-
(Untitled)
Today is believed to be the birthday of the legendary bluesman Robert Johnson, born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi (1911). We know very little about his life. He's been so mythologized that he's become almost a character out of a folktale. The only reason we know for sure he existed is that in 1937 he recorded 29 of his songs over the course of two ( Read more... ) -
Political Message of the Week: "Vote Different"
Unless you've been living in a cave for the last few days or so, you're probably at least aware of the anti-Hillary spot/Apple "1984" commercial homage made by ParkRidge47. Turns out the person, later identified as Phil de Vellis, worked for Blue State Digital, the company providing internet support to the Barack Obama campaign - and lost his job ( Read more... ) -
(Untitled)
Justice Dept.: FBI misused Patriot Act
Audit: FBI snooping did not follow rules
Seriously, is anyone surprised by this?
Were I not so sickened by the whole thing overall, I would almost find these news reports funny.
Thank Heavens for the sickening. -
Today in Free Speech History? A Victory!
It was on this day in 1988 that the Supreme Court issued an important decision in the history of satire in the case of Hustler Magazine v. Jerry Falwell. The court ruled that satire of a public figure - no matter how vulgar, insulting, or even false - is protected by the First Amendment.
(information courtesy of The Writer's Almanac) -
Today's Oddities
It's the birthday of writer and activist Lydia Maria Child, born in Medford, Massachusetts (1802). She wrote novels, anti-slavery tracts, appeals on behalf of Native American rights, and essays on the status of women in society - but she's remembered today for writing the classic holiday song "Over the River and Through the Woods."
Oregon ( Read more... ) -
(Untitled)
This made me smile a great deal, my current industry choice notwithstanding:
"It was on this day in 1815 that the U.S. Congress accepted Thomas Jefferson's offer to rebuild the Library of Congress with more than 6,000 books from his own library. The Library of Congress had been established in 1800 as a research library for congressional members, ( Read more... )
