The inestimable Prof. Jacobson reprises the evolution of the CNN coverage of George Zimmerman's mumbled words on his famous 911 call. Did he say "Effing c**ns? "Effing cold"? "Phones"? "Punks"? Oh, brother.
As to why we care, back in the day the left was giddy at the possibility that Zimmerman had been recorded uttering a racial epithet because it opened the door to a Federal hate crimes investigation.
As Bill Jacobson points out, CNN has scotched that strategy by bringing out a new expert every few days with yet another interpretation of Zimmerman's words. At this point not even Eric Holder could keep a straight face while announcing that FBI experts had authoritatively concluded that Zimmerman had said "effing c**ns". Given the confusion created by the CNN audio experts, Mr. Holder would not diminish his (in)credibility if he reported that the FBI enhancement showed Zimmerman saying "Obama Twenty Twelve".
However, I differ vigorously with the Prof's headline, to wit, "CNN proves “beyond a reasonable doubt” why cases should not be tried in the media".
CNN has proved why judges and the state do not want cases tried in the media. In an earlier day, the FBI experts would make their pronouncements, the rest of us would nod agreeably, and off to trial Zimmerman would go, if Eric Holder et al so decided.
With CNN's democratization of expertise we all know that any FBI assertion of a decisive result is absurd. In the ongoing zero-sum struggle between prosecutors and defendants, this is a win for defendants. And in the ongoing balancing act between The People and The Power, this is a win for the people.
Tough break for the left that this time around they are aligned with Prosecutors and Power, but presumably their day will come and they will come home to their roots. Dirty Harry Conservatives might also want to reflect on where this train is headed.
Now, I promised a visual aid. Aside from the technical difficulties of extracting Zimmerman's whispered mumbling from the background noise, there is a huge psychological hurdle - in turning 'sounds' into 'words' the human brain applies a lot of subconscious filtering based very much upon the listener's expectations. People hear what they want or expect to hear, so people who need to hear "c**ns" will do so and sincerely question the integrity of those who hear something else.
So, the visual aid - a few years ago this Tiny Dancer swept the intertubes. She really will spin left or right, if you have the mental toughness (Kevin Drum's tip to block everything but the legs worked for me.)
And so it is with the Zimmerman phrase - decide what you want to hear and hear it. Don't get hung up on the notion of an objective reality. And don't expect any judge to keep a straight face and accept "'effing c**ns" as definitive even if (especially if!) Eric Holder says so.
INGENIOUS: My mockery becomes his insight. A few days back I mocked Orlando Sentinel audio expert Ed Primeau, who climed the background screaming heard on a 911 call was Trayvon Martin even though he had never heard Martin's voice. That is one heck of a voice expert to match voices he has never heard.
But to be fair, he said the screaming was "a young man", and the two logical candidates were Zimmerman and Martin. My next question - if the experts can't match the screaming to either voice (due to limitations in the technology) does that mean we should look for a third mystery witness?
To which commenter MOON says, why not?
Could the childlike screaming be from the 13 year old witness whose dog ran off?
Hmmph. His story is at the HuffPo, or an earlier version of his story appeared in the Orlando Sentinel.
That jibes with what Cheryl Brown's teenage son witnessed while walking his dog that night. Thirteen-year-old Austin stepped out his front door and heard people fighting, he told the Orlando Sentinel on Thursday.
"I heard screaming and crying for help," he said. "I heard, 'Help me.' "
It was dark, and the boy did not see how the fight started, in fact, he only saw one person, a man in a red shirt — Zimmerman — who was on the ground.
The boy said he is not sure who called for help. After a moment, his dog escaped, and he turned to catch it and a few seconds later heard a gunshot, he said.
"When I heard the shot, the screaming stopped," he said.
He then rushed inside and told his sister to call police.
He later changed that to a version less helpful to Zimmerman, as per the HuffPo.
In any case, if this were crime fiction the dog running away would be a metaphor - what ran away was his self control and he stood there helpless and screaming, watching in horror as a man was shot. But don't ask him about it because he saw nothing - his dog had run off, remember?
