(Clause 8 – Copyrights and Patents)

[The Congress shall have Power] To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

photo credit: Steve Snodgrass

From the U.S. Senate web site:

Copyright and patent protection of authors and inventors are authorized by this clause, although it uses neither word.

From the USPTO:

Some people confuse patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Although there may be some similarities among these kinds of intellectual property protection, they are different and serve different purposes.

What Is a Patent?

A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office. The term of a new patent is 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States or, in special cases, from the date an earlier related application was filed, subject to the payment of maintenance fees. US patent grants are effective only within the US, US territories, and US possessions.

The right conferred by the patent grant is, in the language of the statute and of the grant itself, “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the invention in the United States or “importing” the invention into the United States. What is granted is not the right to make, use, offer for sale, sell or import, but the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, selling or importing the invention.

What Is a Trademark or Servicemark?

A trademark is a word, name, symbol or device which is used in trade with goods to indicate the source of the goods and to distinguish them from the goods of others. A servicemark is the same as a trademark except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product. The terms “trademark” and “mark” are commonly used to refer to both trademarks and servicemarks.

Trademark rights may be used to prevent others from using a confusingly similar mark, but not to prevent others from making the same goods or from selling the same goods or services under a clearly different mark. Trademarks which are used in interstate or foreign commerce may be registered with the Patent and Trademark Office. The registration procedure for trademarks and general information concerning trademarks is described in a separate pamphlet entitled “Basic Facts about Trademarks“.

What Is a Copyright?

Copyright is a form of protection provided to the authors of “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works, both published and unpublished. The 1976 Copyright Act generally gives the owner of copyright the exclusive right to reproduce the copyrighted work, to prepare derivative works, to distribute copies or phonorecords of the copyrighted work, to perform the copyrighted work publicly, or to display the copyrighted work publicly.

The copyright protects the form of expression rather than the subject matter of the writing. For example, a description of a machine could be copyrighted, but this would only prevent others from copying the description; it would not prevent others from writing a description of their own or from making and using the machine. Copyrights are registered by the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress.

What Are Patents, Trademarks, Servicemarks, and Copyrights? – USPTO

photo credit: norwichnuts

Knocking down the barriers of artificial scarcity opens up tremendous new opportunities — just as knocking down the artificial scarcity known as “protectionism” helps to grow markets by creating new opportunities. In this case, those new opportunities have only increased in number as we’ve gone digital, making more content infinite in nature. Where some people have trouble is that those new opportunities may be in different places than the existing opportunities — and those new opportunities may not all be capturable by the creator of the content. Indeed, there will be some externalities created by the free flow of an infinite resource. However, the total amount that any content creator can capture is still much larger than it was before. It’s one of those cases where getting 20% of a huge pie is much better than getting 90% of a tiny pie.

“The Grand Unified Theory On The Economics Of Free,” by Mike Masnick, Techdirt, May 3, 2007

More

• United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

• United States Copyright Office
• Clause 8. Copyrights and Patents – from Findlaw
• Clause 8. Copyrights and Patents – from Cornell’s Legal Information Institute
• Copyright Clause – from Wikipedia
• United States copyright law – from Wikipedia
• United States patent law – from Wikipedia
• Mark Twain on Copyright
• Categories on Techdirt: Copyright | Intellectual Property | Patents | Trademark
• American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
• Association of Patent Law Firms (APLF)

A free download of TheCapitol.Net’s Pocket Constitution is available on Scribd.

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It is imperative to understand that the budget submitted to Congress by the President is only a request. Congress is not actually required to consider or adopt the budgetary recommendations made by the President. On its journey, the budget will make its way through three different phases.

photo credit: RambergMediaImages

The first phase is known as the budget resolution, the purpose of which is to establish budget figures for the most significant forms of governmental spending. Those figures will be approved by the House and Senate Budget Committees. The written budget will then provide a base guideline for the subsequent phases of the budget passage process.

Two different types of governmental spending exist. They are discretionary and mandatory. Mandatory spending refers to the money that must be spent in very specific amounts by law. Examples include Medicare and Social Security entitlements. Discretionary spending refers to funds that the government is not obligated by law to spend. For instance, funds spent on defense depends upon Congress and the president as well as the priorities that are established for that particular year. The President’s budget includes both mandatory as well as discretionary spending.

