A recent United States Army intelligence report explained the possible manipulation of social-networking and communication tools, more specifically Twitter, by terrorist groups to execute terrorist activity. The report detailed three different scenario’s where Twitter, combined with other services available to mobile devices, could enhance the execution of terrorism.
Irony at its best. Facebook, My Space, Twitter, are all publicly accessible services specifically designed to make communication easier between people. It allows people to ‘network’ and establish groups with others that share similar interests or ideas. So then what are terrorist if not just another 'social group' of people with similar interests? They seem to be using social-networking tools in the same way supporters of political campaigns are in the presidential election, to share ideas easily with like-minded people. If the internet is going to be a publicly accessible tool, then it should not be a surprise when social groups with ideas that differ from our own take advantage of its convenience too.
The scariest part of the report to me was that the U.S. government had not detected any terrorist activity on Tweeter yet, although they had picked up several pro-Hezbollah Tweets...meaning they must be watching all of us on these sites. I guess our right to privacy of beliefs protected by the first amendment of the Bill of Rights does not extend to Tweeter.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Will Ferrell returns to Saturday Night Live
While Saturday Night Live has fell from my must-watch list in recent years, their latest skits satirizing the politics of Gov. Sarah Palin and President Bush have not only brought me back to the SNL bandwagon but opened my eyes to the necessary role of satire in American politics.
Will Ferrell's Dubya was hilarious.
Tina Fey's Palin was hilarious.
While these portrayals are an immediate laugh, the underlying issues they are satirizing are at the same time scary. In this time of political sensitivity, economic stress and a polarizing election, the need for awareness is as crucial as ever. Satire allows these comedians and writers to reach a vast audience without turning them away with the typical shallow bickering found in everyday political coverage. One might argue that the SNL skits are down right biased, but the again, what so called News source is not? SNL is registering numbers beyond any of the 'News' programs.
At least people are paying attention.
Will Ferrell's Dubya was hilarious.
Tina Fey's Palin was hilarious.
While these portrayals are an immediate laugh, the underlying issues they are satirizing are at the same time scary. In this time of political sensitivity, economic stress and a polarizing election, the need for awareness is as crucial as ever. Satire allows these comedians and writers to reach a vast audience without turning them away with the typical shallow bickering found in everyday political coverage. One might argue that the SNL skits are down right biased, but the again, what so called News source is not? SNL is registering numbers beyond any of the 'News' programs.
At least people are paying attention.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The House of Torment
“How about a small kiss?” a squeamish goblin whispered in my ear as he creepily leaned so close that I could feel his damp breath on my neck.
If chillingly clothed goblins with gory face paint jumping out at every dark corner or unsuspecting turn to startle you until it becomes maddening is the goal, then The House of Torment succeeds.
Its squirmy actors and actresses with their detailed costumes depicting crazy clowns or demonic children combined with piercing screeches and peculiar lighting make for an eerie experience that keeps your heart pounding and your adrenaline pumping. And no, I don't want a kiss.
If chillingly clothed goblins with gory face paint jumping out at every dark corner or unsuspecting turn to startle you until it becomes maddening is the goal, then The House of Torment succeeds.
Its squirmy actors and actresses with their detailed costumes depicting crazy clowns or demonic children combined with piercing screeches and peculiar lighting make for an eerie experience that keeps your heart pounding and your adrenaline pumping. And no, I don't want a kiss.
Cindy McCain: Heiress or Humanitarian
It commonly happens in a political campaign that any substantial attention given to the significant other of a candidate focuses on the negative. It is easier to bring a candidate down with the negatives of their personal connections than to build them up with the positives.
Cindy McCain, beer-company executive and wife of presidential candidate John McCain, had her tax return released yesterday revealing an income of $4.2 million in the last year and an estimated fortune of around $100 million.
While Cindy McCain chooses to stick to the sidelines of her husbands campaign, any attention given to her by the media portrays her as a trophy wife beer company owner just along for the ride. The focus is on her privileged life and her alleged pain killer addiction in the early 90's.
Lost behind her barbie doll look, seven homes and inherited fortune, there truly is more to Cindy McCain. She has traveled to globe dedicating not only her money, but her time and energy to assist children in need from places like Cambodia to Morocco. She has dedicated her life to her own four children as well as countless other children in need around the world.
While the focus no doubt will continue to be on her inherited fortune from the Phoenix beer distribution company, the 53 year-old Cindy McCain has silently served children around the world with her privileged status, and would surely make humanitarian work a center point of what she does as First Lady if given that chance.
