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	<title>26 Magazine &#187; Search Results  &#187;  href</title>
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		<title>Why violent video games?</title>
		<link>http://www.26magazine.com/why-violent-video-games/</link>
		<comments>http://www.26magazine.com/why-violent-video-games/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:31:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>andrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Game Industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[W]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[call of duty modern warfare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[modern warfare sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[violent video games]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.26magazine.com/?p=973</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It was earlier this week in my Mass Communications Ethics course that we discussed the negative effect that violent video games have on the youth of America. Of course this is all debatable, and this post isn’t meant to challenge or condemn anyone for playing these games.

The point is to examine America’s obsession with these [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It was earlier this week in my Mass Communications Ethics course that we discussed the negative effect that violent video games have on the youth of America. Of course this is all debatable, and this post isn’t meant to challenge or condemn anyone for playing these games.<br />
<br />
The point is to examine America’s obsession with these games. A prime example of this is the new video game, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.<br />
<span id="more-973"></span><br />
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which was released on Tuesday, earned $310 million in opening-day sales alone. According to Daniel Terdiman, a blogger for <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10396593-52.htm">CNET news</a>, 4.7 million copies were sold in the United States and the U.K. alone in order to break this record.<br />
<br />
This is more than the next highest selling video game, “Grand Theft Auto IV” which also made $310 million in first-day sales worldwide. (Modern Warfare made $310 million in just the U.S. and U.K.) Also, just to put this into perspective, last year’s Batman movie “The Dark Knight” made $155 million in the opening weekend… WEEKEND.<br />
<br />
Obviously, “Grand Theft Auto” and “The Dark Knight” are a little bit on the violent side. “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” is the same.<br />
<br />
As the title suggests, this game revolves around… a war. According to a review by the Associated Press, “You&#8217;re really a good guy who has infiltrated the terrorist cell.” If you’ve heard any press about this video game then I’m sure that you’ve heard about the terrorist aspect of the game.<br />
<br />
A tad controversial? Yes. Although, critics say it’s essential to the game.<br />
<br />
The “Call of Duty” saga includes six versions of the game. Two different companies are responsible for the creation of the games. This year’s version came from Infinity Ward and has been seriously popular just within the few days of its release.<br />
<br />
Now, it’s easy to blame video games on the violent tendencies of American youth. According to the American Psychological Association, “High levels of violent video game exposure have been linked to delinquency, fighting at school and during free play periods, and violent criminal behavior (e.g., self-reported assault, robbery).”<br />
<br />
The truth is that the average age of a video-gamer is 35-years-old, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos MediaCT for game industry trade group the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).<br />
<br />
The war and violence obsession in America is nothing new really. It’s nothing really new though, is it? Violence is a part of everyday life. We may not see it in America but it happens all over the world.<br />
<br />
Could it be our sheltered lives that give us such a hunger for blood?<br />
If the average American saw half of the amount of bloodshed that they see in this video games and movies, they would be shocked.<br />
<br />
So, I’m confused… Can anyone tell me why so many people are interested in violent video games like this?<br />
<br />
Escapism?<br />
<br />
Masculinity?<br />
<br />
Hidden violent tendencies?<br />
<br />
I just don’t get it. Sure, I’m female so maybe I’m missing the proper chromosome.<br />
<br />
I’d like to know. If you’re interested in shooter video games, tell me why. </p>
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		<title>Florida retirement community has no ethics</title>
		<link>http://www.26magazine.com/florida-retirement-community-has-no-ethics/</link>
		<comments>http://www.26magazine.com/florida-retirement-community-has-no-ethics/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:16:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>andrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Controversial News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[F]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[6 year old evicted]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[evicting a child]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kimberly Broffman]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.26magazine.com/?p=961</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ugh! The more I listen to the news here in Florida, the more I wonder why I turned it on in the first place. We certainly do have some crazy stuff going on around here, ranging from children being dumped in trash cans only to be found states away, to children being kicked out of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ugh! The more I listen to the news here in Florida, the more I wonder why I turned it on in the first place. We certainly do have some crazy stuff going on around here, ranging from children being dumped in trash cans only to be found states away, to children being kicked out of their homes because of their age.<br />
<br />
It’s a crazy world that we live in people! Just take a good, hard look at Florida if you ever need a reminder.<br />
<br />
