So after watching "All the President's Men" I decided that we may need to revive this type of reporting. Unfortunately, most of today's investigative reporting is to uncover who is sleeping with who? Does this really matter? I mean really I don't really care and it is not adding to society to know this. What these two reporters did, uncover something that actually has an effect on democracy was heroic.
I think that it is important for reporters to do their jobs, report the news without a bias. That means that if they uncover something that the American people have a right to know they should be told, regardless of whether the reporter supports that office holder or not. A reporter should want to tell the story because it is the right thing to do not because it will stick it to the opposing party.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Do we Really Need Texas?
Evolution and Texas
In the op-ed piece above the author is rather upset by the firing of Texas Education Agency employee, Christine Comer, its director of science. It seems that she forwarded an e-mail about a speech on evolution. Their fear is that this is the beginning of the push in Texas to stop the teaching of evolution.
This is a legitimate concern, Texas is shall we say different. While I disagree with rejecting the idea of "creationism" all together, I also disagree with not teaching evolution. Didn't we already have this fight? It was like in the 1920s and there were monkeys involved? I guess my real complaint here is that I take issue with any individual or group who believes that they are the only ones who are right. Evolution is a touchy subject I'm not trying to say that its not. It completely rejects the biblical interpretation, and that kind of sucks considering we do not really have much to believe in anymore sometimes these folks would just like to be left alone with their bible.
But like I said I disagree with not teaching both sides. . I mean who is really being hurt by teaching either interpretation. Whats wrong with allowing the students the opportunity of figuring it out for themselves. Maybe the religious people are right, now wouldn't that be a kick in the ass? Anyway in all seriousness I believe if you become too committed to our beliefs we forget that there is another side to the story.
I am not advocating "creationism" I do not even believe in the bible. I am advocating acceptance and tolerance. these two thinks seem to be lost of many people too committed to their beliefs. And in case it's not clear where I stand on this issue I will leave you two quotes from one of my absolute favorite plays "Inherit the Wind," which happens to be the story of the Scopes Monkey Trials.
"Bert, whenever you see something bright, shining, perfect-seeming. look behind the paint! And if it's a lie-show it up for what it really is! -Acts III, Sc. 1~Inherit the Wind
"The individual human mind. In a child's power to master the multiplication table there is more sanctity than in all your shouted amens and holy holy hosannas. An idea is a greater monument than a cathedral, and the advance of man's knowledge is a greater miracle than all the sticks turned to snakes or the parting of the waters"~ Inherit the Wind
In the op-ed piece above the author is rather upset by the firing of Texas Education Agency employee, Christine Comer, its director of science. It seems that she forwarded an e-mail about a speech on evolution. Their fear is that this is the beginning of the push in Texas to stop the teaching of evolution.
This is a legitimate concern, Texas is shall we say different. While I disagree with rejecting the idea of "creationism" all together, I also disagree with not teaching evolution. Didn't we already have this fight? It was like in the 1920s and there were monkeys involved? I guess my real complaint here is that I take issue with any individual or group who believes that they are the only ones who are right. Evolution is a touchy subject I'm not trying to say that its not. It completely rejects the biblical interpretation, and that kind of sucks considering we do not really have much to believe in anymore sometimes these folks would just like to be left alone with their bible.
But like I said I disagree with not teaching both sides. . I mean who is really being hurt by teaching either interpretation. Whats wrong with allowing the students the opportunity of figuring it out for themselves. Maybe the religious people are right, now wouldn't that be a kick in the ass? Anyway in all seriousness I believe if you become too committed to our beliefs we forget that there is another side to the story.
I am not advocating "creationism" I do not even believe in the bible. I am advocating acceptance and tolerance. these two thinks seem to be lost of many people too committed to their beliefs. And in case it's not clear where I stand on this issue I will leave you two quotes from one of my absolute favorite plays "Inherit the Wind," which happens to be the story of the Scopes Monkey Trials.
"Bert, whenever you see something bright, shining, perfect-seeming. look behind the paint! And if it's a lie-show it up for what it really is! -Acts III, Sc. 1~Inherit the Wind
"The individual human mind. In a child's power to master the multiplication table there is more sanctity than in all your shouted amens and holy holy hosannas. An idea is a greater monument than a cathedral, and the advance of man's knowledge is a greater miracle than all the sticks turned to snakes or the parting of the waters"~ Inherit the Wind
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Who Says the Theater is out of Touch?
So many believe that the theater is out of touch with what it going on in the world; we have singing Phantoms and dancing lions but nothing with much substance with the exception of a few shows.
So why would I be posting on the topic of theater. Some good and relative theater still exists! But not in one of the 39 Broadway houses, instead it takes place in a hole in the wall theater in downtown New York. I am talking about “Shoot the Messenger” a political satire created and starring by “The Daily Show” co-creator Lizz Winstead. The premise is that the cast is the news crew for a fictional morning news show like the “Today Show.” The idea is that we are not told anything important in the 3-4 hours that these shows are on television. She on the interview I heard her give basically says that people need to find the good news that is hidden in blogs or other online news sources.
