If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has sided with major publishers in a case revolving around the Internet Archive’s e-book lending program, branded as a form of “piracy.” The National Emergency Library, NEL, started in March 2020 and was supposed to help those cut off from libraries just as the pandemic restrictions were starting to descend upon society. NEL was born out of an existing, similar program called the Open Library. The difference is that the Open Library treated ebooks like their physical counterparts, and limited the lending of scanned books to one person at a time, while NEL sought to be more “generous” and did away with this restriction. Now, the court’s decision is seen by some as a major blow to the non-profit that could also affect the internet as a whole. We obtained a copy of the opinion for you here. The copyright lawsuit was originally filed and won by Hatchet (along with HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Wiley), but here Internet Archive was hoping to overturn a previous district court ruling on appeal. However, the Circuit Court upheld that decision which declared book digitization a violation of copyright. The Internet Archive attempted to argue that the fair use rule from relevant law was applicable to the lending scheme it had in place. The district court judge, John G. Koeltl, saw no merit to this, saying the Internet Archive merely created derivative, rather than transformative works – the latter of which would have been covered by fair use. And the appellate court was not convinced. Other than publishers, some authors were also vocally opposed to NEL – pandemic or no pandemic. By May, the Internet Archive recognized “the error of its ways” and went back to the Open Library model. But it was too late, as the lawsuit came in June 2020. The Circuit Court’s decision has been predictably welcomed by the plaintiffs while causing disappointment among the supporters of the kind of practices carried out by the Internet Archive, and of course, the non-profit itself. “We are disappointed in today’s opinion about the Internet Archive’s digital lending of books that are available electronically elsewhere. We are reviewing the court’s opinion and will continue to defend the rights of libraries to own, lend, and preserve books,” the Internet Archive announced, at the same time urging supporters to sign an open letter to publishers, “asking them to restore access to the 500,000 books removed from our library.” If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Internet Archive Loses Appeal in Copyright Dispute Over Ebook Lending appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

As summer ends, it’s time to enjoy the few remaining warm days. Special traditions can help you celebrate the season's close. Whether you’re saying goodbye to sunny days or welcoming the new school season, these summer-ending traditions offer delightful ways to create lasting memories. Below are 18 fun-filled activities to mark the close of summer. A vibrant pool party at dusk, with children splashing in the water and friends lounging by the poolside. The scene is filled with laughter, colorful floats, and a sky transitioning from bright blue to shades of pink and orange as the sun sets, symbolizing the final days of summer. Ready to enjoy these final summer days? Let’s dive into some unforgettable ways to celebrate! 1. Family Dinner on a Patio One of the simplest summer-ending traditions is a family dinner at a restaurant patio. The outdoor setting adds a summery vibe, making it a perfect way to bid farewell to the season. Additionally, the casual atmosphere allows everyone to relax and enjoy each other's company. 2. Final Pool Party Hosting the summer’s final pool party with friends is a popular choice. Whether it’s a private pool or a community one, this is a wonderful way to enjoy one last splash before cooler weather sets in. For tips on summer safety, check out the EPA's guide. Plus, a pool party is a great way to cool off before saying goodbye to the heat of summer. 3. Late-Night Pool Swim with Pizza Take the pool party up a notch with a late-night swim and pizza. There’s something magical about a warm summer evening, especially when it’s one of the last of the season. This tradition combines relaxation and fun. Furthermore, enjoying pizza by the pool under the stars feels both indulgent and festive. 4. Outdoor Movie Night An outdoor movie night is another excellent summer-ending tradition, as you can enjoy the warm weather outdoors. Set up a projector in the backyard and watch a family favorite under the stars. As the evenings grow shorter, this activity perfectly captures the essence of a summer night. Moreover, watching a movie outdoors with friends and family can evoke a feeling of nostalgia as you grow older. Looking for more ways to make your summer picnics unforgettable? 5. Last Day of Summer Picnic Nothing says summer like a picnic. Pack a basket with your favorite snacks and drinks and head to a local park for a relaxing end-of-summer picnic. It’s an easy way to celebrate the season with your loved ones. As such, a simple picnic becomes one of the simplest summer-ending traditions to enjoy. A picnic also lets you enjoy the outdoors one last time before fall arrives, so gather your friends and relatives and relish the fresh air with them as summer ends. 6. Beach Bonfire For those living near the beach, a bonfire is a fun tradition. Gather around the fire with family and friends, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the sound of lapping waves. For inspiration, learn how to make s'mores and try some creative combinations during your bonfire session. Undoubtedly, you’ll create lasting memories filled with warmth and laughter. 7. Final Summer Camping Trip Take a final camping trip before the weather gets too cold. Camping is an excellent way to soak in the last of the summer’s warmth. It’s a classic summer-ending tradition. Always follow the National Park Service's camping guidelines to make the most of your trip. Many families make it a group event with matching shirts and planned activities. Camping provides an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and unwind before Fall sets in. Moreover, it’s a great way to bond with family and friends in a peaceful, natural setting. 