Poor Richard's Anorak

Obama Urges Swift Passage of FCC Blocking Bill | Free Press

Link: Obama Urges Swift Passage of FCC Blocking Bill | Free Press.

The Washington Monthly: John McCain And The Telecom Lobbyist

Link: The Washington Monthly.

After McCain-Feingold I had hopes that McCain would come down in support of free air time on TV for political candidates. I don't think he ever did.

WMNF 88.5 FM WMNF’s Annual Holiday Bazaar

Link: WMNF 88.5 FM WMNF’s Annual Holiday Bazaar.

This is a fundraiser for the greatest little radio staion I know of.

Crooks and Liars: Devil In The Details: Kevin Martin’s Big Plans

Link: Crooks and Liars: Devil In The Details: Kevin Martin’s Big Plans.

Important stuff here, folks--very important stuff. Martin is a fast-talking shill for the corporate boys, and he means no good for our Republic.

Standing up for journalism - Amnesty International

Link: Standing up for journalism - Amnesty International.

Alex Ross: The Rest Is Noise: Altman's ghost

Link: Alex Ross: The Rest Is Noise: Altman's ghost.

Please, Please, Please, FCC - CommonDreams.org

I think it's time to get in touch with the FCC again to avoid the theft of our airwaves by a few greedy coroporations. They just don't get it. Let's show them who owns the airwaves!

Link: Please, Please, Please, FCC - CommonDreams.org.

A decade ago, Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, eliminating long-standing limits on the number of radio and television stations a single company could own. Conglomerates went on a buying spree.

Clear Channel ended up owning more than a thousand radio stations, dominating the dial in some cities. Minorities and women once shut out of media ownership by discrimination were now shut out by high costs only the big boys could afford. A loss of independent voices, diversity and authenticity were the results.

The FCC wants to change the rules some more so big media can go on another binge. The commission has held public hearings around the country to gauge the public’s reaction, but it feels like window dressing on an already done deal. Cementing my suspicion was the FCC’s decision late last Friday to hold its sixth and final hearing on media ownership in Seattle this coming Friday.

Whoa! What’s the hurry? The FCC’s Dec. 18 deadline has the effect of moving big-business interests from the fast track to a bullet train.

The Long Tail: Radiohead Economics

Link: The Long Tail: Radiohead Economics.

Beautiful Chautauqua

I'm posting from the Chautauqua Institute in Chautauqua, NY. What a wonderful place!

I'm here for a music seminar and I have been enchanted by the countryside and  this remarkable community by Chautauqua Lake. As I look out the second story window of the Smith Memorial Library I can see towering elms with mixed foliage.

I visited the famous amphitheater just behind the library earlier this afternoon and  a lone trombonist was practicing in the gallery, enjoying the rich acoustics of the place.

The weather couldn't be better--crisp, cool, sunny and invigorating after many months of Florida humidity. My B&B, the Plumbush Inn, is a two-story beauty from 1865 which has been refurbished lovingly by a  couple who are natives of the area and purchased the house two years ago. It perches atop a gentle hill with a sloping lawn leading to the farm at the bottom of the hill, behind which rises a small mountain. The B&B even has a widow's walk.

Now I have a visual image to go along with the music I have heard for years on Music from Chautauqua broadcasts! I have to say it looks as much different from my mental image of it as did Ravinia when I finally saw it several years ago. That is no problem, as I'm still capable of adjusting my images of reality. Now if only our local NPR affiliate in Tampa would carry the broadcasts!

Taking Control of those Old Fashioned Airwaves | Chicago Classical Music

Link: Taking Control of those Old Fashioned Airwaves | Chicago Classical Music.