Changing the World

Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed away today at the age of 88. Sister of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and a member of one of the most influential political families, Eunice Shriver affected an incredible amount of change without ever holding an office. Most famous as the founder of the Special Olympics, Eunice dedicated much of her life to the service and assistance of others. She played a key role in the evolution of the treatment of the intellectually disabled in American society and received several honorary degrees, honors and awards for her work in the U.S. and abroad.

She will be remembered not only for her achievements as a humanitarian, but for her ability to inspire millions of others to work to achieve their goals.

Leia Mais…

You Can Now Follow The Press Junkie on Twitter

As if you weren't already completely inundated by Web 2.0 self-satisfying propaganda, you can now follow us on Twitter! PJ on Twitter

The PJ Team is working hard to keep you informed. We come off summer hiatus on Monday July 13. Stay tuned for regular updates.

If you are interested in joining the Press Junkie Team, email a 400-500 word writing sample on a topic of your choice to ThePressJunkie@gmail.com. The pay is none, the glory is up for grabs. We hope to hear from you soon.

Leia Mais…

Have We Forgotten About Iraq?

Stephen Colbert has launched a calculated multimedia initiative to honor the American soldiers that are still fighting in Iraq and to remind Americans that there are still soldiers fighting in Iraq. Has American really forgotten about them?

The Answer: Yes and No.

Operations in Iraq have resulted in fewer fatalities while concern for international peace has shifted to areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North Korea. At the same time the new President has been dealing with an economic shit storm here at home. Not to mention healthcare, education, unemployment and the collapse of the automobile industry. At some point Iraq took a backseat to more pressing social, political and economic issues.

I'm not debating the appropriateness of this hierarchy, I'm simply reiterating that Iraq is still somewhere on that list. I think that Colbert is trying to do the same, albeit with a wealth of resources and the international spotlight at his disposal.

This week Colbert is filming his show in one of Saddam's former palaces in Baghdad. The set is amazingly patriotic, the crowd is massive and the respect and humor he brings to the troops is evident in every furl of his brow.

I especially enjoy his opening monologue in which he delivers audience appropriate jokes while holding a #7 driver over his shoulder. The club plays homage to the work Bob Hope did as a USO entertainer and the golf club he famously held during many of his performances. Although I can’t imagine that hitting the links has gotten much easier seeing as how Baghdad is smack in the middle of the world’s largest sand trap.

In addition to his broadcast from Iraq, Colbert guest edited this week's issue of Newsweek Magazine. With the permission of Jon Meacham (Editor) and the help of Newsweek staff (as mentioned in "Top of the Week") Colbert crafted an issue dedicated to the unique perspectives of individuals touched by the Iraq war and how it has shaped their lives and molded their futures.

Though Stephen happily accepts all the credit for the composition of this issue, it shows great growth on the part of the Newsweek staff to think outside the gloss. NW has been undergoing big changes and its effort to respond to consumer demand is evident on both its pages and its website.

While I don't see guest editing as a frequent solution to the uncertain news media horizon I think that this issue reveals a new side of Newsweek and I enjoyed the change of pace. Above all I think that the message was well executed. Soldiers, veterans and their families are dealing with this war in ways we need to recognize and understand. The debate is no longer over the validity of the war, but the depth of its effect on its participants and how they are cared for and honored as we bring the war to a close.

Leia Mais…

EXTRA! EXTRA!

I think that all sectors of the news media industry are coming to this same conclusion at different times...It's Not Enough to Just Write.

News is multimedia, film, photo, sound AND the written word and to thrive you've got to do it all.

Right now we have a bunch of journalism neophytes tripping over their own skills trying to put stuff out there on the web that looks like news. What we're missing are the principles of reliable information transmission. Tommy J. aged 21 in Sarasota, FL may have taken a few film classes and taught himself how to use iMovie or Final Cut Pro but that doesn't make him a journalist, or does it?

We've stumbled into an era in which anyone with a camera and a computer can make the news. It used to be that something would happen, local tv stations would dispatch a reporter and cameraman out to the site, they'd interview some yokel that witnessed the event and the viewers wait for the report from the newsroom to verify the facts.