8. Evening Splash Pad Visit Many splash pads turn off in September, so sneak in one last evening visit before they close. It’s a fun way to keep cool and extend the summer fun a little bit. Plus, it’s a great activity for families with young children who love to splash around. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this refreshing experience one more time before the summer ends. 9. Summer Bucket List Week If you have a summer bucket list, dedicate the last week to completing unfinished items. It’s a great way to ensure you’ve productively spent the summer. Besides, there’s no better feeling than checking off the last item on your list. Doing this ensures that you close the summer on a high note. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you reflect on all the fun you’ve had all summer. 10. Visit the Water Park Once school starts, water parks become less crowded, making it the perfect time for a final visit. You can enjoy the slides and pools with shorter lines and more space. The cooler weather also makes the day more comfortable. So, you can enjoy the attractions without the usual summer crowds. 11. Host a S’mores Night Gather friends and family for a s’mores night. There’s nothing more summery than toasting marshmallows and creating delicious s’more combinations. It’s a sweet way to end the season. Moreover, it’s a favorite summer-ending tradition that’s easy to organize and requires minimal preparation. The simplicity of this tradition makes it accessible to everyone. So, gather around the fire and enjoy this treat together. 12. State or County Fair Visit Many state and county fairs take place towards the end of summer. As a fun summer-ending tradition, look for local events and enjoy rides, games, and fair food. Even better, supporting your local community is a wonderful way to end the summer. The vibrant atmosphere of a summer fair is the perfect setting to celebrate with loved ones. Take advantage of this opportunity to make the most of the season's final days. 13. Big Water Balloon Fight Organize a big water balloon fight with friends. It’s a fun and active way to cool down and say goodbye to summer with a splash. This energetic activity is a summer-ending tradition that kids and adults alike will love. Besides, it’s a great way to burn off excess energy before the new school year begins. The competitive spirit of a water balloon fight adds excitement to this tradition. Gather your friends and family for an epic water battle. 14. Slip ‘n Slide on a Hill Set up a slip-and-slide on a big hill for a thrilling summer-ending activity that’ll be a hit with kids. It’s also an exciting, memorable way to maximize the remaining warm days. Additionally, it’s an affordable and easy way to bring joy to any outdoor gathering. The natural slope of the hill adds speed and fun to the sliding experience. Furthermore, it’s a great way to keep cool and active during the last days of summer. 15. Ice Cream Outing Take a trip to your favorite ice cream shop. Some families bookend the summer with an ice cream run at the beginning and end of the season. It’s a sweet tradition that everyone looks forward to, as who doesn’t love a cool treat on a warm day? This tradition is a simple yet effective way to create happy memories. So, indulge in your favorite flavors and enjoy this way to close out the season. 16. Host a Read-a-Thon , aA read-a-thon is an interesting summer-ending activity with family members and neighbors. Find a comfortable outdoor spot and invite everyone to spend the day immersed in books. This quiet and reflective activity is a perfect summer-ending tradition for book lovers. It’s a great way to encourage a love of reading in children. A read-a-thon also provides a peaceful break from the hustle of summer. Grab your favorite books and settle in for a day of literary enjoyment. 17. End of Summer Tea Party An end-of-summer tea party is a charming way to celebrate the season’s end. Set it up outdoors and enjoy tea and treats. This elegant gathering is a delightful summer-ending tradition that’s also a great excuse to dress up and enjoy time together. The gentle ambiance of a tea party provides a perfect setting for meaningful conversations. So, gather your loved ones for a relaxing and refined celebration. 18. Reflect and Plan Finally, take a moment to reflect on the summer's highlights and plan for the upcoming seasons. This tradition helps you cherish memories and look forward to new experiences. It’s also an important summer-ending tradition for personal growth and reflection. Additionally, it provides a sense of closure and anticipation for what’s to come. As you reflect, consider what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. Use these insights to set goals for the next season. Finally, take this opportunity to appreciate the past and prepare for the future with a positive outlook. Enjoy Summer-Ending Traditions As the season comes to a close, embracing summer-ending traditions allows you to savor every last moment of warmth and sunshine. These activities help you create lasting memories with loved ones and provide an excellent way to transition into the cooler months. Whether you’re enjoying a final splash in the pool, roasting marshmallows by a beach bonfire, or simply reflecting on the season’s highlights, these end-of-summer traditions will leave you with a heart full of gratitude and joy for the memories made. Make the most of these final days of summer to celebrate meaningfully with friends and family. Ultimately, these traditions will help you bid farewell to the season with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for Autumn’s arrival. PS: We’d love to hear how you’re celebrating the end of summer! Share your favorite traditions, stories, and photos with us—we can’t wait to see how you’re making the most of these last warm days!

