Wake of Echoes

When I was a sophomore at Arizona State University , my English teacher assigned a research paper that was a significant part of our grade. I only remember two of the requirements. First, it had to be relevant to my major (journalism). Second, I had to cite reputable, scholarly sources to back up my thesis. When I met with my teacher and told her my idea: American mainstream media demonstrates a liberal bias when reporting the news , she strongly encouraged me to choose another topic. "You won't be able to prove it," she told me. As it turned out, she was wrong. I not only earned an A on my paper, I convinced her I was right. Now, can I convince you? I'm not Biased ... YOU Are!  Let's start with those who see things from the other side of the spectrum...with what is probably the most popular stance on the issue today: cafepress.com Turn off FOX News! You've seen this bumper sticker, right? Or one like it. Most of them suggest people who wa...

What do you love that no one’s ever heard about?  I’m sure there’s something. I have my own list. There’s a talented guitarist named Doug Smith.  You would recognize one or two of his songs; they use them in TV and radio commercials.  But very few of you are likely to have heard his name.  How about George Winston, the pianist?  He’s great too, but if you know him, it’s not through major media outlets. I love a line of Japanese skincare products sold by a company called DHC.  They are fantastic, but few of my friends even knew they existed before I badgered them into knowledge. How about Elizabeth Gaskell – have you heard of her?  If you’re a reader, you may have.  She was a contemporary (and friend) of Charlotte Bront ë who wrote some wonderful pieces of literature like North and South and Wives and Daughters .  But I didn’t hear about her during all my years of school.  I only discovered her as an adult when my love for literat...