What's going on? What's happening?

Every once in a possum's year, someone bests us in the journalism-commentary department. I know, I know. It's hard to fathom. But it's true.

See this piece in America's Finest News Source and tell me the fictional "Jerry Schoepke" isn't modeled exclusively after one Gregonomous P. Orear. Yeah, it's an older clip, but it's every bit as true now as it was back in April 2002, the same year the KDE first appeared online.

On top of his weekly reporting duties, Schoepke writes a monthly column titled "What's Happening?" in which he comments on everything from local goings-on to national trends. Schoepke said the column is his favorite part of the job.

"What's Happening? is the part of the paper where I can get a little crazy," Schoepke said. "It gives me a chance to get anything and everything off my chest."

It's uncanny!

"What's Going On" was Grego's favorite, too, until a small team of bloggers started pestering him about "mistakes" and "inaccuracies" by posting comments on his Web site, most of which he deleted and kept secret. Jerry Schoepke is one of the lucky ones.

"The Gazette needs to keep pushing the envelope to remain relevant in today's media environment," Schoepke said. "So far, I think we're doing a pretty good job. You'd be surprised how often someone says to me, 'Hey, Jerry, I saw that article you wrote in the paper.' It's at least a few times a year. That's a good feeling."

No, this is a good feeling. For the first time in the DG's long, illustrious life, we don't feel so... alone.

:)