Viacom vs. Google (Class Discussion)

The other day in class we had a debate over the Viacom vs. Google lawsuit that is going on. Viacom, who owns MTV and Comedy Central, is claiming that over 160,000 clips that have appeared on YouTube, and viewed over 1.5 billion times, have been illegaly obtained. It should be interesting where this case goes, as it will be the benchmark for the future of digital media. Google claims that they remove the files that Viacom feels is not rightfully theirs, immediately after a complaint is made. The problem however, is that users can make copies of the clips and repost them. For this reason, I feel that it will be extremely difficult for Viacom's case to hold up. Only time will tell what happens, but I can only cross my fingers for Google and YouTube, as I am a religious user of YouTube! Check this website for more information regarding the ongoing disagreement. Viacom creates address for sending YouTube complaints.

Nas (Wikipedia Edit #4)

Growing up, I always had a passion for rap and hip-hop music. One of my favorite artists is known to the world as Nasir Jones, aka Nasty Nas or "Nas" for short. His combination of catchy beats, and witty lyrics is what makes him so good. In one of his songs for example, "Rewind", the lyrics are actually said in reverse. It is such an amazing song, and really comes together well. Nas is known for his long rivalry with accomplished rapper, "Jay-Z", but the two recently ended their feud, and came together on the same album. Here is his Wikipedia page, with my edit found under, "2000-2001: The Nas vs. Jay-z rivalry and Stillmatic."Nas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hedge Funds (Wikipedia Edit #3)

As a 20 year old college student, money is something that is almost always on my mind. My Uncle is a man who has alot of it, and naturally I was curious as to how he acquired it. He explained his job to me, and what he does, and although I must admit it was alot of information to take in, and was hard to follow, I was intrigued. My Uncle does what not many people can do successfully, and that is trading Hedge Funds. Although he has made tremendous amounts of money, one thing he complains about is the enormous perfomance fees. I decided to do a little research on Hedge Funds myself after talking to him, and decided that Wikipedia would be a good place to start. Here is the article that I came across, and my edit can be found under the, "Performance Fee's" section Hedge fund - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Bloglines; Slashdot

I was scrolling through the required blogs today, when I came across a blog that really caught my eye. It was an article on Slashdot, that was about how in France, only journalists can film violence. Immediately, I thought that this can't be true, and must be a joke of some kind, and then I realized that I am from the United States, and although I have traveled to other countries for vacation (mostly carribbean islands) I am not very cultured when it comes to other countries policies regarding freedoms. I decided to mention this article in my blog because I think it is something that everyone should know about, and will be interested to read. Here is the link:
Slashdot In France, Only Journalists Can Film Violence

Anyway, the law was approved exactly 16 years after a film was released by an amateur videographer exposing police officers beating up Rodney King. Although this law seems rather outlandish, there is nothing that the citizens of the country can do, other then publishing what they record, which is what in essence makes a journalist...well a journalist. I find it pretty unbelievable that a first world country can prevent people of basic freedoms (well, basic American freedoms atleast) and it seems that other people agree with me as there are hundreds of comments posted by readers, displayed under the article.

Online Gambling (class discussion)

Since I just made a Wikipedia edit to Phil Ivey's page, and we have also recently had a class discussion about online gambling, I thought it would be appropriate if I posted a blog about my feelings in regard to online gambling. I apologize in advance, if this turns into somewhat of a ramble, as I have very bitter feelings on the subject. The fact that President Bush has signed a law into legislation outlawing online gambling is one thing, but outlawing online poker is just ridiculous. Prohibiting online gambling games such as blackjack, sports betting, roulette etc. is understandable, as these are games of luck and are very addicting and hard to walk away from. The government wants to outlaw these forms of gambling because it is taking away potential money from casinos that they can tax. I am fine with this, as I absolutely hate games of luck. Poker however (regarless of how much you may not believe it, as most people don't, including my parents) is simply a game of skill. How can that be may you ask? Clearly there is luck present but if it wasn't a game of skill, then explain to me how the best poker players continue to make the final tables year after year at the World Series of Poker. I simply cannot understand why Bush has made online poker illegal. Fortunately for me, and other degenerate gamblers, there are still sites that operate such as Full Tilt Poker, Poker Stars, Doyle's Room, etc. You can still legally wire money through, however the convenient forms of wiring the money has become obsolete, as companies such as neteller has shut down their business. Well, like I said, sorry for the rant... I have an Econ midterm that I have to study for. Laterrrrrrr. (Here is an article in reference to some of the legalities regarding online gambling. I came across it on Wikipedia.)-----Online gambling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Phil Ivey (Wikipedia Edit #2)

Today, I decided to make an edit on my favorite professional poker player, Phil Ivey. Ivey is considered by many to be the best poker player in the world, and is nicknamed the "Tiger Woods of Poker." As an amateur poker player myself, I often watch Ivey play on television, and online to pick up his aggressive style of play, and adapt it into my game. I currently play online poker on Full Tilt, (yes, yes I know online poker is "illegal" and I probably shouldn't be posting this on an online blog, but I can't help it--I am addicted to online poker).

Anyway, my edit consists of a little informational fact about Ivey and his relationship with FullTiltPoker.com

"He can occasionally be found playing online at Full Tilt, playing high stakes limit and no limit cash games." (This is my edit, and can be found under the "Other Poker" section, at this page
Phil Ivey - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

That's it for now, stay tuned for more postings later this week.