Wednesday, December 09, 2015

How Did I Get The Former Publisher of the Miami Herald's Tie? By Geniusofdespair

TIEGATE
Damned if I know why I got David Lawrence, Jr.'s (former Publisher of the Miami Herald's) tie.

I was at the Urban Environment League Awards function,  joking with Jean Monestime the Keynote Speaker, calling him 60 second Jean (he experimented with speakers taking 60 seconds instead of 2 minutes). Everyone in the group (Katy Sorenson was there) was laughing including Jean (such a nice guy) who admitted 60 seconds was a mistake. David Lawrence, Jr. was in the group and I admired his tie. It had all the names of the Miami Dade County Cities on it. I jokingly offered to buy it from him. The conversation went on and he got grumpy. I think he was upset that he was giving an award to Jim Mullin, who reminded Lawrence he had been a critic of Lawrence (don't think Lawrence liked the reminder), and I said I wrote about the Children's Trust when they wanted funding. I guess I was kidding with the wrong guy. I did say I never wrote about him personally. Mullin did.

David Lawrence, Jr. said something like, if you never bother me again, I will give you my tie. I said I didn't want his tie. In a huff he took off his tie handed it to me and walked away.

Wow, don't know what that was about. The jovial mood turned black, people backed away and I have a tie from the Former Publisher of the Miami Herald. And I will never bother him again. Nice tie.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

The tie is from Dade Days, the annual lobbying trip to Tallahassee sponsored by the Florida League of Cities. The tie was designed by a Miami-Dade Public Schools student who won a competition. Every year it's different.

David Lawrence's reaction to you was great, but even better was the time, when, about to receive an award from my professional group, he strode up to the podium and announced "I just split my pants."

Geniusofdespair said...

His reaction to me was great?

Anonymous said...

Errrr... guess I picked the wrong word.

Anonymous said...

He expects adulation only. When anyone directly engages him he is startled.

Anonymous said...

Lawrence was just being a bully. Always was.

Anonymous said...

He knows the Children's Trust is not what he envisioned. You hit a sore spot mentioning it.

Anonymous said...

Wow. A representative from the old school of journalism is expressing disdain for a member of the new media. I would have expected that a former newspaperman would have more affinity for the press. What's up with that, Dave?

Greg Bush said...

Was this an item describing the UEL Orchids and Onions event? Or was this petty personalized "journalism"? Some of these are unfortunate, even wrong headed comments about a man who does so much to better our community that many may not adequately appreciate.

Anonymous said...

Who was the petty one? The guy with the tie.

Geniusofdespair said...


It Isn't journalism Greg and certainly not petty if you were a witness. This is blogging reporting on what the newspaper doesn't , welcome to the new media. He might be a good guy in your eyes but he was not a gentleman.

Anonymous said...

Hope he didn't drop his rose colored glasses on the way out.

Anonymous said...

I think he is not happy with the Trust. I thought sort shoved him aside.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget that Lawrence endorsed Fresen during the most recent election in a TV commercial. 'nuff said.

miaexile said...

typical Miami, a bribe opportunity in every moment

Anonymous said...

You'r lucky didn't compliment his a$$

Anonymous said...

Let's not pick on Dave - this column is really about the tie. I have one of these beauties, and I would happily have given you mine. Would Gimleteye like it instead? Send me a signal and it will happen. It's the tie that clashes with everything.

Anonymous said...

He is a great, caring leader in this community who has made a tremendous difference in people's lives. Plus he GAVE you the tie from around his neck for crying out loud. I like him more for doing that. Not sure what the hating is about on this thread.

Geniusofdespair said...

The tie was not given out of love. Read the post again. And again. Until you get the sentiment behind it. It made everyone uncomfortable.