Tag Archives: newspapers

5 Things To Know About The “News Of The World” Scandal

Kate Torgovnick/Kate-Book.comJuly 8, 2011 //

After publishing every Sunday since 1843, British tabloid The News of the World—aka News of the Screws—is no more. Owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, the paper has become infamous for digging up celebrity dirt and sex scandal scoops, and publishing photos like those of Princess Diana sunbathing topless on a private beach back in the day. People have traditionally eaten the paper up—it sells a whopping 2.8 million copes a weekend. But over the past week, the paper has exploded in scandal over phone hacking. Yesterday it was announced that Sunday’s edition will be the paper’s very last.

After the jump, the who, what, when, and whys of what’s going down. Keep reading »

Lady Gaga’s “Business Casual” Includes Jeweled Nipple Tassels

Kate Torgovnick/Kate-Book.comMay 17, 2011 //

On Monday, Lady Gaga served as the guest editor-in-chief of Metro, the free newspaper in London. The best moment? When she told the staff, “I’m sorry if my business attire is a little different.” Indeed. But maybe she can save newspapers? [Reuters, EW] Keep reading »

Reporter Becomes Pimp After Having Pay Cut

Kate Torgovnick/Kate-Book.comMarch 22, 2011 //

Newspapers had a tough time in the recession with many shutting down, cutting staff, or starting mandatory furloughs. Kevin Provencher, a reporter at the New Hampshire Union Leader had an interesting idea on how to weather the storm. He became a pimp. This week, he was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail for running a prostitution ring out of his local SpringHill Suites hotel. Keep reading »

A Newspaper’s Really Bad Advice For A 35-Year-Old Virgin

Ami AngelowiczDecember 17, 2009 //

I felt really awful for this guy who wrote to Chicago Sun Times columnist Cheryl Lavin looking for help. Basic gist of his letter? He’s a 35-year-old virgin who just wants to “get the monkey off his back.” Fine if it’s a religious or moral choice, but sadly for this dude, it is not. So what did Cheryl suggest for this sexless man?

“I have a feeling your unhappiness over your virginity is inhibiting you with woman. What if you went at it the other way? What if you lost your virginity first, then tried to have a connection with a woman? Your whole personality on a date might blossom. Prostitution is legal in some counties in Nevada. And even where it’s illegal, it’s widespread.”

Keep reading »

Vote For America’s Next Top Columnist

Kate Torgovnick/Kate-Book.comNovember 9, 2009 //

Sometimes I get a little down scanning the opinion pages of major newspapers and seeing that all the regular columnists are all old dude, old dude, Maureen Dowd, old dude. Sure, I can agree with the opinions of (or be convinced by a great argument from) someone of any age and gender—but the truth is that it’s young women who are most likely going to express my views, and they very rarely get space in commentary sections. Which is why I’m pretty excited about the Washington Post‘s “America’s Next Great Pundit” contest. It’s kind of like “America’s Next Top Model” only for, you know, something substantial. Ten contestants are competing (and they’re good, since almost 5,000 entered) to win the prize of a 13-week column in the Post plus a small cash prize of $2,600. Each week, Post online readers will get to vote for their favorites as the contestants do a variety of opinion-writing challenges. Whom should you vote for? That’s totally up to you—there are many very smart, very cool columnists to choose from. I personally am voting for Courtney Martin, who scribes beautiful, honest, and sharp pieces for Feministing and the American Prospect. She may or may not be your girl, but regardless, vote. It’ll feel as good as picking your fave on “American Idol.” [Washington Post] Keep reading »