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I used to love Miami New Times.
When I lived in Coconut Grove I knew where the paper was delivered on Wednesday and usually snagged a copy by early afternoon.
Since editor Jim Mullin's departure a few years ago, the paper has taken a turn for the worse.
Just about all of the good writers have left and the paper itself is an anemic, slimmed-down version of what it was years ago.
But there is the website. On good days you can find interesting things not found elsewhere in the Miami media jungle.
And then there are days like today that make you wonder why anyone even bothers to show up for work.
But first let's take a look at current New Times editor Chuck Strouse.
For many years Chuck was with the Herald where he covered crime, politics and county government.
Back then he was known as "Charles Strouse."
In Dec. 1994, Charles helped write one of the evergreens of the daily newspaper world: How to find a babysitter on New Year's Eve.
In short, Chuck has done it all. He's forgotten more about journalism than I'll ever know.
Which makes this morning's post by Chuck on Riptide all the more puzzling.
Is there anyone over the age of 12 who thinks there's anything amusing or interesting about a topless store mannequin. Apparently Chuck does.
Hey Chuck, here a newsflash for you. If you walk about 1,000 feet east from Lincoln Road, you'll find lots of living and breathing topless women! Take all the pictures you want and post 'em on Riptide!
Chuck also thinks that graffiti is cool.
One writer commented recently on a local blog that he wasn't worried about the Herald's troubles. He wrote he was sure that New Times would step in to fill the void.
Let hope not. Chuck's star appears to be fading faster than the Herald's.
