SHIELD LAW why it is important!
I understand some Americans get frustrated with the media. Generally people want to hear so called so called news that agree with their political inclinations. The truth is that no matter how you look at it, great investigative journalism is impossible without a proper shield law. I am talking about the type of journalism that goes after corruption, greed, inefficiency, stupidity and denial from the left or from the right. Please support this law if you can by contacting your senator. Read below an article describing why the shield law is important for our democracy.
Shield law must pass to safeguard a free pressBy Clint BrewerPresident, Society of Professional Journalists
America’s democracy is built on a concept of checks and balances between the arms of government. The American people now need the U.S. Senate to provide a very appropriate check on the judicial and executive branches of the federal government to preserve a free press in this country.The Free Flow of Information Act, S. 2035, will likely come for a vote in the Senate before its members go home for the campaign season, perhaps as early as Monday. Senators hold in their collective hands a crucial decision about just how vast we as a country will allow our government’s powers to grow. With this vote, Senators have the ability to check the scope of government’s growing reach into American life, as well as to make a real policy statement about the importance of civil liberties in modern day America.The Free Flow of Information Act, or “shield bill” as it is known, protects the relationship between journalists and their sources by shielding journalists from overreaching judges and prosecutors who would force them to reveal the identity of their anonymous sources.The use of anonymous sources is a vital part of the reporting process, and the practice has been the only way some of the biggest stories about government corruption, neglect and corporate abuse have come to light at the hands of the American press. From Watergate to Enron to Walter Reed hospital, story after story shining a light on the ills and wrongs committed in the names of the American people would never have been published without journalists being able to protect anonymous sources.Now, the government and civil litigants alike are trying to use reporters as the first resort, rather than the last, to discover leaks of information about the workings of our government — much of it being information every citizen has the right to know. The result is that our country, which should be a beacon for human rights and democracy worldwide, is jailing and fining journalists for informing the public about the business of its government.If the feelings in the U.S. House of Representatives are any indication, the American people support this limiting of government’s powers coast to coast. In October, the House passed its version of the shield bill, H.R. 2102, by an overwhelming, bipartisan margin of 398 to 21. The shield bill is a concept that appeals to the logic of leaders in both parties.In addition, both parties’ presidential nominees, Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, have publicly stated they support the shield bill. It speaks volumes that even during a hotly contested election, the standard bearers of both parties agree this legislation is the best thing for America.At the state level, there is nearly universal support for a shield law. State attorneys general from 41 states through the National Association of Attorneys General sent a letter to senators just before Independence Day, reiterating their support for the bill and encouraging Senate leadership to bring it to the floor for a vote. Some 49 states already have their own version of a shield law, either through codified law or judicial precedent.National security concerns have also been thoroughly addressed by the sponsors of the bill. The bill is not a free pass for the media, as the law would ensure reasonable ground rules in matters of national security and criminal acts. In such cases, reporters could be compelled in court to reveal their confidential sources.This legislation is necessary for the future health of American democracy. The citizenry’s right to monitor government and report on its actions is a cornerstone of this country. Passing this law is also a major step to keeping the size and scope of government’s powers firmly in check. Our elected officials in the U.S. Senate need to provide that balance by voting in favor of the Shield bill.(Clint Brewer is the national president of the Society of Professional Journalists, the largest broad-based association of media professionals in the country. He is also a newspaper editor in Nashville, Tenn.)
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7:11:00 PM
by Patricia Gras
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The Story of Stuff, Trash in the pacific and what ...
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2/12/08
by Patricia Gras
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Town meeting on aging , Living smart changes in sc...
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8/3/07
by Patricia Gras
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Iran, US Iran relations and the release of prisone...
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4/5/07
by Patricia Gras
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Thursday
Oprah Winfrey's ten commandments for success
I don't watch Oprah cause I don't have time, but I loved these commandments so I will share them with you.
1. Don't live your life to please others
(I admit I do this sometimes and catch myself)
2. Don't depend on forces outside yourself to get ahead.
(this is when I have to stop playing the "blame game")
3. Seek harmony and compassion in your business and personal life.
(I try but a couple of million in the bank would not hurt!)
