We had an interesting discussion during a newsroom meeting today about publishing stories on the anniversary of tragedies such as Pearl Harbor and Sept. 11.

One editor thought publishing such stories year after year becomes predictable and thus uninteresting to readers. What else can you say about the same tragedy?

Another editor said tragedies need to be remembered, reported about on their anniversary and learned from. How would you feel if you'd lived through Pearl Harbor and the press forgot to mention that tragic December day in your hometown newspaper?

Most seemed to agree on one thing: Maybe it's best on a tragedy's anniversary to give readers something new to read, to learn from and to remember the tragedy by.

With the anniversary of Sept. 11 nearing, one idea shared was to simply ask a number of local and area residents about where they were on that tragic day. Another idea was to find a new angle -- somebody local with an interesting, informative tie to the tragedy -- to publish.

That said: Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001? Do you have a tie to the tragedy that those in the Crossroads have never read about and thus have never learned from?

You may feel the urge to criticize the press for rehashing tragedy for profit's sake, a claim many often make. Before you do, I hope you'll offer memories and stories that we all can learn from.

Those who die in such tragedies deserve that from us.

Thanks for your help,

Gabe Semenza, Advocate public service editor

As Hurricane Gustav barrels toward New Orleans, GOP organizers in Minnesota say the party's national convention will continue but at a somber pace.

Republicans in Minnesota to celebrate Sen. John McCain's nomination want to scale back the convention's tone out of respect, considering the hurricane is likely to cause great damage and heartache.

Will a scaled-back GOP convention hurt McCain's chances at winning the presidency?

The Dems certainly pulled off a lively and much-attended convention last week.

What are your thoughts?

Of course, our thoughts are also with those who live in the hurricane's path. Here's to the hope no one is injured and that damage is minimal.

In the news business, we try to look ahead at how stories intertwine. This hurricane, which appears to be traveling away from South Texas, might have impacts in Washington, D.C.

In Minnesota, Victoria's Toni Marek is attending the rally for Rep. Ron Paul. To read her latest blog from up north, click here.

Thanks for your help,

Gabe Semenza/Advocate public service editor

Friday night high school football is back.

And each week -- in addition to our regular sports coverage -- the Victoria Advocate will feature a person, club, tailgate, tradition or other gridiron staple.

Football, no doubt, is exciting. But what about the No. 1 fan? The band and cheerleaders who support the team? Those traditions and people found on the sidelines and before games?

We need your help to tell the stories that are often left out of the spotlight.

Advocate reporter Rubi Reyes is spearheading these efforts. To offer your story, comment in here or reach Rubi at rreyes@vicad.com or 361-580-6578.

"We need the community to help us find these very important behind-the-scenes people," Rubi says.

Thanks for your help,

Gabe Semenza, Advocate public service editor 

The question may seem inane and uninformed. But it begs to be asked:

Is South Texas ready for a black president?

Local supporters of Sen. Barack Obama say the U.S. and South Texas are ready to look beyond race when choosing the country's next leader.

They say many say South Texans and Americans are simply ready for change and a fresh approach to, among many presidential facets, international politics.

A local minority activist and Obama critics, though, aren't so sure.

I just began today interviewing sources for this story.

What do you think? Any concrete examples that South Texas is or isn't ready for a black president?

Thanks for your help,

Gabe Semenza/Advocate public service editor

When Joel Osteen and his wife Victoria made headlines for a controversial court appearance, the circus reminded me of a question I've had for sometime:

Is it wrong when pastors become uber-financially wealthy?

The Osteens, who minister at Houston's Lakewood Church, fit the bill and then some.

I've debated this question with friends. The two arguments I've always heard are:

* You can never out-give God. Thus, if you do a lot of good, God will reward you. Osteen's bank accounts, then, are a reflection of hard work and God's approval.

* The other argument is the poor shall inherit the Earth. Friends cite bible passages I can't remember for here, but this argument usually revolves around the theme that wealth should be given to those who need the money most.

I'm not sure how I feel. I enjoy listening to Joel Osteen, even though critics say his message often lacks scripture. His message resonates with me and his words and simple and applicable to every day life.

