http://www.extremetech.com/internet/134992-is-a-675000-fine-for-sharing-31-pirated-songs-too-much
The above linked article is an excellent example of the continual failings of industries and governments alike. 31 songs are valued at over $20000 a piece, after fining a US citizen under piracy laws. First, to understand just how unjust this is, we need to look at another court ruling in comparison.
http://m.mtv.com/news/article.rbml?id=1451340&weburl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv.com%2Fnews%2Farticles%2F1451340%2Fjay-z-gets-three-years-probation-stabbing.jhtml&alt=http%3A%2F%2Fm.mtv.com%2Fnews%2Findex.rbml&cid=300
Forgive the blatant juxtaposition for a moment, this is violence versus piracy. So let's consider the punishment and not the crime for a second. These types of court room precedences are best at articulating the total failure of a justice system. Here we see that human life is actually valued at less than the songs of a popular recording artist. If this isn't infuriating enough, when examined on a different level a clear bias becomes apparent in courtroom operation. Consider the impact both convictions will have on the lives of the convicted. Mr.Z will feel little to no repercussion in his financial day to day as a result for aggravated assault/attempted murder. Remaining free to continue working and continue making a comfortable (if exorbitant) salary.
Joel, however, could potentially be financially crippled for the rest of his natural life. The resulting financial status the ruling will cause can affect any and all major life purchases going forward. All for generating more exposure for a person Joel, presumably, doesn't even know.
Why, you might ask, do I choose to articulate Joel's crime as exposure for the artist versus theft? Though the real impact of file sharing hasn't truly been determined, many artists have personally endorsed the right to share content freely, sighting exposure and interest as the real money maker. Joel is being fined based on potential losses the industry will feel as a result of his actions, what we must ask is if this loss is real or imagined. If Joel is responsible for the companies loss by making the music more publicly available, then should he not also be credited with any gains? This "crime" lacks investigation, Joel should counter sue for generating unpaid interest and exposure. The music industry witch hunts target the poor and impose serious fines on those who can afford them the least.
It's a sad world we live in.
Monday, 27 August 2012
Friday, 17 August 2012
Solidarity, socialism, politics
After watching the Pussy Riot events unfold in Russia today, I cannot help but think of what needs to be done in the world to stop these types of complete corruption. As the Internet connects more and more people we are seeing social injustices thrown into the spotlight. The sympathy and understanding is there and growing, but are we not just as guilty as the corrupt for remaining idle?
To me, it seems that we posses the tools and capacity for real global change, but how do we unite ourselves on a global scale? Solidarity and a desire to bring change for all of our fellow humans is what we are lacking. As the world edges ever closer to political uprising on a global scale, it will be the ability of we the lay persons to stand together that will truly bring change.
Whether or not we are aware of it, the wheels of change are turning.
To me, it seems that we posses the tools and capacity for real global change, but how do we unite ourselves on a global scale? Solidarity and a desire to bring change for all of our fellow humans is what we are lacking. As the world edges ever closer to political uprising on a global scale, it will be the ability of we the lay persons to stand together that will truly bring change.
Whether or not we are aware of it, the wheels of change are turning.
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Figs a plenty!
Or at least a few. First harvest yields two figs from my small tree. They're not as large as they could be, but I am hoping re-potting to a larger base this fall will yield a better harvest.
Looking succulent, splayed out in the sun. My first taste of success.
Looking succulent, splayed out in the sun. My first taste of success.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Summerlicious, better late than never.
This year's licious wasn't much to holler about. Sure some of the food was great, but it seems the movement itself has shifted to more economical concerns.
As a city wide attempt at bringing flair and fine dinning to the masses, licious is host to a litany of lackluster menus and uninspired cuisine. Sure it does it's job in creating exposure and helps broaden consumer base, but predictability has taken the reigns.
Though I lead with a general criticism on the event as a whole, my experience this year was decent. I made a hurried stop to scarf down lunch at Jump this year. As is always the case with Jump, I never leave feeling unhappy.