This is an interesting why of seeing the failure of mainstream media. The show actually simulates a news show pointing out all the irrelevant crap that is on TV. This show is relevant and up-to-date with its news and now that there is no more Television due to the strike it may be worth while to take in something as relevant as this show promises to be. I know I will be making my way to see it as soon as I get the chance.
So why would I be posting on the topic of theater. Some good and relative theater still exists! But not in one of the 39 Broadway houses, instead it takes place in a hole in the wall theater in downtown New York. I am talking about “Shoot the Messenger” a political satire created and starring by “The Daily Show” co-creator Lizz Winstead. The premise is that the cast is the news crew for a fictional morning news show like the “Today Show.” The idea is that we are not told anything important in the 3-4 hours that these shows are on television. She on the interview I heard her give basically says that people need to find the good news that is hidden in blogs or other online news sources.
This is an interesting why of seeing the failure of mainstream media. The show actually simulates a news show pointing out all the irrelevant crap that is on TV. This show is relevant and up-to-date with its news and now that there is no more Television due to the strike it may be worth while to take in something as relevant as this show promises to be. I know I will be making my way to see it as soon as I get the chance.
Where Did Christmas Go?
On December 21st New Jersey 101.5 radio personalities, Ray Rossi and Casey Bartholomew better known as "The Jersey Guys" will host their Save Santa party. These hosts of the call-in show are best known for their controversial afternoon talk show that has attacked everything from the blind to the post-partum depression of the former first lady of New Jersey.
On a recent episode the Guys were discussing the attack that companies are making on Christmas as well as images of Christmas, such as Santa. They discussed the fact that in Sydney, Australia Santa is no longer allowed to say Ho, Ho, Ho because it is considered offensive to women! They were also unhappy with Lowes Home Improvement’s renaming of Christmas trees to a Family tree. Some even say that Santa's weight is an issue.
I will disclose first off that I have nothing to gain from the Pro or anti Santa people. I myself am an atheist and therefore have nothing to fight for. But I will admit that this is getting out of hand. I celebrate Christmas by default, my family is Christian and therefore I must partake in the festivities. I will also disclose that members of my family are Jewish and they, I might add, do spend many of the Christian holidays with my family. My Aunt, Uncle and Cousins have never been offended when we have them over for Christmas and they don't care that our Christmas tree is prominently displayed or that the outside of my house looks like the Vegas Strip. We all exchange Christmas presents and eat our Christmas dinner.
I have no problem with the inclusion of other celebrations in the holiday season. In fact I tend to wish people a "happy holiday" because you do not always know what they celebrate. When it comes to these companies who what to me to spend my money in their stores but they refuse to acknowledge that a Christmas tree is for Christmas, in other works my Aunt doesn't have a Christmas tree.
I think that if we are going to treat people fair then a Menora should be a Holiday Candle-holder. I mean why not maybe I'm offended, of the religion that it represents as an atheist. My point is you can never please everyone and for as long as we appease on group we must appease them all. So here is my solution, if it is distinctly something for Christmas such as those really annoying lights or a tree please don't treat us like we are children and just call it what it is. I don't mind buying holiday gifts or even attending a holiday party. So let Santa have his month. I believe we have bigger issues facing this country then attacking all things Christmas.
On a recent episode the Guys were discussing the attack that companies are making on Christmas as well as images of Christmas, such as Santa. They discussed the fact that in Sydney, Australia Santa is no longer allowed to say Ho, Ho, Ho because it is considered offensive to women! They were also unhappy with Lowes Home Improvement’s renaming of Christmas trees to a Family tree. Some even say that Santa's weight is an issue.
I will disclose first off that I have nothing to gain from the Pro or anti Santa people. I myself am an atheist and therefore have nothing to fight for. But I will admit that this is getting out of hand. I celebrate Christmas by default, my family is Christian and therefore I must partake in the festivities. I will also disclose that members of my family are Jewish and they, I might add, do spend many of the Christian holidays with my family. My Aunt, Uncle and Cousins have never been offended when we have them over for Christmas and they don't care that our Christmas tree is prominently displayed or that the outside of my house looks like the Vegas Strip. We all exchange Christmas presents and eat our Christmas dinner.
I have no problem with the inclusion of other celebrations in the holiday season. In fact I tend to wish people a "happy holiday" because you do not always know what they celebrate. When it comes to these companies who what to me to spend my money in their stores but they refuse to acknowledge that a Christmas tree is for Christmas, in other works my Aunt doesn't have a Christmas tree.
I think that if we are going to treat people fair then a Menora should be a Holiday Candle-holder. I mean why not maybe I'm offended, of the religion that it represents as an atheist. My point is you can never please everyone and for as long as we appease on group we must appease them all. So here is my solution, if it is distinctly something for Christmas such as those really annoying lights or a tree please don't treat us like we are children and just call it what it is. I don't mind buying holiday gifts or even attending a holiday party. So let Santa have his month. I believe we have bigger issues facing this country then attacking all things Christmas.
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