The second phase of passing the budget is the authorization phase. During this phase of the process, specific expenses for programs are authorized. Committees are held in which testimony is heard and research is conducted, the purpose of which is to write. The committee may then amend the bill to provide improved chances of it passing on the chamber floor. The authorization phase only authorizes the funding; the actual money is provided through the appropriations phase. The United States Congress is different from almost every other legislative body in the world in that the American Congress exercises a large degree of control over the budgetary policies of the government.

After each chamber of Congress has passed their own version, members will be appointed to the Conference Committee, the goal of which is to smooth out any differences so that a comprehensive bill can then be presented to the President for approval.

Adapted from Section 9.40 Presidential Budget Process, Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael L. Koempel and Judy Schneider

For detailed information about the legislative and budget process, see TheCapitol.Net’s

• Publications:
  • The Federal Budget Process

  • Congressional Authorizations and Appropriations
  • Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael L. Koempel and Judy Schneider
• Live courses in Washington, DC:
  • Understanding Congressional Budgeting and Appropriations

  • Advanced Federal Budget Process
  • The President’s Budget
  • Congress in a Nutshell: Understanding Congress
  • Congressional Dynamics and the Legislative Process
  • Advanced Legislative Strategies
  • Capitol Hill Workshop
• Capitol Learning Audio Courses:
  • Appropriations Process in a Nutshell

  • Authorizations and Appropriations in a Nutshell
  • House Rules Committee: Gatekeeper to the Floor
  • The Budget Execution Process
  • The Budget Resolution in a Nutshell
  • The Federal Budget Process

(Clause 7 – Post Office)

[The Congress shall have Power] To establish Post Offices and post Roads;

photo credit: CarbonNYC

From the U.S. Senate web site:

The postal powers embrace all measures necessary to establish the system and to insure the safe and speedy transit and prompt delivery of the mails. Congress may also punish those who use the mails for unlawful purposes.

More

• Clause 7. Postal Power – from Findlaw
• Clause 7. Postal Power – from Cornell’s Legal Information Institute
• United States Postal Service (USPS)
• United States Postal Inspection Service
• FakeChecks.org
• Postal Regulatory Commission
• United States Postal Service – from Wikipedia
• American Catalog Mailers Association (ACMA)
• The National Association of Presort Mailers (NAPM)
• Direct Marketing Association (DMA)

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(Clause 4 – Naturalization and Bankruptcies)

[The Congress shall have Power] To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

From the U.S. Senate web site:

Acts of Congress define the requirements by which immigrants can become citizens. Only the federal government, not the states, can determine who becomes a citizen. Bankruptcy laws make provisions for individuals or corporations that fail to pay their debts.

photo credit: roblisameehan

For basic eligibility to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must first a spend at least five years as a legal permanent resident of the United States, during which you did not take any trips abroad for more than six months, and were present in the United States for not less than half of the entire period (two-and-a-half years). Additional factors, such as marriage to a U.S. citizen, may affect eligibility for citizenship. The USCIS provides an online eligibility worksheet to help people determine their eligibility.

Applying for U.S. Citizenship – from ExpertLaw

Bankruptcy laws help people who can no longer pay their creditors get a fresh start – by liquidating assets to pay their debts or by creating a repayment plan. Bankruptcy laws also protect troubled businesses and provide for orderly distributions to business creditors through reorganization or liquidation.

Most cases are filed under the three main chapters of the Bankruptcy Code – Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases. This means that a bankruptcy case cannot be filed in a state court.

Bankruptcy – United States Courts, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

photo credit: Wallula Junction

The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for reorganization of municipalities (which includes cities and towns, as well as villages, counties, taxing districts, municipal utilities, and school districts).

