I'm Mad At CNN And I'm Trying To Watch Al Jazeera.......

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Good Luck Trying to Watch Al Jazeera America

Josh Stearns

Candace Clement

August 22, 2013

Cable

Media Consolidation

Future of Public Media

Quality Journalism

Much excitement and fanfare heralded the debut of Al Jazeera America, but you may want to pause before you celebrate the arrival of this new journalistic venture.

See, the launch of the channel is one thing. Actually being able to view it is another. And this story illustrates exactly what’s broken in our nation’s video market.

On Monday, just hours before the new 24-hour news network was set to go live, AT&T announced that its U-verse pay-TV service had dropped the channel from its lineup. So that’s 5 million subscribers who couldn’t tune in.

Time Warner Cable dumped the channel last year when Al Jazeera announced it was buying Current TV. So count out another 12 million subscribers right there.

And Al Jazeera America may be impossible to watch even for those consumers whose cable operators do carry the channel. That’s because some companies are putting Al Jazeera in cable tiers that could add hundreds of dollars to your bill.

But it’s not just cable subscribers who are cut off from the new channel. As part of its deal to get cable and satellite companies to carry the channel, Al Jazeera had to kill its livestream of its Al Jazeera English channel.

Instead of the livestream, we now have a message that reads “The Al Jazeera English livestream is no longer available in the U.S.” Brian Stelter reports in the New York Times that the channel even started to “geo-block the news reports it posts on YouTube.”

Al Jazeera America’s launch and the ongoing bickering between CBS and Time Warner Cableillustrate how mega-media companies wield their power over the content we want to watch. Al Jazeera America is encountering the same reality dozens of independent programmers have faced: If you want to grow your cable audience, you have to forfeit your digital streaming rights.

The Illusion of Choice

This is an era where the illusion of choice has won us over. Sure, there are hundreds of channels at our disposal in a basic cable package, but most people watch only about a dozen of them. And cable TV is a monopolistic business. Most people do not have more than one cable/broadband provider where they live. And those of us using alternatives like Hulu or Netflix are still beholden to those exact same companies for our Internet access.

Meanwhile, ISPs continue to embrace data caps on streaming while looking for ways to ensure that their own content doesn’t count against those limits. The message? Watch to your heart’s content, but watch our stuff. That’s a convenient stance for a company like Comcast, which just so happens to own NBC.

Breaking Bad

It’s time to rein in the cable companies and reclaim our right to access the news and information we need. That’s the goal of the Television Consumer Freedom Act, which was introduced by Sen. John McCain and co-sponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal. The bill ensures consumers are offered an a la carte option alongside more flexible bundled-channel packages, allowing us to pay for only the channels we actually want to watch.

If Congress adopts this legislation, it won’t just benefit cable customers looking for some rate relief — it’ll also help online distributors and their cord-cutting customers by breaking up the cozy cable programmer-distributor cabal. Once programmers and cable companies realize their old ways of fleecing the public won’t work anymore, they’ll be more willing to embrace progress in the form of online video competition.

Our Media Choices Should Be Actual Choices

Al Jazeera America is trying to pioneer a new kind of nonprofit, public service-oriented journalism. “With a staff of 900, including 400 newsroom employees,” Brian Stelter writes, “it is one of the most significant investments in television journalism in modern times.”

This makes it all the more troubling that gatekeepers are making decisions about who can access the channel’s content — decisions that could undermine the whole venture. You’d think cable execs would want to see Al Jazeera America succeed, but many of the cable companies have controlling interests in other 24-hour news channels that this new entrant will be competing with.

If we’re going to support and foster independent voices in journalism, we need to push back against broken policies that put up roadblock after roadblock for people trying to access real alternatives. Online, on cable and over the air, we have a long way to go to make space for more diverse media.

Original illustration by Flickr user Mike Licht

copied from freepress.net..............

Steve Winwood--Is This Man Hot or What--Traffic - Gimme Some Lovin

Steve Winwood....timeless popularity.......

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George Stroumboulopoulos on CNN Tonight: Cooper and Morgan's Secret Looks War and Conspiracy to Keep Him Off the Air

Will CNN Play Strombo Tonight.....

