Local Business Videos: April 2015

Thursday, April 30, 2015

'All sorts of strife': The plan to block piracy websites in Australia

A new bill could put a serious dampener on the viewing habits of Australians who are using overseas websites and services to pirate shows and movies

If it passes parliament, the Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill — more popularly known as the site-blocking bill — will make Australian Internet service providers (ISPs) block overseas websites that facilitate copyright infringement. The legislation has been the subject of a public hearing in Sydney on Friday.

The bill would allow film, television and music rights holders to apply to the Federal Court for an injunction requiring an ISP to block overseas websites whose "primary purpose" is piracy. An ISP would then take "reasonable steps" to disable access to the website for Australian Internet users. Read more...

More about Copyright, Australia, Us World, and Site Blocking

Man turned his basement into the ultimate Lego lover's retreat

When it comes to your home, everything should be awesome.

Seatle-based architect Jeffrey Pelletier proved himself to be a master builder by remodeling his basement to comfortably house his 250,000 piece Lego collection

The Lego lover's dream escape boasts 153 bins and 189 drawers full of bricks, connectors and mini figure pieces galore for Pelletier and his family to build to their hearts' content. Pelletier even has a few of his creations on display.

One thing you definitely won't find in this picture perfect room: super glue.

Woman gets a magical makeover as seven Disney princesses in two minutes

Adorable kitten tests the limits of two very large dalmatians' patience

Todrick Hall flawlessly sings all 5 Beyoncé albums in 4 minutes

Retro cover of 'Bad Romance' will make you want to tap dance Read more...

More about Viral Videos, Videos, Diy, Home, and Lego

Why the pope is a feminist

On Wednesday Pope Francis gave his weekly address before a large crowd and said something remarkable: "Why is it taken for granted that women should earn less than men? No! They have the same rights."

This inequality, he said, is a "scandal."

It was a call for gender and pay equity heard round the world.

Pope Francis is fighting for equal pay for women, @Pontifex you're the best Pope I've ever seen

— Amanda Saporito (@ayyy_sap) April 29, 2015

While the pope's mention of the pay gap made headlines, his entire speech unabashedly embraced equality between the sexes. He even argued that the breakdown of the nuclear family cannot be blamed on women entering the workplace, despite what conservative critics might say Read more...

More about Women, Religion, Feminism, Us World, and Social Good

Social Media is Changing the Nature of Political Campaigns

When social media is involved, politics can become a very dangerous game. When every speech, appearance, and remark can be recorded for posterity journalists tend to take advantage of that fact. As a result, politicians are becoming more guarded, and some are even using social media themselves to cut journalists off at the pass.

According to Washington Post reporter Chris Cilizza:

[S]eeing a politician doing or saying something stupid was infinitely more powerful than reading about the stupid thing they said or did. We are a visual culture; we like to SEE things to truly understand them (or to be truly offended or impressed by them.) YouTube made that possible for every American with an Internet connection or a phone.

Video is particularly attractive to social media users, if the success of Facebook’s video campaigns are any indication. Social media also is a very fast news surfacing service, and anything newsworthy that reaches social sites will spread like wildfire. What’s more, we’ve seen a growing focus on video apps and video focused social networks.

Apps like Periscope and Meerkat could easily provide an even faster, and less controllable, platform for cataloging the remarks of politicians. If users decided that Periscope is for news, then there will likely be a Periscope broadcast of every event political campaign event.

Because of this uncontrollable exposure, politicians may be moving toward not engaging with the media, or even the public. The result could be politicians only agreeing to recorded appearances carefully managed by their own teams.

Cilizza writes:

[P]oliticians and their staff members quickly grasped that the ease and popularity of YouTube presented them with a powerful way to end-run the media.

The worry always exists that social media is polarizing our politics. While some studies indicate otherwise, if the majority of political video messaging becomes pre-recorded and untouchable, there may be less debate on social media about politics. That might make for a peaceful Facebook feed, but a less informed voting populace.

Running a successful political campaign is all about appearing to have the best reputation. We know that social media can tear a reputation to shreds, and the damage can last for years. Video has already made significant impacts on the campaigning process, and with more mobile video tools available than ever before, its impact will surely continue.

Image courtesy of Harry Hu / Shutterstock.com.

BuzzFeed Just Cracked the Code on How Social Content Spreads, and It’s a Big Deal

BuzzFeed just introduced the Batmobile of social analytics and oh man, it's cool.

The post BuzzFeed Just Cracked the Code on How Social Content Spreads, and It’s a Big Deal appeared first on The Content Strategist.