4. Get rid of backstabbers-surround yourself only with people who will lift you higher.
(This is tough for me cause I get into negative talk and don't realize I am doing it!)
5. Be nice
(I try but sometimes I want to smack someone!)
6. Rid yourself of yoru addictions-whether they are food, alcohol, drugs or behavior habits.
(Tell me about it, I have to stop eating ice cream in the closet)
7. Surround yourself with people who are as smart or smarter than you.
(Not hard at all)
8. If money is your motivation, forget it.
(Sure easy for you to say..you are a billionare!)
9. Never hand over your power to someone else.
(Too late I gave it over to God and the IRS)
10. Be persistent in pursuing your dreams.
(I am still here aren't I?)
1. Don't live your life to please others
(I admit I do this sometimes and catch myself)
2. Don't depend on forces outside yourself to get ahead.
(this is when I have to stop playing the "blame game")
3. Seek harmony and compassion in your business and personal life.
(I try but a couple of million in the bank would not hurt!)
4. Get rid of backstabbers-surround yourself only with people who will lift you higher.
(This is tough for me cause I get into negative talk and don't realize I am doing it!)
5. Be nice
(I try but sometimes I want to smack someone!)
6. Rid yourself of yoru addictions-whether they are food, alcohol, drugs or behavior habits.
(Tell me about it, I have to stop eating ice cream in the closet)
7. Surround yourself with people who are as smart or smarter than you.
(Not hard at all)
8. If money is your motivation, forget it.
(Sure easy for you to say..you are a billionare!)
9. Never hand over your power to someone else.
(Too late I gave it over to God and the IRS)
10. Be persistent in pursuing your dreams.
(I am still here aren't I?)
Wednesday
Hurricane Season: Funny response
I got this from a friend of mine and found it hilarious..Hurricanes are serious business but any chance I get to laugh, I like to share!!!! Here it goes
Any day now, you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person pointing to some radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic meteorological points: (1) There is no need to panic. (2) We could all be killed.
Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Houston.
If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by 'the big one.” Based on our experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane preparedness plan:
STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at least three days.
STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car.
STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Thanksgiving.
Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in Houston. Therefore, we'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:
HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE:
If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements: (1) It is reasonably well-built, and (2) It is located in Nebraska.
Unfortunately, if your home is located in Houston, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place.
So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house.
At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Alicia, I have had an estimated 27 differenthome-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys.
SHUTTERS:
Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets.
There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:
Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off.
Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December.
Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them.
'Hurricane-proof'' windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska.
'Hurricane Proofing Your Property: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles.
EVACUATION ROUTE:
If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says 'Houston' you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.
HURRICANE SUPPLIES:
If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! Houston tradition requires that you waituntil the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM.
In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies:
· 23 flashlights.
· At least $167 worth of batteries that turn out, when the power goes out, to be the wrong size for the flashlights.
· Bleach. (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for. But it's traditional, so GET some!)
· A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant.
· A big knife that you can strap to your leg (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool.)
· A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Alicia; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators.)
· $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.
Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean.
Good luck and remember: It's great living in paradise! Those of you who aren't here yet, you should come.
Really
Any day now, you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person pointing to some radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic meteorological points: (1) There is no need to panic. (2) We could all be killed.
Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Houston.
If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by 'the big one.” Based on our experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane preparedness plan:
STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at least three days.
STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car.
STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Thanksgiving.
Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in Houston. Therefore, we'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:
HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE:
If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements: (1) It is reasonably well-built, and (2) It is located in Nebraska.
Unfortunately, if your home is located in Houston, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place.
So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house.
At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Alicia, I have had an estimated 27 differenthome-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys.
SHUTTERS:
Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets.
There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:
Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off.
Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December.
Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them.
'Hurricane-proof'' windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska.
'Hurricane Proofing Your Property: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles.
