In light of the recent charge to a 15 year old for downloading music, and the subsequent support of the girl by a Vancouver recording studio/artist management group, I am rehashing an old article I blogged about 4 months ago;
There has been much in the news lately about music file sharing and such, and I thought I would say something...how about the recording industry start thinking out the box and figure a way to capitalize on the trend of how people get their music, instead of trying to play catch up, and go after "per unit" sales? The one thing that they complain about, has been overcome by other industries, and they are doing quite well...did you hear the movie theatres start to complain because everyone decided to create home theatres? Did you hear live theater complain when everyone started to stay home and watch tv years ago? How about when the movie industry created videos, so we could watch anything at our leisure? We could even record it and do what we wanted with it. How about when LPs were the big thing, it wasn't such a big deal to copy it to a cassette! Every industry goes through a transformation, and have adapted in the past, as I am sure the recording industry will in the future.
Here are some ideas;
1. Start selling ad space in songs as trailers to albums and concert tours
2. Charge a nominal fee based on bandwidth useage to the ISPs
3. Create a "clearing house" to legitimately distribute music, and charge for ad space, with the likes of Google and Yahoo
4. Add a small surcharge to concerts and public appearances
5. Add an additional night of a concert, to make up for royalties lost on sales
6. Create a climate that will make the consumer want to come see the artists perform!
It's high time the recording industry start to look at ways to improve the delivery of their wares, and try to capitalize on the way people are obtaining, rather than trying to get something for every unit. The old distribution model is based on selling a unit and making a profit. This is no longer the case to make it a sustainable industry. Capatializing on the mechanics of distribution, rather than the individuals, will go a long way to making a reasonable amount of money for those who want to.
The sooner the recording industry adapts like the television and movie industry have, the better. The internet and file sharing is here to stay!
Monday, January 30, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Saddam Trial is a Circus
Can't help but wonder how egos, as big as they come (Saddam and Conrad Black), can twist the judicial system on its ear, and basically bow to their behaviour.
I see the Saddam trial as a farce. In the interest of the preservation of impartial justice, the court willingly allows a terrorist to run the proceedings. Unacceptable, I say.
This circus will continue, as long as the Iraqis are allowed to run the trial. We, society, have to step in and let them know that there is no fucking around anymore. The best chance to curb terrorist activities is to sting Saddam, and other terrorists, and hit them hard. Why even waste time with a trial? His actions, and the reactions of the court is an abomination of justice. I bet other terrorists are looking at the circus, knowing they have nothing to worry about.
As long as we continue to respect "rights", the more crap that the courts will face. Let's set up an international court permanently, to deal with all the badasses in the world, and clean it up once and for all. Respecting individuals is only leading to chaos and beaucracy...we have laws, rules and regulations for living in society...let's enforce those rules to the letter, instead of letting martyrs continue to beat down the system, and the integrity of our security.
I see the Saddam trial as a farce. In the interest of the preservation of impartial justice, the court willingly allows a terrorist to run the proceedings. Unacceptable, I say.
This circus will continue, as long as the Iraqis are allowed to run the trial. We, society, have to step in and let them know that there is no fucking around anymore. The best chance to curb terrorist activities is to sting Saddam, and other terrorists, and hit them hard. Why even waste time with a trial? His actions, and the reactions of the court is an abomination of justice. I bet other terrorists are looking at the circus, knowing they have nothing to worry about.
As long as we continue to respect "rights", the more crap that the courts will face. Let's set up an international court permanently, to deal with all the badasses in the world, and clean it up once and for all. Respecting individuals is only leading to chaos and beaucracy...we have laws, rules and regulations for living in society...let's enforce those rules to the letter, instead of letting martyrs continue to beat down the system, and the integrity of our security.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
A New Government - Conservatives for a Year
Well, the Conservatives did it. No surprise with the polls the week before the big day. I had thought that the Liberals would have held on for a minority, but, not to be. So, I did say if the Conservatives did get in, they would probably be having an election within a year...so, we'll see what happens. I don't think the Conservatives will have the popular vote this time next year. Stay tuned.
And for your information, I did vote Conservative...
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Muslim Kidnappers - What's the Solution?
Again, its the neverending saga of overzealous Muslims, extremists, that continue to hinder the peace-keeping process in the Middle East. Do the kidnappers actually think that their barbaric methods will work? Of course they do...and the reason they do, is their interpretation of jihad.