The yokels have eliminated the middle man. We can get our news directly from the source. What that lacks is fact checking, complete coverage and integrity. That's not to say that all iReporters out there are trying to deceive the viewers, but that with so many means of transmission it's hard to tell which sources to believe.

At the same time traditional journalists have been clinging to the principles they learned in J-school without considering the real effect of the digital revolution. For most newspapers, I think it's too late. They didn't change gradually with their readers and now they want public pity for the fate that has befallen them. Give me a break.

However, as most should or will realize, without newspapers we lose the institutions that have upheld (and funded) journalistic integrity. With them go the online journalists that still find their funding on the outside. What's the solution?

As with all equilibriums, the two halves will have to meet somewhere in the middle. Where the two cross, I'm still not quite sure. But I'm certain that the news media revolution has just begun. The rise of the new media brings the fall of the old and in the years to come we will see it rebuild itself - who will be the leaders? who will teach the followers? We shall see. Now IS the time to seize the day!

Leia Mais…

Don't Ask, Do Tell.

Under the new administration there has been a lot of buzz about removing the "Don't Ask. Don't Tell." policy which restricts homosexual enrollment in the armed forces, enacted during President Clinton's first days in office.

As it stands, homosexual soldiers are barred from enlisting and can be dishonorably discharged from the military if his/her sexuality is revealed. Needless to say, I believe any policy that restricts an individual's right to serve and defend his/her country on the basis of sexual preferences is ridiculous.

I'm not going to get on a soap box and preach equal rights till the cows come home. There are plenty of more passionate, well-informed supporters out there that can do so much better than I can. What I like to do is think about the cause and effect of policy change and get your feedback on the same issues (though it has been hence forth been sparing at best).

I predict that "Don't Ask. Don't Tell." will be repealed within a year. Proponents of its eradication will rejoice in the streets (for like a day). When the smoke clears we will see more state legislatures taking a serious look at the way they treat homosexuals with local laws, including the Gay Marriage issue.

At that time it will be more commonly be called the Marriage Rights Act or something equally politically correct. Prejudices may not subside, and in fact some will become even more inflamed, but hopefully not more vocal. All groups will start to realize that they can no longer use archaic and inherently religious tenets to restrict the actions of fellow citizens.

Most of those prejudices will probably only be purged from our society as their believers grow old and die, but such is the same with other prejudices. For those who never benefit from "a more perfect union" their lives will be vindicated in the freedoms of those who follow.

OK. That was a little soap box-y. Sue me. Equal rights for all! Yahoo!

Leia Mais…

You're Fired! Who Cares?

Are we becoming immune to job-loss stories on the news?

It seems like every other story covers a company shutdown, mass layoffs or soaring unemployment. At first I was sympathetic, then I tried to avoid the stories. Now, I barely notice them.

When every other feature shows a family man who can't feed his kids or a single mother working two jobs just to put food on the table, we become accustomed to the suffering. Many news outlets have found unique angles to the same story, but even those lose their novelty as this economic crisis steams on.

Do these stories remind us that we are not alone? Do they show that there are others worse off? Are these stories meant to motivate us to help others in our communities? Whatever their purpose it seems to be wearing off.

Keep an eye out for a shift in job-less coverage. Unemployment is going to get worse before it gets better. I hope media coverage doesn't do the same.

Leia Mais…

It's My Grand Old Party and I'll Cry If I Want To

A lot of Republicans are wining about the loss of their popularity over the last 6 months and have launched a campaign to meet with Americans to resolidify the Republican platform and its following.

Wahhh! Nobody likes us.

What did you expect? Your platform is built on archaic, social issues that limit individual rights, the former head of your party spent the last 8 years running this country into the ground, destroying our international reputation and plunging us into debt as a result of unsuccessful economic policies and the funding of two wars (neither of which we are winning), and you're still touting a regulation-free financial sector after the complete collapse of Wall Street and the banks at the hands of a bunch of white collar plutocrats who face no consequences for their soul robbing actions.

