I found this website called Unhappy Birthday.
It is a satirical rally for all of us to uphold the copyright of the song "Happy Birthday". It even suggests we pay ASCAP personally when we sing it, and tattle to Time Warner when others do. It's a funny idea - to drive both ASCAP and Time Warner crazy by deluging them with reports of copyright infringement every time people sing the song in a restaurant.
The most galling info on the site is here, though:
"While the copyright should have expired in 1991, copyright has been extended repeatedly over the last quarter of the twentieth century and the copyright for Happy Birthday is now not due to expire until at least 2030."
There are three links on the site that offer more on the history of the song.
If you want to think more about it, there's a wikipedia page for the Copyright Term Extension Act. And there's an article from two opposing views on BBC news page from 2004.
One of the arguments for copyright extension is that people live longer than they used to. Since copyright expires 50 years after the author's death, I'm not sure how this is supposed to matter.
Anyhow, isn't time we just open-source a NEW happy birthday song? Why do we need to sing a happy birthday ditty owned by Time Warner? There are different songs in other languages anyways. Let's just stop singing "Happy Birthday" in English, and let Time Warner hold on to a worthless ditty.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Heart and Club, Light and Sugar
"The moth flies at night in June and July and is attracted to light and sugar."
Subtitute my name for "moth". That could be my company - Industrial Light and Sugar.
The above is a random wiki find. I was searching "quinoa" which turned out to be a type of "goosefoot" which is eaten by the larvae of certain "lepidoptera".
Random + Nerdy = Joy!
This picture, below, is not the Heart and Club Moth, but it makes for a cooler picture! Good thing I don't publish the news. Learn more, if you're so inclined, at "Your guide to the moths of Great Britain and Ireland".
Subtitute my name for "moth". That could be my company - Industrial Light and Sugar.
The above is a random wiki find. I was searching "quinoa" which turned out to be a type of "goosefoot" which is eaten by the larvae of certain "lepidoptera".
Random + Nerdy = Joy!
This picture, below, is not the Heart and Club Moth, but it makes for a cooler picture! Good thing I don't publish the news. Learn more, if you're so inclined, at "Your guide to the moths of Great Britain and Ireland".
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Spring at the Farm
It's neither winter nor spring here in T.O., but it's definitely spring over at Farmgirl Fare.
She has posted the cutest picture ever!
She has posted the cutest picture ever!
Jon Katz and his Donkeys
Over at Slate, I occasionally find myself following the story of Jon Katz's move to the farm, and subsequent acquisition of two donkeys.
His latest piece is The Donkey Who Couldn't Stand Up.
I like it. There's a link in the story to his earlier pieces too.
Go and read them. You'll feel better.
(And don't worry, the above clip-art was free.)
Friday, April 13, 2007
Show Me the Bunny
Don't ask me how I found this.
You know when you just need to see a picture of a bunny? No?
You back there - yeah you, trying to sneak out of the auditorium - you know what I'm talking about.
Just for you, here is a gallery that will show you random house rabbit photos. All you have to do is click "show me another photo".
That wasn't random enough for you?
Here's some more randomness:
(1) Here's a link from the Sugar Association regarding sweeteners on nutrional labelling and calling for more clarity:
Help them eschew obfuscation on food labels.
(2) Tom Ford finally buttoned up his darn shirt. Not that I like him any better for it, but thank the Lord for small mercies.
(3) A List of Things New Mac Owners Should Know.
You know when you just need to see a picture of a bunny? No?
You back there - yeah you, trying to sneak out of the auditorium - you know what I'm talking about.
Just for you, here is a gallery that will show you random house rabbit photos. All you have to do is click "show me another photo".
That wasn't random enough for you?
Here's some more randomness:
(1) Here's a link from the Sugar Association regarding sweeteners on nutrional labelling and calling for more clarity:
Help them eschew obfuscation on food labels.
(2) Tom Ford finally buttoned up his darn shirt. Not that I like him any better for it, but thank the Lord for small mercies.
(3) A List of Things New Mac Owners Should Know.
Go to Kingston! See Fine Acting!
You don't get out enough.
