There are times when I think that the concept of karma is complete nonsense, a foolish bit of flightiness that should be brushed aside without further consideration. At other times, karma really seems to fit a situation. It really, really fits.

A couple years back, Don Corrigan (my college newspaper adviser and the longtime editor of the Webster-Kirkwood Times) called me for a quote on a topic that he was writing about: the 1959 tornado that hit Midtown and created Gaslight Square as a strange, undpredictable side effect. As these things sometimes go, I didn’t really get back to Don in time and the anniversary passed without my quote in his piece. A couple months later, outside the newspaper office at Webster U., he justifiably gave me an earful of grief. I was busted. All I could do was nervously laugh and take the ribbing, which was delivered with (mostly) good nature.

This all veers back to this week’s Webster-Kirkwood Times and yesteryear’s Gaslight Square.

Some months back, I met with a pair of gentlemen (Richard Fuegner and David Roth) who were putting together a new book on Gaslight Square, which has been circulating into bookstores recently as “Gaslight Square Illuminated: The Rise & Fall of St. Louis Premier ‘Hot Spot.'” They sought me out because I’d done a previous book on the subject, “Gaslight Square: An Oral History.” We three sat down at the Bread Co. on Watson and kicked things around for an hour; I wished them well, told them to attribute any quotes from my book (which I welcomed them to do), and figured I’d see a title eventually.

What really got my attention this week was a cover story in the Webster-Kirkwood Times, written by Linda Marie Briggs-Harty. The eye-catcher was this quote, early in the piece:

Co-authors Richard Fuegner and David Roth said they were surprised no one had written a history of the Square to date.

“One other book quotes those who lived it, but ours is the first to outline the Square’s development–and demise,” Fuegner said.

I could say all kinds of things about the second ‘graf, but I’ll lead it off by simply saying this: Fuegner’s comment is bullshit.

Bullshit because writers should have the common courtesy to cite a prior work by name, rather than the vague description given by Fuegner, and passed along by Briggs-Harty. Bigger bullshit is the inference of their being first. To more accurately re/paraphrase the above, “‘Gaslight Square: An Oral History’ contains plenty of outlines about the Square’s development – and demise.” It follows a clear, sequential timeline of the Square’s history and works in most of the touchstones: the tornado, the arrival of key businesses, the departure of O’Connell’s in 1972, etc. The two had apparently thought about doing this book for long time. I don’t question why they took their time, nor do I begrudge another title (or many titles) on the subject; in fact, they were there and I wasn’t, so their stories have a certain weight. But I do wince when fellow media members take shortcuts like this, on a topic that speaks to my credibility.

So back to karma.

I work as a journalist in town, writing for straight-up news sources as a non-contractual, paid-per-piece freelance journalist. I also do promotional writing for several businesses, mostly done through handshake arrangements. Within the last year, I’ve ghostwritten advertising and marketing copy, and have penned anonymous advertorial content for others. In the modern media climate, being a professional writer means wearing many hats; some of them feel rather uncomfortable. During all these processes, I’m certain that I’ve cut a corner, or two, if judged by a media ethics workbook. All of us treat new media with some degree of confusion, posting, cross-posting, taking what makes sense and playing loose with attributions and citations. The need for speed’s a big part of all this, too, as writers aren’t just expected to execute assignments quickly, but to write cheaply, often for trade. And, frankly, when asked to crank content for next-to-nothing on tight deadlines, there’re few of us who take all the time we should, making things perfect every time out.

Maybe that’s the lesson I’m to take from the quote above. Slow down, take time, be precise, and be upfront about conflicting interests.

But if I’m in the penalty box for a bit of self-reflective time, I’m not going to completely limit myself from advocacy. Advocacy for myself and projects that matter to me.

I’m reserving the right to call bullshit when it’s deserved. And Richard and David, let’s cut out this “first book” talk okay? Because, frankly, that’s bullshit.

