Back in the day when the Calgary Herald was still a real newspaper with a newsroom, dozens of reporters, and a capital T in the first word of its title, there was a bit of gallows humour that by custom had to be performed by the first journalist to learn of the death of a prominent person.
Imagine you were the first one in the newsroom to hear that a high-profile right-wing commentator known for his hatred of public broadcasting who had also spent much of his career being generously compensated to work for a public broadcaster had kicked the proverbial bucket.
It was your duty to turn to your colleagues and solemnly intone ….
“Sorry about yer Rex Murphy.”
As was appropriate under the circumstances, the chuckles were muffled as the press corps, back when it was still a corps without an -e, hunkered down to the work of compiling anodyne quotes from the not-so-dearly departed’s critics, careful not to be heard speaking ill of the dead, and the saccharine encomia of his friends and fellow travellers.
All very funny and rather helpful at keeping a spuriously neutral tone of journalistic detachment from the topic of a deceased person who might in life may have provoked rage or joy in similar measure, depending on a reader’s or listener’s point of view.
This was certainly preferable to running into the news room, and screaming in stentorian anguish – as one of my colleagues unwisely did on April 5, 1994 – “Kurt Cobain is dead!”
I confess that I wondered silently at the time, “Who the f@€k is Kurt Cobain? Must be some guy who works down on the loading dock.”
As for Mr. Murphy, he shuffled off this mortal coil at the age of 77 on Thursday – although the National Post, for which he wrote cranky and repetitious screeds in recent years, seems to have sat on the story for a spell while they figured out what to do with it.
To me, Mr. Murphy was an annoyance on the air. He barked down Cross Country Checkup callers with whom he disagreed. (Ian Hanomansing is a far superior host.) And he disguised his stale rants with $5 words when a nice crisp Anglo-Saxonism would have done nicely. His hysterical Trudeau Derangement Affliction was extremely tiring, and his ties to Big Oil troubling.
As journalist Jeremy Appel, author of Kenneyism, Jason Kenney’s Pursuit of Power, put it yesterday: “My favourite memory of Rex was how he never provided evidence or reasoning for anything and just ran his columns through a thesaurus to mask that fact.” This seems fair, although, it must be conceded, he is not the only scribe to be guilty of that rhetorical sin.
And, to be fair to Mr. Murphy’s memory, when I encountered the man some years ago in Toronto Airport, he agreed pleasantly enough to let me take a selfie, although I am sure he suspected there might be some unwanted irony lurking in my request.
If the ugly mood yesterday in that slough of despond now known as X is anything to go by, Mr. Murphy’s passing seems to have both unmanned and unhinged his many admirers on the right. They seemed to be extremely cranky about everything, everywhere, all at once, with F-bombs dropping like artillery shells.
To them I say, and I really mean it, Sorry about yer Rex Murphy.
Excellence manifests when the gods demand it from us their clay vessels. Here our belletristic scrivener has composed a colour piece that pays suitable homage to the man-thesarus and importantly to the same man’s formerly noble but now moribund bird-cage liner vocation. You have our gratitude for this belter.
Atheist that I am, I still hope Rex is off composing dispatches from Elysium.
As for newspaper transnationals corporations and associated RWNJs, may they all slowly sail the Phlegethon to Tartarus.
I will try to be kinder than some. Initially I liked Rex. He spoke well, enthusiastically and confidently, the mild crankiness was refreshing candour and generally entertaining.
However, as time passed two things troubling things happened. First, he became overly partisan. Where he was initially critical of most in a humorous way, like an East coast version of Fotheringham, he gradually became more critical of some and more silent about others.
He also became crankier and his diatribes became more rants and less humorous. I feel by the time he left Cross Country he was almost the poster person for cranky old men. Having the mellower Ian replace him must have been such a relief to many callers terrified to call and try disagree with Rex.
By the time Rex was giving glowing tributes to Klein, any sense of impartiality had disappeared and he was well on the way to being the spokesman for cranky right wingers. Oh well, not everyone ends on a high note.