Psychologists would feast on this. Fear, repression, symbolism - all here. Now, could reality match fiction? Well, look at it another way - should we take the word of a terrified and confused thirteen year old as gospel? There is another witness, 'John', who says he saw Zimmerman screaming. That doesn't mean this kid wasn't screaming, too.

Suppose Ed Primeau takes the stand with his "I never heard Martin's voice but that is him screaming" testimony. After the court stops laughing the defense can ask him why the screaming couldn't be from the thirteen year old. Confusion equals reasonable doubt.
STRAY IDEAS: Apparently the Zimmerman team feels a need to push back a bit more - Zimmerman passed a voice audio test (roughly as unreliable as a polygraph, apparently) the night of the shooting. Not admissible, but it may have reassured the police. Of course, Zimmerman had reportedly not lawyered up, either. All this just shows how cold-blooded and calculating he is!
And the NY Times is maintaining its Eerie Silence, with no original reporting on the Martin killing. They do run the corrections we noted and gloated yesterday.
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | April 06, 2012 at 05:58 PM
I'm unable to see her turning anti-clockwise, but I can still read this:
Posted by: Extraneus | April 06, 2012 at 06:06 PM
Some of the witnesses must have reported the words they heard, besides "HELP!"
I don't recall any report of "Don't Shoot!" or "Gun!"
At any rate, the case doesn't hinge on identifying the voice uttering the scream. Just take that evidence out, and what do you get?
Posted by: cboldt | April 06, 2012 at 06:07 PM
It is amazing, Ext. And it is actually more readable the faster one goes at.
Posted by: centralcal | April 06, 2012 at 06:08 PM
How many can make her swing from side to side?
Posted by: boris | April 06, 2012 at 06:21 PM
Was that dancer filmed in a closet?
Posted by: Janet | April 06, 2012 at 06:25 PM
How interesting! She mostly turns right for me, but will turn to the left when I blink my eyes and 'think' that she will..
Posted by: OldTimer | April 06, 2012 at 06:33 PM
It is amazing, Ext. And it is actually more readable the faster one goes at.
Is this the concept behind speed reading?
Posted by: Jim Rhoads a/k/a vjnjagvet | April 06, 2012 at 06:36 PM
The longer I stare at the picture the more often she turns to the left. Weird. I think I'll send the link around to my family and friends just to get their reactions,
Posted by: OldTimer | April 06, 2012 at 06:41 PM
--How many can make her swing from side to side?--
She was always counterclockwise to me previously.
When I used the Drum trick now though I can make her switch.
Now if I can just get her to change positions in a wheelchair in a closet I'll have it made.
Posted by: Ignatz | April 06, 2012 at 06:44 PM
Now if I can just get her to change positions in a wheelchair in a closet I'll have it made.
Hahahahahaaaha...if you can do THAT, I'll throw a party & bring some melons!
Posted by: Janet | April 06, 2012 at 07:00 PM
The Dems will crucify Walker over this:
http://themoderatevoice.com/143559/wisconsins-scott-walker-repeals-wisconsin-equal-pay-law/
Hope he has a prepared speech explaining why the repeal benefits all who live in WI.
Posted by: OldTimer | April 06, 2012 at 07:07 PM
Dextrous & sinister;
Are we dancers or
Are we turning humans?
=========
Posted by: The tortuous beat goes on. | April 06, 2012 at 07:10 PM
That dude playing with Tiger is a tool.
Got a nice note from the lady last night and the go ahead for a job.
Take that Dave.
Posted by: Donald | April 06, 2012 at 07:17 PM
I don't buy a used meme from Think Regress, or
Greg Sargent, OT, you should know that by now.
Posted by: narciso | April 06, 2012 at 07:23 PM
NBC selected its scapegoat.
NBC Fires Producer of Misleading Zimmerman Tape
I am mindful that NYTimes is known to be not truthful, so this "somebody got fired" report may be fiction, designed to take heat off the collective media's butt.
Posted by: cboldt | April 06, 2012 at 07:24 PM
That's good to hear,Donald.
Perhaps you should call me next year and hand the phone to her.
