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BIMBO Nominees for October 2008

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• Bimbo
• October 1, 2008
• by Spaeth Communications
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AND THE WINNER IS…

“The show is not fixed,” NBC said after a deal with Heather Mills to appear on “Celebrity Apprentice,” Donald Trump’s reality T.V. show, fell through when Paul McCartney’s ex-wife apparently demanded to be guaranteed a spot in the finals. The show is based on eliminations like American Idol. Mills has been in the BIMBO already this year, giving interviews and appearing on TV shows in the UK and U.S. claiming that McCartney’s representatives had been spreading that she was “a liar, a whore, a gold digger, a fantasist.” She’s her own worst enemy in communication.

MSNBC.com, “Mills fired from ‘Apprentice’ before it starts,” Sept. 10, 2008

THE RUNNERS-UP

“I am not a slumlord,” Frank Holland, a Memphis apartment owner said after one of his buildings burned and took the lives of seven people. When The Commercial Appeal reported there had been numerous code violations, Holland insisted he had made repairs, and that the electrician could vouch for it. Holland continued, “He got to where he drinks so much that I quit using him, but he’s also a good electrician.” The interview apparently went downhill when the paper pointed out that there was no record of the repairs. Holland is quoted shouting, “get out, it’s over,” which the paper gleefully included in its report.

The Commercial Appeal, “Sparks flew regularly at deadly house,” Aug. 24, 2008

“I never committed a crime, and I never beat my wife,” announced Mark Schoenhofer, Republican candidate for county district attorney, charging that his opponent was spreading rumors and sending material anonymously to media outlets.This is a case study of the risks of addressing rumors. Schoenhofer began running ads to address the rumors which elevated the rumors and allowed his opponent to say, “I’m not the one who beat up his wife.” Schoenhofer also confirmed that he has heard people have been accusing him of being a “wife beater,” again elevating the charge. This is a very sad case, because his divorced wife wrote to back up his contention, but wrote “Mark is not a wife beater,” adding “He’s never hit me ever.” She confirmed that she called police multiple times when she had been drinking and would call 911 to get him in trouble. The report notes that the couple hopes to reconcile. We wish them well.

The Wichita Eagle, “D.A. candidate explains 911 calls, finances,” Sept. 26. 2008

“Our products are not made from milk adulterated with melamine,” said a spokesman for Nestlé in Vevey, Switzerland, in response to an announcement by the Hong Kong Center for Food Safety that it had detected melamine in milk. China is in the middle of another crisis and scandal about food contamination. Almost 13,000 infants have been hospitalized and almost 40,000 more have required medical care. The issue is similar to the discovery of melamine-laced pet food. The Chinese government quickly issued a statement clearing Nestlé’s milk. The Nestlé spokesperson almost certainly repeated back a negative charge rather than using the opportunity to stress the company’s track record on quality, safety, and testing.

The Wall Street Journal, “China Seeks to Contain Dairy Crisis as Illness Court Doubles,” Sept. 22, 2008

“I don’t think those who know me would call me cold,” said Bank of America Chief Executive Officer Ken Lewis, in a lengthy profile about his success building the company.This example is included because it’s a classic example of a “quote” question. The reporter apparently said that Lewis “is often described as being cold and dispassionate,” and Lewis’s reply, using the word ‘cold,’ was the quote. This genre of question can be handled by truthfully acknowledging, “I’ve heard that” or “I haven’t heard that.” It will always be one of those two options. Be careful of “quote” questions because, by definition, it’s only a part – usually a small part – of what the individual or “others” or “critics” actually said.

USAToday, “CEO’s got a talent for making money,” Sept. 18, 2008

“It wasn’t like there was somebody trying to do something illegal,” protested Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis after Michigan State spotted, and objected to, a laptop in the coaching box. Weis, who worked for Patriots coach Bill Belichick who was alleged to have taped opposing teams to spy on them, added, “The last thing I ever want to do is lie.” Laptops are not permitted during games because they provide the opportunity to track data, run projections and other analyses. Weis blamed the laptop on an intern. Gee, what about the old fashioned idea that the guy at the top sets the tone and takes responsibility?

