“The battle of the Brians” and blogging in your underwear
Evidently I missed the “Battle of the Brians” yesterday according to this morning’s Toledo Blade . I’m going to have to start out disagreeing with Joshua Boak (or whoever decided the headline) as to the canned suggestion that was popular years ago to “picture people in their underwear” when making a speech as ribald. It’s been overdone as phrase but Brian Schwartz is not the first nor the last who’s had that first joke fall flat, perhaps for some future suggestions, this could help.
We don’t really know what else happened at yesterday’s forum that was supposed to be about free speech except to say that Brian Wilson demonstrated that he does know how to get more PR and I’m sure he did “take it to his show” as Brian Schwartz suggested and know that Brian Schwartz needs just a bit more practice in opening lines. In a city that seems to embrace division, I’m sure this issue will be no different. Those that support the Mayor will feel one way and those who don’t will feel another and those of us who try to look at both sides of what is happening will shake our heads and wonder…
As for me? Sometimes I do blog in my underwear but I promise that’s as “riabald” as it gets while blogging…
I came in late to the dance because my program didn’t end until 9 o’clock, but I was there for the exchange. I feel that Wilson should have taken a seat up front , where one was provided for the station, and expressed his opinons from there, rather than bloviate from the back row and Schwartz should be commended for calling him on it.
February 17th, 2007 at 12:29 pmHad Brian S. made his comment about the audience in general, I wouldn’t find it offensive. But that he targeted two women in the audience made it tacky. That he targeted two women with whom he’d had a business relationship made it beyond tacky. And that he targeted two women with whom he’d had a business relationship and those women were working with a vendor made it way, way, way beyond tacky.
It matters not whether the women were offended. What does matter is that this is the caliber of the Mayor’s spokesperson (er, executive whatever) — a guy who evidently doesn’t have a clue about what is and isn’t proper in a gathering like the one cited.
He blundered and probably doesn’t begin to get why. If he did get it, he wouldn’t have said those words. That’s what’s really sad about his performance. But looked at from another angle, he and Carty do seem to have the perfect marriage with a great deal in common when it comes to sticking one’s foot in one’s mouth.
February 17th, 2007 at 1:50 pmI disagree that it’s a big deal because it’s a common statement made – thankfully Brian Schwartz didn’t go with the “visualize the persons or person naked” suggestion since that would have probably flopped as well. It’s meant to be a crowd ice breaker type comment and it’s not as if it’s something that is that uncommon. Personally given it appears it doesn’t work anymore (if it ever did work) unless someone’s motivation is to bash Brian Schwartz I really don’t see the media value in covering it.
Yet, the media and we as people do spend a great deal of time on the mis-spoken small choices rather than the substance. Joe Biden and Barack Obama have both made recent statements that demonstrate that.
February 17th, 2007 at 1:55 pmCarty put Schwartz up to the verbage. Schwartz would not have the guts to do it on his own.
February 17th, 2007 at 2:42 pmCan’t you see the difference between saying it to the audience as a whole (as is the way that very unclever and very common remark is routinely delivered) and saying it in reference to two specific women?
Goodness. That’s an astonishing example of social/professional tone deafness.
Over a decades-long career, I’ve written for executives hundreds of speeches. If I’d ever handed over something like that — a remark that carried a visual of someone naked or half-naked — and targeting it at specific women with whom an executive had conducted business, I would have been fired on the spot with no hope of collecting unemployment benefits. I would have been fired for cause.
To my eye, this doesn’t look at all like an attack by media types out to get Brian Schwartz. It’s putting a spotlight on someone who isn’t up to the job that taxpayers are paying him to do. He’s an embarrassment. And an offensive one at that. I say that having no ax to grind with Schwartz; I don’t know him. I say it as one who has nothing to do with the media — and as a taxpayer who thinks Schwartz’s job should be filled by someone who’s had some sensitivity training and who’s a lot more aware of what’s required and expected of someone at his level.
February 17th, 2007 at 3:12 pm“The battle of the Brians”
It was kind of a one sided battle as one of the opponents is shooting blanks when he opens his yap and it was not the reporter.