Schumer Promotes the Great Replacement to Make America Great

Emphasizing the Ass In Associated Press

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Sit back, relax, and let’s Break It Down in episode 30...

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Thursday’s edition of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! highlighted just how far the eponymous host is willing to go to boost Democrats this election cycle. During his monologue, Kimmel featured a satirical ad from My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, played by James Adomian, endorsing Texas Sen. Ted Cruz that featured plenty of juvenile insults and musings about Cruz’s sex life. Later, Kimmel welcomed Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and asked him about his fantasy football team and his and Kamala Harris’s time at McDonald’s. Kimmel introduced the Lindell-Cruz spoof by noting, “Sweaty Teddy is in a tight race in Texas. Colin Allred, who's a Democrat, is breathing down his neck, but Ted has an ace in the hole. He has an endorsement from America's most celebrated pillow salesman, Mike Lindell.”     In the clip, Adomian claimed, “Right now this country needs patriots, and there ain't nobody more patrioty-otic than Ted Cruz. Ted just doesn't love America, he lusts after it. That's how come on 9/11 Ted solemnly cranked his pea shooter to porn on the Twitter for freedom.” Adomian’s faux endorsement also recalled, “Now, you might say, “Mike, do you have mustard on your shirt? And also, didn't Ted Cruz try to ban sex toys in Texas? Yes to both. Because Ted Cruz knows if you let your wife have a vibrator, the next thing she'll want is two dildos, a St. Paul strapalong, and a taint thinner, and a twin city tickler.” Cruz was solicitor general at the time where he had an obligation to defend Texas’s laws before the courts regardless of his own opinions, but Jimmy Kimmel Live! wasn’t going for nuance. Then, Adomian let the insults fly: Folks say Ted Cruz should be disqualified on account of him not being a human man. Just because he don't have a spine. Or because his skin flaps is soggy. Or the fact that he lays eggs in his own salty mouth. Or how much his mucous sacs—oh, wait—his mucus sacs is too swollen because his closest genetic relative is a bacteria that poops in septic tanks or because he squirts ink when you corner him. And his festered genitals are red and covered in scaly pimples, but us patriots overlook all that, 'cause he's fighting for our right to make it illegal for a woman to see a doctor.” The ad also featured Cruz’s voice imposed over an image of a blobfish, “I’m Ted Cruz, and I approve this message.” The interview with Emhoff was much, much lighter, “How long were you and the vice president dating before you realized you'd both worked at McDonald's?”     During the second segment, Kimmel got in more T-ball questions, “The second gentleman, that is an actual job, right?” Emhoff used that occasion to promote abortion, “When the Dobbs decision came out, I really leaned into that.” Kimmel was not finished with the puff questions, for he would later ask, “Your fantasy football league. You've been in for how many years?” After Emhoff replied that his league has been going for 34 years, Kimmel pressed, “Thirty-four years. Have you ever won?” Emhoff informed the world that the one time he won was in 2000. Here is a transcript for the September 5 show: ABC Jimmy Kimmel Live! 9/5/2024 11:45 PM ET KIMMEL: Sweaty Teddy is in a tight race in Texas. Colin Allred, who's a Democrat, is breathing down his neck, but Ted has an ace in the hole. He has an endorsement from America's most celebrated pillow salesman, Mike Lindell. JAMES ADOMIAN [AS MIKE LINDELL]: All right, this cow ain't got no milk and I've been tugging on its pecker for 20 minutes. Oh, hi there, it's me, Mike Lindell. I make pillows and defamatory statements about democracy. Right now this country needs patriots, and there ain't nobody more patrioty-otic than Ted Cruz.  Ted just doesn't love America, he lusts after it. That's how come on 9/11 Ted solemnly cranked his pea shooter to porn on the Twitter for freedom.  Now, you might say, “Mike, do you have mustard on your shirt? And also, didn't Ted Cruz try to ban sex toys in Texas? Yes to both. Because Ted Cruz knows if you let your wife have a vibrator, the next thing she'll want is two dildos, a St. Paul strapalong, and a taint thinner, and a twin city tickler, and then she’ll want her co-worker Dennis to move in and now you’re married to a lady and a fella and you've got to put another toilet in the house. That's how democracy works.  Folks say Ted Cruz should be disqualified on account of him not being a human man. Just because he don't have a spine. Or because his skin flaps is soggy. Or the fact that he lays eggs in his own salty mouth. Or how much his mucous sacs—oh, wait—his mucus sacs is too swollen because his closest genetic relative is a bacteria that poops in septic tanks or because he squirts ink when you corner him. And his festered genitals are red and covered in scaly pimples.  