Reporters must challenge, not comply

Former reporter Lois Melina has written a cogent piece for the Baltimore Sun about how the "Compliant News Media Have Failed the American People". By letting itself be bullied by politicians and their lackeys, the press has allowed lies to go unchallenged, while ignoring the obvious truths on the ground. While the President claims a 51% victory is a mandate, the press carefully takes notes. Rather than risk their coveted positions in the White House press room, they'll dutifully follow the directives of those elected officials whom they are meant to question.

News Flash: Kids Spend Money!!

Okay, it seems I'm the only one acknowledging that CBS has completely caved in to the pressures of the right-wing. Witness 60 Minutes. Yea, the Dylan interview was cool, but the old men at Black Rock seem think that's what passes for hard journalism these days.

The serious story a few weeks ago was about Adult ADD. A week later it was whether the famed "James, brother of Jesus" ossuary was real. Interesting stuff, but hardly the most pressing of issues during this time of war and political deceit. Of course, these single serious stories were followed by even puffier pieces about Gretchen Wilson, Dustin Hoffman, Ricky Williams, etc, etc, etc.

But they really outdid themselves this last week when the opening story was on (brace yourself) how teenagers and twenty-somethings have money to spend, and (surprise!) they're going to spend it differently than their parents!! I realize this is a shocker, and no doubt completely different than similar themed stories about Generation X during the 90's, and the Baby Boomers ten years or so before that.

Of course, after such hard-hitting journalism, it's easy to understand why they had to soften things up a bit with stories about Ray Charles and football coaches. I mean, you wouldn't want to be too controversial would you? Besides, it's not like this is some kind of news program after all.

Notice the cops aren't complaining

The editor of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times in Texas now says it was a mistake to allow a reporter to act as a prostitute and assist police in two arrests during an undercover sting operation. "We made a mistake in judgment, and it's why we have not and will not run a story with information gathered that day."

Perfect With Vodka

Chrissy Caviar. Don't overindulge.

Do They Have Any Brown Ones?

Am I the only one who thinks The Bunny Museum is just a little bit creepy?

Teasing Cats with Lasers is Patented

Kevin Amiss and Martin H. Abbott of Virginia apparently received a U.S. Patent (#5,422,036) back in 1995 for excercising a cat by directing a beam of "light produced by a hand held laser apparatus onto the floor or wall" and then moving it, so the cat chases it. And the Patent Office wonders why they are scorned.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Yup, six of them. Don't believe me? Then take a look at Literal Answers to Rhetorical Questions. So, how high is the Moon?