February 17th, 2007 at 3:39 pmYes, well, I tend to take a different view, I wasn’t upset with Joe Biden either or many of the past situations where the media and the public makes failed joke or a mis-statement a huge deal. If Brian had asked my advice would I have recommended he use that as an ice breaker? Nope, but then again I don’t think it was enough of a statement to crucify him for either. Now, if I ever become perfect and I get everything I try to do right the very first time without ever having to admit I could have done something differently or better? Then maybe I’ll feel differently about the varying attempts to embarrass or destroy people because of a few words rather than their whole history of behavior/contributions.
February 17th, 2007 at 7:05 pm“I don’t think it was enough of a statement to crucify him for either.” Well, “crucify him” is a bit brash unless we consider the crucifixion to be of his own making.
Comparing Biden to Schwartz is like comparing an almost world leader to a former speech writer who has made the situations all on his own.
The few words add up and the actions taken add up and the sum total for me is of someone who might consider a new career path, but it is nothing personal.
February 17th, 2007 at 8:09 pmSome of what I’m seeing stated related to this incident is why I selected the word “crucify”. He has been helpful in providing information and I look at the over all “Lisa scale” and this one to me is another situation where something that the majority of the other people in the world doing in public would not make even a stir. When you know out of an over hour long presentation on the issue of free speech that the topic of the blade article was this? It to me is a matter of sure, if he ever gets up in public again like that he needs to be more careful about his ice breaker but I’ve flubbed, I’d bet we all have. Even professional speakers which I don’t think he’s claimed to be mess up. Hence the tv bloopers shows. Sides, maybe this is a plot by the city to see if Fruit of the Loom undies wants to advertise ladies undies on a City vehicle…
February 17th, 2007 at 8:15 pmIn today’s corporate world, Brian would have been fired for attributing to specific women remarks that can be seen by some as having sexual implications. It wasn’t just what he said; it’s what he claimed they said. This is not a joke that fell flat; it’s a supposed communications expert who showed he’s anything but. He hasn’t been crucified. He’s been exposed for what he really is — by himself.
My opinion, protected by the Constitution:
Brian’s exchange with the other Brian at this meeting shows his lack of control and maturity. His service as a bouncer in the Mayor’s office shows the same professional failures. And his various posts on blogs demonstrate his inability to recognize there’s a line he shouldn’t be crossing when it comes to making public statements, given the stature and nature of his employment. He displays an infantile pettiness that is unbecoming to himself, the Mayor, and the City.
My further opinion:
If he’s responsive to your requests for information, it’s likely because it’s something he thinks is a positive for the Mayor or City, or it’s something he’s trying his best to shape for public consumption. If you asked for information he was in no mood to provide, my guess is you’d still be waiting for it.
February 17th, 2007 at 9:24 pm“If he’s responsive to your requests for information, it’s likely because it’s something he thinks is a positive for the Mayor or City, or it’s something he’s trying his best to shape for public consumption. If you asked for information he was in no mood to provide, my guess is you’d still be waiting for it.”
Yup…he has made note that part of his job is to respond to members of the press and I, while not a member of the press, have asked him direct questions he has failed to respond and his responses to the whole open meeting situation has to stand behind the belief that there is nothing wrong and it is nothing but yet with so many questions and situations unaddressed his confidence expressed is one of deflection of the comments and issues. By heck he is doing he is paid to do while I am just an “ordinary” citizen.
arghhhhhhhhhhh….”Sides, maybe this is a plot by the city to see if Fruit of the Loom undies wants to advertise ladies undies on a City vehicle…” woman already have bras for cars….how about briefs on the court buildings.
February 17th, 2007 at 9:41 pmIt’s difficult to explain without being long winded but I’ll try. Right now trying to get any information or even a response at all from the City or several of the City Council members requires an almost superhuman feat. Is there a reason why he’s responsive? Of course, I know better than anyone how the system works.
The deeper point for me is, let’s look at why this out of the whole program was considered newsworthy. Supposedly this is a reflection on the Mayor and we have Mayor bashing down to a fine art, sometimes deserving but sometimes not. We did the same thing when Jack Ford was Mayor. So, which is more important? Making sure if someone does something stupid that they don’t repeat it and focus on what should be really important or looking for every thing that can be criticized and keeping the focus on that. I spend a great deal of time watching and reading the media and it’s very interesting who they decide to point out and who they let slide.
