The Record Industry Continues Battle Against Free Music Downloads

Film and record producers are claiming that file-sharing platforms that allow users to make copies from other networks members’ computers are infringing copyright laws. They are also estimating that this could cost billions of dollars in lost revenues.

Recording industry claims it has lost 25% of its revenue since computer thieves used peer-to–peer file-sharing networks for free music downloads.

Grokster Ltd., which is well-known for its Grokster File-sharing Software, and StreamCast Networks Inc., from which the Morpheus Free Music Downloading Software is distributed are the latest two file-sharing companies targeted in these copyright lawsuits.

Grokster, Morpheus and others put a new spin on the file-sharing phenomenon. Instead of indexing shared files like Napster, these file-sharing tools allow network members to create their own indexes. This allows other members to download music and movies for free.

While musicians protest the illegal downloads of their music Fakaza , others back the way that music, movies, and copy can be shared via the Internet.

Music lovers use file-sharing sites to get the latest music releases before spending up to $18 on a CD that may have only one song. However, there will be others who will not purchase a CD and will continue to use the free music downloading networks.

Many users of file-sharing platforms have stated that they are good for the music business. File-sharing can help listeners discover smaller, independent bands they may not have heard on radio or the main stream.

Apple’s iTunes store has made file-sharing networks obsolete. Apple claims it sells over 1,000,000 songs per day and charges 99 cents per song. iTunes’s capabilities are still very limited. This leaves file-sharing networks with no access to unlimited music and movies.

End 2003 saw record companies start suing those who were downloading music for free. The recording industry will have a harder time tracking down individual users’ files with file-sharing networks such as Grokster and Morpheus.

They are expected to rule in June 2005, with the Supreme Court involved, on whether any action should or not be taken against the creators of file-sharing software.

An error in judgment could result in the demise of future products, such as the iPod, or other file-sharing programs that could be used legally.

Grokster and Morpheus don’t monitor or have knowledge of what is being downloaded. Therefore, a Los Angeles federal judge and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rescinded the copyright infringement allegations against these file-sharing network.

According to the Supreme Court’s 1984 ruling, Sony Betamax allows users to make home copies of TV programs that are copyrighted.

Last week’s recording industry angle was that companies such as Grokster and Morpheus were advertising their software would allow users to access free copies of copyrighted material. This should lead to them being sued and eventually shut down.

The jury is still out on this one, but file sharing networks will continue to offer free music downloads and many users won’t worry about getting sued. This is because most people don’t download more music per month.

Tips to Find a Good Reliable Limo Rental Company

Limousines are a great way to brighten up any event and add a touch of class to it, be it a wedding or prom night, or any other type of occasion. Limousines can be a problem if they are in poor condition or the company’s services are not satisfactory. This can cause chaos at any event.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you choose a limousine company.

Huge selection of Limos

It is important that you have access to a variety of limos on rental. There will be more to choose from if there is more variety. A large fleet of limos does not suffice. You should check to see if your company has the most up-to-date collection of limousines like the new 2007 Lincoln models.
If the company offers only a 10 or 15 year-old, rusty Cadillac, it is worth approaching another company. Before you hire a vehicle from a company you need to fully research your options. Renting a limo in major cities like San Francisco, Chicago and Boston is possible.

Review Reliability

If a company is professional in its delivery of limousine services, it can be judged on the quality of their service. A company with a strong reputation on the market will be able to meet all of your needs.
Cleanliness of vehicles and conduct of the chauffeurs all matter. matter a lot. Reliable and competent companies can do this. Ask your friends who rented limos before whether they felt the company was professional, reliable, and arrived on time. Look at the testimonials when you make a booking online.

Limo Drivers

The man behind a wheel is key. They are responsible for your safety. You can hire a limousine driver to transport you and your family, for prom night or business purposes. Make sure you only hire experienced, well-trained and well-behaved limousine drivers. Additionally, chauffeurs should be professionally dressed.

Extraordinary services

Hire a limo only from a company offering limos for a low price. It might feel great to have a limo for a cheaper price, but what if the limo arrived with a damaged model? It is unlikely that you would like this to happen. If you pay well, then you will receive high-quality services. It is not unreasonable to pay so much for a limo to be hired. Why not rent a high-quality limo from an established company?

Contact us for Discounts

For larger events, inquire about discounts. There are many companies that offer discounts to multiple vehicle hires.

Contact us for information about additional fees and alcoholic beverages

You should know how much additional money you will have to pay if you arrive late or need limo service for a longer duration. Make sure you have this information. Most companies will provide fully-equipped bars for their limos. Ask your driver if it is permitted to transport alcoholic beverages.

Another important consideration is insurance. It is important to verify that the company has proper insurance and licensing. Your company’s insurance must cover your vehicle as well the passengers. Finding a reliable and trusted limo hire company is possible if your destination is San Francisco, New York or Chicago.

You want your money to be worthwhile. Make sure you do your research and only choose the company that offers high-quality services and customer satisfaction.

How To Gain The Power To Create Intense Musical Emotion

Have you ever wondered what makes your favorite musicians so great? The answer is simple: They know how music works and how to make you feel the same. Knowing how music is expressed is essential to being a good guitarist or musician. If you can control emotions through music, you will be able to significantly affect the experience of others.

Most guitarists wish to express their creativity with their guitar playing. However, the majority of guitarists have no idea how this skill can be practiced. This causes a lot to be wasted on practicing the guitar in a way that doesn’t yield big results. The solution is to gain a greater understanding of the basics of creativity in music.

Guitar players search for the music of their favorite bands and practice them repeatedly to increase their musical creativity. Although this can be a great way to have fun while playing the guitar, it won’t help you learn much about musical expression. Spending too much time on this will result in you missing the two most essential parts of being able create emotion through music.

  1. You need to know how great musicians think. You need to know WHY these great players choose certain ideas and notes. This is something you will not learn if all you do is copy the “notes” from your favorite songs and solos. It is not enough to play the same notes with other musicians. You must think about the emotions that you want to convey and which musical choices will be most effective to accomplish this goal. Once you achieve this level, your unique musical sound will reflect the ideas and emotions that you create.
  2. Knowing how to create and express specific emotions by using certain musical choices when playing solo or in compositions is crucial. Without having to say anything, you must be able express the emotions you desire with your music to your audience. This is something that many guitarists struggle with and they find themselves limited to playing other people’s music without being able express their own feelings through their playing.

There is a huge divide between guitar players regarding music theory. Music theory is something many people avoid. They believe it restricts their freedom of expression. Some believe music theory should be required to know how to make music. These views, however, aren’t complete in the grand scheme of the role of music theory.

What then is the true purpose of music theory? Music theory is an instrument that describes accurately the effects musical ideas have on the emotions of those who listen to it.

Music Theory can be changed by changing your mindset

Understanding music theory’s true function will change the way you think about music theory. Music theory doesn’t just explain the function and meaning of chords and scales. Music theory is all about explaining why people feel certain emotions when certain ideas and scales are used. This knowledge is essential to developing great musical expression skills.

Here is an example of how you could use this idea. As a guitar teacher I spend a lot teaching my students creativity. One exercise that I use with my guitar students is to ask them to list the emotions they wish to express through their music. I then ask them to create a list of specific musical expressions that they can achieve using a variety different music theory ideas.