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Ink Stained Wretches — News
Ink Stained Wretches

Eliana Johnson and Chris Stirewalt love the news business but they hate a lot of what’s happening to it these days. Using their decades of experience in print, digital and TV news they tell the story behind the stories, always on the lookout for bias, sloppy reporting and, well, just plain wretched journalism. Every week they help you to be a better, smarter news consumer.

Copyright: © Nebulous Media LLC

Latest Episodes:

Gay Old Time Jan 05, 2024

Show notes

It's all in the title, folks! This week, we're discussing President Gay's resignation from Harvard, Nikki Haley's Civil War gaffe, the Epstein documents, and a unique technique employed by the winner of a chess tournament. Welcome to 2024!

Time Stamps:

03:35 Front Page

42:24 Obsessions

50:48 Reader Mail

53:16 Favorite Items

If you have a story you want us to talk about, e-mail us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts.com. Sign Up for the Newsletter: https://nebulouspodcasts.com/shows/ink-stained-wretches

Follow us on Instagram @InkStainedWretches

Show Notes:

NYT: Claudine Gay: What Just Happened at Harvard Is Bigger Than Me

WFB: Harvard's Plagiarizing President Resigns. Media Say Racism Made Her Do It.

AP News: Harvard president quits: Claudine Gay resignation highlights new conservative weapon

The Crimson: I Vote on Plagiarism Cases at Harvard College. Gay’s Getting off Easy.

WaPo: Led by Trump, GOP candidates take polarizing stances on race and history

The Dispatch: Putting Nikki Haley in Focus

Politico: John Fetterman isn’t the politician you thought he’d be — and he doesn’t care

Axios: What to know about the unsealed Jeffrey Epstein documents

The Atlantic: The Real Reason for Marriage Polarization

The Messenger: Chess Tournament Winner Defecated in Bathtub, May Have Used Anal Massage Device to Cheat, Officials Say

Obsessions:

Mediaite: Study Finds That Just 3.4% of American Journalists Are Republicans

National Review: Was the Panic over 'Income Inequality' All Based on a Mistake?

Favorite Item of the Week:

The Athletic: Ever wonder what NFL travel is like? Take a peek behind the scenes with the N.Y. Giants

NYT: Boy, 13, Is Believed to Be the First to ‘Beat’ Tetris

Consider the Source Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

Tune in this week to hear the latest on the plagiarism accusations against Claudine Gay. We’re also unpacking the Senate sex tape, Colorado’s Supreme Court ruling against Trump, and enjoying a fun new musical. Wretch on!

Time Stamps:

1:47 Front Page

47:05 Obsessions

59:47 Reader Mail

1:03:35 Favorite Item

If you have a story you want us to talk about, e-mail us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts.com. Sign Up for the Newsletter: https://nebulouspodcasts.com/shows/ink-stained-wretches

Follow us on Instagram @InkStainedWretches

Show Notes:

NYT: Harvard Finds More Instances of ‘Duplicative Language’ in Claudine Gay’s Work

CNN Business: Harvard president’s corrections do not address her clearest instances of plagiarism, including as a student in the 1990s

WFB: Fresh Allegations of Plagiarism Unearthed in Official Academic Complaint Against Claudine Gay

NBC News: Senate staffer alleged by conservative outlets to have had sex in a hearing room is no longer employed

Washingtonian: Horny on the Hill: Staffers React to the Sex Tape

The Hill: Cardin ‘angry,’ ‘disappointed’ with ex-staffer after sex tape reveal

Semafor: U.S. House quietly investigated separate sex tape scandal

WaPo: James Biden’s dealmaking caught on FBI tapes in unrelated Mississippi bribery probe

NYT: Trump, Attacked for Echoing Hitler, Says He Never Read ‘Mein Kampf’

ABC: Speaker Mike Johnson and daughter were profiled attending 'purity ball' in 2015 German TV news segment

Rollingstone: ‘Gwyneth Goes Skiing’: Gwyneth Paltrow’s Ski Trial as a Gonzo Musical

Obsessions:

AP News: 'Fat Leonard,' a fugitive now returning to the US, was behind one of the military's biggest scandals

WaPo: Opinion | The Supreme Court should toss the Colorado case

Reader Mail:

WaPo: Opinion | Was the Boston Tea Party an act of terrorism? It depends.

