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Apple To Shut Down iTunes?
Apple could shut down its iTunes music store this week, if a verdict from the US Copyright Royalty Board forces the company to pay higher royalty rates.
A ruling is expected by the board tomorrow (October 2) on an application by the National Music Publishers' Association to raise the royalty fees paid to its members on songs purchased from online music stores including iTunes.
The association wants to increase rates by 66 per cent, from nine cents to 15 cents per track, whereas Apple wants a decrease to 4.8 cents per track, reports CNN.
In a statement submitted to the board last year, iTunes vice president Eddy Cue said that Apple would not stand for an increase:
"If the [iTunes store] was forced to absorb any increase in the... royalty rate, the result would be to significantly increase the likelihood of the store operating at a financial loss - which is no alternative at all," the statement read.
Cue added that Apple would have no qualms about shutting iTunes down if it was not making enough money.
"Apple has repeatedly made it clear that it is in this business to make money," he said, "and most likely would not continue to operate [the iTunes store] if it were no longer possible to do so profitably."
Research analysts Piper Jaffray predict that Apple will have an 85 per cent share of the digital music market this year. Apple could shut down its iTunes music store this week, if a verdict from the US Copyright Royalty Board forces the company to pay hig... more -
Jean Charles de Menezes inquest opens
The long-awaited inquest into the controversial fatal shooting of the Brazilian electrician who was wrongly identified by armed police as a suicide bomber is to start today.
De Menzes was shot dead at Stockwell tube station in July 2005, and today the police officers who fired the fatal shots, passengers who were on the train and members of the Menezes family, who "have publicly blamed Commissioner Sir Ian Blair for instigating a 'cover-up' after the shooting," will all speak to the court. The long-awaited inquest into the controversial fatal shooting of the Brazilian electrician who was wrongly identified by armed police... more -
More US soldiers charged with Iraqi prisoner executions
More sad news of US troops showing the ugly side of war, and we wonder why people hate us?
A US soldier has been jailed for seven months and given a dishonourable discharge for conspiracy to murder four Iraqi men in April 2007.
Specialist Belmor Ramos (23) pleaded guilty to knowingly standing guard as the men were blindfolded, shot and their bodies dumped in a canal.
It was alleged that the killings were in retribution for casualties sustained by the soldiers' unit.
Three other soldiers were charged in connection with the case on Wednesday.
Sgt John Hatley, Sgt 1st Class Joseph Mayo, and Sgt Michael Leahy Jr have been charged with premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder and obstruction of justice.
A pre-trial hearing will be held at a later date to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for a court martial.
(Read rest at link, more stories leads below)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/18/world/middleeast/18ba...
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iMjTyJ6nlLOzU00sqm0M... More sad news of US troops showing the ugly side of war, and we wonder why people hate us? ... more -
THE UNTOLD STORY TOLD: How A Deadly Prison Riot Becomes A Play
Performance meets politics with "Lucasville: The Untold Story of A Prison Uprising." In 2004, a book by the same name was published. The authors, family members and participants are calling for an investigation and raising awareness about the use of the death penalty.
The Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville was home to an 11-day stand-off in April 1993. One guard, Robert Vallandingham, and 9 prisoners were killed on the inside before terms of surrender were reached. 5 men were tried, convicted, and sentenced to death for their role in the uprising, which included negotiating its end and holding meetings with other prisoners. Inmates testified against one another. Some of the key eyewitness claims have since been recanted.
The play is taken from actual dialogue, court transcripts and official statements from inmates and negotiators. The production toured Ohio in 2007 and it is being performed in August at the 2008 New York City International Fringe Festival. It is scheduled to be performed on the west coast in late September 2008.
The State of Ohio and Prosecutors stand by the cases and the convictions of the Lucasville 5. The state admits there is little to no actual evidence. Prosecutors maintain, and the juries have agreed, that the men who were the leaders and the voices during the disturbance could be held complicit and responsible for any and all actions during the deadly riot.
Sentences have been upheld by state courts. Performance meets politics with "Lucasville: The Untold Story of A Prison Uprising." In 2004, a book by the same name was pu... more -
A Very British Gangster
Dominic Noonan is the head of one of Manchester's most notorious criminal families. In this controversial documentary Donal McIntyre discovers what its like to be one of Britain's most wanted gangsters. This pod is a special short cut of the feature documentary A Very British Gangster by Donal MacIntyre and Dare Films. For more films by Dare, check out: http://current.com/topics/88820309_dare_films Dominic Noonan is the head of one of Manchester's most notorious criminal families. In this controversial documentary Donal McInt... more
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Spears to remain in father's care
Britney Spears' father will retain control over the singer's affairs until the end of the year, says a US court.
James Spears was granted control of his daughter's assets in February after she was admitted to a psychiatric ward.
The Los Angeles court also heard that Ms Spears did not want to extend a restraining order against her former manager, Osama "Sam" Lutfi.
