Artist Standards

Recently in Salon.com Prachi Gupta has an article that highlights a bloggers extensive interview with Jim Derogatis on villagevoice.com with Jessica Hopper  here. Jim Derogatis, a music critic, is the reporter who broke the story of sex abuse acts alleged against R. Kelly. Now in Salon's piece they raise the very important question which is: Would these allegations and lawsuits be more public if one of them involved a white girl? Gupta quotes Derogatis from the interview with Hopper:

“Nobody matters less to our society than young black women”

In the article Derogatis brings up issues surrounding R.Kelly and the lawsuits against him. His opinion is strong and you should definitely read it for yourself
However the interview on villiagevoice.com Derogatis brings up something that has bothered me really as a listener, critic, and blogger of music. What the hell happened to Artist Standards? In the interview Jessica Hopper has with Derogatis he says quote:

A lot of art, great art, is made by despicable people. James Brown beat his wife. Rare is the amount of evidence compiled against anyone apart from R. Kelly. I got the Bonham three rings [tattooed] on my foot. Led Zeppelin did disgusting things. People are always, "Why aren't you upset about Led Zeppelin?" I have a couple of responses to that: I didn't cover Led Zeppelin. If I was on the plane, like Cameron Crowe was, I would have written about those things if I saw them. The art very rarely talks about these things. There are not pro-rape Led Zeppelin songs. There are not pro-wife-beating James Brown songs.

Derogatis sites the list of lawsuits against R.Kelly that are on public record in Chicago courts. R. Kelly's multiple lawsuits involving sexual abuse, child pornography, and rape (Yes, Rape. Read the interview) Jim Derogatis can't really understand why Pitchfork in particular, a music festival in Chicago, would endorse this artist he refers to as a "Monster" as a headliner. Derogatis says:

I can still listen to Led Zeppelin and take joy in Led Zeppelin or James Brown. I condemn the things they did. I'm not reminded constantly in the art, because the art is not about it.

And that's a very important distinction. R. Kelly's current album is titled "Black Panties." Just by the title alone you can't help but be reminded of the long list of accusations after reading the interview and hearing the account of Derogatis' encounters with the dozens of women who have lawsuits against the singer.

In my personal opinion I believe that the pedestal we put these artists on is unrealistic, and we give them the excuse of being "rich and famous." That allows them the ability to do whatever they please without potential of a real consequence. It forms an absolutely terrible standard for creators of art we, I believe, based around the mindset that we too one day will all be millionaires so when our day comes we will act in the same manner if it was us in the same position. Derogatis refers to him as a monster, after reading the interview with Jessica Hopper and Derogatis' account of the reporting you can make your own conclusion.

What the hell happened to Artist Standards? Society somehow see's artist and their actions as a reflection of ourselves in those positions and instances that broadens the perspective of what we find acceptable, excusable, and justifiable. Maybe that is the real monster.

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Black Friday

Now that Black Wednesday and Friday have passed. I read a few stories of injuries and deaths, yes DEATHS from Black Wednesday and Friday Shopping. Then while scrolling my Facebook Newsfeed I came across a link that sparked my interest.

You can check the link out yourself here at blackfridaydeathcount.com.

Black Friday Death Count

Deaths Injuries

Know Your Death Count: The New York Daily News has recently republished an article from 2008 leading many to believe it happened this year.