Here is a simple solution...As more and more Imams get involved, with calling for the end of kidnapping of innocent civilians, how about something more aggressive than just pleaing for the release of hostages?
If the Muslim religious community is serious about stopping the kidnapping and making a stand for peace with everyone, perhaps a threat or the carrying out of excommunication of the kidnappers will make them wake up. I am sure that since the extremists are so bound by their religion, that threat of, or excommunication from their faith, will result in a few bad apples from backing down from their heinous acts of violence.
So, how does the situation get better? Excommunication of all extremists will leave them without an excuse to do "god's work", and perhaps start on a road of forgiveness with the rest of the world. There has never been a better time for the religious Muslim community to step up to the plate and denounce the actions of a few extremists. Let's hope that the Imams that are serious about the situation, come forward and take the bull by the horns to deter future kidnappings.
Here is a simple solution...As more and more Imams get involved, with calling for the end of kidnapping of innocent civilians, how about something more aggressive than just pleaing for the release of hostages?
If the Muslim religious community is serious about stopping the kidnapping and making a stand for peace with everyone, perhaps a threat or the carrying out of excommunication of the kidnappers will make them wake up. I am sure that since the extremists are so bound by their religion, that threat of, or excommunication from their faith, will result in a few bad apples from backing down from their heinous acts of violence.
So, how does the situation get better? Excommunication of all extremists will leave them without an excuse to do "god's work", and perhaps start on a road of forgiveness with the rest of the world. There has never been a better time for the religious Muslim community to step up to the plate and denounce the actions of a few extremists. Let's hope that the Imams that are serious about the situation, come forward and take the bull by the horns to deter future kidnappings.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Weenie of the Week - Ray Nagin, Mayor of New Orleans
Ever wonder why there is still a gap between blacks and whites in America and other places? Guys like Nagin, who make comments that "New Orleans will be 'chocolate' again". What an ass. With black leaders like this, blacks are their own worst enemy. Just goes to show that he has even less brains than we all thought. Comments like that show the mentality of Louisiana, and now it all makes sense with how devastating Katrina was to the area. I tend to believe now, that FEMA wasn't the problem with getting aid to the city quickly, and the fault lies with the local political leaders in the area.
Congrats on your award, Ray...and don't worry...next comment from a white guy about a "vanilla" city will be just as eligible for the award too.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Orlando School Shooting - Kudos to Police
The recent story on CNN about the shooting of an eighth grader shows what kind of problems there are with kids these days. After painting a pellet gun to look real, and taking it to school, everyone seems to be condemning the SWAT team for taking a shot and taking the kid out, after being threatened with the gun.
The father told the police that the gun was fake...so what!
I have one thing to say...how did the parents let a kid take a gun (pellet or otherwise) to school?
There are probably a few in the community that condemns the use of force, but I say, good for the police. And notwithstanding, I think the parents need to be charged for stupidity also. There is absolutely no reason why a kid has to take any kind of weapon to school, and if they choose to, then all bets are off, and I hope the police continue to use force as required to diffuse the situations.
There is a definite lack of parenting these days, which is resulting in the kids being left on their own to make decisions that they are not old enough, or smart enough to make.
I congratulate the police for the way they handled the situation, and glad that there was only the one casualty...the kid. Maybe its not too late for the parents to instill the proper values with their other children.
The father told the police that the gun was fake...so what!
I have one thing to say...how did the parents let a kid take a gun (pellet or otherwise) to school?
There are probably a few in the community that condemns the use of force, but I say, good for the police. And notwithstanding, I think the parents need to be charged for stupidity also. There is absolutely no reason why a kid has to take any kind of weapon to school, and if they choose to, then all bets are off, and I hope the police continue to use force as required to diffuse the situations.
There is a definite lack of parenting these days, which is resulting in the kids being left on their own to make decisions that they are not old enough, or smart enough to make.
I congratulate the police for the way they handled the situation, and glad that there was only the one casualty...the kid. Maybe its not too late for the parents to instill the proper values with their other children.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Hajj Stampedes - Islamic Lemmings
Its interesting to note that the hajj pilgrimage has resulted in a few "accidents" over the years, associated with the pilgrimage. What is interesting to note, is, even with the loss of life, the ritual is still maintained, and hasn't changed any, in hundreds of years.
