CBS correspondent Elizabeth Palmer speaks volumes

Elizabeth Palmer, a correspondent for CBS News gave an excellent report this morning from Paris about how the French snapped up every copy of the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo.  The magazine was the target of a terrorist attack last week that killed staff and police.

Over the last few days, there has been a discussion in the media as to whether the media should show the cover of the magazine.  Critics say covers that depict the prophet Mohammed are disrespectful and incite violence.  The attack, claimed by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, was precipatated it says by previous covers that also depicted the prophet Mohammed.

The discussion has mostly been around the reaction by print and online publications and should they or shouldn’t they reprint Charlie Hebdo’s controversial images.  The intesting thing about Ms. Palmer’s report was that at the end of it, she calmly held her copy of the magazine up to the camera while doing her lockout.

The thing is, the report showed many French buying, holding and reading the magazine.  And for at least the last two days, the proposed cover has been broadcast around the world in advance of the record setting 3-million print run.  And while journalists are discouraged from editorializing, they can occasionally say something without directly saying it.

Ms. Palmer didn’t have to hold the magazine up in front of the camera as  she was ending her report, but as a journalist, she was also making a statement.  I think she was saying, as were the  French and journalists around the world, “We own this”.  A friend had another interpretation; “F—- You, Al-Qaeda.”

Either way, classily done, Ms. Palmer.

What do a chef and a lesbian latina have in common?

Me.

Did two interviews today, both great.  The first was with Melanie Davis.  She is a lesbian latina who runs a publishing conglomerate; Brilliant Media, Su Publica and two publications – El Hispanic News, and Proud Queer Monthly.  She loves her Harley and she loves the fact that she has a firm foot in both the Hispanic and the LGBTQ communities.  We had a great conversation.

And, later, I talked with Pascal Sauton.  He recently won an award of America’s Hottest Chef contest sponsored by Eats magazine and website.  And he did it with a beer belly and a great sense of humor.  Pascal is old school.  He apprenticed in Paris and works with interns from the local culinary school.  He has a lot to say about new trends like foraging, food carts and what people should be able to expect for their money.

Both of these interviews should be up and out by Friday, if not before.