FCC Faces Public at Second Official Hearing on Media Consolidation

By Bill Larson | December 8, 2006 |

NASHVILLE — A broad-based coalition of local and national groups is urging the public to turn out for the Federal Communications Commission’s second official hearing on sweeping changes to the nation’s ownership rules.

The FCC public hearing will take place:

Monday, Dec. 11
Hearing Starts at 1 p.m. — Public Testimony until 9 p.m.
Massey Performing Arts Center
Belmont University
1900 Belmont Blvd.
Nashville

At 12 p.m. noon the Newspaper Guild, Communications Workers of America, American Federation of Musicians and other labor groups will hold a press conference at the hearing site at Belmont University.

All five FCC Commissioners are expected to attend the hearing. The event will feature an “open microphone” session for the public to offer testimony on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit www.stopbigmedia.com/=nashville

The following people are available to provide comments on the event: «Read the rest of this article»

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Country legends to testify at FCC hearings in Nashville

By Bill Larson | December 6, 2006 |

George Jones, Porter Wagoner, Naomi Judd to join hundreds of citizens concerned about the costs of media consolidation

NASHVILLE — On Dec. 11 in Nashville, legendary country musicians George Jones, Porter Wagoner, Naomi Judd, Dobie Gray and Craig Wiseman will testify about media consolidation’s impact on musicians at an official Federal Communications Commission hearing. They’ll be joined at the event by dozens of community leaders, several award-winning journalists, and hundreds of concerned citizens from throughout the region who are speaking out in response to the FCC’s plans to change media ownership rules.

“I’m excited that pioneers of music and journalism — winners of Grammy Awards and Pulitzer Prizes — are speaking out about media ownership,” said U.S. Congressman Jim Cooper (D-Nashville), who will also testify at the event. “Preserving a diverse spectrum of media voices is important to Nashville, and it’s essential for a healthy democracy.”

All five FCC Commissioners are expected to attend the hearing, which will feature an “open microphone” session for the public to offer testimony on a first-come, first-served basis. «Read the rest of this article»

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Health: It’s not just what you eat

By Christine Anne Piesyk | December 6, 2006 |

Just this morning, I read that Tennessee is in the bottom five of fifty states when it comes to the health of its citizens. In only took a minute, if that, to mentally start listing reasons why, immediately followed by the question, “what are other 90% of our states doing better?”

The health of our citizens directly impacts the health of our state . The health of our citizens is impacted by many factors; it’s not just eating right or exercising or even being lucky or unlucky enough to have “good” or “bad” genes. It’s not just taking soda vending machines out of the schools or removing those bad fats from restaurant foods, or banning smoking. It’s a broader issue, that encompasses not just the obvious: health care systems, nutrition, exercise. It’s a broader issue rooted in economics, education, regional culture, public policy, and a multi-layered infrastructure in dozens of cities and towns that supports — or does not support — good health and well-being. «Read the rest of this article»

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FCC to hold second official public hearing on media ownership issues in Nashville, TN

By Bill Larson | December 5, 2006 |

The FCC has announced that the second official public hearing on media ownership issues will be held in Nashville, Tn.

Date: Monday, Dec. 11, 2006
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Belmont University
    Massey Performing Arts Center
    Massey Concert Hall
    1900 Belmont Blvd
    Nashville, Tenn.
    Belmont Campus Map and Directions

Further details, including the full schedule and panelists, will be posted as they are available.

The hearing will feature two panels with oppportunities for public comment after each. The first panel will focus on issues related to the music recording community. The second panel will focus on local Nashville broadcasting and independent programming. «Read the rest of this article»

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Video: Before you enlist: The real deal on military enlistment

By Bill Larson | December 4, 2006 |

Military service is one of the ways that Americans use to express their patriotism. I served in the Navy myself. That being said be wary of what recruiters tell you. They might not be honest with you. Get everything in writing before signing a contract. This film gives you some more things to think about before making the decision to enlist or not. I am not saying you shouldn’t serve in the military. I am saying make sure you are fully informed before making the choice to do so.

«Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Issues, Politics | 3 Comments

Video: An Inconvenient Truth out on DVD

By Bill Larson | December 3, 2006 |

Al Gore’s important documentary on the dangers of climate change and global warming was released on DVD on November 21st. I recommend everyone see it as soon as possible. So I am showing it here. I also recommend that you go out and buy yourself a copy. It’s also available at Wal-Mart, Borders Books, and Hastings. Then as the Producers encourage you to do share it with your friends and family.

Some of the nation’s top climate scientists gave An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore’s documentary on global warming, five stars for accuracy according to the USA Today Newspaper.

Climate change is real, it’s accepted as a fact by a the majority of climate scientists. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure, Politics | 1 Comment »

Call for Artist Entries!

By Brandt | December 1, 2006 |

Art X-Po and The Icehouse Cafe present Light & Soul, a group art exhibition.

No entry fee but a $1 donation is suggested.

All work must be framed or ready to hang.

Drop-off date will be 4-7PM Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at The Icehouse Cafe, 118 University Ave, Clarksville, TN.  Entries must be turned in at this time.

To make alternate arrangements, contact Brandt @ 931-220-4532.

Opening reception will be held 5-8PM Thursday, Dec 7 during Clarksville’s Downtown Artwalk.  Exhibition will remain open througout the month of December and through the new year.  Free, All Ages, and Open to the Public!

I look forward to your participation!

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Day Without Art 2006

By Curtis Davis | December 1, 2006 |

On December 1, the Austin Peay State University Gay-Straight Alliance will sponsor Day Without Art 2006. The event will be held in front of Trahern Gallery in the Trahern Building at Austin Peay State University. The community at large is welcome to attend. Day Without Art coincides with World AIDS Day and launches each year on the first day of December. Day Without Art culminates in an annual observance that publicly unites individuals and organizations around the world on the impact of HIV/AIDS, while simultaneously fostering AIDS awareness. 

A day without the art work that one is used to viewing on campus on a daily basis is a silent, yet poignant vigil to those who have died, or been infected from the disease. World AIDS Day bills itself as “one of the most successful international days with activities taking place in almost all countries at the national and local levels.” The theme for 2006, according to www.worldaidsday.org, will be: “Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise.” «Read the rest of this article»

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