He is actually quite the philanthropist and oceanographer. Much more than just making movies. I don't believe he think's he's king of the world. I've never read of him or hear him saying this once. From my recollection, he's actually very humble. As for Ballard, him and Cameron work very closely together. They are both accomplished oceanographers. It was Ballard who loaned the equipment to Cameron to film the Abyss and Titanic. I'm fairly certain he is involved with this submersible project as well.
I don't understand your apprehension with this project. Exploring the ocean is a true 21st century frontier. Cameron will be bringing all the world shots of the deepest parts of the big blue, in glorious 3D IMAX. What a fucking ego whore huh?
If Avatar is Pocahontas, then 2001 Space Odyssey is a western about a lonestar cowboy and his unfaithful companion. Oh and Star Wars is just some Russian opera.
Old stories get retold in new ways every time a story is told. They're all ripoffs of each other. Besides, Avatar never ripped off Pocahontas. It was obviously a Dances with Wolves space adaptation.
This is an absurd analogy. The ISP is a service provider who sells access to the services provided on their cable wire. Part of that agreement is an expectation of data privacy. A common home owner isn't exactly selling the services of his house. The residents are responsible for their own security. You already knew this though. Why you are trying to mix up commercial and residential expectations is beyond me.
It is okay for the ISP to be fined because they are a BUSINESS selling the SERVICES of their property to the PUBLIC.
You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred. -- Superchicken