Will CNN play Strombo tonight, it is listed in my TV Guide, or will AC and PM continue their quest to bannish Strombo from the network and only broadcast their shows endlessly?

Now, here is the problem.....we have a "special report" of anderson cooper listed at 7PM, right before Strombo.

Instead of watching just one new show of Strombo, we have endless reruns of AC360.....special reports of anderson cooper,  Pier Morgan will be shown at least 2 times...

This is obviously a conspiracy on the part of the whitey-white boys, people from other planets (or brits) to ban anyone, cute, a good-interviewer, and the worst offense of all, having a tan, from the American airwaves.

That's how all of the conspiracies work...there is no reason to it, it's not like there is not room on a 24/7 channel to just have one new show.....no, AC and PM want it all!

They don't care how good the show is--if he's a real good interviewer--they're simply not having it!  Piers and Anderson were seen exiting the office of Jeff Zucker giggling and giving each other a high five and Piers was reported to have said "Bang-on."  The observer is remaining annonymous out of fear for their job.....everything is on background right now.

No, it's sad......

Sad for the viewer to have such limited choices.

The questions remain..........

Does ac360 stand for a show, "cobot" model or the model of the spaceship he drives?

Is it true that even though AC and Piers Morgan are reportedly in a bitter fued to control the network they have both agreed to ban George Stroumbouloupolous solely on his ability to get a tan, on his own, naturally?

What does all of this have to do with the earth-mother, Cher?

How many Cher's are there....we've all seen the pictures....right?

Who are Anderson's real parents and what is his real place of origin?

To be continued............

Please feel free to comment if you have information on the subject--your privacy will be protected.

Hey, Anthony Weiner: Good Job--That Guy Was Out Of Line

Anthony Weiner challenges man who rebuked him for being 'married to an Arab'

By Greg Botelho and Laura Ly, CNN

updated 12:12 PM EDT, Thu September 5, 2013

Anthony Wiener fires back at heckler

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• NEW: Weiner says hecklers should expect he'll go at them if they say "vile things"
• New York mayoral candidate gets into a heated exchange in a Brooklyn bakery
• A man calls out Weiner, who is Jewish, for being "married to an Arab"
• Man calls Weiner "disgusting;" the ex-congressman calls man a "jackass"

(CNN) -- Beleaguered New York mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner got into a war of words Wednesday with a man who lashed out at him for being "married to an Arab," in addition to chastising the former congressman about his well-documented sexting scandal.

The incident began inside a bakery in Brooklyn's Borough Park neighborhood, where the man yelled out to Weiner, who had just bought cookies and an iced coffee, "You're a real scumbag."

Weiner offered a quick retort, then said to no one in particular, "Very nice, that's a charming guy right there." It's then that the man, later identified as Saul Kessler, responded: "Married to an Arab."

The comment is an apparent reference to Weiner's wife, Huma Abedin, who works for Hillary Clinton. Abedin's late father was an Islamic scholar from India and her mother, a sociologist, is from Pakistan. Weiner is Jewish, as were most of those inside the Brooklyn bakery.

Huma Abedin emerges, stands by her husband

Politicians with their foot in their mouth

Anthony Weiner-themed food truck hits NY

New York City mayoral debate gets ugly

Weiner: 'What I've done has hurt' Abedin

Weiner sexter: I'm proud of myself

The Democratic candidate responded with, "Very nice, in front of children... That is charming." Kessler didn't stop talking, even as Weiner was leaving the bakery, saying, "You are disgusting, disgusting."

"It takes one to know one, jackass," Weiner replied.

The two then went face-to-face, with Kessler accusing Weiner -- who resigned in disgrace after 12 years in Congress representing part of New York City after admitting to sending sexually suggestive images and carrying on inappropriate relationships with women over the Internet -- of doing "disgusting things, and you have the nerve to even walk around in public."

A visibly agitated Weiner responded,"And you're a perfect person? You're my judge? What rabbi taught you that?"

At one point, Kessler implored Weiner to "think about your wife, how could you take the person you're most closest to ... and betray her?"

The mayoral hopeful then accused Kessler of acting like he is superior, even though he doesn't "have the moral authority to judge me."

