Errors and Omissions

On indefinite hiatus

2006-08-31T11:09:00.000-04:00

Hi, all,

After four months scouring newspapers for corrections, I've come to the end of the road for this blog. It's been a lot of fun, but now I need to pour my attention into areas more related to my main line of business. Please visit my marketing blog for fresh posts delivered approximately daily.

Regards to all

John

On second thought, not the best subject for a puff piece

2006-08-11T09:33:00.000-04:00

From the Boston Globe:

Editor's Note: On June 5, the Globe published a photograph on Page B2 of a life-drawing session at a Harvard Square studio. The photograph included images of a woman model, an artist, and studio owner Duncan W. Purdy. The Globe learned this week that Purdy was indicted in March on charges of rape, assault, and battery on a woman at his business two years earlier. Purdy also was charged in December 2005 with maintaining a house of prostitution and deriving support from prostitution at his Cambridge business. Purdy maintains his innocence on all charges, and the cases are pending. Had the Globe known of the charges, it would not have taken or published the photograph.

How about this for an editorial practice? Google everybody you write about. No exceptions.

newspapers, media, errors, crime

On second thought, "The Descent" is actually very good

2006-08-11T09:29:00.000-04:00

From the Washington Times:

The Washington Times in its Aug. 4 editions published an incorrect star rating for the new film "The Descent." The film should have received 3 1/2 stars.

newspapers, media, errors, movies

Inquirer breaks the "women can be Catholic priests" story a decade early

2006-08-08T12:45:00.000-04:00

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

A headline in yesterday's Inquirer, "Female Catholic priest has first Mass," erred in stating unreservedly that Eileen DiFranco was a Catholic priest. The Roman Catholic Church says that women cannot be ordained as priests and that her ordination was invalid. DiFranco was ordained through the organization Roman Catholic Womenpriests, which says the service was a valid Catholic ordination under apostolic succession.

Now, if Pope Benedict does change course on this issue, that will be news.

newspapers, media, errors, religion

An ecological disaster averted along Barton Creek

2006-08-08T12:38:00.000-04:00

From the Austin American-Statesman:

A story about a truck crash on Page B1 of the July 29 edition incorrectly stated the number of endangered plant species along Barton Creek. There are none.

newspapers, media, errors environment

Additional pain & suffering: obituary errors #14

2006-08-08T10:04:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Bill Meistrell obituary: The obituary of Body Glove co-founder Bill Meistrell in the July 28 California section switched the names of his two wives. Meistrell was married first to Jackie, with whom he had a son and a daughter, and the couple divorced after nearly 40 years. Meistrell is survived by his second wife, Lori.

newspapers, media, errors, obituaries

What's in a name? - corporate icon department

2006-08-08T09:57:00.000-04:00

From the Wall Street Journal:

RAY KROC is the founder of McDonald's Corp. The Remembrances feature in Saturday's edition incorrectly said his first name was Roy.

Also, according to Time's 1998 profile of Kroc, he didn't found McDonald's. Rather, he became partners with the McDonald brothers to help them expand from their original California restaurant, and bought them out in 1961.

newspapers, media, errors, business

Miami Herald editorial page still learning who president of Mexico is

2006-08-07T08:50:00.000-04:00

From the Miami Herald:

An editorial on page 4L of Sunday's Issues & Ideas section gave an incorrect name for the president-elect of Mexico. His name is Felipe Calderón.

They called him Francisco. Hispanic names are so difficult for Americans!

newspapers, media, errors, politics

What's in a name? - Religion department

2006-08-07T08:43:00.000-04:00

From the Chicago Tribune:

A review of "Simple Gifts: Great Hymns: One Man's Search for Grace" in the July 30 Books section referred to "Simple Gifts" as a Quaker hymn and implied that the group founded by 18th Century British immigrant Ann Lee was the Quakers. "Simple Gifts" is a Shaker hymn, and Lee founded the Shakers.

newspapers, media, errors, religion

Metalhead crossword enthusiasts can rest easy: you're not nuts

2006-08-04T08:44:00.000-04:00

From the Chicago Tribune:

- In Wednesday's Tempo section, the crossword puzzle answer to Tuesday's 20 Across clue: Black Sabbath singer was incorrectly spelled as OZZIE OSBOURNE. The correct spelling is OZZY OSBOURNE, which does not enable you to answer Tuesday's 5 and 6 Down clues.

newspapers, media, errors, crosswords

What's in a name? #8

2006-08-04T08:29:00.000-04:00

From the San Francisco Chronicle:

In Monday's Sporting Green, an article about the 49ers misstated the name of one of the players competing for a role as the team's free safety. Keith Lewis is one of the candidates, along with Mark Roman, Mike Adams and Chad Williams. (8/1)

A July 23 Style section story about Jefferson Award winner Francesca Tenconi misstated her father's name. It is Don Tenconi. Also, in the July 23 Swells column, the first name of the artist Dong Kingman was misspelled. (7/30)

The story in the Food Section on July 26, "Whole Foods, taking flak, thinks local,'' misstated the name of a small Sonoma County natural foods chain bought by Whole Foods. It was named Food for Thought. (7/29)

In the July 5 Home & Garden section, an article about incoming San Francisco Museum of Modern Art curator Henry Urbach misspelled the name of Larry Rinder and misstated his job title. He is the dean of graduate studies at California College of the Arts. (7/28)

Chronicle, you are on a roll.

newspapers, media, errors

News alert: it is possible to pay more than $6,000 for a mattress

2006-08-03T10:07:00.000-04:00

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

An article in Monday's Business section about high-end beds misstated the suggested retail price for a king-size Tempur-Pedic GrandBed mattress. The price is $6,199. The price listed in the article, $5,499, is for a queen-size model.

The article itself points out that there are mattresses costing above $10,000.

newspapers, media, errors, commerce

Know your peppers

2006-08-02T14:01:00.000-04:00

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

CORRECTION
Staff
Wednesday, August 2, 2006
In last week's Better Health section, a habanero pepper was mistakenly labeled a cayenne pepper. We apologize for the error.

newspapers, media, errors, plants

Know your ferrets

2006-08-02T13:59:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

A picture in Science Times yesterday with an article about efforts to determine what might make the avian flu virus more contagious in people was published in error. Tests of hybrid viruses that combine bird flu and a human flu are being done on domestic ferrets; the picture showed a different species, the black-footed ferret. (Go to Article)

newspapers, media, errors, animals

Upon correction, a statistically significant difference

2006-08-02T13:56:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

A chart on Monday with an article about men who do not work misstated the percentage of working men and nonworking men from ages 30 to 54 who are separated, divorced or widowed. For working men, it is 17 percent, not 9 percent. For men not working, it is 37 percent, not 8 percent. (Go to Chart)

newspapers, media, errors, marriage

A sincere apology to the residents of Zzyzx, California

2006-08-01T10:58:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Las Vegas: An editorial Saturday about live entertainment in Las Vegas referred to Zzyzzx, a California town east of Barstow. The town is Zzyzx.

newspapers, media, errors, geography

Alert! Sacramento Bee photo captioner possesses ability to switch people's identities!