		Deaths	Injuries
2013	Shopper Pepper Sprayed, Arrested in Argument Over TV at New Jersey Walmart	-	1
2013	Thanksgiving Day bargain shoppers send 11 year-old to hospital	-	2
2013	Teen returning home from Black Friday shopping fell asleep at wheel, killed in wreck	1	4
2013	Man Stabbed During Black Friday Event at Carlsbad Mall	-	1
2013	Newport, Arkansas Walmart employee injured during Black Friday sales	-	1
2013	Scenes of chaos during chain store's Black Friday sales in Ireland	-	1
2013	Several injured in Black Friday-related shooting outside Kohl's in Illinois	-	2
2013	Black Friday: Virginia Man Stabbed In Walmart Parking Lot Over Space	-	1
2013	Rialto Walmart brawl sends one police officer to hospital	-	1
2013	Shopper carrying TV home from Target shot in Las Vegas	-	1
2012	Father charged in crash that killed daughters after Black Friday shopping	2	5
2012	Two People Shot at Tallahassee Walmart Over Parking Space	-	2
2012	Black Friday Shoppers Hit By Suspected Drunk Driver In Walmart Parking Lot	-	2
2011	Black Friday Worker Rescued From Canal After Losing Control Of Car Due To Exhaustion	-	1
2011	Black Friday: Target Shoppers Step Over Walter Vance As He Collapses, Dies	1	-
2011	Fights break out at Rome Walmart during Black Friday shopping	-	2
2011	Woman Wounded in S.C. Black Friday Robbery Attempt	-	1
2011	Off-duty police pepper spray NC shoppers	-	20
2011	Shooting outside Calif. Walmart, 1 wounded	-	1
2011	Black Friday pepper-spray attack at Walmart injures 20	-	20
2010	Former Marine stabbed in Best Buy store by violent customer	-	1
2009	Clarksville Woman Trampled During Black Friday Shopping	-	1
2008	SoCal Toys 'R' Us Shooting Leaves Two Dead	2	2
2008	Worker dies at Long Island Wal-Mart after being trampled in Black Friday stampede	1	4
2006	10 Injured in SoCal Black Friday Mall Stampede	-	10
2006	Salt Lake Tribune, The : Red-hot on Black Friday‎	-	1

Corrections, Comments: info@blackfridaydeathcount.com © 2008 – 2013 blackfridaydeathcount.com

Not affiliated with a certain site, with a strikingly similar layout, touting Cyber Monday death counts. Spoiler: there aren't any!

I understand that people want their deals, but seriously though at what cost? The fact that some people in society are more jubilant to push and shove each other for a flat screen TV rather than sit with family calmly and peacefully is disturbing. This year some stores opened on Thanksgiving Day! In some cases shortly after most people are finishing Thanksgiving Dinner. I digress, the important issue here is that there is a death count for shopping, Family Shopping.

The chaotic mess and waves of people shopping for deals on "stuff" and "things" directly after giving thanks for what you already have and being thankful. Maybe we like being a hypocritical society it seems. Now an internet big board keeping count of how many people die from fatigue or trampling from Black Wednesday Shopping. This video: 

Not affiliated with a certain site, with a strikingly similar layout, touting Cyber Monday death counts. Spoiler: there aren't any!

 

Why do we feel this is okay? Being arrested over a television, or dying even for items that are basically crap, yes crap. The doorbuster deals are for items that are made by cheaper parts and less features. 

That's just one little tidbit from this video from buzzfeedvideo below:

 

I know some will say, "It didn't happen like that where I am from..." However with Black Wednesday and Friday inching closer and closer into Thanksgiving, people trading more and more of what has become very precious time with loved one's for waiting in long lines for cheap prices and even cheaper products. Turkey Day begins a day before the actual holiday with much preparation in most cases. Families preparing for large groups of people to eat a hearty meal with all the trimmings. When the okay is giving to dive in, the feeding frenzy begins. We consume and overindulge not caring about the potential negative and damaging consequences of overindulgence, We like how good it feels. We do it the same way every year. What the hell happened to Black Friday? We treat it like Thanksgiving. As always follow me on Twitter and like us on Facebook at Our Neighborhood Times.

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With Drug Testing?

Now, I have seen this particular photo floating around on Facebook:

What a headline right? Welfare drug testing saves money in the state of Utah. Here's a video from +The Young Turks  on that very story:

 

Here's the kicker however, according to a report from the Associated Press the whole whopping twelve people being confirmed drug users does not mean they will be denied benefits. They will be required to enter substance abuse treatment. So despite being confirmed users these people will still get benefits anyway.

Why is society insistent on trying to frame the poor as lazy do-nothing American Citizens because of drug use? Don't believe me? Here's one post from Facebook after seeing the headline:

Post by Delia Payne.