Cindy McCain, beer-company executive and wife of presidential candidate John McCain, had her tax return released yesterday revealing an income of $4.2 million in the last year and an estimated fortune of around $100 million.
While Cindy McCain chooses to stick to the sidelines of her husbands campaign, any attention given to her by the media portrays her as a trophy wife beer company owner just along for the ride. The focus is on her privileged life and her alleged pain killer addiction in the early 90's.
Lost behind her barbie doll look, seven homes and inherited fortune, there truly is more to Cindy McCain. She has traveled to globe dedicating not only her money, but her time and energy to assist children in need from places like Cambodia to Morocco. She has dedicated her life to her own four children as well as countless other children in need around the world.
While the focus no doubt will continue to be on her inherited fortune from the Phoenix beer distribution company, the 53 year-old Cindy McCain has silently served children around the world with her privileged status, and would surely make humanitarian work a center point of what she does as First Lady if given that chance.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Longhorns take top spot after Red River Rivalry
The University of Texas Longhorn football team was awarded the number one ranking by both national polls Oct. 12, a recognition they had not received in the regular season in 24 years.
With a 45-35 victory over the University of Oklahoma Sooners, the Longhorns jumped five teams to claim the number one ranking and became the fourth team this season to be ranked number one.
The two Big 12 powers collided at the Cotton Bowl where they hold the annual Red River Rivalry. The Cotton Bowl, located 197 miles from Austin and 190 miles from Norman, Okla., has its seats divided right down the middle-half red, half orange.
The game was dominated by both teams versatile quarterbacks-the Longhorns Colt McCoy and the Sooners' Sam Bradford-who each utilized their athleticism as well as their effective passing ability.
McCoy's 277 passing yards and an 80 percent completion rate not only propelled his team to a win, but launched him to the front of the Heisman Trophy race.
By scoring a combined 80 points, this was the highest scoring game in the history of the Red River Rivalry.
While this win was a statement with national title implications, the Longhorns' upcoming schedule gives them no room to relax. Next week they face the Missouri Tigers in Austin, who were a top three team before a loss to Oklahoma State University Oct. 11.
The match-up in Austin will mark the first time since 1977 that the Longhorns have defended a number one ranking on their home field.
Following the match-up with Missouri, the Longhorns will take on the No. 8 OSU Cowboys at the Darrel K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, but must travel to the University of Kansas and Texas Tech University for two tests on the road in the next five weeks.
The Jayhawks(5-1) are currently ranked 16th in the Associated Press poll and have gained national respect for the strides the program has made in recent years.
The Red Raiders may prove to be the toughest test of all for the Longhorns, as their high-octane offense has led them to a number seven national ranking.
While upsetting the top team in the country was a historic achievement for the Longhorns, beating four top-20 ranked teams in five games would solidify their spot as the nations number one team.
With a 45-35 victory over the University of Oklahoma Sooners, the Longhorns jumped five teams to claim the number one ranking and became the fourth team this season to be ranked number one.
The two Big 12 powers collided at the Cotton Bowl where they hold the annual Red River Rivalry. The Cotton Bowl, located 197 miles from Austin and 190 miles from Norman, Okla., has its seats divided right down the middle-half red, half orange.
The game was dominated by both teams versatile quarterbacks-the Longhorns Colt McCoy and the Sooners' Sam Bradford-who each utilized their athleticism as well as their effective passing ability.
McCoy's 277 passing yards and an 80 percent completion rate not only propelled his team to a win, but launched him to the front of the Heisman Trophy race.
By scoring a combined 80 points, this was the highest scoring game in the history of the Red River Rivalry.
While this win was a statement with national title implications, the Longhorns' upcoming schedule gives them no room to relax. Next week they face the Missouri Tigers in Austin, who were a top three team before a loss to Oklahoma State University Oct. 11.
The match-up in Austin will mark the first time since 1977 that the Longhorns have defended a number one ranking on their home field.
Following the match-up with Missouri, the Longhorns will take on the No. 8 OSU Cowboys at the Darrel K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, but must travel to the University of Kansas and Texas Tech University for two tests on the road in the next five weeks.
The Jayhawks(5-1) are currently ranked 16th in the Associated Press poll and have gained national respect for the strides the program has made in recent years.
The Red Raiders may prove to be the toughest test of all for the Longhorns, as their high-octane offense has led them to a number seven national ranking.
While upsetting the top team in the country was a historic achievement for the Longhorns, beating four top-20 ranked teams in five games would solidify their spot as the nations number one team.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Gov. Palin gets no compassion from hockey fans.
It must be troubling when the backbone of one’s short lived campaign identity fails you at the most unexpected time.
