The biggest Internet names are talking about joining forces in an effort to raise awareness for SOPA, the Stop Online Piracy Act. This is a measure your lawmakers are contemplating passing into law while you’re reading this. Supported primarily by large record labels, movie studios and conservatives in Washington, SOPA would essentially allow judges to arbitrarily order any website to block any content it chooses.

Sound scary? It is. In a coordinated effort to raise awareness and convince the confused crew in D.C. to drop the dictatorship-like law from passing some of the Internet’s most influential powerhouses are joining forces. Among those are Google, Facebook, Amazon, Yahoo, eBay and others. They’re calling it the “nuclear” option.

This “nuclear” option may be a temporary inconvenience for many of us, but if it works, it’s worth it.

GoDaddy, on the other hand, originally supported SOPA. This caused an uproar and an attempt at a mass boycott of their domain registration services. There was a significant effort to convince and support GoDaddy customers in moving their domains to other domain registrars. Other services were even giving discounts for doing just that. As a result, GoDaddy has since renounced its public support of SOPA, but we here at ErixClix don’t believe the driving force behind GoDaddy’s politics actually changed their minds on the subject.

Regardless, it’s time to raise awareness of the oppressive, free-speech clobbering, law they are considering and fight it until it’s dropped.

A few days ago Boxee announced two things…1) There will be a new release of Boxee for PC, Mac and Linux coming, and 2) That will be the final release of the Mac, PC and Linux version.

The reasons stated indicate that Boxee believes the future of the Home Theater will become increasingly centered on the Set Top Box and less on Home Theater PCs. This is a non-sensical and simply untrue statement as hardware manufacturers, lawmakers, and most importantly consumers are all heading quite aggressively in the opposite direction of closed media solutions.

More and more Home Theater PCs are flying off the shelves and nearly all Video Card models and manufacturers include HDCP support (allowing you to connect your computer to a TV and play encrypted content…with proper sources).

Further, we already have the laws in place that require cable companies to provide “CableCard” support so you aren’t forced to rent a cable box. CableCards go into HDTV Tuners that connect to your PC. This enables full premium cable, DVR, guide and extra capability because of the computer’s resources and connectivity. In fact, the trend is finally moving so aggressively toward this goal as more companies have released CableCard devices (e.g. ATI, Hauppage and SiliconDust), and even more have been announced.

Ever wonder why your cable box’s user experience is so antiquated? Because the cable companies and the cable set top box manufacturers benefit by giving you the absolute minimum they can get away with and still provide service. Sticking you with a proprietary, closed and expensive solution that just barely gets the job done.

However, with a central PC in your home, you can have central storage and access for video, live cable tv, music, streaming media, updated tv guides and more from anywhere in the home. And, until it becomes outdated and dies, Boxee’s PC software version could have been at the core of your “Media Center of the Future.”

Strangely enough, while Boxee discontinues its PC software, they will simultaneously be releasing a new hardware product for Home Theater PCs, a tuner device for bringing over-the-air, local HD channels to your computer.

So why discontinue the software? Because Boxee not long ago started selling proprietary hardware. You don’t need a Business degree to know that by releasing PC software they are cannibalizing their new hardware sales.

Also, their final PC software release “gesture” will strip out Netflix and other premium playback capabilities. ..they cited “extensive DRM and Certification Requirements.” Interesting these concerns all popped up for the final version of the PC software and for ALL premium apps (Netflix, VUDU, Pandora).

On the surface and underneath this sounds like a classic corporate greed sellout…maybe not even solely by Boxee. It’s too bad as I (and many other upset consumers) would have paid for the Boxee PC software as many others are begging to be able to do. (And I mean FULL Boxee software with all of the Netflix, VUDU and Pandora streaming goodness we’ve had for some time now.)

By the way, a Boxee Box is actually just a Home Theater PC. A closed, proprietary, limited PC. I don’t want one. The trend is to move AWAY from these limited, controlled and closed systems. Anyone that doesn’t see that for the long term is either brain dead or lying to you. Yep.

There are several new reports on the Boxee Forums that the new Mac OS version of Boxee 1.5.0.23267 crashes when the iPhone Boxee Remote App tries to connect to it.

Boxee is no-cost Home Theater PC (HTPC) software that is easy to use and quick to setup. It allows users that have their Mac, Windows or Linux PCs connected to an HDTV to easily navigate music, movies, tv shows and other media using a powerful and intuitive interface with large on-screen controls similar to that of a cable box or other familiar set top box.

Aside from a few tweaks to their simple keyboard interface I highly recommend this solution. And when the iPhone Remote issue is fixed, it’s a dream to use your iPhone to navigate the media on your computer without a mouse or keyboard.

Boxee can be found here: www.boxee.tv

If you have a Boxee box of your own, post your experiences, comments and opinions here. Let us know what you think!

Apple has long been known as a ‘premium products for a premium price’ electronics maker. Along with others such as Bose, Lutron, and more, the quality and customer satisfaction for all of these brands is well established. Another quality these labels share is they are not known for exceptional giveaways, deep discounts or super savings package deals.