I can't figure out why anyone is still following you. Except that I know that the bread and butter of your party are those "real-Americans" who you've conned into following your party for the past decade who for whatever reason believe in Republican values when not one Republican tenet works in their favor - save keeping gays from receiving marriages licenses.

I believe in a multiple party system and choice and a difference of opinions. I don't want to see the Republican party disappear. In fact I am on par with some of the economic ideals passed down to us by Smith and Mises, like letting a failing business go out of business if its not responding to public demand. I don't agree with much else, but I can see how some people would.

For now Dick Cheney and Carl Rove can do all the crying they want. It won't be until Republicans suck it up, take a step back and reconsider the veracity with which they pursue some of their policies and then proceed in a more organized and conscientious manner that more Americans will start listening again.

Stop straining to find a leader and start doing good things for Americans with the power you do have. In time, a leader will emerge that represents your values with his/her actions AND words. I hate to say this but George W Bush is the only republican doing anything productive by starting a library of the same name. It sounds ridiculous but maybe other Republicans should finally start following his lead.

Start libraries, not wars.

Leia Mais…

Take the Activia Challenge Today!

It seems like every other ad on television now is for some celebrity-backed fiber-rich food substance guaranteed to get you going, literally. Why is it that fiber is suddenly in the spot light and celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis have proudly taken on the role of primary spokesperson? The answer reflects several converging trends in today's food culture.

First off, we are a fatty, greasy, extra-cheese loving population, but unfortunately those staples aside from lacking any real nutritional value also lack the ingredients necessary to pass them properly. At the same time more and more studies are revealing that many of our health problems may be linked to dysfunctional digestive systems. Toxins are being over absorbed and fatty foods simply do not move well with out the help of insoluble fiber. The increased incidence of colon cancer can be directly linked to a diet high in fatty foods. Therefore we are witnessing one of the great evolutionary realizations in human behavior, what goes in must come out!

However, awareness doesn't always lead to action. Poop is still a touchy subject for some people. The question becomes, how do we capitalize on infrequent BMs without inflicting disgust and embarrassment on to our customers? Answer: CELEBRITY SPOKESPERSON!

The Dannon Company, the makers of Activia and other health-smart dairy products, chose women over the age of 50 as the target audience for their fiber-rich yogurts, shakes and snack bars and needed a celebrity to match:

Brooke Shields - not old enough...yet
Patricia Richardson - who?
Betty White - too old, PetMeds rep
Meryl Streep - not hot enough
Demi Moore - too hot (also not yet 50)
Sharon Stone - crazy
Jamie Lee Curtis - took her top off in some movies like 30 years ago + spunky silvered hair + still skinny = PERFECT!

By signing on a famous, gracefully aging celebrity, Dannon has been able to de-stigmatize digestive health and remind Americans that everyone poops - and should more often - now thanks to fiber-rich foods, WE CAN!

Leia Mais…

Riches to Rags: the Newspaper Evolution

There's a lot of buzz about the demise of the newspaper industry and the loss of our national watchdog. In this information age the mediums for transmission are evolving with the technology and tangible collections are getting left behind. However, proliferation of information is now more important than ever before and the digital interface hasn't found a way to completely absorb the rags without a few snags along the way.

Many publications have gone digital, providing their readers with direct access to stories and current updates. Readers love the quick, easy, and free access, but the loss of sales and ad revenue has reaped havoc on many of the publications glossy counterparts. Some publications have been started and reside only on the net. The Huffington Post and Slate are two such sites that have flourished on the internet, with readership growing everyday. Is this the next wave of news media? It seems so. But how will these sites be funded? How will journalism change? How has it changed already? I'm posing these questions in hopes of starting a dialogue. Comment and check back for additional comments from me and other blog followers.

I will follow this entry up in a week or so and share some of my personal views on the evolution of news media.

