Americans are so pathetic

There has been a "controversy" in the news lately. Facebook, claiming membership of something like 150 million members (a shitload of people), recently posted changes to their terms of service. People didn't like the changes, claiming Facebook was amending their rights (Facebook's rights) to perpetual free license and control of all user content. By all content we mean everything, and by perpetual we mean forever.

Whether that's what the weenies at Facebook intended, or not, that's the gist of what I took away when I read the terms. Frankly, I hadn't read the terms before I joined Facebook, so I was a lazy slug just like everyone else. But it seemed clear to me: Facebook wants the right to do whatever they want with your stuff. Forever. No, I don't know why.

Oddly enough (and I say oddly because, like, who really gives a shit about Facebook's terms?) the changes caused quite a stir in the online community. People were upset because they thought they retained ownership and control of their own content, and that Facebook was just a platform for hosting it. Not too much unlike several other services available on teh Internets.

Very well. Protest their change in terms. But if you don't like the fact Facebook is a money-grubbing corporation with their own interests (that don't take your interests into account) you really have little recourse but to leave Facebook. But, no. Instead I get invitations to join the "100,000,000 Against Facebook Owning Its User's Photos!" group. Ignoring the breathless exclamation point, the fool who started this group doesn't even know the difference between LOSING and LOOSING. It's simply fail all the way.

Americans are so pathetic. They aren't willing to give up anything to support their supposed beliefs. Do you really think if you join this group Facebook is going to listen to you? Get a grip, they're laughing at you! You're like a five-year-old stamping her feet to complain about being sent to her room without dessert. Grow up. If you don't like the new terms of service at Face-fucking-book, then terminate your membership. Go somewhere else. You're not impressing anyone with your silly little protest group. Least of all, not me.

Incidentally, this is why everyone in the world hates Americans. We think we're entitled to everything, but we're not willing to give up anything to get the things we say are important. The only thing Facebook will understand and respect is numbers, and if you don't like Facebook, vote with your feet (or, for the brain-impaired: leave the service) or shut the fuck up and get back in line.

That is all.

Coraline 3D: A review

We saw Coraline in 3D yesterday (Saturday, Valentine's Day). It's a kids' horror story, but I would term it "cartoon scary," meaning none but the most sensitive young children would find it truly scary. The villain isn't very nice, but our heroine, Coraline, is strong and determined, and "defeats" the bad, scary monster in the end.

First, about the new 3D: It works fairly well. Much better than the technology you find at theme parks (and I'm thinking of the Terminator 3D attraction at Universal Studios). We saw Bolt in 3D in January, and thought it was very well done. That movie, in particular, is a keeper and I will buy it when it comes out on DVD. (BTW, that movie also had a heroine, though the dog, a boy, is the main character.)

Coraline makes more use of things coming at you on the screen, which I found moderately cheesy, but given that the movie is targeted for kids, I can forgive the occasional poke in the eye. The children in the theater seemed to like it, which I think is the point.

What I found most satisfying is the role that Coraline, the movie's heroine, plays. She is strong and independent, yet when it comes to helping others, is compassionate and doesn't hesitate. Excellent role model for girls, and not too poor for young boys, either. At her character's age, there really isn't much difference between the genders. Her parents are portrayed as busy and not paying much attention, but it's very clear she loves them and in the end their family is back together. A good message all the way around.

I give Coraline an A-