May 22, 2010
Commentary, Current Affairs, News
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Earlier this year, a trainer got killed at SeaWorld with cameras rolling. This tragic accident took a turn when the family of the trainer wanted the video footage sealed, citing privacy.
This brings up the question of privacy versus public right to know. Do we all have the right to control our image? Who decides what images are public domain or private propriety? What about retroactively gaining ownership of “public images”?
Public record (of the image variety) is so important for the public good. Going in the opposite direction is only fair if it is all or nothing. Giving certain groups the advantage to “cover up” is wrong and wrong. And that is where the SeaWorld case is so important. Being in public means being the public…subject to the eyes and the lenses therein.
May 8, 2010
Commentary, Economy, Environment
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The recent Gulf Coast disaster brought up the spector of monkey business. Remember a few years back, the mere threat of a potential hurricane in the Gulf sent oil prices spiking. Then a few weeks ago, a rig explodes, burns, and sinks in the Gulf. And the prices just sail on unchanged.
The economy, like politics, has become a crap shoot. Reasoning does not necessarily apply. So many principals and assumptions to which we have anchored our beliefs on seem to have become just so unstable.
May 1, 2010
Environment, Good Works, Internet, Outdoors, Photography, Travel
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Every now and then there are websites worthy of note. Such is NH Mountain Hiking (http://www.nhmountainhiking.com/) produced here in NH. The man behind this grand endeavor is one Fred Shirley who happens to be my old scoutmaster from the 1970’s.
Fred has lead an exemplary life, raising a great brood of fine children, giving of his time for community (getting the moniker Saint Fred), and working loyally (in our country’s defense) for Sanders for many decades.
Now retired Fred has combined passions of hiking, photography, and community service with his website.
I have had bad experiences with hiking in the past—but never under Fred’s tutelage. I look forward to joining a hike with Fred. He was calm, deliberate, and responsible back in the 1970’s. He can only have “improved” with age.
Please check out the website and enjoy!!!