Don’t believe me? Let’s take a look at the case of 6-year-old Kimberly Broffman.<br />
<span id="more-961"></span><br />
Broffman, a freckle-faced redhead, lives with her grandparents in a Florida retirement community. According to <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/200604/florida_community_sues_to_evict_three.html?cat=54">Associated Content</a>, Broffman has been there since her mother was deemed unable to take care of her. She was six months old.<br />
<br />
Broffman and her two siblings were split between family members. Broffman ended up in the arms of her grandparents, Judie and Jimmy Stottler, in a “55 and older” community. (The community specifically says that there are absolutely no people younger than 18-years-old can be residents in this deed-restricted community.)<br />
<br />
More than three years ago the community filed a lawsuit against the Stottlers claiming that they were in direct violation of the community’s rules and regulations because little Broffman was there.<br />
<br />
Since this time, the Stottlers have been trying to sell their home in the community in order to relocate. There is a chance that Broffman may be taken away from her grandparents and put into foster care until her grandparents can find an appropriate place to live… where she’s allowed.<br />
<br />
The Stottler’s home has been on the market for a while now and has decreased in price by over 100,000. It remains on the market to this day.<br />
<br />
So the question is “Who is Right Here?”<br />
<br />
On one hand, the homeowner’s association of the community isn’t wrong or unethical in expecting everyone who lives there to abide by the community’s rules. The people who live in this neighborhood have a reasonable expectation to not have a child running around. I mean, they moved there to be part of a “55 and older” community.<br />
<br />
I would say that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with expecting people to do what they say they will do. There absolutely are exceptions though. With all the facts considered, it’s not ethical or “right” to tear a 6-year-old child away from the only family that she knows because of some stupid deed-restricted community rules.<br />
<br />
I’ve heard of some pretty wild deed-restricted community rules. I’ve heard of neighbors taking pictures of violations and then reporting them to the homeowner’s association… and by violations I mean either their grass is too tall or they have friends over and one tire is on the grass.<br />
<br />
“There are rules,” they say. “And you agreed to them when you moved in here.”<br />
<br />
I’m fairly certain that Mr. and Mrs. Stottler didn’t want their daughter to be unable to take care of her own child in such a way that they would become responsible for raising her.<br />
<br />
As a Floridian, I’m embarrassed by these people’s actions. I don’t know what kind of cruel old person you have to be unable to see when a family is having trouble. It’s not always black and white and, as family structures change and the housing market continues to crumble, these nice people deserve to have some slack.<br />
<br />
The Stottlers also deserve a pat on the back and encouraging thought or too. They’ve got a rough road ahead.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Does this situation deserve special treatment?<br />
<br />
Unfortunately you and I don’t get to decide, the case is going to a judge who will decide what the “Right” action is here.<br />
<br />
Check out Today’s segment on Broffman <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp=33410590&#33410590">here</a>.</p>
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		<title>Top 10 strangest phobias</title>
		<link>http://www.26magazine.com/top-10-strangest-phobias/</link>
		<comments>http://www.26magazine.com/top-10-strangest-phobias/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:16:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bizzare Facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[T]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anablephobia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Consecotaleophobia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[top 10 strangest phobias]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zemmiphobia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.26magazine.com/?p=944</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I always find it interesting to learn the fears of others, things that make people cringe, shiver and shudder. Most of the time I can relate as mine are rather common: spiders, AKA arachnophobia, and dark, open water, AKA hydrophobia (sort of).

However, the list I&#8217;m about to surrender to you, Associated Content&#8217;s Top 10 Strangest [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I always find it interesting to learn the fears of others, things that make people cringe, shiver and shudder. Most of the time I can relate as mine are rather common: spiders, AKA arachnophobia, and dark, open water, AKA hydrophobia (sort of).<br />
<br />
However, the list I&#8217;m about to surrender to you, <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/74934/top_ten_strangest_phobias.html?cat=60">Associated Content&#8217;s Top 10 Strangest Phobias</a>, is something I can&#8217;t relate to in the least, let alone pronounce most of the names. Good luck.<br />
<span id="more-944"></span><br />
1. Zemmiphobia &#8211; Fear of&#8230;wait for it&#8230;the great mole rat.<br />
<br />
Yeah, most are naked and crazy looking &#8212; those ones usually tiny &#8212; but what&#8217;s so bad about a big fat rat? Okay, never mind&#8230; I think I can understand this one.<br />
<br />
2. Anablephobia &#8211; Fear of looking up.<br />
<br />
Is this for real? Who doesn&#8217;t love a blue sky? Suck to be these people.<br />
<br />
3. Consecotaleophobia &#8211; Fear of chopsticks.<br />
<br />
But forks are no fun when it comes to sushi!<br />
<br />
4. Geniophobia &#8211; Fear of chins.<br />
This one makes me think of the &#8220;Ball-Chinians&#8221; from Men in Black II (the one that sucked and doesn&#8217;t count). I guess big fat butt chins might make sense&#8230;but (no pun intended) I don&#8217;t get it other than that.<br />
<br />
5. Taphephobia Taphophobia &#8211; Fear of being buried alive or of cemeteries.<br />
<br />
