The Gray Report

                        I started listening to a podcast produced by WNYC and distributed by NPR called On the Media (OTM) after hearing about it in class at the beginning of the semester. I listened to three episodes and have been impressed by the nature and topics discussed in the program. Indeed, on the "About" page of the website it states: " OTM tackles sticky issues with a frankness and transparency that has built trust with listeners and led to more than a tripling of its audience in five years".  The topics discussed on the shows I have listened to thus far are deep issues such as the nature of facts, bias in the media (and particularly NPR), and the role of new technology in the life and career of the average reporter. What OTM does is takes topics such as these and examines them in a way that feels very accessible and open, as opposed to using lofty language and high jargon chatting gues...

                        This evening I watched O.T.: Our Town , a documentary about high school students in Compton putting on Wilder's classic play at an institution where no drama event has been held in over 20 years.    A few things stood out to me about the film including the excellent characters, the unique commentary on the human condition, and the filmmaker's ability to raise the stakes.             The students and teachers that are pictured in O.T. were very dynamic and interesting. I appreciate the filmmakers avoiding trying to classify each student into a group such as  "jocks" or a "nerds".  Instead a very honest and genuine portrait was captured as the filmmakers followed individual students into their homes and interacted with their family and friends. The insight and voice of the students themselves made this fi...