2006-08-01T10:52:00.000-04:00

From the Sacramento Bee:

A caption with a photo accompanying Bob Shallit's column on Business Page D1 Saturday switched the identities of Steve Lebastchi and David Miry, partners in the restoration of the Sheepherder Inn in Rancho Cordova.

I just hope he's enlightened enough to use this power wisely.

newspapers, media, errors, business

Hedge fund partner masks activities by using several aliases

2006-07-31T09:05:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

An article and picture caption in Business Day on Thursday about a proxy fight at the H.J. Heinz Company each gave an incorrect spelling for the surname of a founding partner of Trian, the investment firm mounting the proxy contest. He is Ed Garden — not Gardiner or Gordon. (Go to Article)

The article also misspells the name of the corporate governance expert Neil Minow (one "n").

newspapers, media, errors, business, New York Times

Call off the suicide watch for Mets fans in Houston

2006-07-30T15:03:00.000-04:00

From the Houston Chronicle:

•David Wright of the New York Mets was not traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, as reported on Page C8 in some editions Saturday. Philadelphia's David Bell was traded to the Brewers.

Haven't we Mets fans suffered enough over the years without enduring mistakes like these? If only they would publish a correction to the Scott Kazmir trade.

newspapers, media, errors, sports

Georgia Tech just can't get any love from the New York Times

2006-07-30T14:50:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

Published: July 30, 2006

An article last Sunday about the serious video-game movement misstated the university that employs Ian Bogost, the author of a book on the games. He is an assistant professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, not the George Institute of Technology. (Go to Article)

and

Published: April 24, 2006

An article in some copies on Friday about the arrest of an engineering student, Syed Haris Ahmed, on a charge of material support of terrorism misstated the formal name of his school, Georgia Tech. It is the Georgia Institute of Technology, not Georgia Tech University.

newspapers, media, errors, education

Jumping the gun

2006-07-28T08:56:00.000-04:00

From the Austin American-Statesman:

A story on Tuesday's Metro & State cover about a non-profit car sharing organization mistakenly reported that Jessica Cassidy and Jeff Strunk were married.

The full story makes clear that they are boyfriend and girlfriend.

newspapers, media, errors, romance

Photo captioner also overcome by California heat

2006-07-28T08:43:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Weather photo: A photo of a man who had been overcome by heat was accompanied by the wrong caption in some editions of Thursday's California section. The incorrect caption described a baby in a crib with an ice pack; the caption should have said Fresno Fire Department workers were assisting Ryan Nale, 32, who blacked out on the roof of his business while working to fix an air conditioner.

newspapers, media, errors, weather

Apple uses a loaded homophone

2006-07-28T08:40:00.000-04:00

From the Miami Herald:

An article on July 4 on the front page about the iPod repair business quoted Natalie Kerris, an Apple spokeswoman, as saying the iPod is designed to last four years. Kerris says she said the iPod was designed to last ''for'' years.

newspapers, media, errors, technology

Rob a credit union? Don't worry about the NC Bankers' Association

2006-07-28T08:34:00.000-04:00

From the Raleigh News-Observer:

A news brief on Page 3B Thursday about a Coastal Federal Credit Union branch robbery incorrectly reported that the N.C. Bankers Association is offering a reward in the case. The association offers rewards for information about robberies of banks, not credit unions.

newspapers, media, errors, crime

Electricity lesson

2006-07-27T08:53:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Power transmission: A graphic in Tuesday's Section A about the role of transformers in distributing power to homes referred to current being stepped up to hundreds of thousands of volts on its way from the generating plant to a receiving station. The voltage is stepped up in that process. Current is measured in amperes, not volts, and it is reduced in that process.

Believers in Ohm's Law can breathe a sigh of relief. By the way, here's the source the Times misquoted when discussing stepping up voltage for long-distance transmission.

newspapers, media, errors, science

Perfectionism department

2006-07-26T11:52:00.000-04:00

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

Because of an editing error, a story on Page B2 Sunday listed the wrong grade of tin cans that hoboes used for cooking, laundry and, sometimes, toilets. They used No. 10 tin cans.

And thanks to all those hobos who emailed to point out the error.

newspapers, media, errors, history

This editor last followed NFL football in 1987

2006-07-26T11:47:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

Because of an editing error, a sports chart on Sunday previewing the NFL teams’ preparations for training camps gave an incorrect nickname in some copies for one team in the National Football Conference West. It is the St. Louis Rams, not the Cardinals. (Go to Chart)

newspapers, media, errors, sports

Don't expect a New Hampshirite to tell you he's the wrong Bill Gardner

2006-07-26T10:31:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

Editor's Note

An article on Sunday reported on efforts by the Democratic Party to revise its election-year calendar for 2008 to include an early caucus in Nevada and an early primary in South Carolina. It said that William M. Gardner, secretary of state for New Hampshire, was reached at his home on Saturday and said, “Do not call me here,” and hung up the telephone when the reporter tried to get comment on how these changes might affect his state’s first-in-the-nation primary.

On Monday, Mr. Gardner called the reporter and said he had never spoken to him Saturday. He also said the phone number the reporter had used was not his home number. The reporter had identified himself to the person who did answer the phone, had asked “Is this Mr. Gardner?” and had been told “Yes, this is Bill.” Later the reporter left a message at the same number, explaining why he was calling, but received no response by deadline. The reporter assumed he had reached the correct Bill Gardner, who lives in Manchester, but had actually called a Bill Gardner who lives in Rochester.

The article also misidentified the change proposed for Nevada at one point. It would be a caucus held on the Saturday between the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary. It would not be a primary election. (Go to Article)

newspapers, media, errors, politics

Rewriting musical history

2006-07-26T10:17:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

John Lennon: An article in Section A on Saturday about Robert Hilburn's memories of nearly 40 years as the Times' pop music critic referred to John Lennon being a child in London during World War II. Lennon grew up in Liverpool.

Come on, now. Memories can be hazy, especially those of long-time rock critics. But didn't the editor who worked on this piece know Lennon was from Liverpool?

newspapers, media, errors, music

Think long and hard before moving to Moscow

2006-07-25T15:29:00.000-04:00

From the Baltimore Sun:

An article in Friday's editions of The Sun about the lack of hot water in Moscow incorrectly reported the number of years it will take to upgrade the city's water system. The correct amount of time needed to provide hot water year-round is 13 years.

newspapers, media, errors, Russia

What's in a name? #7

2006-07-25T10:14:00.000-04:00

From the Sacramento Bee:

In early editions Monday, a photo caption on Page A1 misidentified the winner of the Tour de France as Floyd Lewis instead of Floyd Landis.