So here's the context according to the people who believe this is so very important: Drug users get benefits to buy drugs, this law stops that (or so they think). However substance abusers still need drugs, because they are addicted. Do you think they will stop finding ways to get drugs even without benefits? Don't you think they would probably go about doing illegal things to get those very substances, potentially increasing the crime rate, and filling up prisons even more. That is within the context of what some people believe the intention of the law is. How do you the solve problem if you are so worried about drug abusers receiving benefits? My opinion, legalize drugs and regulate them. End this non-sense War on Drugs. With over 45 million people in poverty according to Reuters. 22 million "abusers" and about 18 million are smoking marijuana according to drugabuse.gov. What drug is being used by such a large  part of the population that using drug testing is a must? I digress, back to this headline in Utah.
Not pushing in the headline that even if you are a confirmed substance abuser you can still receive benefits is entirely misleading. Why would you want to misguide your readers into thinking they won't get help from the state? They just might use that money to buy your news publication. Instead of encouraging people who need help to receive benefits from the state, the press bought right into the scare tactics trying to be used when lawmakers put the provision into their law. What the hell happened drug testing? Despite what the headlines try to do, it does nothing. People can still get help...for now.

Alternatives

Looking back at yet another mass shooting in this country got me thinking, then a few days later on the local news channels in Chicago they interviewed a child shortly after being shot in the face to ask him "Do you know what happened?" To which the child replied, "Yea, I got shot." He was four.
All the talks are about pro-gun or anti-gun. I thought about something that hopefully will appease both sides, non-lethal against lethal. I understand first the 2nd amendment right to bare arms, however that right is not restricted to just lethal firearms. "Arms" is honestly loosely defined. I digress, non-lethal weapons are a form of protection for the average citizen that isn't hit on hard enough ever. That nature to kill should not be nurtured. What the hell happen to Alternatives? For example this non-lethal alternative is legal in all 50 states it's called the ARMA100 here's a nice picture of it:

 

 Also here's a fancy little video explaining what you are looking at.

What's important to note here are a few things:

1. It doesn't kill anyone. No one has to die, immobilizing and running away from your aggressor is a smart thing. Self-defense doesn't mean kill someone.

2. Running away to find a safe place to call the police. Yes, Call the police. Trusting the very people you pay with your tax dollars to protect you is a good thing. Before we can strengthen a community you have to gain the faith back that law enforcement officers uphold the oath, and protect the citizens.

3. This can make you feel safe without the dangers of having a weapon that can cause lethal, devastating damage to a home or community.

Stun Devices are legal in 44 of our states and at www.beststungun.com you can purchase an array of different types of devices to immobilize your aggressor. In most cases it comes with training and how to handle them. There are alternatives to handled heightened stress situations that don't have to result in death. What's most alarming of this gun culture we as a nation have become drowned in is the instilled distrust of each other just as citizens. We are weary of the idea of someone having a gun so the reaction is to get one to protect yourself from other people who have them. Which leads to a better alternative than any non-lethal or lethal force option: Community, looking to our neighbors for help when needed. Not just our neighbors, our local law enforcement. They aren't to be feared, they are meant to be respected. They are trained to handle high stress situations. One of my closest friends is a police officer.


Don't know a police officer all that well. Some local enforcement has the availability of a ride-a-long. Where you get to ride around on his shift and see the life they have. Get to know your police force, why? Because you pay for it. It's your communities. We can no longer keep treating Guns as our only self-defense in the face of danger, as our only option.
What the hell happened to alternatives? We only know of last resorts. follow me on Twitter and like us at Our Neighborhood Times

Don Lemon

In recent weeks it's been a hot topic in the media and press, creating race issues. Now I say "creating" because it's not always there. In most cases we are baited into these issues because of the emphasis on skin color. It's a narrative we fall into almost immediately when the creation of these races issues manifest. Because of these manifestations the issue is brought up at nausea. Don Lemon an analyst for CNN on the weekends created this very issue with this video clip: 

What Don Lemon explains is that sagging pants is a contributor to crime in neighborhoods that are predominantly black. He actually has a list of things he believes the Black community should not do. It actually gives a history lesson about sagging pants origin. He also brings up the excessive use of the N-word. This is something I can agree with however it is in no way the contributor to negative affects, to be brutally honest there are rappers that make millions of dollars using it in music as a form of expression. Should certain narratives be weeded out like blaming every generation for the oppression of minorities and women? Of course. Should we learn to mature as a society together? Absolutely. However Don Lemon is explaining what most would call conformity. Become apart of the widely accepted societal expectations and pursue your chance (be it very slim) at becoming the "elite." 