The first municipal bankruptcy legislation was enacted in 1934 during the Great Depression. Pub. L. No. 251, 48 Stat. 798 (1934). Although Congress took care to draft the legislation so as not to interfere with the sovereign powers of the states guaranteed by the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, the Supreme Court held the 1934 Act unconstitutional as an improper interference with the sovereignty of the states. Ashton v. Cameron County Water Improvement Dist. No. 1, 298 U.S. 513, 532 (1936). Congress enacted a revised Municipal Bankruptcy Act in 1937, Pub. L. No. 302, 50 Stat. 653 (1937), which was upheld by the Supreme Court. United States v. Bekins, 304 U.S. 27, 54 (1938). The law has been amended several times since 1937. In the more than 60 years since Congress established a federal mechanism for the resolution of municipal debts, there have been fewer than 500 municipal bankruptcy petitions filed. Although chapter 9 cases are rare, a filing by a large municipality can–like the 1994 filing by Orange County, California–involve many millions of dollars in municipal debt.

Chapter 9, Municipality Bankruptcy – United States Courts, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

More

• Clause 4. Naturalization and Citizenship – from Findlaw

• Clause 4. Naturalization and Citizenship – from Cornell’s Legal Information Institute
• Clause 4. Bankruptcy – from Cornell’s Legal Information Institute
• United States nationality law – from Wikipedia
• Bankruptcy in the United States – from Wikipedia
• United States Bankruptcy Courts – from Wikipedia
• U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Elllis Island
• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
• American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI)
• Chapter 7, Title 11, United States Code – from Wikipedia
• Chapter 9, Title 11, United States Code – from Wikipedia
• Chapter 12, Title 11, United States Code – from Wikipedia
• Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code – from Wikipedia
• Chapter 13, Title 11, United States Code – from Wikipedia
• Chapter 15, Title 11, United States Code – from Wikipedia

A free download of TheCapitol.Net’s Pocket Constitution is available on Scribd.

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First, make sure that you plan your visit carefully. Take the time to determine ahead of time which committee staff or Member of Congress you should meet with in order to achieve your goal. In addition, make an appointment. This is done by contacting the Scheduler in the Member’s office, explaining your purpose and who you represent if you are representing a firm or association. This makes it easier for the congressional staff to arrange your meeting when they know ahead of time what it is that you wish to discuss. Remember that it is often not possible to obtain a meeting at the last moment.

Be prompt and patient. Keep in mind that it is not unusual for Representatives and Senators and their staffers to run somewhat late or to have meetings interrupted. You must be flexible.

Bring a one-pager and information to the meeting that will support your position and that you can leave behind. It is best to us personal examples that demonstrate the benefits or impact associated with a particular issue.

You also want to demonstrate an association between your request and the interests of the Member’s constituency. Members of Congress want to represent the best interests of their state or district, and they usually want to be reelected. Try to be clear about how you or the group you represent can be of assistance to them. If it is appropriate to do so, ask for a commitment.

Make sure you are prepared to answer questions and provide any additional information if the Member or staffer should ask questions or express further interest. It is also appropriate to follow up the meeting with a thank you letter that will outline the different points that were covered during your meeting. And don’t forget to send any additional materials and information requested.

If you are visiting Capitol Hill as part of an organization’s National Advocacy Day, encourage your association leaders to provide TheCapitol.Net’s Pocket Guide to Advocacy on Capitol Hill to you and your colleagues.

For detailed information about the advocacy on Capitol Hill, see these resources from TheCapitol.Net:

• Pocket Guide to Advocacy on Capitol Hill, by Bradford Fitch
• Persuading Congress, by Joseph Gibson
• Our live course in Washington, DC, Strategies for Working with Congress
• Capitol Learning Audio Courses:
  • How to Organize a Capitol Hill Day
  • How to Work the Hill Like a Pro
  • Making the Most of a Site Visit with a Member of Congress
  • Strategies and Tactics That Will Help You Impact Congressional Action
  • Visiting Capitol Hill for First-Time Grassroots Advocates: An Introductory Course

photo credit: lindsay.dee.bunny

Congress is mandated by the Constitution to convene a minimum of once per year (U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 4). Each Congress typically has two regular sessions (a first session and a second session), called Terms of Congress.

There are various types of sessions and either one or both chambers of Congress may meet during those sessions. Under the Constitution (Article I, Section 5), a majority is required to be present for the chambers to meet and conduct business.

In regular sessions the House and Senate are in normal operation. In a closed or executive session of either the House or the Senate, only the legislators will be present to discuss the most serious of matters; which might include the impeachment of the president, national security issues, etc. In a joint session of Congress both houses are present. This may occur during the State of the Union address or when the president appears before Congress for some other reason. The lame duck session takes place in the second session, after the November elections and prior to the January adjournment. The lame duck session includes members of Congress who have not been re-elected and will not return for the next Term of Congress.

