Should The Atheist Be Allowed To Voice Her Opinions?

A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT in Tennessee had her story in the school newspaper killed by school administrators who thought her views on atheism were potentially disruptive.The student, who is the editor of the paper, an honors student and an atheist, wrote, "Why does atheism have such a bad reputation? Why do we not have the same rights as Christians?"The school, which is predominantly Christian, has prayers offered at the start of many sporting events,...

"America Has Always Been Fascinated By The Outlaw."

COVERING ORGANIZED CRIME isn't always the most important story of the day, both George Anastasia and Dave Schratwieser admitted yesterday. But there's great drama, like a soap opera. Especially in the modern era of the Philadelphia mafia."This is the most dysfunctional time in mob history," Anastasia said. "The Philadelphia mob are like The Simpsons of the underworld."Anastasia, who graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in French Literature,...

Student Journalists Explain How To Get Your Groove On.

THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII student newspaper published a Valentine's Day edition, and offered sex tips. Unlike other newspapers (student or otherwise) that have regular sex columns, the Hawaii newspaper, Ka Leo, printed illustrations that visually portrayed the sex positions the writer describes.Find the story online here. See it in print above on page 16.Is this responsible journali...

Paul Bomberger: "You Have The Ability To Be Whatever You Want To Be."

DAYS AFTER GRADUATING FROM Temple, Paul Bomberger took a job at his hometown newspaper, the Intelligencer Journal, filling in for a staffer on maternity leave. He was supposed to be at the job for about 9 months. He stayed 15 years."You can't beat the newspaper platform for the thrill of a big story," Bomberger said in class yesterday.At the Intelligencer Journal, he developed a specialty covering business, which eventually landed him in the position...

Can Perception Taint The Journalism?

FORMER PHILADELPHIA MAYOR and Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell is among a group of investors who are considering the purchase of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and their website, philly.com. Is there any danger in that?Journalist Paul Davies wrote: "Under that proposed ownership model, the Fourth Estate in Philly will essentially cease to exist as a serious journalistic enterprise. Instead, the newspapers will be viewed as a direct extension...

Is Vagina Acceptable? And is "Vajajay" Sexist?

Apparently, usage of the word vagina has become rather commonplace on broadcast television. Is that acceptable?"One of the great things about broadcast television is nobody really knows what's appropriate anymore," a CBS producer told Philadelphia Daily News reporter Ellen Gray. "It's a floating target."As we evolve as a society (or devolve, depending upon your point of view), should the accepted standards change? Also consider this: references to male goodies have long been sitcom fodder, with the word penis fairly normal on television for decades....