In his article, “News Erupts, and So Does a Web Debut,” David Carr looks critically at niche media like The Texas Tribune.  While niche media’s strength resides in its specialization, in its appeal to a highly specific audience for a very narrow field, Carr tends to focus more on its inherent weakness, namely, that it [...]

Act III, “When the Levees Broke,” by Spike Lee, aims to convey the aftermath of hurricane katrina.  It gives accounts of the U.S. government’s response as well as that in the media and the devestation experienced by New Orleans residence.
I found particularly horrible the facade the media created when former president Bush came to survey [...]

I was standing on a crowded subway during the early morning rush, silently reading through the morning prayers. An old man got on the train. He made his way toward me, but then held on to a nearby pole for support and took out his Russian translated John Grisham novel. The train plowed on. I [...]

When you think of the emotional effects of a recession, you probably think of insecurity, depression, and a worthlessness that can even lead to risk of suicide.  But you don’t expect to hear that for some, the current recession has been their ticket to joy and meaning.  The venue for this joy?  Music.  The Rockland [...]