Vice Presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin takes pride in the fact that she is a hockey mom. Constantly she tries to make a connection between herself and the many hockey families across the country that take on the same challenges of juggling children and responsibilities. This past weekend Gov. Palin made an appearance at the Philadelphia Flyers game to drop the ceremonial first puck.
Her appearance was not greeted with roars of sympathetic fans who can relate to her as a struggling mother, instead she was serenaded with boos.
It was a game between the New York Rangers and the Philly Flyers, two of the biggest hockey markets in the country, yet Gov. Palin got no compassion. Yes it was a bit classless to boo a mother and her two young smiling daughters as they timidly walk on the ice.
However it is a reminder that Gov. Palin in fact has a third child, a five month old son, whom appears to be spending another lonely night with the sitter.
Vice Presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin takes pride in the fact that she is a hockey mom. Constantly she tries to make a connection between herself and the many hockey families across the country that take on the same challenges of juggling children and responsibilities. This past weekend Gov. Palin made an appearance at the Philadelphia Flyers game to drop the ceremonial first puck.
Her appearance was not greeted with roars of sympathetic fans who can relate to her as a struggling mother, instead she was serenaded with boos.
It was a game between the New York Rangers and the Philly Flyers, two of the biggest hockey markets in the country, yet Gov. Palin got no compassion. Yes it was a bit classless to boo a mother and her two young smiling daughters as they timidly walk on the ice.
However it is a reminder that Gov. Palin in fact has a third child, a five month old son, whom appears to be spending another lonely night with the sitter.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Entertaining Journalism
With the quickly changing spectrum of media and the outlets for it, the role of a journalist has come into question. After reading an article that commented on this subject by Chuck Raasch of NewPolitics, I decided to offer my opinion.
Now that people can access news in seconds, rather than having to read the daily paper or tune into a nightly news cast, journalism has been forced to compete with the entertainment side of media, and basically become entertainment itself.
With news available faster than one can access it, from any perspective and angle that one could want, ‘news’ is no longer really newsworthy. Todays generation gets their news from the places that say the things they want to hear. The abundance of news sources has created a pick and choose scenario where there is no longer unbiased media.
A source must take on an identity and play to a specific side of the isle, or nobody listens. Things like “The Daily Show” with John Stewart or “Countdown” with Keith Olbermann, play to a specific audience and become more than just a news source. These shows must compete with the reality and drama programs that cover the TV guide at the same times, so in turn must include some drama or humor of their own just to compete. It is ‘entertaining’ to watch the news shows that offer the same opinions and views that you hold personally. People no longer have to hear both sides of the issues, then choose; rather they tune in to a show that offers an angle that is usually consistent with their own, and it is entertaining as well as informative.
News journalism has become entertainment. With the explosion of access to all kinds of media and news sources, an unbiased informative news source that is not funny or dramatic will quickly fail. News journalism has been forced to incorporate entertainment into its coverage just to get people to pay attention. By adding humor, or focusing on what is dramatic instead of what newsworthy, the news sources can compete with reality TV and the internet, but must sacrifice their unbiased credibility, and become entertaining.
Now that people can access news in seconds, rather than having to read the daily paper or tune into a nightly news cast, journalism has been forced to compete with the entertainment side of media, and basically become entertainment itself.
With news available faster than one can access it, from any perspective and angle that one could want, ‘news’ is no longer really newsworthy. Todays generation gets their news from the places that say the things they want to hear. The abundance of news sources has created a pick and choose scenario where there is no longer unbiased media.
A source must take on an identity and play to a specific side of the isle, or nobody listens. Things like “The Daily Show” with John Stewart or “Countdown” with Keith Olbermann, play to a specific audience and become more than just a news source. These shows must compete with the reality and drama programs that cover the TV guide at the same times, so in turn must include some drama or humor of their own just to compete. It is ‘entertaining’ to watch the news shows that offer the same opinions and views that you hold personally. People no longer have to hear both sides of the issues, then choose; rather they tune in to a show that offers an angle that is usually consistent with their own, and it is entertaining as well as informative.
News journalism has become entertainment. With the explosion of access to all kinds of media and news sources, an unbiased informative news source that is not funny or dramatic will quickly fail. News journalism has been forced to incorporate entertainment into its coverage just to get people to pay attention. By adding humor, or focusing on what is dramatic instead of what newsworthy, the news sources can compete with reality TV and the internet, but must sacrifice their unbiased credibility, and become entertaining.
