Speaking Frankly

Well, the best place is to begin is usually at the beginning. I am Michael Frank, the copy editor for The Post-Journal (so just ignore the title of Dave Emke's blog.) I could list all my rooting interests and other affiliations, but they will be very clear as I roll along. I have been with The Post-Journal since August 2008. I started as a part-timer in the sports department, then came to the copy desk last summer. I have worked in the newspaper field since 1996, at St. Marys, Pennsylvania and Greenville, Ohio. Having shared my opinions on a wide variety of topics with my newsroom colleagues, I have been encouraged to join the blog lineup. Well, why not?

For the initial dive, I'll hit a few topics. I hope to keep you informed, entertained, and if I tick somebody off once in a while — that's life in the big city. HEEEEERE WE GO: Super Bowl — Game was great, commericals were okay, halftime I didn't watch. The Super Bowl champion Saints is a phrase that's gonna take a while. But we all got used to the NBA champion Heat and the Ducks taking the Stanley Cup. My condolences to Simon Teska, a Colts backer. As an Ohio State fan, I've had to suffer through a couple championship losses.

The commercials: Good — Doritos and Bud Lite were my personal favorites. Doritos for the little kid slapping the guy for taking a chip. Bud Lite for the "house of cans" and the Lost parody. Also the E Trade baby with the "milkaholic" girlfriend. Bad — Cars.com (ripoff of last year), Homeaway (dragging Chevy Chase out of retirement, where he should have stayed); Coke Simpsons ad (NOT Funny).)

Also, there was an awful lot of hype for the ad with Tim Tebow's mother. After I saw it, my reaction was "That's it?" For the record, the words "pro life" were never uttered. ——— Continuing on Mr. Tebow, specifically his alma mater: I am a lifelong Ohio State fan. I was born in Columbus. THE Ohio State University and The Best Damn Band In The Land are my passion every fall. (I keep track of the hoops team, but with a bit less zeal.) My #1 team to hate is That School Up North. Translation: Michigan. As for Florida, they're right up there. I didn't mind them when they had the Ol' Ball Coach Mr. Spurrier. Losing championship games in football and basketball in 2007 didn't help. But Urban Meyer, that's a different story. News story #1: Urban Meyer to resign due to health reasons. Fair enough, I thought, college football's not worth your life. Plus, his family was very happy. News story #2: The "resignation" then became a "leave of absence" and he'd probably be back for the fall. THEN, he followed that with he's basically going on vacation for a couple months and coming back for spring football! If you're going to quit for your health, then QUIT. ——— Okay, one more, as I promised my colleagues: When I am driving, I occasionally need to make a left turn, and usually have to wait for oncoming traffic to clear. (My insurance rates are high enough, thank you.) Apparently, in New York state, a left turn blinker equals "Hey everybody zip past on the right, even if it means going onto the shoulder" I'm a NASCAR fan, but I don't need a personal recreation of Talladega. Apparently, it's legal. That doesn't mean it's a good idea. Especially this time of year, roads are band, and cars can spin out very easily.

Well, I'll be back soon with more takes on this little corner of the universe. Until then, speak frankly!