EVACUATION ROUTE:
If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says 'Houston' you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.
HURRICANE SUPPLIES:
If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! Houston tradition requires that you waituntil the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM.
In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies:
· 23 flashlights.
· At least $167 worth of batteries that turn out, when the power goes out, to be the wrong size for the flashlights.
· Bleach. (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for. But it's traditional, so GET some!)
· A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant.
· A big knife that you can strap to your leg (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool.)
· A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Alicia; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators.)
· $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.
Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean.
Good luck and remember: It's great living in paradise! Those of you who aren't here yet, you should come.
Really
Tuesday
Balanced Politics/and why vacations are important
As I do research on topics for future shows on Ch. 8, I came upon a website called balancedPolitics.org. I found this fascinating, particularly because I get so tired of the rhetoric on both sides of the aisle and litte on factual information. When you open the site it says
...a website dedicated to balanced, non-partisan discussion of important societal issues.
"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." --Albert Einstein
"Let us not seek the Republican answer nor the Democratic answer but the right answer." --John F. Kennedy"
As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use. A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices." --William James
Let's face it we all want OUR POINT OF VIEW to be heard and of course, we are certain it is the right one, but frankly issues are complex and we should make an effort to listen to all sides and share our point of view with people who are willing to listen, realizing that the discussion has to be conducted with respect and an open mind.
One of the aspects of any information is to ask what are the facts and where did you get the facts? As you know many corporations pay certain scientists or researchers to put out information that is beneficial to them. Generally speaking you have to turn to primary sources of information. I would also do searches on the BBC or NPR.
We live in interesting times. When people say we live in a global world, it means the more you understand how the world really works, the better you will navigate it. What has happened to me after living in different countries and travelling around the world is that I noticed how much we are alike and why we sometimes misunderstand each other. None of us like being out of our comfort zone, but in reality that is what allows us to grow and expand our knowledge. If we only hang out with people who agree with everything we think or do, we tend to want to protect what we believe and seldom experience the richness of humanity. We don't have to agree with other ideas or thoughts but we should be able to listen to others express them with respect and I often say, compassion.
I am going on vacation for the first time in a long time. I say that because the last few years I spent going on "vacation" to a hospital to visit my mother, who is now healthy and living here. I can't stress enough how important it is to focus on turning off your computers, cell phones, television sets and stop to listen to whatever is around you. I plan a few days in the beach and the mountains. I know that I will get my batteries recharged and once again find the proper gratitude for god's creation. If it wasn't for this time off, I would not be as productive in my work. I can assure you and it has been scientifically proven. People who take vacation time, do better in their work. Try it. You will like it! and don't tell me you don't have enough money. You can vacation in your own home. Turn everything off, and start to look at the flowers in your garen, or pet your cat or simply breathe deeply. Off I go.
...a website dedicated to balanced, non-partisan discussion of important societal issues.
"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." --Albert Einstein
"Let us not seek the Republican answer nor the Democratic answer but the right answer." --John F. Kennedy"
As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use. A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices." --William James
Let's face it we all want OUR POINT OF VIEW to be heard and of course, we are certain it is the right one, but frankly issues are complex and we should make an effort to listen to all sides and share our point of view with people who are willing to listen, realizing that the discussion has to be conducted with respect and an open mind.
One of the aspects of any information is to ask what are the facts and where did you get the facts? As you know many corporations pay certain scientists or researchers to put out information that is beneficial to them. Generally speaking you have to turn to primary sources of information. I would also do searches on the BBC or NPR.
We live in interesting times. When people say we live in a global world, it means the more you understand how the world really works, the better you will navigate it. What has happened to me after living in different countries and travelling around the world is that I noticed how much we are alike and why we sometimes misunderstand each other. None of us like being out of our comfort zone, but in reality that is what allows us to grow and expand our knowledge. If we only hang out with people who agree with everything we think or do, we tend to want to protect what we believe and seldom experience the richness of humanity. We don't have to agree with other ideas or thoughts but we should be able to listen to others express them with respect and I often say, compassion.
