hi, i am clownz.

Congress and the Re-Copyright Public Domain Drama

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:18:35 -0500

image from wikipedia

Thanks to this little agreement called the Berne Convention the Supreme Court granted the right for public domain works to be re-copyrighted. Apparently the world is bigger than we thought, and in other countries those works are still under copyright and because the USA is friendly to those nations the US simply says, sorry you can’t use that public domain work, insert snicker here.

So thanks to this, Congress can take books, musical compositions and other works out of the public domain. This is going to be a huge problem for any company that relies on this for their livelihood.

Justice Ginsberg had this to say “some restriction on expression is the inherent and intended effect of every grant of copyright.”

With a wonderful 6-2 rating it is the majority of the court felt “territory that works may never exit.” Justice Breyer and Justice Alito argued this is against the purpose of copyright because “does not encourage anyone to produce a single new work.” I’d have to agree. If I was a composer I would now be applying for unemployment because some of the most popular redone works are symphonies and orchestras. This is how strangulation of copyright kills new jobs and inhibits creativity. Even if you wanted to put a twist on a public domain work and make it modern you better now cough up some dough and pay some licensing fees to these overseas monopolist.

It is apparent that the Supreme Court favors copyright because it was only back in 2002 when it backed up Congress with the right to extend copyright of the life of the author + 50 years after death to the life of the author + a staggering 70 years after death. The top court Justice Kagan felt it was more important for Congress to comply with an international treaty to recopyright these works. Yep and people we still have ACTA coming our way as well.

Take this SOPA and PIPA!

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:24:37 -0500

Take this SOPA and PIPA!

MPAA Directly & Publicly Threatens Politicians Who Aren't Corrupt Enough To Stay Bought

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:14:29 -0500

MPAA Directly & Publicly Threatens Politicians Who Aren't Corrupt Enough To Stay Bought:

wilwheaton:

Reinforcing the fact that Chris Dodd really does not get what’s happening, and showing just how disgustingly corrupt the MPAA relationship is with politicians, Chris Dodd went on Fox News to explicitly threaten politicians who accept MPAA campaign donations that they’d better pass Hollywood’s favorite legislation… or else:

“Those who count on quote ‘Hollywood’ for support need to understand that this industry is watching very carefully who’s going to stand up for them when their job is at stake. Don’t ask me to write a check for you when you think your job is at risk and then don’t pay any attention to me when my job is at stake,”

This certainly follows what many people assumed was happening, and fits with the anonymous comments from studio execs that they will stop contributing to Obama, but to be so blatant about this kind of corruption and money-for-laws politics in the face of an extremely angry public is a really, really, really tone deaf response from Dodd.

Wow. Chris Dodd is not only an asshole, he’s a stupid, tone deaf asshole. And so are all the asshole Democrats who are on the wrong side of this issue because they want money from Hollywood. Guess what, Democrats? You’re finally starting to reclaim the populist mantle that could help you win back congress and keep the White House. You may want to, you know, get on the right side of public opinion you idiots.

It shows, yet again, that he just doesn’t get it. People were protesting not just because of the content of these bills, but because of the corrupt process of big industries like Dodd’s “buying” politicians and “buying” laws. To then come out and make that threat explicit isn’t a way to fix things or win back the public. It’s just going to get them more upset, and to recognize just how corrupt this process is. If Dodd, as he said in yesterday’s NY Times, really wanted to turn things around and come to a more reasonable result, this is exactly how not to do it

Not that it matters, and not that I’m some kind of rich mogul, but I’ll say this again: I have lost more money to creative accounting, and American workers have lost more jobs to runaway production, than anything associated with what the MPAA calls piracy. Chris Dodd is lying about piracy costing us jobs. Hollywood’s refusal to adapt to changing times is what’s costing the studios money. That’s it.

So Sen Ted Lieu..really?