Weiner: Hate media? Love me

The back-and-forth went on for about a minute longer before Weiner left the bakery. He seemed to quickly brush off the confrontation, saying, "He has every right to (challenge me). It's America."

The Weiner campaign released a video of Wednesday's exchange, a version of which also was captured by blogger Jacob Kornbluh. Talking with reporters later in the day, Weiner described what happened as "just some enthusiastic exchange with a voter."

"Look, you're allowed to say stuff to me," said Weiner, who, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Tuesday, trails three other Democratic candidates ahead of next week's primary. "But if you're going to say vile things about me and my family, you should expect that I'm going to go back at you.

"Hecklers don't get a chance to necessarily get the last word if they cross the line."

Reached by CNN later in the day, Kessler admitted calling out Weiner for being "married to an Arab."

"It's just a certain feeling I have as a Jew," said the 51-year-old real estate manager, explaining his remark. "And my attitude is that -- not all Arabs -- but, in general, ... they want to kill every Jew."

Kessler said of a Jewish person marrying into such a family: "It's like a betrayal."

Kessler also said Weiner has bothered him for some time. Kessler called him a "phony." But Kessler said he should have acted differently.

"(Given that I felt) a little bit of anger, I probably shouldn't have said it," Kessler said about the Arab comment. "I shouldn't have called him a scumbag."

"But it was in the heat of the moment."

Is Huma Abedin blaming herself?

copied from CNN Politics..........

Maple and Toasted Pecan Fudge: Thibeault's Table

Outraged about Geraldo Rivera.....

Outraged about Geraldo Rivera being dropped from the JFK panel at Duquesne......

Dear Larry---Just cannot resist asking....re:  someone would have talked....right, Geraldo Rivera--this is one individual I have always thought had a lot to talk about regarding the whole entire JFK thing.

Yes, as a news person and also being fired from 20/20--wasn't he let go from that position because he was going to come out with something that went against Jackie Kennedy.

You see this is a main problem with the whole JFK thing--people cannot talk without retribution--even today, in this day and age with freedom of speech and all of that.

I can't believe he was canceled, of all people from a JFK panel.  This is an individual, who I have always thought really had something to say on JFK--even just as an anchor or someone involved with the news.

I, myself, have e-mailed him and asked him to come forward with what information he knows.  It does take a major news person to come forward--he could be a very large influence.  Of all the people to be let go from a conference--because he sent a picture of himself with a towel--who cares.....

Let go for this little tiny nothing incident after all we hear about the antics and misbehavior's of JFK and RFK.  I can't believe it and I guess you could say I am outraged.

I feel lucky we have access to someone with your knowledge and I am anxious and hoping you will have a comment to make on this subject.

Just as a side note, Geraldo has said in recent years that he thinks it is LHO operating as a single individual in the assassination of JFK and that there is no other significant evidence to go against it.  This is from the info I tried to look up about Geraldo from a couple of years ago--regardless of his position then or now, I would love to hear what Geraldo has to say on the subject.  I have always thought that!

What a ridiculous loss of knowledge and information to cancel this long time media person from this important event.

Chloe Louise-------outraged in San Diego

Larry--thank you for your time and giving people a place to speak.

This letter is posted on the site of JFK researcher Larry Hancock, author of the very famous book, SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TALKED.

here is a link to that website:

http://larryhancock.wordpress.com/

Please read GOING FORWARD by Larry for a very interesting conversation about David Atlee Phillips.  This individual was the CIA handler of Oswald located in Mexico City.  Some people think he was very influential regarding the events in Dallas, Texas.

here is the wiki on Geraldo:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geraldo_Rivera

fallen eucalyptus tree, 28th and Date St, San Diego, 9-3-13

Snapping Eucalyptus Tree Crunches Wires and Blocks 28th St--South Park San Diego

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013

Snapping Eucalyptus Tree Blocks 28th Street and Takes Wires With It

Serious and very loud chainsaw action is going on tonight out of the back door to the canyon adjacent to the 28th Street Park and Eucalyptus Tree Grove in the South Park Area of San Diego.

That would be chopping up the giant Eucalyptus Tree that snapped down this evening about 7:40 PM.

