News-Record.com

We had a going away celebration for Managing Editor Ann Morris in the newsroom this afternoon. The things normally go like this: We say nice things about the person leaving, tell a few jokes, give the person a mock front page about herself, give her a ceremonial mug (don't ask) and then she addresses the newsroom.

Everything went according to plan, until we got to the part in which she addresses the newsroom. She started by saying that in these times in which newspapers are being downsized and sold, and when good people just want to do good journalism, people need some hope. People need some inspiration. People need music. People need Springsteen. And in walks what she called the East Market Street Band, which begins singing "No Retreat, No Surrender."

In case you were wondering about the state of newspapers, now you know.

P.S. It was a concert of a lifetime. Thanks, Ann, Margaret, Teresa, Jeri, Joe and Mark.