Leia Mais…

International Strategy: Peace

I am very excited to see that the new administration is taking an active role in repairing our international relations. President Obama spent the majority of the past month abroad, speaking with foreign leaders and reintroducing America to the world. President Bush has done irreparable damage to our diplomacy with policies above and beyond Iraq. One of the biggest reasons some Americans hated Bush was for the way he made everyone else in the world hate us.

I'm ready for a new world order. Peaceful talks. Cooperation. Collaboration. Productivity. Efficiency. We've certainly lost our global footing in the past eight years, but I think that Obama is moving in the right direction. We can't solve all the worlds problems, but maybe if we all work together we can solve a few more than we would have alone. Maybe I'm just young and naive, but I've naive enough to think we can make this a better world and young enough to benefit from it when I'm older.

Leia Mais…

Guest Bloggers

Press-Junkie is looking for guest bloggers. If you are a news fanatic or just have something to say, join the press-junkie team. Submit a 100-500 word writing sample to anneadoryan@yahoo.com. All points of view are welcome.

Leia Mais…

A Realistic Timeline

President Obama has come under hasty fire in the past twelve weeks for his performance while in office. To expect anyone in his situation to achieve instant results is unrealistic. I am confident that at least some of the problems Americans have been facing will improve over the next six months, but I think that it's going to take at least a year before we see sustained improvement. That is not to say that Obama should be given free range to do with the presidency whatever he would like. We are still the watchdogs and he is responsible to all citizens. I do think that the protests many republican groups are staging are a bit premature. Give the guy a little space. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Right now all it needs is a little breathing room. You can throw some ridiculous, irrational tea parties late this summer - at least that way the water will be warm.

Leia Mais…

Tea Bagging America

Many conservatives have thrown 'tea parties' in protest of the Obama financial recovery plan (and the federal tax money used to fund it) in homage to the Boston Tea Party of 1773 which proclaimed "No Taxation Without Representation." There are so many things inherently contradictory about this situation that I am thrilled to pick it apart and discuss what is actually going on here.

First of all, it's always fun to see Conservatives protesting stuff. Abortion, Gay Marriage, and now Government Spending. These are the justices that seem to get Cons really riled up these days. The Left is far more well known for their sign-carrying, bureaucrat-taunting abilities, but that comes as no surprise. Who else is going to protest the status quo?

So not only has it been a thrill to watch our republican counterparts stand up in anger against the spending bills hewn from the new recovery plan, but I have personally taken much joy in watching these feeble little conservatives grasping aimlessly for a symbolic platform on which to steady their argument. Like a fledgling perched on the rim of an unsteady nest, conservatives have chosen to speak out against President Obama's use of federal funds to stimulate the economy, and what better way to do so than to tie the fight to one of the most well known protests in American history: The Boston Tea Party.

Perhaps more research should have been done before allying with a protest meant to stop forced importation of tea leaves. The Tea Act of 1773 passed by the British Parliament imposed a tax that was intended to save the cash strapped East India Trading Company. Colonists were pissed that they were being taxed without having any voting rights to those members of the British parliament representing them, "Taxation Without Representation" they declare! Justified. But when conservatives and republicans start proclaiming the same decree I have trouble understanding what all the hubbub was last November 4th and what they thought was happening when they went into those little booths and cast their vote.

Republicans have no justification for declaring "T.W.R!". We have a democratically elected president and have for over 200 years. The officials in office were duly elected. In fact, John McCain voted in favor for last years $700 billion dollar bailout revealing inconsistency on his own views of government spending. Would this be happening if McCain was in office? It's hard to tell. However, it's certain something had to be done.

For eight years we watched Bush spend exorbitant amounts on the War in Iraq, running up inane structural deficits and running down morale. When we protested, they called it un-American. What could be more American than standing up for what you believe in?

So I say to the conservatives and republicans at their tea parties, kudos. Aside from completely missing the point of the Boston Tea Party and wasting a whole lot of Nestle products, you're on the right track. I support free speech and enthusiasm for public policy in all forms. Hopefully you'll have plenty of time to practice dissent in the next eight years. Until then, carefully rethink your protests for pertinence and validity, though I'd love to see another Whiskey Rebellion when Obama gets around to paying for the wars your half-wit president started.

