tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post3645831696669238963..comments2024-02-24T18:44:39.324-08:00Comments on Trials & Tribulations: Fact Checking Mark Bowden's Curious Vanity Fair Article on Stephanie LazarusSprockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-68022266398482735322012-06-25T18:57:50.617-07:002012-06-25T18:57:50.617-07:00Dominick Dunne would be very proud of you.Dominick Dunne would be very proud of you.Kathynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-78540407792675340072012-06-25T17:59:48.490-07:002012-06-25T17:59:48.490-07:00Betsey his reporting was not as good and accurate ...Betsey his reporting was not as good and accurate as your...Kittynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-8907114184982608052012-06-24T13:14:07.310-07:002012-06-24T13:14:07.310-07:00Sprocket, Thank you for your efforts to always pre...Sprocket, Thank you for your efforts to always present a detailed and accurate account of the court cases you attend and report.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I wasn't able to follow the Lazarus case as closely as I wanted because of everyday life,so I won't comment on the specifics or whether the errors in the article were significant(To each their own); however, there certainly seems to be a good deal of creative license taken for an article presented as investigative journalism. What I DO know is you're an honorable and kind person, so I trust if you felt the critique was worthy of your time it was important.katfishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17677596326492200191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-53940619064926360382012-06-23T10:58:57.928-07:002012-06-23T10:58:57.928-07:00A small quibble regards #6: the detectives didn...A small quibble regards #6: the detectives didn't need to know Lazarus for her to be an 'esteemed colleague'. She was still a colleague, and apparently esteemed by some.Camhttp://www.twitter.com/sexenheimernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-38418648637842857972012-06-22T08:44:05.010-07:002012-06-22T08:44:05.010-07:00As Joe Friday used to say...Just the Facts, Mam......As Joe Friday used to say...Just the Facts, Mam...<br /><br />Don’t you give a single worry or thought to the little narrow minded critics. You were our witness, our internet voice and you have countless grateful fans. You were there! You catalogued a myriad of documents. You lived this case! Your Mark Bowden critique was appropriate.<br />Just the Facts Mam!<br /><br />Mark Bowden’s writing is talented and immensely readable. The guy can certainly turn a phrase. For the large percentage of VF readers who knew nothing of this story beforehand, his reporting is truly informative. But I agree investigative reporting needs to be if nothing, factual. It’s what we are all about as Americans. The truth!<br /><br />On behalf of your countless admirers...Good Job! BJ in SVAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-17370318354686028912012-06-22T07:08:10.961-07:002012-06-22T07:08:10.961-07:00Thanks, debbiescalisi! I loved your comment in th...Thanks, debbiescalisi! I loved your comment in the booking photo post "I am a betting woman...." It goes without saying that I hope Scott is surrounded by caring family and friends, and that he's able to go on and have a happy life with his daughter. Oh, and that he'll one day remarry. SL deserves the same emotional torture she's inflicted on countless others. Make that *more* emotional torture. <br /><br />Sprocket, have any of the jury members spoken about their deliberations/experiences? Perhaps these will be addressed in Matthew's book.Maddienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-22367119807680733432012-06-22T01:51:27.236-07:002012-06-22T01:51:27.236-07:00I read the Vanity Fair article standing in the dru...I read the Vanity Fair article standing in the drug store waiting for a prescription to be filled so I did not take the time to fine-line it and things that seemed different I attributed to my own oversight. We are all spoiled by Sprocket's diligent & thorough reporting. I am not a writer so I cannot say if Mark Bowden was being sloppy or just trying to jazz up some things in the article. BTW, I loved Maddie's two comments: (1) John Ruetten still throwing up over the Hawaii encounter with SL. That is one of the worse details of this case; AND (2) about Dominick Dunne: my mom loved his writings and was hooked on his trial reporting back in 1994 with his Nicole Simpson murder/O.J. Simpson