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 strip.

Should readers be able to have such influence over the content of the newspaper?

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 ethics and balance.

"If your wrap on Election Day is portraying one particular point of view, that's going to be pretty damaging to your credibility," Kelly McBride, ethics group leader for the Poynter Institute, told the Virginia Pilot.

"I think it would be hard for voters, in that moment, to discern whether this is the paper's point of view or someone else's," she added. "You don't want to do something on Election Day that essentially alienates your readers."

Would you accept those advertising dollars?

Do you think that the public would be confused by a newspaper wrapped in a politically charged bag? Would they believe that, because of the ad, the newspaper is endorsing that candidate?

"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 story)

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 possess the spark and passion to inspire the best within us: creativity, generosity and a fierce defense of justice and liberty.

The Times without hesitation endorses Barack Obama for president.

The Philadelphia Inquirer also endorsed Obama but, in addition, offered a dissenting voice in favor of McCain. The dissent stated:

America needs an honest president with experience, common sense, sound temperament and good judgment in the Oval Office. Those qualities will make it easy for many to vote for McCain.

Does offering their opinion on who should be president undermine a newspaper's objectivity?

(Click here to see which candidate was endorsed by your favorite newspapers across the country).

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