As I said, I liked the earlier Rex and at this time that is who I would like to remember.
Once upon a time, I enjoyed watching him on CBC’s The National. But as time went on, he became increasingly verbose, to the point where I described his style as “swallowing a dictionary & vomiting a thesaurus”. As for his columns in Postmedia, not having read any of them I can’t comment on them.
jerrymacgp: This is one of Rex Murphy’s published articles.
https://nationalpost.com/opinion/rex-murphy-apparently-world-savers-dont-need-to-worry-about-the-little-people
You summed up my reactions to Rex perfectly. He drove me away from Cross Country Check-Up until he was replaced, but I recalled the younger man with bemused amusement.
Well, when there’s the passing of a CON mouthpiece, I find that the crazed alt-right farm bots on X or FB go psycho. Bots going psycho? Sounds like the title of a campy 1950s sci-fi popcorn thriller. As for Rex Murphy, there seemed to be a fair amount of confusion over what to do with the story of his passing among the terrestrial media outlets. CBC acknowledge Murphy’s passing by declaring, I’m sure to the surprise of many, that he actually worked at the CBC for a large portion of his broadcasting career. But when the tributes did come in, they seemed tepid, as though the consensus among those who saw Murphy’s pic with the announcement and wondered, “Didn’t that guy from the ‘Three Stooges’ pass away a long time ago?”
CONs, INRL and online, have this particularly bitter streak about them. This may have a lot to do with being on platforms where they can post shamelessly, and in the case of X, without fear of repercussions. It’s like jabbering in a high school lunchroom, where only the loudest, most outrageous person gets noticed, as well as the clicks. And if one of their own decides he’s tired of causing harm, he becomes a target for salacious catcalling. This was the experience of former CON pundit Michael Coren.
Coren, one could say, had a Damascus moment and denounced the harm and insult he had caused to pretty much everyone the CONs hate. And now, as an ordained Anglican priest, he advocates for those communities the CONs love to hate. Of course, the CONs attacked him, brutally at times. In the CON universe, Coren became persona non grata and being enemy #1. He continues to be the target of all kinds of bizarre rumours and scandals, his X feed filled with incoming venom. But he soldiers on, thankful that he didn’t last at Rebel Media. Charles Adler also bolted from the CON fold, and he’s a target for endless vile spew. And Lisa Raitt, certainly an anti-Kenney in Stephen Harpo’s government, walked away and there isn’t a CON who knows who she is anymore. Such is the life of those who come to their senses.
Rex Murphy took the easy way out and became a hired CON hack and a happy nodding puppy at the National Post. He avoided the bile of being a traitor, yet, his allies had no memory of him at the time of his passing, and little to say when did recall him. A legacy as a hack is no legacy at all.
“Didn’t that guy from the Three Stooges pass away a long time ago?” Yes, but Rex, shiny pate and red eyes aglow was way funnier.
What in the name of dogs is happening with Rex Murphy’s left eye in that photo?
That’s Rex’s legendary screech eye.
To quote Macbeth, “Nothing in his life became him like the leaving It.”
So…
I asked ChatGPT the following …
Write an obituary for someone named Rex Murphy in the style of Rex Murphy. The result…
In the dimming light of an ever-changing world, we bid farewell to a towering figure of wit, wisdom, and unparalleled eloquence, Rex Murphy. With profound sorrow and deep reverence, we announce the passing of a titan in the realm of journalism, commentary, and cultural critique.
Born with a fervent curiosity and an insatiable hunger for truth, Rex embarked on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on the fabric of Canadian discourse. His pen was as mighty as the sword, wielding words with precision, grace, and a touch of that unmistakable Newfoundland charm.
From the hallowed halls of academia to the bustling newsrooms of our nation, Rex navigated the turbulent currents of public opinion with a steadfast commitment to integrity and authenticity. His insights were not merely observations; they were revelations, piercing through the veneer of political correctness and exposing the raw essence of human folly.