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 07:11:25 -0500

I am recently disappointed with the decision by Sen. Ted Lieu to publicly use his position to try and influence and corporation to keep ads on a TLC tv show. It’s not because I side with either side of the fence on the show, rather this is America and one is given the right to choose whether to place an ad on a show or not. It is in no way the governments business whether a company withdraws ads or not. In the end, the people will influence the company the most by their shopping habits. Those upset with Lowes decision can simply choose not to shop there, those happy with it can shop there.

It all comes down to consumer choices. By the way, Lowes wasn’t the only one who decided to pull the ad. Unfortunately this gave the Rush Card ample opportunity to advertise and be outspoken which will give it more word of mouth reviews than any other prepaid card at the moment.

If you view Sen. Ted Lieu’s twitter you can see all the happy and angry comments he has gotten thus far at http://twitter/com/tedlieu . What really bugs me is if he’s willing to do this for one situation now he put himself in a predicament to do this in all situations. I simply asked him if he could now tell MTV their show Jersey Show and the term guido is discrimination and to date he has not responded. Rather, when asked if he is endorsed or friends with anyone at TLC he simply responded he likes the Colbert report and would support the Colbert PAC… quite a sense of humor on a serious subject. I guess he needs to try and turn it around somehow.

oh well back to the land of twitter.

kitty got fragged

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:47:59 -0500

kitty got fragged

To Occupy or Not? #OWS

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 06:55:57 -0500

The mayor of L.A., Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, stated that OWS “awakened the country’s conscience.” Despite this fact he wants them evacuated by Monday 12:01 am and called for OWS to move on to sign more people and spread the message. The mayor gave no indication where he would like them to move on too, or how to spread the message but he wants the grass at city hall restored.

Disillusioned as it seems, I agree and I don’t agree. I think the OWS protesters have a right to keep peacefully assembling as long as no one is threatened by their presence. The biggest issue I have in this current state of affairs is that it feels like corporations control our politicians through lobbying efforts. OWS should focus attention and protest against corporate lobbying, corporate interests and ask for the resignation of wallstreet officials. OWS should also protest foreign owned interest in America, especially against any increase in foreign owned debt. I call this the “Fleecing of America”

With those priorities in order I believe the movement will be much more successful, however I am in no place to judge as I have not been out there protesting with the movement. My question is does the mayor have any political interest against occupy wallstreet?

popculturebrain: Couple Make Shot-for-Shot Remake of Full House...

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:07:31 -0500

popculturebrain:

Couple Make Shot-for-Shot Remake of Full House Credit Sequence (by laurdoll37)

When does occupy wallstreet know they won??

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 11:11:20 -0500

I really started putting a lot of thought into this whole occupy movement. I love the idea behind it, there is a true separation of wealth classes in this country and that needs to even out. The question is, when do we know occupy wallstreet and the occupy movements have become a success? The protesters are practicing peaceful occupation which I 100% support and agree with, but what is the real outcome? The movement is not to impeach/recount/or ask politicians to resign. It’s more about strength in numbers - we are tired of the separation of the classes, wealth struggles. No jobs, high student loans .. maybe I am missing something.

Its decentralized so there is no real “head” of the movement. Which further makes me believe that the people in the movement itself wont know if it has reached it’s successful point. I encourage more companies to feed / clothe / offer to help the protesters because everyone has the right to assemble peacefully. Unless wallstreet execs resign (which I doubt they will), I do not see Wallstreet changing. Politicians will start using the movement as an excuse to be elected. There has to be a point where people should be able to say, we made a difference, I have yet to see this happen except the talk on radio and tv with economic policies and beliefs, but no real suggestion on a “fix.”