Shouldn't you be judged by the content of your character? For it is not what is wrong with society, it is what's wrong with the system? These photos:

 Temar Boggs

Charles Ramsey 

 

See these two? Look at them, really take a close look. The first one saved a young girl, and the other saved a woman from a 10 year captivity and wanted no reward money in return. They do not fit the mold visually but the content of these two people's actions is a true testament to their character.  

This woman below also stopped a mass shooting without a gun or weapon of any kind:

Antoniette Tuff

Even now you are probably thinking: Bringing this up create race issues, I would

say to you that you are overlooking the most important thing: It's not about what these people look like, it's about what they valued most in the face of danger and fear of death. Humanity....not conformity. What the hell happen to Don Lemon? He bought in.

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Kanye West

It's probably more appropriate to say what didn't happen right? Kanye a few weeks ago was a felony suspect for attempted robbery. According to TMZ.
The Paparazzi being who they are followed Kanye around, and of course people were asking questions. Kanye apparently from the video had it and then this happened: 

Now according to NY Daily Times Kanye won't have felony charges put against him. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office says there isn't enough evidence against Mr. West.

Now anyone can make their own claims, as where some say he's pretty eccentric and controversial. Other opinions of Kanye West deem him to be for lack of a better word: asshole. Now with the raw footage video alone I have to ask: What the hell happen to Kanye West?! Why did he go off the henge on the Paparazzi, dude you just had a baby with the mosted wanted behind in the world (opinion). You aren't use to being hounded by people with cameras constantly repeating questions? Even if you aren't charged with anything, come on Yeezus don't act like you are brand new to being famous. Follow me on Twitter
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Reality Checks

Like many other Americans I also was watching the case of Trayvon Martin, and the verdict that was passed down. I don't want to get into details about the night that Trayvon Martin's life was taken to much. However, I do want to talk about a few things. The Young Turks and actually in the following video there is an image of Trayvon Martin the night of his shooting. Now while many have seen many images of Zimmerman all bloodied and trying to make a case for his self-defense claim which was held up in court by the State of Florida, it seems that we have forgotten one thing. Trayvon Martin is not here to make a case for himself. There isn't anyone to dispute Zimmerman's claims, because the one person that could is no longer with us. In the days after the verdict comparisons of other  unarmed children being shot for example a story about Marley Lion, not receiving the same amount of media coverage. Here is the Meme created by Elizabeth O'Neil according to upi.com
Also another Meme that depicts another terrible crime of an unarmed Mother of Three who was shot and killed for her tip money according to reports from The Post-Tribune:

When people ask the question what's the difference? I answer by saying, these men who shot Jacqueline Gardner and Marley Lion are real criminals who were out to do harm to people. Both instances started with the aggressors attempting to rob Marley Lion and Jacqueline Gardner, who ended up taking their lives. Video evidence in the case for Marley Lion and fingerprint matches for the three men who killed Jacqueline according to reports from the cities respective news stations.
Trayvon Martin was not doing anything other than leaving a store with some snacks. As images were framed of Martin by media and correspondents, this is the image that still to this day stuck with me:

And this is what Marley Lion looked like, this is what Jacqueline Gardner looked like. This is what many people in Chicago see with dead bodies from gun violence. So when I then ask myself what's the difference? There isn't one, reality check: we don't respect life. We say live as you see fit, however we as a society try to demonize races, creeds, and religions that we feel are inferior to our own. Real self-defense is an excuse to take life in any instance. There are many options to defense out there, yet we result to the ultimate resolver. We then validate violent, life taking actions by framing the aggressors as if you were given no other choice. We even have laws in place that set the precedent to make it excusable to take life. Cause we should be respecting the lives of Marley Lion, Jacqueline Gardener, Trayvon Martin, The Children of Sandy Hook, The people of Aurora, Virginia Tech, Columbine, and the list goes on. As we lay them to rest, the nation moves forward, but we don't check ourselves. We accept the outcomes, but we never ask the question: What can we do so this doesn't happen again? So that their aren't anymore Trayvon Martin's, Marley Lion's, and Jacqueline Gardner's of the world. I'll ask it, what are we going to do about Guns? We don't want to talk about that though. What hell happen to reality checks? Well it's pretty simple: we fear a better world. Please follow me on Twitter and like us on Facebook at Our Neighborhood Times

Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke (Explicit)

I want to first start by saying I love Tunnel Vision. Great tune with amazing music and lyrics. Not to mention two of my favorite producers of all time in Timbaland and Pharrell respectively. It's not the songs themselves I am worried about as much as it is the visuals. "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke has an unrated video on YouTube: here it is. Again it's unrated so be warned:

What's the eye catcher? Well obviously these ladies are nude so that's the draw. As far as Blurred Lines go, there isn't anything distorted at all here. Now yes I know people will say it's "art" however the lyrics "I know you want it" and "Talkin bout getting blasted, must want to get at me" I don't see the artistic view point here. Now here is Tunnel Vision by Justin Timberlake same warning:

Again the video has the same visuals. It's a little more elegant in the ladies are dancing not as playfully I guess. Also Justin isn't shot at the same time or in the same room. However these women are naked as artistic value right? Define the value? If the answer is: It just is. I would have to say it is lacking artistic value. Justin croons "You give me that Tunnel Vision" yet you see multiple images of different naked women, so maybe they all give him that Tunnel Vision? I don't know.

Why do I pose the question of what happen to these two? Well music is all about trends. "The Sound of now" in this case the "visual of now" it sets a precedent. That precedent in turn impacts our social culture. Naked Women and Clothed Men. That's my issue. Visually it sets women again as a product or eye candy. "Admiring the female form" is still possible without these types of visuals. Objectifying probably about as simple as it can get. Robin Thicke's video at times seems uncomfortable, people will say "These girls wanted to feel sexy or be sexy." And that may be true, but stripping them down to nothing around a bunch of males who apparently aren't willing to do the same wouldn't be in my opinion the best approach. What is the obsession with women being naked? Watch Porn, no really watch porn. You want to see naked people: watch porn. That's what shouldn't be weird. Because this is weird. The men wear clothes the girls prance around or dance like toys or something. Yes, I get it is a personal choice to do what these women did. I also understand that money plays a factor. However people aren't going to go look at the most recent interview of Timberlake and Thicke's direction of the videos. According to Pitchfork.com JT's video was banned a whole day. I can see a little artistry in JT's but not by much. Pitchfork referred to the women as "props" and there lies the problem. We end up talking about women as beautiful creatures and so forth. Let's start with talking to them with respect and being beautiful isn't the only thing in the world. What the hell happen to JT and RT? (sounds like two characters from a Star Wars Movie) Not upholding a real standard to equality in my opinion. Leave comments, follow me on Twitter and like Our Neighborhood Times on Facebook

Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def Stressful video!

A video today came out of Yasiin Bey formerly known as Mos Def. The  video shows how Guantanamo detainees are force fed. It's pretty graphic and seriously if you cringe easily, be prepared. Why are they being force fed? 44 of them are on a hunger strike. I also found this video on Current TV's The Young Turks where Cenk Uygur interviews former chief prosecutor at Gitmo.  (Shown Below).
Back to Mos Def. His bravery to show what our government is doing to people in our name. These people haven't been charged in the cases of detainees on this strike but they won't be set free either. What the hell happen to Mos Def? He changed his named and basically showed us something all Americans need to see. Make sure you follow me on Twitter and to like Our Neighborhood Times on Facebook.

Beauty and the Truth

You have seen all these magazines of incredible pictures of beautiful people from Emma Watson and Kristen Stewart to George Clooney and Ryan Gosling. The real pressures put on normal people by the images we absorb. The truth here is that magazines, TV & Film, music, and social media shape our societies social culture consciously and even sub-consciously.

here are some examples of Photoshopping:

Just in case you didn't get it the first time imgur.com has a excellent way of showing you what the "finished" product is and the digital plastic surgery these People get. Our obsession with "perfection" seems to know zero limits. Doesn't it seem a little more humbling that these people have distinct features? Cindy Crawfords mole wouldn't have had a chance in today's idea of "beauty." If you think they don't care....WRONG! In an interview with Ryan Gosling on his Adonis like abs scene in Crazy Stupid Love  he says quote: "Absolutely Photoshopped" also saying: “I’m as uncomfortable with it as I am talking about it.” He's uncomfortable with the bar that Photoshopped Rock Hard Abs has given him. You know why? Because it's Not attainable, it's not real. Something we all need to break ourselves from. So when your significant other says you look better than (insert celebrity name here) the image you are thinking of isn't the right one and it isn't impossible for you to not look better than them. Here's a few more.....