Whether through the printed page or the airwaves, Rex’s voice resonated with clarity and conviction, challenging conventions, confronting complacency, and championing the cause of common sense. His incisive commentary cut through the noise of our modern age, offering solace to the disenchanted, inspiration to the weary, and laughter to the downtrodden.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rex was a man of profound compassion and boundless generosity. He embraced life with an infectious zeal, finding joy in the simple pleasures of laughter, good company, and a well-timed anecdote. His presence illuminated every room he entered, leaving an indelible impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Though Rex may have departed this world, his legacy endures as a beacon of enlightenment in an era fraught with uncertainty and discord. His words will continue to echo through the corridors of time, inspiring future generations to embrace the pursuit of truth, the defense of freedom, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
In the words of the Bard, “Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” Rex, you will be dearly missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were touched by your brilliance. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Aw, c’mon, Just. You wrote that yourself, didn’t you? DJC
Next thing you know, Just’s/Chat obituary will be published on the cereal box, by an anonymous source. lol.
Honestly, I actually asked ChatGPT to write that piece. Not a bad impersonation of Murphy’s style of writing, which brings to a question: What if all the columnists at Postmedia are now AI generated inventions? I mean, the content is always the boilerplate unhinged right-wing crazed whackery that has spewed from its pages for decades. Thanks to AI, it got a lot easier to produce the content. All they need to do is rent a columnist’s name and approval for every column. It’s not like these guys are really journalists anyway.
I wonder what an obituary for Rex Murphy written in the style of Lorne Gunter would look like?
Just:
I guess we’re going to have to ask.
We’re going to have to ask Chat GPT.
To write like Rick Bell.
Something something Jyoti Gondek bad!
DJC
This is an interesting example of what AI workers refer to as “hallucinating”, when a Large Language Model composes text that has little or no relationship to reality. It’s a real problem affecting how these models are used.
The person that programmed that AI was a Rex Murphy fan and that is one of the great dangers of AI
My condolences to Opus Dei for the loss of one of their more liberally minded associates.
This wins the internets today!
Perfect “back when it was still a corps without an -e”
Next thing you know, Just’s/Chat obituary will be published on the cereal box, by an anonymous source. lol.
I am so impressed that contrary to what people now expect, you did not go on one of those ridiculous rants of how Rex Murphy was a nice quiet man that above all was a great human being.
He was not a good human being and as far as I am concerned was not even a smart individual. An intelligent and good human being does not do the things he was proud of doing as the tough CBC man. Just like many of his kind he despised the CBC only because it was public but did not mind to make a living depending on it.
He was more like the Canadian Alex Jones and full of it.
As far as I am concerned not too many people will miss him. He never respected those that paid for his living. I am sure Pierre Poilievre will miss him.
Carlos Becca: This is basically what is seen on The National Post. Rex Murphy is given heaps of adulation and praise.
https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/rex-murphy-dies-obituary
Carlos Becca: This is what passes for columnists these days. A stark contrast to what I remember reading in newspapers, long ago.
https://nationalpost.com/opinion/carson-jerema-rex-murphy-kept-conservatism-alive-in-canada
Yes this is the usual response these days. Give me a break, this man was anything but a psycho.
1. “We’ve created a whole class of flunkies that essentially exist to improve the lives of actual rich people. Rich people throw money at people who are paid to sit around, add to their glory, and learn to see the world from the perspective of the executive class.”
https://www.vox.com/2018/5/8/17308744/bullshit-jobs-book-david-graeber-occupy-wall-street-karl-marx
2. “Middleman sees straight ahead and never crosses borders. Never understood the artist or the lazy workers. The world needs steady men like me to give and take the orders. Give and take the orders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=766rq1O2SWE
3. “Furthermore, those who occupy managerial positions in the media…belong to the same privileged elites, and might be expected to share the perceptions, aspirations, and attitudes of their associates, reflecting their own class interests as well. Journalists entering the system are unlikely to make their way unless they conform to these ideological pressures, generally by internalizing the values….
