When Sheen delivered that line, the Journal actually had plenty of verve and variety, appreciated by loyal readers. But much variety, at least, has been lost over the past ten years, stripped away under the Bancrofts and then Murdoch.

An early casualty was the orphan, a small square in the lower right corner of the Marketplace section that usually carried a very brief, very quirky story.

Then went the topical Column 5, second from the right on the front page, that each day hosted roundups like Washington Wire and Capital (the columns got relocated).

Then the gloriously wide paper narrowed, to five columns from six.

With each change, the Journal became more like Pearson's Financial Times, and also more like the television and internet outlets it once set itself apart from with smart "second day" stories.

Meanwhile Murdoch seems intent on preserving the one part of the paper in need of serious reform, the editorial page.

Since February 15, 2008 we, Harvard Transfer applicants, have anxiously counted down the days until decision letters are to be mailed (May - June 1, 2008). Our hard work, blood, sweat, and tears may just finally pay off in the form of an acceptance letter. Many have even taken leave of absence from their current high-ranking institution in order to meet mandatory transfer credit credentials.

The countless hours spent writing the required 8 essays, perfecting the application, and going as far as taking various tests to recieve higher Harvard acceptable scores. By the time I submitted my application I was BEYOND mentally exhausted, it is THE HARDEST I've ever worked on any application in my life, but I did not mind the exhaustion because I knew there would be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Or so I thought.... Yesterday all transfer candidates received the below email stating that "Harvard College is unable to enroll any transfer students for the next two academic years, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010," due to on-campus housing. Personally, I was NOT planning to live on-campus so why is this effecting my application? Why am I not allowed even a simple consideration? ALL that hard work, MONTHS of essays, tests, and even lost time with my current institution ALL for nothing. The admissions council is not even looking at the applications sent in, and all this comes not prior to the application deadline but MONTHS after.

This is insane and to think such unjust actions from HARVARD UNIVERSITY our nations founding institution. I for one am outraged, something must be done. Please bring attention to this injustice.

Thank you

** Below is the email sent to transfer candidates on March 20, 2008 ** (the deadline for transfer applicants was Feb. 15 2008)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear (Applicants Name),

I am sorry to have to report that Harvard College is unable to enroll any transfer students for the next two academic years, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. Following the most thorough examination of our residential housing in Harvard's history, the Dean of Harvard College, Professor David Pilbeam, has concluded that our Houses cannot successfully accommodate any new transfer students. Instead, the College has embarked on a planning process for substantial capital investment to renovate and revitalize our residential spaces.
In important respects, undergraduate education at Harvard College is residential in character. Students learn a great deal from the residential experience and contact with one another, complementing the experience of our classrooms and laboratories. We do not admit transfer students to non-residential status.

Within the next few weeks, we will return your application fee. As you make your future plans, you might wish to consider our Visiting Undergraduate Program, which enables students to enroll in Harvard College for academic credit at their home institutions. Visiting Undergraduates are not ordinarily offered College housing, and they are not permitted subsequently to transfer to Harvard as degree candidates. For more information about the Visiting Undergraduate Program, please consult our website.

We very much regret the disappointment and inconvenience that this decision may cause you. We are honored by your interest in Harvard College and we wish you great success in your future academic endeavors.

Sincerely,

Marlene Vergara Rotner
On behalf of the Transfer Admissions Committee

Reached for comment by MTV News, X17 co-owners Francois and Brandy Navarre initially declined comment because they have not been served with the suit, but when asked about the police matter, they said that the photographers are not employees, but freelancers, and therefore are not under contract. "I don't think the suit against us will hold up," Brandy said. "They give me their pictures but whatever they do on their own is their own business," Francois said.

Respectable news outlets like CNN and ABC, plus the usual assortment of celebrity media like Us Weekly, keep X17 supplied with licensing money. (All are clients, according to the Atlantic.) That's less likely to continue if the clients think they are bankrolling a gang.

MTV: Paparazzo Sues X17 Agency After Alleged Assault While Covering Britney Spears

'Horton' holds on to top spot at box office

Here's the preview. Also? Never ever do an image search for "Futurama" with your safe search option turned off. ::shivers::

The Perry-labed comedy-drama Meet the Browns, starring Angela Bassett, was the Easter weekend's biggest hit,...

Source: E! Online - Top Stories | 23 Mar 2008 | 8:36 pm

The A-Team Countdown Begins

If you've been holding your breath for The A-Team movie, well, we feel sorry for you.  But help is on the way for you and your oxygen-deprived brain. So just hold on. Until June 12. Of...

Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 23 Mar 2008 | 11:45 am

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