Jason Smith

Thanks to this commercial I’ve ordered a case. (via kapi)

Finally, a reasoned analysis of the American situation with a solid historical perspective, and it even has suggestions for how to respond to our times that can be taken seriously.

In summary, it’s long, boring, and I loved every word.

Want. Actual chair not miniature replica.

Dear Sharon (rough draft)

See you all there

Another NY Times Op-ed complaining about the Senate rules that lead to needing 60 votes to pass anything.

I love seeing outrage over a policy three years after I wrote a paper about the policy, and became concerned myself. Why don’t people listen to political scientists? They study these things for a living. They are aware of historic changes in the government before most people. Alas, I am left to watch newpaper writers stir up political sentiment. This is like getting my sociology only from Malcolm Gladwell.

Anecdotes and feelings are great, but sometimes research and surveys are better.

I’ve been thinking about when songs will enter the public domain. I thought, surely, the music from the 50’s must be near becoming public domain. I was wrong.

• Works created after 1/1/1978  -  life of the longest surviving author plus 70 years.
• Works registered before 1/1/1978  -  95 years from the date copyright was secured.
• Works registered before 1/1/1923 - These works are in the public domain.

So let’s look at a few possible songs and see on a time-line when they will enter the public domain. I have shown when the song was written/recorded.

• 2030 - Happy Birthday (1930)
• 2035 - This Land Is Your Land by Woody Guthrie (1940)
• 2060 - Pride & Joy by Stevie Ray Vaughan (1983)
• 2061 - Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix (1966)
• 2066 - Imagine by John Lennon (1971)
• 2080+ - Let’s Dance by David Bowie (1983)

With the newest set of laws there are some weird things that happen. The work from Stevie Ray Vaughan’s first album will be in the public domain BEFORE the work of Jimi Hendrix. One of Vaughan’s biggest influences. Hendrix enjoyed rules giving him 95 years of copyright, and Vaughan only received 70 after his death. The David Bowie song, Let’s Dance, has a ways to go. Vaughan played guitar on this song, but will enjoy copyright protection until after I am 100 years old. The 2080 number is based on David Bow dying today.

In summary, some early folk music, and swing music I like will be copyright free when I am in my 40’s. Music written in the 60’s in my 80’s, and anything written when I was born will not be open to me because I will in fact be dead. This really feels restrictive, and I’m not sure what the solution is.

*Disclaimer - I do not know the exact details of the copyright arrangements of any of these songs. I am guessing. Someone should make an easily searchable tool that tells you when a song, or published work, will enter the public domain.

Everything should be done in the style of Wes Anderson. Everything.

Representative Ted Poe

If you haven’t been following it there is a growing body of work that talks about the effects of repeated head blows and mental disorders later in life. Some good reads on the subject. Macolm Gladwell, and this Op-Ed from the NY Times.

Representative Poe’s wife was one of my first grade teachers. I visited his court room twice while he was a judge on field trips to learn about our justice system first hand. Pretty cool stuff while you’re in elementary school.

While a judge he was featured on the national news several times for his creative punishments. He was one of those judges that made people stand around with signs that described their crime on street corners. What is this Puritan New England? Awesome.

Obviously the sport is fun to watch, but it is immoral to do this to people for our own enjoyment. If there is no way to play football without it leading to brain damage then it shouldn’t be played. An 18-year old has no conception of time, or what their desires will be in 40 years. Of course they will want to play. Why not?

If people want to play full tackle football you can’t make them stop, but this is a lot like wearing a seat belt. It is in your best interest to wear one. I am fine with destroying a sport in the interest of protecting athletes. I think we would be able to find other sports that are just as fulfilling to watch and don’t require any physical exertion or engagement on the part of the fan.

Anyway, enjoy the superbowl this weekend!

My Generation - The Who

The lead up to the modulation is the best part. I don’t care if you’ve heard it 1,000 times. It’s incredible. Why even try to write music anymore?