Dakota Today

**ON SDPB--TV in a few minutes... Denise Ross's video on "Unplanned Democracy"

A tad bit late for this, but on SDPB-TV tonight is a version of Blogger Denise Ross's video on the abortion fight in South Dakota prior to that of last election. Info at her blog: Hog House Blog on SDPB Broadcast

So, gotta leave the computer and head for the TV. You have about two minutes to go.
[[[ AND, a little after the fact further comment.  The video "Unplanned Democracy" sure brought back the memories and images of the fight both for and against the SD legislature's rapist rights legislation which was referred to the SD voters and rejected.

The video seemed pretty well balanced..likely to leave both opponents and supporters alternately cheering and booing.  It seems to me the video could be used well in government classes to start serious discussion of the actual issue, of legislative abuse of half the South Dakota population, bowing to special interests, the dangers of theocracy, and also the dangers to democracy when the supporters of particular legislative issues remain unknown, so actual agendas also remain hidden.

Perhaps Denise Ross and the rest of those involved with the video are burned out on the issue, but an appropriate followup would compare how many women have been emotionally warped by having an abortion versus those whose lives and potential have been turned upside down or partially destroyed by being forced to have children they were unprepared to take care of or actually support.

There must be a large sensible middle in South Dakota who while they certainly do not advocate abortion as a routine birth control system, do not want the heavy hand of big brother intruding into their lives complicating their and their doctor's decisions and options needlessly.  Tuesday Nov 18, 2008]]]]]

 

*** Stay tuned --- Doug Wiken

** BIg RED is a video camera and it is apparently no dog

I skimmed through the last WIRED magazine past the kinky celebrity photos into the technology stuff. On about page 130 is a story on a new digital video camera with resolution capability comparable to 35mm film. The price seems high, but compared to other cameras used for actual movie making, apparently $17,500 is a good price.

 Below are links that those interested in making very high quality "film" might want to check:
WIRED Online with RED Camera story that appears to be same as that in printed magazine
 Below is link to the RED Camera Company website:
RED Cameras The current "4K" version is what the WIRED story concerned. Other models and options are also available.
 Below is a Wikipedia article on the company which seems to parallel the WIRED story.
Wikipedia article on the Red Digital Camera Company

I don't suppose a local banker would be excited about loaning me money on such a device, cutting edge deal or not. But, if you have the resources and want to make digital cinema with character and quality comparable to film, this thing might be interesting.

 

***Stay tuned maybe I will find an affordable bargain yet this year--- Doug Wiken

**Marching to the dumb drum..Must see Dark Knight, Must see dark Knight

Newspapers, TV, Public Radio, all are feeding us hype about a comic made into a movie.  Holy Hype, Batman.  People standing in line to be the first at 4000 theaters to see Dark Knight.  This susceptibility to media hype causing thousands to march like lemmings to get ripped off at a theater seems like a modern form of mass hysteria to me.  Trust me, it won't really make a difference if you are among the first to see or review such a movie.  Batman or Harry Potter or whatever....you can wait.  Lemmings are not good models for human behavior and blind following of media hype has something in common with hallucinations from moldy bread in the dark ages.

Of course if you just absolutely have no willpower to resist hype, dash right off to SD Politics to read the review and view the photos if you haven't seen or read enough mind-numbing hype yet.

SD Politics and the Dark Knight Walk barefoot in wet grass, lay on your back and imagine angels in the clouds..or huge flying bats depending on your mood, but you really can wait to see this movie. Maybe it will be on a DVD or TV in a year or two. Whatever. It really is just another well-hyped movie pushed by corporate media conglomerates all wired together in a mutual hype society. ***Stay tuned even if there is no Dark Knight in "a dark and stormy night...."--- Doug Wiken