Comcast Still Not Offering Netflix to Subscribers

After negotiations with cable companies, Netflix will still not be offered on Comcast. Why is this? Because Comcast (Xfinity) already has a Netflix-like service of their own, and just views Netflix as competition. Comcast not only has a similar service, but also offers it for a few bucks less: $4.99 a month, compared to $7.99 a month for Netflix. This is a private dispute between Netflix and the cable companies, where Comcast is trying to branch out and protect the interests of their company by competing with Netflix. I think it's a smart move on Comcast's part to try to compete with a lower price rather than join up.

Full article here

GRAFFITI, ART OR NUISANCE???

We've all found ouselves walking past a market or fence and noticed the spray painted sketches, gang signs, area codes, bad and tasteless slogans and four letter words usually associated with the type of morally and ethically challenged individual that feel it is his or her god given right to slander and deface another individuals property. You probably share the same thought as the rest of the world scumbag! and move along, but what about when someone has spent hours or days on a finely crafted mosaic or mural which was well thought out and meant to enhance an otherwise blank concrete wall. should this be allowed as to where gang signs and four letter words are highly illegal. When does graffiti become art and not defacement of property only when paid for by the occupant or when it is truly a work of art. It's all up for debate and highly subjective is it a 1st amendment issue and freedom of speech comes into play or is it purely libel and slander and the individuals should be hauled away. Graffiti, art or nuisance?

'Bully' Controversy

A new movie about the rise of teen bullying, titled 'Bully' has been rated R for some language. This R rating means that the target audience of this movie will not be able to see it with out an adult. It kind of beats the purpose of having this movie that aims to help kids see how bad bullying really is. a student has written a petition to The Motion Picture Association of America requesting they lower the rating to PG-13 which would include the asudience that most needs to see it.I believe this controversy is private regulation issue since it is between a student and the MPAA. The fundemental rights that are involved is freedom to watch what we want to watch. I can see why the MPAA rated the movie R, but at the same time I feel teens need to be able to see this movie.

ciggy poos, its slang for cigaretts

its crazy that the indian people on the reservations figured out that they can do this . they made there own cigarette maker and that way they could sell them without tax. thats pretty crazy . it would be a good idea i think to put abigger tax on cigarettes i think that it would help out the econamy as well because people would still buy them.see link.

Supreme Court Takes Up Stolen Valor Case

Article here
The case of Xavier Alvarez lying about receiving the Medal of Honor has been taken up with the Supreme Court last Wednesday. The Stolen Valor Act was passed in 2005, which makes it a crime to lie about awards received in the military. The solicitor general, Donald B. Verrilli Jr., said at the hearing: "The military applies exacting criteria in awarding honors, and Congress has a long tradition of legislating to protect the integrity of the honor system.” “The honor system is about identifying the attributes, the essence, of what we want in our service men and women — courage, sacrifice, love of country, willingness to put your life on the line for your comrades.” Alvarez's defense lawyer countered with "There is a significant difference between a criminal sanction that puts someone in prison versus simply exposing them for what they are, which is a liar.”
I agree with this statement, and believe that while what Alvarez did was a bad thing, he shouldn't be imprisoned for just telling a lie.

NYTimes Article: Mutated Trout Raise New Concerns Near Mine Sites

Read the article here.

This article discusses how a mine in Idaho is causing the trout in a nearby river to become mutated from the excessive Selenium in the water. Some Trout have been sprouting two heads while others had fin and egg deformities, as pictured above.  The goverment has not been ale to agree on a safe level of Selenium for the rivers and lakes.I believe there is a persuasive case regarding lowering the levels of Selenium in the water. The pictures give actual evidece of what affects the excessive Selenium is having on the trout int he area. It gives people something to look at that shows how bad it really is.

Tribes in Tax Fight, Make their own Cigarettes?

If you've ever wondered how Indian casinos have managed to not only stay in business, but prosper and expand to more locations each year, it may have something to do with adhering to peoples addictions or strong fondness for alcohol and gambling. Why stop there, lets add cigarettes in the mix and make cigarettes manufactured by the casinos themselves for a cheaper cost than the major tobacco companies charge to be sold at native american convenient stores on tribal land. It's one stop shopping when you enter an Indian Casino which is its own sovereign state and governed solely by the Native Americans. Are they doing anything wrong? morally, ethically, thats all subjective and up for debate. Are they not just making an honest buck and providing consumers with what they want? supply and demand right? Are Native Americans breaking Consumer Laws which state that "Equity will not suffer a right to exist without a remedy,"or"Equity aids the Vigilant." "Equality is Equity." as far as i'm concerned they're completely in compliance with all the laws of the matter but morally,praying on peoples weaknesses to make a buck that's where the question mark arises.