tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307981312024-03-13T04:47:43.989-07:00Craig Smith's Blogcraigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comBlogger964125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-83416005255644911982023-07-24T19:53:00.000-07:002023-07-24T19:53:03.406-07:00The Demise of the News-Press and a Walk Down Memory Lane
Thanks to Josh Molina of Noozhawk, for seeking me out for an interview after he broke the story about the Santa Barbara News-Press ceasing publication and declaring bankruptcy.craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-13621638794962375502016-06-06T00:34:00.000-07:002016-06-06T00:34:59.737-07:00He Wasn't Always "The Greatest"Whenever a prominent figure passes away it sends me on a Uber ride down memory lane. Such was the case with the death of Muhammad Ali this past Friday. I'm hard pressed to think of anyone who was more admired or respected than Ali. He was undisputedly the most famous person on earth. However, it is easy to forget that things weren't always that way.
My earliest memories of Ali go back to when hecraigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-79547067268486195282016-06-04T00:00:00.000-07:002016-06-04T00:20:31.514-07:00Fareed: Show Me the (L.A.) Money!How is 28-year-old Justin Fareed able to afford so many TV commercials? The LA Times reports that 80% of the $1 million that Fareed has raised in his bid for the Congressional seat that Lois Capps is vacating, has come from people living outside of his Santa Barbara district.
Around 56% of Fareed contributors this year live outside the district, and they contributed $875,000 of his $1.08 craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-44358933257045440652016-05-30T00:00:00.000-07:002016-05-30T00:06:38.066-07:00Never on MondayIf you subscribe to the Santa Maria Times you won't find the paper in your driveway this morning. Effective today, the paper will no longer publish a Monday edition.
According to the paper's managing editor:
Business models across the country are changing with more emphasis on digital. As the model changes we're investing our resources in the markets that are most profitable to us.
Old craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-20902872371076956812016-05-28T10:23:00.000-07:002016-05-28T10:27:22.761-07:00Revolt at Chamber of Commerce Over Proposed Endorsement of DasNick Welsh in the Independent reports that the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce was all set to endorse Das Williams for First District County Supervisor, but pulled back the endorsement when a large number of outraged Chamber members protested. Why would the Chamber endorse Williams over Jennifer Christensen, when Williams has been long perceived as being unfriendly to small business? As craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-81768975015272693252016-05-24T15:08:00.000-07:002016-05-24T15:08:49.202-07:00Why Hillary's Likability Ratings Are In The TankDavid Brooks offers the best explanation I've ever seen as to why Hillary Clinton's favorability ratings are so low.
I would begin my explanation with this question: Can you tell me what Hillary Clinton does for fun? We know what Obama does for fun — golf, basketball, etc. We know, unfortunately, what Trump does for fun.
But when people talk about Clinton, they tend to talk of her exclusively craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-65130358264956263912016-05-21T00:00:00.000-07:002016-05-21T00:00:41.140-07:00Why I'm Supporting Jennifer ChristensenOne of the offices on the ballot June 7 is that of First District Santa Barbara County supervisor. The First District includes Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito and (roughly) the eastern part of the City of Santa Barbara.
There are two candidates for this open seat (the incumbent is giving it up to run for Congress). One of the candidates has high name recognition due, in no small part, to the craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-75551813987805210712014-02-06T23:26:00.000-08:002014-02-06T23:28:08.422-08:00Virtuoso Goes One-On-One With Audience MemberBy Taryn
This year I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Virtuosos awards. I hadn't gone before but I've always wanted to because of how it's the one tribute the Santa Barbara Film Fest does that honors more than one actor at a time. Tuesday night's honorees were Jared Leto, June Squibb, Michael B. Jordan, Daniel Bruhl, Adele Exarchopoulos, Brie Larson, and Oscar Issac. Unfortunately duecraigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-19180395401220092132014-02-04T16:08:00.000-08:002014-02-04T16:15:14.261-08:00The Film Fester Returns
By Taryn
It is once again my favorite time of the year. It's the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. I've traded my press pass for a State Street Pass (one that gets you into most of the screenings) this year and I am intent on taking full advantage of it. Of course I will be blogging about my SBIFF experience.
