Another Sign of the Times

As of Monday the New York Times has shut down it's quartlery sports magazine, Play.

"First published in February 2006, Play won many accolades for in-depth reporting and vivid photography, and this year it was a finalist for the prize in general excellence at the National Magazine Awards," New York Times reporter, Richard Perez-Pena said.

I think that for many a sports magazine is a luxury item. Thus with the current economy, it has forced many to cut out the "want" items.

“It was a nice run and we enjoyed it, but given the reports almost daily of magazines cutting back and shutting down, I have to be philosophical about it,” said Mark Bryant, editor of Play.

Landmark Lawsuit

China has always controlled the news their citizens receive. A local reporter took a landmark step in suing the Chinese government. The government suspended Cui Fan's publication after she published an article on bank forgery.

"I brought the lawsuit because what happened is unfair both to me and my colleagues," Cui told the Associated Press news agency. The Guardian was unable to reach her by telephone.

I think this is amazing because this gives hope for freedom of speech in China.

Media v. Palin

Anyone who has listened to a speech by Sarah Palin throughout this campaign, has heard her call the media the "liberal elite". But has the media actually gone out of their way to her more negative coverage?

According to Tim Graham, a media analyst:
"They're familiar with Joe Biden. He's run for president several times. They all know him. He's been in Washington for a long time, and they agree with his point of view on the issues. That makes him non-controversial. That makes him really old news to a certain extent," he contends. "[But] Sarah Palin's a brand new story. Even people who support her are not that familiar with her, and she represents to the news media a dangerously ultra-conservative [and] inexperienced person."

The only noted story that has been positive has been on her eye wear.

In my opinion, I believe the media has published more stories on Palin than Biden. But there have been more negative things surrounding Palin. Biden has the occasional slip up. But Palin has had some really bad interviews and has been involved in hearings in Alaska over firing her brother-in-law.

So while she have in fact recieved more negative press, it is in my opinion because there has been more news involving Palin.

Media Shutup?

Sarah Palin spoke today with Rush Limbaugh. According to Palin the media wants her to shut-up.

Here is an interesting excerpt:

Rush Limbaugh: "The media is covering up for him. That is why there's so much admirationfor you. The New York Times said you were a great speaker....your forcefulness and your opinions are driving away moderates. This is just an attempt to get you to stop."

Sarah Palin: "Well, yes, I guess that message is they do want me to sit down and shut up, but that's not gonna happen. I care too much about this great country. ... Speaking of some of those associations...lets talk quickly about ACORN and the unconscionable situation that we are facing right now with voter fraud, given the ties between Obama and ACORN and the money his campaign has sent them...Obama has a responsibility to reign in ACORN and prove that he is willing to fight voter fraud....for shame if the mainstream media were to cover this one up."

I am honestly getting fend up with Palin always blaming the media. I think the media has been very fair to her. I personally feel that it could be worse. Plus what would the media gain by covering anything up for Obama?

Bailout or Bailnot?

In the recent days the media has been paying close attention to the bailout. The AFP gathered several sources to show that the bailout has recieved blanket coverage from all media sources. Also no one has been left unblamed.

"Congress' rejection of the 700-billion-dollar bailout of the US financial system got blanket coverage in the US media Tuesday ," AFP reported.

From the New York Times to the Washington Post headlines read of the failures on Wallstreet. I think that is is important that the media investigates this completely, because this is important to everyone.

Conservative New York Times columnist David Brooks ripped into the country's political leaders, saying they "failed utterly and catastrophically to project any sense of authority, to give the world any reason to believe that this country is being governed."

Economy: Main Focus

President Bush is counting down the days until leaves Capitol Hill. Now with the economic crisis, it looks as if any other plans that were in the works, will now have to be thrown out the window.

The New York Times focuses on how dramatically the economic will change anything Bush wanted to achieve while still in office. Just ten days ago, the White House was talking about maybe getting a energy bill through.

Now, it's time to sell the $700 billion bailout plan.

“The bailout’s all that’s left,” said one Republican strategist who has consulted frequently with the administration.

I am sure Bush is ready to be done with everything. He has just over a hundred days left. The economic crisis is probably not the best way to end a presidency.

"Dear Abby"

As Mccain overtakes Obama in the polls, blogs have taken the role as advice givers to Obama.

They advise him to talk about his message, style, and themes. For example, Mark Halperin wants Obama to talk more about the economy. Ellen Malcolm of Emily's List says, "Talk about who really is able to change the direction of this country."

Slate, an online media source, reviewed all of the advice Obama has recieved during the election. The list is long and most of it has been ignored. Everyone has an opinion though and feels it is necessary to share their two-cents.

I think that many people think that Obama will heed their advice (even though we all know he won't follow much of it, nor would that be very smart!) and that is probably a large reason why he is breaking fundraising records. These are really tough times and everyone just wants their voice to be heard.

The important thing is though, that people are getting involved. I am happy to see people actually becoming informed about the issues.