coverage.debbiescalisinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-3078797930472664922012-06-21T20:42:14.304-07:002012-06-21T20:42:14.304-07:00Sprocket: I for one am thankful for your respect ...Sprocket: I for one am thankful for your respect of truth and facts. I have not read the VF article yet, I plan on doing that next, but was interested in the above responses. It is only because I have read your blog, that when reading other articles re: this case I realize at once when facts are wrong. Thank you for your effort and I applaud your search for the truth in reporting.Caroleanne19noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-20857526778080263622012-06-21T20:16:15.042-07:002012-06-21T20:16:15.042-07:00I have listened to the Lazarus interview I don'...I have listened to the Lazarus interview I don't know how many times. It was fascinating to me so I never tired of it. Fascinating and satisfying. When I read the VF piece I was so surprised at the errors. And I wondered why?? I still do. Now I do not trust for accurate truth any of what the author has written. Thank you, Sproket for keeping the record straight.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-73225170547435035892012-06-21T17:57:28.131-07:002012-06-21T17:57:28.131-07:00I think the editors should be apprised of what you...I think the editors should be apprised of what you found.<br /><br />The practice of patching and re-arranging quotes and pieces of conversation is more akin to the style of reporting---if you can call it that----of the National Enquirer. In fact, the LA Times covered it as part of the lawsuits by Carol Burnett and Carroll O'Connor in their respective lawsuits many years ago. I remember it well.<br />-Wes J.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-42177617830334435452012-06-21T17:00:23.389-07:002012-06-21T17:00:23.389-07:00@ Anonymous "senior moments" i couldnt a...@ Anonymous "senior moments" i couldnt agree more, being an avid sprocket fan (I read this blog every day 10 x a day) and followed the SL file inside and out..so i can understand where you are coming from in that Sprocket would be critiquing the VF Article i cannot speak for "evict obama" but my comments are striclty meant to be constructive in a very respectful way. Im sure evictobama feels the same way. i guess we just are so anxious to hear about SL herself, that we didnt understadnt what the big deal was. ALL MY RESPECTS TO SPROCKET AND ALL OF THE READERS ON HERE...tina from sphillynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-75347168126305580052012-06-21T15:11:22.810-07:002012-06-21T15:11:22.810-07:00I'm really surprised at the intense reactions ...I'm really surprised at the intense reactions to Sprocket's blog comparisons with the VF author. Yes, perhaps the errors she pointed out thus far were primarily in the details, but for those of us who regularly read Sprocket's blog, we know that she prides herself on "getting it right" and that's what we appreciate about her reportage. It's why we come here. For someone of Bowden's reputation to toy with those details does not seem appropriate or even necessary. The story itself lacks nothing in drama and does not need rearranging or mis-quotes, however small, to make it more dramatic. It must be offensive to one who attended every day of the trial and has access to evidence and transcripts to see facts, small or large, reported inaccurately. As was long ago said, "The devil is in the details" and if the details are not accurate, then every other part of the story is open to suspicion - rightly or wrongly.<br /><br />A civil exchange of ideas is what Sprocket has always encouraged on her blog and hopefully, the tone of those espressions will reflect that civility whether one agrees or disagrees with the author/poster's opinion.<br /><br />SeniorMomentsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-39744787776563093792012-06-21T14:18:30.762-07:002012-06-21T14:18:30.762-07:00@ Tina
