Michael Moore on "5 Broken Cameras" director's LAX ordeal: It doesn't compare to Palestinians' "daily humiliation"

LOSD ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Michael Moore said that Oscar-nominated Palestinian filmmaker Emad Burnat's ordeal with immigration officials on Tuesday demonstrates that the United States is overly strict when it comes to greeting foreign visitors, particularly people of color.

"If he'd been a white guy he wouldn't have to go through that in our 'post-racial' America," Moore, the Oscar-winning director of "Bowling for Columbine," told TheWrap via email.

Burnat, whose film "5 Broken Cameras" is up for a Best Documentary Academy Award, was held for questioning by immigration officials at Los Angeles International Airport and was asked to produce evidence that he was, indeed, invited to attend Sunday's ceremony. The director and his family were grilled for an more than an hour, he said, while authorities repeatedly suggested he might be sent back to his native country.

Moore, who is a governor in the Academy's documentary branch and an outspoken supporter of Burnat's film, intervened after receiving a text message from the director.

On his blog, Moore wrote that he contacted officials at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, which produces the Oscars, who in turn enlisted the organization's attorney. Moore called the State Department in Washington and told Burnat to have the officials call him so he could verify that he was an Oscar nominee and shouldn't be deported.

"5 Broken Cameras" centers on a Palestinian farmer who lives on the border of an Israeli settlement, and both Burnat and Moore likened the questioning by officials to the daily experience of living under an often oppressive regime.

"Although this was an unpleasant experience, this is a daily occurrence for Palestinians, every single day, throughout the West Bank," Burnat said in a statement to TheWrap. "There are more than 500 Israeli checkpoints, roadblocks, and other barriers to movement across our land, and not a single one of us has been spared the experience that my family and I experienced yesterday. Ours was a very minor example of what my people face every day."

Moore echoed those statements in an interview with TheWrap and also spoke about "5 Broken Cameras" chances of victory at the Oscars where it will go up against such acclaimed documentaries as "How to Survive a Plague" and "Searching for Sugar Man."

What does Burnat's detention say about the way we our country treats foreign visitors?

We have reacted with unnecessary paranoia and as a result foreign visitors first encounter with an American - the immigration officer - is not that pleasant.

Are there parallels between his treatment and that of Palestinians in the West Bank?

He has spoken to this point in his statement today. What happened at LAX last night is actually pretty minor compared to the daily humiliation he and others suffer in the Palestinian territories.

Do you think Burnat is owed an apology by Immigration officials?

Yes.

Assuming he won't get one, I've already apologized on behalf of the rest of us.

You said on Twitter that part of the problem was that immigration officials could not believe a Palestinian was nominated for an Oscar - why do you believe that?

I was being slightly sarcastic. But I'm sure if he'd been a white guy he wouldn't have to go through that in our "post-racial" America.

Do you think "5 Broken Cameras" Oscar chances are?

Thanks to the changes the Doc branch made this year where everyone in the branch got to vote to select the five nominees, the five nominated films are some of the best work we've seen in years. And now that we convinced the Academy to let all 6,000 members vote, I'd say the race is too close to call.

What is your critical assessment of the film?

This is not only one of the best docs of the year, it's one of the best movies. It's a powerful film, co-directed by a Palestinian and an Israeli. It's the first Palestinian film to be nominated for Best Documentary. That makes it an historic moment for the Academy and for movie lovers everywhere. For that alone, he should have receives roses and an official welcome at LAX, not the detention room.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/michael-moore-5-broken-cameras-directors-lax-ordeal-014122761.html

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Chicago district disappointed in ex-congressman

CHICAGO (AP) ? Residents in this swath of sprawling Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs have brimmed with loyalty to Jesse Jackson Jr. over the past 17 years, giving him an enthusiastic majority each election ? even after questionable links to ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, reports of an extramarital affair and a bizarre five-month medical leave.

But the former congressman's guilty plea to charges that he lived off and lavishly spent campaign money for personal use ? on everything from toilet paper to mink capes ? has turned the tide. In territory where it was difficult to scrape up any criticism of Jackson, his Chicago alderman wife or his famous civil rights leader father, the mood is now simply one of disappointment.

"He knew better; it was a very stupid thing to do," said 75-year-old Jeannette Reese, shaking her head as she grocery-shopped at a busy shopping complex. "He and his father came to our church. I thought he was the real thing."