He followed seven-time Tour de France winner Vance Armstrong.

newspapers, media, errors, sports

Give me the seashore print and an "I LOVE MOM" on the right forearm

2006-07-25T10:02:00.000-04:00

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

A July 9 Travel story about Ocean City, Md., referred to the Ocean Gallery. The art gallery does not sell T-shirts or tattoos.

Based on checking out the Ocean Gallery's web site, adding a tattoo parlor might class up the joint.

newspapers, media, errors, art

Blogger steps in it

2006-07-24T16:58:00.000-04:00

Since I posted about Jef Richards's quote this morning, something has been bugging me.

What if the quote was accurate?

So, I asked the source, Dr. Richards. Did he really mean "sole" instead of "soul"? His response:

Yes, that's what I said. "Sole," as in the bottom of the shoe.

- Jef

So, a correction is due. I regret the error.

blogs, errors

It gets stepped on every single day

2006-07-24T08:26:00.000-04:00

From the American Marketing Association daily newsletter:

Quote of the Day

"Advertising is the art and sole of capitalism. It captures a moment of time through the lens of commerce, reflecting and affecting our lives, making us laugh and cry, while simultaneously giving traction to the engine that propels this free market economy forward into the future."

- Jef I. Richards

This error was carried forward from the place where they found the quote, brainyquote.com. Dr. Richards, from what I read about him, likes a pun, but I doubt his original quote had this one in it.

newspapers, media, errors, advertising

What to do about medical journal authors' conflicts of interest?

2006-07-21T14:37:00.000-04:00

The Wall Street Journal discusses how medical journals are dealing with the fallout of several scandals related to the publication of journal articles without revealing the ties authors had with companies who would benefit from the findings (and their publication).

We posted about the latest occurrence of this phenomenon (from the journal Neuropsychopharmacology) the other day. Now, we're not naive. We expect hack PR-oriented pieces when we read the trade press. But in a peer-reviewed journal? It's shameful.

The Journal cites scholars who recommend some type of sanction for authors who don't reveal the conflicts of interest they have. That's fine, but beyond that, how about journals carefully scrutinizing whether they should publish research from conflicted sources? How does that sound?

newspapers, media, errors, medicine

Wouldn't have missed it for the world, says Comptroller Schaefer

2006-07-21T10:25:00.000-04:00

From the Washington Post:

Correction to This Article
A July 20 Metro article incorrectly said that Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer did not attend the J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake. Schaefer did make an appearance at the annual political event.

"You didn't see me? I was there, honest."

newspapers, media, errors, politics

'Tis better to receive an email than to give one...

2006-07-21T10:17:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Jack Abramoff: A July 1 article in Section A about a Justice Department report that said convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff had improperly obtained a secret file on the Pacific Island territories misidentified the author of an e-mail. It said Carl T.C. Gutierrez — the former governor of Guam — had sent Abramoff an e-mail calling the acting U.S. attorney for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, Frederick A. Black, "a total commie…. We need to get this guy sniped out of there." The e-mail was written by Abramoff.

Hmm... what do you think Mr. Gutierrez's reply was? Probably, it was "you shouldn't say mean things like that about my friend Frederick Black" or something of the sort.

newspapers, media, errors, politics

Horticulture department

2006-07-21T09:56:00.000-04:00

From the Chicago Tribune:

In the July 14 Metro section, an illustration about ash trees incorrectly showed leaves attached to a branch. In fact, three to 11 leaflets form a leaf on a single stem, which is attached to a branch.

Want more information about what ash leaves look like? Check it out here. Glad to be of service.

newspapers, media, errors, nature

Additional pain & suffering: obituary errors #13

2006-07-20T07:53:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Spillane obituary: The obituary of detective fiction writer Mickey Spillane in Tuesday's Section A said he divorced his second wife, Sherri. Sherri Spillane was the plaintiff in the divorce.

From the New York Times:

An obituary on Tuesday about the detective novelist Mickey Spillane misstated the given name of a surviving son. He is Ward Spillane, not Mark. The obituary also misspelled the given name of a surviving daughter. She is Caroline Hill, not Carolyn. It also omitted some survivors. They also include a third stepchild, Mabry Simonetti of North Augusta, S.C., 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. (Go to Article)

Mr. Spillane has lived a full life. Rest in peace.

newspapers, media, errors, obituaries

Another reason to hate "Executive Pursuits"

2006-07-19T09:42:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

The Executive Pursuits column in Business Day on Saturday, about learning to surf, misspelled the surname of the rock star who is an aficionado of Ditch Plains Beach, a popular surfing spot in Montauk, N.Y. He is Jimmy Buffett, not Buffet. (Go to Article)

I've weighed in on what I think of this column in an earlier post. Time has done nothing to change my opinion. Harry, time to hang up the word processor and hit the beach full-time, dude.

newspapers, media, errors, New York Times

JT Reese is still alive

2006-07-19T08:42:00.000-04:00

From the Miami Herald:

An article on Page 1A Saturday incorrectly described J.T. Reese as deceased. He is, in fact, alive and golfing.

I'm actually glad this article had an error (and not just for the sake of Mr. Reese, the taxidermist). The correction led me to the article itself, which is a riot. It's a great mock-Carl-Hiassen piece on safecracking.

newspapers, media, errors, weird

Is there a safe and effective treatment for conflict of interest?

2006-07-18T14:33:00.000-04:00

The Wall Street Journal reports the following:

A review of a new depression treatment published in a medical journal failed to disclose that the authors are consultants to the company that sells the treatment.

The review piece in this month's Neuropsychopharmacology comes to favorable conclusions about the treatment, called vagus nerve stimulation....

Of the nine authors, eight are academic researchers who are consultants for Cyberonics Inc., which makes the vagus nerve device. The ninth author is an employee of the company, which was disclosed....

and, finally,

The first author of the article, Charles B. Nemeroff of Emory University, is also the editor of Neuropsychopharmacology.

And guess what! The authors found the treatment to be effective.

I'm so depressed reading this that I'm going to head to my doctor for some vagus nerve stimulation. I'm certain that will help.

newspapers, media, errors, medicine

Being there in person is so overrated

2006-07-18T10:12:00.000-04:00

From the Chicago Tribune:

- In Sunday's main news section, a story about the Chicago International Film Festival's Award to Steven Spielberg was misleading. The report was based on reporting from the arrivals of Spielberg and other celebrities before the event and did not include reporting from the event itself.

newspapers, media, errors, entertainment

Middle-east reporters: always have the Bible handy as a reference

2006-07-18T10:07:00.000-04:00

From the Boston Globe:

Correction: Because of a reporting error, a Page One story yesterday about developments in the Middle East said Nazareth was where Christ was born. Christ was born in Bethlehem.