Your spelling's fine with me & mor...@ Tina <br />Your spelling's fine with me & moreso the content.Just glad someone else can see the unnecessary 'bashing' too!<br />At the end of the day the purpose of MB's article is to reach the general public in an interesting & vivid manner.The average reader aint going to give a monkeys if a few of the questions are a little out of order or if she was sat inside or outside a Costco.The details highlighted are so trivial i'm frankly astonished.If Bowden had've said Rassmussen had been knifed,yes.There probably isn't a true crime book or journal on the planet that is 100% written on fact.<br />I'm really sure the average VF reader discussing the Lazarus case with a friend is going to say,"hey you know what,Jim, Lazarus was sat inside the Costco!Fancy that eh!" <br />Far more likely to say the murdering bitch got what she deserved,a long time in the slammer!EvictObamanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-71774296714167077192012-06-21T14:04:59.791-07:002012-06-21T14:04:59.791-07:00In my opinion, Betsy Ross' good efforts are un...In my opinion, Betsy Ross' good efforts are unpaid and by some, under appreciated. Mr. Evict Obama's angry accusations have no place here. His "handle" says it all, don't you think? Very likely a narrow minded Fox News, Bill O'Reily, Rush Limbaugh addict with issues. Once again, Betsy. Thank you so very much for taking us all into the courtroom, behind the scenes and sharing your valuable and knowledgeable contacts and information. BJ in SVAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-23534605146462706372012-06-21T13:51:03.362-07:002012-06-21T13:51:03.362-07:00Evict Obama, you have said what you believe and th...Evict Obama, you have said what you believe and that's okay with me. Personally, I like to read something written with style and flair AND with all the facts correct.<br /><br />IMHO, the section of dialogue taken out of order and put together to make a more compelling article robs it of veracity.<br /><br />His dialogue would make a decent screenplay, perhaps.ritanitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798894468241676294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-49786148630684852842012-06-21T13:13:51.792-07:002012-06-21T13:13:51.792-07:00As has been said many times, you are entitled to y...As has been said many times, you are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts. If a journalist conflates a quote, and/or changes the order of questions and answers when they have the tape to refer to is plainly and simply wrong. It is a distortion. If they withhold facts or put words in people's mouths it is wrong. It is a distortion.<br /><br />If that journalist goes on to make other statements that are untrue and quite easily fact checked it puts everything in the piece at question. The claim that the article was 99.9% true is the question at hand. I don't want to read an article and have to guess which statement out of 100 was a lie. Or to feel comfortable that this time Mr. Bowden got it 86% right but next time he will be in the low nineties. <br /><br />It's either all right or it is shoddy journalism worthy of lining the cat's box and nothing more. If one does not fight for the truth, the whole truth and nothing but, then we settle for lies and spend the rest of our days trying to figure out what was true and what was not. Eventually half truths take on a life of their own and eventually they substitute for the truth. <br /><br />I applaud Sprocket for pointing out half truths in the Vanity Fair article and I hope she blisters his behind with the second posting. You act as if she should be ashamed because Mr. Bowden's article is largely a work of fiction. <br /><br />I'd love to see you swear in witnesses.... "Do you swear to mostly tell the truth for at least 99.9% of the time so help you God?Robertnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-22440291465486040472012-06-21T13:05:51.509-07:002012-06-21T13:05:51.509-07:00Once Again, I agree with EvictObama. i understand ...Once Again, I agree with EvictObama. i understand that Sprocket has every right to comment ont he VF article, and she is probably correct in her opinion. but i just thoguht it was a bit much, sorta "bashing" it. anywho, thank you for letting ALL OF US write on here. I would hope sprocket would agree that the beauty of having a blog is not to just have people totally agree with everything you say or write, but to criticize constructively, which i feel we all have done. thanks again.. oh and pardon my spelling...tina from sphillynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-36574302055905194872012-06-21T13:01:54.199-07:002012-06-21T13:01:54.199-07:00OE -- I liked that Bowden line, too.
I'll jus...OE -- I liked that Bowden line, too.<br /><br />I'll just say this about the Vanity Fair piece -- Dominick Dunne was a hard act to follow. I know *I* wouldn't want to do it. Perhaps MB's article would have had a better fit in People. (And I don't mean that as a slight -- I have a friend who writes for that mag.)Maddienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-74217887126721916552012-06-21T12:42:55.031-07:002012-06-21T12:42:55.031-07:00Maddie said...