I arrived in town on Saturday, I wasn’t planning on seeing anything that craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-73519736041006177912013-12-28T00:00:00.000-08:002013-12-27T23:24:28.363-08:00This Duck Has No PluckBy Taryn
Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson is a walking stereotype. I always say that all stereotypes are based on some sort of truth. Robertson is a 67-year old, duck hunting, southern bigot. Not to mention that it would take the contents of an entire Gillette Razor factory to shape up his two-foot long beard. He recently sparked outrage with his anti-gay comments and beliefs (published in thecraigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-24347183492953921982013-08-28T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-28T00:11:18.792-07:00That Grown-Up Feeling
By Taryn
So, ever since I was a little girl I've been obsessed with the idea of being "grown up." I still am. I'm pretty well done with high school at this point. Hence, why I spend much of my time writing this blog. (Which as far as I know, no one under the age of 22 reads.)
Here's a list of things that make me feel like a grown up. (In case you were wondering."
Not being called "craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-25567973629201809692013-08-20T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-20T00:27:52.764-07:00As I Was Saying . . .
(Ed. note. After a long hiatus (but who's counting?) my daughter is back to blogging. Here's her post)
By Taryn
I've officially decided that Mindy Kaling is my hero. For those of you who don't know, Mindy is a writer, actress and producer (among other things). She was a writer and actor on
The Office. She now has her own show, The Mindy Project. It's a show about a doctor, (Mindy) who works craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-45729736311364751492013-07-17T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-17T00:02:33.527-07:00Why the Zimmerman Verdict Is So Wrong
It's been a few days now since the jury rendered its verdict in the George Zimmerman case and I've given myself a chance to digest the verdict and what it says. I'm no less outraged now than I was when I first heard the news on Saturday night. Bottom line is, a grown man shot and killed a teenage boy and is walking away scot free.
I'm still trying to figure out what it was that Trayvon Martin craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-33395158011359191492013-06-26T00:00:00.000-07:002013-06-26T00:12:59.701-07:00The Mile High Club Needs to Stay Powered Down
When it comes to electronic gadgets and devices, I'm a little like Charlton Heston was when it came to his gun. The only way you are going to take my iPhone away from me is to, "pry it from my cold, dead hand." The same goes for my iPad and my Nexus 7 tablet.
However, despite my attachment to these gadgets, I think the time and energy spent by the FAA on repealing the rule that electronic craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-68528020250570012232013-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:002013-06-18T07:29:05.240-07:00Real Estate Speak; Indy Reporter to Flee to D.C.; Mission & State Drops
I was recently reminded of the great lengths real estate types will go to in order to put the best spin possible on a property's shortcomings. Last week the Independent had an article on the Alma del Pueblo development that is going up alongside the Arlington Theater where the old Von's supermarket used to be. Although downtown living offers many advantages, a great view from one's home usuallycraigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-42725566587922503452013-06-05T00:00:00.000-07:002013-06-05T00:19:04.712-07:00Back In Love AgainThere is no denying it. I am a man of a certain age. And this man of a certain age has a new love in his life. It's a bicycle. Those of you who have known me for awhile are probably saying to yourselves, "This is news?" After all, I've been riding bikes seriously for the past 25 years. I've ridden a number of Solvang Centuries, held a U.S. Cycling Federation racing license and marked my 50th andcraigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-57854544739703901972013-05-28T00:00:00.000-07:002013-05-28T20:51:32.009-07:00Maybe It's Their Way of Encouraging People to Use the ATM?My daughter says that I'm a cynic. The other day I was talking to her and happened to mention how I thought that the routine exchange of pleasantries with those we come into contact with when carrying out our daily business was starting to get out of hand.
