A reader could fairly construe that we here at the Journal have an obsession with all things herpetological. In the past month or so, we have published stories about the search for hellbender salamanders in Watauga County, a lost iguana in West Salem, and today’s expose on an alligator that wound up in Lake Katharine. I won’t speak for the rest of the newsroom, but I plead guilty to my interest in lizards and such. Moreover, the world is a scary place, and story about our interaction with the wild are a nice change from the mayhem of the day to day. I don’t expect a series on reptiles of the Triad, but if you get a picture of a huge snapping turtle that’s backed your dog into a corner, give me a buzz.
On a more serious note, we published a serious look at the restructuring of HanesBrands and the financial and personnel measures that companies use to measure success. This is a anniversary story of sorts, and on occasion, I think that we may do too many of these look back/look ahead stories. But my preference is to err on the side of doing these pieces. Newspapers are often called the first draft of history, and history is at its most simple, recounting what happened during a particular time frame.
Here’s a little art for the OTTERBLOG community. A week or so ago, Scott Sexton wrote a column about a guy named Curtis McCullough who is running for president. Mr. McCullough wrote me a nice note and included a political cartoon he did. His art skills are a little rusty, but I’ve seen worse.
And finally, your OTTERBLOG on video. Let me know what you think. I apologize for rocking back and forth like Norman Bates’ mother. It’s my rolling chair. Probably why I’m in front of keyboard and not a camera. Enjoy.
Your host is Ken Otterbourg, the managing editor at the Winston-Salem Journal. It's a forum to discuss the media, from 
An update: OTTERBLOG Sr. called to remind me that my interest in slimy and scaly goes way back. We had at various times a bog turtle and newt when I was a kid, and it was largely due to his efforts that they lived for years and years. With the clarity of hindsight and somewhat accumulated wisdom, I also now realize that it’s best to leave wild things where you find them --- in the wild.
Good job on the video. I’d say you were a little smoother than John Robinson was with his initial efforts over at the N&R;.
As you (not you personally, but the Journal staff) get more comfortable with video do you foresee hosting video submitted via local citizens?
Hi Jon,
First, Ken is quite smooth, isn’t he?
Second, we just recently launched an application to host videos from our local audience. We’d love for you to check it out - click here or go to http://www.journalnow.com and click on the puppy where it says “Send in your photos & videos”
Right now, the videos and photos are categorized by topic or “channels.” We’re excited about the early phases of this new product from Media General, our parent company, and we’re developing new ways for it to be a service to our readers.
Enjoy!
- Jessamyn Annis, JournalNow.com Content Manager
Hi Jessamyn,
I tried to upload a video but it timed out on me. I’ll give it another try later, but I’m glad to see you guys offering the capability.
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