I am going on vacation for the first time in a long time. I say that because the last few years I spent going on "vacation" to a hospital to visit my mother, who is now healthy and living here. I can't stress enough how important it is to focus on turning off your computers, cell phones, television sets and stop to listen to whatever is around you. I plan a few days in the beach and the mountains. I know that I will get my batteries recharged and once again find the proper gratitude for god's creation. If it wasn't for this time off, I would not be as productive in my work. I can assure you and it has been scientifically proven. People who take vacation time, do better in their work. Try it. You will like it! and don't tell me you don't have enough money. You can vacation in your own home. Turn everything off, and start to look at the flowers in your garen, or pet your cat or simply breathe deeply. Off I go.
Thursday
News bad for your health!
I don't know about you but lately, watching the news is really depressing me. I like to read news, not watch them. I read Newsweek, the Economist, blogs from the left and right, foreign policy news, CNN but I hardly watch news because I get all bent out of shape. Right now all I hear is how bad the economy is, rising gas prices, mortgage crisis, war, climate diasasters, starving children and serial killers. No wonder so many Americans are depressed.
I know we have to know what is going on but does it have to be negative all the time? Could they not just mix it up a bit? Today I was happy to watch the release of Ingrid Betancourt in Colombia, along with three Americans and a dozen colombian police and military personnel. I found it strange no one seemed to talk to the poor police and military guys. They had families who suffered too. I guess they weren't "considered" news. Anyways, I am afraid a lot of Americans are becoming addicted to bad news and it is affecting them. I know it affects me and that is why I limit how much I watch on TV.
My feeling is that we can create our own reality. I can convince myself that life is so awful, (based on the news) and that there is no hope or I can stay positive and believe things can get better and that I can have a postive impact on my life and the life of others.
Life is about balance, my need to know what is going on has to be balanced with how I interpret what is going on.
This Sunday the President and Chancellor of the University of Houston talks to me about her hopes and aspirations for the University. I really enjoyed talking to her. (Airdates are July 6th 5pm, July 11th at 8pm, July 31st 9:30pm.)
At 3pm this Sunday, Manisha Thakor gives very smart tips on how to manage your money during hard times. Learning from her will pay off in the long run!
I know we have to know what is going on but does it have to be negative all the time? Could they not just mix it up a bit? Today I was happy to watch the release of Ingrid Betancourt in Colombia, along with three Americans and a dozen colombian police and military personnel. I found it strange no one seemed to talk to the poor police and military guys. They had families who suffered too. I guess they weren't "considered" news. Anyways, I am afraid a lot of Americans are becoming addicted to bad news and it is affecting them. I know it affects me and that is why I limit how much I watch on TV.
My feeling is that we can create our own reality. I can convince myself that life is so awful, (based on the news) and that there is no hope or I can stay positive and believe things can get better and that I can have a postive impact on my life and the life of others.
Life is about balance, my need to know what is going on has to be balanced with how I interpret what is going on.
This Sunday the President and Chancellor of the University of Houston talks to me about her hopes and aspirations for the University. I really enjoyed talking to her. (Airdates are July 6th 5pm, July 11th at 8pm, July 31st 9:30pm.)
At 3pm this Sunday, Manisha Thakor gives very smart tips on how to manage your money during hard times. Learning from her will pay off in the long run!
Houston PBS giving trip away to Prague
This Month and You Could Win One of these Fabulous Summer E-scapes:
A Rick Steves' Seven-Day City Tour of Prague for Two touring one of Europe's most romantic cities (Tour guide and accommodations courtesy of Rick Steves’ Travels).
A 42 inch flat screen LCD television set with built-in digital tuner.
A Rick Steves' Seven-Day City Tour of Prague for Two touring one of Europe's most romantic cities (Tour guide and accommodations courtesy of Rick Steves’ Travels).
A 42 inch flat screen LCD television set with built-in digital tuner.
If you had been thinking about becoming a member of HoustonPBS now is a great time!
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