Thank you so much, OE -- I stand co...Maddie said...<br />Thank you so much, OE -- I stand corrected.<br /><br />Sprocket, you really are too kind to allow posters who spew such vitriol.<br /><br />a)Thanks for accepting the correction.b)It's not vitriol,it's called having an opposing opinion & not being afraid to say it!I creep to nobody.I've folowed & read this blog on Lazarus' murder case avidly but I really feel the petty dissection of another's in such detail is totally unnecessary & serves more to illustrate the bloggers antagonism at being 'overshadowed.'<br />Best line from MB:Three days later the lab confirmed that the mouth on that straw was the mouth that had bitten Sherri Rasmussen’s forearm in a violent struggle 23 years ago.<br />Any ordinary reporter/journalist/blogger would've just said the DNA matched.<br />That is the originality & class of Bowden.EvictObamanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-87698361702876257662012-06-21T12:12:59.143-07:002012-06-21T12:12:59.143-07:00EvictObama, many people don't think Lazarus we...EvictObama, many people don't think Lazarus went to the condo with murderous intent. She may have just been on one of her obsessive snooping expeditions. However, Sherri was unexpectedly home from work that day, and the situation became deadly. I think if Lazarus went to the condo intending to kill Sherri, she wouldn't have used her LAPD approved weapon and ammo. That gun along with those bullets could've been easily traced to her (if she was investigated in a timely manner!).<br /><br />Sprocket, Bowden mentions that Nels and Loretta cooperated with the TV show Murder One, which did a segment on Sherri's murder. Was this back in the 80's? I am not familiar with that show. Was it similar to the 48 Hours series?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-31314399877725334012012-06-21T11:40:43.910-07:002012-06-21T11:40:43.910-07:00Thank you so much, OE -- I stand corrected.
Sproc...Thank you so much, OE -- I stand corrected.<br /><br />Sprocket, you really are too kind to allow posters who spew such vitriol.Maddienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-12562955132654157972012-06-21T11:38:00.445-07:002012-06-21T11:38:00.445-07:00Thank you for fact checking the VF article. I am a...Thank you for fact checking the VF article. I am also a long time VF reader and felt the same way about Dominic D.'s articles.Ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02454739827972655743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-8711197058287384172012-06-21T10:41:02.473-07:002012-06-21T10:41:02.473-07:00Quote: but "anyone with a pair of neuronEs&qu...Quote: but "anyone with a pair of neuronEs" -- that's neurons (minus the e)<br />Crap!Check your online dictionary,it can be spelt either with an e or without.You're right,you are pretentious & nit-picky & just like the author.<br />@Tina...exactly why spend ages butchering a largely accurate & well written account.So sad on behalf of the author.Jesus wept you'd think Bowden had said Lazarus was framed or something.Laughable.Looking forward to the second instalment.Probably hours in the making just so Bowden doesn't overshadow those who actually attended the trial & their rule of law.EvictObamanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-73746721802075504092012-06-21T09:55:04.257-07:002012-06-21T09:55:04.257-07:00I must say I agree with EvictObama..i HIGHLY respe...I must say I agree with EvictObama..i HIGHLY respect Sprocket forw hat she does..and she does it GREAT! and i can understand giving her opinion about the VF article. BUT COME ON. i read her dissetion and it seems to me they didnt write anythibg that DID NOT come out of SL mouht, they just groped it differnet..WHO CARES!! THYE TOLD THE STORY ..ALL TRUTH..i mean, why spend all this time butchering someone else's article....tina from sphillynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-47606677875498023122012-06-21T09:54:02.441-07:002012-06-21T09:54:02.441-07:00Hopefully "EvictObama" will stop reading...Hopefully "EvictObama" will stop reading this blog if he/she is so perturbed by it. And, sorry to sound petty, but "anyone with a pair of neuronEs" -- that's neurons (minus the e).... Well, nothing more need said about that. Guess I'm just one of those pretentious/nit-picky types, too.<br /><br />Thank you, Robert, for setting the journalism record straight.Maddienoreply@blogger.com