OK, blame the reporter. But didn't the editor know this, or think to check?

newspapers, media, errors, religion

Pakistan gets its props

2006-07-18T10:01:00.000-04:00

From the Wall Street Journal:

PAKISTAN has demonstrated nuclear-weapons capability. The Thinking Global column on July 11 incorrectly excluded the country when mentioning Asian nations with such capability.

newspapers, media, errors, geopolitics

In addition to feeling disoriented, she'd also be wet

2006-07-17T12:04:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

An article on July 2 about déjà vécu, a syndrome that causes a feeling similar to déjà vu, misstated the location of the city where one woman who suffers from it lives. Dover, Mass., is southwest of Boston, not east. (Go to Article)

For the record, east of Boston is Boston Harbor.

newspapers, media, errors, geography

With apologies to Roberto Clemente, Dave Parker, Bill Mazeroski, Barry Bonds, et. al.

2006-07-17T11:49:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Baseball: An item in Saturday's Sports said outfielder Jason Bay was the first Pittsburgh Pirate position player to start an All-Star game since 1944. In fact, Bay was the first Pirate position player to start an All-Star game in Pittsburgh since 1944.

newspapers, media, errors, sports

Retail dyslexia

2006-07-15T09:17:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

The Go-Go's: An article in Friday's Calendar on the Go-Go's said that the band's song "Our Lips Are Sealed" was used in a Kmart ad this year and that "We Got the Beat" was used in an ad for Pizza Hut. "Our Lips Are Sealed" was used for Old Navy and "We Got the Beat" for Papa John's. In addition, the caption for a photo of the band in the 1980s identified Gina Schock as Elissa Bello.

newspapers, media, errors, music, advertising

Return of the Collyer Brothers

2006-07-14T08:43:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

A picture caption on July 5 about the cluttered Harlem brownstone in which the brothers Homer and Langley Collyer were found dead in 1947 misstated the departmental affiliation of an unidentified inspector shown pointing to a stairway piled high with boxes and newspapers. He worked for the Police Department, not the Fire Department. The inspector was identified when the same picture was published on Dec. 31, 2003, with an article in some copies about the pathology of compulsive hoarders. But the caption with that picture misspelled his surname. He was Thomas V. Boylan, not Boyland. (Go to Article)

newspapers, media, errors, New York

What's in a name? #6

2006-07-14T08:35:00.000-04:00

From the San Francisco Chronicle:

In the Sporting Green on Wednesday, a college basketball report gave the wrong last name for Boston Globe sports writer Shira Springer. (7/13)

In Friday's Sporting Green, an article about the A's gave the wrong date for an altercation this season between the A's and the Los Angeles Angels. It was May 2. Also Friday, the baseball notebook gave the wrong first name for Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Chris Capuano. (7/12)

In Tuesday's Sporting Green, an article about the Giants and Minnesota Twins misspelled the last name of Twins pitcher Boof Bonser. (7/12)

OK, I see two patterns here. All names were messed up in the sports section, and all names were alliterative. I have no idea what this means. Perhaps I'll ask Boof Bonser.

newspapers, media, errors, sports

Additional pain & suffering: obituary errors #12

2006-07-13T08:33:00.000-04:00

From the Chicago Tribune:

- In Wednesday's obituary for Gerald Gidwitz [founder of Helene Curtis], his son James was omitted from the list of survivors. A corrected obituary appears in Thursday's Metro section.

From the New York Times:

An obituary on Monday about Paul Nelson, a pioneering rock critic, misstated the cause of death in some copies. While his friend Steven Feltes initially said he had apparently died of starvation, he said later that a cause had not been determined. The New York City medical examiner’s office said yesterday that the cause was heart disease. The obituary also misstated the date of Mr. Nelson’s collaboration with Lester Bangs on a biography of Rod Stewart. The book was published in 1981, not 1988. (Go to Article)

From the New York Times:

An obituary yesterday about Harold Olmo, a grape breeder and geneticist, misstated the location where he found what he considered to be the original wine grape vines growing wild. It was in mountains on the border of Iran and Afghanistan, not Iraq and Afghanistan. (Go to Article)

newspapers, media, errors, obituaries

Book-title bloat gets out of hand

2006-07-13T08:24:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

Because of an editing error, the David Carr column in Business Day on Monday, about Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue, misstated the title of a recent memoir by another prominent editor, Bonnie Fuller of Star magazine, whose public persona was compared with Ms. Wintour’s. It is “The Joys of Much Too Much: Go for the Big Life — the Great Career, the Perfect Gu and Everything Else You’ve Ever Wanted.” The working title was “From Geek to Oh My Goddess: How to Get the Big Career and the Big Love Life and the Big Family — Even if You Have a Big Loser Complex Inside.” (Go to Article)

I'll talk more about this subject in my new book, "Title Bloat: How Book Titles Have Continually Gotten Longer and Longer to the Point That They Are No Longer Possible to Read Aloud in a Single Breath."

newspapers, media, errors, books

Dallas Morning News corrupted corrections page: day 4

2006-07-12T16:28:00.000-04:00

I submitted the following to the Morning News corrections reporting link today:

Your online corrections page (http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/dn/corrections/vitindex.html) is corrupted, and has been for over three days. It looks as if there is test data or nonsense data on the page. When will it be fixed?

Thanks.

I will let you know if (1) I get a response (as they promise) and (2) when the bad page is fixed.

newspapers, media, errors

Apparently everyone uses the same sources...

2006-07-12T08:49:00.000-04:00

From the Boston Globe:

Clarification: An obituary Thursday on Dr. Theodore Levitt, professor emeritus at Harvard Business School, said he had coined the word ``globalization." The business school said that although Dr. Levitt popularized the concept with ``The Globalization of Markets," an influential article he published in 1983 in the Harvard Business Review, the word had previously been in use.

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

BELMONT, Mass. — In obituaries July 6 and July 7 for Theodore Levitt, The Associated Press, relying on information from the Harvard Business School, reported erroneously that he had coined the term "globalization." The school now says that Levitt, the former editor of the Harvard Business Review, helped to popularize the term in a 1983 article for the publication, but he did not coin it.

From the New York Times:

An obituary and headline on Friday about Theodore Levitt, a marketing scholar at the Harvard Business School, referred incorrectly to the origin of the word globalization. While Mr. Levitt’s work was closely associated with the idea of globalization in economics, and while he published a respected paper in 1983 popularizing the term, he did not coin the word. (It was in use at least as early as 1944 in other senses and was used by others in discussing economics at least as early as 1981.) (Go to Article)

By the way, the 1944 reference the Times cited is from the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Didn't anyone see fit to look up the word to see that the earliest citation was before Professor Levitt was out of college?

newspapers, media, errors, obituaries

Not that there's anything wrong with it #2

2006-07-12T08:44:00.000-04:00

From the Washington Times:

Because of an editing error, The Washington Times on Monday incorrectly reported the sexual orientation of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Mr. Newsom is heterosexual.

newspapers, media, errors, politics

How soon we forget #3

2006-07-11T08:48:00.000-04:00

From the Houston Chronicle:

An editorial on Page E2 Sunday misstated the year the Super Bowl was played in Houston. The year was 2004.