"Always Sunny In Philadelphia"
It is a risk taken far to often; creating a cable television show basically about nothing, and hoping for the next comedy hit.‘Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ chronicles the lives of four friends and bar owners as they get into the most bizarre of dilemmas and find even stranger ways of getting out of them.
No punch lines, just the raw ups and downs of the relationships between four overly imbibed friends. While it can be hard to connect to the exact situations, as in every successful show the interactions and relationships between characters are easily relatable.
The four main characters are each equally narcissistic and self absorbed, creating most of the tension, while the seemingly effortless and natural interaction between them makes the show work. The addition of Danny Devito as the crude shrewd father of Dee and Dennis complements the cast perfectly.
If jokes about molesting children and finding a dumpsters’ baby might offend you, then this show surely will too. But just like others of its kind that rely on crude shock value, the immaturity and childish humor is always allegorical. If you can wade through the typical humor expected of a group of hard-drinking 20 something’s, there is always an underlying irony to be found in each episode, that at times, seems to be about nothing.
No punch lines, just the raw ups and downs of the relationships between four overly imbibed friends. While it can be hard to connect to the exact situations, as in every successful show the interactions and relationships between characters are easily relatable.
The four main characters are each equally narcissistic and self absorbed, creating most of the tension, while the seemingly effortless and natural interaction between them makes the show work. The addition of Danny Devito as the crude shrewd father of Dee and Dennis complements the cast perfectly.
If jokes about molesting children and finding a dumpsters’ baby might offend you, then this show surely will too. But just like others of its kind that rely on crude shock value, the immaturity and childish humor is always allegorical. If you can wade through the typical humor expected of a group of hard-drinking 20 something’s, there is always an underlying irony to be found in each episode, that at times, seems to be about nothing.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
"The Office"
“The Office” is a TV sitcom based off of a British show by the same name. It documents the daily lives and routines of typical office workers as their personalities clash and they wade through the antics of their boss.
The cast is led by funny man Steve Carrell who is the Regional Manager for Dunder Mifflin Paper Company and an ultra motivating yet strangely awkward boss. The show is set up as a documentary, with no attempt of ignoring the camera, while chronicling the tedious time wasters each character employs to get through the day and simultaneously aggravating each other.
By mocking the typical antics and situations of a standard working environment while targeting the overzealous under-qualified boss, “The Office” reaches out to anyone who has spent time in this setting. Despite being a nearly complete copy of the British version, this NBC sitcom is a real hit and truly deserves its Golden Globe Award.
The cast is led by funny man Steve Carrell who is the Regional Manager for Dunder Mifflin Paper Company and an ultra motivating yet strangely awkward boss. The show is set up as a documentary, with no attempt of ignoring the camera, while chronicling the tedious time wasters each character employs to get through the day and simultaneously aggravating each other.
By mocking the typical antics and situations of a standard working environment while targeting the overzealous under-qualified boss, “The Office” reaches out to anyone who has spent time in this setting. Despite being a nearly complete copy of the British version, this NBC sitcom is a real hit and truly deserves its Golden Globe Award.
"Entourage"
“Entourage”, HBO’s Academy Award Winning series, chronicles the life of freshly A-listed movie star Vincent Chase as his navigates through the unfamiliar setting of Los Angeles guided only by the brother like loyalty of his hometown crew from Queens, NY whom he brought along for the ride.
The series is loosely based on Mark Walburg and his real life experience with the main premises behind the show. “Entourage” wittily tells stories of major career decisions and social setbacks all underpinned by the concrete loyalty and steadfast dedication of Vince’s two best friends and older brother who make up the group. With his cut throat spinster agent always a phone call away, and his best friend nominated as his manager, every decision becomes one made by the group. They succeed together, and they fail together in a dedicated allegiance to each other that is unprecedented in their cut-throat movie star scene, and at times is mocked by jealous onlookers but envied and respected by all.
The shows success and unpredictable popularity has powered it into it’s fifth season, with plans in place for a sixth. With HBO’s knock-out lineup of “The Sopranos”, “Deadwood”, and “Six Feet Under” now all finished, the executives will be sure to pull Vince through as many Hollywood calamities as he and his “Entourage” can handle.
The series is loosely based on Mark Walburg and his real life experience with the main premises behind the show. “Entourage” wittily tells stories of major career decisions and social setbacks all underpinned by the concrete loyalty and steadfast dedication of Vince’s two best friends and older brother who make up the group. With his cut throat spinster agent always a phone call away, and his best friend nominated as his manager, every decision becomes one made by the group. They succeed together, and they fail together in a dedicated allegiance to each other that is unprecedented in their cut-throat movie star scene, and at times is mocked by jealous onlookers but envied and respected by all.