11 of the Best Branded Vines & Instagram Videos for April 2015

As brands continue to produce innovative short-form video content on Instagram and Vine, we take a look at 11 of the best mini-trailers and ads on the main micro-video platforms from the past month.

Apple reportedly poaches top BBC radio 1 producers for music streaming service

LONDON — Apple has reportedly hollowed out some of BBC Radio 1's core team by poaching four top producers for its music streaming service, in a massive blow to the broadcaster months after Apple bagged star presenter Zane Lowe.

According to Music Business Worldwide, a music industry-analysis site run by former Music Week editor Tim Ingham, the talent includes Lowe's old producer James Bursey, who will relocate to Los Angeles to work for Apple.

The move has been called "the Apple crumble" internally, according to BBC insiders quoted by Ingham.

More about Uk, Bbc, Apple, London, and Beats

Facebook Marketing Partner Sprinklr Acquires Brazilian Social Media Firm Scup

It’s been quite a month for Facebook Marketing Partner Sprinklr. Earlier this month, Sprinklr acquired Get Satisfaction. Sprinklr also launched an extension into Japan. Today, the company announced that it has scooped up Scup, a Brazilian social media marketing tech firm.

Ragy Thomas, Sprinklr’s CEO and founder, commented on the acquisition in a press release:

Global brands today require a truly global solution to reach today’s connected customer. With more than 78 million socially active Brazilians on social networks, our move to Brazil was necessary to support the global marketing needs of our customers. Scup provides Sprinklr with great technology, a first-class customer base, and a deep understanding of the nuances of the social marketplace in Brazil.

Scup was founded in 2009 in Sao Paulo and has become a recognized tech leader for social media management in the South American market. Scup serves more than 500 of the best social brands in Brazil, such as Banco Bradesco, Rede Record and TAM Airlines. Through this acquisition, Sprinklr will support existing South American clients.

Daniel Heise, Scup’s co-founder, is excited about the acquisition:

Brazilians are big users of social media, spending at least 14 hours each month on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. 25 of the largest global public companies are headquartered in Brazil. Scup’s acquisition by Sprinklr will allow us to better serve global clients with local presence, and furthers Sprinklr’s commitment to finding innovative entrepreneurs who see how social media creates valuable customer experiences and generates meaningful ROI for enterprise brands.

Facebook Tests Feature Letting Users Pick Pages, Friends They’d Want To See Atop News Feed

Facebook is testing a feature on mobile that allows users to select friends and pages whose posts they’d want to see atop News Feed.

For some mobile users, a box with an animated puppy shows up, prompting the user to “See more of what you love.”

From there, it leads to a screen (below) with bubbles of all of the friends and pages with whom that person has connected. People can select which pages and friends they’d like prioritized above the algorithm.

Until this test, the main way that people could ensure they see every post from a friend or page was to opt-in for notifications.

Facebook confirmed the test to SocialTimes, but did not elaborate on how this feature works:

We are always exploring new ways to improve the Facebook experience, and are currently running a small test of a feature that lets you indicate that you’d like to see posts from a specific person or Page at the top of your News Feed.

Readers: What do you think of this feature?

Join 25+ events on PR, marketing and mobile

The Mashable Events Board is a great place to find leading conferences in your industry, whether it's advertising, technology, media or public relations. This week, we're highlighting five events that can help move your career forward. If you don't find something that's right for you, check out dozens of event listings featured in our complete listing.

Dudes, 15 stylish spring sneakers for cooler toes

The new season gives sneakerheads and general shoe enthusiasts an excuse to upgrade their wardrobe for a fresh, much needed change

Whether you're looking to spruce up your closet, find a new classic staple, replace your weathered goods, or switch up your look, we've scoured for the best sneakers (so far) that will guarantee you put your best feet forward

Despite what a popular show may say: Winter is not coming. Well, not for a long time, anyway

Time to rejoice and kick back.

1Common Projects Original Achilles Low, $370

Simple, sleek, clean, classic. These kicks from Common Projects are crafted from leather with tonal stitching and suede lining. Which means that they will last a long time while providing maximum comfort. Just don't trudge along with them in the mud or grass or the depths of any jungle. Remember: Handle with care — keep them white and pristine Read more...

More about Fashion, How To, Style, Features, and Spring

NASA is crashing a probe into Mercury today

Bye, bye, Messenger, and thanks for the memories.

NASA’s Messenger spacecraft, which has orbited Mercury for about four years, is expected to crash into the planet closest to the sun Thursday, ending its long and successful mission

Scientists predict that when it impacts the planet, it will leave a 50-foot-wide crater on its surface.

