Inspirational

I took the train to work and arrived around 8.40 this morning. That's not bad; I left home about 7.45. There was a woman on the train who put all her bags on the seat next to her so nobody could sit there. I hate people like that. She was pretending to be asleep, but a man got on and poked her until she was forced to pretend to wake up and let him sit down. It made my day. I've never been brave enough to do that, but it was an inspirational display. I may try it next time I see an opportunity.

There seems to be a story in the news today about a Hong Kong tabloid that has published pictures of Hong Kong pop star Gillian Chung, half naked, without her permission. The pictures apparently appear to have been taken with a hidden camera while she was changing back stage at a concert.

This reminds me of a scandal that unfolded in Taiwan 2 or 3 years ago when a sleazy tabloid there published hardcore pictures (and movie) of a politician Chu Mei Fong, with her married boyfriend. What amazes me about these cases is not so much the fact that anyone would be grubby enough to plant these cameras and then sellt he footage, it's that anyone is stupid enough. In the case of the Taiwan scandal mentioned above, the magazine was removed from shelves within hours of release and just about everyone involved ended up in jail within the next month. I don't know what's going to happen with this Hong Kong mag, but you can bet there will be casualties, such is the public outcry.

No one can possibly win here, any boost to circulation will be offset with fines and penalties. Selling the footage will land you in jail. Publishing the pictures will land you in jail. What can possibly be gained?

Universal is planning to provide free downloadable music on the internet. They are intending to make money by advertising on the site. Now this is the music industry getting back in touch with its market place. About time too, you twerps. You should have started that 5 years ago. Click.