Duh. This one actually makes sense. Finally.<br />
<br />
6. Cacophobia &#8211; Fear of ugliness.<br />
<br />
And all along I had no idea what to call this fear I had lurking inside of me&#8230; Just kidding. I&#8217;m not that shallow, but now I know what to tell people who are. If only I could pronounce this one&#8230;<br />
<br />
7. Cherophobia &#8211; Fear of gaiety.<br />
<br />
This one should be easy to tell. Sounds like &#8220;cherub&#8221; to me, and I&#8217;ve always had a slight aversion to those little winged, soft-skinned, naked baby-like angel things on most Italian art pieces and my grandmother&#8217;s bathroom walls. I guess this combines that with the whole saccharine sweet happiness that seems to surround them. Who likes happiness and flying angel babies? Me either.<br />
<br />
8. Lutraphobia &#8211; Fear of otters.<br />
<br />
How in the world anyone could be afraid of those cute little water creatures is beyond me, but, apparently, since there obviously was good enough reason to design a word of this length to describe this ridiculous fear, it exists. I truly feel sorry for you people. I happen to love otters.<br />
<br />
9. Phronemophobia &#8211; Fear of thinking.<br />
<br />
I know plenty of people with this fear. Heck, it&#8217;s like 90 percent of our society&#8230;right? Certainly all the people who Jay Leno catches on his Jay Walking segment. Wow. Of all the crazy fears on this list, this one&#8217;s the one I&#8217;d least like to admit to, say, if it actually were true. Who, honestly, if afraid to think? Can&#8217;t we not help but think? Even on the most minimal of levels? I&#8217;m getting too deep. Thinking too critically. Excuse me.<br />
<br />
10. Bogyphobia &#8211; Fear of bogeys or the bogeyman.<br />
<br />
Who <em>isn&#8217;t</em> afraid of the bogeyman? He hides in your closet at night and freaks you out with his strange shadow puppet creature shows. What&#8217;s not to fear about this dude?</p>
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		<title>Boing Boing blog vs. Ralph Lauren stupidity</title>
		<link>http://www.26magazine.com/boing-boing-blog-v-ralph-lauren-stupidity/</link>
		<comments>http://www.26magazine.com/boing-boing-blog-v-ralph-lauren-stupidity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:32:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>andrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[B]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Controversial News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[controversial advertisements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[filippa hamilton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ralph lauren ad controversy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.26magazine.com/?p=935</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For years, the fashion industry has presented controversial advertisements around the world. With the development of digital imaging software like PhotoShop, the deceit becomes instantly attainable with just a click of the mouse.

Just ask Calvin Klein and now, Ralph Lauren.

A recent Ralph Lauren advertisement for some of their new pieces, featuring model Filippa Hamilton, has [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For years, the fashion industry has presented controversial advertisements around the world. With the development of digital imaging software like PhotoShop, the deceit becomes instantly attainable with just a click of the mouse.<br />
<br />
Just ask Calvin Klein and now, Ralph Lauren.<br />
<span id="more-935"></span><br />
A recent <a href="http://style.popcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Ralph-Lauren-Thin-Model-Ad-Photo.jpg">Ralph Lauren advertisement</a> for some of their new pieces, featuring model Filippa Hamilton, has caused some serious drama. This is because her waist was edited to be so small that it actually appears smaller than her head.<br />
<br />
Unacceptable.<br />
<br />
The ad was leaked online by a blog named <a href="http://photoshopdisasters.blogspot.com/2009/10/ralph-lauren-how-to-turn-photoshop.html">Photoshop Disasters</a> in late September. Another blog, <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2009/10/06/the-criticism-that-r.html">Boing Boing</a>, scooped up the picture and instantly began to ream Ralph Lauren a new one.<br />
<br />
According to <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/AheadoftheCurve/11-photo-editing-flubs-digitally-altered-photo-disasters/Story?id=8780937&#038;page=1">ABC News</a>, PRL USA Holdings, Inc. (Ralph Lauren) informed Boing Boing that their Web site wasn’t “authorized” to post the ad. Raph Lauren kindly notified everyone who had negative things to say that critics, like Boing Boing, were in “copyright infringement.”<br />
<br />
Boing Boing editor, Cory Doctorow said, “Instead of responding to their legal threat by suppressing our criticism of their marketing images, we’re gonna mock them… Copyright law doesn’t give you the right to threaten your critics for pointing out the problems with your offerings.”<br />
<br />
Boing Boing is refusing to let this situation fly under the radar. They’re doing everything possible to get to the bottom of this. They’re confident that their usage of the picture isn’t infringement and, according to their Website, have told Ralph Lauren that with each threat they will:<br />
- “reproduce the original criticism, making damned sure that all our readers get a good, long look at it, and;<br />
- publish your spurious legal threat along with copious mockery, so that it becomes highly ranked in search engines where other people you threaten can find it and take heart; and<br />
- offer nourishing soup and sandwiches to your model.”<br />
<br />
I applaud Boing Boing for standing up for what is right. This epidemic in advertising has been going on long enough. Advertisements like this are why so many Americans have eating disorders.<br />
<br />
I can’t help but to wonder how the model in this picture feels.<br />
<br />
The modeling industry probably isn’t exactly welcoming to people of all shapes and sizes. If you’re not a zero, you hear about it. (I wonder what size she would be according to this picture. Definitely something in the children’s section.) I have yet to find her take on the whole thing.<br />
<br /> <br />
