Russians have always seen themselves as second to some other power. The Chinese don't see themselves as second to anybody. They may understand that they're not as economically developed as we are, but they regard their proper role as being at the center of the universe.

Russians will consume marinated mushrooms and vodka, salted herring and vodka, smoked salmon and vodka, salami and vodka, caviar on brown bread and vodka, pickled cucumbers and vodka, cold tongue and vodka, red beet salad and vodka, scallions and vodka-anything and everything and vodka.

Journalists cover words and delude themselves into thinking they have committed journalism.

His goal is not quality journalism. His goal is vast power for Rupert Murdoch, political power.

That 1,000 took a lot of power out of my legs. I didn't know how much it took out of me. I wasn't focused like I usually am.

And journalism itself has changed. News organizations and some journalists have transformed from their traditional role as watchdogs of power into institutions of power themselves with an ability, indeed, a susceptibility, to abuse that power.