The greatest benefit I see to the movement so far is that it has probably connected people on a social level, expanded friendships, encouraged and help support the local economy where these people are protesting all across America. I imagine, food sales, clothes sales, etc have increased due to the number of people. Capitalism is broken. Everyone argues a free market economy is the solution, free up the market more etc. I dont think with all the abuses of copyright law, patent laws and trade mark laws we’ll ever truly see the idea of a free market economy. It is heavily regulated to prevent infringement on multi billion dollar corporations. The real reason why Capitalism is broken is because of greed. Where there is Capitalism there will be greed, if its regulated in favor of companies over people, then people already lost. It needs to be re-evaluated, and regulated by the people and for the people, not against the people.

My minor solution to bring jobs back to America, tax companies so much for off-shoring labor to compensate for unemployment rates and welfare. Make it cheaper and more desiring for companies to bring these jobs back to America. American cannot compete with child labor unless we make some regulations against off-shoring it to countries that accept it as a way of life. Remember for the people and of the people… not for the corporations. That’s how we know we won.

This beats red light cameras. Check out how DeKalb County GA is...

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:19:16 -0400

This beats red light cameras. Check out how DeKalb County GA is handling speeders.

#BurgerKing Needle may have been in #Burger

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:27:51 -0400

According to a news article on The Huffington Post Army Staff Sgt. Clark Bartholomew bought a triple stacker burger and got a nasty surprise. First, his tongue was pierced by a supposed needle in the burger then he got hospitalized for six days because they found a second needle in his small intestine. The staff sgt has filed a lawsuit against burger king in Hawaii where it happened. So far, Burger King has not made any comments about the lawsuit.

I really question the quality of fast foods, rather the FDA’s job in ensuring foods are safe for consumption. I wonder how he can prove he got the needle inside him from the burger if he already ate the evidence.

Google kills off Buzz, its ill-fated social network

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:54:28 -0400

Google kills off Buzz, its ill-fated social network:

Goodbye Google Buzz, I hope Google+ will last.

#OccupyTampa - Is City Council trying to ban them?

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:16:18 -0400

So far according to occupytampa.org things seem to be going well. Of course they need some donations, but it appears now city council might be trying to pass legislation that prevents them from peacefully protesting.

“Mr. Cline has been in contact with city officials, who informed him that the city attorney’s office is drafting legislation to present to the Tampa City Council. The legislation concerns the legality of occupying parks and public spaces, such as sidewalks. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is actively seeking to prevent this legislation in its current form. The proposed changes to the drafted legislation are being submitted to City Council for approval as soon as Monday (17 October 2011). Occupy Tampa is requesting public notice of the date when the Tampa City Council will debate this proposal, so that the public will be provided time to organize and attend the hearing. If Mayor Buckhorn chooses to ratify this legislation, which restricts our First Amendment rights, Occupy Tampa will actively organize and campaign against his re-election.”

Let’s get this re-blogged and moving as fast as we can. A government for the people by the people and of the people would never try to pass legislation that would ban the right to peacefully assemble. This proves that Tampa’s city council is scared, scared of change. The one thing you can do is if the mayor of Tampa does not stand up for the right of the people, he doesn’t need to be re-elected and doesn’t need to be in politics. I wonder what Gov. Rick Scott would have to say about this?

leftliberty: Japanese protesters march during a demonstration...

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:50:46 -0400

leftliberty:

Japanese protesters march during a demonstration in Tokyo. Protesters worldwide geared up for a cry of rage on Saturday against bankers, financiers and politicians they accuse of ruining global economies.

Read more about the global Occupy movement here.

ceasesilence: iamwhoiamandidontgiveadamn: handgrenade2: porygo...

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:16:27 -0400

ceasesilence:

iamwhoiamandidontgiveadamn:

handgrenade2:

porygons:

anothergirlontheirt:

wearethe99percent:

During a temporary layoff in 2008, we found out he was going to join the family. We couldn’t afford prenatal care, so we applied for medicade only to be told by the State of Nevada that we made $50/mo too much while on unemployment and insurance cost more than we made even after the layoffs ended. Because he wasn’t born yet, they didn’t consider him a person and wouldn’t include him in the income calculation.