What happen to photographers getting people to sit the right way, straighten out their backs. Shit even tell them to suck it in if need be. It's almost as if they point they click,say good work and turn these folks into cartoons. Red Eye, I get it. Photos to dark, alright fine.
Don't like the way their arm looks, make them do something else with it. Aren't photographers suppose to be artistic, capture moments of beauty that are unheard of. Don't think it's affecting society? Wrong! just a little over a year ago glamour.com put out an article talking about people hiring a site called lookbetteronline.com to Photoshop your pics for Online Dating services. SERIOUSLY?! CEO Giles Fabris says quote: “The right photo,” he says, “makes a huge difference in how people perceive you on the Web.” Yea, like not you. Is this what we are? Perception being more important than reality? We are becoming to comfortable with living in and with our ideals, not reality. Defining unique physical traits as "imperfections". I found a quote that I would like to share “Nature didn't need an operation to be beautiful. It just was.”
― Scott Westerfeld, The Uglies Trilogy

And Change is nature. So I gotta ask. What the hell happen to Beauty?
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Kanye West Sweet Yeezus!

With a new album on the way Kanye West is back in the spotlight. Which means interviews and more eye-catching, eye-popping moments from Mr. West. Being labeled everything from narcissistic to a**hole Kanye West's new album "Yeezus" is getting pretty amazing reviews From Rolling Stone to an "Uneasy Listen" by the Chicago Tribune. The album cover of "Yeezus" seems a lot like another band's simplistic album design. He takes on new ideas like interracial couples and most eye catching is "New Slaves" where he brings up the privatization of prisons.

Kanye's Ego is all over the place which is why it is so big. What's the best and worst trait about him is that he knows and believes everything about himself. To quote an old song of his: "I'm on the TV talking like it's just you and me."

Now this is a video of The Young Turks they discuss Kanye West.

and I also have to add Kanye says he's the "Michael Jordan" of music. Debatable obviously. 

However, his undeniable confidence/arrogance or determination is explained. Does purchase of the albums he creates validate his behavior? Is it a form of glorification? Cause if this is what success looks like, What the hell happen to Kanye West? Follow me on Twitter @JusJ_ONTNews.

Privacy

Now as I was surfing the internet today I came across this video about "collecting offline data" on THNKRTV'S YouTube Channel in the video is technology expert and author Josh Klein.

On the heels of leaked information by Edward Snowden whom I had a previous post about Mr. Klein talks candidly about this technique of collecting offline data. Everything that he says is dressed up with pretty background music and in a tone that says "this shits okay." Which leads me to ask:

What the hell happened to privacy?! Damn seriously infrared sensors to follow my eyes? What the fuck?! Why do they dress up this idea of collecting offline data or as I like to call it shopping at your local grocery store like it is perfectly okay. New age marketing is becoming more and more intrusive than ever.

The worst about this is that it's probably going to happen and there isn't a damn thing we are going to do about it.

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Edward Snowden

In my next post in wth2u. I want to talk about one of the two most important people in the last decade of American history. Edward Snowden is the man you see to the right. In this video he speaks out against the NSA and it's surveillance practices.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/10/white-house-nsa-leaks-edward-snowden?guni=Network%20front:network-front%20full-width-1%20bento-box:Bento%20box:Position1
This link will take you to the guardian where the story broke over the weekend. 
The PRISM whistleblower. Why did he end up in this blog? Well because he believes he will imminently Disappear from existence saying in the video interview: "If they want to get you, they will get you."

He also goes to talk further about the amount of power US intelligence has. In most cases seemingly more than the government itself.

"My sole motive is to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them." Said Snowden in the interview Greenwald with The Guardian.

This is what press should look like, this is what our job is. Watchdogs of power and overreach.

