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Stephen Selman

Member (since October 2008)
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Working musician out of Alexandria, VA. Thrilled to see an organization taking sensible steps towards educating the general public about journalistic integrity, and inviting us to contribute as well. In my opinion, a vision of the future of news consumption.

About Stephen Help
Occupation: Performing and sessions musician, elementary educator, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Del Ray School Of Music, Ampersand Sound
Expertise: creative writing
Affiliations: ASCAP
Background Help
Journalism: None
Education: College graduate
News: 60-90 minutes a day
Internet: 30-60 minutes a day
Languages: English-only
Politics: Left
Age: 18-24
Income: Less than $25K
Contact Info Help
Email:
Last Visit: Feb 18, 2009 - 8:00 AM PST
Last Edit: Feb 18, 2009 - 1:11 PM PST

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Activity

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Stephen reviewed this story - Feb 18, 2009
Stephen's Rating
4.1

An insightful look at the significance of Clinton's first overseas visit as Secretary of State, as well as a good review of her activities there. It was wise to spotlight President Clinton's bypassing of the country early on in the article - showing far better the context in which this visit has happened. I also appreciated the attention to detail in pointing out her visit with Ichiro Ozawa.

I think this article has helped me decide whether or not I think this was a wise choice for her first visit. Much appreciated.

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 3.6 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Jan 23, 2009
Stephen's Rating
4.4

Fantastic overview of the policy decisions the Obama administration has made thus far. Skillfully illustrates the context in which this is happening, its historical significance and possible future implications. Quite enterprising in its open discussion of extraordinary rendition and secret prisons - though slightly better sourcing would have been appreciated there. Highly recommended.

Barack Obama, as is essential to his early success, is making some very powerful moves with all haste. Not to detract from the very real value of these decisions, but this is a man who truly understands the power of symbolic moves. At a time of legitimate debate as to whether he will even be able to operate under the weight of the last eight years' policies, he is deftly sweeping that away with the back of his left hand.

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 3.6 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Jan 23, 2009
Stephen's Rating
3.0

Fairly well-written piece, making one case for why Barack Obama's election is not exclusively a negative for conservatives. However, leaning purely on the racial aspect of the question does him a great disservice here. He states his case well, however short in reach it may be.

This a president who seems to have a strong chance of inspiring a spirit of cooperation in our allies abroad, in stark contrast to his predecessor. This is a good thing.

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 3.0 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Jan 22, 2009
Stephen's Rating
4.5

While the concept of open content is nothing new, the idea of higher education embracing this on a large scale is very interesting. Hearing some more theory on the mechanics of such a project would have been interesting.

See Full Review » (6 answers)
NT Rating: 3.6 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Jan 21, 2009
Stephen's Rating
3.7

Interesting and involved look at global reactions to Obama's inauguration. Quotes are offered from a very wide geographical range, addressing a number of topics. More critical voices could be included, but there is no shortage of diverse opinions presented here.

The outside world's response to our recent change of leadership is a prelude to their role in the success or failure of the Obama administration. The more familiar we are with outside perspectives, the more productive we can be in setting and meeting goals on a global scale.

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 3.3 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Jan 21, 2009
Stephen's Rating
4.4

Good analysis of diverse news sources is incredibly important today. The article importantly points out that this is every bit as much a war of press coverage as it is a war of physical aggression.

We must do our best to pay attention to coverage from all over the world when any conflict breaks out. Taking advantage of our access to information from all sides is the only chance we have to make decisions not solely based on propaganda or political needs.

See Full Review » (7 answers)
NT Rating: 4.4 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Jan 15, 2009
Stephen's Rating
4.5

This piece take a deeper look at the relationship between Hamas and Hezbollah than I am used to seeing. I was hoping for more primary source insight than the interviews with Nizar Rayyan, but altogether a well-formed and enlightening article. Extremely relevant at this time, given the conflict in Gaza and our escalating tensions with Iran. Highly recommended to anyone wishing to better understand these groups' ideologies, roots and motivations.

This is the type of back story reporting I wish I saw more of in mainstream media outlets. I wonder how many Americans understand Hezbollah's connection to Iran and the position Hamas is in in trying to live up to their "example."

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 3.7 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Dec 27, 2008
Stephen's Rating
4.3

A timely and objective view of the driving forces behind evangelical church growth over the past 150 years. Mr. Vitello allows church leaders and patrons to speak for themselves, combining those self-described motives with enlightening survey data to draw his conclusions. Providing relevent historical context, he creates a thought-provoking article that is urgently important at this time.

A failure to groud ourselves in reality got us into this mess in the first place. It pains and wearies me to see countless more seek a superstitious solution to their very real problems. I'm looking forward to an era of personal responsibility and stunning scientific enlightenment, however organizations such as these smell a great business opportunity and will feed off the same weakness that troubles this country today.

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 3.6 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Dec 17, 2008
Stephen's Rating
4.2

In-depth analysis of the scope and historical significance of growing welfare enrollment. Quite well-sourced, from diverse and relevant institutions and individuals. The use of anecdotal evidence to underscore the scope of the crisis lends greater urgency to the crisis and illustrates context.