Imagine, working hard to get an unrealistic body in the first place only to find out that it’s not good enough. Someone who works for this creepy company actually said, “I think she needs to be skinnier.”<br />
<br />
Skinnier!!<br />
<br />
I understand that there aren’t set rules or ethics for picture editing. There needs to be. America is seriously getting distorted and the distortion will only strengthen with more crap like this.<br />
<br />
Some people can’t decipher what is real and what is crap. The people who can need to step up to the plate and take charge for America. Boing Boing, and many other blogs, are doing just that.<br />
<br />
Let’s see if the blogosphere can actually make a different by showcasing the horrors of modern American advertising. </p>
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		<title>High fructose corn syrup: not as evil as we thought?</title>
		<link>http://www.26magazine.com/high-fructose-corn-syrup-not-as-evil-as-we-thought/</link>
		<comments>http://www.26magazine.com/high-fructose-corn-syrup-not-as-evil-as-we-thought/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:00:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Food & Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[H]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[center for consumer freedom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[high fructose corn syrup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rick berman]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.26magazine.com/?p=933</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;ve seen it. The commercial with a bunch of little kids on stage performing a third or fourth-grade play for an audience full of parents, dressed as green, red and orange vegetables and fruits. Everything is sweet and cute until suddenly, out of the corner of your eye (or screen) you notice the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;ve seen it. The commercial with a bunch of little kids on stage performing a third or fourth-grade play for an audience full of parents, dressed as green, red and orange vegetables and fruits. Everything is sweet and cute until suddenly, out of the corner of your eye (or screen) you notice the oozing, gross blob of a costume, known only as the recently infamous high fructose corn syrup.<br />
<span id="more-933"></span><br />
If you&#8217;ve shopped for a loaf of bread recently, you probably noticed how much bread companies, at least, are pushing the whole anti-high fructose corn syrup movement, as many bread wrappers feature prominently bold text reading, &#8220;No high fructose corn syrup!&#8221; I guess that&#8217;s to make their consumers absolutely sure, without a doubt, that they&#8217;re using real sugar and not that bad, evil sugar pretender also known as HFCS.<br />
<br />
Well, here&#8217;s a kicker. According to <a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-ad-campaign-pushes-back-against-big-sugars-bogus-attacks-on-high-fructose-corn-syrup-62926007.html">PR Newswire</a>, the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), led by Executive Director Rick Berman, just launched a million-dollar ad campaign in an attempt to show the world exactly how wrong it has been in falsely accusing our now infamously famous cheaper sweetener.<br />
<br />
This nonprofit group blames the Sugar Association, saying that leading nutrition experts say the two are nutritionally equal.<br />
<br />
Is this true? What about all the hubbub that&#8217;s been circulating? The segments on Oprah featuring real, live doctors, experts in the medical and nutritional fields, swearing up and down that high fructose corn syrup, a cheap, knock-off sugar substitute, is one of the worst ingredients any food product could contain? The countless commercials on TV and the radio about the evils of this thing that&#8217;s in just about every<em>thing</em>? Or all the movements and changes that have been made in the food industry to accommodate all of these claims?<br />
<br />
With all of this seeming evidence to back up the nightmarish story of the evil monster known as high fructose corn syrup, how <em>could</em> this new development be true? Would the food industry lie to us? Would the media lie to us? Would Oprah lie to us?<br />
<br />
Well, as far as the article publishing most of this &#8220;breaking&#8221; news information goes, the only portion that makes any assertion to the contrary of what the world has been seemingly convinced of over the past year comes directly from the mouth of Mr. Berman, &#8220;The public will soon understand that they have been misled into thinking that high fructose corn syrup is handled differently by the body than other sugars. What people need to understand is that corn, beet and cane sugar are all processed. And they all contain the same amount of fructose. One is no more natural than another.&#8221;<br />
<br />
Having looked at all the recent developments and such, this whole thing leaves me with but one question: If the two are the same, why would companies that use sugar to sweeten their products buy the one that costs significantly more than the other? Don&#8217;t most things today boil down to money anyway? Why would all of these companies be spending all this money to make such a big change if it&#8217;s not worth the time and the dollars?<br />
<br />
I don&#8217;t know. You tell me. </p>
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		<title>Letterman scandal should be more scandalous</title>
		<link>http://www.26magazine.com/letterman-scandal-should-be-more-scandalous/</link>
		<comments>http://www.26magazine.com/letterman-scandal-should-be-more-scandalous/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:28:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>andrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Celebrity News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[L]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[david letterman scandal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[letterman admits affairs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[letterman extortion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.26magazine.com/?p=919</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[David Letterman has held the rating high for his late night talk show on CBS since 1993.