Favorite Items:

WSJ: Swimming Pools and Granite Countertops: How College Dorms Got So Expensive

YouGov on Twitter: "Father Christmas" is being replaced in British English by "Santa Claus". % who use [x] more...

Posting Losses Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

This week, Chris and Eliana discuss the latest regarding the 2024 election and upcoming debates. We’re also discussing the Wizards and Capitals move to northern Virginia, and a strange new toy. Tune in!

2:06 Front Page

48:13 Obsessions

54:56 Reader Mail

58:02 Favorite Items

If you have a story you want us to talk about, e-mail us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts.com. Sign Up for the Newsletter: https://nebulouspodcasts.com/shows/ink-stained-wretches

Follow us on Instagram @InkStainedWretches

Show Notes

Axios: CNN's GOP debate in Iowa in peril with Nikki Haley noncommittal

Mediaite: Ron DeSantis Asks Sean Hannity to Arrange a Debate Between Him and Trump

Politico: Behind Hunter Biden's unexpected appearance: A surprising ally and a heads-up to his dad

NYTimes: 'Buying Quiet': Inside the Israeli Plan That Propped Up Hamas

NYTimes: As Fury Erupts Over Campus Antisemitism, Conservatives Seize the Moment

NYT: Bill Ackman’s Campaign Against Harvard Followed Years of Resentment

Puck: The Tucker Rule

Awful Announcing: Charles Barkley addresses CNN ratings flop: 'F*** those Nielsen people.'

Puck News: Licht of Arabia

WSJ: Shohei Ohtani Signed a $700 Million Contract. He’s Only Getting Paid $2 Million a Year

WaPo: Monumental, Youngkin announce deal to move Caps, Wizards to Virginia

Slow Boring on Substack: Another brutal year for the media industry

NYT: Hair-Loss TikTok Offers Community, and Dubious Recommendations

NYT: The Strangest Toy on Wish Lists This Year

Obsessions:

NYPost: Harvard's secret plagiarism probe into president Claudine Gay

Daily Mail: 'Utterly terrifying': Shock as news channel announces it'll become first to use AI ANCHORS from next year

Favorite Item:

The Atlantic: Bus Rides Feel Different When You're a New Mother

The Spectator: The Politico story covering for Susanna Gibson is more embarrassing than anything she ever did

Debate Aftermath Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

Didn't catch this week's GOP Debate? No problem, we've got you covered in today's episode. Join us as we break down the key moments from the debate. Additionally, we delve into the overhaul of McDonald's burgers and uncover the truth about Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner. Tune in!

Time Stamps:

2:30 Front Page

39:39 Obsessions

47:53 Reader Mail

53:40 Favorite Item

If you have a story you want us to talk about, e-mail us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts.com.

Sign Up for the Newsletter

Follow us on Instagram @InkStainedWretches

Show Notes:

NYT: Five Takeaways From the Republican Debate

NBC News: Trump says he won't be a dictator if elected, 'except for Day One'

The Atlantic: Trump Will Follow Through on His Threats

Politico: Gavin Newsom’s Smile and Ron DeSantis’ Chin Tell You Everything You Need to Know

Semafor: MSNBC cancels Mehdi Hasan's show

Fox News: Notorious mobster stunned by latest Hunter Biden allegations: ‘Mind-blowing’

The Atlantic: War in the Congo Has Kept the Planet Cooler

WSJ: No More Dry Burgers: McDonald’s Overhauls Its Biggest Item

KOIN 6: VIDEO: Giant, inflatable Whopper goes rogue, rolls through Newberg

WaPo: In the world of sexual fetishes, crossing the political aisle is a kink

NYT: College Presidents Under Fire After Dodging Questions About Antisemitism

NYT: In Florida's Hot Political Climate, Some Faculty Have Had Enough

Ben Sasse on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenSa sse/status/1731492900582600915