-AA

Leia Mais…

Welcome Back!

Press-Junkie has been on spring hiatus getting stories ready for you! Keep an eye out for updates and feel free to write in if there is something that you want to hear about. Comments are welcome and encouraged. This is one addiction you can and should share with friends!

annie a.

Leia Mais…

A New Era of Diplomacy...It's About Damn Time

Press Junkie Commentator: Anne Adoryan

I have to admit that I used to cringe when I would see President Bush on TV making a speech on international politics to a group of foreign emissaries. His southern drawl delivering cliche battle cries sent shooting pains up the core of my spine and caused a stiff aching in the deepest part of my chest. It still does. His ignorance of foreign politics and his complete disregard for the beauty and intricacies of other cultures made me ashamed to call him my leader. The world is in a fragile place right now, and I know America must take a big part of the blame. But when I saw President Obama making a speech in Turkey this morning I was comforted by my lack of a visceral reaction. I'm not on the same page with everything that he is trying to do, but I am excited by his efforts to fix our relations with foreign nations. We need to be respected as a country, not feared. Bush's global paternalism was unproductive and I'm happy to see that our new leader is using his first months in office to try to repair the ties that the past eight years have cut.

(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

Leia Mais…

GM and the New American Socialism

Part of the agreement the US government has forged with the General Motors corporation after it accepted billions of dollars worth of bailout money involves compliance with the direction ordered by the council established to deal with GM's economic collapse. President Obama has stated that the US government is not taking control of the Detroit automaker. However, the sphere of his influence became more evident last week when GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner stepped down from his post after the White House rejected GM's recovery plans for the use of government money. The intimate relationship forming between the federal government and one of America's biggest corporations has spurred heated debate over the extent of control a government should have in a supposedly free market economy. Opponents of the Obama recovery plan and bailout have called it socialist in nature and raise unwarranted frenzy about the threat of big government.

The truth is the market doing its best to kill industries that don't respond to consumer demand. Detroit has put out a lot of shitty cars in the past twenty years. It has reissued models without making any significant improvements, and it over produced SUV's with no rational consideration for the direction of the market and the evolution of motor vehicle transportation. Eight years ago when I started driving a 4-cylinder Mazda Protege, I was terrified of being run over by one of those gas guzzling giants. Even then I knew that that was not the future of automobiles and I was only 16. What Obama is trying to do is save the thousands of jobs and people that weren't making the decisions that ran these companies into the ground.

I don't think the government should be a controlling factor in any industry, but the motivations behind the Obama plan make sense on other levels. Unfortunately it's hard to put a price on the overall social good produced. What I fear is that after all this work and money it will be too little too late, and the people at the top of the ladder than ran these companies into the ground will get out just fine. I guess only time will tell.

Leia Mais…

Green is the New Black Out

Around the world hundreds of cities participated in a voluntary black out in hopes of sending a message to the UN council on environmental regulations. Landmarks dimmed in support of "greener" legislation and as a reminder of our dependence on electric energy. I think that the effects of this movement won't be immediately visible as many global leaders are currently distracted by economic issues. Hopefully a balance can be found between the two and we can turn the lights back on. Until then I'll reading by candlelight and waking up to a potato-powered alarm clock.

Leia Mais…

Yes!-la Tesla

In a new era of fuel efficiency and green living, cool cars have taken a backseat to more earth-friendly sedans and hybrids. Sky rocketing gas prices and the imminent threat of global warming have many of us downsizing both our engines and our time spent on the road. As most American automobile companies struggle to keep their engines running, Tesla Motors has found a way to produce an automobile that combines our need for speed and a craving for saving...the planet.

Unfortunately, the compromise does exist, as usual, with our wallets. The 2008 Tesla Roadster sold for just over $100K before tax, plus fees for repairs and maintenance that could only be done at Tesla Motor locations (due to the complexity of the electric drive train, parts, etc.). Its specs were quite impressive, but the price and wait list are more than most consumers can stomach.