With his name in the tabloids this past week, Letterman appears to be benefiting from this sex scandal. Surprising?

No, that&#8217;s show-business!

On Thursday, Letterman announced that he is a “victim of extortion attempt over charges of sexual affairs with staff [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>David Letterman has held the rating high for his late night talk show on CBS since 1993.<br />
<br />
With his name in the tabloids this past week, Letterman appears to be benefiting from this sex scandal. Surprising?<br />
<br />
No, that&#8217;s show-business!<br />
<span id="more-919"></span><br />
On Thursday, Letterman announced that he is a “victim of extortion attempt over charges of sexual affairs with staff members,” according to the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/business/media/03extort.html?_r=1&#038;hp">New York Times</a>.<br />
<br />
Letterman says that about three weeks ago he received a package from Robert &#8220;Joe&#8221; Halderman, a producer for the CBS documentary news program 48 Hours. Halderman was threatening a screenplay outlining the &#8220;terrible, terrible things&#8221; that Letterman had done. He also asked for $2 million.<br />
<br />
These &#8220;terrible, terrible thing&#8221; that Halderman was talking about are the many affairs that Letterman had with his female co-workers. <em>(Doesn&#8217;t he know that office romances are never a good idea?!)</em><br />
<br />
Letterman went straight to Manhattan&#8217;s district attorney where he was advised to write a fraudent check to Halderman. Now, Halderman is facing attempted grand larceny charges.<br />
<br /> <br />
<CENTER>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</CENTER><br />
<strong>Who is the wrong here?</strong><br />
<br />
Sure, Halderman could have been bribing Letterman just for the money. But&#8230; I really doubt he needed the money. I&#8217;m assuming this whole attempt was just to raise awareness about how much of a creep Mr. Letterman is.<br />
<br />
Letterman has been with (now) wife, Regina Lasko, for around 20 years and they have a six-year-old son. Undeniably, his actions are unacceptable. Letterman apologized to Lasko during a taping of his show on Monday.<br />
<br />
He told <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20310292,00.html">People</a> magazine that she is &#8220;hurt.&#8221;<br />
<br />
What a surprise! He&#8217;s lucky that his son doesn&#8217;t understand what&#8217;s going on or else he would also be ashamed of his father.<br />
<br />
The worst part of this story is that the American public seems to have no problem with the situation at all. The top story surrounding the David Letterman scandal reads, &#8220;<a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/david-letterman-scandal-will-help-cbs-2009-10-02">David Letterman Scandal will help CBS</a>&#8220;&#8230; scary.<br />
<br />
According to the <a href="http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2009/10/05/Poll-Most-not-swayed-by-Letterman-scandal/UPI-88401254768394/">United Press International</a>, a study was conducted by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com Web site Oct. 1-2 to obtain viewers&#8217; opinions of the late-night talk-show host. This study of about 500 viewers, 55 percent said that their views of Letterman were not changed whatsoever. 22 percent of respondents said yes, they have a more negative perception of him now, and 23 percent said yes, they have a more positive perception of him now.<br />
<br />
Um&#8230; does this sound right?<br />
<br />
Why is the question: &#8220;Where are America&#8217;s ethics?&#8221; considered a stupid question?<br />
<br />
The shame that should be surrounding this scandal is nowhere to be found. Five minutes after Letterman admitted what should have ruined his career, he was making jokes and amusing the studio audience.<br />
<br /> <br />
Maybe the shock was edited out.<br />
<br />
Apparently we are a predictable nation. Adultery? Sure, no problem! We will get REALLY pissed off at you though if you&#8217;re not living a &#8220;Green&#8221; life. <br />
Save your environment, but don&#8217;t worry about your dignity.<br />
<br />
Halderman is facing up to 15 years for bringing this trashy situation into the limelight.<br />
<br />
Although Letterman is laughing it off, we shouldn&#8217;t be. </p>
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		<title>In Memoriam: Sgt. Robert D. Sanchez</title>
		<link>http://www.26magazine.com/in-memoriam-sgt-robert-d-sanchez/</link>
		<comments>http://www.26magazine.com/in-memoriam-sgt-robert-d-sanchez/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:02:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Awesome Rob</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[I]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[War in the Middle East]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Col. Michael E. Kurilla]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quintessential Ranger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sgt. Robert D. Sanchez]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.26magazine.com/?p=911</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Someone I grew up with in grade school recently hit headlines again in our hometown.  