While all of this is going on the questions that still remain from the Sunshine Law situation is being forgotten.
February 17th, 2007 at 10:02 pmGood one on the briefs, NC.
February 17th, 2007 at 10:05 pm“While all of this is going on the questions that still remain from the Sunshine Law situation is being forgotten.”
How do we know this? The Councilman has a request out and the other party responded and it is the councilman’s next move…so we have to sit and wait for to make the next move.
We, so far all those that have commented, are in agreement that there is an issue that could move forward, we have done our part and along the way we have learned more and more and that makes us better citizens.
And as far as communication goes, I just go the Sunday paper and there is a great story about communication right page, or shall I say the lack thereof.
February 18th, 2007 at 7:29 amI find it comical that such a big deal has been made about this single statement. I also find it amazing that rather than do things that are for the good of the area many people (media included) would rather take something like this and blow it out of proportion instead of working on things for the good of the area. What I foresee is this nitpicking and arguing continuing to the point that it stresses our mayor out and he has yet another heart attack. If this happens then we end up with Mr. Ludeman running Toledo. Is this what people really want? I don’t mean anything bad about Mr. Ludeman, but is this really what Toledo needs? No, we don’t always approve of the things Carty or Brian say and/or do, which isn’t always a bad thing. But to continue to drag the people that are running the city through the dirt for every little thing they do feels more like a game of elementary school tattle tale than something that is actually benefiting the city of Toledo. I think all parties involved in this need to step back and realize they’re doing more harm than good with all of the nitpicking over the little things. Yes, stay on top of all of the important things, but keep in mind that no one is perfect and everyone says or does something stupid now and then!
February 18th, 2007 at 10:11 am“I’m going to have to start out disagreeing with Joshua Boak (or whoever decided the headline) as to the canned suggestion that was popular years ago to “picture people in their underwear” when making a speech as ribald. It’s been overdone as phrase but Brian Schwartz is not the first nor the last who’s had that first joke fall flat, perhaps for some future suggestions, this could help.”
This speaks to Schwartz’s inexperience as a PIO. Maybe that’s why he is now the Executive Officer instead.
As for Wilson sitting in the back of the room, If there was an empty media seat reserved for WSPD up front, his butt should have been in it.
Wilson suffers from the passion of his convictions, Schwartz, well let’s not get into his problems here, they reach much farther that this incident alone. I’ll let my comment above stand for now.
February 18th, 2007 at 2:27 pm“What I foresee is this nitpicking and arguing continuing to the point that it stresses our mayor out and he has yet another heart attack.” If he is medically not fit for the stresses of public office then maybe he would have considered his health before taking public office again and I suppose he did and it is not of any consequence.
Public input of what ever color or tone is part and parcel with the American system.
February 18th, 2007 at 4:19 pmI never said he was unfit for office, nor has anyone else and I do understand that some of what happens is part of his being in office. But maybe if so many people that seem to dislike him would have voted for someone else or even shown up to vote, he wouldn’t be in office now. My point is that rather than nitpick all of these pointless topics maybe if people started trying to do things to help and improve Toledo it would be a little better. But with so many focusing on the negativity it seems more like we’re focusing on the worse rather than better.
February 18th, 2007 at 4:34 pm“I never said he was unfit for office….”
Yes that is correct and what my intention is and was is; if he suffers a heart attack due to criticisms for what ever reason then maybe he was not fit for office.
“My point is that rather than nitpick all of these pointless topics maybe if people started trying to do things to help and improve Toledo it would be a little better.”
Is it nitpicking to point out the failure of the city and it’s professionals to keep up with the public services as I choose to do?
I am not asking to provoke an argument, no my intention, is to enter into meaningful dialog as only through dialog can we hear or is that case see what a person is saying.
Or is my trying to improve the way the city is maintained and be vigilant for my city?
February 18th, 2007 at 5:19 pmI just reported well over twenty locations with sidewalks not cleared and some where even city property.
If I had the joke to over again. I wouldn’t. It was a blunder on my part. One of the ladies said it to me and I latched on to it. The ladies in question are not just business acquaintances, they are friends. Nonetheless, it was not a good idea and I should not have done it.
