Capitalism at it's finest

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.

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.

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.

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.