The Guardian: BBC presenter apologises after giving middle finger at start of live broadcast

Hollywood Reporter: Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner’s Secret Ex-Girlfriend Speaks Out

A Feast of Facile Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

We took a break from debate prep to bring you the most facile content the American News Media has to offer this week. From racist plagues to self-inflicted Revenge Porn, its a “Harumph” heavy episode. Dont worry, there are a few positive pieces and praise for Cheesecake Factory. Wretch on!

Time Stamps:

4:49 Front Page

44:36 Obsessions

52:02 Reader Mail

54:00 Favorite Items

If you have a story you want us to talk about, e-mail us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts.com.

Follow us on Instagram @InkStainedWretches

Show Notes:

WaPo: Is Biden Too Old to Run Again? We Asked People Born on His Exact Birthday

WaPo: Univision anchor Jorge Ramos rebukes network for not challenging Trump

Popular Information: Kushner's Mexican connection - by Judd Legum

Wapo: Bidens travel to Georgia to celebrate the life of Rosalynn Carter

Business Insider: Washington's secret weapon is a beloved Gen Z energy drink with more caffeine than God

Semafor: WSJ, Times journalists pull union away from Gaza statement

https://twitter.com/honestreporting/status/1728680174252691814?s=10&t=cVRrOEC7HqoeeefgDh4iIA

NYTimes: Israel-Hamas War: Second Hostage-Prisoner Exchange Is Completed After a Delay

NY Times:Gaza Civilians, Under Israeli Barrage, Killed at Historic Pace

AP News: Defeated Virginia candidate Susanna Gibson may not be done with politics

WaPo:After affirmative action, a Black and White teen rethink Ivy League schools

https://twitter.com/BBCNews/status/1726850958427091054

They Fled Climate Chaos. Asylum Law Made Decades Ago Might Not Help

Why Warblers Flock to Tonier Neighborhoods

To Shrink Learning Gap, This District Offers Classes Separated by Race

Malls with a Cheesecake Factory do better than those without

https://twitter.com/corbinkbarthold/status/1729252331315982372

How One Stupid Tweet Blew Up Justine Sacco’s Life

WSJ: Held Hostage by Hamas: How Two Girls Survived Captivity in Gaza

Slate: What Sam Altman can get away with at OpenAI now.

@JessicaPMelugin on X “It’s important to remember that traditional media often dislikes social media generally because it ate their lunch on advertising and decentralized their control of information dissemination. That bias explains A LOT of reporting on social media matters.

Futurism:Sports Illustrated Published Articles by Fake, AI-Generated Writers

NYT: Nom Nom Nom. What’s the Deal With Cookie Monster’s Cookies?

NYT: When Ruthless Cultural Elitism Is Exactly the Job

Favorite Stories of 2023 Nov 24, 2023

Show notes

Please enjoy your travels back home with some of our favorite wretches moments of 2023. Do we have some insightful segments? Yes, but more importantly we are brining some big laughs and tastier finds (best hotdogs across the country). If you’re at home, check out our episode on YouTube! Wretch on, turkeys!

Show Notes:

Vibe Check in the Quiet Car Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

Before reading this, please wish Chris a Happy Birthday! And say good luck to his family as he subjects them to birthday McRibs. As for the show, we’re breaking down the drama at Daily Wire, Nikki Haley “scandals” and fashion trends emerging from the Israel-Hamas War.