Where's the civic pride, Houston Chronicle? Wasn't hosting the Super Bowl a big deal?

newspapers, media, errors, sports

A little nepotism can do a lot for a career

2006-07-11T08:42:00.000-04:00

From the Chicago Tribune:

- An article in Monday's Career Path feature in the Business section about David Storch's rise to become chairman, chief executive and president of AAR Corp. in Wood Dale failed to include the fact that he is the son-in-law of founder Ira A. Eichner. Storch succeeded Eichner as CEO in 1996.

Do you think being married to the boss' daughter could have helped in Mr. Storch's rise?

newspapers, media, errors, business

Corrupted corrections web page still up

2006-07-10T09:05:00.000-04:00

Hey, Dallas Morning News! Fix your corrections web page. It's still corrupted! And while you're at it, find some errors and correct them too. You know you've got them.

newspapers, media, errors

Sacramento is more interesting than you would've guessed

2006-07-10T08:58:00.000-04:00

From the Sacramento Bee:

A Buzz item on Page A3 Monday incorrectly reported that former state Senate staffer John Shahabian's coffee career came after his involvement in the "Shrimpscam" Capitol corruption investigation. Shahabian's start in the coffee business predated the FBI case.

newspapers, media, errors, politics

The Dallas Morning News almost never has a correction, but they can sure mess up a web page...

2006-07-09T20:13:00.000-04:00

What follows is the contents of the Dallas Morning News corrections web page as of 8:08pm EDT, 9 July 2006:

-------------------------------------------------

The Dallas Morning News welcomes your comments about published information that may require correction or clarification. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction or clarification needs to be published. We also will let you know how the matter was resolved. Go to the online error report form.

07/07/2006 ggg rr

07/03/2006 Yan more test â€â€™â€—â€â€šâ…›â€“â„â€¹
â€â€™â€—â€â€šâ…›â€“â„â€¹

-------------------------------------------------

Uh, right. Please do your tests on the test server, not the production server. Thank you.

newspapers, media, errors

It helps to visit the place you write about, in order to get the details correct...

2006-07-09T20:04:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

The Cultured Traveler column on June 25, about contemporary art in Mexico City, referred incorrectly to Zócalo, the city's main square, which is home to many of the city's cultural treasures. The square is treeless, not "leafy." (Go to Article)

The Cultured Traveler must not get out enough.

newspapers, media, errors, travel

You forget to go down one hallway, you miss 78 rooms

2006-07-08T08:31:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Spelling mansion: A story in Friday's California section about the Holmby Hills residence of the late Aaron Spelling and his wife, Candy, incorrectly said the mansion has 45 rooms. It has 123. The story also incorrectly said that the highest price of a residential real estate sale in the U.S. was the $70 million paid for businessman Ronald Perelman's estate in Palm Beach, Fla., two years ago and that the local record was the $47.5 million that David Geffen paid for a Beverly Hills estate 16 years ago. In both cases, the record is the $94-million purchase of a Bel-Air estate by telecommunications executive Gary Winnick in 2000.

newspapers, media, errors, real estate, los angeles

Natural history department

2006-07-08T08:26:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Komodo dragon: An article in Wednesday's Section A about Indonesia's Komodo National Park said the Komodo dragon, known for its extraordinary sense of smell, has odor receptors on its tongue. The lizard uses its tongue to gather air samples and then brings those to the receptors on the roof of its mouth.

newspapers, media, errors, nature

The Globe touches a nerve

2006-07-08T08:20:00.000-04:00

From the Boston Globe:

Clarification: A story in the June 26 City & Region section on parishes closing in Brighton and Lynn referred to a ``Polish concentration camp." The concentration camps in Poland, which was occupied by Germany during the war, were created and controlled by Nazis.

newspapers, media, errors, boston

Delaware falling behind in the good-government competition

2006-07-08T08:14:00.000-04:00

From the Wall Street Journal:

LOUIS CAPANO JR., a Delaware developer, paid extortion money to a county councilman in 1987 and 1988. Subsequently, he reported the matter to the authorities and cooperated in a 1989 sting against the official, who later pleaded guilty to extortion. A page-one article June 6 about Mr. Capano's donation pledges to two Catholic schools mischaracterized his role in the corruption case by stating that he bribed the official and escaped prosecution by cooperating.

I thought this stuff only happened in New Jersey.

newspapers, media, errors

Would you like your floors waxed as well as your bikini line, ma'am?

2006-07-07T16:06:00.000-04:00

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

The Pamper House, an Arlington salon, is merging with the Trellis Salon and Spa. The name of the Pamper House was incorrect in an article Thursday. The Pampered House, another Arlington business, offers housecleaning services.

newspapers, media, errors

The late Jan Murray stays in the news

2006-07-07T13:00:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

An obituary on Tuesday and in some copies on Monday about Jan Murray, the comedian and game show host, misstated the given name of his surviving son from his first marriage. He is Warren Murray, not Walter. (Go to Article)

From the Los Angeles Times:

Murray obituary: An obituary of comedian Jan Murray in Tuesday's California section said that he moved to Los Angeles in 1965 and found work in TV series such as "Car 54, Where Are You?" Murray appeared in that sitcom, which ran from 1961 to 1963, before moving to Los Angeles.

newspapers, media, errors

No matter how you calculate it, it's a lot of Kit Kats

2006-07-07T09:25:00.000-04:00

From the Wall Street Journal:

FORTY-SEVEN KITKATS are eaten every second in the United Kingdom. A page-one article yesterday incorrectly said one of the chocolate-covered wafers is eaten every 47 seconds in the U.K.

newspapers, media, errors

Time to fire whoever is editing the "At Play" section

2006-07-07T09:20:00.000-04:00

From the Chicago Tribune:

- In the At Play section Thursday, a photo caption about the Bristol Renaissance Fair listed an incorrect location. The fair is in Kenosha, Wis. Also, a story about Taste of Chicago "cage matches" said we had 10 cage matches; only eight were featured. Then, a story about the Indiana Dunes incorrectly referred to a nearby "nuclear power plant" and "nuclear cooling tower." The cooling tower in Michigan City, Ind., is part of a conventional power plant.

newspapers, media, errors

And you thought the NY Post had cornered the market on bizarre stories?

