http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Fri, 1 Oct 2004 02:28:41 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding. Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/10/01/022841.php True FocusWhen the opposing candidate is a character like John Kerry, you have to repeat ... repeat ... repeat ... repeat that indeed "America is safer with Saddam out of power." Unfortunately, Kerry has taken so many positions on absolutely every issue, repetition is one's only hope to try to get him to stick with the right issue. "America is safer with Saddam out of power. America is safer with Saddam out of power. America is safer with Saddam out of power." Perhaps the debates would be more interesting if John Kerry stuck with one issue and subjected himself to a firm decision. But no... that would leave an open door for someone to disagree with him, and he can't have that. He'd rather sacrifice his principles and beliefs for a "global agreement," whatever that is. Perhaps it is outlined in his four point plan.By the way, does anyone know his four point plan? Does he know what his four point plan is? He did say that the details can be found on his website. I didn't find them at his website. However, I have a strong feeling that the only detailed plan John Kerry is aware of is the one located at www.georgewbush.com Of course, he cannot admit that because it would clearly underline that he is unfit for command. Unfit for command. Unfit for command. Politics20514@blogcritics.org Fri, 1 Oct 2004 02:28:41 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/09/29/230054.php True FocusPresident Bush remained focus throughout all the bashing periods: the primaries, media campaigns, democratic convention, Farenheit 911 release, etc. He always said he wanted to reduce taxes , encourage small business owners, give incentives to middle class, stay the course in the war, leave no child behind in education, and stand up for America every time. And folks! That's exactly what he's done, and continues to do. I don't agree with everything he does but there is no question that he is BEST for America. When the 9/11 attacks were upon America, he hurt with America, he cried with the people, and promised all of us that "the terrorists would hear from us soon." He has remained steadfast and loyal, and you can't buy that quality. Just ask John Kerry.But no, don't ask John Kerry because he just may give you two or three answers. Politics20450@blogcritics.org Wed, 29 Sep 2004 23:00:54 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/09/28/152953.php True FocusAccording to Los Angeles Police Department, On September 24, 2004 at approximately 11:50 p.m., Damien Patrick Holland, 25, son of legendary R&B Singer Chaka Khan, shot to death an 18-year-old male. The incident took place at Holland's apartment where the two men struggled for control over a gun, which discharged a bullet and struck the victim. According to police, the victim was transported to the nearest hospital where he died of his injuries. The identification of the victim is pending notification to his family. Damien Holland claims it was an accident.Living in a time in which the line between truth and fiction has virtually disappeared, as evidenced in recent events, one can never be too skeptical. Let's remember that today society says "it's ok, even expected, to use whatever and whomever you can to succeed." As a result we have Britney Spears, who marries twice (or at least pretends to marry) for publicity; not to be undone, Janet Jackson grabs the headlines with indecent exposure before the world for publicity; Michael Jackson flirts with the charges of pedophilia for a chance at 'wowing' a crowd dancing on the hood of an SUV for publicity; Martin Lawrence was arrested for erratic behavior just days before he had a new movie coming out for publicity; Kobe Bryant is a accused by a woman who could not have had a spottier background -- he got publicity; Snoop Dogg arrives at an award ceremony in a swat-like style armored car while the blinding camera flashes capture cops drawing guns ... and when it's all over (you know the story, charges are dropped, settlement is reached, or case is dismissed on a technicality) we glorify them. They are bigger than ever. We've all played our small parts in a 'reality' movie that will play on a global scale, and we didn't even know it.Too cynical? Celebrities and politicians have been known to use all resources available to promote their careers and agendas. No wonder when bad news is reported about a celebrity or a politician, many viewers now remark "they must have a movie coming out," or "look for an album release," or "an election must be approaching." But murder?Will Chaka Khan, a celebrity in grave need of some publicity-rev draw the line at the attention that a murder charge against her son may bring her way? Maybe. But let's fine toothcomb through this incident. Damien Holland, 25, son of a legendary superstar singer, is charged with killing a man on Friday September 24th. Yet, the media does not report the murder until late Monday evening. It's kind of strange. The identity of the deceased is being withheld until the family of the reported minor is notified. But the "minor" is an 18-year old male of majority age. At any rate, I was just wondering exactly when the family would be notified that their "minor" sibling was murdered 4 days ago. In the meantime, Damien Holland sits in a jail with a $1 Million dollar bail on his head. Can't or won't make bail?Oh by the way, Damien Holland is an aspiring music producer, whose superstar mother Chaka Khan has a new CD release due out October 5, 2004 on Sanctuary Records. So I wouldn't be surprised if they miraculously drop the charges. Yes folks, the publicity stunts are played even with capital cases.Get the picture? Music20375@blogcritics.org Tue, 28 Sep 2004 15:29:53 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/09/27/150207.php True FocusAlthough most of us will not admit it, at least publicly, we all know that media contituents are biased. All reporters lean one way or another as it relates to the subjects and/or people they cover. Mainstream media leans to the left, while the alternative media, such as talk radio leans to the right. Whether it be in politics, music, film, or the fashion industry, the media has its favorites and often makes it known.Of course, for appearances of objectivity, most take painstaking measures to hide it. Although some are better at hiding it than others, seldom is their bias undetectable. For example, reporters often reflect their preferences for certain CEOs, politicians, actors, singers, or musicians in articles or news pieces by writing favorable articles about them or "product placing" them in feel-good news pieces to which viewers would be most receptive. Conversely, the individuals that media likes the least are given adverse coverage, if any at all. That is media bias.Unfortunately, today most of the news rooms have gone from media bias, to engaging in media corruption. While media bias is a breach of the fundamental journalistic standards that may lead to loss of the public trust, media corruption is the use of criminal devices to manipulate or defraud the public, and destroys our societal moral fabric.With the proliferation of technological advances, and subsequent increased ambitions on the global socio-political/economic platform, so too have the ambitions in newsrooms across the nation increased. No longer do media journalists prioritize source accuracy and reliability in news reporting over ratings.News sources are now competing for popularity, high ratings and advertising dollars. With full access and control of the news outlets that reach the masses, and no one to "answer to," media has ceased to be reliable tools for information, but become powerful tools for fraud and manipulation. Unthinkable as it once was, today journalists fabricate stories, create fraudulent documents to pass them off as evidentiary facts, and for personal gain even collude with elements of society to sabotage rivals, hurt their enemies, and control the masses. Right or wrong, they do whatever pleases them.Who wouldn't? Given the tenets of the press, they can make up "undisclosed sources", fabricate stories of events that never happened, slander/ libel individuals, engage in every level of criminality, and in the name of journalism arrogantly invoke the protections of the profession, make millions, and become "red carpet stars." Culture20325@blogcritics.org Mon, 27 Sep 2004 15:02:07 EDT