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Playing The Game Of Living @ KingArthur.com

Friday, September 11th, 2009

The Statue Of Liberty Goes Uner

The Statue Of Liberty Goes Under


Playing The Game Of Living (S.O.S. from KingArthur.com) is an Internet based brain teaser. The picture of The Statue Of Liberty “up to her armpits in water” was taken from a study conducted by the State of New Jersey. The 1999 study forecasts this will be the actual rise in sea level due to human induced climate change. At the time, they thought it would occur within thousands of years.

The idea behind the game is to see if anyone in the world has a solution to human’s determination to self-annihilate — present Earth’s worst case scenario to game players and let them try to win the game. Surely, it would be worth $10,000 to save humankind?

The game was created in 2001. To the world, it appeared to be a futuristic based Sci-Fi; however, the creators considered it more of a forecasting tool. Watching people start to realize the game is not set in the future… that it is set in the present… will be like watching a canary in a coal mine…or a cornered animal? In any event, the publics input through the game will be a strong indicator as to how much time there is for humans to adapt. Do we have hundreds of years? Do we have scores of years? Or, is the worst case scenario no longer a scenario? Is it happening NOW?

Following are some excerpts from recent game players:

“I think it’s great that our characters in this story are starting to wake up realizing that being on opposing teams only creates an imbalance.”

“There is no solution to the problem (much in the same way that you cannot divide by 0).”

“It is a pressing issue and the only way to do anything about it is to put society on hold. Stop cancer research (as much of it may be cured/eliminated by reducing pollutants), stop computer research (it can wait), stop EVERYTHING and redirect all efforts to the problem at hand. Once the solution is found everything can pick-up back where it left off (assuming it wont cause the return of the issue). Right now mankind is running off a cliff while saying aloud, ‘this is a bad idea, I know but I can’t stop myself’”

“If you want things to change, we have to first stop living for ourselves and start living for humanity. Then we must yell in the streets until the number of people involved is so great even the skeptical will wake up.”

“P.S. I know this isn’t going to win this game, even though the money would help me out greatly. I couldn’t help but post because of this scenario’s great undertone to the world we live in today. Thank you for reading.”

Mudman’s Entire Game Play

Jack’s Entire Game Play

Lemonheads Sue GM

Saturday, June 6th, 2009

The frontman for the band The Lemonheads, Evan Dando, is sueing GM and their ad agency Asche & Spencer Music, Inc. Dando claims GM violated his copyrights by using the song “It’s a Shame About Ray” in a 2008 advertising campaign.

“The Lemonheads are an American alternative rock band, formed in 1986 by singer/guitarist Evan Dando, who has been the only constant member.

The Lemonheads’ popularity grew in 1992 with the album It’s a Shame about Ray which was produced, engineered, and mixed by The Robb Brothers (Bruce Robb, Dee, and Joe), followed by a cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson”, which eventually became one of the band’s most successful singles to date. ”
– Wikipedia

The RIAA: A Wolf In Wolf’s Clothing

Saturday, March 28th, 2009

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) claims to have the artists / musicians best interest at heart. However, over the years they have proved that this is not the case.

The RIAA has launched countless lawsuits against almost anybody and their grandmother… literally:

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, American Civil Liberties Union and Public Citizen oppose the ability of the RIAA and other companies to “strip Internet users of anonymity without allowing them to challenge the order in court”.[12][13]

The RIAA’s criticized methods of identifying individual users has led to the issuing of subpoenas to a dead grandmother[14], an elderly computer novice,[15] and even those without any computer at all.[16]

The RIAA has also brought lawsuits against children, some as young as 12.[17]
– Wikipedia

The RIAA says they are trying to protect the intellectual property rights of the artists. But, by trying to control and restrict the distribution of music, the end result is limiting the expose of most lessor known artists. As an example, take a look at peer-to-peer music software. The RIAA has attacked many of these, such as, Napster. After Napster was sued, millions of people were unable to “legally” share music that artists wanted available to the public. The RIAA has also sued peer-to-peer software makers Kazaa, BearShare and Limewire.