2006-07-07T07:41:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

An article on Wednesday about the phrase "Collyers' Mansion," used to refer to a dangerously cluttered dwelling, misstated the authenticity of an artifact found in the Collyer brothers' Harlem brownstone, the jam-packed building that spawned the term now often used by firefighters. Although some of the artifacts recovered, like musical instruments, were determined to be fakes, a two-headed baby in a jar of formaldehyde found in the house was actually real. (Go to Article)

I don't know what is weirder--a real two-headed baby or the idea that someone could create a fake one?

newspapers, media, errors

Apparently legendary status doesn't guarantee having one's name spelled correctly

2006-07-06T09:27:00.000-04:00

From the Orlando Sentinel:

An item in a NASCAR: Best & Worst feature on the front of Tuesday's Sports section about driver Jimmie Johnson's crew chief Chad Knaus contained a misspelling of the first and last name of legendary crew chief Smokey Yunick.

Alas, poor Yunick, I knew him, Horatio.

newspapers, media, errors

Additional pain & suffering: obituary errors #11

2006-07-05T09:25:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Murray obituary: An obituary in Tuesday's California section of comedian Jan Murray said he was born Murray Jankowski. His family name was Janofsky.

I had a flash of nostalgia when reading that Jan Murray passed away. I was a kid in the '70's when he was on television seemingly all the time, on those afternoon game shows like "Hollywood Squares," "Match Game" and the like. Reading various websites about his work, I don't see these particular ones on his list. So it could be my memory that's hazy. Anyway, farewell, Mr. Janofsky.

newspapers, media, errors, obituaries

Not that there's anything wrong with it...

2006-07-04T08:24:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Filmmaker Richard Glatzer: A Saturday Briefing item about adult filmmakers crossing over into Hollywood movies incorrectly stated that "Quinceanera" co-director Richard Glatzer had worked in the pornography industry. Glatzer, who works in independent film and reality TV, has not worked in adult films.

newspapers, media, errors

Cultural illiteracy department #2

2006-07-02T08:40:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

Book Review

Because of an editing error, a review on Page 10 of the Book Review today, about "Radical Innocent: Upton Sinclair," by Anthony Arthur and "Upton Sinclair and the Other American Century," by Kevin Mattson, misidentified the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930. Although Upton Sinclair campaigned for the award, it was won by Sinclair Lewis. (Go to Article)

From the Chicago Tribune:

- In a promo on Page 1 of Sunday's Books section, Edgar Allan Poe's middle name is misspelled.

The Tribune regrets the error.

I haven't done a scientific study on this, but I'd bet that Poe's middle name is the most often messed-up literary name in journalism. Anyone have a different candidate?

newspapers, media, errors

Plenty of good seats available

2006-07-01T08:13:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

A theater entry in the Listings pages of Weekend yesterday about "The House in Town," at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, misstated the closing date. It is July 30, not tomorrow.

The Times didn't like the play when it reviewed it, and apparently is still holding a grudge.

newspapers, media, errors

Additional pain & suffering: obituary errors #10

2006-06-30T08:35:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

An obituary yesterday about Eric Rofes, a gay activist and author, rendered the surname of a survivor incorrectly and misstated her relationship to Mr. Rofes. Paula Rofes-Casey — not Casey-Rofes — of Boynton Beach, Fla., is his mother, not his sister. (Go to Article)

•

An obituary on June 7 about the keyboard player Billy Preston included an erroneous credit. He did not play on Bob Dylan's album "Blood on the Tracks." (Go to Article)

•

An obituary on Sunday and in some copies on Saturday about the television producer Aaron Spelling misstated the given name of his brother. He is Daniel, not Randy. The obituary also gave an incorrect title in some copies for the title of a play Mr. Spelling performed in while recovering from a wound sustained in World War II. It was "O Mistress Mine," not "Old Mistress Mind." It also gave an incorrect spelling in some copies for the surname of an actress in that play. She was Lynn Fontanne, not Fontaine. (Go to Article)

newspapers, media, errors

Cultural illiteracy department

2006-06-29T09:55:00.000-04:00

From the New Orleans Times-Picayune:

Author's name corrected: A story in Monday's Living section incorrectly spelled the name of author Virginia Woolf.

There may be a Virginia Wolfe, as named in that article, but she isn't the famous one.

newspapers, media, errors

It's hard to escape the steroid scandal if you're a slugger

2006-06-29T09:08:00.000-04:00

From the Washington Post:

Correction to This Article
Earlier versions of this story incorrectly implied that Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada has been linked to the investigation of former Orioles pitcher Jason Grimsley's possible use of performance-enhancing substances. No such link has been established and this version has been corrected.

newspapers, media, errors

Hoffman's having a good year, but not that good

2006-06-28T09:33:00.000-04:00

From the Wall Street Journal:

SAN DIEGO PADRES pitcher Trevor Hoffman would have had an earned-run average of 2.84 this season through June 21 according to an analysis meant to remove the effect of luck from the calculation of baseball statistics. A graphic accompanying a Pursuits article Saturday on the role of luck in baseball incorrectly said his ERA would have been .284.

newspapers, media, errors, sports

Predicting last year's results is usually 100% accurate

2006-06-28T09:30:00.000-04:00

From the Wall Street Journal:

JOHNSON & JOHNSON estimated earlier this year that its sales would rise 6% to 8% in 2006. An article Monday on the company's acquisition of Pfizer Inc.'s consumer-health business incorrectly said that was the expectation for 2005.

newspapers, media, errors

A sad day in Peabody, MA, turns even sadder

2006-06-27T06:17:00.000-04:00

From the Boston Globe:

Editor's note: Because of reporting and editing errors, material taken from a Myspace.com website was mistakenly attributed to George D. Kalogeropoulos in a story in Sunday's City & Region section about Kalogeropoulos's killing of his father and sister and suicide. The website cited in the story is that of another individual who is unconnected to the events described. The material should not have been published.

I imagine reporters rushing to Myspace to learn about otherwise anonymous people who become newsworthy (even for the above tragic reason). I suppose this kind of mistake was inevitable--which doesn't make it any less egregious.

newspapers, media, errors

Entomologists get no respect

2006-06-27T06:12:00.000-04:00

From the Baltimore Sun:

An article in Friday's editions misstated the background of a biologist, the date of a lab vandalism incident and the diet of one of the spiders that he studies. Matt Persons earned master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Cincinnati, where a lab was vandalized by an animal rights group in the mid-1990s. The wolf spider is a predator that does not feed on vegetable matter and detritus in the soil.

