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  • Jakob Renner

Captain Planet vs Swat Kats Apr 22, 2015

Growing up in the 90's, Captain Planet and the Planeteers (1990-1996) was one of the harder TV programs to avoid watching. Created by Ted Turner to "teach" environmentalism, this show is mostly remembered for the cheesiness of its title character. I, however, remember Captain Planet for the cartoon's collectivism, lack of subtly, simplicity and pontification. The primere episode of Capian Planet shows Gaia, the spirit of the earth, unable to handle the destruction of the environment. She sends magic rings with the power to summon Captian Planet to 5 teenagers: Gi from Asia, Kawme from Africa, Wheeler from North America, Ma-ti from South America and Linka from Russia. These...

By Jakob Renner Vote3 7

Jefferson Memorial: Monument To The State Feb 25, 2015

The Jefferson Memorial, completed in 1943, is one of the most popular attractions in Washington D.C.. Built officially to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's birth, this monument supposedly celebrates Jefferson's writings and ideas. In reality, this memorial is not unlike the Arc De Triumph in Paris or the pyramids in Egypt, in that these symbols  are all tools of State propaganda. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt proposed the Memorial in 1934. There is reason to believe his motives were less then honorable. In 1925, FDR wrote a review for Claude Bowers'* book: Jefferson and Hamilton: The Struggle for Democracy in America (1925).  Bowers' book...

By Jakob Renner Vote12 3

Government: Handicapping The Handicapped Jan 31, 2015

Disability, whether from complications at birth, accidental or gradual deterioration over time can create challenges for people depending on specific physical or mental effects as well as the severity of the condition. Personally, I deal with cerebral palsy, which presents its own unique set of challenges. However, the one challenge all people with disabilities share is government intervention. Why is that a challenge some may ask? Government programs provide schooling, vocational rehabilitation services, sources of income, health insurance, transportation, housing programs and other types of assistance and care for people with disability.  After all, doesn't the government represent a caring society? Well, then, shouldn't all people with disabilities embrace the government? My answer...

By Jakob Renner Vote7 0

The Entrepeneurship Of Sam Cooke Dec 11, 2014

"Sam Cooke, there'll never be another like that soul brother."-James Brown Sam Cooke (January 22nd 1931-December 11 1964) was one of the most popular recording artists of the late 50's and early 60's. Having produced 30 top 40 hits from 1957-64 including  You Send Me,  Wonderful World,  Chain Gang,  Bring It On Home To Me,  Twisting The Night Away and  Another Saturday Night, the performances of Cooke was to  inspire artists such as The Temptations, Otis Redding, Ben E King, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Al Green, Rod Stewart and Steve Perry. Along with being "The Man Who Invented Soul", Cooke founded his own record and...

By Jakob Renner Vote8 4

Iwao Takamoto: Master Animator Despite the State Oct 27, 2014

  In the wake of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 authorizing the interment of 110,000 Japanese Americans.*  Fresh out of high school, Iwao Takamoto was shipped off to the Manzanar Camp in California. Takamoto recalls being issued a knapsack and a blanket and shown a haystack which was to serve as his bed. In an effort deal with the circumstances, Takamoto would draw.  With the encouragement of fellow inmates, Takamoto resolved to become an animator. Upon his release in 1945, Takammoto interviewed for a position at Walt Disney studios. According to cartoon research, "When he phoned to schedule an interview, the woman...

By Jakob Renner Vote2 0

Fighting The Feds With Food Oct 27, 2014

"Laws are like sausages. It's better not to see them being made."- Otto Von Bismarck Fighting The Feds With Food Government intervention in food and beverage is a contentious issue, although to me it is not contentious at all.  Oh,Gee!  We, the people, are just too irresponsible with what we eat, drink or produce.  So to solve the problem, let's have a select group of people with their own special "interests" tell the rest of us what to consume, how to produce food and in what quantities to produce food.  Legislators in the United States have passed laws regarding products such as cheese, sausage, root beer and foie gras...

By Jakob Renner Vote4 1

Appreciating Russell Kirk Oct 19, 2014

Russell Kirk (October 19, 1918-April 29, 1994) was one of the most prominent conservative writers and philosophers of the 20th Century.  His writings, lectures and debates helped articulate conservative principles as well as counter pernicious progressive stereotypes post World War 2.  Kirk's philosophy was rooted in limited government and Christian humanism. Some readers may think "Muh Government" and  "Muh Constitution," but Kirk's writings address many subjects.  Anyone, regardless of ideology, can find a point of interest and appreication. Conservatism is very hard to define. According to Kirk, "Conservatism is the negation of ideology: it is a state of mind, a type of character, a way of looking at the...

By Jakob Renner Vote3 2

Animating for War Sep 27, 2014

Animating For War Animation is an incredible medium. With the stroke of a brush or the click of a mouse, animators can create images, characters, and perspectives, which could not possibly be duplicated in real life. This ability means animation can be very effective as a means for promotion or propaganda. In fact, during the 30's and 40's, America's major animation studios did their part to promote the war effort as well as serve as welcome entertainment for theater goers. It may be hard to see these beloved characters involved in the war effort, but propaganda takes many forms. Fleischer Brothers 1921-1942 Fleischer...

By Jakob Renner Vote4 3

Sherlock Holmes and the Beauty of Privatization Sep 1, 2014

  Sherlock Holmes and the Beauty of Privatization.   Recently, I got into an argument on Facebook regarding police procedures. My opponent wrote about the need for new laws to address police brutality. I mentioned that I thought privatization was a better solution than passing new laws. I argued that direct payment would lead to greater respect between cops and customers. To address any concerns over costs, I suggested that each state should privatize their own police departments. Privatization creates competition and lessens cost.In response I was sent a meme with words positioned over a picture of Mitt Romney: "Why...

By Jakob Renner Vote8 4

Scrooge Mcduck the Greatest Capitalist Aug 21, 2014

        Scrooge McDuck The Greatest Capitalist     Frederic Bastiat, French historian and economist, wrote that frugality, foresight, and intelligence were keys to wealth. No character, fictional or otherwise, embodies these qualities better then Scrooge McDuck. Scrooge McDuck was a character created in 1947 by comic book icon Carl Barks and immortalized in the Ducktales"* series. McDuck made his fortune by being "smarter than the smarties and tougher than the toughies." He demonstated boundless energy and creativity, as well as a serious distrust for the State. Uncle Scrooge McDuck was the quintessential businessman!   As revealed in Ducktale's...

By Jakob Renner Vote6 5

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