The biggest part of what I said, about how the free market is the ultimate check on a free media, went unreported.
The situation is resolved. I am providing WSPD with everything they need to cover news (including taped interviews). The news department has been pleasant and professional to work with.
Those who agree with me will agree with me. Those who won’t, wont. I’m not going to argue the point anymore. But I did want to publicly acknowledge that the joke was a bad idea.
February 19th, 2007 at 7:19 pmIt sounds like quite a bit went unreported. When I become perfect then I’ll be in a position to go after people for a joke that goes off badly or a mis-spoken statement. Hopefully people can just move on and focus on larger issues, we have no shortage of those.
February 19th, 2007 at 7:37 pmNC, I do understand what you are trying to do and I think if more people were to be as proactive as you are about some of these things the city may not be in as big of a mess as it is. Unfortunately too many people take the stance of “It’s not my problem” and walk away. Although I’m not “that old” I am old enough to remember when neighbors helped each other and communities were very interactive within themselves, it seems like this has become a thing of the past anymore. But I also grew up in the country so maybe it was different there than it was in the city. I’ve spent better than 10 years living in the Lucas County area of which 3 were spent in 2 different areas of Toledo. My time in the inner city of Toledo was not a pleasant experience, I seen many instances of people literally not caring about their community and only caring about themselves. They would think nothing of throwing their empty food or drink containers in my yard while I watched them do it, then laugh as I’d pick it up. I learned after a very short time of living in the inner city to not ask them to pick up their garbage themselves. After about 2 years in the inner city I moved over to the MUO area which was a complete change, but even there I seen many people either drop their trash while they were walking or throw it out of car windows. But I guess my point is that if more people would take a proactive attitude and work on the positive things maybe some of the smaller negative things wouldn’t seem so “big”, if that makes sense. I’m not saying that Mr. Schwartz was in the right for his comment, and I see that himself has said if he had it to do again he wouldn’t say it, but in my eyes it’s something very minor with all of the majors that are going on.
February 19th, 2007 at 7:45 pmHolly;
Thanks for the fuel in the tank or activism. I also remember a time, not that long ago where people seemed to care more about where they live.
And yes, my front yard, tree line and the city owned property near my house are a drive by dump zone and I go out and pick it up.
“But I guess my point is that if more people would take a proactive attitude and work on the positive things maybe some of the smaller negative things wouldn’t seem so “big”, if that makes sense.”
Quite right.
And in the coming days and weeks I am going to return to photographing the snowed in bus stops and trash still laying out on sidewalks and all the same things I have complained about over and over and over again until the people in government center stop with the excuses and start with more proactive action and not reactive actions.
And this really says it all;
“Studies have shown that litter begets litter and enforces negative attitudes that littering is okay to do.”
Take Pride in Meriden
http://www.cityofmeriden.org/CMS/default.asp?CMS_AreaID=137
We will notice that it is a committee and not one person out in the lead trying to be all things to all people and putting up sign and failing to enforce city ordinances.
February 20th, 2007 at 5:43 amNeighborhood Concerns:
I know you post, but email me directly these sites. (In other words, don’t cc me).
Thank you.
Brian Schwartz
February 20th, 2007 at 8:52 amAnd read this carefully and clearly; I am not being sarcastic, but wow, it has been how long before someone makes this move?
“Neighborhood Concerns:
I know you post, but email me directly these sites. (In other words, don’t cc me).
Thank you.
Brian Schwartz”
I will do just that and thanks for asking
February 20th, 2007 at 9:09 am“Brian Schwartz Said: @8:52 am
Neighborhood Concerns:
I know you post, but email me directly these sites. (In other words, don’t cc me).
Thank you.
Brian Schwartz”
And then this gem;
“What did I do today to make Toledo better?
Each month, top city administrators have to turn in a minimum of 20 “Call City Hall” slips a month that denote a problem. This can be something as major as a junk vehicle or something as small as a street light out.”
http://swampbubbles.com/rough_seas_for_the_coming_fiscal_year_and_the_captain_has_few_plans#comment-2485
And I should send directly to you things I see so you can pad your Call City List.
Ah, ah, ah, Mr. Schwartz no cheating. There are more than enough places for us to report.
March 8th, 2007 at 9:16 am