The RIAA is simply ridiculous

Ever make a copy of a CD to safeguard your original? Ever download the CD onto your computer for easy mixing and playing? Well, prepare to be sued. The RIAA is simply ridiculous. It's time the courts stopped catering to their greed and persecution of youths. They ask for obscenely high penalities which also needs to end. But this...THIS...takes the absolute cake.

Washington Post Story here

Now, in an unusual case in which an Arizona recipient of an RIAA letter has fought back in court rather than write a check to avoid hefty legal fees, the industry is taking its argument against music sharing one step further: In legal documents in its federal case against Jeffrey Howell, a Scottsdale, Ariz., man who kept a collection of about 2,000 music recordings on his personal computer, the industry maintains that it is illegal for someone who has *LEGALLY* purchased a CD to transfer that music into his computer.

And I wonder how the RIAA found out what was on his computer? Why isn't this unlawful search and seizure? WHy can't the RIAA be sued for invasion of privacy? Aren't hackers prosecuted???

Politics during mourning

The people of pakistan are in my thoughts today. A woman I saw as a brave visionary is dead. A victim, I believe, of political machinations.
The focus should be on Pakistan. She will undergo violent discord in the next few weeks. Emotions and anger are running high and an outlet, not necessarily a productive one, will be found.

Pakistan has been embroiled in political division for some time. Perhaps it was not pleasant but it has been necessary for the US to keep diplomatic ties open with Pakistan even if we were not supportive of it's ruler's decisions.

So I find it increasingly irritating that instead of focusing on the loss of this brave woman, some factions here decide to attempt to paint this situation as being brought about by US failed foreign policy.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has always been a man who does as he chooses despite other opinions. For example, Rice spent time attempting to convince him not to declare emergency rule. Ultimately he did anyway. We have limited influence there but in order to have any chance of making inroads into Bin Laden's hideaways, we must have some sort of relationship with him.

Let today, at least, be about the loss of a woman who was a true leader. Save the rhetoric for tomorrow.

The Obvious?

Well....ya think!?!?!


NEW YORK - Lynne Spears' book about parenting has been delayed indefinitely

Click here for the obvious

Good Riddance, Coach Rod

WVU has lost their football coach. Now, I haven't been a rabid Mountaineer fan since the mid 80's when Saturday's routine meant a big screen and beer with friends.
But I intensely dislike Rich Rod's handling of this issue.

It's suppose to be about the kids. Seriously. It's suppose to be about the kids. Regardless of their abilities, college kids are still just that: Kids
The game for Rich was about Rich. WVU's players have put their hearts and souls into the team and truthfully into following Rich Rod. Now two weeks before the biggest game some of them will play, he packs it up and takes off. With two of their assistant coaches as well, if what I read is correct.

That's classless. That's tasteless. It's in bad form and it reeks of self interest.

I truly don't care if Rich Rod leaves, but when he disregards the kids who have followed him, it warrants comment.

Uncle joe has this one right. Why expect the kids to live up to the terms of their scholarships and promises if the coaches are held to different standards? Pony up, Rich. All 4 million.

National respect for religion

There has been an outcry for the past decade from evangelical Christian that declare Christianity and government are good bedfellows and should merge together for the sake of our country. I suspect those same people would, if they could, like to see legislation adopted that would make it a crime to deface religious artifacts or blaspheme Christian beliefs.

I wonder if they truly picture what America would be like if their desires were fulfilled.

Perhaps this would help:
www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/12/02/sudan.teacher/index.html