Author Archives: Shoq

Has Social Media Ruined the Internet?

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I missed "Why this Decade Sucked," by Ed Edroso, back in December. Wish I hadn't. While it's over the top in spots, by and large, it's spot on,  and reminds me of Norman Solomon's words in the mid 90s, when he quite rightly warned that the Internet would empower the status quo, while projecting a mass delusion that it was challenging it.

"We should have known from blogging's early successes what was really going to become of it. Those successes were not about enlightenment — elucidating issues, or spurring debate — but about taking down public figures obnoxious to bloggers."
 

George Carlin: The Real American Dream Speech

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I always forget about this gem. Twitter just reminded me of it. 

Everyone needs to watch this 3 times, and then remember these words:

"It's called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it."

 

R.I.P. George Carlin. We never really appreciated you in your time.  We miss you and we need you.  Come back when you're ready. Maybe we'll still be here. Maybe.

Wyclef Jean: “Evacuate Haiti’s Capital”

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Wyclef Jean calls for evacuating Haiti's capital, speaks out in defense of his foundation
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=9596076

Perhaps his  executive director just made him look good, and this was certainly an odd press conference (video), but my gut tells me Wyclef is sincere; just sloppy with details.

Since he won't stop trying to raise big text dollars, I just wish he would boast more about the Yele partners, and how he helps find resources to fund their efforts.  That kind of partnering is hardly new in NGOland.

I have a feeling we haven't heard the last of this. I just hope that when we do, it's about something that vindicates my gut.