Eagle columnist Brent Castillo wrote today about a study that found that the media has been more favorable in their news coverage of the Democratic presidential candidates than the Republicans. Conservatives are touting it as more evidence of liberal bias. That likely may be, but it may also partly reflect news that was happening at the time. For example, the study noted how much negative coverage Republican John McCain received. But the study examine a time period during which his campaign was falling apart.
The study focused on news coverage, which is expected to be neutral, not opinion and commentary, which aren’t supposed to be neutral. But that format may lean more to the left soon.
MSNBC is planning a shift to a left in its evening talk shows, driven by ratings. “Countdown With Keith Olbermann†(in photo) has been such a success that the cable network plans to showcase other hosts who take on the administration, the New York Times reported. One horrifying possibility: Network execs have been talking with Rosie O’Donnell about a prime-time show, though those talks have stalled.
Just as Fox News has made hay with conservative talk shows, MSNBC is realizing there is a big market for opposing views.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
A revealing and disturbing article in the New York Times shows both the powerful allure of coal in developing nations and its soaring environmental costs.
China and India are investing heavily in coal plants for their exploding energy needs. Coal is cheap and abundant, but besides contributing to climate change, it’s causing widespread illness and billions of dollars in crop loss.
One Chinese coal-town resident, who suffers from coughing fits, echoed the argument made by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius: “The coal, it produces electric power that we send to other provinces. But we are left with the pollution.â€
In China, there’s no talk of “clean coal†— most Chinese plants have no pollution controls, and the resulting clouds of fine particulates, laced with mercury and other deadly chemicals, drift halfway around the world, their toxins showing up in smog in cities and in fish in the U.S. Northwest.
Half of the mercury contamination in the United States comes from overseas, especially China, one expert said.
As our editorial today notes, the impact of burning coal goes far beyond Kansas’ coal debate. Coal pollution is a global problem, requiring a global solution. And unless developing nations are brought on board, the prospects for addressing climate change and coal pollution look bleak.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
It’s good to hear that the Wichita City Council has identified another possible site for the new downtown Central Library, at the corner of Central and Museum Boulevard, across from the Mid-America All-Indian Center.
The 13-acre site already belongs to the city — a big plus, although a massive underground water tank might pose costly complications.
A previously approved plan to allow the Overseas Schools Historical Society to build a park and museum there reportedly has been abandoned by the group — and it now looks like a questionable use anyway.
This is a prime location, and shouldn’t be given to a narrow niche audience or purpose.
The Watkins Steel building site may still offer the most high-profile riverfront site, offering great synergy with nearby Exploration Place.
Still, it’s nice to have choices. This new location, in the heart of the Riverside cultural district, offers a host of exciting possibilities, from a library or other major cultural space to a dynamic riverfront apartment or condo development.
The City Council should make sure this land goes to a highest and best use.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
While bicycles remain an afterthought in Wichita transportation planning, Portland is redefining what it means to be a bike-friendly community — and that’s adding another niche to the local economy, according to a New York Times article.
From an extensive network of bike lanes to on-street parking for bikes, Portland has earned its reputation as “Bike City, U.S.A.†And bikers have responded by making bicycle-related businesses, from frame builders to clothing manufacturers, a booming part of the city’s small business economy.
We knew biking was healthy and green, but who knew it could also boost economic development?
Posted by Randy Scholfield
The following satirical news story comes from borowitzreport.com:
Furious about what they see as negative media stereotypes about waterboarding, a group representing the nation’s waterboarders marched on Washington today.
“When senators use the words ‘controlled drowning,’ people ignore the ‘controlled’ part and focus on the ‘drowning’ part,†said Carol Foyler, executive director of the waterboarders’ group. “As someone who spent years of training to become a licensed waterboarder, I’m deeply offended by this.â€
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
