ere are some of our favorite books, movies and web pages that we like to share. For the most part they strike us as informative, entertaining – and somehow related to our work.
We hope you check them out, and let us know what you think. And, we invite you to share some of your favorites with us, to add to our list.
We’re also recommending a few sights and activities for you to check out when you have some extra time in Washington. The White House is great, but we do have a few other things to offer.
And when you’re roaming around town, be sure to look us up.
Books >>
Films/Videos >>
Web Sites >>
Things to do in Washington >>
The News About the News: American Journalism in Peril,
by Leonard Downie Jr. and Robert G. Kaiser, Alfred A. Knopf, 2002.
Two Washington Post editors take a clear-eyed look at the state of journalism in America and don’t like what they see: entertainment valued over public policy, gossip and sensationalism moving to Page 1 of even the most serious publications, and most of all, the trivialization of virtually all broadcast news (with print not being far behind). Full of telling details (L.A. news programs closing down their Sacramento offices to buy new helicopters for highway chases) and quotes (the ABC News president on the notion of using Leonardo DiCaprio to interview President Clinton: “All roles of journalists must be played by journalists”).
It Ain't Necessarily So - How Media Make and Unmake the Scientific Picture of Reality,
by David Murray, Joel Schwartz and S. Robert Lichter, Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2001
David Murray, Joel Schwartz and S. Robert Lichter wade through the murky world of science reporting to uncover bungled numbers, contradictory statements and unexplainable conclusions in this biting media primer. They concluded that you can't always trust what you see or read in the media. Their incriminating case studies are sure to educate news consumers while at the same time, entertain the critics.
Thank You for Smoking,
by Christopher Buckley, Random House, 1994
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work in the world of high-priced lobbyists, no non-fiction book can explain it better than this novel by the late William F. Buckley, Jr.’s son. The book offers a satirical look at the intersection of lobbying and public relations by chronicling the professional and personal life of Nick Naylor, a lobbyist for the fictitious-but-all-too-familiar Academy of Tobacco Studies. Some of the best exchanges come during the regular elbow-bending sessions attended by the MOD squad (for “merchants of death), which brings Naylor together with his counterparts from the alcoholic beverages and gun lobbies. Best of all, Ivan Reitman brought the book to the silver screen in 2006. Naylor is portrayed in the movie by Aaron Eckhart, who most recently played Harvey Dent (Two-Face) in the latest Batman flick, The Dark Knight. Read and/or watch; either way, you’ll have a great time.
Absence of Malice
Starring Paul Newman, who received a Best Actor nomination for his role as Michael Gallagher, and Sally Field, this 1981 film is a must-see for journalism buffs. The movie tells the story of a mob-connected-but-honest local businessman who gets his revenge after the local Miami newspaper ruins his reputation with an inaccurate story and refuses to issue a retraction. The moral for anyone who works in the PR world: Even reporters with good intentions can get the story wrong, and the media’s arrogance often stands in the way of telling the truth. Supporting players include Bob Balaban, Wilford Brimley, and Melinda Dillon – who earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination and who appeared in two other classics of the era, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and A Christmas Story.
Citizen Kane
Released almost 70 years ago, this classic still sets the standard for journalism-oriented films – not to mention filmmaking generally. When the American Film Institute issued its list of the best 100 movies of all time in 2007, it ranked Citizen Kane right at the top. We doubt we need to remind anyone, but just in case: The movie tells the life story of Charles Foster Kane and his rise to the pinnacle of American publishing – and then his descent into an egomaniacal pursuit of power for its own sake. Though producer, director and star Orson Welles never confirmed it, most observers believe the film is based on the life of William Randolph Hearst. Even if you’ve seen Citizen Kane, put it in your Netflix queue right away.
The Americanization of Emily
This 1964 film keeps getting better. Paddy Chayesfsky’s witty, cynical script raises serious – and hilarious – questions about heroism, cowardice, war, and the role of public relations on D-Day. Wonderful psychological twists and turns. James Garner as a Naval public information officer plotting to make sure that the first casualty on Normandy Beach is from the Navy; Julie Andrews is his conscience, trying to instill some integrity. Both are terrific.