Half a block into the dog walk it sounded like someone shot off a rocket.

Crunching wires as it fell across 28th Street between Date and Cedar.  “Don’t go down that way,” the neighbor said as he approached, also out for his nightly routine of walking the dog.

A Eucalyptus Tree just fell down and there is a hot wire!  I just called 911.

Taking a detour for safety but then circling back around to take pictures or die from curiosity this dog walking individual discovered a kindly neighbor and good samaritan directing traffic, steering cars away from the fallen wires and horizontal tree stretching completely across the street.  

Just as San Diego’s finest were approaching to ensure everyone’s safety a blaring fire truck also pulled up.

All of the neighbors were out by this time and asking what happened.  It was pretty scary because there were wires and lines down all over the place--the firemen were searching with giant flashlights to determine the extent of damage.

Really, the police and the fire people were very nice and calm and helpful while they made their determinations, blocked off the street with police cars and yellow barricades and did not seem to mind answering questions.

Thank you San Diego South Park Police women and men and Firemen.

Good job--you were there for us, very fast and friendly, too.

It's hard to see in the pictures but the tree is completely wrapped up in the wires.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: Beautiful Words on Being a Jew and Being a Mom

Wasserman Schultz Pushes For Attack On Syria: "As A Jew...The Concept Of Never Again Has To Mean Something"

here is a link to the page to see Debbie talking to Wolf:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2013/09/03/wasserman_schultz_pushes_for_attack_on_syria_as_a_jewthe_concept_of_never_again_has_to_mean_something.html

WOLF BLITZER: What happens if the president doesn't get a positive vote in the House of Representatives? What if he gets rejected there, as David Cameron did in Britain?

REP. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (D-FL): Well, I feel confident that our colleagues, my colleagues both on the Republican side of the aisle as well as the Democratic side of the aisle are not going to jeopardize the credibility of the United States. I feel confident that we will have a majority of the House of Representatives and the Senate who will understand and authorize the president to engage in a limited targeted strike that ensures that our national security interests are protected, but also that he respond to atrocities, and exercise the moral leadership that the United States has always led with.

For me as a mother, to see that searing image of babies lined up, murdered by their own government, innocent children. I mean, as a Jew, Wolf, I have to tell you, as a member of Congress who represents one of the largest Holocaust survivor populations in the country, to me, the concept of never again, has to mean something. And the United States, morally, cannot turn the other cheek. Too many leaders of ours have regretted that decision.

copied from Real Clear Politics............

The Beautiful Debbie Wasserman Schultz spoke to CNN's Wolf Blitzer last evening with eloquent words about being a Jew and being a mom.  One has to listen when she starts talking about representing a large community of Halocaust Survivors--Syria is a very difficult situation and her words gave a very special meaning to the problem.

Good job, Debbie--thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us and tell us about your community.

Mike Tells the Story of Twilight in The Park...

August 29, 2013

Mike tells the story of Twilight in The Park--the beginning and his goals for the future...

Will CNN Run Strombo Tonight?

Will CNN run Strombo tonight or will they play a repeat of AC 360 and Piers Morgan endlessly....

The age old question remains....

Now they have Strombo listed on the TV Guide schedule on my comp as far as one can see.....but.......that is what they often do and then........endless repeats of AC and PM...why?

Obviously, PM and AC have a thing against Canadians that are cute and do good television interviews.  That has to be the reason....what else is there.

Seriously, they often claim breaking news, but how many times to we have to see the exact same show......it's down to memory by the second complete rerun of the thing.

It must be PM and AC are egomaniacs and even though they are both cute and skilled interviewers that can't stand the idea that someone other than them might be just a little bit better looking and a very adept and qualified interviewer and from Canada to boot.

It seems Anderson Cooper and Piers Morgan have a secret pact not to let George Strombo on the air on CNN.  They've got to grow up and get over their jealousy.  It's okay to have a little competition.

Can Strombo break through the AC-PM glass ceiling.  We will just have to wait and see tonight......

The Legends at Twilight in the Park: Balboa Park San Diego

August 29, 2013

The Legends provided another exceptional evening at Twilight in the Park--Balboa Park Organ Pavillion, San Diego, California.......