Reese said she had voted for the younger Jackson for years.

Jackson, who resigned from office in November, pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in Washington to criminal charges that he engaged in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. He faces up to 57 months ? more than four years ? in prison and a fine, under a plea deal with prosecutors.

It was an emotional day for Jackson, 47, who held back tears as he addressed the federal judge, just hours before his wife pleaded guilty to filing false joint federal income tax returns that knowingly understated the income the couple received. She faces up to two years in prison and a fine.

"I did these things," Jackson told the judge, adding later, "Sir, for years I lived in my campaign."

Jackson first won office in a 1995 special election and developed widespread support from mayors who said he delivered and constituents who valued his family legacy and said he gave them a voice. That support persevered even through an intense primary challenge last year from former one-term U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson who made Jackson's ethical troubles central to her campaign. He came away with the easy majority even as he remained under a House Ethics Committee investigation for ties to Blagojevich, who's serving a federal prison sentence on allegations that he tried to profit from President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate Seat.

Even the most loyal Jackson supporters who praised him for bringing home nearly $1 billion in federal funding to the district were rattled.

"I hate that circumstances ended up like they did," said Ford Heights Mayor Charles Griffin. His small community south of Chicago ? one of Illinois' poorest ? got a boost in its water system because of Jackson.

Still, Griffin did not want to pile on criticism. "His situation is between the court system and the family," the mayor said.

Next week, voters in the heavily Democratic district head to the polls in a special primary to replace him. The crowded field of candidates includes Halvorson, former state Rep. Robin Kelly and Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale.

Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced June 28 and his wife on July 1. Both Jacksons, who maintain homes in Washington and Chicago, are free until sentencing.

More details emerged in a 22-page statement compiled by prosecutors and filed Wednesday. In it, Jackson admitted that he and his wife used campaign credit cards to buy thousands of personal items worth $582,772.58 from 2005 through April of last year. The most lavish purchases included the spending of more than $43,000 on a gold-plated men's Rolex watch.

Court papers said more than $60,000 was shelled out for restaurant, nightclub and lounge outings. Money was also spent on a washer, a dryer, a range and a refrigerator for the Jacksons' Chicago home.

Jackson even arranged for the use of campaign money to buy two mounted elk heads for his congressional office, according to court documents.

Jackson entered the courtroom Wednesday holding hands with his wife and looking a bit dazzled as he surveyed the packed room. He kissed his wife and headed to the defense table.

After the hearing he shouted to a reporter: "Tell everybody back home I'm sorry I let them down, OK?"

The Chicago Democrat disappeared from the public eye last June for a medical leave, though details on his condition and location were always scarce. Doctors later said he suffers from bipolar disorder and was hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

His attorney said after the court appearance that Jackson's health is "not an excuse" for his actions, "just a fact." Jackson's father has said that his son remains under strict medical supervision.

One attorney, Reid Weingarten, told reporters after the hearing that there's reason for optimism.

"A man that talented, a man that devoted to public service, a man who's done so much for so many, has another day," he said. "There will be another chapter in Jesse Jackson's life."

___

Associated Press writers Frederic J. Frommer and Pete Yost in Washington contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/chicago-district-disappointed-ex-congressman-081448785.html

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Florida lawmakers apologizing to Canada for road rage

Tim Graham / Tim Graham

Traffic on the highway heading out of Miami at Opa Locka Boulevard, Florida, United States of America

By Andrew Rafferty, Staff Writer, NBC News

The Canadian Automobile Association is warning their members to take special precautions when traveling internationally ? to Florida.

That's because the Sunshine State last year passed a largely unnoticed law that requires foreign drivers to own largely-unused "international driver's permits" from their home country.

?The legislation, which went into effect January 1, was intended to make sure all Florida drivers held a license translated into English.

But it also meant scores of snowbirds flew down from the Great North in 2013 not knowing they were breaking the law.?

---

Florida lawmakers are apologizing to Canadians, British and other English-speaking countries that have been unintentionally targeted as a result of the law, and Florida's Highway Patrol has suspended its enforcement.

Still, there are questions about the impact on car rentals and insurance coverage for foreigners driving in the state. The state's tourism website, Visit Florida, is urging visitors to consult with an "in-country travel professional for guidance."