So, that being said, why does Apple give “Free Engraving” with the purchase of iPods and now their famed tablet, the iPad?Knowing how business savvy this company is how can this free service, which many customers would likely pay for, be worth giving away? Many “giveaways” are used to incent someone to make a larger purchase. But when someone makes the decision to buy an iPod, iPhone or iPad, there are no real competiors for these products as they are at a premium and the customer has already decided to go with a unique product and experience so the decision to purchase has already been made hasn’t it? So why add this free service?

It’s relatively simple…it hinders you from being able to resell the device later. If you add a message “For Sue on her 16th Birthday” it will make the item very personal (for you, not someone on Craigslist looking for a bright, shiny, gently used iPod). So when the new model comes out, you will likely hang on to the old one and still make the new purchase. And it devalues the device for the buyer as it’s not desirable to own an iPod and every time you use it see “Love Always, Tom.” Who’s Tom?

So, essentially, Apple is helping you “deface” your little Christmas gift, in the name of sentimentality, only to lower its resale-ability thus keeping the market demand up for more new products. In the long run, it’s worth every penny. Of course, the used iPods and iPads that are sold and transferred still have a secondary potential revenue stream through the iTunes store, app and music purchases, etc.

Don’t get me wrong, taking advantage of a free engraving to send someone special a birthday message, or a message of love is a great thing. It will also guarantee the item is not “re-gifted.”

Wow…wow…wow…as highly recommended as this was, by viewers as well as critics…when the credits rolled on this one, many in our packed theater audience actually did gasp at this horror film, but not in terror, more in surprise, like “is that it?”

Maybe Hollywood is getting too excited about saving money and cutting corners by spending $15,000 on a movie and trying to turn it into $100 million in profits. This has happened in the past, but I wouldn’t think of this as a common, typical formula for success.

Another great movie “could have been” for the record books, this one had some freaky moments, and definitely was going down the right path, only to stretch out most of the nearly 100 minutes as “filler” minutes rather than scary moments.

In summary, I’d say there was enough quality content for the first HALF of a really great supernatural horror flick. So, where’s the 50% refund for half of my $11.50 ticket price? And I must say, we weren’t the only ones wishing for some cash back on this over-hyped rip-off.

Stay home, see something else, don’t even rent it.

Bruce Willis doesn’t usually star in a boring movie. And by all accounts, the previews certainly didn’t look boring. But last night, I ended up rather disappointed in another movie that “could have been.” Another Hollywood Blockbuster we all were looking forward to and it disappoints.

It wasn’t a complete loss, some of the “beauty is skin deep” moral of the storyline apply to us today, with our shallow, surface values, plastic surgery, weekly visits to the salon. Have we lost something…human? If this technology existed and was affordable as it was portrayed in the movie I believe we might fall into this trap.

Normally I’d say go see this one in the theater, and that it was at least entertaining, but I can’t recommend this one. Maybe a rental when there’s nothing else to watch.

Finally, the really sad story here may be that Bruce may not have much more box office draw after this one.

Quentin outdoes himself with this one…the opening scene is unforgettable, the climax is unforgettable…and everything in between…The tension building, the back story, the rewards are well worth the ticket price.

And then there are the actors. I’m not sure if it’s fair to say it’s his best ability, but may I at least put forth that Mr. Tarantino has a gift when it comes to casting? From Brad to Mélanie and from Christoph to Eli, everyone was perfect.

This may have a been a semi-silly, obnoxious, Tarantino-style, WWII flick but it was also a dramatic, intense, revenge fantasy I won’t soon forget.

This was great Sci-fi, somehow they came up with something original! I’ve already got the rest of the story figured out…

Ship was a prisoner relocation ship (dropping off prisoners to mars?), prisoners briefly took control, computer locks down ship. They end up at Earth because it was nearby. This explains EVERY story hole.

1) Why aliens were initially “locked” in the ship and humans had to CUT into it.

2) Why they were vicious criminal types,

3) Why there was a “nice” alien, he was the CAPTAIN of the prison ship (and why he didn’t take any of the other aliens back with him). and finally…

4) DISTRICT 10 story line… 2.5 Million “bad aliens” and the next movie HUMANS and GOOD ALIENS (that return with original captain) fight the bad aliens TOGETHER.

Whaddaya think?

Reality TV is soooo over-stretched

VERY REAL Reality TV…Joan persists in pigeon-holing Annie until the squeaky wheel, and with blind loyalty from her supporters wins out. Par for the course, politics as usual in American Corporations. Performance again loses to politics. Another reason to love working for ones self, and another reason Corporate America is a failure.

What we witnessed this 8th season on Celebrity Apprentice was very realistic. It has also been my experience watching, co-workers, like children, bicker and fight until the “more popular” of them wins out among their peers. Be consistent, break someone down over time and gain popularity through friendship and humor. Being more effective in business, more experienced at the task at hand and more productive has nothing to do with it. Which is unfortunate, because it’s a business they’re both working for.

