Topeka Capital Journal

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 1:53pm on Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Photojournalists Gather to Honor Topeka Capital-Journal Photo Director

-- Rich Clarkson referred to as someone 'we all wanted to murder at one time or another'

National Public Radio (NPR) reported on its web site, NPR.org, on July 27, 2010:

"About two weekends ago, a curious happening took place in Oregon. Thirty-five of the country's sharpest shooters flew in from around the world to surprise a man they all "wanted to murder," as Brian Lanker, the organizer, put it.

There was no bloodshed. The "shooters" were photojournalists. And the object of their murderous thoughts goes by the name Rich Clarkson, because that is his name, one of the most influential forces in journalism — a force to be reckoned with, beyond doubt. "Though maybe we all wanted to murder him at one time or another," Lanker clarified on the phone, "[it was] a gathering of people who really love and respect and who are thankful for exactly what he did for us."

As former director of photography at the Topeka Capital-Journal in Kansas, what Clarkson did for them was build a newsroom with a singular visual voice. Starting in the 1950s, he hired a bunch of young ruffians and, with tough love that seemed more like hate, turned them into the photojournalists that dominate the industry today.

"You can't have in that short 25-year span," Lanker, himself a Pulitzer-winner, explained, "a photo staff that has six national Newspaper Photographer of the Year awards, a National Magazine Photographer of the Year award, four Pulitzer Prizes, the editor-in-chief of National Geographic ... Magnum photographers, directors of photography... You can't have all of that going on and say that someone wasn't responsible for that."

A ruthless editor, Clarkson smashed dreams and built careers."

The full story:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2010/07/21/128674753/topeka

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 10:03pm on Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Bill Kurtis for governor? The TV news icon is not interested, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported on June 15, 2009:

"Imagine the advertising possibilities for former Topeka TV newsman Bill Kurtis if he ever jumped into politics.

“For God’s sake, vote Democrat,” Kurtis might say, goofing on his steely anchorman persona like he’s done in commercials and movies lately.

But despite recent speculation about Kurtis possibly becoming a Democratic candidate for Kansas governor in 2010, he said it’s pure fantasy to think he’s pursuing the nomination.

“No, I am not running for governor. Not interested in it,” he said in a telephone message Monday. “I’m just trying to survive the depression. And judging from the success I’m having, I have no business handling anybody else’s money, let alone the taxpayers’.”

OK, so maybe Kurtis is content to raise cattle in Sedan, run his TV production company in Chicago and do commercial and film work."

The full story:
http://www.cjonline.com/opinion/2009-06-15/column_bill_kurtis_for_governor_not_interested_tv_news_icon_says

BKWright    Wichita, USA

Posted at 8:58am on Friday, July 4, 2008

Regarding recent event in Marshall County --

I was appalled at the news which reached Wichita recently regarding the heinous act upon one who was "different" from the "other" citizens of Marshall County. However, it is comforting to know that some things never change. Marshall County is as racist as it always has been, and undoubtedly always will remain so. The knowledge of white skinned people treating one of darker skin in such a way as was done recently is absolutely appalling.

I am pleased with myself for choosing a different life, a life in a city of great diversity, and raising my daughter here has made her the accepting young woman she has become. She attended a private college preparatory school here in Wichita with students from every country in the world, and has found the recent events in Marshall County extremely offensive. I'm certain everyone in Marysville, and surrounding communities, knows of which events I speak; the Valley Heights students who have now and who should always remain behind bars, if not executed. Perhaps these white students should be tied up and urinated upon, painted black, etc., but I'm sure they will be dealt with accordingly in prison. My personal opinion is that the parents of the white offenders should also face capital punishment, as hatred is not innate, but is learned.

To those of you in Marshall County who have adopted African-American children, let this event be a warning to you. If you think your children are in some way immune to hate crimes, think again. This same heinous act, or an act similar, could and according to statistics probably will be inflicted upon your children of color. So, I wouldn't be laughing about this event just yet, if I were you.

Before you who reside in Marshall County become too pompous, perhaps you need a reminder of your own roots. One need only peruse the local Marshall County phone books to realize that the majority of the citizens are of German descent. I wonder how many of your fathers and grandfathers marched with Hitler's Army. I do remember a time when the local high school band marched a lot like the "goose stepping" of Hitler's Army, and, as we all know, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

And, to those of you who practice Catholicism, I've only one thing to say, "Please do not harm any more children"; you know what I mean.

As my daughter thankfully does not understand how the aforementioned act could have happened, she does now feel as if she is unwelcome to visit in Marysville as she is not of German descent, but rather of Swedish and British descent. I simply told her that some people will always be stupid, as those of Marshall County seem to be.

With love,

Brenda Kay Land Wainwright