Network
Another brilliant script by Paddy Chayesfsky, and another movie that seems totally prophetic. It might have seemed an over-the-top satire of network news shows in 1976; today it could look like a documentary, it’s so on-the-mark. The lowest-rated network decides to win the ratings race by giving people what they want on the news shows, including a mad prophet. A nasty wit, and look at the cast: William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Robert Duvall, Peter Finch, and Ned Beatty.
www.politicalwire.com
With the 2008 presidential and congressional campaigns in full swing, we’d be remiss if you didn’t recommend at least one political Web site. Partisans can find dozens of sites that will back their candidates and views, but for a truly objective look at the campaign we recommend www.politicalwire.com. Launched by the admittedly left-leaning Taegan Goddard as one of the Web’s first political blogs, the site manages to maintain objectivity by summarizing political coverage that appears in dozens of other media outlets and linking to many sites that favor one side or the other. So even if you don’t find what you’re looking for at politicalwire.com, the site will point you in the right – or, if you prefer, left – direction.
www.newswatch.org
One of the best sites for monitoring the media. It collects analyses from leading media critics and analyzes media coverage of key issues. The sponsor is the Center for the Media and Public Affairs, which has its own excellent web page: www.cmpa.com.
www.washingtonian.com
A "must" for visitors to Washington. Check out the latest – and best – restaurants and plan the best use of your unscheduled time: offbeat museums, the best book stores, nightlife, sporting events, theater and music, even some reasons to visit the suburbs.
www.dilbert.com
Required reading for anyone who works for An Organization. Now it will make sense. Consider this message from the boss: “Your employees are the key to our economic success. … Anytime we need a little stock-price boost, we just fire another batch of you. It’s like printing money.” For a therapeutic dose, check out “A Month of Dilbert.”
The U.S. National World War II Memorial
Occupying a very special spot between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, this latest addition to the National Mall honors all those who served in the Second World War. It’s not easy to get to – the closest Metro stops are many blocks away – but it’s worth the effort (one option is to park at the nearby FDR Memorial and cross Independence Avenue to view the memorial, about a 15-minute walk). Fifty-six pillars, one for each state and territory, form a semi-circle around a central plaza and pool, with arches at each end that stand for the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war. Bronze stars embedded in a granite wall represent the more than 400,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who gave their lives to defeat the original axis of evil. The official Web site is at www.wwiimemorial.com.
Mark Russell Returns
Political satirist began his career at Washington’s Omni Shoreham Hotel, where he performed nightly for the city’s leaders and residents. Russell ended his regular gig at the Shoreham many years ago, but recently he announced a triumphal return – though just one night a week. If you find yourself in the nation’s capital on a Monday evening, do everything you can to catch Russell’s show before it disappears again. For information on reservations for the show, go to http://www.omnihotels.com/Home/FindAHotel/WashingtonDCShoreham/MarkRussell.aspx.
The Capitol Steps
If you haven’t seen the Capitol Steps, you don’t really know Washington. They are the city’s near-official court jesters, shedding light on politics, government, the media and other scandals with outrageous skits and songs. They can rhapsodize in some uncomfortable ways – their tribute to the energy industry is “Mine Every Mountain” – but they spray their cynicism in all directions. What began as a party game by young Capitol Hill staffers is now quite an industry, with several companies touring the country. Thankfully, they’re still in Washington most weekends – at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Phone 202-298-8222. Or try a sample at www.capsteps.com.
EAT!
It seems that a new, must-try restaurant opens up in Washington every week. Rather than try to pick one or two, we recommend that you take a look at www.opentable.com. This Web site lists and rates scores of restaurants in Washington, as well as in more than a dozen other cities across the country. After checking out what’s available, you can make a reservation and even sign up to earn points towards dining gift certificates. If we’re forced to narrow the choices down for you, we’d put Matchbox (in Chinatown, but they don’t take reservations, www.matchboxdc.com) and Blue Duck Tavern (near PCG’s offices, www.blueducktavern.com) at the top of our list.