The First Amendment

I found this interesting op/ed piece regarding a case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mood: Thoughtful
Music: The Beatles: "I'm Only Sleeping"

Just Say No

It's good to see people stand up to the RIAA and their draconian methods of prosecuting (persecuting?) people thought to be illegally sharing digital media. First, the University of Wisconsin told the RIAA that the only way it would provide student information was under subpeona. Then the University of Nebraska told the RIAA that they are not only unwilling but incapable of providing student computer usage data to the RIAA, and has requested the RIAA reimburse the school for the expenses of dealing with their request.

While I don't forsee the RIAA ponying up any money to the University of Nebraska anytime soon, it makes me wonder what would happen if the University of Nebraska, or any other institution, were to actually sue the RIAA for the expenses of dealing with the RIAA's requests.

Mood: Curious
Music: Procol Harum: "Whisky Train"

Copyright

If you're going to go after someone for a copyright violation, make sure you understand the copyright laws you're going to cite in the process. The NFL did not understand this concept.

Mood: Thoughtful
Music: The Monkees: "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone"

Spring Break

The weather over the past couple of days has been spectacular, breaking records all around the state. Unfortunately I'm stuck inside at work today, and yesterday I was still recovering from a cold and watching Sarah while Maryanne suffered her own cold symptoms. I did manage a short walk with Sarah yesterday, allowing us both to enjoy the gorgeous weather, and today I got outside for a bit during my lunch break. The unseasonable warmth reminds me of spring break my sophomore year at Carroll, when the weather on campus was much the same as it is now.

Mood: Pensive
Music: The Moody Blues: "No More Lies"

"In My Life"

Today would have been Dad's 60th birthday.

I was thinking the other night about this, and wondering if anybody else besides me finds their life less interesting than other people's. I don't necessarily mean celebrities. I think about my own life so far, and compare it to my father's life, and my grandfather's life, and wonder why my life frequently seems less interesting than theirs.

Mood: Thoughtful
Music: Led Zeppelin: "Dazed and Confused"

Sprung

Today is officially the first full day of spring. I guess by officially I should perhaps say astronomically, since many people seem to forget that the seasons are as much astronomical as meteorological events. It's been a bit blustery today, overcast and rainy, but that's what happens in early spring, isn't it?

The house hunt continues. Our current house has shown pretty well so far, though there doesn't seem to be much serious interest thus far. Of the houses we've seen so far there's only one we'd seriously consider. We'll be viewing more on Friday.

Mood: Thoughtful
Music: Jimi Hendrix: "Bleeding Heart"

Spring?

I took a walk during my lunch break today. The weather was nicer yesterday, being sunny and around 57° compared to today's cloudy and 54°, but the melting continues. Today I saw a woolly bear caterpillar and a tiny little grasshopper. Spring is only about a week away.

Mood: Thoughtful
Music: The Cherry Poppin' Daddies: "Diamond Light Boogie"

Not on the menu

The Consumerist is back with a list of items you might be able to order at various national restaurant chains, despite the fact they aren't listed on the regular menu or even on their "official" secret menu.

Mood: Intrigued
Music: Rod Stewart: "The First Cut Is the Deepest"

Treasure

Have you ever wished you could find something on the cheap at a rummage sale or a thrift store that turned out to be worth a fortune? This guy did.

Mood: Envious
Music: The Ozark Mountain Daredevils: "Jackie Blue"