Letters to the Editor
benrod1
Published Letters: 6
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RE:More on why Rowling is wrong on the Potter lexicon
[Read the article: More on why Rowling is wrong on the Potter lexicon]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]What you dont seem to understand is that the individual in question isnt just repackaging information and publishing it on website. Rowling herself encouraged that and supported fans contributing to it. However when it comes to publishing that site as website owner's own "original" work, then the matter is not so clear cut. You seem to be willing to overlook that part of it. Publishing a book of facts and quotes of the HP book without any approval from the author herself, especially when that work will directly compete with a project from the author herself is clearly crossing the line into copyright infringement. Much like someone collecting all or your written works, reformatting them into a "Tribute to the Collected works of Farhad Manjoo", and then selling them through Amazon or Barnes and Noble. I'm sure you would be more than justified in taking offense such action. You'd probably, heaven forbid!, even consider legal action.
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BCS is rigged against minor conference schools.
[Read the article: King Kaufman's Sports Daily]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The BCS was never intended to do any more than it has done every year to date. Namely, pit two MAJOR conference teams in a championship game to end the college football season. Whether one or both of the teams are deserving in immaterial as long as they come from a major conference and can provide either a good game (such as USC/Texas) or generate controversy over who SHOULD have played(just about every other game). The PTB dont want anyone other than a major conference school in the game because it would detract attention from the money schools and that would cut into their profits. Hawaii could have been ranked in the number 4 slot and all the other teams ahead could have lost and they STILL would have been jumped. The system is rigged that way. No one from the major conferences wants a repeat of when BYU won the mythical national championship, regardless of how good the team may be. So all of the monor conference schools will just have to be happy with what little piece of the pie they get. The money schools will always find a way to shut them out. Sorry guys but money talks and the BcS marches to their orders.
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Fact Checking Clinton on Iraq = Clinton bashing
[Read the article: Fact-checking Clinton on Iraq]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]It's Clinton bashing when the writer only fact checks one candidate and not the other. Both of them have questionable statements and shifting positions on Iraq, yet Obama's are overlooked or glossed over while Clinton's are picked over like vultures over carrion. I'll be happy when writers are just as critical of Obama as they seem to be about Hillary.
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RE:In memory of Gordon Ramsay
[Read the article: In memory of Gordon Ramsay]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The American version of Gordon Ramsey is an example of how we dumb down television for our audiences. In England the audience gets to see that there is a reason for the bluster and get the point. Here all we want to know is that stuff elitist Brits like to yell and insult hapless but loveable Americans who try to overcome the harassment and succeed. We see this also in the other Fox show with an obnoxious British host - American Idol. Its gotten to the point where Simon doesnt even have to open his mouth before the audience starts booing, even though most of the time he gives to only honest and constructive, albeit caustic, criticism. American TV caters to stereotypes and stock characterization, and once that character is established we dont move beyond more than wanting to know if the person is good, and we should root for them, or bad, and we should root against them. At least that is what the suits who put these show on believe. I dont fault Ramsey or Simon Cowell for that matter for their participation, they at least understand the roles they play and for their part they play it to the hilt. They get paid very well for it too which allows them to them to get away from the American cameras and do shows that show their true talents without having to dumb it down for their audience.
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Did "crying rape" lead to murder?
[Read the article: Did "crying rape" lead to murder?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]"I'm more sympathetic to the woman. If her story is true (and I don't even think it is) then she said it to protect her own life. Clearly a mortal threat was involved!"
Even if the woman did feel a mortal threat that does not meam she is justified and directing that threat to another party. That act would negate any self defense claim since her actions deliberately put someone else's life in mortal danger.
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RE: Plouffe discusses Obama's map to victory
[Read the article: Plouffe discusses Obama's map to victory]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I wouldn't be to sure about the military vote this election cycle. The Democrats have gotten positive support from military families, in fact some polls show them giving more support to the Dems this cycle. Especially amongst the enlisted who are facing the brunt of the hardships not just from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but also economically on their families back home. The prospect of ending the conflict and coming home, and of increased benefits that Obama and a Democratic Congress could bring, could change enough traditional Republican voting patterns to boost Obama in a close election.