Time Stamps:

4:21 Front Page

1:02:17 Obsessions

1:08:12 Reader Mail

1:11:11 Favorite Items

Show Notes:

Curtis Houck on Twitter: WATCH: CBS's Gayle King LECTURES the father of a eight-year-old Israeli girl being held hostage by Hamas that "innocent children in Pales --Palestinians...are dying" too just as "innocent Israeli children" and, b/c of "politics," "no one seems to be able to say enough, stop"

Powerline: The AP at work today

AP News: Medics and patients, including babies, stranded as battles rage around Gaza hospitals

WFB: BEASTMODE: Gaza Hospital Patient Says Hamas Should 'Go To Hell and Hide There' Instead of 'Hiding Among the People'

WFB: WaPo's Shipley Hand-Selected Hamas Cartoon He Pulled Amid Woke Blowback, Cartoonist Ramirez Says

The Wrap: Ben Shapiro Dares Candace Owens to Quit After War of Words About Israel

Mediaite: 'I'm Gonna Have You Thrown Off This Train!' Senate Democrat Battles a Far-Left Blogger on Amtrak Ride

Politico: Firm powering Haley’s presidential bid hit with harassment lawsuit

AP News: Nikki Haley walks back her demand that social media ban anonymous posters after facing GOP backlash

WaPo: Fani Willis: Georgia trial involving Trump might not conclude until early 2025

Variety: Univision Anchor Leon Krauze Exits in Wake of Network's Controversial Trump Interview

NYMag: Selling Bidenomics Is Biden’s Only Chance to Beat Trump

Axios: Speaker Mike Johnson calls separation of church and state a "misnomer"

New Republic: Why Is Mike Johnson Flying a Christian Nationalist Flag Outside His Office? | The New Republic

NPR: Speaker Johnson's close ties to Christian right — both mainstream and fringe

WaPo:Florida’s laws, book bans drove this librarian to quit - Washington Post

WaPo: A boom of ballot initiatives is reshaping this state’s democracy

NYT: More Americans Say They’re in a Brain Fog. Long Covid Is a Factor.

NYT: Kaffiyeh: The Symbolism and History of a Checkered Scarf

NYT:McDonald’s Growing Appetite for Fashion: Crocs, Moschino and More

National Review: The BBC Humiliates Itself — Again

Amichai Stein on Twitter: "Targeting medical staff"??? The daily @BBCNews Blood libel

Ofer Gendelman on Twitter: Hamas has hidden these weapons in the MRI unit of the #Shifa_Hospital and in its clinics.

The Guardian: ‘It never ends’: the book club that spent 28 years reading Finnegans Wake | James Joyce

Kotaku: YouTubers Put Anal Bead Chess Conspiracy To The Test

Kicker: Favorite Items of the Week:

Poynter: Instead of Taylor Swift beat reporters, we need Nextdoor beat reporters - Poynter

WFB: Yale Law Students for Hamas

McCarthyites, Amirite? Nov 11, 2023

Show notes

We are lucky to have Christine Rosen, of Commentary Magazine and AEI, return as a guest host this week. She helps Chris break down this week’s GOP debate, Tuesday’s election results and a new era at the Washington Post. Wretch on!

3:57 Front Page

57:42 Obsessions

1:03:01 Reader Mail

1:05:15 Favorite Items

Show Notes:

WaPo: RNC shifts away from establishment media for the fourth GOP debate

NBC News: Key takeaways from the 2023 elections: Democrats show strength beyond Biden

The Atlantic: Donald Trump’s Gift to Adam Schiff

WaPo: In Israeli-Palestinian battle to sway Congress, only one side wins

NYT: Jewish Viewers Find a Refuge in Fox News

WaPo: Washington Post deletes editorial cartoon criticized as racist

NYT: Will Lewis Named C.E.O. of The Washington Post

Gothamist: In Greenpoint, a man with severe mental illness is harming neighbors. No one knows what to do.

WaPo: Dink, dink, ka-ching: The pickleball industry fights to cash in

Obsessions:

AEI: Of Drones and Journalists: Balancing Personal Privacy with Press Freedom While Juggling Federal and State Regulations | American Enterprise Institute

Reader mail:

WSJ: The Michigan Superfan Who Became a Michigan Coach—and the Center of a Michigan Scandal

Favorite Item:

NYT: The War Stories Their Families Never Forgot

WSJ: His Job Was to Make Instagram Safe for Teens. His 14-Year-Old Showed Him What the App Was Really Like.