Which gets to my point about lemmings...Islam worshippers will continue to do things that may have a detrimental effect on them as members of our society, regardless of the cost in human life. What is interesting, with so many Islams believing in jihad, and their respective interpretations, these so called "Islamic extremists" still will continue to bow to their beliefs, outside the consequence of human life. Their annual pilgrimage of hajj is in itself, a form of suicide to a degree, especially if they know what can happen.
The fact that loss of life can continue without regard for the losses by the Islam community leaves me to think one thing...that human life is not worth too much in the grand scheme of things. If thats the case, how do we expect to win the war against the most extremist Islamic people? What does this tell the Islamic extremist that has a bomb strapped to his body as he walks into a wedding in a Jordanian hotel?
Jihad and fighting for Mohammed will continue as long as the Islam community maintains these religious convictions, without acknowledging a need for change. Can they still study Islam and maintain their identities? Sure...but not at the expense of human life.
Contrary to what senior Islamic leaders believe, human life is worth alot more than what their religion tells them. Only when Islam gets with the 21st century, can we expect a more peaceful existence with all religions. Try getting that through to the extremists is the first step to having a safer country for everyone.
Which gets to my point about lemmings...Islam worshippers will continue to do things that may have a detrimental effect on them as members of our society, regardless of the cost in human life. What is interesting, with so many Islams believing in jihad, and their respective interpretations, these so called "Islamic extremists" still will continue to bow to their beliefs, outside the consequence of human life. Their annual pilgrimage of hajj is in itself, a form of suicide to a degree, especially if they know what can happen.
The fact that loss of life can continue without regard for the losses by the Islam community leaves me to think one thing...that human life is not worth too much in the grand scheme of things. If thats the case, how do we expect to win the war against the most extremist Islamic people? What does this tell the Islamic extremist that has a bomb strapped to his body as he walks into a wedding in a Jordanian hotel?
Jihad and fighting for Mohammed will continue as long as the Islam community maintains these religious convictions, without acknowledging a need for change. Can they still study Islam and maintain their identities? Sure...but not at the expense of human life.
Contrary to what senior Islamic leaders believe, human life is worth alot more than what their religion tells them. Only when Islam gets with the 21st century, can we expect a more peaceful existence with all religions. Try getting that through to the extremists is the first step to having a safer country for everyone.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Boston Minister in Toronto - Gun Violence Answer
I can't believe that someone paid $25,000 to have a black minister from Boston come to town to tell our brilliant politicians that the answer to the gun violence, is for the parents to be parents...wow, what a concept!
Maybe we all would be better off if there was a law making parents liable for their kids' actions...see how fast the parents smarten up and take responsibility for the lack of value development in their kids.
How about this one...let's pay someone $1,000,000 to tell the parents that kids need discipline at home?
Pretty sad state of affairs in Toronto's troubled neighborhoods...and the local black leaders think midnight basketball programs is the answer?
Get a life. Or more likely, give the parents life when their kids end up in front of a judge.
Maybe we all would be better off if there was a law making parents liable for their kids' actions...see how fast the parents smarten up and take responsibility for the lack of value development in their kids.
How about this one...let's pay someone $1,000,000 to tell the parents that kids need discipline at home?
Pretty sad state of affairs in Toronto's troubled neighborhoods...and the local black leaders think midnight basketball programs is the answer?
Get a life. Or more likely, give the parents life when their kids end up in front of a judge.
Monday, January 09, 2006
The CBC Big English Debate
I was going to wait until the end of the debate, but its winding down now, with the leaders tying up the unity portion of the debate...a nice closure, I guess.
This is how I summarize the debate, and how the leaders faired, along with their placement and overall effectiveness;
1. Liberals - Paul Martin - Nothing like being in the position of the governing party. Sure, scandal has plagued the Liberals, but, I have to give Mr. Martin credit - he has stay focused on the results, and lets face it, the government has done well in the last 17 months with respect to trying to keep all Canadians happy. Will the Liberals be penalized for past mistakes in judgement of a few high ranking Liberals? Probably...but, I don't get a warm fuzzy feeling with the alternatives. I still maintain that the policies and governing of this country, have done well in the past under the Liberals...not bad, coming from a Conservative.
2. Conservatives - Stephen Harper - I've never seen a lack of passion in a debate before in my life. Mr. Martin could have given him some passion, and Harper still would have fallen short. Going into the debate, Conservatives were ahead about 10 points. Being a staunch Conservative in the past, Harper does not leave me a warm fuzzy feeling. My prediction is that if the Conservatives do get into power, look out...I think that Mr. Harper's government would fall under a non-confidence motion by the end of Q1 2007, if not earlier.
