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Written by SW Hammond

Published: 15 January 2014

Recent legislation is changing the Internet in a way that you won't be happy with. Limited freedom of speech, limited access to pages you may want to visit, slower speeds, and a substantial price increase.

Lobbyist representing large Internet Service Providers (ISP) such as Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T have stifled a bill that would keep the internet open, free, and equal to all users (as we know it today).

As of 1/14/2014, ISP's no longer have to provide full and equal access all websites on the internet. For example, if an ISP has vested interest in a political candidate, it could block users on their network from viewing information / websites that oppose their view / candidate.

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Written by SW Hammond

Published: 11 September 2013

Our society in America is ailing right now- education is terrible, parenting is nonexistent, and there is weak leadership at all levels (community / church, local government, and federal government).  Bureaucracy is rampant stifling any creative change or preventing would-be leaders from actually accomplishing anything.  Our business leaders and financial institutions are looked upon as crooks and the masses have lost faith in them. 

There's very little personal, corporate, and government responsibility and accountability- everything in America is based around a short term / quarterly fix.  From the fast food eaten to satisfy the moment, without thought of how it may affect the individual later- so much to the extend that major cities have had to restrict, outlaw and ban products because people are incapable of moderation or rational decision making.  To the instant gratification and celebritization of talentless reality TV inspiring no story telling, character development, or providing content for later reflective contemplation.  To our society continuing to perpetuate an oil based industrial complex because renewable energy takes considerable time, effort, and toppling barons of establishment to develop.  And lastly, our nation's economic allegiance lying alongside insider trading brought together by an unregulated stock exchange closely resembling a gossip addled high school cafeteria that is purely in existence to boosters profits by any means necessary for shareholders today, neglecting to deal with the lost jobs, homes, environmental impact, and health issues of tomorrow- of course, only after said investors have sold their cooked book failing shares to the unsuspecting public. 

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Written by SW Hammond

Published: 21 November 2011

Going The Distance is why I love movies so much.  Every once in a while one comes along that fills a punch line.  Something resonates.

Of course Justin Long’s character hits far too close to home with working at a label and pushing bands you don’t care about and ultimately taking that leap of faith and managing bands that truly move you.  While that’s just a mildly interesting plot twist to some, everyone can relate and learn something from their love story.

I loved this story because it seemed so functional, no matter how dysfunctional a long distance relationship can be.  That’s what drives me nuts about Hollywood.  No Strings Attached was awesomely entertaining but I left the theater pissed.  It was more silver screen sap that further perpetuates stereotypes and dilutes real-world relationships. 

It wasn’t the “friends with benefits” part in No Strings Attached that I didn’t buy.  That can work for a while and be a whole hell of a lot fun in the meantime.  However, it was the horrific turning point of Portman’s psyche that nerds hang on to when dealing with their own issues.   She made us believe that love conquers all no matter how insensitive, illogical, or un-repairable your situation has become.  That those dealing with loss should still hold on to hope that one day your dream girl will be standing on the door step asking for you back, instead of just moving forward with your life.

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