Monthly Archives: October 2013

Russell Brand May Have Started a Revolution Last Night

Who knew that Russell Brand could be so eloquent, so passionate and so on top of the current political, economic and social situation in the UK and the US?

Here is somebody who explicitly calls out the current crop of do nothing politicians in both countries and says to the rest of us, rise up and revolt!

Please listen to him, all the way through.  He is articulate; his positions are based on facts and he is able to walk right around this interviewer who is trying to pillory him because he doesn’t vote.

Brand may not have all the answers but he sure as hell knows what questions to ask, what general direction our nations should be going and what’s stopping us.

Three cheers for Russel Brand!  And thanks to Gawker for making this video available.

Russell Brand May Have Started a Revolution Last Night.

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Filed under arm wresting, Education, Inspiring People, Life & Death, Politics, World Changing Ideas

▶ Colini: The Humble Surrealist – YouTube

There are people you meet in life who change you.  Surrealist Vojen Cech Colini was one of those people for me.

I interviewed Colini for The Art Times Journal.

We met in his house, in Pennsylvania.  We sat at his kitchen table while he rifled through a shoe box of some of the most exquisite paintings I have ever seen.  And he told stories of his youth, his companions — Magritte, Man Ray, Max Ernst.

And he entranced me with his artistic abilities, his humility and his beautiful, clear vision. Colini made surrealism come alive for me.

Today, I stumbled across a YouTube video that brought this wonderful artist, this luminous man back to me – his words, his smile and his stunning images.

Today, I share Vojen Cech Colini with you and hope you find him as compelling as I did almost 10 years ago.

via ▶ Colini: The Humble Master – YouTube.

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Filed under Art Journal Articles, Death & Dying, Education, Inspiring People, Published Articles, World Changing Ideas

Don’t Get Sued – 3 Sources of Copyright-Free Images from LKR Social Media

Blogging can be fun.  It can be profitable.  It can simply be a means of leaving behind a journal for grandchildren and maybe even grandchildren you will never know.

But blogging is still covered by the same copyright laws that govern all intellectual property including photographs.  And copyright law, which includes using someone else’s photographs,  is pretty rigid.

Under copyright law, there is little wiggle room for the usual excuses and “fair use” – not monetized, one time use, educational – does not cover theft of property.

This cautionary tale comes from Laura K. Roeder, an expert in the use of social media.   The person involved used only 3 pictures which she thought were covered.   Her initial fine was over $2,000. 00. Her apology and sincere explanation of why she thought it was okay to use them got the fine reduced $1650.00.

If she had paid for the use of the photos, her total cost would have been $148.50.

Bottom line, unless you take the photo, pay for the photo or know, unequivocally, that is is copyright free, don’t use it.  Roeder provides 3 sources where you can get photos for use on your blog. Check them out but seriously consider taking your own photos.  It’s safer.

3 Killer Sources of Copyright-Free Images to Avoid Getting Punched in the Face with a Lawsuit – LKR Social Media.

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Filed under Copywriting, Freelance Writing, Publishing, Uncategorized, Writing Advice