A special session of Congress may be called for special circumstances.

Each Congress lasts for two years and is comprised of two sessions. Over the years, the dates of those sessions have changed; however, since 1934 the first session convenes on January 3rd of odd-numbered years and adjourns on January 3rd the following year. The second session runs from January 3rd of even-numbered years to January 2nd of odd-numbered years.

Congress takes breaks throughout the year, including a one month recess during most of August. Congress also typically recesses for national holidays.

There are four different types of adjournments. The most common type of adjournment will simply end the day, with a motion to do so. An adjournment for three days or less requires the adoption of a motion. For an adjournment of longer than three days, the consent of the other chamber is required along with the adoption of a concurrent resolution in both bodies. There is also an adjournment to end a session in Congress, Adjournment Sine Die. This type of adjournment requires the consent of both chambers.

For detailed information about the legislative process, see TheCapitol.Net’s courses and books:

• Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael L. Koempel and Judy Schneider

• Live courses in Washington, DC:
  • Congress in a Nutshell: Understanding Congress

  • Congressional Dynamics and the Legislative Process
  • Advanced Legislative Strategies
  • Capitol Hill Workshop
• Capitol Learning Audio Courses:
  • Congress, the Legislative Process, and the Fundamentals of Lawmaking, A Nine Course Series

  • Congressional Committees and Party Leadership: Who Controls the Congressional Agenda
  • House Rules Committee: Gatekeeper to the Floor
  • Understanding the Path of Legislation

“How panhandlers use free credit cards“, by Jim Rankin, thestar.ca, August 28, 2010
“What would happen if, instead of spare change, you handed a person in need the means to shop for whatever they needed? What would they buy? Can you spare your credit card, sir?

In New York City, an advertising executive recently handed over her American Express Platinum Card to a homeless Manhattan man after he had asked her for change. The man, who had been without home after losing a job, used the card to buy $25 worth of deodorant, water and cigarettes. And then he returned the card.”

No visa required: Who has most freedom to travel?, Daily chart, The Economist, August 25, 2010

“I Like Glenn Beck Because He’s Fun to Watch,” by Tim Cavanaugh, Hit & Run, August 27, 2010

“Movie Review: Lebanon – The View From the Lens of an Israeli Tank’s Scope,” by A.O. Scott, The New York Times, August 5, 2010

Mark Twain on Copyright
“Remarks of Samuel Langhorne Clemens Before the Congressional Joint Committee on Patents, December, 1906 (Mark Twain on Copyright)”

Persuading Congress: Candid Advice for Executives
“Persuading Congress, by Joseph Gibson, is a very practical book, packed with wisdom and experience in a deceptively short and simple package.

This book will help you understand Congress. Written from the perspective of one who has helped put a lot of bills on the president’s desk and helped stop a lot more, this book explains in everyday terms why Congress behaves as it does. Then it shows you how you can best deploy whatever resources you have to move Congress in your direction.”

Understanding Congressional Budgeting and Appropriations, September 8, 2010

Strategies for Working with Congress: Effective Communication and Advocacy on Capitol Hill, September 10, 2010

Capitol Hill Workshop, September 22-24, 2010

Most members of Congress have a “Constituent Services” section on their web pages for help with government agencies, flag requests, congressional internships, presidential greetings, tours of the Capitol, service academy appointments, and page appointments. For more information, see our “What’s the Deal With…?” page for answers to questions commonly asked by visitors to Washington, DC.

Making a specific request is one of the most common reasons for contacting a member of Congress. When making contact with a member of Congress or with a member’s staff, it is imperative that the reason for doing so be clearly and succinctly communicated. Members of Congress have significant demands placed upon their time, so succinctly communicating your reason for making contact will make it easier and faster to accomplish your goal.

State clearly what you want. For instance, you might request that they co-sponsor a bill, or you might request a hearing to be held on a particular issue. Regardless of your request, state your request clearly and concisely so there is no question regarding the nature of your request.