He grew up from the kid who joked around as a goofball to everyone and even had his own share of crude nicknames we all shared for fun, into an Army Sergeant who served five tours of duty, three in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Someone I grew up with in grade school recently hit headlines again in our hometown.  <br />
<br />
He grew up from the kid who joked around as a goofball to everyone and even had his own share of crude nicknames we all shared for fun, into an Army Sergeant who served five tours of duty, three in Iraq and two in Afghanistan.  <br />
<br />
On Oct. 1, during combat with insurgents, he was killed by an improvised explosive device.  <br />
<span id="more-911"></span><br />
In a way, it is surreal because as Americans, dealing with news every day for the last eight years about wars overseas, we have become desensitized to the news of our men and women dying.  <br />
<br />
A death close to home does a lot to bring that back into perspective, especially for all of us who were lucky enough to have known him for any period of time, and unfortunate for all of those who didn&#8217;t have the opportunity to meet him but otherwise would have if things played out differently.<br />
<br />
Rest in peace <a href="http://www.wesh.com/news/21197360/detail.html">Sgt. Robert Sanchez</a>.<br />
<br />
He died fighting for a cause and doing his duty.  <br />
<br />
Anyone, pro-military or anti-war, can respect a person who stands by his or her decision to be part of something more than themselves.  We are a society that favors a life lived vicariously through the smoke screen of anonymity or by focusing on those who pay more attention to the lives of cultural icons and celebrities than their own.  It is a selfish society where many don&#8217;t take any responsibility for themselves or their actions, and instead live on the coattails of others&#8217; generosity, or the hand-outs of a government these individuals neither respect nor know anything about.<br />
<br />
Even for those of us who are motivated to participate in society cannot say that we have to deal with the same pressures in our work as a professional soldier. Most of us don&#8217;t have to worry about not coming home at the end of the day.  Nor will our superiors ever look at us with the same level of respect when the time to part ways arrives.<br />
<br />
&#8220;Sgt. Sanchez epitomized the spirit and ethos of the Ranger Regiment,&#8221; said Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment. &#8220;He is a hero to our nation, our Army and his family.&#8221;<br />
<br />
&#8220;Sgt. Sanchez was the quintessential Ranger, enthusiastic, smart, loyal to his mission, his country and his friends,&#8221; said Col. Brian Mennes, First Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment Battalion commander. &#8220;He led with distinction and would want us to continue supporting the efforts for which he so humbly and selfishly dedicated his life.&#8221;<br />
<br />
For all us who grew up with him in English, Science, or Math, to the many that joined his life after high school, we will miss you, Rob.  You did what most of us wouldn&#8217;t by enlisting, and even fewer by sticking with it.</p>
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		<title>Democratic Rep. calls American health care system &#8220;holocaust&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://www.26magazine.com/democratic-rep-calls-american-health-care-system-holocaust/</link>
		<comments>http://www.26magazine.com/democratic-rep-calls-american-health-care-system-holocaust/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:54:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[D]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[U.S. Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alan grayson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[congressman grayson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holocaust in america]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rep. alan grayson]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.26magazine.com/?p=909</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A &#8220;holocaust in America&#8221;? Really? Honestly? Truly? Is this for real?

Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) thinks so, or should I say, vehemently knows so.

According to Fox News, efforts to get Grayson to shut his lips on how the Republican health care reform was doomed to &#8220;die&#8221; were akin to those made by Democrats to get Rep. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A &#8220;holocaust in America&#8221;? Really? Honestly? Truly? Is this for real?<br />
<br />
Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) thinks so, or should I say, vehemently knows so.<br />
<span id="more-909"></span></p>
<p>According to <a href="http://congress.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/09/30/grayson-calls-level-of-uninsured-a-%E2%80%9Cholocaust%E2%80%9D/">Fox News</a>, efforts to get Grayson to shut his lips on how the Republican health care reform was doomed to &#8220;die&#8221; were akin to those made by Democrats to get Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) to apologize for the “You lie!” incident we all know (and love) so well. But in Congressman Grayson&#8217;s case, as it was surely fact for Wilson, was he telling the truth with his shocking statement?<br />
<br />
The Republican effort against Grayson&#8217;s statement proved futile, as the Democrat refused to apologize. (Shocking? Hah.) Instead, Grayson gave this apology, as reported by Fox: &#8220;I apologize to the dead and their families that we haven’t voted sooner to end this holocaust in America.&#8221;<br />
<br />
Can anyone say, rather, shout MELODRAMATIC? I can, and technically, I think I just did.<br />
<br />
