Daily Progress’ holding company, Media General issued a “cease and desist” letter to BookofJoe.com.

Media General explains that BookofJoe must immediately remove all licensed content from its website. The letter explains that BookofJoe “cut and pastes” articles directly into its blog and that is a violation of copyright and terms of service.

What do you think? Will we (or another local blogger) be next? Are these rules even well defined? I’m sure BookofJoe referenced DailyProgress.

My thoughts on this are simple. Would Daily Progress prefer local bloggers to summarize articles and not link back to their site or do they want to be open with their content? Will the editors at Daily Progress use this as a story (haha, no)? How much traffic do you think BookofJoe is sending to Daily Progress? I know the DP writers read this site; but they probably can’t comment on anything which sucks.

(remember we keep all identities a secret!)

Click through to read the letter.

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With cynical commentary!

“You’d never even know we’re drinking toilet water! So refreshing.”
Slate.com: It’s Time To Drink Toilet Water by Eilene Zimmerman, 1-25-08
Mmm! You think on that one!

“Sure, I worry about world hunger and AIDS. But of all these problems, I know in my heart that I have to take a stand on dry-cleaning hangers.”
GulfLive.com: Cleaners caught in hanger dispute, 1-26-08
Why can’t we be a nation that accepts wrinkles? On skin or clothes? WHY? But seriously, how random is that. That’s not a question.

“Yes, I understand that you want us to be exclusive, but I’m still seeing my therapist. I don’t want to talk about it. Don’t look at me like that. You’re doing it right now. You think I’m gay, don’t you?”
NewYorker.com: Shouts & Murmurs “Last Session” by John Kenney, 1-28-08
This is hilarious. I can’t be cynical because it’s already cynical.

“Kate Beckinsale’s cat almost caught fire. Isn’t that like so interesting?”
Stuff.co.nz: “Hollywood star’s cat catches fire before awards” 1-29-08
Based on the look of her huge head on her toothpick neck in that publicity photo, I’m guessing the bitch was so starved she tried to rotisserie the thing.

“Post feminism–they make Raisin Bran, too, right?”
Slate.com: Have post-feminists checked out politically? 1-29-08
Not a blog I read. Shocker.

“I feel like we’re really connecting, so can I ask you a hypothetical question? If you shattered your hip Jell-o wrestling at a party on your school property in Jell-o your school cafeteria provided, you’d sue your school, let your friends call you Wet Blanket, and let the administration ban Jell-o wrestling forever too, right?”
NewsDay.com: Judge tosses $1M NYU Jell-O wrestling suit, 1-29-08
Bright, lime-colored future for this genius.

Besides the lovely complexity of having too much wine this week, we break the story on Pink Paintballs, (hopefully) find a restaurantuer a chef partner, chat with bartenders and break a rumor of a high end steak place. Oh, we also make some rule.

The week in review continues below:

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On the internet, as in real life, some rules apply. Neither Thor or I want to censor content, but our editorial generosity has been abused. We retain the right to moderate content on cVillain.com, based on the following misconducts:

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I’ve noticed a bunch of newbies lately, and I am running out of creative ways to welcome you to the party. So here it is, for all of you: I’ll take your coat, help yourselves to Fig Newtons and Schlitz, the Cheese Whiz is in the microwave, you can make out in the bathroom but not the bedroom, and remember to put the seat down.

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As typical for a cVillain week, things got rather spicy. Last week was about banning things (trans fat, bumper nuts and bags) before Armageddon hit. Between our new mascot and the discussion about platonic boy/girl friendships, it was one of our most diverse weeks yet.

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[pic]

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I don’t know about you, but I’m taking my hot ass out on a date tonight, and it’s going to be real awkward. See you out.

“I’ve always wondered if I could cash my roommate’s paycheck, if he died of natural causes in our apartment. Apparently, no!”

NYTimes.com: Corpse Wheeled to Check-Cashing Store Leads to 2 Arrests

“Which has more f-bombs: Big Lebowski or Pulp Fiction? Seriously, that’s your answer? Obviously you’re not a golfer… Okay, now guess which has more: Menace II Society or Goodfellas? Trick question!”

Slashfilm.com: Movies with the most instances of the f-word

“Don’t you think it’s a little misleading for Apple to call its new notebook the MacBook Air? I mean, hello, I can see it.”

Wired.com: Jobs Unveils “World’s Thinnest Notebook”

“What’s better: old Gladiators or new Gladiators? Excuse me, you were born in WHAT year?”

Slate.com: The triumphant return of American Gladiators

Did you hear? I made out with Nitro.
Details here.

Oh, and if you really are going on a date today, first of all, good for you, you tiger, you! But seriously. Beer Run is doing a Belgian beer tasting for FREE from 5 to 8. This would be an awesome date move, if you were dating me. Or TwoOFour, Stanley, oy, TheUpstart, Horatio, dijonbray, icenine, Ethan, Donk, brutus, dave, Dan from Eppie’s… umm, everyone. So yeah. Take your date.

Meet cVillain’s new best friend/mascot/logo/punching bag/troubled non-human/imaginary friend:

This little guy will be sending us the gossip, perching above your favorite bars, spreading rumors and, in general, doing what little birdies do best, pooping all over town. He/she is also a Villain as you can see from the cape and mask. Don’t try to unmask him or reveal the bird’s identity cause the code applies.

Melanie Usas did a fantastic job bringing the little guy to life and made us feel like proud parents. Check out her site.

Now, help us figure out a name!

[credit: brokenarts]

Two years ago, my wisdom teeth broke through my gumline.

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