Thursday, January 19, 2012

Take a Minute to Save the Internet

Hello my darling readers!

Yes, I know, this isn't an update on my life here in Germany.  It's actually a post for all you guys at home in America.

In case you didn't know, Congress is voting on two major bills soon - SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act).  I rarely get political - in real life or on the internet - just because usually talking about politics just brings everybody down.

BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT, NO MATTER WHAT SIDE OF THE AISLE YOU'RE ON.

Both of these acts, created (probably) for a good purpose - to stop piracy online - will give Congress the power to censor and remove websites they see as infringing on copyright laws.  Here's the problem: the wording of the laws are so vague that basically any site, like Facebook, YouTube or heck, even this blog, could be censored because someone posted a video of a girl singing the newest Lady GaGa song to her cat.

Actually, in all likelihood, this blog would be taken down because of the name - sorry, Simba.

Not only are these bills in direct violation of the First Amendment, but they also have the possibility of crippling our economy by bringing down websites like Amazon or squashing new start-up companies.

Not to mention the fact that's it's blatant - CENSORSHIP.  You know, what other upstanding countries, like China, Syria, Iran, North Korea, Cuba the former USSR, have/had.

I'm here in Germany. I can't do much other than sign online petitions which I hope will get to my Senators and Congressmen.  But for those of you at home, you can do something.

1) WATCH THIS VIDEO


PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

2) SIGN A PETITION

     Google's - https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/
     Strike Against SOPA - http://sopastrike.com/strike
     Fight For the Future's Petition - http://americancensorship.org/

3) CALL YOUR SENATOR OR CONGRESSMAN

I love you guys. I love writing for you guys. And I'm sure you love reading my stuff.
So let's keep it that way.

Say no to censorship.

Lots of Love,
Your Humble Blogger and Simba

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Hello my lovely readers!

The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated and hopefully before the end of this week, you'll be getting at least one post from me!  I'm planning on posting some of my Christmas Extravaganza (aka this humble blogger's family reunion in Germany) photos VERY soon!  It's going to be quite photo heavy and blogger and I aren't getting along so well.  BUT!  There will be a post soon!

Lots of Love,
Your Humble Blogger and Simba