BL Ochman's What's Next News

Worried About the YouTube Order? You Didn't Have Any Privacy Anyway

A federal judge in New York, presiding over Viacom's $1 billion copyright suit against Google, has ordered Google to give Viacom a three terabyte database showing every clip users have watched on Google-owned YouTube, the Internet's largest video site. Here's a YouTube video that explains it all to you, with musical accompaniment.

U.S. District Judge Louis Stanton, an 81 year old Reagan appointee, issued the order, renewing concerns among privacy advocates that Internet companies like Google are collecting unprecedented amounts of private information that could be misused or be obtained by third parties.

Judge Stanton ordered Google to provide Viacom with records revealing the users' log-in identities and the Internet addresses for their computers. Both companies say discussions are underway to anonymize the logs.

A great deal of shock, outrage, and dismay has been expressed about this breach of privacy, but the bottom line is, we already had no privacy.

And if you were going to comment that this is what we get for spending so much time online, try reading the privacy agreement on your credit card, or your medical insurance. Even your laser printer may be spying on you.

Related videos:
- viacom pussies!! burn in hell!! - An interview with Dan Farber
- Boycott Viacom - Fight Privacy Invasion on Independence Day "Stephen Colbert will be missed, but this is what Patriots must do."
- Viacom is a Copyright Bully

A Public Service Message From Benny Bix Ochman Labradoodle Puppy

Benny says: Please go to PoopBags.com where you can buy a whole year's supply (600) of biodegradable poop bags for only $60, with free shipping. It's a great way to go green. PoopBags.com is a small business based in Chicago. Go there now.They have biodegradable litter box liners too. Our planet, and Benny, thank you.

Go See James Braly's Show, "Life in a Marital Institution"

James Braly's one-man show, "Life in a Marital Institution: 20 years of monogamy in one terrifying hour" is terrific. He's fast, funny, warm, clever, insightful, and makes you feel like you were in the room when the events he shares took place. Most of all, he's the kind of guy you'd want to have a beer with. You get all that from his hour-long intimate monologue in the unbelievably uncomfortable Soho Playhouse (through August 31st.)

Braly's been compared to Spalding Gray, and he's got that same kind of effortless delivery. He's edgy without being pretentious, and his timing is impeccable.

While we haven't actually had a beer, I have loved all the stories I've heard Braly tell at The Moth, where he's the only person ever to win a grand story slams twice. I've told a tale or two on the Moth stage, and any time Braly shows up, you know he's the night's winner, hands down. He blogs too.

If only they could tone down the uncomfortably harsh stage lighting and install human-body-friendly theatre seats, Life in a Marital Institution would be a comfortable experience too.

I saw the show with a friend who reviews plays for Associated Press. The PR people, who don't seem to have a clue, put us, and all the other press way in the back of the theatre. I believe the reason reviewers usually get close seats is so they can see and hear what they are trying to review. Doh. As usual, clueless flacks can do more harm than good.

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