When I read he's made another million dollars from a book sale, something doesn't set right with me, though.

I'm curious to know what you think.

Thanks for your help,

Gabe Semenza/Advocate public service editor

This debate could get ugly. As a lifelong Cowboys fan who has lived in about 15 states, I know firsthand that others either love the Cowboys or passionately hate 'em.

But how do Victorians feel?

Coy Slavik, Advocate sports editor, wants to know. He sent an e-mail this morning to me, a Cowboys fan, and to Billy Mau, a Texans supporter and a member of the newspaper's sports department.

"Billy and Gabe: I'd like I'd like you two guys to hash out this debate in the form of a 12-inch story for the football tab."

Billy and I argue regularly about the two teams. Now, it's your turn.

Which team is Victoria's Team?

If you prefer to e-mail or call in your response, reach me at gsemenza@vicad.com or 361-580-6519.

Thanks for your help,

Gabe Semenza/Advocate public service editor.

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Are you in Beijing, going to Beijing or know anyone who is?

We are looking for any local connection to this summer's Olympic Games.

The opening ceremonies begin Friday. For a full Olympic schedule, click here.

If you have a story tip, post the tip in here, call 361-580-6519 or e-mail gsemenza@vicad.com.

Thanks for your help,

Gabe Semenza/Advocate public service editor

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Hastings in Victoria opens its doors Friday night at 9 for a vampire prom -- in honor of the midnight release of Stephenie Meyer's "Breaking Dawn."

The book release opens the doors to this question: Who is Hollywood's worst actor?

While "Breaking Dawn" is the fourth installment of Meyer's popular series, her first installment -- "Twilight" -- is being made into a movie.

When directors announced the movie's cast -- including lead actor Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward -- folks everywhere posted harsh criticisms of the young actor.

And it got us to thinking ...

Hollywood, no doubt, produces poor flicks galore each year. But which actors are most guilty of polluting the big screen with even poorer performances?

Take your pick, right?

While I could rattle a dozen or so off the top of my head, I wanted to leave that to you. Tell us who you think couldn't act his way out of a paper bag and we'll use it in our story.

The story publishes Sunday alongside our coverage of the vampire prom and Meyer's midnight book release.

For you hard news junkies out there: Don't worry. We're not turning into Entertainment Weekly. It's OK to have a little fun sometimes and there'll be plenty of hard news this weekend.

As always, thanks for your help -- and cut.

Gabe Semenza/Advocate public service editor

Between 1982 and 1992, the Sanctuary Movement flourished. Now, the movement is again gaining steam.

The Sanctuary Movement is a religious and political movement in which churches shelter Central American refugees from Immigration and Naturalization Service.

For our fifth Fatal Funnel installment, we are digging deep into this movement -- into churches in South Texas and along the border -- that partake.

We also want to talk to church leaders who preside over congregations and others who stand firmly against the movement.

We are leaving for the border within a few weeks.

What are your thoughts? Do you know about South Texas churches that protect illegal immigrants? Do you have a story or opinion to share?

As always, you can reach me at 361-580-6519 or gsemenza@vicad.com or by posting in here.

Thanks for your help,

Gabe Semenza/Advocate public service editor

On Sunday, our third installment of the Fatal Funnel publishes. For those who missed the first two installments, click here.

This long-term project explores illegal immigration and never-before-told stories about the tragedy of May 14, 2003. Nineteen illegal immigrants died in a sealed tractor-trailer, which was ditched in south Victoria County.

As you'll learn Sunday, we met several times with a man who still has nightmares from that horrific morning five years ago.

You'll also read three stories about people who were close to the tragedy and who are sympathetic to illegal immigrants.

For our fourth installment, set to publish in late August, we want to visit with folks who remember the tragedy and who oppose illegal immigration.

Both viewpoints -- pro and con -- are important in this hot-button issue.

If you oppose illegal immigration, were affected by the 2003 tragedy and want your opinions voiced:

Post in here, call me at 361-580-6519 or e-mail gsemenza@vicad.com.

Thanks for your help,

Gabe Semenza/Advocate public service editor