Obama talks journalism, journalists talk grammar, and the NFL avoids talking altogether: this week’s Fresh Powder Report

Obama encourages journalists to be journalists, not spectators:

President Obama delivered a speech at a journalism ceremony last week, where he used his platform to urge the political journalists covering the presidential race to focus on the actual issues at hand, rather than reporting on the spectacle. Obama compared much of the news reporting surrounding the campaign to going to the carnival, and implied that the media isn’t doing enough when it comes to questioning the promises made by the politicians, stating that reporting on the statements made by candidates followed by evidence that either supports or contradicts them is a more effective means of covering political news.

Old-school linguistics versus identity respect:

Grammarians, Lit nerds, and journalists everywhere seem to have an opinion on the use of the first-person singular “they” as an alternative pronoun to the traditional, binary “he” or “she.” The Washington Post readily accepted this update to the english language; though, not everyone – and certainly not every major media organization – seems to be on board. New York Times magazine columnist Amanda Hess weighs in on the use of “they” as it relates to journalism, how other news outlets are reacting to the word, and what the future may be in terms of less-gendered language at the Times.

Walking a mile in someone else’s shoes might give you blisters:

Steve Lopez – Journalism professor at Cal State L.A. – shares his experience transitioning from the world of professional journalism to the world of journalism education – and why the experience both scared and inspired him. After learning first-hand what teaching 30-40 students in a single class feels like, his appreciation of teachers at all levels of education has grown more than ever.

The eerie similarities between the football and nicotine:

A New York Times article takes a closer look at the NFL’s not-so-thorough research on football-related concussions, as well as their ties to the tobacco industry; another organization made infamous for its liberal use of “science” and “data” when it came to downplaying the dangers of smoking cigarettes.

These things also happened last week:

South Africa debates a motion to impeach President Jacob Zuma after allegations of corruption were brought to light in a recent court ruling against him.

Doris Day turned 92 years old on Sunday – and shared a picture of herself and her dog in celebration.

The Wisconsin primaries are happening today – here are 5 things to watch in today’s primary elections.