I find this all to be extremely interesting. Why? Well, I&#8217;ve visited the Holocaust Museum in D.C., I&#8217;ve travelled to my local holocaust museum in St. Petersburg, Fla., and I&#8217;ve personally written at least ten reports on the horrifying event; however, I see absolutely zero evidence of this &#8220;holocaust&#8221; Grayson speaks of in the U.S.<br />
<br />
So what, exactly, is this man talking about?<br />
<br />
I&#8217;m sure you can all recall that lovely moment that played to American ignorance or stupidity &#8212; whichever shoe fits &#8212; on the VMA&#8217;s when English comedic idiot Russell Brand compared our health care system to his own back in merry old England. He noted that his version was better because at least in his country, people aren&#8217;t dying in the streets.<br />
<br />
I wonder how much they paid this moron to fly over the pond and deliver not only a boring &#8212; clearly demonstrated in the silence of the audience for almost the entire duration of the show while he was speaking &#8212; performance as host, but spew idiotic information to our youth, who likely took it immediately as truth. Of course it has to be true. Russell Brand said it. Duh!<br />
<br />
But I digress.<br />
<br />
Have you recently witnessed any American citizen die in the street? If you have, please post a comment ASAP and I&#8217;ll respond with my personal contact information so we can get together on this.<br />
<br />
Of course, I know I won&#8217;t be receiving any because this simply does not happen in the United States, even with our currently lacking health care system. That&#8217;s because people who need medical attention can go to the emergency room and be treated. Sure, they&#8217;ll receive a massive bill in the mail that they likely can&#8217;t afford, BUT, they don&#8217;t die in the streets.<br />
<br />
So, Mr. Grayson, if you&#8217;d kindly get your facts straight before you go spouting any more stupidity, I&#8217;d greatly appreciate it. I might also mention that I&#8217;m ashamed to have you as a representative of my own home state, sunny Florida.<br />
<br />
American holocaust? What a stupid laugh. </p>
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		<title>People of Walmart Web site brings controversy</title>
		<link>http://www.26magazine.com/people-of-walmart-website-brings-controversy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.26magazine.com/people-of-walmart-website-brings-controversy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:59:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>andrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bizzare Facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[P]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[people of walmart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[people of walmart hit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[people of walmart is cruel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[people of walmart's humor]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.26magazine.com/?p=890</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every so often a Web site is so amazing and so viral that whoever stumbles across it cannot help but become totally, utterly engrossed.

Twitter. Facebook. Now, People of Walmart.

The People of Walmart Web site was designed by three college students (AJK, ADK, LDW) who were inspired to create a site with picture of the “Wal-creatures” [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Every so often a Web site is so amazing and so viral that whoever stumbles across it cannot help but become totally, utterly engrossed.<br />
<br />
Twitter. Facebook. Now, People of Walmart.<br />
<span id="more-890"></span><br />
The People of Walmart <a href="http://www.peopleofwalmart.com">Web site</a> was designed by three college students (AJK, ADK, LDW) who were inspired to create a site with picture of the “Wal-creatures” that come out to Walmarts all over the country.<br />
<br />
If you’ve been to Walmart late at night then you know exactly what I’m talking about. You may even have the pleasure of seeing a ridiculous looking person there midday.<br />
<br />
Their Web site features pictures of people and their cars. People and cars you might find at your own local Walmart.<br />
<br /> <br />
The pictures are truly inspirational.<br />
<br />
“Let’s face it. We&#8217;ve all have seen people who obviously don’t have mirrors and/or family and friends to lock them in a basement, and they all seem to congregate at Walmart. It’s not everywhere that you can shop for milk at 10 a.m. next to a 400-pound mother of six wearing a pink tube top, leopard tights, and hooker heels,” The People of Walmart’s <a href="http://peopleofwalmart.com/?page_id=12">About</a> section reads.<br />
<br />
They do have a point, and a valid point at that.<br />
<br />
Why hasn’t this been created until now?<br />
<br />
In August, the three friends and roommates showcased the site, and people are really reacting to it. As always, and not surprisingly, the reaction isn&#8217;t all positive.<br />
<br />
On the Web site, there are <a href="http://peopleofwalmart.com/?page_id=8">Hate</a> and <a href="http://peopleofwalmart.com/?page_id=206">Love</a> sections, which show responses that the creators have received. One that I particularly enjoy is from &#8220;Alla.&#8221; (Remember the god Allah has an &#8220;h.&#8221; Still, it’s worth noting.)<br />
<br />
&#8220;What gives you the right to ridicule your fellow man (or woman) for the way they look. I do not see YOUR photo displayed here. Is this the case of ugly mocking the poor to make themselves feel better…You guys are worse that anyone on those pictures, because you are ugly where it counts, on the inside.&#8221;<br />
<br />
Other negative feedback ranges from “classist bullshit” to “cruel natured.”<br />
<br />
