Posted By: dmatasavich

Remember when the world was in an uproar because it saw Janet Jackson’s nipple, during the 2004 Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction”? While parents did not have a problem allowing their children to watch a Super Bowl chuck-full-o commercials using sex to sell their products, alcohol commercials, or the fact that their tweens were singing along at home with their idol Justin Timberlake, as he thrust around singing “have you naked by the end of this song”, the site of an areola got the guys at the FCC in an uproar. So much so, they decided to just arbitrarily make up a fine to enforce their power on CBS. The fine was a record breaking $550,000! Serving those free spirited hippies at CBS their just desserts, all was right with the world. That was until CBS took the matter to court and it was ruled that despite the example set buy the President and his administration, the FCC can not just change their rules at whim. If only all of the U.S. would follow Floriduh’s lead, where no nipples can be shown, male or female, no wait I meant where everyday is like this.
Source: [NY Daily News]
Posted By: dmatasavich

DAMN RIGHT!
See America’s new National anthem after the jump!
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Posted By: dmatasavich

How bad is it getting when the only voice of reason in media is the Daily Show? Once again, John Stewart gets it right. Anyone who thinks the “New Yorker” Obama cover is a horrid scandal click here to get your panties out of that bunch.
Posted By: dmatasavich

“In the recently ended session of the Legislature, state Rep. Anthony Ligi of Metairie successfully sponsored a bill that skyrockets the penalties for graffiti. Currently the maximum fine in New Orleans is $500, plus community service, restitution and a possible six months in jail. Beginning Aug. 15, the maximum fine increases to $10,000 with a prison term of up to 10 years.”
First let me say I am not advocating graffiti nor the destruction of anyone’s property, but you have to wonder how can this creative outlet be punished so harshly. Sure graffiti can be ugly and bring down property values, but isn’t the chance of community service, a small fine and six months in jail enough to deter most people from this “crime”? Wouldn’t cities across the U.S. benefit more from having this part of urban culture around? Shouldn’t they look to provide ways to incorporate graffiti into parts of their cities to help control the problem and create a tourist attraction? Retail has been doing this for decades and some of todays top artist have their roots in street art. Cities need to realize the change in culture and stop suppressing creativity. Learn from NYC’s mistake. When NYC implemented their zero tolerance procedures, pulling trains immediately out of service if they have any graffiti on them, tourism fell sharply. Millions of people flocked to NYC to see the art cars they had heard about and seen in movies, until they were gone. I don’t want to see graffiti legalized by any means, that would kill the rebellious nature of it, but don’t ruin some kids life by locking him up for a decade over this non-violent crime.
Source: [nola.com]
Posted By: dmatasavich

Sure gas prices are going sky high and the oil company strangle hold is never going to let any type of alternative energy sources be truly developed or made an affordable option, but those woes are nothing compared to what is going on down in Coney Island. With what has to be the saddest and most heart wrenching tail of $4+ gas, Geo Gas Corp. has run out of 4’s and 5’s for their pumps. The hand written fours and fives on Geo’s pumps is enough to make you want to cry. Bring on $6.00 gas so we can help these poor souls out!
Read the NY Times article after the jump.
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Posted By: dmatasavich

As I stated in an earlier post, I firmly believe that the MTA can increase revenue to fill any budget gaps created by their mismanagement without raising fares. While I am not thrilled about the idea of being bombarded with more advertising in my daily commute, I will take it if they don’t raise my fares again. So, since I am not going to complain about this new practice of the MTA, I will ask why advertisements all over the insides and outsides of trains are ok, but graffiti is still an eyesore?
More pictures after the jump.
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