What's up with the retarded Scranton Times Web graphics?

They look like leftover eighth-grade computer class extra-credit projects, circa 1990. Please stop, whoever is behind this plot against the readers of NEPA.

A good reason to slit your wrists

This is a little old, but who can't love reading the staff bios at the Weekender, the worst entertainment weekly in America? It's shocking and appalling that five college graduates (Rachel Pugh, Tiffany Stine, Damion Pick, Katie Gross and Jenelle Price) put out such a poor excuse for a newspaper, even in Wilkes-Barre. It should be no surprise that three of them went to King's College. I hope mom and dad are happy they dropped $100,000 each so you could scam Thom Greco for free drinks, kids!

TL editor Matt Golas goes windmill-hunting

Golas drove around rural Wilkes-Barre so he could stand next to one of those giant windmills. But he apparently didn't want to walk more than 10 feet from his car, so no luck.

Former Times-Shamrock radio intern drops girl out of Harrisburg high-rise (allegedly)

Kevin Eckenrode of Scranton's Green Ridge section was charged with criminal homicide after Rachel Kozlusky's body -- clad only in panties and a sweater -- was found at the foot of Harrisburg's tallest building. Eckenrode once interned at Rock 107, owned by Times-Shamrock Communications.

What's up with the retarded Scranton Times Web graphics?

These Web graphics look like old extra-credit projects in computer class circa 1990. Please stop. You're hurting America.

Plagiarism problem for Stacy Brown of The Scranton Times?

The dohertydeceit.com message board has revealed that Stacy Brown, the City Hall reporter hired by The Scranton Times last October, was accused of plagiarism in a California lawsuit filed the month before.

Now, any asshole can file a lawsuit. And an accusation is just that -- an accusation. But the dohertydeceit.com users make the point that going from the big time to The Scranton Times smells funny. Brown better watch out; the people on that site won't be happy until they draw blood, and they hate the newspaper so much they'll do anything to draw that blood.

And Brown better have told his editors in Scranton about his legal problems before he was hired.

TL's Michele Harris calls on W-B blacks to speak up

Leading off with a quote from Mos Def, Times Leader copy editor Michele Harris concludes Black History Month with a call for black people to contribute to the op-ed page. She also notes what everyone sees but no one acknowledges -- that the Times Leader society pages are all white. If only SAYSO still existed to lampoon her well-thought column.

Chris Ritchie returns!

Former TL associate editor Chris Ritchie was at a confab at MMI prep school on Thursday night. A good time was had by all, Matt Golas reports, and refreshments were served after the event.

Lacka. Co. prison guard wants trial moved

I would, too, if I were him. The Scranton Times has staked a lot on the belief that Tolan and the other prison defendants are guilty. If they walk, heads will roll.

Even WNEP reports that WYOU's Frank Andrews might run

The only news organization we haven't heard from is... WYOU. They should be ashamed of themselves. Allowing a newsman to cover a community he's talking about representing in Harrisburg is shameful. But unsurprising.

Scranton Times carries water for TV news reader who lies about his name

The Scranton Times editorial page goes to bat for Frank Andrews, the WYOU-TV newsreader who has been lying for years about his name and now wants to run for the state legislature. Golly, we can't think of anyone more qualified for this job than... an airheaded TV guy. Sorry. Why doesn't the Times say that instead? That the people of northeastern PA deserve better? Whatever.

Matt Golas lives in elderly high-rise, likes to fish

The daily newsroom note returns after a two-week absence. Golas refers to his apartment at Provincial Tower as "loft-like." True only if Wilkes-Barre is full of "urban hipsters" and run by "progressive government."

Will WYOU's Frank Andrews use his real name on the ballot?

That's the question Borys Krawczeniuk of The Scranton Times explores in this slightly verbose story. The real question: Should Andrews/Shimkus be the news director of the local TV station if he's planning on running for office? S-h-a-d-y.

The TL's Iseman explains "alleged"

It's all about Hugo Selenski, and whether the paper has to say Hugo "allegedly" escaped even though the escape charges have been tossed. He also takes a not-so-veiled shot at DA Dave Lupas. Classy.

Case against Lackawanna Co. prison guard will go to trial

Despite the routine nature of the story, make no mistake: The reputation of The Scranton Times is riding on whether the county prison trial ends up with convictions or comes apart. Keep reading.

Matt Smith named new Electric City editor

Matt Smith, a square white guy who was working at TimeOFF Bucks County in the Philly suburbs, arrives to make the already-awful Electric City better. Hopefully. Hey, pal: Let's stop with the anyhoos, alright?

Times Leader still holding onto Hugo notes

Notes from reporter Dave Weiss and his Hugo Selenski jailhouse interviews are what prosecutors want. The interesting part of the story: It says a reporter "from another newspaper" is playing ball with the DA and handed over his notes. When the heat is on, the CV has never met an ass it wouldn't kiss.

WYOU's Frank Andrews to run for Pa. House?

Turns out he's been lying about his name all these years, and he's really. Frank Shimkus. Borys Krawczeniuk's Roderick Random has a few details. Shades of Keith Martin....

Rachel Pugh, guardian of the Weekender

The kids down at the Weekender have "reinvented" themselves for us. Joy!

"I have personally approached attractive young women in the restrooms of clubs, telling them they should be Weekender models," Rachel Pugh writes. "If you get approached, be flattered, because we’re being choosy and we want the best of the best."

Christ.