Congress shall make no law…

On a whim – couldn’t tell you why – I ran “First Amendment” through the Google News wringer. I was sort of surprised to see the amount of debate currently raging over what can seem a rather dusty, arcane bit of historic dogma. The Bill of Rights is utterly alive right here and right now.

• In the Feb. 4 edition of the Spokane Spokesman Review, reader Justin Stormo-Gipson writes, “The Supreme Court has handed down one of the most controversial decisions in my lifetime.” He’s referring to the Court’s ruling that paves the way for greater corporate influence in elections. Corporate interests had couched their election contributions case as a First Amendment issue…

Where are they now?

This column (and this week’s “Their Best”) got me thinking about one of my favorite genres of sports story – the where-are-they-now variety.

There is something about sports that lends itself to this treatment that just doesn’t exist elsewhere in the paper. Folks might read about what’s happening in the life of the guy who was mayor in 1990, but they are more likely to remember fondly the quarterback of the local college football team. I think it has to do with the fact that we sometimes put athletes up on a pedestal. They are heroes in a way. What happens when these gods come down to live with the mortals?

Anyway, please at least take the time to skim John Canzano’s column in the Portland Oregonian. It’s fabulous. (That’s John, by the way, in the accompanying mug shot.)…

Take better pictures

Sometimes the best way to learn is just to observe those who are very good. If you want to write, read Michael Chabon. If you want to play a cello, listen to Yo Yo Ma. It follows, then, that if you want to be a better photographer, you should keep an eye open for good photographs and opportunities to hear the best talk about their art.

With that in mind take a gander at the limitless resources here. It’s the jounaliststoolbox, again. You may remember that I’ve mentioned this site from time to time.

There are a zillion examples of fine photography here and just about as many tips to make your photography better. You could do worse than starting right here. These are easy to follow tips from former U.N. photo chief John Isaac…