So, make some plans with some friends, and drive out to Kingson and see some theatre.
Kingston Theatre presents Bernard Shaw's "Candida" at The Vogt Theatre. Buy tickets here or call 613-544-2021.
So, make some plans with some friends, and drive out to Kingson and see some theatre.
Kingston Theatre presents Bernard Shaw's "Candida" at The Vogt Theatre. Buy tickets here or call 613-544-2021.
defacebook?
I got cornered into joining Facebook.
It's a weird tentacled social interface.
I'm not sure if it's worthwhile... yet.
I think if real face-time with somebody comes out of it, that'll be cool.
Facebook seems like yet another place for me to make social faux-pas.
When you try to quit Facebook, one of the reasons it lists - 'cause you have to tell them why you're quitting - is "Causing too much social drama in life".
Which begs the question, why bother?
Though somewhat aimless, it's kind of addictive too.
With a blog I get to babble on as much as I like, and you can either read or not, as you like.
Facebook is sort of a conversation, but it's mostly shallow conversation - like waving to a lot of people as you pass each other on the street. What do you think?
Anyhow, Fast Company is featuring Facebook and it's creator on their newsstand cover, and there are some blog posts by the author here. They ask, "how much money is Facebook worth?" while I ask, "how much of my time and energy is Facebook worth?" It doesn't have the nickname "crackbook" for nothing.
It's a weird tentacled social interface.
I'm not sure if it's worthwhile... yet.
I think if real face-time with somebody comes out of it, that'll be cool.
Facebook seems like yet another place for me to make social faux-pas.
When you try to quit Facebook, one of the reasons it lists - 'cause you have to tell them why you're quitting - is "Causing too much social drama in life".
Which begs the question, why bother?
Though somewhat aimless, it's kind of addictive too.
With a blog I get to babble on as much as I like, and you can either read or not, as you like.
Facebook is sort of a conversation, but it's mostly shallow conversation - like waving to a lot of people as you pass each other on the street. What do you think?
Anyhow, Fast Company is featuring Facebook and it's creator on their newsstand cover, and there are some blog posts by the author here. They ask, "how much money is Facebook worth?" while I ask, "how much of my time and energy is Facebook worth?" It doesn't have the nickname "crackbook" for nothing.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Lipids
So, I gained weight in Vancouver. Not that much, but enough to bother me. I haven't done anything about it yet. However, here at Stumptuous, is a jaw-dropping and eye-opening post which includes photos of cross-sections of a woman's thighs and hips. If that doesn't motivate me, nothing will. As a woman, I'm blessed with fat to spare, which is natural, but I just don't want the current extra helping.
Anyways, that'll be the last time I blog about weight. 'Cause pink blog + shoe posts + weight rants = a bit much even for me. It sounds like the Lifetime network around here.
hat tip Mich, of course.
Anyways, that'll be the last time I blog about weight. 'Cause pink blog + shoe posts + weight rants = a bit much even for me. It sounds like the Lifetime network around here.
hat tip Mich, of course.
Human Foosball!
From Squiddity, a link to a HUMAN FOOSBALL court.
This is genius! This is a game I could PLAY - no running around!
The only drawback is the little figures on the actual foosball table are usually in better shape. Or at least, better shape than I'm in!
Foosball, by the way, is table-top European football - aka soccer. It's fun even if you play really badly... not that I'd know anything about that.
This is genius! This is a game I could PLAY - no running around!
The only drawback is the little figures on the actual foosball table are usually in better shape. Or at least, better shape than I'm in!
Foosball, by the way, is table-top European football - aka soccer. It's fun even if you play really badly... not that I'd know anything about that.
You and Her and Everyone You Know
Miranda July, writer-director-actor of the 2005 buzz-collector Me and You and Everyone We Know has a joyously low-tech-style website up for her new book of short stories, "No One Belongs Here More Than You".
I really liked Ms. July's film, but even if you didn't, you should still check out her website. It's been the highpoint of my day.
Hat-tip: Ludickid
Question: If I upload a publicity image to my laptop and then post it here, is that still stealing bandwidth?
Need a husband? Like "Entourage"?