I am confident I could close the deal for you.
Posted by: hit and run | April 06, 2012 at 07:28 PM
I saw her move both ways. More than once. Am I weird?
Posted by: Jane | April 06, 2012 at 07:30 PM
Great, Donald. Celebrate with a glass of vino.
I won't go into what happens on the lower-headed lady's front lawn, but if she bothers you again...
(Apologies to the non-Zappa fans.)Posted by: Extraneus | April 06, 2012 at 07:35 PM
Jane:
Am I weird?
No. Your freakishness is normal.
Posted by: hit and run | April 06, 2012 at 07:37 PM
Extraneus:
(Apologies to the non-Zappa fans.)
Some day all JOMers will be steeped in JOM tradition. Until that day,I will stand in the breach...
"I would like to apologize to the non-Zappa fans. But I won't. That's how I roll."
Posted by: hit and run | April 06, 2012 at 07:40 PM
RE: Tiny Dancer
At first I could only see her going CW.
Then I thought about: What is the "trick" to make this work?
She is a silhouette, no depth. So, an arm that looks shorter can be pointed towards you or away from you.
Then I could see her spin either way. But, logic did it for me. Yet, I'm supposedly Right Brain.
Can anyone make her go one direction and her floor reflection go the opposite at the same time?
Posted by: mockmook | April 06, 2012 at 07:44 PM
My kids have no trouble making her switch, which makes me wonder:
(a) is it an age/old dogs new tricks/ flexible young minds thing, or
(b) are they out-smarting their tired old dad by pretending she is switching on cue?
Not exclusive choices.
Posted by: Tom Maguire | April 06, 2012 at 07:44 PM
Speaking of Tiny Dancer and controlling what words you hear, here you go.
Posted by: bgates | April 06, 2012 at 07:48 PM
Newt Gingrich. Wing man.
Posted by: Donald | April 06, 2012 at 07:49 PM
--Got a nice note from the lady last night and the go ahead for a job.--
Hot cha cha.
Next time you should have your business meeting in a closet without distractions like CNN around.
Posted by: Ignatz | April 06, 2012 at 07:49 PM
(b) They are out-smarting their tired old dad by pretending she is switching on cue.
I cling to this. With all my might. The younger generation is ::shakes fist:: get off my lawn!
Posted by: hit and run | April 06, 2012 at 07:55 PM
I am mindful that NYTimes is known to be not truthful, so this "somebody got fired" report may be fiction, designed to take heat off the collective media's butt.
Absolutely, cboldt - did you see any "name" for the "producer?"
Posted by: centralcal | April 06, 2012 at 07:56 PM
No name for the producer - but NBC did fire somebody in Florida. I suppose that would make for a convenient "connection" that doesn't need any further evidence.
As if firing some low level schmuck redeems NBC. Ha.
Posted by: cboldt | April 06, 2012 at 08:07 PM
You're right, hit. What was I thinking.
Posted by: Extraneus | April 06, 2012 at 08:07 PM
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | April 06, 2012 at 08:51 PM
I didn't influence the direction of the dancer. She changed all by herself which is kinda spooky.
Best smile of the day, bgates. It reminds me of "Secret Asian Man." LUN
We once had a c**nhound. Are we forbidden to use the word now? Yike!
Posted by: Frau Bratensoße | April 06, 2012 at 09:09 PM
Growing up, I had a coon-skin hat which I wore nearly every day to school for a couple years, because I wanted to be like Daniel Boone (as relayed to us by Fess Parker)



Action !
Adventure !!
What more could a young boy aspire to be, but the:
This is (just one of the many) problems with the poseur. . . he does not understand, nor does he care to learn about America's DNA.
OS!~OMG~ABO !
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy Daze | April 06, 2012 at 11:01 PM
Growing up, I had a coon-skin hat which I wore nearly every day to school for a couple years, because I wanted to be like Daniel Boone (as relayed to us by Fess Parker)



Action !
Adventure !!
What more could a young boy aspire to be, but the:
This is (just one of the many) problems with the poseur. . . he does not understand, nor does he care to learn about America's DNA.