But us patriots overlook all that, 'cause he's fighting for our right to make it illegal for a woman to see a doctor. Oh, a piranha. This is how my dealer, Chewy, used to smuggle in my Mexican dexedrine. Here. So, this November, we're going to stand by Ted Cruz the way he stood by and let Donald Trump call his wife a dog face. BLOBFISH WITH TED CRUZ VOICE: I’m Ted Cruz, and I approve this message. ADOMIAN: Not again. … KIMMEL: How long were you and the vice president dating before you realized you'd both worked at McDonald's? DOUG EMHOFF: It was -- it was pretty early on because of course, I led with that. KIMMEL: Oh, yeah. EMFOFF: On our infamous first date. "Hey, honey, you know I was --" KIMMEL: Was she named employee of the month? EMHOFF: I don't know. Maybe the one thing I was better at. KIMMEL: What was your specialty at McDonalds? EMHOFF: So, at McDonald's you have to kind of learn how to do everything. I took the job because I was new in town. I'd just moved from Jersey and I wanted to make people. I needed to make some extra money and it was, kind of, a lot of the kids in school were working there.  So, at first you're taking out the trash, washing dishes then maybe go to the fries and then I learned how to do what they call the ten to one grill which, ten patties to a pound, ten to one and so, I learned how to do it during the rush. You're flipping the burgers, searing them, getting the buns, dressing the burgers and I learned how to do that. I said, I think I can become employee of the month.  If I can crank out more and more burgers. And, you know. Made it.  … KIMMEL: We are back with Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman. The second gentleman, that is an actual job, right? EMHOFF: It is now, yeah.  KIMMEL: It is. EMHOFF: It's funny, when she got elected, we were saying, “okay, what should I do, what should I focus on?” Turns out there was an org chart and, you know, federal government, org chat. So, top was vice president, office of the vice president. Then there was a line to -- above it that said, second lady and they crossed out the lady and just wrote spouse and underneath that it literally said, family life. And Kamala said, yeah, that's not going to work. You're not, we're going to do that together. Why don't you go focus on some issues? You're the first man in this role, how about focusing on gender equity? And then of course, when the Dobbs decision came out, I really leaned into that. And she said, you're the first Jewish person ever to be a White House principal. There was a rise in hate and anti-Semitism. That was another thing that she really pushed me to use the voice on. … KIMMEL: Your fantasy football league. You've been in for how many years? EMHOFF: Thirty-four. KIMMEL: Thirty-four years. Have you ever won? EMHOFF: I won once in the year 2000. KIMMEL: Oh. EMHOFF: It's a 24-year drought in the fantasy league with Team Nirvana and— KIMMEL: That's your team name? EMHOFF: Team Nirvana, after the band, yes. KIMMEL: Oh, really? EMHOFF: So the owners are so funny. We're all stuck in time. and it's the same crew since 1989, essentially and so you've got to great names like Rounders after the poker movie. KIMMEL: I won’t watch that movie. EMHOFF:  All right, yeah, and the the best one is, a now 60-something year old man with a team named Buttheads after Beavis and Butt-Head

Not only did Kamala Harris wait 39 days after being installed (undemocratically) as Biden’s replacement to sit down for an official interview, but when she finally did, CNN’s Dana Bash – “a friendly interviewer” – was the one chosen to pose the questions. While Bash asked Harris some decent questions, she never pressed for real answers when Kamala, per her typical character, talked in circles and avoided providing direct answers. Dave Rubin and independent journalist Sage Steele play the footage of just the first question in the interview. - YouTube www.youtube.com “If you are elected, what would you do on day one in the White House?” Bash asked. “Well, there are a number of things. I will tell you first and foremost, one of my highest priorities is to do what we can to support and strengthen the middle class. When I look at the aspirations, the goals, the ambitions of the American people, I think that people are ready for a new way forward in a way that generations of Americans have been fueled by by hope and by optimism,” was the platitude Harris offered. “What are you going to do on day one? The hopes and aspirations of generations!” Dave mocks. “You have 39 days to prepare, you better damn well know what you're going to say to that basic question,” adds Steele, who says that question “is a no-brainer.” To see the footage of Harris’ pathetic response, watch the clip above. Want more from Dave Rubin?To enjoy more honest conversations, free speech, and big ideas with Dave Rubin, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.