Democrats enlist White Stripes to make a point

Meet US Congresswoman Donna Edwards.



Yes, she's showing Congress The White Stripes Effect And Cause. As part of a debate about government shutdown.

This in no way is like that girl in your class crowbaring in some reference to "sucking the life out" of something in order to use posters of R-Patz during her class report on the Banking Crisis. Because the girl in your class isn't an elected representative who should be able to get through one of the most important debates in recent American history without needing to pep it up with a tune or two.

Embed and breakfast man: Congressman Cohen

Tennessee Democrat Steve Cohen marks the death of Alex Chilton on the floor of Congress:



[via @andrew_mueller]

US government tell universities: Crack down on filesharing, or else

While most of the world is turning its face against the RIAA, at least they can rely on their stooges ("friends") in Congress. Harry Reid has just managed to sneak a new law onto the books which will force the 25 "worst offending" colleges (from a filesharing on campus point of view) to demonstrate their steps taken to crackdown - or lose their funding. How do you determine the worst offenders? By counting RIAA enforcement notices.

That's right - the education of hundreds of people will hang on the whims of the RIAA. Since they can choose to focus their notices where they choose, the RIAA has effectively been given the power to launch attacks on schools they dislike. Suddenly, buying EMI comes with an extra inducement - you'll have a chance to run universities out of business.

Internet Radio: three days and off

The new, unrealistically high rates for internet radio royalties are due to start on the 15th of this month. An attempt to get a court order to suspend the new rates has been rejected. Now the last hope is for a new piece of legislation - they're hoping Congress might get something passed before the weekend.