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Justice Department Slams Google With Antitrust Lawsuit

The list of power abuses and user privacy violations in Big Tech continues to grow— or more accurately, continues to come to light. On Tuesday, October 20th, the Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit in D.C. federal court against Google, accusing the search engine giant of violating Section 2 of the Sherman Act by abusing market power to maintain its monopoly as the world’s leading search engine. 

Many of today’s biggest and most corrupt companies bank on their endearing come-up stories to gain public affection. Jeff Bezos is quick to remind folks that Amazon was started out of a garage in Seattle, Google was once a humble idea formed in its founders’ college dorm room, and Facebook…well, even from an objective standpoint, Facebook has pretty much always been reprehensible

The suit points out the gaping disparity between Google’s ethics when the company began two decades ago, versus today, stating “Two decades ago, Google became the darling of Silicon Valley as a scrappy startup with an innovative way to search the emerging internet,” states the complaint. “That Google is long gone. The Google of today is a monopoly gatekeeper for the internet, and one of the wealthiest companies on the planet, with a market value of $1 trillion and annual revenue exceeding $160 billion. For many years, Google has used anticompetitive tactics to maintain and extend its monopolies in the markets for general search services, search advertising, and general search text advertising—the cornerstones of its empire.”

Google’s unscrupulous tactics serve to ensure that no rival company can possibly gain enough traction to challenge Google’s monopoly. The complaint delves into several specifics, citing that Google pays Apple billions of dollars each year to maintain its role as the default Safari search engine across all Apple devices. The suit also accuses Google of conducting “anti-forking” agreements, which ensure Google’s search engine monopoly extends to Android devices, in addition to Apple, as well as engaging in several other dishonorable practices. 

The Justice Department seeks to bring Google’s immoral policies to a screeching halt, and bring about structural relief in the process. Google’s senior vice president, Kent Walker, addressed the suit upon its filing, writing in a blog post, “Today’s lawsuit by the Department of Justice is deeply flawed. People use Google because they choose to, not because they’re forced to, or because they can’t find alternatives. This lawsuit would do nothing to help consumers. To the contrary, it would artificially prop up lower-quality search alternatives, raise phone prices, and make it harder for people to get the search services they want to use.” 

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François Marius and Bérénice creates a tender acoustic pop confession with “Billie Jean”

François Marius

François Marius’ latest release, “Billie Jean (Acoustic Version),” cuts to the quick and lets raw emotion take over. What you get, ultimately, is a personal pop experience that feels closer to a secret than to either a spoken-word show or a performance. The initial soft strum of an acoustic guitar creates a mood that is soft, sweet, and quietly interesting. It’s a full-throated, backbones-out piece, and every note is screaming its potential. It’s simple but riveting, and it proves that sometimes less is more.

François Marius and Bérénice’s voices sound right together, their voicings intermingle so naturally that they seem accidental or spontaneous, harmonies that emerge from nowhere. The way they speak to one another is very, I mean, they really love each other. That even makes the track seem like a conversation about feelings.

The two artists are clearly close. Romance and Eros are not just ideas, and they inhabit every note that lingers and every minuscule shift in tonality. The harmonies soar effortlessly over the acoustic foundation, a blend of sweetness and strength. It’s a sign of strength and also of a willingness to be hurt.

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“Billie Jean (Acoustic Version)” is stripped of any fancy production or theatrical effects, it wins you over with its frankness and forthrightness. Sandy François Marius’s impersonation is fresh and real, endowed with depth and softness thanks to Bérénice’s presence, which definitely makes everything more perfect. This acoustic performance serves as a stark reminder of the elements that do connect people: the singer, his guitar, and a story from the heart.

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RoHaNa and Morpheus von Dobenhausen paint love in shadows and light “WHEN A BOY LOVES A WOMEN”

Morpheus von Dobenhausen

RoHaNa feat. Morpheus von Dobenhausen, in this new release, “When a Boy Loves a Woman,” This track, recorded in winter, has a hint of gothic style that blends emotional restraint with atmospheric elegance. The track is all about RoHaNa’s emotional singing, which fits perfectly with the carefully crafted production. Her voice shows desire, weakness, and dedication without being too loud, letting each note ring out. The result is a sound that affects people on a personal and universal level. There is a sense of innocence that permeates, capturing the delicate nature of love in its purest form.

Morpheus von Dobenhausen is a guest singer who deepens the track’s emotional journey. Their voices work together to make a conversation of feelings that is both clear and mysterious. The song doesn’t go too fast, so the listener can feel the mood and atmosphere as they go through its subtle changes.

“When a Boy Loves a Woman” is unique because it strikes the perfect balance between modern pop and gothic restraint. The result is a soundscape that is both creepy and easy to listen to. It is a moving story about love and devotion, told with grace and quiet strength.

With this first release, RoHaNa confidently joins the scene, thanks to XanadumusiX’s never-ending creative drive, even when things get hard in the winter. This release not only introduces a new artist with significant potential but also showcases a bold artistic direction in which emotion, atmosphere, and story come together to make a lasting impression.

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