On Fairness and Balance

A recent story at the Capitol illustrates the difficulties journalists sometimes face in telling a balanced story and provides an example of how to get around them.

Snow Shovels and Iron Character

The snowstorm that hit Missouri today allowed me to witness and participate in something truly inspiring. As I was digging my car out this evening, a group of fellow students came up to me and asked me if I needed help.

A Reporter’s View of the Missouri Capitol

To some, a Capitol building is an imposing sight, a dramatic scene of power. To political reporters like me, it’s a stone-clad newsroom.

Every state Capitol has a dedicated corps of reporters assigned to it by most of the state’s major media outlets, or at least major media outlets in the area, and the Missouri State Capitol is no exception. This group includes veteran reporters who have in some cases reported from the statehouse longer than some of its current legislators have been alive. I am fortunate to be part of this group as part of my graduate studies this spring.

Analysis: Nixon, Opponents Rely Too Heavily on Too Few Arguments

Missouri governor Jay Nixon faced both of his challengers in his reelection bid at a debate sponsored by the Missouri Press Association on Friday morning. Nixon, a Democrat, is running for a second four-year term against St. Louis businessman Dave Spence, a Republican, and Libertarian candidate Jim Higgins. The hour-long debate covered topics ranging from jobs and education to health care to the Army Corps of Engineers’ policies toward the Missouri river.

All three candidates took fairly simple approaches to their arguments.

The Expendables 2: Manliness Up To Eleven

When The Expendables came out two years ago, I wrote at the time that it was the “manliest movie ever.” With the sequel, Stallone has managed the almost incomprehensible task of one-upping the original.

Def Leppard And Company Rock Chicago

It was a headbanger’s dream as three classic metal acts descended on the Allstate Arena in Rosemont Thursday night.

Rock of Ages: Two Horns Up!

Let me open this review with a disclaimer: I consider 1980s hard rock/heavy metal the epitome of musical evolution. I have listened to so much of it that I can pick out several bands’ individual styles from just a few notes. What you are about to read is a review of the new movie “Rock of Ages” as seen through the eyes of a diehard 80s rock fan.