3. NDP - Jack Layton - The only thing I have to say about Mr. Layton, is that if there is a "Miss Congeniality" opposition party, then the NDP would win hands down. Although the NDP is a long shot at winning a minority government, I think that everyone will be surprised with a better showing in Quebec than what is predicted. The NDP will work for the people and improve social programs, but that platform alone does not a great country make. Lack of economic reform and personal income taxes and anything else capitalistic is outside the grasp of the NDP. If we as a country could trade buttons and smiles in the world economy, then the NDP would be worth a chance. Come back in a few years with a minority government when you have a better understanding of fiscal responsibilities and management. Social programs does not make the average Canadian better off.
4. Bloc - Gilles Duceppe - haha, as soon as Duceppe opened his mouth, all I could see and hear is Crazy Joe Devola from that Seinfeld episode where he played the clown, Pagliacci. If you made Duceppe up in the same makeup, I would pit the likeness between the 2 to be as uncanny as Layton and the Video Professor, John Scherer. Duceppe just wants his own country. As I have said before, I will be the first guy there with a shovel to dig the moat around Quebec and get them off the transfer payments. They suck the biggest buck from my pocket than even the lazy asses on unemployment on the east coast.
Overall, I wasn't surprised with the debate, or the results. I think that in the end, a Liberal minority government will win. If the Conservatives happen to maintain the momentum of leading by 10 points by voting day, if they get in as the minority government, then I predict that they will be the second shortest reigning government in history, second only to Joe Clark's government in 1979.
I do have to give kudos to Martin - an excellent policy announcement of taking out the "notwithstanding clause" right of the government, if elected. This should tell all Canadians that the Liberals are trying to do the best thing for the country, given that the Charter of Rights is a fundamental policy that has to be resolved still.
Good luck everyone with your choices on the big day - 23 Jan 06. The future and momentum of improving the presence of Canada on the world stage is in your hands. Be sure to vote, and make your stand.
This is how I summarize the debate, and how the leaders faired, along with their placement and overall effectiveness;
1. Liberals - Paul Martin - Nothing like being in the position of the governing party. Sure, scandal has plagued the Liberals, but, I have to give Mr. Martin credit - he has stay focused on the results, and lets face it, the government has done well in the last 17 months with respect to trying to keep all Canadians happy. Will the Liberals be penalized for past mistakes in judgement of a few high ranking Liberals? Probably...but, I don't get a warm fuzzy feeling with the alternatives. I still maintain that the policies and governing of this country, have done well in the past under the Liberals...not bad, coming from a Conservative.
2. Conservatives - Stephen Harper - I've never seen a lack of passion in a debate before in my life. Mr. Martin could have given him some passion, and Harper still would have fallen short. Going into the debate, Conservatives were ahead about 10 points. Being a staunch Conservative in the past, Harper does not leave me a warm fuzzy feeling. My prediction is that if the Conservatives do get into power, look out...I think that Mr. Harper's government would fall under a non-confidence motion by the end of Q1 2007, if not earlier.
3. NDP - Jack Layton - The only thing I have to say about Mr. Layton, is that if there is a "Miss Congeniality" opposition party, then the NDP would win hands down. Although the NDP is a long shot at winning a minority government, I think that everyone will be surprised with a better showing in Quebec than what is predicted. The NDP will work for the people and improve social programs, but that platform alone does not a great country make. Lack of economic reform and personal income taxes and anything else capitalistic is outside the grasp of the NDP. If we as a country could trade buttons and smiles in the world economy, then the NDP would be worth a chance. Come back in a few years with a minority government when you have a better understanding of fiscal responsibilities and management. Social programs does not make the average Canadian better off.
4. Bloc - Gilles Duceppe - haha, as soon as Duceppe opened his mouth, all I could see and hear is Crazy Joe Devola from that Seinfeld episode where he played the clown, Pagliacci. If you made Duceppe up in the same makeup, I would pit the likeness between the 2 to be as uncanny as Layton and the Video Professor, John Scherer. Duceppe just wants his own country. As I have said before, I will be the first guy there with a shovel to dig the moat around Quebec and get them off the transfer payments. They suck the biggest buck from my pocket than even the lazy asses on unemployment on the east coast.
