Gone GaGa
It’s been a long time coming, but I have to admit that I am completely WOWed by Lady Gaga. I’ve been eyeing her style for a while now. Her appearance on last night’s episode of Gossip Girl, in which she performed “Bad Romance” rocking a 30-foot long red dress, was mesmerizing. The Bitch is BAD!
Her repertoire has likened to those of Grace Jones (have you seen this performce in Vamp?) and Rupaul. Rihanna might be her biggest competition. Beyonce is totally feeling the pressure. Did anyone else notice her sudden allegiance to the avant garde movement? Hang in there Bey. Ciara should just throw in the towel leotard.
Ladies and Gentleman, Introducing, MS. PHILLY
As promised, the Iowa City Soul Series’ second event was fan-tas-tic!
Sound check:
Mr. Bob Chin was in the building. We clowned around a bit.
While HG Soul warmed up the mic.
The band, Verzatile, Is AMAZING!
At the show:
And Ms. Philly blew us away, like she always does…
Bob Chin performed.
And so did Ra’yah Sahib.
They put on a great show. If you weren’t there, YOU MISSED IT!
Photo credits: sound check: honeybeflyy/at the show: Al B.
Does Rihanna Read My Blog?
Probably not. Although, Kanye reads Sea of Shoes. So, it’s not totally out of the question.
However, someone must have passed along my friend’s advice that the only way she and Chris could ever appear together in public would be to go on the Oprah Winfrey Show because bloggers are now saying that Rihanna won’t forgive Chris until he publicly apologizes on Oprah…because the public won’t forgive Chris either until the Queen of Daytime Television approves!
Louis Vuitton sues Danity Kane for Trademark Infringement
No. You’re not having déjà vu. Louis is at it again. Danity Kane recently settled a dispute brought on by their use of Louis Vuitton trademarks in the song “Show Stopper” off of their debut album and the accompanying video. You remember the lyrics “Bet you ain’t never seen, Chicks ridin’ this clean, Louis Vuitton seats, We do it deadly.” DK’s management (Diddy and them) have agreed to make an amended version of the album available and remove the images from the video.
Louis sued Britney Spears a while back for displaying the LV logo in one of her videos, and denied rapper T.I. permission to use the products in his video for the song “Swing Ya Rag” off of his most recent album, Paper Trail. But that’s not all, folks. See more here, and here, and here.
Why is Louis so protective of his brand? Let me try to break it down for you. It’s actually quite simple. Well, sort of. Louis Vuitton has been granted trademarks (exclusive rights to use) for the LV logo and words “Louis Vuitton”. So, therefore, Louis can use the LV logo any way he damn well pleases (which would explain why there was no problem here, or here, or here ), and prevent others from using them without permission. Louis actually has a legal obligation to police the use of the marks in order to keep his rights.
Anyone who uses the marks without permission is an infringer. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule but, no bright line rules. Use of the marks for discussion (like here) or to criticize is called “fair use”, and is legal. Which might explain, if you were wondering, why DK’s use of the words “Louis Vuitton” in the song was challenged. Louis would argue that the group’s use was not for comment or criticism, but purely for the artist’s desire to sell albums, an illegal use. DK’s counsel perhaps didn’t believe that the alternative argument would hold up in court, hence the settlement. Or, perhaps economically, it just wasn’t worth arguing over. But, note that T.I. hasn’t re-released his album without the words Gucci or Loui (which Louis just might have trademarked).
Which leaves the only remaining question why did Louis deny DK, Britney and T.I. permission, either before or after their unauthorized uses, to use the marks? Well, we know T.I. got himself in some legal trouble that Louis understandably wants no association with. But, DK and Britney… in legal terms, it’s called dilution.
Read My Lips!
I wanted a space where I could make a big fuss, say what I’m thinking, further discuss what I and my friends are talking about, or, not. Call it two-faced, gossiping, drama-queen-ish, whatever. Here it is.
CAUTION: read at your own risk. What you’ll find is a whole lot of talk about fashion (or anything else that I find just plain fabulous). Because I love it. It’s always on my mind. Or, talk about any of the 50 catrillion thoughts that cross my mind at any given time, which will often include, but will not be limited to my opinion on something someone else said or did. The truth hurts. So, I’m not always inclined to say such things out loud, cause I’m a lady. But, here is where I will exercise my freedom of expression.
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