Funny Freep ...

So if you didn't get a chance to check out last Friday's Detroit Free Press, I suggest you get on it. The centerpiece is one of the funniest stories to come out of the Motor City rags in months.

Steve Wilson, the plump and sweaty local TV newsman who has become famous in Michigan for going to the greatest lengths to stalk Mayor Kwame and expose his corrupt ways, has become quite the household name in the Metro area. Freep reporter Shawn Windsor seemingly spent considerable time with Wilson, and the result was solid journalism.

My favorite parts:
-- The main photo on page 1A.
-- Kwame to Wilson: "Fat ass." (Uh, three words KK: Pot. Kettle. Black.)

Anyway, here's the link: http://www.freep.com/backindex/2005/05/20/homepage.htm.

The story really accomplishes two things: A) It might show how weak journalism has become when one man gets so much attention for demanding answers, B) It proves Mr. Mayor is a pure asshole who belongs in elected office as much as Jacko belongs in Toys "R" Us. He's living the high life while a good chunk of his constituency is living in the streets. Be proud, Detroit.

In other interesting journalism news, the Washington Post is getting nasty mail from readers demanding the newspaper stop covering the Baltimore Orioles now that the Nationals have arrived in town. What a freaking joke. The Post, less than hour from Camden Yards, owes it to both fan bases to stay on board and provide comprehensive coverage. And readers need to wake up and realize more news is not a bad thing. Dumb asses. In a related story, I am outraged that we have a McDonald's AND a Burger King in this town.

QUICK HITS: Headed out of town to a wedding this past weekend. The trip from Michigan to Harrisburg, Pa, took eight hours -- 7 1/2 of which was from Pennsylvania's border to the state's capital (or at least it seemed like it). "That's a long goddamn state," Montana, Nebraska and Ohio were heard muttering together. The 54-hour trip -- minus the 17-plus spent in the car -- was a good time. Got to see Gettysburg, which was amazing if you can get past all the tourist shit (I passed on the "Battlefield Fries") and check out the graves and the museum. The wedding, itself, was beautiful, with the exception of a pompous reverend who actually interrupted the service to remind those in the pews that "Flash photography is strictly prohibited." Then he proceeded to bust into Satisfaction. The reception, well, that's always a blast, though my dancing skills have deteriorated over the years. ... The Tigers lost big-time tonight, and tempers flared during a bean-ball war. A-Rod got plunked. Then Jason Smith had not one but two pitches thrown near his head. The Yanks' Quantrill was tossed, as was Torre. Wendesday's game should be interesting. ... Haven't seen American Idol yet, but I remain confident Bo Bice will be come full circle from 50-1 underdog to America's next big thing. Carrie Underwood, meanwhile, will do just fine on the country circuit but she'll have problems in the mainstream. ... The Blue Water Area is home to another millionaire. A $1 million scratch-off ticket was bought at a party store in Fort Gratiot. This comes not long after a couple from Port Huron won more than $200 million in Mega Millions. There must be something in the water up here. For instance, mine and Shannon's Keno winnings last week: $10 (after we spent $20).