Think. Create.

From the Ed is up way too early for a Saturday dept:

Copyright Criminals examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law, and (of course) money. This documentary traces the rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of New York to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry. For more than thirty years, innovative hip-hop performers and producers have been re-using portions of previously recorded music in new, otherwise original compositions. When lawyers and record companies got involved, what was once referred to as a “borrowed melody” became a “copyright infringement.”The film showcases many of hip-hop music’s founding figures like Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Digital Underground—while also featuring emerging hip-hop artists from record labels Definitive Jux, Rhymesayers, Ninja Tune, and more.

Also featuring Danger Mouse, the documentary airs on Tuesday, January 19th, so check your local listings.

/via Creative Commons

While some have criticized Cummings, we think it is good to hear about the entrepreneurial piquing interest again in New Orleans.

Nearly every carrier makes you listen to an instructions message each time you call someone. And the carriers make money for keeping you on the phone just a bit longer. The New York Times’ David Pogue is leading the campaign to convince carriers to drop this message.

You know Microsoft is desperate when they’re having to give away $10,000 to get people to switch to IE8. (via @theappleblog)