I hate "Entourage". I can't watch more than 15 seconds without frown-lines deepening all over my face. It makes me misanthropic, and by that, I don't mean loathing humanity, I mean it makes me hate men. But I digress.
Boy genius, Ryan has linked to the Economist's View blog which refers to a February 2007 National Geographic map of the distribution of single men and women in the U.S.
Ryan feels vindicated - he knew there was a shortage in L.A., he just couldn't prove it.
The b/f and I debated the meaning of this map. My initial reaction was, if all the guys are like those on Entourage, then the gals are likely to leave. Possible. His theory was that if all the Pretty Girls and Homecoming Queens move to L.A., they make the normal-looking girls crazy and they leave. Alternately, the description from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang fits too:
"I mean, it's literally like someone took America by the East Coast and *shook* it, and all the normal girls managed to hang on."
Ok, ok, I'm kidding. Mostly.
One other theory I had was entertainment & video games vs. publishing & fashion. I have no research, but if more men are in the former and women in the latter, then it might explain SOME of the distribution. I really don't know.
It's a lonely-looking map for heterosexuals, I'll say that much. Time to start the lame ice-breaker games. Somewhere in Kansas.
Boy genius, Ryan has linked to the Economist's View blog which refers to a February 2007 National Geographic map of the distribution of single men and women in the U.S.
Ryan feels vindicated - he knew there was a shortage in L.A., he just couldn't prove it.
The b/f and I debated the meaning of this map. My initial reaction was, if all the guys are like those on Entourage, then the gals are likely to leave. Possible. His theory was that if all the Pretty Girls and Homecoming Queens move to L.A., they make the normal-looking girls crazy and they leave. Alternately, the description from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang fits too:
"I mean, it's literally like someone took America by the East Coast and *shook* it, and all the normal girls managed to hang on."
Ok, ok, I'm kidding. Mostly.
One other theory I had was entertainment & video games vs. publishing & fashion. I have no research, but if more men are in the former and women in the latter, then it might explain SOME of the distribution. I really don't know.
It's a lonely-looking map for heterosexuals, I'll say that much. Time to start the lame ice-breaker games. Somewhere in Kansas.
People with Arches - Pay Less!
I have flat feet. I can't wear those cute little Audrey Hepburn-esque ballet slippers. My feet look like two loaves of Italian bread if I do. However, you out there might have arches, and if so, check it out, yo. Payless is following the lead of H&M and "Tarzjay".
Payless" has hired some designer I've never heard of from some label I've never heard of, to design them some wicked shoes & bags!
There are some heels in the collection, yes.
But I've declared a moratorium. (Lavish gifts still accepted.)
So, no, I can't wear them, but maybe you can. And check out the cute li'l clutch too!
Of course, they're all man-made materials or fabric, so forget about your toes breathing. But, for a pair of cute slides and purse for under $40, it's not bad. Not bad at all... The only thing you need now is a friend with a yacht!
Payless" has hired some designer I've never heard of from some label I've never heard of, to design them some wicked shoes & bags!
There are some heels in the collection, yes.
But I've declared a moratorium. (Lavish gifts still accepted.)
So, no, I can't wear them, but maybe you can. And check out the cute li'l clutch too!
Of course, they're all man-made materials or fabric, so forget about your toes breathing. But, for a pair of cute slides and purse for under $40, it's not bad. Not bad at all... The only thing you need now is a friend with a yacht!
April Snow Brings... What Exactly?
My friend's last day in Vancouver looked like this:
Words do not suffice.
*
Now I'm back in Toronto. Again. Looking towards L.A. - again. Toronto is cold and windy and snowy and rainy. Not very nice, but still home. It has an energy, a pace, that will always feel comfortable.
*
Since my last post, I read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Well worth the read.
More pics and reporting soon.
Words do not suffice.
*
Now I'm back in Toronto. Again. Looking towards L.A. - again. Toronto is cold and windy and snowy and rainy. Not very nice, but still home. It has an energy, a pace, that will always feel comfortable.
*
Since my last post, I read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Well worth the read.
More pics and reporting soon.
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