“With the Lisbon Treaty being signed by all European Union member states, the Pirate Party has gained another seat in the European Parliament. The second Pirate Party seat will be occupied by the 22 year old Amelia Andersdotter, who will become the youngest Member of the European Parliament.”

This puts the “arrrr!”  ir Torrent.

Ok some short items not worthy of a post of their own but hey, interesting anyway.

Sears is launching “Blue Electronics” as a spinoff of their “Blue Appliances” department.  Sales associates dress in blue polo shirts and well, try to sell you stuff. Um, ok, we don’t get it either!

Radio Shack might be dropping the “Radio” from its namesake.  Of course many will continue to call it “Rat Shack” as they walk by it into Best Buy.

Ritz Camera’s own CEO, David Ritz, out bid two other parties in a bankruptcy auction to retain control of Ritz.

In some menagerie, Sears opened its first Sears-branded major appliance shop inside a Kmart store.  Yes, its all so clear now.

Microsoft will open its first retail store this fall to market Windows 7.  Prior to entering the store, you must agree to the EULA.

Audio Authority audio and video electronics, made in the USA!  Help America and buy American electronics.

Off topic for copperbox.net, but Harley Davidson motorcycles, of which the staff at copperbox.com prefers, is citing “ugly economic environment soured consumer spending” for the sharp drop in sales.

Worldwide sales showed a similar 30% fall.

The end of analog TV broadcasting arrives (again) in 30 days. Yesterday the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) detailed an “outreach plan” for those not equipped to receive digital broadcasts.

In true bureaucratic form, the FCC has chosen six demographic groups “felt to be most in need of help.” It is unclear how any correlation was made between the target groups and their apparent lack of a DTV or converter box. The FCC also admitted to low converter box coupon usage.

The FCC’s target groups: low-income individuals, minority communities, non-English-speaking consumers, senior citizens, consumers with disabilities, and individuals living in rural areas or tribal lands.