Overall, I wasn't surprised with the debate, or the results. I think that in the end, a Liberal minority government will win. If the Conservatives happen to maintain the momentum of leading by 10 points by voting day, if they get in as the minority government, then I predict that they will be the second shortest reigning government in history, second only to Joe Clark's government in 1979.
I do have to give kudos to Martin - an excellent policy announcement of taking out the "notwithstanding clause" right of the government, if elected. This should tell all Canadians that the Liberals are trying to do the best thing for the country, given that the Charter of Rights is a fundamental policy that has to be resolved still.
Good luck everyone with your choices on the big day - 23 Jan 06. The future and momentum of improving the presence of Canada on the world stage is in your hands. Be sure to vote, and make your stand.
On-Going Campaigning
The Conservatives are leading in the polls...I don't think this is a good thing, because the Conservative platform for election isn't the greatest...and Harper has garnered alot of Weenie awards from me.
Even though the Liberals may have screwed up, look at all the parties fiscal promises, and just don't decide on a party for the sake of change. I am not a Liberal by any means, but their numbers do speak for themselves.
If only someone else was leading the Conservatives...
The big debate is on tonight (english version), and I plan on watching it. I will comment tomorrow on what I thought.
Even though the Liberals may have screwed up, look at all the parties fiscal promises, and just don't decide on a party for the sake of change. I am not a Liberal by any means, but their numbers do speak for themselves.
If only someone else was leading the Conservatives...
The big debate is on tonight (english version), and I plan on watching it. I will comment tomorrow on what I thought.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Weenie of the Week - Pat Robertson
I've neglected Weenie of the Week for a bit, due to the Christmas holidays...so, without further ado, I present this year's first recipient;
Pat deserved the award a while back for his bonehead comments about Hugo Chavez, and I overlooked him for it...my fault. But, he redeemed himself to show what a moron he is by his comments about Sharon and the "will of God"...
Congrats Pat, you have earned this award. Keep up the good work.
Pat deserved the award a while back for his bonehead comments about Hugo Chavez, and I overlooked him for it...my fault. But, he redeemed himself to show what a moron he is by his comments about Sharon and the "will of God"...
Congrats Pat, you have earned this award. Keep up the good work.
Open Letter to All Candidates
With all the recent hoopla around the election trail, I have a few questions I would like answered. Being in the minority now, a WASP, upper middle class, taxpaying citizen of this country, feel free to give me answers to the following;
1) Which party is going to return more of the tax dollars I pay every day? I am getting tired of paying the way for everyone else coming into this country, and for people that suck the tax dollars out because they don't know how to act like adults.
2) Which party is finally going to take a stand and realize that the best resource to take care of in this country are the normal, middle class WASPs that make up most of the tax base?
3) Which party is going to come forward and finally say that the bureaucracy of this country is top heavy, and needs to be reduced?
4) Which country is going to stand up to immigrants and the rest of the whiners that come here, and tell them to shit or get off the pot?
5) Which party is going to realize that the health system is broken, and is going to put a plan in place to fix it at a fraction of the current cost?
I know these are general questions, but there is nothing in the news or their platforms that show me that they are serious about making the changes this country needs, in order to maintain our standing in the world.
Its too bad that the running parties don't see that all they are doing is alienating the votes that count, and relying on "flavours of the day" as their campaign platforms. No wonder we can't get a government elected to fix things. The sooner we stop catering to special interest groups, the better. As for my vote, I don't have a clear choice yet.
1) Which party is going to return more of the tax dollars I pay every day? I am getting tired of paying the way for everyone else coming into this country, and for people that suck the tax dollars out because they don't know how to act like adults.
2) Which party is finally going to take a stand and realize that the best resource to take care of in this country are the normal, middle class WASPs that make up most of the tax base?
3) Which party is going to come forward and finally say that the bureaucracy of this country is top heavy, and needs to be reduced?
4) Which country is going to stand up to immigrants and the rest of the whiners that come here, and tell them to shit or get off the pot?
5) Which party is going to realize that the health system is broken, and is going to put a plan in place to fix it at a fraction of the current cost?
I know these are general questions, but there is nothing in the news or their platforms that show me that they are serious about making the changes this country needs, in order to maintain our standing in the world.
Its too bad that the running parties don't see that all they are doing is alienating the votes that count, and relying on "flavours of the day" as their campaign platforms. No wonder we can't get a government elected to fix things. The sooner we stop catering to special interest groups, the better. As for my vote, I don't have a clear choice yet.
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