Get Religion is a national and global journalism site focusing on how the mainstream press covers religion news in politics, entertainment, business and sports.
During the past few days, your GetReligionistas have received at least two dozen notes asking if we had heard the news about Julia Duin losing her job at the Washington Times. Yes, I’ve been in contact with Julia a number of times during the past several weeks, but I will keep those private communications to myself.
That sound you heard yesterday from here in Beltwayland was a giant, collective sigh. Here’s the top of the obligatory Washington Post piece, which ran on A1 instead of in the Style pages:
As Gulf Coast residents deal with the worst oil spill in U.S. history, The Washington Post reports that — surprise, surprise — some people are finding comfort in prayer.
Anyone who has spent more than a few hours in Arlington National Cemetery has probably seen, from a distance, a military funeral of some kind. For me, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the specifics of these rites, the symbolic details that offer details of the life, rank and service of the deceased. If Arlington is a cathedral in American civil religion, then these details are part of its high-church liturgical rites.
Years ago, the features editors at The Oklahoman decided they wanted a fresh take on “The Nutcracker.” So they asked someone who had never gone to the ballet to attend and write a review of the holiday classic. That someone — me — wrote a generally positive review filled with witty observations that I am certain would have merited a scathing review on GetBallet.org (if such a site existed).
GetReligion contributor Sarah Pulliam used to be my favorite Wheaton College graduate. My new favorite graduate is horror film director Wes Craven. I had no idea he’d gone to the school until I read this Associated Press story about journalist Ann Curry’s embarrassing mistake giving a commencement address last weekend:
About a year ago, during a book tour to promote “Blind Spot: When Journalists Don’t Get Religion,” I had a chance to take part in a forum for young journalists at a media institute in Bangalore, India. As you would expect, the topic for the day was improving mainstream media coverage of religion.
Washington Nationals fans are having a great time right now. I know it’s only May, but the team has an above .500 record and locals are elated. Last year they ended the season with the worst average in baseball: .364. And the most exciting news is related to pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg. He’s expected to make his Major League Debut here pretty soon and, well, let’s just say I’ve already bought my tickets.
Don’t read this compelling piece of journalism by The Associated Press’ Michelle Faul unless you’re ready to shed a few tears — or a whole lot of tears.