The shows success and unpredictable popularity has powered it into it’s fifth season, with plans in place for a sixth. With HBO’s knock-out lineup of “The Sopranos”, “Deadwood”, and “Six Feet Under” now all finished, the executives will be sure to pull Vince through as many Hollywood calamities as he and his “Entourage” can handle.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Austin Tennis Academy Raises Record Funds for A Glimmer of Hope
Friends. Family. Community. Service. This past weekends Scholarship Shootout 2008 encompassed all of these things while joining them in a collaborative effort to give something back to those who need it most. With a banquet on Friday night, and a pro-am doubles tournament on Saturday, the Austin Tennis Academy community was able to come together, bringing home alumni from all over to participate in this annual community event and generate support for A Glimmer of Hope Foundation while celebrating 5 years of success for ATA.
“We are connected to others in everything we do, from our families that live in the same house as us, to our neighbors in Ethiopia who live on another continent, in a another world,” coach Newman said.
Started by ATA’s Philip and Donna Berber, A Glimmer of Hope is dedicated to making a direct sustainable difference in the lives of Ethiopia’s poorest and at-risk youth in inner cities. By creating projects that provide necessities like easy access to clean water and stable structures for schools, the Foundation is able to offer a much healthier and safer way of life to those they serve.
The Saturday night party involved a live auction and a silent auction to encourage support of the Foundation. The teams participating in the Saturday pro-am were auctioned off, while many pieces of sports memorabilia and special hitting sessions were featured in the silent auction. With the beautiful backdrop of the west Austin hill country, and an extraordinary dinner provided by Spanish Oaks, the banquet was a huge success.
The Sunday pro-am format was set up with two groups of four teams competing in a round robin, with the winners of each group meeting in the finals. The day began at 8:30 with breakfast and a warm up, followed by the first round of competition at 9:30. After two rounds of intense doubles play, Bee Cave Bistro catered a delicious lunch to refuel all of the athletes for the final rounds. In the end it came down to Hackett’s Hackers against Youth and Wisdom battling it out for a years worth of bragging rights.
By encouraging students to participate in service projects and community events, the Austin Tennis Academy is living up to its standard of developing students to their fullest potential in tennis and in character.
“When I spoke to the young men and women who are here tonight, they were excited to come back and share their experiences,” Coach Newman said. “They have had and continue to have an impact on this program.”
Since ATA’s commitment to the Foundation in 2000, their work has produced 27 water wells in Ethiopia, with a goal of another 11 wells, one health post, and one school, for this year alone. Teaming up with A Glimmer of Hope allows ATA’s students to experience first hand the kind of direct influence their efforts can have, while contributing to a truly humanitarian organization.
“We are connected to others in everything we do, from our families that live in the same house as us, to our neighbors in Ethiopia who live on another continent, in a another world,” coach Newman said.
Started by ATA’s Philip and Donna Berber, A Glimmer of Hope is dedicated to making a direct sustainable difference in the lives of Ethiopia’s poorest and at-risk youth in inner cities. By creating projects that provide necessities like easy access to clean water and stable structures for schools, the Foundation is able to offer a much healthier and safer way of life to those they serve.
The Saturday night party involved a live auction and a silent auction to encourage support of the Foundation. The teams participating in the Saturday pro-am were auctioned off, while many pieces of sports memorabilia and special hitting sessions were featured in the silent auction. With the beautiful backdrop of the west Austin hill country, and an extraordinary dinner provided by Spanish Oaks, the banquet was a huge success.
The Sunday pro-am format was set up with two groups of four teams competing in a round robin, with the winners of each group meeting in the finals. The day began at 8:30 with breakfast and a warm up, followed by the first round of competition at 9:30. After two rounds of intense doubles play, Bee Cave Bistro catered a delicious lunch to refuel all of the athletes for the final rounds. In the end it came down to Hackett’s Hackers against Youth and Wisdom battling it out for a years worth of bragging rights.
By encouraging students to participate in service projects and community events, the Austin Tennis Academy is living up to its standard of developing students to their fullest potential in tennis and in character.
“When I spoke to the young men and women who are here tonight, they were excited to come back and share their experiences,” Coach Newman said. “They have had and continue to have an impact on this program.”
Since ATA’s commitment to the Foundation in 2000, their work has produced 27 water wells in Ethiopia, with a goal of another 11 wells, one health post, and one school, for this year alone. Teaming up with A Glimmer of Hope allows ATA’s students to experience first hand the kind of direct influence their efforts can have, while contributing to a truly humanitarian organization.
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