Question:
Newspapers said the big stories were 1) the continuing ascendancy of independent films and 2) the continuing decline of network television.

Does it follow that "Newspapers said it was big news that network tv stations were thriving."?
Answer:
no

Question:
Sorry to be picky, but when precisely did Mr. Plotz speak to History?

Does it follow that "Hey, what did History say to Mr. Plotz that make him go crazy"?
Answer:
no

Question:
Step out of the hotel and your senses will be bombarded by a range of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that let you know that you could only be in Jamaica.

Does it follow that "Jamaica has many offerings to the senses."?
Answer:
yes

Question:
Critics revel in his caustic humor and vengeful gossip about new-media moguls (he describes one AOL exec as a fat man, an ugly man, sweating like crazy).

Does it follow that "Critics humorously gossip about media moguls as they stroll the Grammys carpet."?
Answer:
it is not possible to tell