OS!~OMG~ABO !
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy Daze | April 06, 2012 at 11:03 PM
Growing up, I had a coon-skin hat which I wore nearly every day to school for a couple years, because I wanted to be like Daniel Boone (as relayed to us by Fess Parker)



Action !
Adventure !!
What more could a young boy aspire to be, but the:
This is (just one of the many) problems with the poseur. . . he does not understand, nor does he care to learn about America's DNA.
OS!~OMG~ABO !
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy Daze | April 06, 2012 at 11:04 PM
Growing up, I had a coon-skin hat which I wore nearly every day to school for a couple years, because I wanted to be like Daniel Boone (as relayed to us by Fess Parker)



Action !
Adventure !!
What more could a young boy aspire to be, but the:
This is (just one of the many) problems with the poseur. . . he does not understand, nor does he care to learn about America's DNA.
OS!~OMG~ABO !
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy Daze | April 06, 2012 at 11:06 PM
(gawd. . .)
Posted by: Sandy Daze | April 06, 2012 at 11:11 PM
It's okay Sandy. I left my car running while I shopped for groceries. We understand.
Really!!! :)
Posted by: Ann | April 07, 2012 at 12:04 AM
You can say that again, Sandy,
Posted by: narciso | April 07, 2012 at 12:43 AM
Old Timer, don't worry about the equal pay thing... All the law did was make it easier to sue employers for many protected groups. Walker only hurt lawyers, and they wouldn't vote for him anyway.
Posted by: henry | April 07, 2012 at 01:02 AM
It was worth it to see the conservative Ed Ames FOUR times!
Thanks, SD
Posted by: Caro | April 07, 2012 at 01:07 AM
Roller.
Thanks, Dave. I always loved that part.
Posted by: Extraneus | April 07, 2012 at 07:08 AM
I figured out how to make her turn the other way. Just look at her foot or the shadow of her foot. Works for me, anyway.
Posted by: Extraneus | April 07, 2012 at 07:12 AM
Did someone mention Ed Ames? Johnny Carson was such a treasure.
Posted by: DebinNC | April 07, 2012 at 08:08 AM
And who can think of Ed Ames without thinking of Johnny Carson...
Posted by: sbw | April 07, 2012 at 08:27 AM
I'm with Sandy on this. Dan'l Boone (rhymes with c**n) was my hero too. But Fess played Davey Crockett who was "King of the Wild Frontier"...in the song anyway.
BTW, has anyone found the bag of Skittles Martin was carrying? Are there any left or did the kid's dog eat them?
The Case of the Missing Skittles...
Posted by: Bumptious | April 07, 2012 at 08:45 AM
I'm glad Sandy said 'coon skin hat'.
Are we a bunch of infants who can't use the word, or are we adults having an adult conversation in a free society?
If you are saying it with no intention of malice or ill-will, then just SAY it; though the heavens may fall.
Enough of this 'c**n' crap.
Coon. There, I said it. Ironically, it appears Zimmerman did not say it.
Posted by: Les Nessman | April 07, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Here is the best example I have ever seen of forcing an audio interpretation on the listener. Someone took Joe Cocker's famous Woodstock performance of "A Little Help From My Friends", and added a set of ludicrous subtitles. Obviously Cocker was not singing about Kias, Fred and Wilma, and loaves of bread, but watch this video and you won't be so sure.
By the end of this four minutes you should be fully convinced why this sort of "analysis" is pure garbage. The human mind is a pattern matching machine, and this video shows how incredibly easy it is to force an interpretation on the listener, which is exactly what CNN has done, several times now.
And this isn't filtered at all, except perhaps by whatever Joe Cocker was on at the time.
Here's the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEb8DflQ9lY
Posted by: John from Chicago | April 07, 2012 at 10:27 AM
I'v found to get her to spin the other way it helps to imagine her nude.
Posted by: BM | April 07, 2012 at 10:36 AM
Phones certainly changes the way we live.
Posted by: Gretchen | April 13, 2012 at 02:24 AM