Pictured are the main and dessert from my excursion. I dined on crab cakes, a porchetta sandwich, and finished with hazelnut milk chocolate mousse. While the menu's theme and originality didn't blow me out of the water (sandwiches for lunch, huge surprise), the food itself was carefully prepared and well seasoned. The pork was succulent, tender and the champ of my meal. Dessert was decent, but this shoe is a little worn. Hazelnut chocolate mousse on an espresso sponge is more of an industry stand-by than it is an exciting chance to try something new. It was good, but lacked 'wow'.
Cheap eats are always in style, that's obvious, but let's not compromise on creativity! It's free.
As a city wide attempt at bringing flair and fine dinning to the masses, licious is host to a litany of lackluster menus and uninspired cuisine. Sure it does it's job in creating exposure and helps broaden consumer base, but predictability has taken the reigns.
Though I lead with a general criticism on the event as a whole, my experience this year was decent. I made a hurried stop to scarf down lunch at Jump this year. As is always the case with Jump, I never leave feeling unhappy.
Pictured are the main and dessert from my excursion. I dined on crab cakes, a porchetta sandwich, and finished with hazelnut milk chocolate mousse. While the menu's theme and originality didn't blow me out of the water (sandwiches for lunch, huge surprise), the food itself was carefully prepared and well seasoned. The pork was succulent, tender and the champ of my meal. Dessert was decent, but this shoe is a little worn. Hazelnut chocolate mousse on an espresso sponge is more of an industry stand-by than it is an exciting chance to try something new. It was good, but lacked 'wow'.
Cheap eats are always in style, that's obvious, but let's not compromise on creativity! It's free.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Living local gets real...
Right here in Toronto! This hot sunny weather is perfect for those sun catching balconies to become productive parts of our living spaces. Attached is my slow march to living a little more locally.
Introducing my (allegedly) paradiso fig tree. This little beauty has been loving the sweat we're in here. Anyone with a patch of sun and 2 minutes a day to water can try their hand. Harvests are typically late summer to early fall for many varieties. Grow enough and you can dry and preserve enough to keep yourself supplied yearly.
Introducing my (allegedly) paradiso fig tree. This little beauty has been loving the sweat we're in here. Anyone with a patch of sun and 2 minutes a day to water can try their hand. Harvests are typically late summer to early fall for many varieties. Grow enough and you can dry and preserve enough to keep yourself supplied yearly.
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Creating - from the foot of the mountain
Initially I came here with everything mind, but my focuses have narrowed and I am now working towards creating an ethical and transparent business aimed at helping others start a passion based career. My aim is global economic and social stability for the masses. Sounds daunting, I know!
My company name, website and mission statement are set and ready. Now to develop a new age business structure and launch a website... Anyone remember how HTML works again?
My company name, website and mission statement are set and ready. Now to develop a new age business structure and launch a website... Anyone remember how HTML works again?
Monday, 16 July 2012
On Ethics
As I work toward creating an ethically driven transparent business I find myself fascinated by what falls under these titles and who claims to support them.
This topic led to a discussion with a colleague about creating a company. When "I can't wait to start raking in the cash" entered into the conversation I couldn't help but laugh, but mostly I felt worried for even in a fellow ethical business supporter the flawed capitalist framework held fast. Fostered by the "American Dream" this ideal of working hard once to achieve permanent financial freedom is a dangerous attitude to foster. When wage parity is crippling our social economy we should be thinking more about our financial goals as they impact others as well as ourselves. Often one mans wealth is the burden of countless others.
Food for thought.
This topic led to a discussion with a colleague about creating a company. When "I can't wait to start raking in the cash" entered into the conversation I couldn't help but laugh, but mostly I felt worried for even in a fellow ethical business supporter the flawed capitalist framework held fast. Fostered by the "American Dream" this ideal of working hard once to achieve permanent financial freedom is a dangerous attitude to foster. When wage parity is crippling our social economy we should be thinking more about our financial goals as they impact others as well as ourselves. Often one mans wealth is the burden of countless others.
Food for thought.
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