buzz it was looking for, even if a 19 year old was humiliated in the process.

Speaking of people behaving badly, how about tennis star Serena Williams Saturday night? In case you missed it, because tennis is largely off the radar screen these days, Williams became angry at an official and threatened to shove a tennis ball down the official's throat. The tirade was peppered with a couple F bombs. Williams is 27, going on 12. Most children behave better, and maybe a suspension would induce some much needed maturity.

Monday, September 14, 2009

The Beginning


Tonight could be the beginning of massive changes in the television industry.

Jay Leno's 10 PM show makes its debut on NBC. The fourth place network has given up on dramas in that time slot. It wanted to keep Leno from jumping to another network. NBC was looking for less expensive, relatively, programming. It all pointed to Leno.

I've never been a Leno fan, but people do like him, and I respect that. A low rated 10 PM show will still make money for NBC, but the affiliates won't be happy with a weak lead-in to the late local news.

I think Leno's show could work, but then again, I'm the same person who thought WYOU's interactive news stood a chance of attracting an audience.

Some in the TV industry already have a "bombing Leno" scenario cooked up. NBC has its affiliates move the late local news to 10 PM. Leno starts at 10:30, followed by Conan O'Brien at 11:30 PM, and Jimmy Fallon at 12:30 AM. It makes sense on some levels, although I fear the "Tonight" franchise gets lost in the shuffle.

And, if that works... look for ABC and CBS affiliates to try something different. There was a rumor several years ago that ABC was going to give up on the 10 PM hour, and program only two hours of prime time, like FOX. Then, lightning struck and ABC found some 10 PM shows that clicked with the audience.

I'm not betting against Leno. He's well known, and well liked. You can't underestimate that.

Will I watch? Maybe once or twice out of curiosity. As noted earlier, I don't think Leno is funny. 10 PM is past my bed time, anyway.

Speaking of changes, I've noticed some newspapers have updated their web site designs. It's a clever way to disguise the fact that less local news is going on-line, and an effort to drive you to buy the paper.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Where Did Everybody Go?


Congratulations to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. They defeated Gwinnett in the first round of the International League playoffs. The Yankees now play either Durham or Louisville for the IL championship.

Now, the bad news. Only about 1,400 fans attended the Friday and Saturday night games in Moosic. Admittedly, the weather was beyond horrible, but we should have done better than 1,400.

For the season, 360,000. Remember, that's tickets sold, not butts in the seats. It was good for 10th place, out of 14 cities in the International League.

It makes you wonder if this really is a baseball town.

Friday, September 11, 2009

9/11

This blog is nearly five years old, and I've never really written about 9/11. I likely never will. Others can, and have done it better. I once read that "Unless you were buried under rubble, no one cares where you were 9/11." It was a horrible, fear filled day. I know some who feel the images of 9/11 should be replayed on a regular basis, to remind people of what happened, how we have to be careful, how we have to fight terrorism. For me, the pictures are unnecessary. I remember. We'll leave it at that.

I watched quite a bit of Wednesday's Walter Cronkite memorial service on the internet. I thought Tom Brokaw was fantastic, but Bob Schieffer showed a tremendous mix of class, reverence, and humor. If you can find it, take a look. You won't be sorry.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Captive Audience II


A while back, I wrote about captive audiences-- people in a doctor's waiting room, forced to watch pro drug company propaganda disguised as "news"... and "Channel 1" newscasts being pumped into schools.

Now, something new. A company is coming out with what it calls "Bus Radio." It's radio programming, complete with ads, being pumped into school buses. I'm sure it's perfectly harmless. I do object to the "captive audience" part of it. The only way for a bus passenger to avoid it is to slap on headphones of plug in ear buds. It's wrong.

That brings us to President Obama's school speech Tuesday. I couldn't understand the furor. It's okay to disagree with the president, even dislike him. After all, this is America. However, he is the President and you should listen to what he has to say. Talk with your kids. Examine both sides. Then, form an opinion. Don't be afraid to think.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Hot Dog!


A survey by the company that makes Ball Park franks shows our area is in the top ten of hot dog consuming places in the country.

Should we proud of that?

