The Simpsons

In a recent article published by The Age Company, the 18 year running show, The Simpsons is still going on strong. The Simpsons with its characters that never age are liked by the American audience it so graciously rants at, but the show is loved by those without U.S citizenship. Austrailians, Canadians and other foreigners are passionate about the show. Writer, Mark Reiss believes Americans have the problem of not being able to laugh at themselves which is the main target of The Simpsons' humor. Good 'ole American jokes. And with many Hollywood stars including Michael Jackson having appeared on the show on past episodes, and many others wanting to do voice-ups, The Simpsons will continue to keep it fresh and new especially with a new movie release soon approaching in July.
I personally recall watching The Simpsons as I was growing up way back in the day. I always had this dream that I'd be Lisa. She was my inspiration and lead me to play the alto saxophone when I was in elementary school. Pretty corney, huh? But on a more serious note I think The Simpsons movie is way overdue and should definitely be a hit. You can view this entire article at the following long link:http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/simpsons-secret-is-eternal-youth/2007/02/26/1172338545039.html

What is Controversial?

In a recent article published by The Age Company, well known Google search engine ended a controversial battle after shutting down a website that posted a death threat against a New Zealand politician. The country's government-run Child Youth and Family service has apparently been getting many angry comments from concerned citizens who were prompted to vent these frustrations on a messaging platform created by Google. After these messages began getting too serious the CYF called on the police claiming that these comments were putting them and their staff workers at risk. Google was then notified of the confusion and in defense began to censor such postings. And after one blog threatened the life of a politician Google then was forced to completely rip the website.
My opinion on this is just because you don't hear it doesn't mean it's not there. Sure they can rid the site away altogether but the way people feel whether they want to murder the politician or not is still there so the problem has not really been resolved. It's just invisible. Hear no evil speak no evil is the saying. So I think Google should put that blog back up so that the people can hear the evil and speak the evil. Lol! You can view this entire article here:http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/Google-shuts-down-controversial-blog/2007/02/22/1171733908232.html

Freedom of the Press

In a recent article published February 7, by editorial columnist Bruce Ramsey for The Seattle Times, a bill in Olympia is giving student editors control over their local high school papers which will extend feedom of the press onto the students, said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Dave Upthegrove,D-Des Moines. As with most American press the freedom belongs to the person who actually owns it, leaving no power to those who may attribute to the process. This was one of the major issues surrounding the bill when put forth at a legislative hearing arranged by the Washington News Council; the opening question being: Who owns the student press? The people own it, the readers own it, the students own it were just a handful of the answers. "The school district owns it," said Eddie Reed, math specialist at the Tukwila School District. The school district being a form of government in itself raises the question of whether or not government should even be involved in the editorial process. One student said the government's form of editing is more like censorship. Yet with this bill, students will get the chance to really play the role of a journalist. And all teachers agree.
My opinion on this is, great idea. I think that the freedom of the press should be put in the hands of the student writers who make the newspaper what it is. If the paper keeps a tactful take on the news than it should not be a problem. Yet I do believe that the readers of a paper, the writers, and everyone own that press because without one you couldn't have the other. No people, no news, and no writers, no newspaper. You can view this entire article by clicking this link:http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2003559796_rams07.html