Baled up by the sands of time

You mean about Joe Zonka?

“Hey Eric! Hope you’ve been well! I was wondering…”

Silly me, only saving the nice notes.

This whole saga makes me a little sad I didn't save a nasty note I got from Eric Deters on my old work email account. He didn't like a story I wrote, typed a message, printed it, signed it, scanned it and then emailed it to me as an attachment.

In your defense, 2016 never actually ended and we're all still in it.

In addition to being a stellar beat reporter, Ben is also a stand-up guy and someone with tremendous integrity. I admire his dedication to his principles and hope all y’all Cats fans will support his new endeavor.

When political candidates dodge reporters because they don't like taking questions ... ... skip debates because they don't like explaining themselves with opponents present ... ... what happens if they get elected to office and have to actually deal with diverse sets of real people? ^JC

I feel like giving someone $300k and not getting even “one favor” might actually be the definition of a “sucker.”

*adds to my list of activities*

Stage an intervention if it starts to give this vibe, though.

Honestly, y’all… I’m having a blast being unemployed. Do you know how much time I have for arts, crafts, hobbies and assorted whimsy these days?

What does one do with approximately 250 unused business cards?

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I will miss the Herald-Leader more than I can express. This newsroom has introduced me to some of the best colleagues I've ever known. Everyone is supportive, a team-player and dedicated to the work. It has the healthiest culture of anywhere I've been. A good newsroom, with even better people.

Unserious exhibit B:

As an editor, I still tried to write as time allowed. It didn't often allow, so when it did, I had to make it count by being as unserious as possible. Exhibit A:

John's last big project we worked on together was a deep dive into Kentucky's troubled nursing homes. No one else in the state is a watchdog for the vulnerable quite like John. Nursing homes, day care centers, DJJ and more.

Last but not least, John Cheves. I've read John's work since I was in college and have long admired his talents. Imagine how delightful it was to find out he's also kind and funny! John is known for his accountability work, but he can write anything. Take this for example:

Do you know how intimidating it is to edit a living legend like Bill freakin' Estep??? Very!! Not because of his personality — he's literally one of the nicest men ever — but because he's talented and knows everyone and everything. So when he told me I made this piece better, I nearly cried.