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14 January, 2003

About Today's "Groundbreaking" Agreement

From the BSA's web site: Recording, Technology Industries Reach Groundbreaking Agreement on Approach to Digital Content Issues

Representatives of the recording and technology industries today announced that they have reached agreement on a core set of principles to guide their public policy activities in the new Congress regarding the distribution of digital content. The landmark agreement, embodied in a document issued by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the Computer Systems Policy Project (CSPP), and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), represents new and common ground for the industries, which have been working to address piracy concerns while also seeking to embrace the digital age and meet consumer expectations.

Specifically, the BSA, CSPP and RIAA have agreed on seven principles to govern their activities for the 108th Congress. It's important to note that the MPAA was not involved in this agreement.

Basically, these organization agree that the government should not be involved legislation to cripple technology (that's a good thing). But, apart from that, there is really nothing "groundbreaking" about it. 

Without actually using the term, the agreement is very much pro-DRM and anti-consumer (these seven principles do not mention the term "fair use.")

Bottom line?  It's really pretty much business as usual: Us against them.

Posted on 14 January, 2003

Create a Comic Strip

To create a comic strip, go to stripcreator.com.

You can also view the comics created by others. Most are terrible, but there are a few good ones -- like this one. And this.

Posted on 14 January, 2003

2002's Most Effective TV Ads

Ad Age published a list of the 20 most effective TV ads for last year. "Effective" is defined in terms of memorability -- the viewing population's ability to recall an ad and its brand within 24 hours after the ad has aired.

After reading through the descriptions of these 20 ads, I'm proud to announce that I can recall seeing only three of these ads:

  • Rugby Bunch--"Brady Bunch" parody, opening credits (Old Navy)
  • 40th Anniversary Sale--Kirstie Alley jumps out of cake (Pier 1 Imports)
  • Popcorn Chicken--Barry Bonds bobblehead doll (KFC)

Posted on 14 January, 2003

Words From Bodies

Enter a word or phrase, and it's spelled out in naked bodies.

Posted on 14 January, 2003

"A Box of Matches" Reviews

A few days ago I finished reading Nicholson Baker's new novel, A Box of Matches. It was an enjoyable (albeit very short) read, but it left me wanting more.

The book is similar to two earlier novels by Baker (The Mezzanine and Room Temperature). It consists of 33 chapters, one for each match depicted on the cover. It's a sort of diary, with each day's entry written in the pre-dawn hours. There is no real plot. Rather, the attraction is Baker's writing style and his amazing insights into common and mundane things and activities. It's certainly not his best novel, but Baker fans will find it well worth reading.

Here's a list of some reviews of A Box of Matches:

Posted on 14 January, 2003

Butterfly Alphabet

Butterflies that contain letters and numbers.

Posted on 14 January, 2003

California Quarter Design Poll

As you may know, the U.S. Mint is involved in a ten-year program that will generate a different 25-cent piece for each of the 50 states. Voting is now underway to select the design for the California quarter.

As we draw near to the much-anticipated selection of the California Quarter, it is my hope that the final design will visualize the concept of our diverse state. The generous participation of the public has made this historic program possible. From more than eight thousand submissions received between September 9, 2002 and November 9, 2002 the California Quarter Selection Committee has chosen twenty California-inspired ideas!

It appears that nine of the 20 choices depict the Golden Gate Bridge. None of them depicts the true symbol of California: An bumper-to-bumper freeway.

Posted on 14 January, 2003