That's why the CAA, Canada's version of AAA, has on the homepage of its website guidelines for the new law and FAQ on how to obtain an international driver's license, which costs $25.

"Until the law is changed, we continue to recommend Canadians traveling to Florida should consider obtaining an IDP," the site reads.

That change could come soon, as state officials are quickly realizing some of the unwanted consequences of the bill.

"We will work with the legislature to amend the law this year so it does not burden international visitors to our state, who make up an important part of our tourism industry,"?said?John Tupps, deputy press secretary for Florida Gov. Rick Scott, on Tuesday.

Florida state Rep. Ben Albritton, a Republican, introduced the bill with the intention of making things easier on Motor Vehicle employees who regularly deal with identification from foreign lands.

"This one I just missed. I want to tell the people in Canada I am sorry," Albritton told the Tampa Bay Times. "If I messed something up, I am man enough to fix it."

Canada topped all other countries in travel to Florida in 2011 with more than 3 million visitors there. Another English speaking country, The United Kingdom, ranks third on the list with 1.3 million visitors.

Tourism spending in the state totaled $67.2 billion in 2011.

It is unclear when the law will be officially amended.

Source: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/19/17021828-florida-lawmakers-apologizing-to-canada-for-road-rage

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Audio Technica ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint

There's no shortage of similar-looking noise-canceling headphones on the market, and the Audio Technica ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint does little to separate itself from the group visually. Sonically, the $349.95 (list) headphones pack powerful bass response, and can be used in passive mode (without noise cancellation engaged) something that cannot be said of Bose's standard-setting QuietComfort line. The QuietPoint also delivers distortion-free audio, even at maximum volumes. The noise cancellation circuitry in the QuietPoint is decent, but can't match leaders, like the less-expensive Bose QuietComfort 15, making its price seem slightly inflated.

Design
The design and construction of the QuietPoint is anything but flashy?simple matte black plastic and memory foam cushioned-ear pads form a lightweight, comfortable fit. The headband adjusts with less ease than you might want, but it has built-in stops that make it easy to precisely adjust it and keep it in place. The ear cups swivel and fold down flat into the included hard-shell zip-case.?

The QuietPoint features a removable cable, and ships with two options?one with built-in phone controls and one without. Both cables terminate in a 3.5mm connection, and a ?-inch adapter and airplane jack adapter are also included. Call clarity through the microphone was fine in my tests.

The headphones run on a single AAA battery, but we'd rather see a rechargeable option here. There are, at least, rechargeable AAA battery options available. Audio Technica rates the QuietPoint's battery life at up to 35 hours for the included Lithium AAA battery, 25 hours for an alkaline AAA battery, and 20 hours for rechargeable options.

Performance
The QuietPoint handles intense low frequencies quite well?on tracks with challenging sub-bass frequencies, like the Knife's "Silent Shout," the QuietPoint does not distort in the slightest. This is true for both passive and active modes, though the active mode (battery and noise cancellation activated) offers much more low frequency presence. Part of the reason there's no distortion is the QuietPoint doesn't get quite as loud as most powerful headphones in this price range, like say, the Beats by Dr. Dre Executive?therefore, the drivers can be pushed to the brink of distortion without ever budging. This is not to say the headphones are weak?the QuietPoint still gets very loud.

As should be expected, the difference between active and passive modes, sonically, is quite noticeable. Not just the bass response, but also high frequencies, are significantly boosted when the battery and noise cancellation are engaged. And the bass is intense. Bass lovers will enjoy the QuietPoint's sound signature, which is not exactly flat response?it's very sculpted. I actually preferred the passive mode for listening at times?some bass-heavy music and mixes sounded a bit more toned down, less sculpted.

On vocal-driven tracks, like Bill Callahan's "Drover," his baritone delivery is pleasantly laced with a treble edge when the headphones are in active mode. The percussion also jumps from the background to the forefront, with the significantly boosted bass lending some extra thunder and rumble. Luckily, the treble boost ensures things don't get too muddy, helping to add definition to the seriously-enhanced low-end. In passive mode, things sound more natural and toned down?Callahan's voice has less edge to it, however, and though the drums sounds less over-the-top, the overall mix can sound a tad murky.