Very tragic. This piece really brings home the depth of the struggle we're in. I only hope that these experiences lead us toward greater tolerance in the future of those in need of assistance. There are those among us whose circumstances present major hurdles in the path towards self-reliance and gainful employment. Regardless of the nation's economic status.

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 4.0 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Dec 16, 2008
Stephen's Rating
3.6

Sticks to evidence gathered by the Globe and from the records (or lack thereof) of the BRA. A succinct investigative piece that clearly exposes the inequity and haphazardness of the operation in question.

Truly a typical Boston news piece. Always nice to see these articles come out - every little bit of accountability helps.

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 3.7 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Dec 16, 2008
Stephen's Rating
4.0

For an opinion piece with serious insight and wonderfully searing language, Chris Hitchens will never let you down. A mild piece, he nonetheless presents his opinion with his usual stunning clarity. He quickly puts typical "winter solstice" celebration into perspective.

Reading a Christoper Hitchens piece is one of the simple pleasures of this short life. His line about our circumstances being "exactly the same" rings most true with me. It's folly not to recognize the total religious (and by religious I mean truly spiritual) void in which most of us celebrate these mid-winter weeks.

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 3.9 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Dec 16, 2008
Stephen's Rating
3.0

This is a topic which has been debated quite a bit. The author provides anecdotes from her personal experience - the only outside source referenced is the 1995 Clinton document, though it is left to the reader to explore that source's relevence. Otherwise decent opinion piece.

I'm an elementary school music teacher, which a "festival of lights" program (not of my design - it is quite a tradition at the progressive school i'm teaching at). The concert represents Divali, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and arguably Christmas. Songs such as Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming To Town, etc... are not Christian. This is an important distinction to make and one that many I've encountered do not. The program in the past included the singing of "Silent Night," which is ... More »

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 2.9 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Dec 16, 2008
Stephen's Rating
4.0

Careful look at how recent and legislation has affected the issue of executive pay. Gathers information from multiple sources and from varying perspectives. Timely.

I am admittedly overwhelmed, as so many are, by the intricacies of this tidal wave of legislation that has hit us recently. Articles like these can at least help us to ask the right questions and, in the future, pay more attention to certain topics in debate before legislation is ever enacted.

See Full Review » (7 answers)
NT Rating: 3.8 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Dec 16, 2008
Stephen's Rating
3.0

A resonably compelling argument for the merits of bankruptcy for the Detroit automakers. The author takes some liberties, however, in describing the motives and consequences behind each party's involvement.

I'm slightly torn. It is my belief that the automakers would do better by their employees and business at large to convert their operations to building more efficient vehicles - or better yet, investing in public transportation the likes of which the country has never seen. I'm not sure that what the American public "really wants to buy" is exactly what is being currently produced. Unfortunately, allowed to bankrupt, there is a strong chance that that is precisely what they will ... More »

See Full Review » (7 answers)
NT Rating: 2.8 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Dec 13, 2008
Stephen's Rating
3.4

For a story focused on exposing a deficiency of coverage of the attacks at the CST, I was looking for more concrete examples. The images conjured of middle class masses laying gorgeous wreaths at the Taj were compelling, but I wanted to see that tied into mainstream media coverage and global media coverage. It is otherwise written with a strong sense of purpose, and is certainly a worthy topic.

This was a good article to read, revealing something I haven't given much thought to. However, it almost certainly could have dug deeper into its social commentary and been much more damning and effective.

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 3.9 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Nov 4, 2008
Stephen's Rating
4.1

A solid combination of insight and fact-gathering from multiple credible sources. The extensive use of quotes from Steve Schmidt helps keep the article a level-headed analysis of the impact of new media (even though the real leaps and bounds have been made almost exclusively by the Obama campaign). Well sourced and insightful conclusion that the future of campaigning in this country is forever altered by 2008.

I am very pleased by the increasingly democratized flow of information brought on by various new media. We have more information to weed through, and that is a good thing.

See Full Review » (12 answers)
NT Rating: 4.3 | See All NT Reviews »
Stephen reviewed this story - Nov 3, 2008
Stephen's Rating
4.4

The sobriety of this article, particularly considering it's source, instantly captures the attention of this reader. A methodical look at these two candidates and the implications of their policies, characters and the manner in which their campaigns have been run. The campaigns' own words and other quantifiable evidence provide the foundation for a simple pro and con analysis. Different political perspectives (notably including global polling) are presented and create the fabric of a concise, pragmatic piece of decision-making. Factual integrity, an unforced style and the timing of the article make for a very noteworthy piece of journalism.

I've been waiting for a more conservative publication to print an article like this, and it comes as no surprise that The Economist has pulled through. As we cool off politically, which by many measures has already begun (given Obama's greatly promising chance at victory), I hope to see much more of this. Pragmatic, realistic, thoughtful people regaining their sanity and taking good stock of the world around them.

See Full Review » (10 answers)
NT Rating: 3.9 | See All NT Reviews »
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Reviews
17
Answers
148
Comments
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Ratings Received
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Number of Raters
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Ratings received by Stephen (see all 11) Help

5 out of 5 rating - click to see review from Kristin Gorski | 01/21/2009
5 out of 5 rating - click to see review from Dwight Rousu | 01/15/2009


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