The “impact will not be in view,” Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Messenger systems engineer said during a news conference earlier in April. “It will happen during a planetary occultation, so the spacecraft will pass behind the planet — out of view of the Earth — and will just not emerge again.” Read more...

More about Space, Nasa, Us World, Us, and Mercury

5 trippy mobile wallpapers that put poetry in your pocket

Is that a poem in your pocket, or are you just happy to be reading this?

April 30 marks Poem in Your Pocket Day, the annual celebration of verse created by the Academy of American Poets for National Poetry Month. Poetry lovers are encouraged to choose a beloved poem, carry it with them and share it with friends throughout the day.

To carry Poem in Your Pocket Day a little further into the digital age, we made original wallpapers to spice up what you already keep in your pocket: your smartphone

Below, feast your eyes on five trippy designs from Mashable's multimedia animator James Dybvig, all of which incorporate lines from famous American poems. April may be the "cruellest month," but these wallpapers will keep your poetry-loving heart pumping for the rest of the year. Read more...

More about Mobile, Art, Features, Tech, and Literature

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Who will replace fashion's old guard?

At its core, the business of fashion is an endless quest for something new. Problem is, some of the biggest names are getting rather old.

Giorgio Armani and Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld are in their 80s, Roberto Cavalli is 74, and Bernard Arnault, chairman of the company that owns Louis Vuitton, turns 66 in May. Of these, only Cavalli seems ready to swap his sketch book for slippers, as he's trying to sell his business. The rest present succession quandaries that could reverberate long after fashion's senior statesmen shuffle off the catwalk for good

At stake are combined annual revenues of more than $40 billion and Europe's hold on the global market for designer handbags, shoes and other personal luxury goods. Read more...

More about Fashion, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld, and Lifestyle

Baltimore protester scolded by mom: 'I'm just going to try and do better'

The Baltimore teenager whose angry mom yanked him from a crowd of rioters, a moment captured in a viral video clip, said he knows that his mom had his best interests at heart

Michael Singleton spoke out for the first time Wednesday in interviews with ABC News and CNN's Anderson Cooper. The 16-year-old described the shock and embarrassment of seeing his mother show up at the scene of the chaos then smack and scream at him in front of many of his friends.

"I'm like, 'Oh my, why is my mother coming down here right now?'" Singleton told ABC News.

More about Us World, Us, Baltimore, Freddie Gray, and Toya Graham

Hecklers silenced: Ryan Adams covers Bryan Adams' 'Summer of '69'

Ryan Adams finally gave the hecklers what they've always wanted — a cover of Bryan Adams' 1985 hit "Summer of '69."

His acoustic rendition Tuesday at Ryman Auditorium comes almost 13 years after he memorably booted a man from his 2002 show at the same Nashville venue for rudely requesting he play "Summer of '69."

Some concert-goers, jokingly or ignorant to the fact that it's not his song, have continued to request or expect he perform the tune over the years.

The 40-year-old rocker, who seems to have put the fan beef behind him, grabbed an acoustic guitar Tuesday and jammed out without his band. No, Jimmy didn't quit, and no, Jody didn't get married, and no, he didn't play it until his fingers bled. Read more...

More about Music, Entertainment, Celebrities, Covers, and Videos

Australian dogs clap for their own amazing tricks

These two dogs, Holly and Ace, along with their owner Dai, are on the fast track to circus superstardom

Not only have they perfected this balancing act, the talented dogs can also kiss on command, dance with their owner and, most impressively, play doggie basketball.

Microsoft's really long Build developer keynote, condensed into 2 minutes

Arnold Schwarzenegger and one lucky fan use tank, defeat evil

Kittens turn closet organizer into swanky cat condo

The Amy Schumer doll prepares girls for reality Read more...

More about Tricks, Dogs, Viral Video, Watercooler, and Videos

Mariah Carey with a selfie stick is just as fabulous as you'd expect, darling

LAS VEGAS — Never one to hold her tongue, Mariah Carey dropped several truth bombs during a Periscope interview livestreamed to thousands of viewers.

"Since we're in Vegas, I wanted to play a game with you called 'I Bet'," I said while holding a selfie stick to record our Q&A on an iPhone via Mashable's Periscope account

"I bet I don't like this game already," she quipped, laughing. "I bet I don't, I can't, no."

Well, we played anyway, as you'll see in the above video, to get details about her upcoming Vegas residency at Caesars Palace's Colosseum, where she will perform her 18 No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles and a new song, "Infinity." The residency starts May 6 Read more...