I think it's more a matter of economic necessity rather than taste. We are not a rich area. Some hot dog "brands" can be had inexpensively in the supermarket. Zap a couple in the microwave. Boom! Dinner. You can also grab a cheap weenie or two in some mini marts. You know the ones. They've been on the roller grill for days, and they still taste fine. I love hot dogs, but as they say, if you knew what's in them...

I shudder to think of how we'd do if there was a ramen noodle consumption survey. I've seen people load their baskets with those things while I've shopped in drug stores and dollar stores. The same goes for generic cans of Spaghetti O's.

Doing well in a hot dog survey is not cause for celebration.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

A Day Late


I'm not what you could consider a huge fan, but I really do like trains and industrial history. That's why it was disappointing I couldn't get to Steamtown's RailFest over the weekend. My interest was piqued when I learned an Amtrak passenger train would be there. The sleek engines and steel passenger cars are among my favorites, and it's likely the engine was manufactured by GE in Erie. As many of you know, I'm a fan of Erie.

I pulled the overnight shift at the TV station Sunday night into Monday morning. I hung around the office for a bit after my shift ended, waiting for the sun to rise. I dropped by Steamtown on my way home.

I was in luck. The Amtrak engine, with its passenger cars, new and old, behind were still at the park. It was still a little dark, and the sky was filled with clouds. However, my camera is very forgiving, and I managed to get some decent pictures.

Yes, I was a day late, and my visit was extremely short, but I'm still happy I got a chance to see one of my favorite trains in person.

If I waited an hour, I could have seen the Amtrak passenger train in motion, but I was dragging and needed a little sleep.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Labor Day

Labor Day used to me one of my least favorite holidays. Growing older changed that.

When you're a kid, Labor Day means back to school, cooler weather, less daylight...

As an adult, I look forward to a cool breeze, the daytime quiet caused kids back in school, getting my camel hair sports coat out of the closet, and the vacation time I saved up for the tail end of the year. When you work at night and sleep during the day, you actually like having the sun disappear a bit early.

There are exceptions to the rule. There were years I eagerly anticipated the start of the new fall TV season. Other than Newswatch 16 at 4, nothing really catches my interest this year. It's been that way for quite a while. 2009 is a lot like the rest.

A few days ago, I shared a mall bench with an 80 year old woman. Jeez, I sound like such a geezer today. Anyway, we both felt that time moves faster when you acquire more candles on your birthday cake.

While fall is fun, winter is not. The cycle soon starts anew.

Enough silliness. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Labor Day Weekend


People who have loyally read this blog for the last four years and ten months knew this was coming. It is perhaps my favorite line of the year: "As always, I will add to your enjoyment of the annual Jerry Lewis/MDA Telethon by not being there."

Some of us have to stay back and keep an eye on the news while the rest of the staff raises money. I always believed I was of more value to the operation sticking to news. Asking for money is tough, especially during difficult economic times. Please, give what you can. Every dollar helps. Thanks.

College football kicks off Saturday afternoon on WNEP. In the past, that meant no 6 PM Newswatch 16. This is a case of better living through technology. You can watch Jon, Sharla, and Ryan at 6 PM on WNEP 2 tonight, and for the rest of the season.

I'll see you in the morning.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Mixed Signals


This is La Festa Italiana weekend in downtown Scranton, a fun and delicious event that draws thousands to the city.

I popped into Scranton early Wednesday afternoon to snap a few photos. One thing jumped out at me. Even though Courthouse Square gave up several spaces due to the tents, it was still easy to find a place to park. The parking garage at the corner of Linden and North Washington was nearly empty. If you need proof we're in a recession, just take a look around.

I was in my typical "day off" uniform, unshaven and untucked. Just my luck. I saw several people I know. They must think I've fallen on tough times. Not yet. I'm okay.

After Courthouse Square, I zipped over to the Steamtown National Historic Site. A common Steamtown complaint: it never changes. This is RailFest weekend. An Amtrak passenger train is due to make an appearance, and I love those things-- stainless steel as far as the eye could see. I knew it was a long shot on Wednesday. The train was still a few days away. Due to work, I'm not sure I can get there to see it.