Tall Ships on Parade into San Diego Harbor Today 8-29-2013

pictures taken from Harbor Island........

Interesting News on David Atlee Phillips from Larry Hancock

Copied from the website page of Larry Hancock.......

Going Forward

Some recent dialog on the Education Forum, in regard to the long standing issue of David Phillips possible use of the alias Maurice Bishop, prompted me to comment on something that I think has been overlooked to a great extent.  In all of the study and writings (which seem to be culminating in literal explosion of books on the 50th anniversary) it seems to me that very few folks have paid much attention to the post-assassination lives of many of the probable suspects in the assassination of President Kennedy.  And for that matter, the context of the people discussed usually seems to run no more than a couple of years before the assassination.  I tried to address the issue in Someone Would Have Talked in a chapter titled “Afterwards”.  For whatever reason it seemed to get little discussion and while I was hoping others would really dig into that subject, nobody really did.   Personally I think it would make a great research project to profile anyone’s personal set of primary suspects, state their role in the assassination and then examine what happened to them after participating in one of the most visible crimes of the century.  Did they profit, did they run, did they duck and cover?  Seems like the next step to me but what I see instead is the same topics being recycled over and over again.  And it would be some new ground, something to really keep some meaningful research going after the 50th.

Just as one example of such an exercise, one of the more popular scenarios seems to be that the military industrial complex, in alliance with LBJ, killed JFK and then LBJ cheerfully gave them the war in SE Asia that they had been wanting.   OK, the thing would be to take that scenario forward, how did each of the Chiefs fair, what role did they play in Nam, did Johnson give them what they wanted – and since they obviously would have had some leverage over him, how did he treat them.  As a starting point in that study, I would recommend the book Dereliction of Duty by H.R. McMaster, which specifically focuses on Viet Nam and the relationships between Johnson, McNamara and the Joint Chiefs.  Then dig into some of the early meetings between Johnson and the Chiefs, see hour their careers went after he took over the presidency and see how it plays.

As for myself, one of the things I do in Shadow Warfare is to trace the careers of several of the shadow warriors discussed in SWHT on through at least a couple of more decades. While Shadow Warfare is about a much broader subject, it certainly gives an extended treatment of what people like Dave Phillips and David Morales went on to do after 1963.  As an example, it becomes reasonably clear that David Phillips continued to pursue his own anti-communist agenda with side actions even after he moved far up the management ladder at the CIA.  It is highly unlikely that he was sanctioned to  use Veciana and Luis Posada in a series of Castro assassination plots in Latin America, but almost certain that he did so.

Enough of that though, my point was to surface some context for something new in post-50th anniversary JFK research.  The catch phrase about “follow the money” gets thrown about a lot, as a complement I suggest “following the suspects”.

– and yes, I’m still in edit mode and will be for three or four more weeks,  Larry

.........................................

here is a link to Larry's website and this page:

http://larryhancock.wordpress.com/2013/08/29/going-forward/#comment-531

Dogs with People Names.....Ronnie

More People Giving Pets Human Names

By Mother Nature Network (mnn.com) | Pets – 1 hour 16 minutes ago

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Rover is so overTraditional pet names like Fido and Rover have been replaced by popular baby names, according to report by John Lewis Pet Insurance.

The study of more than 50,000 pet names found that the top 10 pet names also appear among the 70 most popular baby names in England and Wales.

The most popular name for both cats and dogs was Poppy, which is also the 13th most popular name for baby girls in the United Kingdom. The name is also on the rise in the U.S. - a trend baby name experts attribute to the Duchess of Cambridge's sister.

The decline of traditional pet names is demonstrated by the fate of Rover and Fido, which were both in the top 10 in the 1970s but have dropped to 840 and 1,480 respectively.

Also see: 5 ways communities persuade dog owners to pick up poo

Animal insurance company Petplan says this decrease in popularity suggests that owners regard their children as part of the family.

But those four-legged family members aren't getting just any names - many of them are inspired by children's books and television shows.

 Popular names for dogs include Dora from Dora "The Explorer," Woody from "Toy Story," Winnie from "Winnie The Pooh" and Minnie from Disney's Minnie Mouse.