Here is one of the RIAA’s more recent press releases:

Music Community Calls for Swift Action To Enhance Global IP Protection As Part of Special 301 Process

WASHINGTON — Representing diverse sectors of the music community, the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), the Recording Academy and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today issued a joint statement in response to an annual report by the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) under a section of trade law known as “Special 301.” Under Special 301, USTR is required to identify countries that fail to provide adequate and effective protection for U.S. intellectual property and to take appropriate actions, including the possible imposition of trade sanctions and the loss of certain trading privileges.

This year’s report, available on the IIPA website at www.iipa.com, outlines problems in a wide variety of countries but particularly stresses continuing problems in Russia and China, and emerging issues related to digital distribution in global markets.

Said the music community:

“In these troubled economic times, it is more important than ever that the U.S. government take meaningful steps to ensure that the most competitive parts of the U.S. economy—those that contribute to positive balance of trade payments—can effectively compete in global markets without facing unfair competition. The copyright industries generally, and the music community in particular, are among America’s most competitive sectors, and our contribution to the public welfare goes well beyond our economic contributions. We convey aspects of America that entertain, that reflect our diversity, and that showcase our country’s creativity. As Friedrich Nietzsche famously said: ‘Without music, life would be a mistake.’

“Unfortunately, the piracy of America’s creative genius by certain elements in other countries—particularly Internet-driven infringements—is drawing us towards life without music. Or perhaps more accurately, life without the capacity to sustain the livelihoods of those Americans who earn a living through the creation of music. For far too long, too many illegal enterprises—and businesses—have generated ill-acquired gains from the theft of America’s creative assets. It is time to end this sad chapter of illegality and irresponsibility. We, various voices of the music community, call upon global leaders to develop and implement policies and practices that reflect an appreciation of the value of creativity. Tolerance of organized criminal syndicates in multi-territorial enterprises engaged in the distribution of pirate product must end. Even more importantly, global leaders must ensure that their legal regimes do not permit or encourage willful blindness on the part of companies that provide access to infringing materials. ISPs in particular must be encouraged to play their part in preventing the use of their networks for the distribution of infringing materials. If legitimate companies are permitted to operate services that effect one of the greatest misappropriations ever witnessed, then there is little hope for creators to earn a living from their creations, or for America’s creative sector to continue to drive this country’s economic performance.

“Aaron Copland once remarked that: ‘To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.’ From where we sit, it appears all too conceivable, and we call upon the U.S. government to do everything in its power to address the barriers that we confront in markets around the world that are drawing us to this ‘incredible’ outcome. Today’s submission to the USTR by a group of copyright organizations under the umbrella group of the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) provides a comprehensive examination of many of the most urgent issues confronting the creative sector. Resolving these problems would be a good place to start in rebuilding the foundations for a thriving creative community, both here and around the globe.”

About A2IM:
A2IM launched on July 4th, 2005 to represent the needs of the Independent music label community. Currently, the organization counts over 225 music label members and 100 associate members (companies who don’t own masters but rely upon, provide services for, or otherwise support Independent music labels).

A2IM is a not-for-profit trade organization serving the Independent music community as a unified voice representing a sector that comprises over 30% of the music industry’s market share in the United States (and 37% of SoundScan digital sales). The organization represents the Independents’ interests in the marketplace, in the media, on Capitol Hill, and as part of the global music community. A2IM is headquartered in New York City. The organization’s board of directors is comprised of the following: Concord Music Group President Glen Barros; The Beggars Group CEO Lesley Bleakley; Razor & Tie Executive Vice President Dan Hoffman; Alligator Records Founder & President Bruce Iglauer; Roadrunner Records Executive Vice President Douglas Keogh; Bar/None owner Glenn Morrow; Lookout Records co-owner Molly Neuman; Tommy Boy Records Entertainment founder and CEO Tom Silverman; Amaechi Uzoigwe A2IM Board Chair and co-founder Definitive Jux. More information can be found at www.A2IM.org.

About the AFM:

Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians.

With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, videogames, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape.