So when a year from now people are asking what the hell happen to Edward Snowden, at least we will have some idea why he disappeared.

Edward Snowden, a real hero.
 

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes. Last seen in "Easy A" in 2010, which doesn't seem that long ago. Has been on twitter with Blue Bird Rage unseen by anyone in recent memory. 

I am just going to look closer at what people are calling "The New Lindsey Lohan." I mean is that fair? My question is what the hell happened?

In 2008, an interview that Bynes had with Cosmo Amanda Bynes says, "Part of me relates to Perez Hilton because he’s an outcast, I don’t have a lot of friends who are actresses. They’re catty, and they’ll cut you down. I like that Perez is proud of who he is and doesn’t care what anybody thinks."

Read more: Amanda Bynes Cover Story - Quotes and Interview - Cosmopolitan

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What's also interesting in this interview is her view on being a sex kitten. She was 22 years old at the time, here's what she said: “I was always the quirky girl. I’m much more comfortable being goofy than being the sex kitten.”

Read more: Amanda Bynes Cover Story - Quotes and Interview - Cosmopolitan
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Well in 2010 she was named America's Sweetheart and featured on the cover of Maxim, she was uncomfortable being a sex kitten then became....well here's the video of her behind the scenes on the set to shoot.

Then in 2011 Amanda Bynes speaks with People at the MTV Movie Awards quoted saying: "You say what you feel because you felt it at the moment."

 Here's where the timeline seems quite interesting.

After some charges come up and some erratic outbursts in 2012 she says according to celebritycafe.com reporting from a People magazine over the phone interview, quote: "I am doing amazing. I am retired as an actor. I am moving to New York to launch my career. I am going to do a fashion line. I am not talking about being arrested for DUI because I don't drink, and I don't drink and drive. It is all false. "

Would the accusations end there? Nope. The media notably: Andrea Simpson frome celebuzz.com would sit down with her uncle, Ronald Bynes in October of 2012 for an "exclusive interview" about Amanda Bynes' current behavior saying “She needs to stop drinking and driving, She needs help."

also another quote from Mr. Bynes:  "The problem is there’s no correspondence [between Amanda and her parents]. I don’t even think they know what’s going on with her."

I am pointing out these quotes because at the end of the interview Andrea Simpson ADMITS AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE Ronald Bynes hasn't spoken to much if at all to his niece in many YEARS! Not days, not weeks, or months. YEARS! His thoughts are merely speculation. 

Now in 2013 remember that earlier quote of who she related well with was Perez Hilton? They became really good friends or at least were really good friends, seems things chane and well views may have changed as well since then according to torontosun.com Ms. Bynes is quoted saying 

"@perezhilton no one wants to s--k your d--k! Stop living! Kill yourself! I look sooooo much better than the girl you hired to look like an awful cheeky version of me! So I'd say F--k You but no one wants to! I just say keep living in your s--tty existence leaching (sic) off of stars who you look, sound, and act nothing like (sic)!"

 http://www.torontosun.com/2013/05/30/amanda-bynes-to-perez-hilton-kill-yourself

Also who can forget this tweet: "I want @drake to murder my v----a."

 http://www.torontosun.com/2013/03/22/amanda-bynes-posts-raunchy-message-for-drake

She's distanced herself from her parents, making the split on twitter June 2nd of 2013: "My dad is as ugly as RuPaul! So thankful I look nothing like you both!"

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/celebrities-felt-wrath-amanda-bynes-gallery-1.1359879#ixzz2VGHO7eCS

 Multiple outlets have "sources" or a "close friend" in a case where you are doubting someone's mental stability, I would think people would like a little harder evidence than anonymous sources. Maybe it was the exposure of Maxim that changed everything. Before then, she was just a "quirky girl" as she explained in the Cosmo interview merely 5 years ago. What the hell happened to Amanda Bynes? In my estimation a 27 year old who decided she wants to change her identity and be honest with exactly how she feels. Amanda Bynes being a rapper and a Fashion Designer.  Charlie Sheen has a "winning" meltdown and he gets new sitcoms. She has outbreaks on social media and it's immediate "mental health issues" 20 plus years of that kind of success doesn't just happen. However though, disrespect is disrespect. I would love to hear others' thoughts.