I often get questions from readers asking whether The Star can accept the plastic bags carriers wrap newspapers in for reuse. That's always the best strategy for keeping objects out of landfills, after all. Unfortunately, that isn't possible, as carriers need to use new bags in order to package together thousands of papers quickly
My column in the print edition today is about the consistent call I hear from readers for The Star to be vigilant in its watchdog role, especially when it comes to government. In general, those readers don't think the paper does enough. I've heard from several who think I did a poor job with the column
Today a reader sent me a link to a commentary by Mick LaSalle, movie critic at The San Francisco Chronicle. Its headline pretty much says it all: "Violent media poisoning nation's soul." LaSalle recalls his original reaction to "The Dark Knight Rises," which he saw before the Aurora, Colo
I'll be taking a little time off until Dec. 31
I've spoken to a number of readers recently who have been just plain bummed out by current events. And with all the death and destruction that's been occupying so much of the news lately, how could anyone not understand? I hear predominantly from readers who care about hard news
A caller today pointed out a fan in the stands from yesterday's Chiefs game whose photo made it into the paper. The Raiders fan is pictured on Page B6 of today's print edition, taking part in a moment of silence for the victims of last week's school shooting in Connecticut. "I think it was in very, very poor taste for (The Star) to print these pictures," said my caller
I've spoken to many readers about The Star's recent investigation Beef's Raw Edges. Opinions have varied, and I've heard several good criticisms and questions. I just received email from Janet M
I occasionally hear from readers who really dislike print edition pages with too many visual elements. Case in point: A caller just now who "just can't believe" today's big two-page wrap around the FYI section. "It's just awful," she told me
This week saw publication of The Star's investigation of the beef industry, particularly looking at the practice of mechanical tenderization. This process uses small blades to puncture the meat, sometimes carrying contaminants such as E
Here's a point from a reader about a headline on a wire item in yesterday's paper that read "Family massacred." Really, would that have been the headline had it not been a Native American family? Perpetuating stereotypes? I don't recall other family tragedies being referred to as "massacres". Perhaps that is only used when "the Injuns" are involved. I checked The Star's past stories in the electronic library and found that word has been used for a wide range of stories about killings
A reader emailed me, confused at a page he found on KansasCity.com. It's a short list of facts about Amtrak, with a credit line from an organization called Face the Facts USA. "Is this an editorial?" wrote my emailer
I will be out of the office until Dec. 3 and won't have access to email while I'm gone
Today, the Internet has been buzzing with an obituary for Loren G. "Sam" Lickteig