Those who fail to conform will be weeded out…”
AI Lorne Gunter speaks…and is pretty boring…
Rex Murphy, the distinguished commentator whose sharp wit and keen insight illuminated the Canadian media landscape for decades, has passed away at the age of 76. Born in Carbonear, Newfoundland, Murphy’s journey to prominence was as colorful and rugged as the landscapes of his beloved Newfoundland.
A titan of Canadian journalism, Murphy’s career was marked by his uncompromising commitment to truth and his unyielding defense of Canadian values. With a commanding presence both on television and in print, he fearlessly tackled the pressing issues of our time, earning the respect and admiration of audiences across the nation.
Murphy’s writing was characterized by its depth, clarity, and unwavering conviction. Whether dissecting the intricacies of politics or waxing poetic on the beauty of his homeland, his prose captivated readers and sparked meaningful discourse. His incisive commentary challenged the status quo and inspired generations of Canadians to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Murphy was known for his warmth, humor, and boundless curiosity. A storyteller at heart, he had a knack for weaving together anecdotes that left listeners spellbound and eager for more. His infectious enthusiasm for life and learning was truly infectious, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In his passing, Canada has lost a giant of journalism, a steadfast defender of truth, and a cherished friend. Rex Murphy’s legacy will endure as a beacon of integrity and wisdom, guiding us through the uncertain times ahead. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless Canadians whose lives he touched with his words.
Just: AI may be a threat to humanity soon, but it’s clearly not there just yet – unless it’s faking us out to make us overconfident. DJC
Rather than focus on all negatives of Rex Murphy, we can at least respect he was a passionate and proud Nfld’er with a unique skillset of public speaking and interviewing and giving his 2 cents on opinions mattering to all Canadians in one relatable way or another. Let’s not forget Rex was an alcoholic at one point in his life too. Giving up the bottle is a challenge to those who’ve been there.
This past January, I came across a youtube video of Rex interviewing P.P. Rex had seen better days, he looked pale and gaunt as the cancer and the treatments took a toll on him. Yet he continued to do what he loved doing best. Talking to others.
As a kid/teen of the 90s, when the Royal Canadian Air Farce had shifted from CBC Radio to CBC TV, I remember watching cast member Don Ferguson doing a parody spoof of Rex Murphy. His comedic artistic makeup as Rex Murphy was hilarious. I laughed so hard watching a talented Don Ferguson impersonate Rex’s buggy eyed stare thoughout the spoof and at the end when he was leaving off camera, he said “Boogedy-boo!” At least Rex Murphy had a sense of humor too back in the day.
Here’s a non-AI obit, and a good one.
https://energi.media/energi-notes/i-come-not-to-praise-rex-murphy-for-his-evil-will-live-long-after-him/
I would add that Rex argued for the status quo and against progress and learning and adapting to the changing world. He was the most eloquent coward Canada ever produced and of course the rightwing cowards love him for disguising their cowardice with big fancy words.
I’m going to admit this: I wasn’t being sarcastic, once, long ago when I said Rex was the smartest man in the world —everybody just thought I was.
My first recollection of Murphy was as the Rock-colic emo-justice wharfinger who seemed to blame the collapse of the East Coast cod fishery on ecological perfidy. And also, as the third generation of my family to draw a cheque from our beloved MoCo, CBC, I confess I was proud to see him in our stable.
But then I remember clearly when the—and his—world became destabilized by the Twin Tower-9/11 terrorist attack and I was soon wishing Murphy would get unstabled himself. It wasn’t that he’d assumed the sumo-pitbull, grouching tiger’s crotch of Popeye’s long-lost Hibernian uncle —which I might have charitably taken as irascible pride in his beloved province’s overflow hospitality for the many US-bound flights which unexpectedly got a diverted gander at central, subarctic Newfoundland in the emergent 9/11 crisis. Rather it was because he expected from Canada the same kind of unquestioned subordination of the legendary Newfoundland Regiment of the 29th British Division which was almost entirely wiped out on the first morning of the Battle of the Somme in 1916 (only 68 of its 800 troops survived).