Fox Sports, “Laptopgate? Weis insists Irish weren’t cheating,” Sept. 22, 2008

“Would we say we’re not worried at all? No, we wouldn’t say that. But are we panicking? No, I wouldn’t say that,” said Sheila Taylor, vice president of investor relations for YRC Worldwide, a large trucking company based in Overland Park, Kan. about the company’s decision to dramatically reduce capital spending and speed up asset sales to raise cash. That’s a rousing vote of confidence for Wall Street. Ms. Taylor did also say, “We feel like we still have a lot of levers at our fingertips to manage through this downturn.” She should have left it at that.

The Wall Street Journal, “Wall Street’s Crisis Hurt’s Companies Big and Small,” Sept. 18, 2008

“Those were not Ryan’s drugs, he doesn’t use drugs, and has nothing to do with them,” said Mark Werksman, attorney for Ryan O’Neal, after the actor was arrested for methamphetamines found in his bedroom. “It’s a dangerous assumption for deputies to have arrested Ryan just because he was in proximity to the drugs.” O’Neal’s 23-year-old son, Redmond, was also arrested. Besides the denials from his lawyer, the mug shots should be grounds for a lawsuit.

People.com, “Lawyer: Ryan O’Neal ‘Does not use Drugs,’” Sept. 18, 2008

“I am neither racist nor anti-Semitic,” wrote former Memphis Congressional candidate Nikki Tinker in an Op-Ed piece insisting that ads run during the primary campaign for the Democratic nomination were not intended to paint her white opponent, Congressman Steve Cohen, as a racist because he had voted to keep a statue of Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest in a Memphis park.This is an illustration of “protest too much.” She didn’t win the primary. The Op-Ed piece was apparently to move beyond the rancor of the primary and apologize, but she spent so much of it recounting the ads in question and insisting she wasn’t trying to link Cohen to slave traders and the KKK that those were the most memorable parts of the piece. She would have been better served just saying the ads got out of hand and she’s committed to serving Memphis in the future.

The Commercial Appeal, “Issues fell by wayside during campaign,” Aug. 19, 2008

“I believe I’ve done nothing wrong. I have faith I’ve done nothing wrong,” said Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, who is about to be on trial for making false statements on his Senate financial forms.A company did hundreds of thousands of improvements to a house owned by the senator. The senator blamed the company and his wife.

The Dallas Morning News, “Facing trial, Stevens asks voters for faith,” Sept. 22, 2008

“We’re not going to be bullied, we’re not going to be smeared, we’re not going to be lied about,” said Sen. Barack Obama at a campaign stop in New Jersey. (Those of you close to the senator, please send the message, “no denials of negative words.”

WCBSTV.com, “Obama at Bon Jovi Event: ‘We Won’t Be Bullied,’” Sept. 7, 2008

THE WRONG THING TO SAY

When six women were kidnapped, beaten and allegedly buried alive in rural Pakistan in an “honor killing,” a national outcry erupted when a senator from the region defended them as “our norms,” and said they should “not be highlighted negatively.” An official from the Interior Ministry added “I have my doubts it is an honor killing,” One professor interviewed for the article noted that they have heard of honor killings but that “burying people alive is unprecedented.”

The New York Times, “Pakistan Begins Inquiry in Deaths of 5 Women Amid Dispute Over Honor Killings,” Sept. 3, 2008

AIG Chief Executive Officer Robert Willumstad, who had been on the job three months, gets to keep $7 million after being replaced as CEO when the Treasury Department took over the giant to prevent it from going bankrupt. “To most people, that would seem like a lot of money, given that he was there only a few months,” said David Schmidt, with executive pay firm James F. Reda & Associates in New York. Would “seem” like a lot of money? Mr. Schmidt, it is a lot of money. And while it’s unfair to blame Mr. Willumstad for all of AIG’s troubles, it’s infuriating to shareholders, little companies and the public that the guy at the helm makes out like a bandit.)

