The media's latest victim

Ok, before you read this... let me stipulate that there's a part of me who's a terrible human being. This happened two days ago, and I'm just now writing about it because it's taken me this long to stop laughing. Actually, I'm still laughing. I told you, terrible.

So there's this baby rabbit, and because it's born without ears, it's destined to be the next Awwwwwww media sensation. The little zoo in Germany where it lived planned to unveil cute, furry little Til at a press conference this week. But, before Til could have his moment in the spotlight, a camera man stepped on him, killing him instantly.

Here's the thing - I've planned press conferences. It's one of the few sort-of glamorous parts of my job. Ordinarily, the object (for lack of a better term) of the press conference - the person/people the media are there to see - isn't wandering around in the staging area to be accidentally stepped on.

HOW DO YOU STEP ON A BUNNY??? WHO PUT THE BUNNY ON THE FLOOR??? How do you let said bunny - the critter that's going to put your little zoo on the international media map, after all - just wonder around the press conference area waiting to be stepped on? Have you ever seen a news camera person? They carry lots of heavy, bulky stuff. They have to move around quickly to catch their shots and interviews. They aren't really on the lookout for teacup-sized bunnies. As any PR person knows, those unstructured moments when people are milling around and the cameras may or may not be rolling are the most dangerous. In this case, literally.

It's awful, I know. That poor camera guy, and that poor intern who picked the wrong moment to let the talent go for a smoke break. But....... c'mon. This is funny, right? The "Parks & Rec" writers are kicking themselves right now for letting Li'l Sebastian go so soon.