What Do Writers Do, They Write

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5R 5Z2

November VIth, MMXI


Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Castledowns


Dear Thomas:


Just as Phil Donahue (not Oprah) created the daytime talkshow format with running through & up II audience members with a microphone, Andrew (Andy) Achin Rooney created the format of the literary essay on television. Sad news out of New York City, ol' Andy died Friday night, a CBS News Correspondent-Emeritus & great guy, Andy finished his 1,097th & final broadcast on CBS News's "60 Minutes" just XXXV days ago. He may have been too tired to keep on working at age XCII (92), but its just so sad b/c just like Walter Cronkite, Rooney quit at age 92 & both men died within less than XL days of their retirements. If they had kept going, these journalists would have contributed to age C (100) or more.

Students of journalism know that Andy literally invented his complaint & commentary style format b/c he was a journalist & a writer/producer first. He worked IV over XXX years as a writer/producer for Harry Reasoner & IV the Army newspaper, The Stars & Stripes beIV he ever appeared on the air. He brought eloquence to everything he did & said what was on America's mind during times of crisis. I mean who else but Andy could make licking postage stamps exciting enough to do a tv essay on?


No he molded & honed each piece, working about XXX hours a week on his editing beIV spending VI-VIII hours filming it IV its Sunday night airing on Friday's. Andy's piece was water cooler talk, people would talk about it in their workplaces the next day & couldn't wait until the next Sunday broadcast. His III-VI minute commentaries were sometimes the most watched part of the 60 Minutes broadcast. A tribute to his superb writing ability & journalistic credentials.


One In A Million,


Rory


Source: Www.CbsNews.Com/60Minutes.