If you use the controversial Russian music site Mp3Sparks.com (an offshoot of the banned AllofMp3.com), you may find your access blocked. Apparently the site has been using a notorious Turkish web host that has been linked to some serious cybercrimeand has been blocked by several ISPs in the UK and US. I’ve been a regular user of these Russian sites not only becuase they provide amazing value but simply because the archaic international copyright laws won’t let me or other Bermuda-based users buy music or movies from iTunes, Amazon and other online sources. Obviously I would rather buy my music legit but until this situation changes, I will buy my music or download it where I can, so hopefully the Russkis will find another host soon. In the meantime, you might want to try Mp3Sugar, Iomoio or the eclectic eMusic as alternatives. And long live Pirate Bay!
So what was in the air at Macworld? The MacBook Air, that’s what. In his keynote, Apple boss Steve Jobs unveiled the “world’s thinnest notebook” and at 3 pounds, 0.76 inches deep (that’s about a pencil width) and a 13.3 inch screen with an 80GB hard drive, it looks a beauty. No touch screen but you can perform many of those cool iPhone tricks on the extra large track pad. No CD/DVD drive either – that’s a $99 extra. Looks great but $1,799?! Are you kidding? For now, I could live with the extra two pounds on a MacBook. Among the other announcements: the very cool Time Capsule – an automatic wireless backup in 500Gb and 1TB models that also doubles as an Airport base station; a bunch of added features to the iPhone and iPod Touch, a cheaper, standalone Apple TV; and movies to rent from iTunes store – in HD too (but of course, not if you’re in Bermuda).For more details, check out Macworld’s coverage
Very good piece by Matt Taylor with Jim Butterfield in today’s Gazette. I don’t know all the ins and outs of the Bermuda Cement Company business with WEDCO and Government but something sure doesn’t smell right and I do know Jim Butterfield well enough to know that if someone like him is feeling uncomfortable in today’s political climate, it is not a good sign. Yes, Jim was born into a white, privileged family but in my experience he has been careful not to abuse that position. Indeed, along with his wife Debbie, sister Peggy and brother Tom, Jim has always made a conscious and sincere effort to give back to all sectors of the community. Not just in financial terms but actively getting involved with any number of sporting and social causes and giving up hundreds of hours each year to benefit those less fortunate than themselves. Most of this has been done quietly, with humility and without recognition. For sure, there are plenty of arrogant, racist white Bermudians who need to feel uncomfortable, ashamed and guilty – but Jim Butterfield isn’t one of them. The PLP – or at least those going along with the current climate – should think really carefully about where they are going with this. If they succeed in driving people like Jim Butterfield out of business and maybe out of Bermuda, we will all be the poorer.Dennis Correia, one of the new shareholders at BCC, does plenty for the community too – as a Somersfield Academy parent I have seen first hand his and Jane’s generosity in helping provide facilities and support – but he sure could learn a lot from Jim when it comes to dignity and humility.
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