Esquire.com Alert: 'Blogging from Blacksburg'

Esquire.com's The Side features an insiders look at these days following the shootings at Va Tech. It's well written and offers a perspective that isn't being captured anywhere else. Read Terrance Wedin's blogging direct from Blacksburg, Virginia - the events, the house "parties" and real lives grieving.

Also, providing an interesting perspective, The Lede blog on The New York Times site.

Not my normal entertainment world posting, I know, but these are two online destinations for a more behind-the-scenes look at the tragedy.

The Digital Music Revolution Evolves: Who deserves the upper hand in DRM?

HEY, online music consumers! I buy my songs from iTunes (and in full disclosure, I really like the iTunes works), as you can see from nearly every Nick'd post that concerns music. I dare you to search through my posts and challenge me otherwise.

As soon as I heard that EMI was going to be releasing its songs without DRM (Digital Rights Management) on iTunes, I was excited. Usually, I download the song, pay my $.99 and then, if I want to share it or have another file format, I have to burn the songs to a disc then rip them back to my iTunes, leaving me with two versions of the each song and then because of my mild obsessive compulsive disorder, I have to decide if I want to delete the original AAC Protected Audio File (iTunes proprietary music files that can't be shared without my aforementioned "sneaky" work around). Of course, I don't delete it because that's the file I paid for and what if I need it for some reason. It's just taking up room on my computer, not on the floor in my apartment or anything.

So, needless to say, I was excited that I wouldn't have to go through this ordeal with the new EMI plan. It wouldn't be all of my favorite artists, but it is a huge step in right direction. On top of that, the sound quality will be improved. Not CD quality, but closer.

However, there is a catch. The music on iTunes that features these thrilling new qualities will come at a small increase from $.99 to $1.29 per song. Wha...?!?!? No, actually, it's fine to me. I think if you improve your product you're allowed to escalate the price, especially when it's a matter of digital pocket change.

While I'm sure I'm not the only one excited about this announcement, Reuters/Billboard c/o The New York Times says, "Higher Digital Music Prices Not A Good Deal." Well, that clears that up. Right. For a moment after reading (and, admittedly, some skimming of) the article, I decided I disagree with the fancy news article and I'd post my response here.

I'm excited. The deal is Nick'd. Where do I buy? Oh, right, iTunes. Thanks.

UPDATE:

Basically, adult digital music consumers think the $.99 price is fair. So, $1.29 may be too much. Time will tell.

Boss Lady, Stylish, In The Times

Since I've added covering things I like from nytimes.com to my blogging rep, here's this:

How often is someone you know in the New York Times? More importantly, how often has their personal style been noticed as a current trend, so much so that they are secretly photographed and printed and posted for all the world to see. Well, it happened to Shari Gunn, my fashionable team leader.

So, watch yourself, pretty lady, because the NYT photogs may be after you!


Online, she was even the shot they used to link from the Style & Fashion section index page. Amazing!

‘Ma, I need to talk to you about something, I’m gay.’

The New York Times ran a piece on Sunday, April 1 in their Parenting section called "Accepting Gay Identity, and Gaining Strength." It tells the story of a young teenage boy who was struggling with self-esteem issues and a general uncomfortableness in his own body, his own life. Coming out to himself, to his friends and his family, as the article shares, was the beginning of change and growth for this young man.

Being able to settle into who you are is a challenge that faces a lot of people, especially during the awkward phase of being a teenager. We are fortunate to be living in a time when this story can not only happen, but can be told in such a public forum. Yes, he still was called faggot by some of his schoolmates, but read the article to see the action he takes against one boy.

There is still a lot that needs to happen politically to create a world where it is easier for young homosexual people to feel comfortable that their community and country will accept them for who they are, but the improving social aspects that are allowing kids these opportunities to grow at a consistent pace with their peers...and parents who say things like: “Coming out was the best thing for him. We ask him, ‘Why didn’t you come out in fifth grade?’ ” means that a greater political shift has to come, and maybe it will with an upcoming generation of politicians.

The article is a quick read. I recommend it, obviously.