Bloomberg, “AIG’s Willumstad May Get $7 Million After Three Months as CEO,” Sept. 17, 2008

“I want her to decimate this woman,” said actor and comedian Chevy Chase, urging “Saturday Night Live” performer Tina Fey to go “even harder” on Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Ouch. Maybe those falls he took on the set of SNL were real. No one likes mean comments. McCain surrogate Carly Fiorina didn’t help the discussion with her comment, “Just because Sarah Palin has different views than Hillary Clinton does not mean she lacks substance.” Too convoluted and unconvincing.

Fox News, “Chevy Chase wants Tina Fey to ‘Decimate’ Sarah Palin,” Sept. 16, 2008

“We have a shady element,” said Michael Russell, executive vice president of the Sin City Chamber of Commerce as the OJ Simpson trial for kidnapping, armed robbery and assault got started. “Where you gonna go, with a carload of money and you’re on the run? You go to Las Vegas.” We can see it on a billboard: Welcome to the Shady Side of the town.

USAToday, “Simpson robbery trial reflects Vegas’ seedy side,” Sept. 15, 2008

“Just ask for the Mayor Ray Nagin special,” said the New Orleans mayor inviting evacuees from Hurricane Ike to the city. Unfortunately, many people arrived asking for just that, only to be told the mayor had said it “in jest,” and telling people they were “taking things too seriously.” A reminder that words have meaning and power. Use them more wisely.

WDSU.com, “Evacuees say Special Not offered: feel duped by ‘Nagin Special,’” Sept. 14, 2008

“Stealing from our customers is a business decision, not a legal decision,” is attributed to an official of Citibank in an investigation with the California attorney general’s office about the company’s “sweeping” of positive credit card account balances into the bank’s own funds. A whistle-blower stumbled on the effort, informed his superiors and was fired. Citi e-mailed a statement to reporters saying “We take issue with the state’s characterization of our conduct and the parties’ voluntary settlement,” but noted that the bank was “refunding credit balances voluntarily to customers nationwide.” While we understand why companies settle to get out of a regulatory problem, it certainly sounds shady. The spokesman also said they “are committed to treating customers fairly, and we voluntarily ended the computer process on our own in 2003.” The “computer process?” Computers do this on their own?

The Central Valley Business Times, “California settles lawsuit with bank,” Aug. 26, 2008

“I would prefer someone who isn’t a Baptist to lead us,” said Larry Jones, organizer of a group opposing the sale of alcohol in Lubbock, Texas. “I’m tired of seeing the headlines.” Jones told reporters that his involvement “gives the impression it’s a religious effort whereas the group is open to all people opposed to alcohol sales.” We hate to poke fun at the good Baptists, but their official position of being morally opposed to alcohol is somewhat limited...

Lubbock Centennial, “Lubbock alcohol sales foes seek big-name leader,” Sept. 11, 2008

“There are maybe nine different ways to show up and work and get two days’ pay without doing anything extra,” confirmed Michael J. Quinn, general chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen at the Long Island Rail Road in an article examining why 95 percent of retirees are found to be disabled after they retire, allowing them to collect significantly more in pension and benefits.Taxpayers no doubt appreciate Mr. Quinn’s honesty confirming their worst fears about dealing with unions, lack of management competence and general willingness to stick the public with the tab.

The New York Times, “Retirees’ disability epidemic: rules let workers cash in, after they stop working,” Sept. 21, 2008

This is “not like Enron,” said Elkan Abramowitz, lawyer for former Collins & Aikman Chief Executive Officer David Stockman, about charges that the former Reagan official and his colleagues had defrauded investors by painting a too-rosy picture of a company’s finances.Mr. Abramowitz did continue, saying, “…where people are selling their stock while everyone was losing money. Here’s a guy who was putting money into keep the company afloat.” Alas, the “not like Enron” phrase crowds out everything else.