About AFTRA:
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, are the people who entertain and inform America. In 32 Locals across the country, AFTRA members work as actors, journalists, dancers, singers, announcers, hosts, comedians, disc jockeys, and other performers across the media industries including television, radio, cable, sound recordings, music videos, commercials, audio books, non-broadcast industrials, interactive games, the Internet, and other digital media. The 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters, and recording artists of AFTRA are working together to protect and improve their jobs, lives, and communities in the 21st century. From new art forms to new technology, AFTRA members embrace change in their work and craft to enhance American culture and society. Visit AFTRA online at www.aftra.com.

About the NMPA:
Founded in 1917, the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) is a trade association representing American music publishers. The NMPA’s mandate is to protect and advance the interests of music publishers and their songwriter partners in matters relating to the domestic and global protection of music copyrights.

About The Recording Academy:
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

About The RIAA:
The Recording Industry Association of America is the trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. Its mission is to foster a business and legal climate that supports and promotes our members’ creative and financial vitality. Its members are the record companies that comprise the most vibrant national music industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 90% of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States. In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect intellectual property rights worldwide and the First Amendment rights of artists; conducts consumer, industry and technical research; and monitors and reviews state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi-Platinum™, and Diamond sales awards, as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.

Witness Peter Gabriel

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Peter Gabriel has been a long time supporter of witness.org. The Witness program is about human rights. One of their main thrusts has been to empower people that witness human rights violations. A primary means to this end is to provide individuals with cameras so that they can document injustices.

For instance, one of the more recent projects involves helping stop violence against women living near the USA and Mexico boarder.

ABOUT WITNESS.ORG — “See it. Film it. Change it.”

Mission
WITNESS uses video and online technologies to open the eyes of the world to human rights violations. We empower people to transform personal stories of abuse into powerful tools for justice, promoting public engagement and policy change.

SEE IT.
WITNESS donates video cameras and provides technical and tactical guidance to human rights groups around the world. We work with our human rights partners to bring their compelling stories and images to the attention of people with the power to make a difference – knowing that for many people, seeing is believing.

FILM IT.
WITNESS is a global pioneer in the use of video for advocacy. We have supported and trained human rights defenders worldwide to create video documentation.

CHANGE IT.
WITNESS’ partner videos are a critical new tool in the human rights landscape, catalyzing the public, governments, of courts, and political institutions to act.

Coldplay Left In The Cold?

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

by RomBox.com

If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is there to hear it, did it make a sound?

This old teaser of a question comes to mind with the allegations of plagiarism against Coldplay. Before they became a number one selling artist, would anyone accuse them of stealing a song? Now, that almost everyone has heard of them, they sell out concerts and sell millions of albums, the lawyers come chasing like they are some sort-of ambulance.

In July of 2008, a band called Creaky Boards ironically said the Coldplay song Viva La Vida was stolen from their song The Song I Didn’t Write. Later, Creaky Boards admitted the allegations were mostly a publicity stunt.

Then, in December of 2008, Joe Satriani came out to explain why he was suing Coldplay for plagiarism saying the same song Viva La Vida was stolen from his song If I Could Fly.

“I felt like a dagger went right through my heart. It hurt so much,” Joe said. “The second I heard it, I knew it was If I Could Fly.

“Almost immediately, from the minute their song came out, my e-mail box flooded with people going, ‘Have you heard this song by Coldplay? They ripped you off man.’ I mean, I couldn’t tell you how many e-mails I received. Everybody noticed the similarities between the songs. It’s pretty obvious.”

Hmmm… I wonder if Joe stole it from Creaky Boards or Creaky Boards stole it from Joe. Of course, there are many people who would claim the white man stole the blues.

Iggy & The Stooges on the Death of Ron Asheton

Friday, February 27th, 2009

Ronald Frank Asheton July 17, 1948 – January 6, 2009

We are shocked and shaken by the news of Ron’s death. He was a great friend, brother, musician, trooper. Irreplaceable. He will be missed.

For all that knew him behind the façade of Mr Cool & Quirky, he was a kind-hearted, genuine, warm person who always believed that people meant well even if they did not.