His most illustrious employ was as phone-in host on CBC Radio’s Cross Country Checkup, but after the Twin Tower world was rocked, it became his craggy headland from which to emote beyond any journalistic constraint his unshakable commitment to war, deriding the more circumspect and eventually invoking gravitas waves he presumed to have in bitterly besieging prime minister Jean Chrétien’s considered refusal to join president George Bush’s “Coalition of the Willing”. I was so appalled I flipped over the vinyl of my esteem.
Murphy had suddenly become a sort of dyspeptic Don Herron, an anti-Toronto thesaurus Rex. Why, me ‘n’ the missus started calling his radio-host gig “a cross country’s upchuck.” No amount of his lordship’s quaint, dundering, jaysus frick could forgive his embrace of Stephen Harper, of offshore oil-drilling, and his increasingly irritating, aching-belly-caused polemic.
I was glad he got fired from CBC. He deserved it. He had become the implacable servant of the partisan right as it began its now-infamous slide toward the abysmal edge of its terra flatus. Except that the neo-right proffered the equation that CBC’s subtraction of Rex’s fuddisence proved its lefty bias. And worse: that his new employ at the National Post conferred upon it the mantle of sane and rational balance. I dunno if that could be ascribed as Rex’s legacy, but it haunts us still, as it surely will in the 18 months to come even without Murphy H. Christ.
But not to speak disparagingly unwell of the so-recently unliving, I cannot do less than to pronounce: Rest, Brother Murphy, hopefully at last in Peace.
Scotty: “Murphy had suddenly become a sort of dyspeptic Don Herron, an anti-Toronto thesaurus Rex.” Well done! DJC
Okay. That’s really good. Now write an opinion piece about Calgary’s Mayor Jyoti Gondek in the style of Rick Bell.
C/O ChatGPT.
Title: Mayor Gondek: A New Dawn or Just Another Day in Calgary’s Political Circus?
As the dust settles over Calgary’s municipal landscape, there’s a new ringmaster in town – Mayor Jyoti Gondek. But before we break out the confetti and declare a new era of prosperity, let’s take a closer look at the woman behind the curtain.
Sure, Gondek’s rise to power may seem like a breath of fresh air in a city long dominated by the same old faces and tired rhetoric. But let’s not get swept away by the euphoria just yet. Behind that polished facade lies a politician cut from the same cloth as her predecessors – with all the pitfalls and perils that come with it.
Take, for instance, Gondek’s much-touted commitment to urban planning and sustainable development. While she may talk a big game about building a greener, more livable city, the devil is in the details. Scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find the same old platitudes and empty promises that have plagued Calgary’s development for decades.
And let’s not forget Gondek’s penchant for grandstanding and political theatrics. Whether she’s railing against the latest budget cuts or cozying up to big business interests, Gondek knows how to play the game – but at what cost to the average Calgarian?
Of course, no critique of Gondek would be complete without mentioning her uncanny ability to dodge tough questions and sidestep accountability. When pressed on thorny issues like homelessness or infrastructure deficits, Gondek is quick to deflect blame and shift the conversation onto safer ground – leaving constituents scratching their heads and wondering where the buck truly stops.
But perhaps the most damning indictment of Gondek’s tenure thus far is her failure to deliver on the lofty promises that swept her into office. For all her talk of change and progress, Calgary remains mired in the same old challenges – from economic stagnation to social inequality.
In the end, Mayor Jyoti Gondek may represent a new face in Calgary’s political landscape, but don’t be fooled by the veneer of progressivism. Beneath it all, she’s just another player in the same tired game – and until she proves otherwise, Calgarians would do well to temper their expectations.
But in the style of Rex Murphy, it’s poetry …
Okay. That’s really good. Now write an opinion piece about Calgary’s Mayor Jyoti Gondek in the style of Rex Murphy.
ChatGPT
Title: Mayor Jyoti Gondek: A Beacon of Hope or a Mirage in Calgary’s Desert?
