Today, Fox News had a story about the growing interest of Americans who are now taking to their gardens

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to produce their own tobacco versus paying ever-increasing taxes on cigarettes.  Most who were interviewed say they’re going to challenge their green thumbs to offset the effects of the recession and the $1.60+ tax hike smokers have seen this year alone.  In another story, Time Warner sealed its deal with YouTube that will allow the video site to host movies and television shows owned by the media conglomerate.  Although Phillip Morris USA may not have much to worry about with the sudden interest in home gardeners, satellite providers such as DirecTV and Dish Network may not be so lucky.

With Netflix releasing its “On Demand” feature earlier this year, millions suddenly had instant access to thousands of television shows, movies from every decade and even talk shows.  It’s not even necessary to wait for the arrival of the DVDs - browse through the vast library and click “Play”, and suddenly, you’re watch Cary Grant and Jeanne Crain in “People Will Talk”.  The major money makers that are still churning profits for the networks are available too: Law & Order, CSI - you name it, odds are, you can watch it whenever you want.  Oh, and did I mention you can do this for less than $10 a month?  Of course, there are those shows that are available on television that haven’t been released for online viewing, but Time Warner’s announcement might close that gap. 

Other online avenues, such as Fancast, Hulu and Joost are reporting thousands of new fans each month - and their sites are absolutely free.  You can watch every season of “The Hills”, “House” and other favorites.  Every season of the classic “Alfred Hitchcock Hour” from the 1960s is available too.

So what does this mean for the two major satellite companies who seem to raise their rates each time you open the new month’s statement?  Is it possible to tax online television or is too late?  And what about the big lawsuits from several years ago when the music industry was in an uproar over stolen music that was downloaded millions of times?   Does this mean more changes are in store for this sector of the entertainment industry and its online presence?  iTunes already offers television shows through its site.

Clearly, in these ever-evolving online lives we lead,  it appears we’ll be spending even more time in front of our monitors watching our favorite shows minus the $100+ satellite bills and smoking cigarettes that were grown in our own backyards for pennies of what we would’ve paid at the corner store.

You gotta love a southern gal who refuses to bite her tongue.  Angie Harmon found herself defending her displeasure once again with the way the country’s being run by President Obama.  The fact anyone would have to defend his or her stand on the state of this country flies in the face of what this same country is built on.  She’s been accused of being racist because she voiced her displeasure with some of the decisions made by the Obama administration.  Harmon’s always been outspoken in all things political, and even when I find myself biting my tongue to keep from stirring the hornet’s nest, I quietly sit back and think, “You go, girl”.  When asked for a comment by Fox News, she clearly had a bellyful and unleased what she’s obviously  been holding back, “Here’s my problem with this, I’m just going to come out and say it.  If I have anything to say against Obama, it’s not because I’m a racist, it’s because I don’t like what he’s doing as President and anybody should be able to feel that way, but what I find now is that if you say anything against him, you’re called a racist.  But it has nothing to do with it, I don’t care what color he is.  I’m just not

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crazy about what he’s doing and I heard all about this, and he’s gonna do that and change and change…so okay….I’m still dressing for a recession over here buddy and we’ve got unemployment at an all time high and that was his number one thing and that’s the thing I really don’t appreciate.  If I’m going to disagree with my President, that doesn’t make me racist.  If I was to disagree with W, that doesn’t make me racist.  It has nothing to do with it, it’s is ridiculous.”

Anyone who’s ever seen her in an interview knows she probably didn’t stop to catch her breath - in true Harmon form, if it’s on her mind, it’s on her tongue. 

With such across the board statements we heard after the election that the new President’s arrival in the Oval Office would eradicate racism simply hasn’t panned out (And why would anyone think it would?).  Maybe it’s because racism goes far deeper than one man who happens to hold the highest office in the country.  Is racism alive and kicking?  Unfortunately, it is.  But to disagree - keep in mind, there’s a big difference in ‘disagree’ and ‘disrespect’ - with any decisions or policies any president makes should simply indicate the fact we live in a country that makes it absolutely acceptable.  It’s not indicative of racism.  Period. 

There are many who would disagree with President Obama regardless of what he was doing in office - but it has nothing to do with race and has everything to do with loyalty, albeit displaced at times, to the political party.  Just as President Bush had those who vehemently disagreed with all of his policies, there were some who admittedly did so simply because he is Republican.  How many times have we said, “Aw, c’mon…you know if the Republicans had control, that never would’ve come to pass” or “A Democrat would never have allowed that.” 

I’m wondering why Harmon’s vocal approval and insistence that Sarah Palin would have made an excellent vice president doesn’t have folks pointing and yelling, “Feminist!  Feminist!”

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