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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

The Slice

The elder statesman of the newsroom?

There exists the very real possibility that in the near future I will become, at 62, the oldest person working in the SR newsroom.

I could be forgetting someone. (If so, I apologize for the oversight.) And a few of those older than myself might decide not to retire after all in the weeks to come.

But, assuming things play out like I expect they will, I will be oldest SR editorial employee. (There will remain a handful of colleagues who, though younger, have been at this newspaper longer.)

So what does this mean for readers? Not much really.

But within the newsroom, this new senior status will bring with it new responsibility.

It will now fall to me to be the one who recalls, for the benefit of the young cubs, the old days.

You know, typewriters, ringing phones, ash trays, whiskey flasks, and "Get me rewrite!"

Actually, some of that was before my time. But I guess when you are the designated keeper of the flame, you can decide for yourself what to tell stories about.

I've already laid claim to recognized status as "That crazy old guy who sits back in the corner."

But I suppose my Newsroom Curmudgeon act could use improvement. I just have to figure out what is the newsroom equivalent of "Get off my lawn!"  

 



The Slice

The online home for Paul Turner's musings and interactions with disciples of The Slice.