Category Archives: Freedom of Speech

Nearly Orwellian

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The Orwell Prize is Britain’s most prestigious award for writing. Each year a select committee awards the prize—actually four prizes—for work that aims to achieve George Orwell‘s goal “to make political writing into an art”. The long lists for the … Continue reading →

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Speaking of Pythons

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

A big tip of the hat to reader and contributor Evan Smythe for the link to this truly bizarre video from the former BBC television show Friday Night,Saturday Morning. Hosted by Tim Rice, the now famous lyricist, the episode was … Continue reading →

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It’s 1984 All Over Again

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

George Orwell’s groundbreaking novel 1984 is about to get a new movie make-over. Rumor has it that Imagine Entertainment, run by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, is developing a new take on Orwell’s iconic, dystopian classic. And, too add the … Continue reading →

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Photographers: Know Your Rights

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Actor/activist Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the Gregory Brothers and the ACLU have produced an entertaining and informative little video , with the assistance of the animated ghost of Benjamin Franklin, to inform photographers about their legal rights. This timely film applies to … Continue reading →

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Write For Rights

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Your words can shine a light on human rights abuses and help save lives. Join hundreds of thousands of caring individuals around the world by participating in Amnesty International’s Write For Rights Global Write-a-thon December 3rd through 11th. This year … Continue reading →

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Let Them Eat Pie

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Brian D. Butler
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Occupy Libraries

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Related articles With Zuccotti Park Cleared, Occupy Los Angeles Is Estimated to Be the Largest Camp Left Standing (laist.com) The Last Big City with an Occupy Camp: What’s Los Angeles to Do? (time.com)

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American Censorship Day

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Today the United States Congress begins holding hearings on the first significant U.S. Internet censorship legislation. If this very scary bill passes, the Internet will never be the same. We are on the precipice of a new era of repression … Continue reading →

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Build A People’s Library

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

The Occupy Wall Street People’s Library blog has been encouraging Occupy sympathizers to create their very own “people’s libraries” in their own communities and neighborhoods. The OWS Library is suggesting that like-minded folks search-out “privately owned public spaces” in their … Continue reading →

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Banned Books : the videos

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

This year to mark Banned Books Week more than 650 videos of people reading from notorious banned books were posted on YouTube. Between September 24 and October 1st, videos by authors, students, celebrities, bookstore staff and booklovers were recorded for the … Continue reading →

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