Pocket Aces Don’t Help Promiscuous Pit Viper

Joan, being funny and clever and having been in the public eye much longer (possibly too long) has won the popularity hand. And that’s proved better than pocket Aces for Annie Duke. You see, Joan was playing with a hand Annie simply could never be dealt.

When I was new to corporate politics, in the early 90′s, I watched a newly appointed department manager be unseated within days by someone who actually cried to their manager to steal the position. Unbelievably, the “cry baby” was rewarded. The qualified candidate’s placement was second guessed and they were demoted. I then had to work with the new manager and the demoted manager as well. What fun!  This was so unbelievably destructive to the company on so many levels, and ultimately, the endeavor was a failure due to the fact that crying has never proven to be an effective business tactic long term.

We all wonder how GM, Chrysler, Ford have unbelievably unqualified people at the top…this is how. Cry babies and kiss-asses are the general breed that want to climb the ladder. People that are good at what they do, and love what they do, by nature, simply aren’t that political. Ultimately, it is very rare that someone truly earns these upper management positions. And those that do, don’t often see failure like the typical American Corporation has been experiencing lately.

Mommy Help Me!

Finally, it was never really mentioned on the show, but am I the only one that sees a HUMONGOUS character flaw in Melissa and Joan that baby Rivers called out to mommy for help, almost as if it were a reflex, whenever she was in trouble?

This is unbelievable.  1) For Melissa to be so co-dependent on her mother at her age is embarrassing for both of them and 2) What motivates a mother to raise her child to rely on her in such ways?

It’s a Stretch

It tells me enough that someone would feel so insecure about themselves and their appearance to have their face artificially stretched out to the point it becomes painful to look at.  Let alone the butt of so many jokes.

It was already a far reach for me to maintain respect for Joan after that.  Maybe she had me convinced too.  I don’t think she’s all bad.  She’s clever and witty and has been around a long time.  For her age she’s still punching along.  There’s much to be said for that.  But it’s not enough to have carte blanche.  I’ve seen enough ego from her to last 100 lifetimes.

Annie We Love You!

Annie, I just want to say that what happened to you makes you more a real person.  Anyone who doesn’t make it through the cut-throat, back-stabbing world of corporate politics is more than OK in my book.  At the tables you have to be cold and calculating.  But I’ve seen enough to know you’re definitely the Queen of Hearts to me.

Today, Apple unveiled a new iPod Shuffle. What was their smallest model in their line of iPods has gotten even smaller. And yes, the packaging does offer a warning, for those of you who would rather taste your tunes, DO NOT EAT. Who is this warning for anyway? It can’t be for very small children since a child young enough to want to put this in their mouth probably can’t read. So is it for the parents who might otherwise feed this to their children? Anyway, Apple had this warning on the previous generation shuffle as well. Wonder what frivolous lawsuit caused this ridiculous, unnecessary modification to the packaging.

On to new features

Well, now with an even smaller device, there is less room for buttons, knobs and switches. The only control on the device is a 3 position power switch. Off, on with shuffle and on without shuffle. Where did the controls go? Apple has moved the Shuffle’s controls to the headphone cable. Volume, track advance and playlist selection.

Multiple Playlists

Apple finally added multiple playlist capability with the Shuffle. However, with such overly-simplistic controls, the user may initially have a hard time figuring out the push, hold, click, press combinations to finally get the playlist or song they want.

Shuffle Speaks

As usual, Apple must innovate, why we here at ErixClix love them so much. The new Shuffle isn’t just smaller, it now speaks to you. Without a screen and with new multiple playlist capabilities, navigating your tunes might be confusing. Press and hold the center button on the controller and the iPod will speak the title and artist of the song you’re currently listening to. Continue to hold and after a short beep, it will help you navigate your playlists. The voice differs whether you’re syncing your iPod Shuffle with a Mac or Windows. From the video on Apple’s web site it sounds like the Mac voice is much more intelligible. (Yet another excuse to finally upgrade to a Mac!)

iPod Shuffle

As the worlds smallest 4GB music player, offered in silver or black and retailing for $79.00, we believe this new iPod Shuffle has been advanced more than enough to make this a great buy. Adding voice, multiple playlists and getting even smaller, it’s at least the most inconspicuous way to carry 1,000 songs around wherever you go!

See the iPod Shuffle at Apple’s Web Site

Top-level summary:  Very Entertaining…unfortunately, not much more to summarize, I wish I could have used phrases like “Spielberg’s best!” or “they’ve outdone themselves this time!”…but I can’t.

Aside from a few action scenes that were not only hard to believe but actually even looked as fake as they actually were (not Spielberg’s usual M.O.), the movie was fun and interesting.

Have blockbusters from this production crew been so successful in the past that our expectations are set so astronomically high they can never again be met by the same filmmakers?

Or did this movie fall short for many because of an overcooked storyline due to the fact that Indy’s aging and they wanted to squeeze too much of an “end-all” storyline into what is likely his last adventure? (referring to Harrison Ford’s character of course.)

Finally, I think it’s great to go to a real movie theater and see a new Indiana Jones flick.  That was probably worth the price of the ticket just for the nostalgia.

Internet Movie Database link to this movie: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367882/