Another common reason for contacting a member of Congress is to thank them for contact that has already taken place. Polite protocol calls for sending a thank-you note following a meeting. For instance, if you have already had contact with the staff of a member of Congress to make a request, it is a good idea to send an email following up thanking them for their time. This is also a good opportunity to reiterate your request to ensure that it is not overlooked.

Members of Congress and their staff are inundated with requests on a daily basis. Following up with a thank-you is not only the polite thing to do, but it also keeps your name and concern at the top of the list.

Finally, you might wish to follow up regarding any questions that may have arisen during a meeting that was previously held. Even if you have previously sent a thank-you note, if subsequent issues have come up, you should not hesitate to make contact again, particularly if it is an ongoing matter. Following up can help to keep the lines of communication open between you and your member of Congress, and help you become established as a reliable constituent regarding the topic.

For more information, see

• “What’s the deal with contacting my Representative or Senators?”

• This FAQ: “How to Contact Congress”
• How do I get an American flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol?
• A Guide for Communicating with Congress

For detailed information about Congress and the legislative process, see these books and courses from TheCapitol.Net:

• Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael L. Koempel and Judy Schneider

• Live courses in Washington, DC:
  • Congress in a Nutshell: Understanding Congress

  • Congressional Dynamics and the Legislative Process
  • Advanced Legislative Strategies
  • Capitol Hill Workshop
• Capitol Learning Audio Courses:
  • Congress, the Legislative Process, and the Fundamentals of Lawmaking, A Nine Course Series

  • Congressional Committees and Party Leadership: Who Controls the Congressional Agenda
  • House Rules Committee: Gatekeeper to the Floor
  • Understanding the Path of Legislation

All members of Congress can be contacted through their web sites: House; Senate.

You can also contact your three Members of Congress by telephone; however, you should keep in mind that telephone calls are typically taken by a staff member and are not taken directly by your Representative or your Senators. When you telephone, you should ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue that is relevant to your concern. Make sure that you identify yourself as a constituent and tell the aide that you would like to leave a brief message. If you are calling to let the member know that you support or oppose a particular bill, be sure to mention the bill by name and give your reasons, briefly, for either supporting or opposing the bill. It is also a good idea to ask for your Senators’ or Representative’s position on the bill if you do not already have that information. You might also request a written response to your call.

If you choose to write to your Representative or Senators, begin by looking at their website and the ‘Contact’ page. This will usually connect you to an online form.

According to Congressional staffers you should include the following to ensure your message is as influential as possible; your name, address and zip code. This allows the staff to verify you as a constituent of the member of Congress. You should also reference specific legislation in your communication rather than simply a general reason for writing. (You can find bill numbers by using Thomas.)

Follow these tips when communicating with a member of Congress:

• Always be courteous and respectful. Never use threats.

• Be constructive rather than negative.
• Know your issue and be prepared to discuss it. Prior to writing make sure you have obtained information about the issue and do your homework to ensure you are knowledgeable about what you are discussing.
• Keep your comments factual, pertinent and brief. Do not try to cover more than one issue per communication.
• If you are writing a letter, restrict it to no more than two pages. Remember that elected officials hear from hundreds of people daily.
• Identify the subject within the first paragraph if you are writing a letter. Refer to the bill by the House or Senate bill number or title when possible.
• Do not use a form letter provided by any organization; use your own words to describe your concerns and proposed solutions.

For more information, see “What’s the deal with contacting my Representative or Senators?” and TheCapitol.Net’s FAQ: “How to Contact Congress.”

For detailed information about Congress and the legislative process, see these offerings from TheCapitol.Net:

• Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael L. Koempel and Judy Schneider

• Live courses in Washington, DC:
  • Congress in a Nutshell: Understanding Congress

  • Congressional Dynamics and the Legislative Process
  • Advanced Legislative Strategies
  • Capitol Hill Workshop
• Capitol Learning Audio Courses:
  • Congress, the Legislative Process, and the Fundamentals of Lawmaking, A Nine Course Series

  • Congressional Committees and Party Leadership: Who Controls the Congressional Agenda
  • House Rules Committee: Gatekeeper to the Floor
  • Understanding the Path of Legislation

From a cultural perspective, though, this whole story again shows how culture is changing in very interesting and powerful ways. When we talk about things like “remixing” and “mashups,” we tend to hear from a chorus of folks who brush off such things as mere copying and not worthy of being considered art in itself. But there’s a lot more to it than that. What makes culture culture is the shared experiences around that work. This song is not only musically interesting, but also calls attention to a horrible incident that happened as well. And, again, some will brush it off as being meaningless, but the power with which it has interested so many people is not something that should be ignored.