Take a recent trip to the bank for example. I walk up to the teller and the teller says, "Good morning, how are you today?" I respond, "I'm craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-44132774291586830862013-05-21T00:00:00.000-07:002013-05-21T00:00:08.561-07:00News-Press Declares Itself Union Free Zone, Teamsters May Say, Not So FastSometimes the News-Press reminds me of my Swedish neighbor. You know, the one who is always "yumping the gun."
On Saturday the News-Press ran a front page story reporting that a majority of its newsroom staff signed a petition to withdraw recognition of the Teamsters Union as its authorized bargaining representative. If in fact it is true that the News-Press has rid itself of the union, it craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-59705216088234447012013-04-15T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-14T23:55:04.925-07:00When The Headlines Don't Tell the Real StoryBy Craig
As you are undoubtedly aware, Steve Pappas, the unsuccessful candidate for 3rd District County Supervisor, lost his attempt to have the election results overturned and has paid his opponent Doreen Farr, close to half a million bucks in attorney's fees. Last week, both the News-Press and the Santa Maria Times had virtually the same headline: "Pappas Case Going to U.S. Supreme Court."
craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-32146423100518116362013-04-08T00:19:00.000-07:002013-04-08T00:20:16.405-07:00Spending Sunday With The Sound of a Familiar VoiceBy Craig
On Sunday afternoon before the gusty winds came, when the breeze was still gentle and the sun was out, I grabbed a beer and sat on my front porch. My house is only about 1,000 square feet in size so the front porch makes for a nice bonus room. It's the place where I go when I want the world to slow down.
On the TV in the living room the Dodgers game was on and I turned up the sound. craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-68909231513964738392013-04-03T00:36:00.000-07:002013-04-03T00:37:18.956-07:00Barry and Wendy Have a Date in CourtBy Craig
In terms of attorney and client they seemed like a perfect match for each other. He is one of Santa Barbara's most powerful lawyers with a reputation for taking no prisoners when it comes to representing his clients. She is one of the wealthiest women in Santa Barbara if not the entire world with a reputation for taking no prisoners when it comes to having it her way. But now they're craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-11166879822933413282013-04-02T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-01T23:50:18.826-07:00Don't Treat Me Differently, Just EquallyBy Taryn
I have always dreamed since I was a little girl of having a fancy wedding. My perfect wedding would be on a Santa Barbara beach, on a perfect summer's day, with my dad performing the ceremony, and my mom walking me down the aisle. And that this will be a step in me getting the "happily ever after" that I have always seen in Disney movies. This may seem like a dream that could easily craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-16848888334651874372013-03-29T00:08:00.001-07:002013-03-29T00:09:34.020-07:00Everyone Should Be Permitted to Enjoy the Exquisite Pain of MarriageBy Craig
What I'm about to say is hardly original. (I've heard a number of variations of the following statement quite a bit over the past week.) But it so accurately describes my feelings on the subject that I'm going to say it anyway. I believe that gay couples have every right to be just as miserable as I've made my wives over the years.
Like many people out there, I haven't always felt craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-38926587988173196242013-03-27T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-26T23:15:07.518-07:00My Life as an Intern By Taryn
Up until recently when I heard the word "intern" I immediately imagined young adults running around getting coffee for their bosses and basically doing anything that they were asked to do in order ensure a good letter of recommendation. I have recently learned that this is not true at all. I have just started interning for a freelance writer, the wonderful Leslie Westbrook.
Being an craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30798131.post-68397355985226571662013-03-26T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-25T23:47:02.803-07:00The Passing of Anthony Lewis, Chronicler of the CourtLast week when I wrote about the 50th anniversary Gideon v. Wainright, the decision that guaranteed free lawyers to indigent criminal defendants, I mentioned that one of my all-time favorite books on the law was Gideon's Trumpet by Anthony Lewis.
The New York Times has reported that Lewis passed away on Monday at the age of 85.
Lewis was not only a first class journalist, he had also studied craigsmithsbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072502937327574985noreply@blogger.com