The Sun regrets the errors.

newspapers, media, errors

A big Vioxx "oops" from the New England Journal of Medicine

2006-06-26T18:39:00.000-04:00

From the NEJM, released today (full text here):

Correction
Published at www.nejm.org June 26, 2006 (10.1056/NEJMx060029)

Cardiovascular Events Associated with Rofecoxib in a Colorectal Adenoma Chemoprevention Trial

Which reads, in part:

In the reported results, the test for proportionality of hazardsused linear time rather than the logarithm of time that wasspecified in the Methods section. Analysis using the logarithmof time leads to the following changes: The first complete paragraphon page 1097 should have read, "In a post hoc assessment, visualinspection of Figure 2 suggested that the Kaplan-Meier curvesseparated 18 months after randomization. However, the resultsof an overall test of the proportional-hazards assumption forthe entire 36-month observation period did not reach statisticalsignificance (P = 0.07)."

Therefore, statements regarding anincrease in risk after 18 months should be removed from theAbstract (the sentence "The increased relative risk became apparentafter 18 months of treatment; during the first 18 months, theevent rates were similar in the two groups" should be deleted,as should the sentence beginning "There was earlier separation. . . ") and from the Discussion section (the sentence "In posthoc analyses, the increased relative risk of adjudicated thromboticevents was first observed after approximately 18 months of treatment"should be deleted).

Meaning what, exactly? Well, here's how Reuters explains it (full text here):

The journal and the authors corrected the May 2005 study to show the risks do not, as originally shown, greatly increase after 18 months. In fact, it is not possible to tell when the risk of heart attack or stroke shoot up, Journal editor Dr. Jeffrey Drazen said."

That sound you hear is a thousand product-liability lawyers cursing.

newspapers, media, errors, medicine

The laser gun has yet to be invented

2006-06-26T08:53:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Guns: An editorial on Thursday about a new technology that gives bullets a unique identifier said it uses a small laser inside the gun to mark each bullet. Lasers are used to etch engravings on the gun parts that are used in the process, but they are not inside the gun.

newspapers, media, errors

What's in a name? #5

2006-06-26T08:37:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Actor's name: The last name of actor Stephen Tobolowsky was misspelled as Tobolowski in a headline in Sunday's Calendar.

Workplace food: In a June 19 Health article about companies serving more healthful food to employees, the name of the company Sodexho was misspelled as Sodhexo.

From the New York Times:

An article on Friday about an ethics camp in Santa Clara, Calif., where politicians and officials heard accounts of ethical lapses, described as chilling, misspelled the name of an author known for chilling fiction. He is Edgar Allan Poe, not Allen. (Go to Article)

•

A report in the "Arts, Briefly" column on June 16 about the extension of the run of "The History Boys" and other theater scheduling misspelled the surname of an actress who is to appear in "A Spanish Play" at the Classic Stage Company in the East Village in January. She is Linda Emond, not Edmond. (Go to Article)

From the Washington Times:

The Washington Times yesterday in a story about the Atlas Economic Research Foundation misspelled several names. The correct names are Friedrich Hayek, Elena Ziebarth, Alex Chafuen and Jo Kwong.

Please remind the Washington Times reporter to write the names down in a notebook next time. That might help with spelling.

newspapers, media, errors

Could the Blair scandal happen again? Maybe

2006-06-25T09:50:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

Editorials/Op-Ed

The public editor's June 18 column incorrectly indicated that Jayson Blair, the former Times reporter who brought scandal to the paper in 2003, didn't receive performance evaluations during his time on the metro desk during 2001-2. Mr. Blair was evaluated and an evaluation was specifically provided to the sports editor when the reporter was moved to the sports department. But no evaluations of Mr. Blair's work on the metro desk, then one of the few departments doing regular formal performance assessments, were reviewed by the editors involved when the reporter subsequently was deployed to the national desk. (Go to Article)

To me the revelation here was how backward the Times' personnel practices (such as "doing regular performance assessments" and reviewing them when a reporter transfers) were in those years. This level of amateurishness could be unprecedented at a leading US company.

newspapers, media, errors

News page teaches Op-Ed page about one of its contributors

2006-06-25T09:33:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

Editors' Note

On Nov. 29 and Feb. 28, the Op-Ed page published articles co-written by Stephen E. Flynn, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, on the need to scan shipping containers. An article last Monday in the news pages of The Times reported that Mr. Flynn had earlier been a paid consultant to Science Applications International Corporation, which manufactured a container-scanning system.

The Times's Op-Ed contract compels contributors to disclose potential conflicts of interest, but not past ones. In this regard, Mr. Flynn did not violate the contract. However, had the editors known of Mr. Flynn's previous relationship with Science Applications International, they would have made that information available to readers. (Go to Nov. 29 Article) | (Go to Feb. 28 Article)

Thumbs up to the Times reporter, Eric Lipton, for discovering Flynn's vested interest. Thumbs down to the Times op-ed staff, for not discovering it. What are the policies for researching the backgrounds of Op-Ed contributors, whose viewpoints are by definition subjective?

newspapers, media, errors

Was anything in this listing correct?

2006-06-24T16:10:00.000-04:00

From the Houston Chronicle:

•The cellist playing tonight with the Houston Symphony is Hrant Parsamian, whose name was incorrect in a story on Page E1 of Friday's Star section. Also, the symphony presents only the second-place winner of the Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition at Miller Outdoor Theatre, not the two top winners. Parsamian was this year's runner-up. The first-place winner of the Hogg competition was Korean violinist Shih-Kai Lin, who will perform in the symphony's annual Houston Chronicle Dollar Concert at 7:30 p.m. July 1 at Jones Hall. Acclaimed pianist Orion Weiss did not participate in the Hogg contest; he was scheduled to perform at Miller on Friday.

newspapers, media, errors

A slight exaggeration?

2006-06-24T09:43:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

The Personal Health column in Science Times on Tuesday, about heart risks associated with jogging, overstated the frequency of heart attacks during marathons. While studies have found that marathon runners may be at increased risk of heart attack for 24 hours after racing, there is no evidence that heart attacks occur "in the course of nearly every marathon." (Go to Article)

Marathon runners everywhere have stopped clutching their chests.

newspapers, media, errors

A less reliable source, perhaps?

2006-06-24T09:36:00.000-04:00

From the Washington Post:

A June 23 article incorrectly attributed cost estimates for a tax cut on inherited estates between 2012 and 2021 to the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation. The estimates came from the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and were based on extrapolations from a cost estimate by the committee for 2007 through 2016.

The Center on Budget and Policy Practice's estimate was $279 billion. I would like to see the JCT's number.

newspapers, media, errors

Meet me at the corner of 6-1/2 St. and 25-1/3 Ave.

2006-06-23T08:19:00.000-04:00

From the Austin American-Statesman:

A story that began on Page A1 of Thursday's Statesman incorrectly said that a proposed ordinance would impose a 25 mph speed limit on a block of West Sixth Street. It would actually be on a block on West 6-1/2 Street.

newspapers, media, errors

Either way you slice it, it's a lot of money

2006-06-23T07:49:00.000-04:00

From the Wall Street Journal:

TWO INFUSIONS of the drug Rituxan for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis cost $9,315. A Personal Journal article Tuesday incorrectly stated the cost at $18,630.

newspapers, media, errors

Technical error by prosecutors in BALCO leak case--oversight or yet another leak?