Snow will be flying before you know it. We had a lousy summer. Get out this weekend, and enjoy the very early fall.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Charles Gibson


A planned blog on la Festa Italiana will be pushed back tomorrow so I can write about ABC World News anchor Charles Gibson.

As you likely heard by now, Gibson is retiring at the end of the year. Diane Sawyer takes over in January.

Let's attack this thing from a few different angles. We'll begin with Gibson's skills. He had that "approachable authority" thing going on. Serious, but friendly. Gravitas with warmth. It's too bad he didn't get the World News job sooner, but when Peter Jennings is around, you're going to have to play second fiddle.

Gibson co-hosted Good Morning America for 11 years, from 1987 to 1998. He was one of those people you took for granted-- solid and dependable, not flashy. I didn't appreciate Gibson until he left-- and he started doing some fill-in work on other broadcasts.

The man saved ABC News not once, but twice. He returned to GMA in 1999 to re-build the show after the Kevin Newman/Lisa McRee debacle. Gibson took over World News after the team chosen to replace Peter Jennings had some serious problems. Bob Woodruff was badly injured in Iraq. Elizabeth Vargas couldn't handle the broadcast on her own. The ratings slipped. Gibson provided some much needed stability and professionalism.

Diane Sawyer takes over post-Gibson. I'm okay with that. She's 63 and works as hard as someone one-third her age. I do have some concerns about the long term future of World News, but people above my pay grade will figure that one out.

As a morning person, I'm also concerned about what happens at GMA after Sawyer leaves. I'm trying to be kind here. The remaining cast of characters really doesn't that spark needed to draw a big crowd.

There's a lot of talent out there, and it will be interesting to see who ABC chooses to fill the void.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

I Don't Get It


It seems there is an increasing number of issues I've been having problems wrapping my brain around. This is only a partial list.

I don't get the appeal of "fantasy football."

Why are there so many shows about baking, assembling, and decorating fantastic cakes on cable television?

I have a credit card that works everywhere, except WalMart and Sam's Club. The credit card company is at a loss to explain it.

Why does cool weather seem to make a sudden arrival on September 1 every year?

Luzerne County seems to have an endless supply of corrupt politicians.

What does a "jury commissioner" do, and why do we need one?

I don't understand how people can work very hard to get the jobs they have, and bail out the second things get rough.

Blaming the media for your woes is easy, but it never works. Why do people continue to do it?

Where is the Viewmont Mall hiding its benches? I had a tough time finding a place to sit while I had my small cup of ice cream Monday afternoon.

Actually it was a DQ Blizzard. $3.29 for a small. When did those things get so expensive? Tasty, but not worth $3.29.

Why does a two bladed razor work, for me, as well as one with five blades? It's also a lot less expensive.

Rachel Ray won an Emmy.

This one is borrowed from a friend. The Catholic Diocese of Scranton had to close churches and schools due to financial issues, but it still has the money for a large and mostly empty retreat in Dalton.

Why isn't there massive outrage over the lack of a state budget?

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Bishop Martino


There is no doubt Bishop Joseph Martino is a decent human being.

Martino inherited a diocese in flux. Changes had to be made. Too much, too fast? Likely.

He had to do something. Money was drying up. The number of priests was dropping. The same goes for parishioners.

Martino will forever be known as the guy who shut all the schools and churches.

Here's where the train got off the track. I thought the elementary school closings were overly severe. He cut off the supply of students to the high schools, and the high schools will eventually be in worse shape, not better.

Then, there is the compassion factor. Martino showed none. He didn't talk to people. Even worse, he didn't listen. When asked for reasons, Martino hid behind e-mails and a spokesman. All we received as a reply was the church's equivalent of "because I said so." His spokesman had the easiest job in the world. There were only two choices-- don't return messages, and in the rare case that you do, issue a simple "no comment."

I'm sure the bishop felt a great deal about what he was doing. If he didn't, there wouldn't have been the stress that led to his resignation. Unfortunately, Martino sent signs he didn't care. The people left behind felt their church had abandoned them, and it resulted in Bishop Joseph Martino leaving his job.

I hope the new interim administration, and eventually the new bishop, learn from the past.