Passive mode is a bit more graceful with classical tracks, like John Adams' "The Chairman Dances," articulating the various frequency ranges clearly. The lower register strings aren't under-represented, they still pack a nice, subtle resonance. In active mode, the track begins substantially brighter, crisper, while the large drum hits at the end of piece become seriously deep and heavy. It's a matter of taste which mode you will prefer?they are pretty dissimilar, but both offer distortion-free listening. Neither delivers the type of flat-response audiophiles and purists seek out.

There are three uniquely tuned modes for the noise cancellation: Airplane, Office, and Study. We weren't able to test the pair on a plane, but each mode is designed to focus on the band of frequencies in those specifics environments that needs the most cancellation.

Regardless of this interesting feature, the noise cancellation itself is not quite on par with similarly priced options, like the Bose QuietComfort 15. Simply put, while the circuitry does a good job of eliminating wide bands of ambient noise, it also introduces a very noticeable high frequency hiss. It's not unpleasant?it sounds like tape hiss?but this is the mark of medium-grade noise cancellation, and you won't hear it on Bose QuietComfort pairs.

Also, when testing the noise cancellation circuitry in my apartment, if a large truck drove by, I'd notice that the headphones' mics would occasionally pick up its low rumble and, oddly enough, send it through the in-ear mix. Noise cancellation is only effective for ambient, consistent noise?say, the whir of an AC unit?it's not intended to eliminate transient noises like office chatter or the aforementioned truck, but it's certainly not meant to draw attention to them, either.

Still, if you're listening to music, you'll never notice this minor glitch?it is slight enough that it was only barely noticeable when noise cancellation is activated, but music isn't playing.

If your priorities are noise cancellation first, audio performance second, the QuietPoint is not for you, and your search should probably begin with the Bose lineup. If you're looking for a great-sounding pair of circumaural headphones, however, that happen to include some decent noise cancellation, the QuietPoint is definitely a worthy option. Our most-recent favorite in this category, the AKG K 490 NC, manages to be both sonically excellent and provide strong noise cancellation. For a fraction of the cost, the Able Planet Clear Harmony NC1050 delivers performance that's comparable to the QuietPoint.

More Headphone Reviews:
??? Audio Technica ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint
??? Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
??? Skullcandy PLYR 2 Gaming Headset
??? Mad Catz F.R.E.Q. 5 Gaming Headset
??? Munitio SV
?? more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/gXSocOqSvdg/0,2817,2415461,00.asp

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David Tisch, Brad Feld, Gary Vaynerchuk & Others Put $1 Million Into Vengo, The Mini Vending Machines From TaxiTreats Maker

Vengo, the maker of mini vending machines for bars, restaurants and offices, has raised $1 million in seed funding from a number of New York-area investors and others, including David Tisch (BoxGroup), Brad Feld, The Richport Group (chaired by Marc Anthony), Joanne Wilson, Gary Vaynerchuk, the NYU Innovation Fund, FunBars, RSL Ventures (Ronald Lauder), Mark Wachen, and others.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/eE8ZZd65qks/

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Google and Intuit get Virginia small business online - Roanoke Free ...

Workshop attendees with online presence raise their hand.

It was a packed house for both workshops held at the Taubman Museum of Art Tuesday. There were 60 computers sitting ready for two sessions aimed at getting small businesses with no Internet presence online for the first time. Extra tables had to be set up to accommodate as many as 100 people for the second workshop.

Sue and Brittany Staley came from Martinsville. They purchased Hidden Valley Farmz. Sue said they hoped to get a website up to showcase their all natural farm. ?We?re trying to get people out to see what they are putting on their table.?

The workshop was free and Intuit offered a free website for up to 3 pages for one year. After the initial year the business would pay $6.99 a month if they decide to keep it. The offer is still available at VirginiaGetOnline.com for businesses still wanting to take advantage of the offer.

Google came to Roanoke in response to a request by Congressman Bob Goodlatte. Goodlatte was a guest speaker at the second workshop. He served as past Chairman of the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet. Congress is currently working on legislation that would require online businesses to collect sales tax for goods sold across state lines. Online business currently only collect sales tax in the state where they reside.

Goodlatte will support online sales tax legislation but as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee he told attendees that he will insist that it be make ?as simple and seamless for [businesses] online.? He made the point that with all states having differing requirements for collecting sales tax it would create a collection nightmare for online retailers.

Cracking down on criminal activity on the Internet is another effort Congress needs to undertake. The ?trust factor? is an important for businesses. ?People won?t do business with you unless they trust you,? said Goodlatte.