In the sprawling plains of Alberta’s political arena, one figure has emerged as a focal point of both admiration and skepticism – Mayor Jyoti Gondek. As the winds of change sweep through Calgary, Gondek stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and adaptability. Yet, beneath the surface lies a landscape fraught with challenges and uncertainties, begging the question: Is Mayor Gondek truly the beacon of hope that Calgarians yearn for, or merely a fleeting mirage in the desert of municipal governance?
To her supporters, Gondek represents a breath of fresh air in a city grappling with the aftershocks of economic turmoil and political stagnation. With her background in urban planning and a palpable passion for community engagement, she embodies the spirit of innovation and progress that Calgary sorely needs. From advocating for sustainable development to championing social justice initiatives, Gondek has captured the hearts and minds of many who see in her a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
Yet, amidst the fanfare and adulation, questions linger about the substance behind the spectacle. While Gondek’s rhetoric may resonate with the masses, her ability to translate words into action remains unproven. As the city grapples with a myriad of pressing issues – from housing affordability to infrastructure deficits – Calgarians are left wondering whether Gondek possesses the political acumen and fortitude to deliver on her ambitious promises.
Furthermore, Gondek’s tenure has not been without its controversies. From clashes with city council colleagues to allegations of cronyism and favoritism, she has faced her fair share of scrutiny and skepticism. While some dismiss these criticisms as the inevitable byproduct of a bold and uncompromising leadership style, others worry that they may foreshadow deeper flaws in Gondek’s approach to governance.
In the end, Mayor Jyoti Gondek remains an enigma wrapped in a riddle, a symbol of both the aspirations and anxieties of Calgary’s citizenry. Whether she proves to be the transformative leader that the city desperately needs or succumbs to the pitfalls of politics remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: as Calgary continues its journey of reinvention and renewal, the eyes of the nation will remain fixed on Mayor Gondek, watching and waiting to see whether she truly is the oasis in the desert or merely a fleeting mirage.
But the easy winner is in the style of Dr. Suess.
In the heart of Calgary, where the prairies roll,
There’s a mayor named Jyoti, with a big, bold goal.
With a smile as bright as the Alberta sun,
She’s bringing change to the city, one by one.
From downtown to the suburbs, she’s on the move,
With plans for growth and a vision to improve.
With a wave of her hand and a sparkle in her eye,
She’s making Calgary soar, reaching for the sky.
From green initiatives to social reform,
Mayor Gondek’s ideas are starting to swarm.
She’s planting the seeds for a better tomorrow,
Where everyone can thrive, without sorrow.
But like any tale, there’s more to the plot,
As challenges arise, in this city so hot.
With critics and naysayers, lurking near,
Mayor Gondek must stand strong, without fear.
For in the land of politics, it’s not always neat,
But Mayor Gondek won’t accept defeat.
With determination and grit, she’ll push on through,
For the people of Calgary, she’ll always stay true.
So here’s to Mayor Jyoti, with her hat in the ring,
Bringing hope and change, like a breath of spring.
In the story of Calgary, she’s a shining star,
Guiding the city forward, near and far.
Just Me— I’m not sure whether I should/could be more concerned about these articles.
1. I saw this coming, just not this quickly.
2. Erosion of trust is the main issue, and we know where that leads.
3. Given these articles, is anyone actually sure that there are still any actual “reporters ” @ NP, since their last batch of layoffs??
4.On the other side, I feel almost guilty for wanting to get chat to do a PP speech in the style of Dr Seuss— the 3 word phraseology….lol
I will say that I am not sorry that we won’t have to hear or read the words of Rex Murphy, but the sad part is that so many Canadians(including my late parents)did love him. I would with David C that his contributions to the public discourse were worse once he left the CBC although his time as host was pretty terrible. I remember one time he hosted a show commemorating the life of Ralph Klein which was so bad I had to turn it off about 15-20 minutes into the show.
David: This was often my experience with X Country Checkup when Mr. Murphy was at the helm. Nowadays, I very rarely turn it off, even when the topic is not among my interests. Mr. Hanomansing has never once made me do that, to his great credit. DJC