James Spears' lawyer said a "private agreement" had been reached with Mr Lutfi, and no court action was needed.
Neither the singer nor her father were in court for Thursday's hearing.
Read more... Britney Spears' father will retain control over the singer's affairs until the end of the year, says a US court. ... more -
Bong hits for Jesus
This is a Supreme Court case that we all need to know about!
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Appeal over goth murder sentence
Sophie Lancaster, 20, was kicked and stamped to death by Brendan Harris, 15, and Ryan Herbert, 16, in Stubbylee Park in Bacup, Lancashire, last summer.
The pair turned on her as she tried to get them and three other youths to stop attacking her boyfriend, Robert Maltby.
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What made this news stand out to me was what the judge said to the boys who killed her in court.
"This was a terrible case which has shocked and outraged all who have heard about it. At least wild animals, when they hunt in packs, have a legitimate reason for so doing, to obtain food. You have none and your behaviour on that night degrades humanity itself."
He described the Goth community as "perfectly peaceful law-abiding people who pose no threat to anybody" and added: "This was a hate crime against these completely harmless people targeted because their appearance was different to yours."
Good for you, judge, for saying those things. It's true. Sophie Lancaster, 20, was kicked and stamped to death by Brendan Harris, 15, and Ryan Herbert, 16, in Stubbylee Park in Bacup, Lancash... more -
Jury play sudoku, court case subsequently rejected
A three-month drugs trial involving over 100 witnesses and costing half a million pounds has been thrown out of court after members of the jury pleaded guilty to curing their boredom by doing sudoku puzzles .
Apparently, the Jury' forewoman admitted that her and a few others had been trying to crack the puzzle games since the second week of the trial, claiming that it had helped keep her mind 'busy'.
Just can't get the staff nowadays. A three-month drugs trial involving over 100 witnesses and costing half a million pounds has been thrown out of court after members of... more -
Student bloggers need to know their rights
Been reprimanded for your site? Are schools allowed to punish you for what is not on there website, property and has no affiliation with the at all?
Pew Internet and American Life Project's studies tell that 38 percent of online teens read a blog and 19 percent of teens, approximately four million students, keep one. A separate Pew study said 68 percent of teenagers have used the Internet at school.
Schools usually have jurisdiction over school-hosted or school-sponsored publications, such as school newspapers or school blogs. Students have more protection and can express themselves more openly on a personal blog.
Personal blogs allow students to inform others of their opinions about fellow students, teachers and school district as a whole. Although schools do not have jurisdiction on personal blogs, schools may still challenge them.
In Emmett v. Kent School District, the court ruled that the public Kent School District's officials had violated a student's First Amendment rights by punishing the student for his personal Web site. The court held that "the speech was entirely outside of the school's supervision or control."
In Flaherty v. Keystone Oaks School District, a federal court found a public school's policy, which prohibited "inappropriate, harassing, offensive or abusive" behavior, was unconstitutional because "the policy could be read by school officials to cover speech that occurs off school premises and that is not related to any school activity in an arbitrary manner."
When schools win from suing students for what they say on the Internet, it is usually because of the Tinker Test, or "material disruption."
According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the "material disruption" standard says that your free-speech rights can be limited when the speech "materially disrupts classwork or involves substantial disorder or invasion of rights of others." Therefore, if you blog about how you hate a teacher, the school may claim that it is materially disrupting classwork.
If you have been punished for your personal Web site or your school has ordered students to stop blogging about school, the EFF advises that you contact them and a lawyer. The EFF says a "blanket ban" would violate your First Amendment rights.
What can you do on your personal blog? There is a lot you can do, such as write an online fiction like an anonymous person. However, it does not mean your school would be happy with it. Your First, Fourth, and Eighth amendment rights will be helpful. If you insult your school teachers and administrators, be wary of how you do it.
The common saying "think before you act" can be great advice because not only do schools visit your Web site, colleges and universities may look at it.
Here's some advice:
Do not create nor visit your site on school property, the school's Internet connection, nor during school time. Also, if you bring a copy of the site onto the school campus or event you may be permitting the school to have jurisdiction.
On your Web site, when applies, say all of the following: "This site is not affiliated with any school and/or organization." "Warning Advice: [insert Web site] is not responsible for you visiting this site. Please do not visit it at [insert your school district]. Do not permit this site to disrupt classwork and/or cause substantial disorder." Been reprimanded for your site? Are schools allowed to punish you for what is not on there website, property and has no affiliation wi... more -
R. Kelly trial: video not fake, Kelly’s mole visible
A forensic video expert took the stand yesterday at the R. Kelly trial to show that the sex tape in question could not be faked and to blow a hole in the defense’s argument A forensic video expert took the stand yesterday at the R. Kelly trial to show that the sex tape in question could not be faked and to... more
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FLDS Polygamists Gain Custody of Children
By STEPHANIE SIMON and ANN ZIMMERMAN// Wall Street Journal
Texas authorities prepared to return hundreds of children seized from a polygamist ranch after the state Supreme Court ruled that child-welfare authorities were wrong to have separated the children from their parents.