True False Equivalence Nov 04, 2023

Show notes

This week, Eliana and Chris talk about a family member jumping into the political spotlight and no, its not Mike Johnson. We’re looking at the latest narratives to come from the Israel-Hamas conflict, 2024, a celebrity’s attempted cancellation and our hosts have a healthy debate around the Speaker’s developing strategy.

Time Stamps:

3:38 Front Page

50:32 Obsessions

56:45 Reader Mail

58:29 Favorite Items

Show Notes:

Wapo: Biden’s dismissal of the reported Palestinian death toll

National Review: New York Times: Will Iran Ever Get Around to Killing the Jews Like They Say They Will?

NYT: Penn Donors Are Revolting Over Israel-Hamas, DEI, Trans Rights and Other Issues

The Atlantic: The Decolonization Narrative Is Dangerous and False

Power Line: My cousin Dean

WaPo: Opinion | Dean Phillips, who’s challenging Biden, answers our top 5 questions

NYT: Trump’s Verbal Slips Could Weaken His Attacks on Biden’s Age

WSJ: Why Trump’s Drastic Plan to Slash the Government Could Succeed

Politico: ‘He Seems to Be Saying His Commitment Is to Minority Rule’

Politico: Speaker Johnson taps veteran GOP operative as chief spokesperson

Free Beacon: How New Speaker Mike Johnson Can Silence Liberal Critics and Win Back the Mainstream Media

WaPo: Years into a climate disaster, these people are eating the unthinkable

WSJ: ‘Sorry’ for Being So Blunt

WFB: Big Yikes, Fam: Taylor Lorenz's New Influencer Book Is Mid. It's Giving Cringe, Does Not Slap, on God.

Obsessions:

Free Beacon: I Said Hamas Raped and Beheaded. The Yale Daily News Issued a Correction.

The Dispatch: Pence Runs Away From the Circus - Chris Stirewalt

Favorite Item:

Tablet: The George Kennan Who Wasn’t

WSJ: The Astrophysicist Who Has a Better Way to Board Airplanes

Speaker Who? Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

Tune in this week to hear our live reaction to the newest speaker of the house, Rep. Mike Johnson (no relation to Eliana). We’re continuing to breakdown the latest coverage of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Biden, and the Beckham series on Netflix

Time Stamps:

2:45 Front Page

49:31 Obsessions

53:56 Reader Mail

56:25 Favorite Items

Show Notes:

The Atlantic: A Record of Pure, Predatory Sadism

NYT: Editors’ Note: Gaza Hospital Coverage

Vanity Fair: Inside the ‘New York Times’ Debate Over Its Gaza Hospital Bombing Coverage

WSJ: Hamas Fighters Trained in Iran Before Oct. 7 Attacks

CNN Business: Harvard and UPenn donor revolt raises concerns about big money on campuses

The Nation: The Fight Over MSNBC’s Cave-in to Islamophobia

NYT: How the Israel-Hamas War Imperils Action Against Global Warming

CNN Business: Alsu Kurmasheva: Russian court extends detention of US journalist

NBC News: GOP speaker nominee Mike Johnson played a key role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election

NYT: Supreme Court Lifts Limits for Now on Biden Officials' Contacts With Tech Platforms

ANC News: Ex-Chief of Staff Mark Meadows granted immunity, tells special counsel he warned Trump about 2020 claims: Sources

WSJ: DeSantis Isn’t at Home Abroad

Daily Beast: The Messenger Is ‘Out of Money,’

Obsessions:

CPJ: Journalist casualties in the Israel-Gaza conflict

Medium: How might we build trust in an untrusting world? | by Richard Gingras

Favorite Item:

The Free Press: On Double Standards and Deafening Silence

The Age: Straight bat outta Compton: Why LA gang members are embracing the gentleman's game

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