Zeitgeist: This week's videos from Next Media Animation
I have other things I want to blog about, but I'm still collapsing from the end of the semester, including submitting grades, so I'll post some videos instead.
First up, Wikileaks.
Click to viewWikiLeaks continues to release documents of global importance but the world is focused instead on the sex life of the Web site's frontman Julian Assange, whose confidential police files detailing the sexual assault allegations against him in Sweden were released to The Guardian.
This is the perfect story for Next Media Animation--newsworthy in its own right, but with a sex scandal, too. Watch for more from them on this subject--lots more.
And now, some happier news--the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
Two days ago, a move to abolish the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy went throught the US Senate in a 65-31 vote. US President Barack Obama signs the bill next week, but it will still take months before US soldiers can come out the closet about their homosexuality.
What constitutes a liberal policy? It's one that does one of two things--improves the economic or social lot of the average or common person, or increases the ability of people to participate in society and the political process. The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell does both, although it's a relatively small step. Repealing the Defense of Marriage Act would be a bigger one.
Now, the FCC's Net Neutrality decision.
The FCC has passed long-awaited rules on Net Neutrality and no one is happy.
The rules passed after the FCC's chairman convinced his two Democratic colleagues to support his proposal.
Democratic Net Neutrality advocates, however, remain unhappy because wireless carriers such as AT&T will be able to block services and applications on their networks.
Net Neutrality advocates also want the FCC to prohibit 'paid prioritization', whereby carriers speed up the delivery of data bits for paying customers.
The opponents of Net Neutrality say the new rules interfere too much. They would prefer to let Internet carriers do whatever they want.
No one seems to be happy. It looks like the perfect compromise.
A secret recording of UK Business Secretary Vince Cable boasting about his power has put the UK's coalition government in its latest hole. Cable was stripped of all media-related duties after he told undercover reporters he would block Rupert Murdoch's attempt to buy out BSkyB. Cable also said he could bring down the government. The episode has has also led to an increase in mutual criticism from coalition members.
There is a reason why The Daily Telegraph is called "The Daily Torygraph" and Vince Cable just discovered that reason.
Over the years, audiences for classical performances have been on the decline. Passionate musicians, however, have found another way to draw crowds.
They form flash mobs to perform "Random Acts of Culture". Musicians infiltrate crowds and take them by surprise. Videos of these performances have garnered millions of views on YouTube.
The Knight Foundation plans to sponsor 1,000 "Random Acts of Culture" over the next three years. Where will the next performance pop up?
"Random Acts of Culture"--I like that idea.
Yet another accident on the set of the Broadway production "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" has sent a performer to the hospital. Many are calling for the show's cancellation before more accidents happen. US$65 million has been invested in the show, the most in Broadway history.
As a commenter posted on the YouTube channel, we have another MacBeth. In this case, you don't want to break a leg.
Facebook chief and TIME Magazine's person of the year Mark Zuckerberg is in China. Blocked by China's Internet regulators since 2008, Zuck's visit and his meeting with the boss of Baidu have led to speculation Facebook is formulating a strategy to help it regain a presence in China.
Celebrity addict/actor Lindsay Lohan is at the center of a new controversy after news emerged of an alleged scuffle between the star and a staffer at the Betty Ford Clinic. The alleged altercation took place when Lilo was caught sneaking back into the center by staff after a drinking session. Dawn Holland, who released details of the story to celeb stalker Web site TMZ, was later fired by the clinic.
I think I'd rather read about Paris Hilton.
There are lots more lurid stories, but I think it's time to start wrapping up with a Christmas greeting.
Celebrate this year's festive season with NMA's alternative version of the Nativity.
See if you can spot who's playing the "Three Wise Men."
*Snrk* That might be worth posting tomorrow all by itself.
And now, the weather girl.
Friday Weather Girl Mini wants to be your Christmas present, Weather Girls fans. Here she is with the Christmas Eve forecast for US major cities.
Merry Christmas!