Harry Potter-inspired pet names are especially popular. The best-selling book series has given names to both cats and dogs, with top names being Harry, Luna, Dumbledore, Fleur Delacour, Draco, Lupin, Severus and Dudley.

More pet stories:

• 10 felines with funny 'facial hair'
• What's the best way to rename a dog?
• How dogs learn and comprehend words

copied from Yahoo News.........

Ronnie

Anderson Cooper: Trying to take over the world or what...

Well, it seems fairly obvious at this point....

There have been hints all along....and if you think about it the best place to begin is the airwaves.

Seriously, what is first step when you are trying to take over the world....take over the major media outlets and control the news and the airwaves.

It's clear at this point this has been a goal all along.

First--CNN:  Do the listeners realize these initials stand for Cooper News Network?  It was changed when Anderson purchased the channel from Ted Turner.....most viewers don't realize that not only is Anderson Cooper the major news anchor--he is on several times a day--but he is also the owner of the place.  This is not widely known in media circles as it has been kept under wraps for a very long time.

This new man at CNN--Jeff Zucker--he is basically a front for Anderson.  Cooper calls the shots 24/7.   Its confusing but Cooper is paying Zucker a fortune to act serious while he sits around and giggles and stutters.  It's easy to see how everyone is thrown-off but it is part of the plot for world power.

The other question many have asked:  How many Anderson Coopers actually exist.  It is suggested now that since he is on so many times a day and on so many networks not all of those can actually be Anderson.

The issue of the Anderson Cooper Clone.........

Anderson on CNN...Anderson on 60 Minutes,  Anderson on that other talk show......Are all of those people really Cooper.  The rumors have swirled for a long time, now.......

Who is the real Anderson Cooper.....how many are there.....Is he real.....(the luminescent quality of his hair and skin have often raised eyebrows).....and is there a possible alien connection.......

Is there any truth to the rumor that Piers Morgan was secretly sent from the UK to take over CNN as a British network and foothold in the states......

Is it true that CNN has fallen on hard times and is up for grabs from other countries and other astral systems.....hence the rumor that some have seen fisticuffs between AC and Piers in the special anchor coffee room but refuse to report in fear that they will be nixed by the new network chiefs......

And what about the reports of multiple AC's spotted at the exact same moment in time by multiple members of the media.......

Has George Strombo been banished from the network because not only is he a good interviewer and good looking but the real reason is that he has a tan and Anderson Cooper and Piers Morgan are insanely jealous....(does Wolf have a tan.....think about it)

To be continued.......

some have whispered that there is an  intergalactic figure  with an incredibly stong hold on certain individuals

Chobani Pineapple Yogurt and Food Safety.......

Just wanted to tell everyone a little bit about Chobani Yogurt and food safety..

A very pleasant experience…..that would be calling Chobani Yogurt--the number on the container--and speaking with Jennifer in Customer Loyalty at the Norwich Office in New York.

Chobani--about the best yogurt in the San Diego area and at a reasonable price--is always excellent quality, texture, flavor--never faltering.

This time the yogurt must have been sitting in my frig afor about 2 weeks.  The foil top was elevated and a little of the contents was scouching out.

The expiration date was in the next month--Sept--but still a week away.

After opening the container--it looked fine--it seemed like a good idea to call the company, just in case……...

Jennifer was very interested in what I had to say .  She asked for information, my name and address and the information listed on the foil top of the container.  She asked for the serial number, as well.  They wanted to know everything about it--Jennifer took her time and was not in a rush.

She told me to definitely throw the yogurt away and not eat it as this was a very unusual occurance.

Chobani will be sending me a refund check in the mail.

This information seemed important to tell everyone if they are experiencing any issues with their yogurt and the friendliness and attention from Chobani was inspirational--well, compared to some companies that are almost impossible to get a hold of in tech support and that kind of thing…….phones……..

Wanted to also mention--the wait time was approximately 5 minutes and Jennifer was very concerned with the labeling information and my safety.

The Pineapple Yogurt actually looked fine after it was opened but there was a very faint smell similar to yeast--as if one was preparing to bake bread.

Theank you Jenifer and Chobani Yogurt for your kind interest in what I had to say, your prompt attention to detail and my refund