Record Labels: Are They Necessary?

In October 2007, Radiohead released their new album, "In Rainbows," online available for free download. Frustrated by the fact that their previous four albums had been leaked prior to their release date, they decided to leak it themselves, giving fans the option of paying however much they liked, which included paying nothing at all. Initially, the move was motivated by the idea that the album would sell better once it went into stores (and it was eventually number 1 on the Billboard charts upon its store debut in January). However, the financial success obtained through the online release was uncanny, as 1.2 million downloads were made during the first day and people paid an average 8 dollars for the record, as opposed to the meager one dollar bands can get on average for royalties. Thom Yorke of Radiohead admits that this was not what the band anticipated, although it seems they have started somewhat of a revolution. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails chose to release his new album "The Slip" for free download in May as well, having just been freed from his problematic contract with Interscope Records the year before. In fact, upon the release of his final album with the label, he became exceedingly frustrated with the process, telling liveDaily, "Artists these days are not encouraged to experiment or take risks, and my punishment is on its way [for being creative.]" Reznor has even released tracks in formats that can be remixed and posted on the web. All of this seems to point to the Internet as being a place where artists can be in closer connection with their fans, without the unpleasant buffer of a label. However, these bands are each very well known with significant followings, so the label free approach is not as applicable for new bands that need the help, but the business for the big bands of the industry could be changing.


Trent Reznor, from blog.news-record.com

Russians in Georgia
Courtesy of abc.net

Russia-Georgia Conflict Being Investigated

The European Union has began looking into the Russian invasion of Georgia in August earlier this year. Heidi Tagliavini is leading the EU commission that is looking into the causes of the conflict. Georgians are welcoming the group, as it seems justice is very clearly on their side. Even now, Russians are keeping troops just 30 miles outside of the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, showing an unusual amount of aggression towards a small nation. This has caused several people to believe that a new Cold War is on the rise, as Russia is trying to consolidate power in a new era. It is scary to see one of the biggest world powers throwing its power around in a way that was, let's face it, an even more unjustified war then America's conflict with Iraq.

Men Arrested, Weapons and Drugs Seized

Colin DeMatteis reports on a story that involved an arrest of five men after they were pulled over on West Buffalo Street in Ithaca. District Attorney Gwen Wilkinson was interviewed for the piece. Here's a link to the video.

The State of Racism in America

Since Barack Obama was elected president by the American people on November 4th, several people have declared an end to racism in America. Much of McCain's concession speech focused on how far America has come on the issue of equality, without mentioning any aspects that still have to be fulfilled. Although the president will be an African American within a couple months, that doesn't change the disparities that still exist between races, and it cannot undo the racism that still exists in the country. Dozens of columnists have weighed in on the state of American racial issues since the election, commenting on how where the nation is now and where Obama may direct it.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5joy7XTr53Ch1pOC40QKnNMtlp44gD94LHBE82

http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=525545

Child Dies At Massachusetts Gun Show

An 8-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the head at a Westfield, Massachusetts gun show Sunday.

The boy, Christopher Bizilj, was shooting downrange with an Uzi under the supervision of his father and instructor when he lost control of the gun's recoil. The government of Massachusetts is quickly looking to pass gun control legislation to bar minors from firing automatic weapons. There is also an investigation as to whether the proper licenses were in place at the gun show for such shooting of automatic weapons by minors to occur.

It is incredible that such practices are legal, especially in a state that already has some of the tightest gun regulations in the country. There is a good chance this tragedy will be brought up by the media in the final days before the election, and the McCain campaign will certainly need to find a way to respond and still maintain their loose gun control policies.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7694560.stm

Tompkins County Officials Prepare For Spending Cuts

More than a million tax dollars are being put aside in the Tompkins County budget to prepare for changes in the New York state budget, Tompkins County administrator Steve Whicher said in a press conference Monday.

“We’re hoping it’s an adequate amount, but if state taxes exceed that amount, I wouldn’t be surprised,” he said.

Despite giving an overview of the basic goals of the county’s 2009 budget, Whicher stressed that everything is only tentative until state elections are completed in early November. Final vote on the budget will occur during the third week of November once Tompkins County officials have a better gauge on how state budget cuts will affect the availability of overall funding, Whicher said.

The move to place so much money in reserve comes in response to the summer announcement of Gov. Paterson, in which he said the state was in a recession that would require significantly reduced spending next year. Whicher speculates some programs may be cut by as much as 10 percent to 15 percent for 2009, but it is still unclear as to which ones will take such a hit if it is necessary.

“We’re not going to make reductions right now because we don’t have all the information,” he said. “Everybody’s treated the same way.”

Much of the final plans for the 2009 budget hinge upon the upcoming developments within the New York State budget, but the basic tentative plans were gone over. The tax levy is set to increase by just below 3 percent, achieving the goal of the Legislature. However, the tax rate will drop by 13.7 percent.

The Highway Department is planning to shift costs from State Roads to County Roads, which should save $70,000 once the differing plowing costs are realized, since the state was shortchanging its reimbursement of Tompkins County. Necessary new equipment for the department will also be purchased with a limit on rental equipment, which would raise costs in the long run.

“We’re going to direct [the Highway Department] to the fund balance for the next couple years as they try to stabilize the levy,” executive assistant to the county administrator Norma Jayne said.

The Highway Department’s balance will increase by about $2.5 million, constituting a 25 percent increase in funding according to Whicher.

Controversy over the tri-owned TCAT bus system was also addressed, as the city of Ithaca has not followed the lead of Tompkins County and Cornell to increase funding for bus fuel, despite the ever-rising cost of diesel fuel.

“There’s a lot of political pressure on the city to cough up the money,” Whicher said. “We think public transportation is something that should be invested in, especially at this day in age.”

To tackle the issue of jail overcrowding, Whicher spoke of plans for Tompkins to team up with another county to build a facility for sentenced people. However, there are no aims to create a large-scale jail of any kind. “Our philosophy is, if you build it, they will come,” Whicher said.