As a musician Ron was The Guitar God, idol to follow and inspire others. That is how he will be remembered by people who had a great pleasure to work with him, learn from him and share good and bad times with him.

Iggy, Scott, Steve, Mike and Crew

—————————————–

I am in shock. He was my best friend.
– Iggy Pop

Ticketmaster Settles Springsteen Probe

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

New Jersey — Ticketmaster has agreed to change its business practices after a suit was filed by the New Jersey Attorney General.

Springsteen had said, “We were informed that Ticketmaster was redirecting your log-in requests for tickets at face value, to their secondary site TicketsNow, which specializes in up-selling tickets at above face value. They did this even when other seats remained available at face value. We condemn this practice. We perceive this as a pure conflict of interest.”

Under the settlement, Ticketmaster will be restricted for at least one year.

“Ticketmaster will need prior approval from the Attorney General for any links between its ‘No Tickets Found’ Internet page to its TicketsNow re-sale website.”

Also, “Ticketmaster will not use paid Internet advertising that leads customers searching for “Ticketmaster” on search engines to TicketsNow.”

Ticketmaster CEO Irving Azoff offered an apology:
“While we were genuinely trying to do the right thing for fans in providing more choices when the tickets they requested from the primary on-sale were not available, we clearly missed the mark. Fans are confused and angry, which is the opposite of what we hoped to accomplish. We sincerely apologize to Bruce, his organization and, above all, his fans.”

“We recognize that we need to change our course. “We have committed to Bruce and state publicly here that we have taken down all links for Bruce’s shows directing fans from Ticketmaster to TicketsNow. This redirection only occurred as a choice when we could not satisfy fans’ specific search request for primary ticket inventory, but to make sure there is no misunderstanding in the future, we also publicly state that we will never again link to TicketsNow in a manner that can possibly create any confusion during a high-demand on-sale.

“Specifically, we will not present an option to go to TicketsNow from Ticketmaster without the consent of the artist and the venue, both of whom work together to bring the joy of live entertainment to millions of fans.”

Oscars Best Soundtrack

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Slumdog Composer A.R. Rahman Takes Home 2 Oscars

A.R. Rahman is from India. Only twice before has an Indian won an Oscar. Rahman won two in one night for best original soundtrack and best original song. Both are from the movie “Slumdog Millionaire.”

“I was excited and terrified,” he said. “The last time I felt like that was during my marriage.”

“All my life, I had a choice of hate and love. I chose love, and I’m here.”

“I’m really happy and grateful it worked out.”

Can’t Beat The Beatles

Thursday, February 19th, 2009

A new addition of the video game Rock Band will feature the music of the Beatles. This is interesting in several ways. First of all, that the Beatles could get everyone to agree to the legal issues is amazing. Did Yoko Ono, Apple Records, Sony and Michael Jackson all have to agree? At least I think Michael Jackon is still one of the owners of the Beatles publishing rights.

Speaking of Apple Records, the have been in litigation with Apple computers for quite some time. Their agreement calls for Apple computers to stay out of the music business. But, does a Beatles computer game violate trademark law in the other direction?

In any event, it’s an amazing feat that looks like it will benefit kids in the long run. Paul McCartney was asked –

QUESTION:Can you tell me about this special Beatles edition of the Rock Band game that’s coming out this fall?
ANSWER: It will feature different periods of the band — you get early days, Liverpool, then psychedelic, and on from there. It’s very cool. And I like the idea that the game introduces kids to music, you know?

Pioneer Electronics to Cut 10,000 Jobs

Friday, February 13th, 2009

The Japanese electronics maker is facing an annual loss of $1.4 billion. After cutting 5,900 jobs last year, they plan to cut an additional 10,000 jobs.

Once a leader in the making of flat screen TVs, they announced their decision to pull out of that market.

“Since the US financial crisis and ensuing global downturn, our sales of car electronics products and flat-screen TVs plunged worldwide,” said a Pioneer spokeswoman.

“We were severely hit by battered consumer sentiment.”