More about Music, Entertainment, Celebrities, Mariah Carey, and Las Vegas

Tumblr, Reddit and LiveJournal on the Rise in Q1 [Infographic]

It’s interesting to see which companies are rising, and which as falling as the Q1 reports from companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter are released. A new infographic from Bitly looks at growth from some other companies, with some interesting trends.

Bitly more than 600 million links, and three billion clicks from Q1. Overall, smaller networks seem to be on the rise, tablet and mobile use are increasing, and even desktop use is up across most networks.

Tumblr seems to have seen the largest gains, with 128.6 percent growth in traffic year over year. Tumblr also saw the largest growth in desktop traffic, with an increase of 193 percent. It’s interesting that Tumblr has seen such large relative growth, given the complaints from the user base about changes brought by Yahoo. Indeed, it seems Yahoo’s influence has been positive overall.

Reddit also experienced significant growth. Overall the site grew 42.2 percent over Q1 last year, but the real gains were on mobile and tablets. Reddit traffic from mobile also grew 94.4 percent, and 86.8 growth from tablet users.

This growth isn’t surprising given Reddit’s acquisition of Alien Blue, which went from the largest third party app to the official app. However, notorious events like ‘The Fappening’ could also be a contributing source of this growth.

Surprisingly, LiveJournal, a blogging tool that most had probably forgotten about, is also on the rise. Traffic to the site increased 58.1 percent overall and 61.5 percent increase from desktop users. The site announced a major relaunch last year in May, and it seems these efforts have been successful.

For more information on the growth of these services, view the infographic below.

KnowVera Forms Ronin Game Studios to Create Wall Street Mobile Games

KnowVera, a financial technology company, has announced the launch of its subsidiary company, Ronin Game Studios, which will focus on creating Wall Street-themed games and mobile apps. With this formation, the company has announced its first two games, set to hit mobile devices later this year.

In a statement, Harry Temkin, CEO of KnowVera and Ronin Game Studios, commented on the new company:

Our goal at Ronin Game Studios is to create unique and exciting games that will be entertaining and will bring the Wall Street experience into people’s lives like never before. Whether a trader, a game-of-skill player, an adrenaline junkie or a soccer mom, Ronin Game Studios will have an entertainment platform for everyone.

The company’s first game, King of Trading, is expected to launch in May 2015, and will offer a fantasy stock market trading experience, based on skill. The game will allow users to apply their own knowledge of the stock market and compete against other real-world players, in a real-time stock market simulation to win real cash prizes. The game is coming to mobile devices, and will also be a traditional desktop game.

The second game, Battle for Wall Street, is expected to release in June 2015. The life simulation game will challenge users to become the next \"Titan of Wall Street,\" as they start their own virtual firm. The game will require players to micromanage everything from the construction of trading floors to purchasing coffee, to hiring and managing day-traders. Battle for Wall Street is in development for iOS and Android devices.

Stephen Kalayjian, co-founder and COO of KnowVera and Ronin Game Studios, added:

As a professional trader with more than 30 years experience, I wanted to come up with a way to bring the excitement and energy of the trading floor to the mobile gaming space. By partnering with leading mobile game developers we created an entirely new and entertaining way to play the stock market.

Ronin Game Studios’ titles will be developed in partnership with DriveWealth, a global broker dealer and educational content provider, which helps investors understand finance and investing.

Top image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Bootylicious baboons may not be the most desirable, scientists find

The swollen red bottom of a female baboon has long been thought to be an irresistible come-hither signal for males. But now, a new study suggests that male baboons are much more sophisticated than that.

In fact, a male baboon's (Papio cynocephalus) motivation to mate with a female is based more on the length of time since her last pregnancy than on the size of her derriere, scientists have found.

"Our study suggests that, at least in part, males follow a rule along the lines of 'later is better,' rather than 'bigger is better,'" Courtney Fitzpatrick, a postdoctoral scientist at Duke University's National Evolutionary Synthesis Center and one of the researchers on the new study, said in a statement Read more...

More about Animals, Us World, Fertility, and Attractions

Protester tells off Geraldo: 'I want you and Fox News to get out of Baltimore'

A man in West Baltimore confronted Geraldo Rivera moments before the Fox News personality was set to go on air with a tirade of criticism over how the cable news network has covered the protests and riots in the wake of Freddie Gray's death.

Rivera was preparing to interview State Senator Catherine Pugh for the "Hannity" show when a group of protesters defying the city-imposed curfew crowded the scene. One protester confronts Rivera, telling how Fox News has not accurately portrayed the full picture of the tensions in Baltimore, focusing on protester violence but not on the context that precipitates it. Read more...

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