Luckily, Tesla's newest release, the Model S sedan, rings up at half the price of its other models. Unfortunately, even this environmentally friendly endeavor has been affected by the downturn in the economy. It may be a few years before the Tesla Model S becomes a common household name, but Tesla Motors hopes to eventually produce enough sedans that they can compete with other hybrid vehicle firms in the market.

Whether or not individuals will be willing to spend $50K on an all-electric car is still up for grabs. As technology improves, it will be up to the company with the interest and ability to harness its power and lower production costs that will eventually come out on top. Hopefully competition will improve the quality on all forms of production and we will no longer be required to compromise keen for green. For now, you can find me riding my bike to work and class, and shoving any extra money I find into my Tesla Motors IPO fund.

Leia Mais…

The Economy Killed Kenny

Most of my hyperbolic views on the economy were reflected in today's brand new episode of South Park. A child messiah sacrificed his line of credit in order to save the citizens of South Park and its economy. Great episode for econophiles like me! Let me know what you think of the episode and of the current economic situation.



The episode is entitled "Margaritaville" and can be downloaded on iTunes. Or catch it on reruns. Or download "Lice Capades" which has nothing to do with anything but is a very funny rarely aired episode.

annie a

Leia Mais…

Super Cute Summary

President speaks. Snow falls in North Dakota. Border disputes worsen. Stocks slip. AIG still sucks. Stolen car ring busted. Same shit new day.

Leia Mais…

Stocks (Pep) Rally

Amid a sea of controversy President Obama has pushed forward with his financial recovery package. Today he released plans for the US Treasury to soak up the bank's toxic assets and auction them off in order to free up funds for loan to the private sector. This attempt to reestablish lending stability will hopefully work towards the overall goal of economic stability and recovery. Whether or not it's the government's job to fill the hole the banks have dug for themselves by participating in the sub-prime mortgage landslide is an entirely different debate. However, today's executive order coupled with reports of a brightening housing market has done wonders to boost the confidence of private investors in the US stock market. The DOW rose nearly 500 points today, a record not seen since November, up from twelve year lows seen earlier this month.

I can't help but associate the morale of the country with the ups and downs of the US stock market. Luckily, whenever the President prescribes the country one large Xanax in the form of another branch of the financial recovery plan, stocks soar and we are once again comforted by the false security blanket of financial stability. The reality is that it's going to take a lot of work to follow through on the recovery plan and a lot of time and patience before the market fully recovers. I believe that we are on the right track, but stock-induced jubilation is temporary at best. So long as the market continues to ebb and flow so will the public mania associated with its success.

Tomorrow is another day. Ben Bernanke and Tim Geithner are scheduled to appear before the House Financial Services Committee to discuss AIG operations. Asian markets are already up. Bonuses are being returned. The Senate Banking Committee is holding a hearing on bank regulation. Tomorrow is another day and anything can happen.

Annie A

Primary Source: "Dow jumps almost 500 points" by By Alexandra Twin, CNNMoney.com senior writer Last Updated: March 23, 2009: 5:49 PM ET

Leia Mais…

Con-damnation

The Pope recently visited Africa and spoke about Catholic values and finding peace in war-torn areas. The most newsworthy tenet he reiterated was the ban on the use of condoms as a means of birth control, instead promoting abstinence as the only means of protection. Africa has been ravaged by the AIDS epidemic and condom use is still considered the best defense against its spread, after dismissing abstinence as a realistic widespread practice. The Pope also claims that condoms facilitate the spread of AIDS, a comment which, I believe, implies the Pope’s assertion that condom use and abstinence are alternatives, and condoms do not fully protect their users. In reality, the alternative to sex with a condom is sex without a condom, the former being the safer alternative to the latter, given that sexual activity cannot be prevented.

It’s as though Pope Benny has cited walking to work as an alternative to wearing a seatbelt. Seatbelts don’t cause car accidents, but use of a seatbelt may prevent against injury in the event of one. Either way you can’t prevent everyone from driving. It sure as heck beats walking to work.

Anne Adoryan

Leia Mais…