Linux Expanding Into New Markets..

And who says the Internet isn’t for the olds?

*Note: Just thought this was a funny picture that we could all enjoy. )

Postsecret

Postsecret is a website where readers can send in their illustrated secrets on a postcard, and twenty or so get posted each Sunday. This isn’t just a website though- it’s a community of people who come together and support each other in hard times and even good. No one is judgmental in this community, and the site is so positive, and it’s a nice thing to see in our world today- especially through the anonymity of the Internet.

Recently Postsecret has joined with Facebook, and the results were tremendous- the creator asked everyone that was a “fan” to comment on their own secrets- and people did under their own names and pictures. And still, no one was judgmental.

Every Sunday I go to the site and enjoy the new secrets that were posted, and am always left wanting more secrets. There’s even Postsecret books that they have, and I have heard of a lot of people leaving their own secrets between the pages. I always go down to the bottom of the page after reading all of the secrets to the counter of how many people has viewed the page, and then refresh it to see how many people were sharing the experience with me at the same time.

This is an amazing site, and I encourage all to check it out here.

Bi-partisan website

I was directed to this website by a good friend and staunch Republican. She believes it is the most bi-partisan site she has ever seen. I’ve spent about a half hour “surfing” it and have to agree that both sides seem to be well represented. Thought you might enjoy it – you can blog your opinion on each story posted if you are so inclined: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/

Robert McChesney and Josh Silver of Free Press on the National Conference for Media Reform

“For the last eighty years, unfortunately, every time a major decision has been made about media in this country, it’s only been the corporations at the table. It’s only been in the last few years that the public has asserted itself at that table. And the only way we’re going to win is if we have millions of people continue to get involved, to raise their voices and to demand better media, because if we don’t, we’re going to lose and the corporations will seize control of the internet and the future of the media for generations.”
-Josh Silver, Executive Director of Free Press

watch, listen to, or read full interview here

Communication Revolution

It’s 6 am and I’ve just finished the first draft of Chapter 1 Communication Revolution’s book review.  Since I work 3rd shift anyway I’m not too much effected by the time.  I’ll be heading to bed soon.  There is one sentence I wish to share before heading to bed.  McChesney writes, “if communication provides a substandard education to undergraduate and graduate students alike, we will see the consequences in poorer media and weaker civic institutions and public life.” Like most of you, I felt bogged down with the work of this class.  And since I’ll be going out of country when the media analysis paper is due maybe even more so.  This one simple and eye opening sentence really put things in perspective for me (and this is only a personal account, so please take no offense).  I’ve stopped and started college 3 times now and my reasoning for coming back this go round was to finish, but not simply to finish.  I want better for myself than 3rd shift retail jobs at 29 (or as I like to call it 21 for the 8th time) and I want my education to be a means for bettering myself.  If education is sub par and is giving me a grade based solely on the amount of money I’m putting into the college, then I would really rather just keep the money and stay where I am now because ultimately the jobs worth having will recognize that a mere undergraduate, and perhaps graduate degree, isn’t enough.  I’ll be a part of the “we need experience” catch 22 that seems to have already taken hold of so many people.  I suppose I appreciate the work I have to put into a class (even more so when it’s actually completed).  That’s to say I appreciate my part in doing the work, not so much the work that has to be given.  Yeah, it’s a selfish reason.  Well maybe not so much selfish as the fulfillment I receive when finishing such a challenging course.  Now off to bed for a few hours before making my way to the library to start work on my media analysis paper.  (oh yea!)

From the National Conference on Media Reform

Bill Moyers just made this speech about one of the most significant citizen’s movements to emerge in this new century – the media reform movement.

“Moyers said that the work of activists like you has “challenged the stranglehold of mega-media corporations over our press” and fostered “alternative and independent sources of news and information that people can trust.”

watch

Oprah Winfrey Acquires Her Own Network Station

Oprah Winfrey has been a busy women since she has came on the scene.  Here is an excerpt from Black Enterprise June 2008 issue.

“One of Winfrey’s shrewdest business moves was acquiring the rights to her talk show.  In fact, Bennett calls 1988 a “magical moment”.  Under the Financial Syndication Rules, the Federal Communications Commission did not allow networks or their stations to profit from distribution.  As a result, syndication companies were enjoying all the profits.  The law, however, did not restrict talent from brokering a distribution deal.  So Winfrey proposed buying the show from ABC and, through a syndication agreement with King World, she agreed to continue to air the show for five years on the network’s stations.  The Oprah Winfrey Show was sold as a lead-in to local news, one of the most profitable time slots on TV.  Winfrey gained complete creative and financial control of her program-a feat accomplished by only one other on-air talent at the time: the late Johnny Carson.  Today, with a few exceptions, it’s virtually impossible for talent to own a show since those FCC rules have long been rescinded, and networks are no longer restricted from profitting in distribution deals.”

This is what she will do about future distribution deals:

“As the distribution contract for her show will terminate in 2011, she looks forward to building OWN, set to launch in 2009, promising it will be more expansive than anything she’s ever developed”.

If you would like to read more about Oprah Winfrey’s Own network click on the link below.
categoryid=14&cs=1″>http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117979055.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

 

 

 

 

YouTube on the telly?!?

Say, What’s On the Internet Tonight?

By Eric A. Taub

When you’re contemplating which flat panel TV to buy, could your purchase decision be based on what’s on the Web? At least three television manufacturers hope so.

Panasonic, Sharp and Sony are now selling TVs that connect directly to the Internet, bringing a varying range of content to TV screens without using a PC. The systems do not give direct Internet access, but rather offer a selection of Web-based material. (including youtube)

full story

Bummer – Warner Music pulls songs from Last.FM

Majors want Last.FM to be fee based. Pandora anyone?

“So you click over to Last.FM, because, as an attentive Bits reader, you remember that site, now owned by CBS, is offering to let you listen to any track you want anytime you want to.”

“Add one more disappointment to your middle-aged life: Earlier this week, Warner Music Group pulled Led Zeppelin songs and hundreds of thousands of other tracks off Last.FM’s service.”

“Warner is disappointed, because Last.FM hasn’t introduced a fee-based subscription service that it had planned to offer.”

this is a bummer

JK Rowling given other than warm reception at elitist Harvard

http://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/blog/2008/05/07/jk-rowling-to-give-commencement-address-at-harvard/

This article was posted before she gave her commencement speech!  One would think with all of Harvard’s free thinkers, Rowling would get a fair shake.  She has, after all, been responsible for hundreds of thousands of children learning the wonders of books.  Such snobbery!