The New York Times, “Openers: Stockman update,” Aug. 31, 2008

An example of media personnel not understanding communication: on Sept. 19th, rumors were swirling about the demise of The New York Sun. Managing Editor Ira Stoll said, “There is still some hope,” but by Sept. 29th, it wasn’t clear what Stoll was thinking or what was really going to happen. In the same interview, he said, “There’s been no final decision made yet. We’re still in active talks,” but at the end of the interview he added, “I’m one of the owners. The paper may be closing, but it may not be.” Although that’s confusing enough, Stoll then tried to explain an e-mail that advised writers the paper would be closing, Stoll said, “It’s certainly possible that some low-ranking arts editor sent out that e-mail.” Low ranking arts editor? And this is supposed to be a paper of culture?

Portfolio.com, “’NYSun’ Editor: ‘There is still some hope,’” Sept. 19, 2008

Portfolio.com, “’NYSun’ Editor: I think we’ll publish tomorrow,” Sept. 29, 2008

AND IN A CATEGORY ALL ITS OWN

“The Star Spangled banner is going on. I don’t celebrate that (expletive). I’m black,” Maverick’s player Josh Howard said directly into a video camera before a charity football game. Appalling as Howard’s comments were, and they created a firestorm of outrage, there’s more to report. Dallas Morning News columnists Steve Blow and James Ragland, who have had a conversation about race for some months, made the comments the focus of a constructive column, with Ragland reminding readers that they can choose the anecdote that they think best represents a situation and writing, “Steve. I can leave you with a more compelling image, that of NBA coach Maurice "Mo" Cheeks strolling out to put his arms around a 13-year-old girl who got stage fright and forgot the words to the national anthem. Mr. Cheeks is black; the girl's white. And it was a touching moment that filled my heart with hope – and patriotism.” And there’s another chapter to the story. Mark Cuban, the Mav’s owner, received a slew of vile, racist ranting e-mails. He posted many of them directly on his blog, including the e-mail addresses of the senders. Cuban wrote, “Josh realizes his comments were wrong, he understands why people are upset. He knows he has made a mistake, has apologized and will work with us… what about the people who gave me the following advice?” Then, on September 29, as training camp started, Howard came forward to say, “I apologize to everybody I’ve offended. I’m upset with myself and the way I’ve acted. It was just me joking around. I just wasn’t using my head. I learned that words really do hurt and that you are accountable for what you said. I went to military school. I have friends that serve in the military. I know how it is to wake up and salute the flag. In the national anthem every game, I have my hand over my heart.” We’re particularly impressed by this because Josh didn’t apologize “if” he offended anyone; he knew he had. And he also said, “I love this country. If it wasn’t for this country, I wouldn’t be out here playing basketball. For me to have that opportunity is the greatest.”  BIMBO to Josh Howard and thanks and Kudos to Steve Blow, James Ragland, Mark Cuban – and Josh!

The Dallas Morning News, “Howard off-key when it comes to patriotism,” Sept. 18, 2008

The Dallas Morning News, “Howard’s public persona in a freefall,” Sept. 18, 2008

Blogmaverick.com, Sept. 18, 2008, “thanks for the advice on Josh,”

The Dallas Morning News, “Cuban turns mirror on fans,” Sept. 20, 2008

The Dallas Morning News, “Dallas Mavericks’ Howard: ‘I love this country,’” Sept. 30, 2008 

AND ANOTHER INDICATION THAT STORYTELLING HAS COME INTO ITS OWN…

A long excerpt in Business Week from John Kotter’s new book,  “A Sense of Urgency,” contrasts how two executives presented information to a company which faced major changes. The executive who turned down the lights and marched through predictable PowerPoint slides wasn’t nearly as powerful or effective as the executive who told a story about his own father’s company, used few statistics and spoke from the heart.

Business Week, “Combating Complacency” Sept. 15, 2008