To Alla and the other pessimists, I would like for you to take a deep breath and dig down deep inside of you to find a sense of humor. This site is no more classist or cruel than any other comedy show or film that you would watch on a normal basis. So, if you don’t find stand-up or popular comedy films offensive then there’s no reason to find this offensive.<br />
<br />
It’s actually all about your perspective. I looked through every one of the pictures on the site, all 38 pages, and I laughed at every single one. I laughed because those people are so ridiculous. How is it acceptable for a man to wear <a href="http://peopleofwalmart.com/?p=3755">sheer tights while shopping</a>? How is it acceptable for someone to <a href="http://peopleofwalmart.com/?p=3518">glue plastic dinosaurs to their car</a>?<br />
<br />
It’s not acceptable. It’s not acceptable at all. It’s strange and people love strange. I hope this Web site is here to stay. It has great potential. Understandably this will get some negativity. The truth is that humor should be a part of life. Taking life too seriously can really get you down. You know what they say: Laughter is the best medicine.<br />
<br />
And… it’s always nice to know that you’re shopping with someone who thought it was a good idea to glue <a href="http://peopleofwalmart.com/?p=3270">rainbow Trolls</a> to their car. </p>
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		<title>Latest media crockery: Kayne West mess staged</title>
		<link>http://www.26magazine.com/latest-media-crockery-kayne-west-mess-staged/</link>
		<comments>http://www.26magazine.com/latest-media-crockery-kayne-west-mess-staged/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:29:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Celebrity News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[L]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kanye West and Taylor Swift]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kayne's big mouth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rude Kanye West]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.26magazine.com/?p=888</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Oh yay. Another story that&#8217;s taken the news by storm&#8230; And is continuing to do so. This time, however, it&#8217;s not a dead pop king, but someone who claims to steal that title someday soon (because it&#8217;s his turn), just like a certain spotlight he stole this past weekend.

Kayne West is back, or should I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Oh yay. Another story that&#8217;s taken the news by storm&#8230; And is continuing to do so. This time, however, it&#8217;s not a dead pop king, but someone who claims to steal that title someday soon (because it&#8217;s his turn), just like a certain spotlight he stole this past weekend.<br />
<span id="more-888"></span><br />
Kayne West is back, or should I say hasn&#8217;t left the news recently, ever since his brilliant act on MTV&#8217;s Video Music Awards this past Sunday. You know, of course. The whole Kayne West and Taylor Swift ordeal. All West&#8217;s senseless, insulting, and in my opinion disgusting demonstration of his true self. Rude, rude, rude Kayne West.<br />
<br />
The latest on the rapping egomaniac is that his little &#8220;stunt&#8221; on stage might actually have been just that, an act, as reported by <a href="http://www.popeater.com/2009/09/18/kanye-west-vma-staged/?icid=main|main|dl2|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeater.com%2F2009%2F09%2F18%2Fkanye-west-vma-staged%2F">Pop Eater</a>.<br />
<br />
Honestly, it was the first thought to pop into my mind while watching the live performance. I mean, there wasn&#8217;t a whole lot else that was &#8220;lively&#8221; about the live show. I was bored out of my mind, just like the entire audience seemed for the portion of the show following the very beginning, after Madonna&#8217;s speech and Janet&#8217;s performance, both in honor of the true dead King of Pop.<br />
<br />
So, perhaps, this was indeed a staged act, meant to garner some real attention, though highly negative as it was. I think I heard all of four &#8220;boos&#8221; while the thieving was going on. And if it was truly a staged event purposed for that reason, or simply to gain any attention whatsoever, I guess it worked, now that every media outlet and their mothers are covering the incident.<br />
<br />
But then again, in reviewing some past Kayne Mess, ahem, West incidents, performances or whatever you&#8217;d like to refer to them as, I somehow doubt that theory.<br />
<br />
Mr. West was once quoted as saying something along the lines of &#8212; since I&#8217;m pulling from memory and can&#8217;t find the exact wording &#8212; &#8216;The only thing in life I will regret is not being able to watch myself live in concert.&#8217;<br />
<br />
Wow. Besides making you want to double over and laugh until your breakfast, brunch and lunch come spewing out of your mouth from sheer disbelief, awe and an otherwise dumbfounded &#8220;WTF&#8221; moment, can anyone say <strong>ego</strong>?<br />
<br />
I think West has enough to share with the six-plus billion on our planet right now, though I doubt he&#8217;s willing to give any up.<br />
<br />
No matter what these media mongrels are saying, I don&#8217;t think the act was staged. Just look at this guy&#8217;s ego&#8217;s record to see for yourself. (Yeah, its got its own record, and mugshot, if you really must know.) If that last quote, excuse me, unquote, didn&#8217;t give it away, what else do you need? The man&#8217;s all about himself and obviously believes he can do anything.<br />
<br />
Well, he&#8217;s certainly provided the world with one more pointless story to cover as &#8220;news,&#8221; as I&#8217;m sure Kayne&#8217;s big mouth will continue to do in the future. I just hope this one doesn&#8217;t last as long as the true King of Pop&#8217;s, may he rest in peace, <em>finally</em>.<br />
<br />
If the man was stranded on a desert island, I can just hear his only request: A mirror.</p>
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