Films, “Broken English“: Netflix seems to feel that this Parker Posey vehicle is a comedy. If you enjoy laughing at someone as they slowly lose their mind, you’ll find this a laugh riot. For maximum effect, watch late at night, when in a comedic-desiring mood!

Inscriptions, Aaron Belz’s “Lovely, Raspberry“: At Left Bank Books, Belz took my book. Looked left. Looked right. Thought for a second. Looked left again. And then wrote, “Thomas! 1.26.11.” Damn! This cat’s the personification of brevity, the soul of wit and all that. (Great book, for sure.)

Post-“Wire” viewing, “The Corner“: To reference back to the original thought here, consider the HBO mini-series “The Corner” for that day when you want to be taken back down to Earth. Happy and don’t wanna be? But wanting to get drawn into a good show? And are you obsessing on Baltimore’s street-level drug trade? If all are “yes,” here’s your show.

Better-late-than-never, Todd Rundgren: At least the ’70s-era version. Apparently, I’ve just not been paying attention.

Lost-but-now-found, the art book: Karen Ried, you scamp!

Want, iPad: Why wouldn’t I/you/anyone else want one? Damn. Magic machines.

Books, “No More Prisons” by William Upski Wimsatt: Liberals will love. Conservatives will hate. I fall on the side of super-like.

Countdowns, March 15: First day of racing at Fairmount Park. It’s low-end, but it’s close. Bless them ponies.

Gigs, Lockwood & Summit: Raking the major coin for blogging here. Do check in, please?

Neighborliness, snow: Nothing brings a neighborhood together like a good snowfall? Need some salt? How about a push? Could ya use some de-icer? Man, we’re so much nicer when facing some minor difficulties!

Spring (into infinity) project, raising chickens: This seems like such a possibly joyous/possibly terrible idea. It’s that dichotomy that makes it so exciting.

Hobby, writing pitch letters: You fellow freelancers feelin’ me? What’s a bigger joy?

Urban exploration, this one guy:

Once it’s in the media, it’s official.

There’s going to be a Painkillers CD coming out. Just a few months from now. I’m writing the liner notes. Which is a process needing a start.

How weird: an idea becoming reality. Guess I just have to deal. And start writing.

Okay, then. It’s official.

A few weeks back, with mics open, I discussed KDHX’s lack of ready-to-brew tea bags while broadcasting “Silver Tray.” As a non-coffee drinker, my ability to kick in a bit of green caffeine for two hours is directly proportionate to the quality of my rock show. Lo! A few weeks later, a large box arrived at the station, with a fine assortment of six different tea blends. The note below also arrived electronically, just prior to the shipment. Though unable to mention a brand name on the air, due to public radio rules, there’s no restriction on my singing praises about the Republic of Tea in this space, nor is there any limit on my pitching the Republic’s awesome opportunity to become the Official Tea of ThomasCrone.com!:

Dear Thomas Crone-

News travels fast…

I’m in California at the home office of The Republic of Tea, the leading purveyor of premium tea. We heard you are looking to receive some green tea for you and for your team. We are here to help.

We would love to send you all types of our premium green teas for your sipping enjoyment.

Just let me know if you would like to receive it at the studio or an alternative location.

Thank you,

Marideth Post
Minister of Enlightenment (communications)

Am figuring that I’ve taught about 1,000 students at Webster University over the last 13 or 14 years. Have to say that my favorite-student-’til-now just walked out of my classroom, after taking his final exam and, then, methodically cleaning out his bursting, yet meticulously-organized, multi-pocket folder. Since the young man’s been in the two intro classes that I teach on a regular basis, it’s unlikely that I’ll run across him in this context again, which is a bit of a bummer since his personality (and oversized headphones) never did anything but put a smile on my face.

Enjoy teaching? At times.

Oddly nostalgic over the hyper-immediate past? Probably.

Weepy? Might just be.

Sniff.

Happy

and

thankful

to

retire

this

monthly

concept,

with

this

particular

post;

cheers!