Check out this moving video. It's a great example of journalism - no editorializing, just stating the facts. A wonderful example of what can be done with a video camera, some editing software and the desire to tell a story.
Via Fact-Esque via NewsRackBlog via Reuters.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Reductio ad Hitlerum
As the L.A. Times' Brendan Bigelow points out in his blog, Rush Limbaugh's latest tirade on Obama's healthcare plan falls prey to what is known as Godwin's Law, or as a philosopher would say, Reductio ad Hitlerum.
The pictures do have a certain similarity to them. But if we follow the argument that anything that looks like Nazi symbolism somehow itself embodies the spirit of Nazism, we must accept that Buddha was a Nazi. Look at that, he ripped the Nazi symbol off of Hitler. Peaceful religion, my ass.
Actually, that argument is also fallacious. Rather, since Siddhartha Gautama preceded Adolph Hitler, it stands to reason that Adolph Hitler was actually a Buddhist because he adopted Buddhist symbolism.
But actually neither of these is true because the argument is inherently flawed. Different societies have used similar symbols throughout history to signify different things. Just because two symbols are similar does not mean they signify the same idea.
You know what is disturbing? Obama's branding. Check out BarackObama.com and everywhere you go, that little circle of hope, symbolizing the American flag, or fields of grain, or the Eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg. This thing is like HAL 9000, silently eying your every move, ready at any time to demonstrate that you are not actually in control of this Democracy. I'm afraid I can't let you do that, America.
Right above I was starting down the slippery slope that Rush Limbaugh has already slipped down into the icy recesses of fallacy. But here's my problem: brand consciousness plays such a large role in this country, and it's scary to see that the president of the United States has his own brand image. We're not talking the Seal or something that every president has, this is unique to Obama himself.
Sure politicians run on brands, but their imagery is nowhere near as ubiquitous after the election as is Obama's. The Obama brand is the Starbucks logo of politics, just as easily recognized and just as easily lampooned. Branding is for the easy recognition of products, but presidents get the Seal. Obama's logo is unnecessary, unless he wants to license official Obama-wear products. And that should not be happening.
The pictures do have a certain similarity to them. But if we follow the argument that anything that looks like Nazi symbolism somehow itself embodies the spirit of Nazism, we must accept that Buddha was a Nazi. Look at that, he ripped the Nazi symbol off of Hitler. Peaceful religion, my ass.
Actually, that argument is also fallacious. Rather, since Siddhartha Gautama preceded Adolph Hitler, it stands to reason that Adolph Hitler was actually a Buddhist because he adopted Buddhist symbolism.
But actually neither of these is true because the argument is inherently flawed. Different societies have used similar symbols throughout history to signify different things. Just because two symbols are similar does not mean they signify the same idea.
You know what is disturbing? Obama's branding. Check out BarackObama.com and everywhere you go, that little circle of hope, symbolizing the American flag, or fields of grain, or the Eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg. This thing is like HAL 9000, silently eying your every move, ready at any time to demonstrate that you are not actually in control of this Democracy. I'm afraid I can't let you do that, America.
Right above I was starting down the slippery slope that Rush Limbaugh has already slipped down into the icy recesses of fallacy. But here's my problem: brand consciousness plays such a large role in this country, and it's scary to see that the president of the United States has his own brand image. We're not talking the Seal or something that every president has, this is unique to Obama himself.
Sure politicians run on brands, but their imagery is nowhere near as ubiquitous after the election as is Obama's. The Obama brand is the Starbucks logo of politics, just as easily recognized and just as easily lampooned. Branding is for the easy recognition of products, but presidents get the Seal. Obama's logo is unnecessary, unless he wants to license official Obama-wear products. And that should not be happening.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wednesday Links
Ithaca Times: Breaking New Ground
All interviews were done in a two and a half-hour span Monday evening. If there hadn't been a dinner mishap, it might have been done by midnight. I think, however, that it's the best piece I have ever written at 5:00 in the morning.
Ithaca Times: Higher Education
Ever wondered how college town economy like Ithaca's differentiates and even insulates it from the outside? It's a question I've been asking myself very frequently as of late.
Cake
The eco-friendly, human rights-friendly band gives away cherry tree saplings at its shows. Check out the "News" and "Weekly" sections for random and/or insightful tidbits on music, politics, religion, food and science. No RSS feed, but this is one to keep an eye on.
The ecological disaster that is dolphin safe tuna
Apparently "dolphin safe" also means "everything else in danger." (via Cake)
After Last Season
This is a real movie. People have seen it.
A Piece of History
Why yes, the Ithaca Times does have me do advertorials. This is probably the only one I've enjoyed doing. It's owned by a really nice couple, former Ithaca professors.
The Campbell Brothers
I have heard the gospel, and I believe. But seriously, I'd buy a CD if I was not working on a preview article on them. I've learned recently that MySpace is actually a great way to discover new music and listen to it for free.
All interviews were done in a two and a half-hour span Monday evening. If there hadn't been a dinner mishap, it might have been done by midnight. I think, however, that it's the best piece I have ever written at 5:00 in the morning.
Ithaca Times: Higher Education
Ever wondered how college town economy like Ithaca's differentiates and even insulates it from the outside? It's a question I've been asking myself very frequently as of late.
Cake
The eco-friendly, human rights-friendly band gives away cherry tree saplings at its shows. Check out the "News" and "Weekly" sections for random and/or insightful tidbits on music, politics, religion, food and science. No RSS feed, but this is one to keep an eye on.
The ecological disaster that is dolphin safe tuna
Apparently "dolphin safe" also means "everything else in danger." (via Cake)
After Last Season
This is a real movie. People have seen it.
A Piece of History
Why yes, the Ithaca Times does have me do advertorials. This is probably the only one I've enjoyed doing. It's owned by a really nice couple, former Ithaca professors.
The Campbell Brothers
I have heard the gospel, and I believe. But seriously, I'd buy a CD if I was not working on a preview article on them. I've learned recently that MySpace is actually a great way to discover new music and listen to it for free.
Monday, August 3, 2009
I Love College
Just posted a review of Nyle's "Capstone EP" on popcorn youth. Also featured is a musing on college-educated rappers, which I might work into an article some day.
If you haven't seen it yet, check this out:
If you haven't seen it yet, check this out:
Nyle "Let The Beat Build" from Nyle on Vimeo.
That's one continuous shot. Take 30.
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