Pearl Jam Censored by AT&T

"Monitors" hired by AT&T cut lines from a song to the tune of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall." They were: "George Bush, leave this world alone" and "George Bush find yourself another home,".

Read the story here.

Movie Time - Fahrenheit 451

Guy Montag is a fireman who lives society where books have been banned by a government fearing critical thinking. 451 degrees (Fahrenheit) is the temperature at which paper burns.


The new Fahrenheit 451 in the works is expected to be a better movie and more closely tied to Bradbury's book than this version. The following video is (LOOSELY) based on Ray Bradbury's novel, 'Fahrenheit 451' and not the best interpretation:



The movie is about 1 hour 50 minutes long and might be more interesting than reading the Cliffs Notes version, but don't write your report based on the movie. ;)

Spin, the movie.

"SPIN"

Definitely worth a watch. Brian pieced together bits of satellite feeds to give a behind-the scenes look at TV politics and spin

"Using the 1992 presidential election as his springboard, documentary filmmaker Brian Springer captures the behind-the-scenes maneuverings of politicians and newscasters in the early 1990s. Pat Robertson banters about "homos," Al Gore learns how to avoid abortion questions, George Bush talks to Larry King about halcyon -- all presuming they're off camera. Composed of 100% unauthorized satellite footage, Spin is a surreal expose of media-constructed reality."

(~quote from Google poster of this video)

Internet Neutrality

I think this issue is worth writing a letter (or e-mail) to a legislator or two. Do you? The following quotes and video are from SaveTheInternet.com:

"What is Net Neutrality?

Network Neutrality — or "Net Neutrality" for short — is the guiding principle that preserves the free and open Internet.

Net Neutrality ensures that all users can access the content or run the applications and devices of their choice. With Net Neutrality, the network's only job is to move data — not choose which data to privilege with higher quality service. Net Neutrality prevents the companies that control the wires from discriminating against content based on its source or ownership.

Net Neutrality is the reason why the Internet has driven economic innovation, democratic participation, and free speech online. It's why the Internet has become an unrivaled environment for open communications, civic involvement and free speech."

"Who wants to get rid of Net Neutrality?

The nation's largest telephone and cable companies — including AT&T, Verizon, Comcast and Time Warner — want to be Internet gatekeepers, deciding which Web sites go fast or slow and which won't load at all.

They want to tax content providers to guarantee speedy delivery of their data. They want to discriminate in favor of their own search engines, Internet phone services, and streaming video — while slowing down or blocking their competitors.

These companies have a new vision for the Internet. Instead of an even playing field, they want to reserve express lanes for their own content and services — or those from big corporations that can afford the steep tolls — and leave the rest of us on a winding dirt road."

Who's the Scrooge?
You Decide.

I find it interesting that, although both signs probably make a lot of people smile and instill a sense of unity in the community, Dan McCormack of the Homeowners Association for Seven Bar North is only attacking the sign that is guaranteed to be allowed by the First Amendment to our Constitution.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. "

Freedom of the Press?

The annual Reporters Without Borders "Worldwide Press Freedom Index" has listed the United States in 53rd place, nine places lower than it was ranked last year. An interesting read. Share your thoughts.

Art News

Teacher Loses Job After Kids See Nude Sculpture on Field Trip to Museum

FRISCO, Texas -- An award-winning Texas art teacher who was reprimanded after one of her fifth-grade students saw a nude sculpture during a trip to a museum has lost her job. Read More.

In that spirit, I include 2 nude sculptures: On the left, St. Peter at the Exeter Cathedral, UK., and the spirit of justice statue from the U.S. Department of Justice. Click on either picture to enlarge.