By Jonathan Miller, on Tue Oct 2, 2012 at 5:00 PM ET
Here’s picture proof that something can be both obnoxiously disgraceful and spiritually uplifting at the same time.
Trolling through Harvard Yard before I speak to the Harvard Hillel at 5:30 PM this afternoon about “The Liberal Case for Israel” — Join us 52 Mount Auburn Street if you are in the area — I noticed the door open to my old freshman dorm room. After begging the unfortunate current teen resident to let this old codger in, I noticed that the Springsteen poster, rows of beer cans and “couch of death” (don’t ask) from 1985-86 were no longer wreaking sensory havoc.
Instead, it was sort of a spiritual journey. This was the room where I finally gained my independence, made lifetime friends, and began a whole new life’s chapter. Too many memories — mostly great, some tragically embarrassing — flashed back in an instant. And when I snapped the picture above, I realized I was capturing the very spot at which I first professed my crush (telephonically, and a bit intoxicated of course) to my now wife of 23 years.
I cherish my college years, but the first will always be the most special. And my freshman dorm room will always occupy a very, very important place in my deeply nostalgic heart.
So, thanks to the guys of Holworthy Hall for letting me be a little creepy. Hopefully, it will embolden you to embarrass the next generation of freshman when you too get to middle age.
By Bradford Queen, Managing Editor, on Mon Oct 1, 2012 at 10:00 AM ET
The Politics of Media
Jim Lehrer, arguably the most skilled moderator to ever live, is set to referee his twelfth presidential debate this Wednesday when the candidates meet for the first time face-to-face to discuss the issues of the campaign. Politico has a great look at the man that is Jim Lehrer. [Politico]
More people are reading news online than in newspapers. All the while, TV news is still king. [Poynter]
Arthur O. Sulzberger, credited with transforming the New York Times, died over the weekend. [NYT]
Still pining for the TV listings that TV Guide erased from its publication? Now, there’s an app for that. [AP]
Negative ads. Robo calls. Finger pointing. Divisive politics… How did it come to this?
With Ohio once again in the spotlight of an important presidential race, the Ohio Historical Society partnered with No Labels, a Washington-based movement seeking bipartisan political reforms, to host a panel discussion, moderated by Ann Fisher, host and executive producer of WOSU’s “All Sides with Ann Fisher.”
The panelists included:
Bob Taft, former Governor of Ohio and research associate at the University of Dayton
Senator Charleta B. Tavares, (D) District 15 – Columbus
Tom Suddes, editorial board member of the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Gene Pierce, Columbus-based political consultant
Jonathan Miller, No Labels co-founder and former treasurer for the State of Kentucky
Columbus, Ohio’s community newspapers — ThisWeek Community News — ran a feature on tonight’s panel at the Ohio Historical Society, that features The RP’s introduction of No Labels, discussed here earlier today. Here’s an excerpt:
After nearly two decades in public service, about half in elective office, Jonathan Miller had had enough.
Elected twice as a Kentucky state treasurer and later appointed secretary of finance, he watched the partisan nastiness grow out of control.
“I call myself and consider myself a recovering politician,” he said. “The system is a mess. Hyperpartisanship is the cornerstone of the problem. That’s where we’ve really deteriorated.”
Miller, a Democrat, might have gotten out of politics, but he’s still trying to fix the system.
The 45-year-old is co-founder of No Labels, a Washington, D.C.,-based movement seeking bipartisan political reform.
The Ohio Historical Society and No Labels will host a panel discussion on “Bridging the Divide” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, addressing Ohio’s role as a battleground state for the 2012 presidential election. The event, to be held at the historical society, 800 E. 17th Ave., is free and open to the public, although a donation to the historical society is recommended.
Panelists include former Republican Gov. Bob Taft; Democratic state Sen. Charleta Tavares; Tom Suddes, an editorial writer for the Plain Dealer; and political consultant Gene Pierce. Ann Fisher, host of All Sides with Ann Fisher on WOSU Public Media (89.7 FM), will be moderating.
The most important political ad of the presidential campaign, censored for your family viewing enjoyment (unless, of course, you are a Mitt Romney fan):
By Jonathan Miller, on Thu Sep 27, 2012 at 10:34 AM ET
Apparently, the South Korean sensation, “Gangnam Style,” is going global. Just yesterday, during the United Nations General Assembly meeting, Iranian Prime Minister Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took to the streets of New York City, and was joined by Hafaz Assad and the late(?) Ayatollah Khomeini for a stirring rendition.
Last night, The RP was a featured panelist for the semiannual Worldview Forum at Malone University in Canton, Ohio. The Forum is an academic program that brings in expert proponents to argue for different perspectives on topics that are important for the community.
Last night’s topic was Persuasion or Propaganda? The Effects of Public Relations on Elections, featuring The RP and Ben Porritt, a former senior aide to the McCain/Palin campaign and an official in the Bush White House. The RP focused a great deal of his remarks on the solution to our political mess — No Labels, the grassroots movement he co-founded, and now involves more than 500,000 Democrats, Republicans, and Independents who believe that we need to set aside our labels on occasion and do what’s right for the country.
Additionally, it is very clear from his answers that The RP’s ultimate career goal is standup comedy.
Tune in below to the conversation. And if you are ever in Canton, Ohio, be sure to look up the Hambleton House Bed & Breakfast — wonderful accommodations and hospitality, and the best pumpkin pancakes you will ever eat.
This year’s biggest YouTube obsession — earning the recent Zeitgeist-confirming attention of Saturday Night Live — is the South Korean pop sensation “Gangnam Style,” a truly phenomenal phenomenon for those of us who are vocally and lyrically challenged, and for those of us whose best dance move is imitating a jerky horse ride. If you’ve been living under a virtual rock, here are your five minutes of infamy:
Of course, YouTube is besieged with parody versions. Our favorite is “Jewish Style”. To rock in the new year South Korean style, enjoy it here (a bit NSFW):
Here’s picture proof that something can be both obnoxiously disgraceful and spiritually uplifting at the same time.