Autotune The News Becomes A Billboard Hit, by Mike Masnick, Techdirt, August 20, 2010

In a report on Mr. Dodson’s sudden Internet fame, the Huntsville television station that first put him before the public reported that some African-American viewers had called to complain that “interviews with people like Antoine reflects poorly on the community.” Jonathan Capehart of The Washington Post wrote that he understood that reaction, since “Dodson’s cringe-inducing performance was something I — and whole bunch of other folks — thought only existed in the comedic minds of Eddie Murphy and Tyler Perry.” But, Mr. Capehart argued, after reflection it seemed unfair to criticize Mr. Dodson for his spontaneous outburst or flamboyant manner:

[W]e must put aside our judgments and remember that we don’t know Dodson, his family or their story. Like millions of families across this country, the Dodsons appear to be proud people who are making their way the best they can. They crave security and comfort. And no matter where you live, when that sense of safety is shattered, you lash out. Fo’ real.

‘Bed Intruder’ Rant Earns Family a New Home, by Robert Mackey, The Lede, August 19, 2010

Someone sent me a Tweet asking a good question: Have Huntsville, Ala., authorities found “the idiot in the projects” who climbed through a window and into bed with Antoine Dodson’s sister and tried to rape her? I didn’t know the answer, so I did some hunting around. Turns out, no, the perp who inspired the bed intruder song is still at large.

But 24-year-old Dodson, who has had more costume changes than Diana Ross at Super Bowl XXX has proven to be very wise. He hired a lawyer. And now he’s made a deal with iTunes and his Web site is promoting Antoine Dodson merch, with his “trademarked catch phrases,” such as “hide yo kids, hide yo wife.” He also hasn’t been shy about asking for donations. As a result, Dodson announced in an interview, “It was enough [money] to move my family from the projects.” I love good stories like this.

The smarts and strength of Antoine Dodson, by Jonathan Capehart, The Washington, Post, August 19, 2010

Even if you don’t spend a lot of time online, you’ve probably heard “Bed Intruder,” the similar “Double Rainbow” song, or the “Auto-Tune the News” series at some point over the past year. As you may know, the Gregory Brothers created all of them with the help of a large cast of “unintentional singers” including crime victim Antoine Dodson, featured above.

But you may not know that one of the Gregory Brothers is a woman — and you almost certainly didn’t know that the four-person crew is working on a pilot for Comedy Central, as they told Wired.com in an exclusive interview.

It’s no exaggeration to claim The Gregory Brothers have invented a completely new art form that is perfectly suited to our meme-crazed times, and — most difficult to replicate — is incredibly well made. Their skills are obvious and their ears perceptive, as evidenced by the way in which they mimic pop music tropes to perfection. And they’re popping up everywhere these days; they even made the soundtrack for the parody Twitter movie trailer.

Gregory Brothers of ‘Bed Intruder’ Fame Discuss TV Pilot, Antoine Dodson, by Eliot Van Buskirk, Epicenter, Wired blog, August 13, 2010

Our favorite Auto-Tune the News video is still #2 with “very thin ice”.

More

• Auto-Tune the News channel on YouTube

• The Gregory Brothers – Wikipedia
• The Gregory Brothers – official website
• Sarah and the Stanleys, myspace (Sarah Fullen Gregory)
• Auto-Tune the News, by Claire Suddath, Time, April 27, 2009
• The Gregory Brothers Interview: Auto-Tune the News and Other Blatant Acts of Awesomeness, by Susie Ochs, Mac|Life, February 23, 2010
• Episode 80: Interview – Auto-Tune the Podcast with The Gregory Brothers, by Jim Hopkinson, Hopkinson Report, November 12, 2009
• Auto-Tune Boosts Another Music Career: Meet The Gregory Brothers, by Janice Brown, SonicScoop, September 15, 2009