We sold what little we owned and moved in with my mother in-law outside Brisbane until he was old enough to fly home. The flights and moving costs to Australia were >5% of what prenatal care and his birth would have cost.

When immigrating to a country on the far side of the planet is more economical than giving birth to a child, something is broken.

Damn.

America’s health care system…. I can fucking not.

Also just want to point out that it says they wouldn’t consider him a person so they wouldn’t include him in the income calculation…and these are very likely the same people who are anti-choice because omg a fetus is a human lifeeee~. Hypocrisy, contradictions, and logic fails: America wins at them.

^^^^^^^

Ze’s a person as long as it means the pregnant parent loses hir status of personhood, but ze’s not a person the minute it means we’ll actually have to help you like we’re supposed to. MWAHAHAHAHAH. >.<

#Boycottbanks ?But what about #Boycottwalmart

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:26:00 -0400

AFL-CIO Pic

I can deeply understand the concerns people have over the ridiculous $5 fee that Bank of America and some other banks are going to impose because they have to act like big crying babies since the Durbin Amendment limiting the interchange fee to .21 cents. I have a great solution, instead of charging a $5 fee, the CEO and upper executive management should reduce their salaries, sell their corporate jets, buy monthly bus passes and train passes so they can live like the rest of their customers. Use an economical car, sell their over priced scrap metal piles of junk.

With this solution in place they can then waive the $5 fee. If they are so brazenly stupid to add this fee, how about they add it to their own upper management accounts? Of course not, they probably have over $20k. As a former bank employee I am very disappointed with this policy change. Banks already make plenty of money and probably even lend money they don’t physically have just to earn interest charges and re-lend the interest out before its banked on.

There is another pressing matter however. It’s Walmart. It employs alot of people at wages barely sustainable. It sticks people in a loop. Need to work, get paid less, can barely afford to live and it puts a burden on people because it causes them to struggle. We let ourselves get here. As consumers, we caused this always looking for the best bargains. Walmart also buys products mass produced in other countries cheap and sells them to Americans at higher prices. You ever stop to think about the wages and lifestyles of the children working in factories overseas? It’s not fair for them, but its accepted because they need to earn an income. In America this would never be held acceptable.

I think those companies that purchase goods from manufacturers who use child labor should be held accountable as if they were in the US using child labor. So for example, I think a CEO of a company like Walmart if they knowingly purchase from such companies should be held accountable on US soil as employing child labor. I also found this article about Walmart supposedly using tax loopholes. Really? Are you going to try and dodge taxes when a large portion of let’s say, 99 percent of their employees(sarcasm), need public assistance and what helps fund public assistance? Taxes! Where is the accountability.

I couldn’t have written a better article then the teamsters in their concerns against Walmart using low income areas as excuses for building their stores, their article goes on to say about the mislabeling of expired foods and some of their drugs not being allowed in the US. So I say, let’s start boycotting Walmart. There are better choices such as Costco, Target, and BJ’s Wholesale Club.

Ben and Jerry's Supporting Occupy Wall Street

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:55:26 -0400

I really think it takes a very strong company to come forward right now and put support behind the occupy wallstreet protests. It is good to know that they pay their employees a live able wage and try to buy ingredients from family farms. It’s these types of differences that can help people in this country. I wish more companies would come forward. I think some of the problems are that people are only worried about themselves instead of their neighbors or friends. Its more about what I can do with my money these days, then trying to help someone else out, and it seems when we do help people out it seems to be people in other countries. I wonder how much of our tax money is sent overseas to foreign governments to help non-Americans before money is put aside to help people in this country.

You can read the Ben and Jerry’s Occupy Wallstreet post here http://www.benjerry.com/activism/occupy-movement/

He is still lurking around on the net, be careful the noid is...

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:27:30 -0400

He is still lurking around on the net, be careful the noid is everywhere. He digs rock chicks and hangs out with guys in brown caps.

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST HUMAN MEMORY?

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:06:48 -0400

Being human.