Sue and Brittany Staley of Martinsville prepare for workshop.

Becca Ginsberg, Communications Manager for Virginia Get Your Business Online said that their research showed that 97 percent of users go online to look for local products and services. In Virginia 45 percent of all businesses do not have a website. ?A quarter of those are completely invisible online,? she said.

Ginsberg said she has heard from business who are intimidated by the Internet and perceive a website as being too time consuming. ?They just haven?t taken that step to do it.?

Businesses attending the workshop will have a website by the end of the session she said. They were told to bring pictures and think of what they wanted to say on their new website. Businesses without a website are at a disadvantage as more and more people search for services and goods online. ?If they don?t find you online they?ll go to the next business,? said Ginsberg.

Soo Young Kim, the Head of Marketing for VGYBO said those who come to the workshop prepared will have their website up in 60-90 minutes with no coding using Intuit?s Sitebuilder tool. ?If businesses aren?t online consumers can?t find them ? especially those with no storefront and businesses grow 40 percent faster when they are online.?

Later Congressman Goodlatte expanded on the sales tax legislation that Virginia hopes to tap for its transportation needs. He has conveyed to Governor Bob McDonnell who has included online sales tax revenue for his transportation plan based on congressional action that there is no timeline. ?It has a long way to go,? said Goodlatte. ?My initial reaction is that there is more work to be done to make sure that the businesses are treated fairly.?

Congressman Bob Goodlatte speaks to workshop attendees.

Red tape has to be eliminated he said. There is both legislation to exempt small businesses and there is legislation to require them to be more streamlined. ?I frankly prefer that all businesses be treated the same,? said Goodlatte. He favors all business participate in a streamlined system. Small businesses would have one sales tax for Virginia transactions and one sales tax for their interstate transactions.

Goodlatte said consideration for businesses not online needs to be considered. Different states have different kinds of paperwork and some give kickbacks. All that needs to be worked out with the 45 states that have a sales tax. ?You don?t have a representative in [another state's] legislature to go and complain like you do here in Virginia.?

Businesses online currently have a sales tax advantage over ?brick and mortar? businesses. On the flip side online businesses have shipping costs to contend with said Goodlatte. ?This legislation is not going to move anytime soon,? he said. There needs to be some compact between the states for it to move forward before Goodlatte would support it. ?That is a significant concern of mine.?

Source: http://www.roanokefreepress.com/google-and-intuit-get-virginia-small-business-online/

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Govt moves to block 55 Facebook pages on Afzal Guru

Govt moves to block 55 Facebook pages on Afzal Guru

The list of 55 Facebook pages includes several support
groups and fan pages for Afzal Guru.

NEW DELHI: The government has asked internet service providers to block 55 Facebook pages related to Afzal Guru. The notice by the Department of Telecom was issued a day before internet services were restored in Kashmir Valley after remaining suspended for a week following Afzal's hanging. It was on the same day, February 14, that the notice ordering ISPs to block 73 web pages with content relating to a private management college, Indian Institute of Planning and Management, was issued.

Afzal Guru was convicted for his role in the December 2001 Parliament attack and hanged earlier this month. His hanging set off a spate of protests in Kashmir despite a week-long curfew in the Valley.

The list of 55 Facebook pages includes several support groups and fan pages for Afzal Guru in addition to a profile page of a Bahraini journalist and the Facebook page of a Kashmiri news portal.

The DoT spokesperson could not say who had requested for these pages to be blocked. Group coordinator on cyber laws, Gulshan Rai, who is authorized to send out block notices to ISPs could not be reached for comment.

The notice was not made public by the DoT. The IT Rules introduced in 2009 prohibit disclosure about processes involved in blocking of internet sites.

Delhi-based lawyer Apar Gupta said the move seemed to be "calculated" since it came just before restoration of internet services in the Valley. "Legally speaking, some of the pages for which the block has been called speak of avenging Guru's death. However, the notice does not specify the reasons why the block has been ordered. It gives an impression that the government has something to hide," said Gupta. "The government seems to be growing reliant on blocking as a mode of governance, which is worrying, said cyber lawyer Pavan Duggal.

Source: http://forum.santabanta.com/showthread.htm?314741-Govt-moves-to-block-55-Facebook-pages-on-Afzal-Guru&goto=newpost

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