From the BBC, a report about the systematic and brutal crackdown on any dissent in Putin’s Russia. This isn’t just about the band Pussy Riot, but anyone who protests organizes protests. And Putin’s response? Mockery and further arrests. The people arrested? “Almost all of them appear to be rank-and-file activists or ordinary protesters.” At least the Gulags are gone… Oh, wait, not so fast!
Author: Anders Monsen (Page 31 of 83)
Released last week (November 26), Robin Guthrie’s latest solo album, Fortune, showcases 10 new instrumental songs. Whereas many of his songs sounds like they flow from one album to the next, Fortune actually differentiates itself from earlier albums. I’m not exactly sure why, but several songs from this great album sounds crisper and livelier in mood, though some songs, like “Tigermilk,” fall into the earlier category. Here is an iTunes link to check out the album.
A nice look back at one of the most under-rated SF shows on TV – Babylon 5. Great stories, great sources, and a large canvas.
From IO.9, the second essay in an on-going series, this one dealing with science fiction in the Soviet Union.
Long article at National Geographic about Tibetans setting themselves on fire to protest Chinese rule.
A distressingly all too true perspective on Thomas Jefferson and his thought on slavery. Perhaps early in his life Jefferson was somewhat more open, but failed to live up to his own ideals.
It seems strange that the majority of hispanics voted for Obama when he deported on average more immigrants any any other president in the past 100 years. Also, while Silicon Valley tech workers voted overwhelmingly Obama, he now opposes those firms on immigration, coming out against visas for tech workers. Proof that you only need to fool people just long enough.
After all, there are still people who think his administration is the most open in history, yet he has prosecuted more whistleblowers than all other presidents combined, Bradley Manning rots in a tiny cell, and employees hide email communication.
The list goes on, i.e. drone murders, war on drugs, pardoning turkeys nut no non-violent drug offenders, and so on.
Not that a Republican would be any better, but at some point you hope people remove their blinders.
Kickstarter campaign to fund documentary on influential shoegazer bands from the 1980s – Cocteau Twins, Jesus and Mary Chain, and My Bloody Valentine.
Showing that free expression remains elusive in certain areas of the world, a Qatar poet recently was sentenced to life in prison for his poetry, which apparently insulted rulers.
Usually a Constitution enshrines liberty, or ensures protection for minority groups and individuals. Not so Egypt’s new Constitution under Morsi, where apparently God’s hand is with the majority. That sentiment usually implies a fist.
