Laconic, Lasagna-Eating Fat Cat Makes Readers Feel Good.

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN. And they want their Garfield.After the Rocky Mountain News quietly eliminated the cartoon cat from their funny pages, readers started complaining. Here is part of the paper's announcement of Garfield's return:More than 2,000 readers wrote, e-mailed and called our comics hot line after the strip was dropped. Many Garfield fans told us that in these troubled times, they counted on the comic relief of their longtime favorite...

We Are the Champions!

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Politics on a Bag? No Thanks, Newspapers Say.

THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION is backing John McCain in next week's presidential election, and they are actively campaigning against Barack Obama.So the NRA, through their political action committee, is trying to send their message to the public. One of the ways they are trying to do that is by purchasing ad space on the plastic bags that newspapers are delivered in.But newspapers have been turning down the advertisements, mostly on the basis of...

Vertigo? Or Angel of Harlem?

DO YOU CARE about what Bono thinks?Well, the New York Times announced that the U2 lead singer and activist will write opinion pieces for the paper starting in 2009.Though...

"It's Never Too Early To Start Achieving Your Dream."

WHAT DID YOU THINK of our guest, Marc Zumoff?Here are a few things he said that stood out for me:• Get internships.• Network, form relationships and kiss ass.• Make your life revolve around your passions.• Being a good writer will make you stand out, even in broadcasting.What stood out for you?(by the way, if you are interested in learning about one of the voices of the Phillies, Larry Andersen, read this sto...

Should The Paper Pick a President?

THIS IS THE SEASON FOR political endorsements. Newspapers across the country are making their cases for either John McCain or Barack Obama for president.The Los Angeles Times wrote:We need a leader who demonstrates thoughtful calm and grace under pressure, one not prone to volatile gesture or capricious pronouncement. We need a leader well-grounded in the intellectual and legal foundations of American freedom. Yet we ask that the same person also...

All the Mavericks in the House, Put Your Hands Up.

THERE IS NO journalism connection here. But I'm curious what you think of th...

It Ain't Easy Being Funny.

IF YOU ENJOY THE DAILY SHOW, think about what makes it so enjoyable. Someone actually digs through copious amounts of news and raw data, digests it and processes it.That man, apparently, is Adam Chodikoff, a Daily Show producer. Here is his news diet, as reported by Women's Wear Daily:Chodikoff reads seven newspapers a day in print, sits through hours of hearings on C-Span on a Saturday and watches Sen. John McCain grilling on Rachael Ray’s talk...

Do You Run the Potentially Defamatory Ad?

TO GAIN INTEREST IN THEIR upcoming "Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week" event, David Horowitz and his Freedom Center tried to place ads in college newspapers across the country.Many college newspapers declined to run the ad. According to the University of California, Santa Barbara student newspaper, the advertisement - “Stop the Jihad On College Campuses” - claims the Muslim Student Association recruits and supports speakers who “are calling for the execution...

Great Time To Be a Phillies Fan. But Can You Be An Objective Reporter At The Same Time?

CLEARLY, ON THE day after the Phillies topped the Dodgers 3-2 in the National League Championship Series, it is an excellent time to be a Phillies fan.Tyler Kepner, a New York Times sports reporter, wrote about his love for the Phillies in the Times a few days ago: If you could relive the happiest moment of your childhood, what would it be? I’m lucky, I suppose, because I never have to think twice.It was Oct. 8, 1983, a quarter of a century ago Wednesday....

Warning! Snark Factor Off the Charts: Gawker on Journalism

IF YOU ARE AN ASPIRING journalist, and you want a 60 second synopsis of the state of journalism, click here for Gawker.com's analysis.Here is a sample:The outlook is grim. If you're just getting into journalism, the job market is already flooded with people with far more experience than you who've been laid off, and are competing for the same jobs. If you're employed, moving up is treacherous—you never know when the new job you just took could disappear...

Note to Journalists: You suck.

KATIE COURIC ASKED Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin which newspapers and magazines she reads. Palin responded, "I've read most of them, again with a great appreciation for the press, for the media."Couric followed, "What, specifically?"And Palin answered, "Um, all of them, any of them that have been in front of me all these years.""Can you name a few?" Couric countered."I have a vast variety of sources where we get our news, too,"...

Is It Wrong To Take The Cash?

THE MEDIA IS SUPPOSED to remain objective, right? Can the New York Times be taken seriously when their daily e-mail newsletters contain partisan advertisements, like the one above? Don't they look like they are supporting Barack Obama for president?Political campaigns bring a lot of money to the media. The John McCain and Obama campaigns have already dropped $27 million for broadcast advertising in Pennsylvania this season, and we are really only...