2006-06-22T16:23:00.000-04:00

The New York Times today had an article on the government's attempt to force San Francisco Chronicle reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams to reveal their sources for BALCO grand-jury testimony they published. The article leads off as follows:

About eight pages of a 51-page government brief filed in federal court in San Francisco on Wednesday were electronically blacked out to protect what prosecutors said was sensitive material concerning a grand jury's investigation into steroid use in baseball.

But the secret passages can be viewed by simply pasting the document into a word processing program. The passages open a window onto a particularly aggressive government leak investigation, one that seeks to force two San Francisco Chronicle reporters to reveal the identity of a confidential source. They also help explain why prosecutors are pursuing the matter so vigorously.

The Times credits the New York Sun with breaking the story. Later in the piece the government is all but accused of leaving the opening intentionally:

Eve Burton, vice president and general counsel of the Hearst Corporation, which owns The Chronicle, said that prosecutors may be guilty of the very thing they are investigating. "It is our hope," she said, "that the government did not leak the document."

newspapers, media, errors

The Dallas Morning-News almost never has a correction

2006-06-22T08:49:00.000-04:00

The last correction posted on the Dallas Morning-News website was on 8 June, two weeks ago. Every other newspaper I monitor has posted at least five corrections in that time.

Brilliant reporting, writing and editing? Or not looking too hard for problems?

newspapers, media, errors

Lost in translation

2006-06-22T08:37:00.000-04:00

From the Washington Post:

In a June 20 Style music review, a translation of a song title by the group Sin Bandera was incorrect. "Mientes Tan Bien" should have been translated as "You Lie So Well."

The original passage:

Hits such as the somewhat melodramatic "Entra en Mi Vida" ("Enter My Life"), "Mientes Tan Bien" ("You Also Lie") and "Suelta Mi Mano" ("Let Go of My Hand") instantly became singalongs.

Y tu mama, tan bien.

newspapers, media, errors

WSJ law blog brings up Jenkins' option backdating column for discussion

2006-06-21T15:44:00.000-04:00

Here's the WSJ Law Blog's post, on Mr. Jenkins' assertion that the options backdating scandal is much ado about nothing. Interestingly, the writer of the blog, an attorney, takes no position on the merits of Mr. Jenkins' position, especially concerning whether the grants violated the law.

By the way, here's an example of Mr. Jenkins' doubletalk as he tries to rationalize the issue:

The one lesson that should be reinforced is that overseeing CEO incentives is among the most important board responsibilities, and boards should keep control of it and do it clearheadedly. Yet there is nothing categorically corrupt or improper about backdating to justify a conclusion that the boards here weren't doing just that.

Huh?

Wall Street Journal, options

WSJ Op-Ed columnist misses the mark on options backdating rationalization

2006-06-21T10:16:00.000-04:00

Have you read all those stories about the suspicious practice of options backdating (here's one of my posts on the subject)? The Wall Street Journal's op-ed columnist Holman Jenkins (here's the article) has a simple explanation for us. It turns out that it's an "innocuous and even sensible" practice!

Who knew?

Jenkins spins out numerous hypotheses for why backdating of options has occurred. It can "simplify the negotiation" of an options package by holding the price constant while the number of options is discussed. It helps CEOs avoid "gaming" the stock price by timing the grant just before good news is announced. (More realistically, Mr. Jenkins says that it "eliminates a source of ill will" with the executive. You got that right.)

Oh, and it's perfectly understandable that companies would need rigged compensation packages during the late '90's, when the bubble "created unusual challenges for tech companies trying to recruit and keep talent."

And he credits higher pay for CEOs to a dynamic market for talent, not "board cronyism." (See this post on Home Depot CEO Bob Nardelli for a different view on that topic.)

Options are supposed to be performance-based. If the price is set artificially low, options generate potential returns immediately, at minimum diluting the connection between pay and performance.

Jenkins is right about one thing, at least. The illegality of this practice is not yet clear. But only the most naive or cynical observer would look at options backdating as an innocuous practice.

Boards, if you want to give CEOs cash, increase their bonus or salary. And tell the shareholders about it.

Mr. Jenkins, if you intended to give the other side of the story with respect to options backdating, please try again.

newspapers, media, Wall Street Journal, CEO compensation

Additional pain & suffering: obituary errors #9

2006-06-21T09:08:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Arthur Franz obituary: The obituary of actor Arthur Franz in Monday's California section incorrectly stated that his one starring role was in the 1952 film "The Sniper." Franz had several starring roles, mainly in B movies. The obituary also stated that Franz supplied the narration for "The Caine Mutiny." He narrated "Sands of Iwo Jima." He played a naval officer in "The Caine Mutiny," not "Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man."

newspapers, media, errors, movies

Scott Boras may think of himself as God, but Luke Hochevar doesn't

2006-06-21T08:59:00.000-04:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

Baseball: An article in Sports on June 7 quoted pitcher Luke Hochevar, drafted by the Kansas City Royals, as referring to "Scott" — Scott Boras, his agent — when in fact he used the word "God." Here is the correct quote: "God had a plan in this, and his master plan definitely worked. It was tough through it — you go through it and you fight it — but when it all comes down to it, God has a plan for you, and he definitely worked a miracle in my case."

newspapers, media, errors, baseball

Waiting for Godot's correction

2006-06-20T08:46:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times:

An article in The Arts on April 13 about Barney Rosset, the publisher who brought Samuel Beckett's work to the United States, misstated the terms of his deal to publish "Waiting for Godot." Grove Press, which Mr. Rosset owned, agreed to a contract with Les Éditions de Minuit, Beckett's French publisher, that called for a $200 advance — not $150 — for "Godot" (and $400 advances for the novels "Molloy" and "Malone Dies"). The deal also included a 7.5 percent royalty for the first 3,000 copies of "Godot" that were sold and 10 percent thereafter (along with an additional 2.5 percent for the translation). The royalty was not 2.5 percent.

The article also included a quotation from Mr. Rosset in which he said that Les Éditions de Minuit had said that Grove Press could not publish "Waiting for Godot." According to Georges Borchardt, a literary agent who negotiated the contract, Minuit was delighted to make the deal.

This correction was delayed by a reporting lapse. (Go to Article)

Frank Prial wrote the offending article (and by extension, committed the "reporting lapse." He also made errors in a recent obituary of Paris restaurateur Claude Terrail. That's two recent Times articles with significant mistakes (refer to this post). Mr. Prial, consider yourself on notice.

newspapers, media, errors