The Texas Supreme Court let stand an appellate ruling that the state acted illegally in taking custody last month of 468 children from the Yearning for Zion ranch in Eldorado.
"Removal of the children was not warranted," the justices wrote.
Texas Child Protective Services spokesman Patrick Crimmins said the agency would "prepare for the prompt and orderly reunification of these children with their families."
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Full story at link. By STEPHANIE SIMON and ANN ZIMMERMAN// Wall Street Journal ... more -
Whatchu talkin bout Willis? Gary Coleman Getting Divorced
Gary Coleman and his disgruntled bride Shannon Price are thinking about getting divorced. Gary, obviously attention starved, is taking this matter straight to Divorce Court. He’s reportedly looking for a little guidance from Judge Toler in hopes of saving the marriage before it’s too late. Keep reading... Gary Coleman and his disgruntled bride Shannon Price are thinking about getting divorced. Gary, obviously attention starved, is taking... more
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Anna Nicole’s Mom Virgie is Suing TMZ and Howard K. Stern
Oddly enough, Virgie Arthur, the mother of deceased star Anna Nicole Smith, is back in the headlines. This time she is suing TMZ and Anna’s companion and lawyer Howard K. Stern for trying to tarnish her image. No - it’s true. She thought she had an image and a good one at that! Oddly enough, Virgie Arthur, the mother of deceased star Anna Nicole Smith, is back in the headlines. This time she is suing TMZ and A... more
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Rowling gives evidence against Potter fan-book
Harry Potter author JK Rowling is continuing her US court battle over the publication of a Harry Potter encyclopaedia. She told the court on Monday that the encyclopaedia "constitutes wholesale theft of 17 years of my hard work". Harry Potter author JK Rowling is continuing her US court battle over the publication of a Harry Potter encyclopaedia. She told the co... more
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Court orders Iranian miser to buy his 'neglected' wife 124,000 roses
A miserly Iranian man has been ordered by a court to buy his neglected wife 124,000 red roses.
The Iranian newspaper, Etemad, reports that the woman - mysteriously known only by her first name, Hengameh - decided enough was enough, and that she wanted to punish her husband's tight grip on the couple's 'purse-strings,' and claim her "mahr".
"Shortly after marriage I realised that Shahin was very cheap. He even refused to pay for my coffee if we went to a cafe or restaurant," she said.
Under Iranian law the mahr, offered by the groom at the time of marriage, can be claimed at any time during married life or divorce proceedings. The most common offerings tend to be gold coins or property, with values sometimes up to hundreds of thousands of pounds.
A single long stemmed rose in Iran costs up to £1, I'd rather have a house than 124,00 roses, but whatever floats your boat. A miserly Iranian man has been ordered by a court to buy his neglected wife 124,000 red roses. ... more -
http://Deadline in Viacom, Google copyright suit extended
Deadline is appointed for the big search engine giants Google Inc to hand over document's to Viacom Inc's worth a wopping $1 billion dollars in Copyright's,Google has been givin two month's exstention...for more click on link info...hhhmmmm.. Deadline is appointed for the big search engine giants Google Inc to hand over document's to Viacom Inc's worth a wopping $1... more
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Five men found guilty of helping 21/7 London bombers
Five of the men who were believed to have helped in orchestrating attacks in the aftermath of the failed 21/7 bombings have been found guilty of terror charges.
The five were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court for over 20 charges of failure to disclose terrorism information between them, with several of the group also escaping other charges for similar offences.
The gang were found guilty of providing an 'integral' service to the terrorists, providing safe houses and passports, as well as offering clothing and food for the 21/7 plotters. Five of the men who were believed to have helped in orchestrating attacks in the aftermath of the failed 21/7 bombings have been found... more -
"Mortal Kombat" murder in real life - what should happen?
Seven-year old Zoe Garcia's mother was working when her daughter was brutally murdered.
On December 6, 2007, the little girl had been left in the care of her sixteen-year old half sister, Heather Trujillo, and Trujillo's seventeen-year old boyfriend, Lamar Roberts. The two teens, according to their story, had...
Read full story here: http://www.helium.com/tm/761965/seven-garcias-mother-wo... Seven-year old Zoe Garcia's mother was working when her daughter was brutally murdered. ... more -
Omagh Bomber Walks Free
The families of the victims killed in the Omagh bombing have hit out at police as the man accused of carrying out the attack walked free today.
Sean Hoey, 38, an electrician from Jonesborough,Co Armagh, was the first person directly accused of killing innocent men, women and children in what has been described as Northern Ireland's worst terrorist attack.
However, the judge said the DNA evidence aginst him did not stand up and cleared Hoey of all charges related to the bombing. The families of the victims killed in the Omagh bombing have hit out at police as the man accused of carrying out the attack walked fr... more
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