There are many compelling ways to talk about what a self-absorbed, pretentious dickhead Roger Waters is. "ABBA, who I like, is better than Pink Floyd, who I hate" is not one of them.

"Albini uses an admittedly somewhat arbitrary sliding scale based on such factors as his friendship with the musicians, his opinions of their integrity and music, and his assessment of a given record label." ([en.wikipedia.org])

Based on the above criteria, I think it's safe to say he'll be getting paid.

Touche.

@johnbaptistephilouza: Buster Poindexter was also the singer for the New York Dolls.

@DearEditor: The answer you quoted from ASCAP's website only tells half the story.

"If somebody is determined to do a cover version of your song, it is well-nigh impossible for you, Joe Composer, to stop them. In general, the right to record somebody else's song is called a "mechanical license," and usually it's negotiated in a routine manner between representatives of the copyright holder and the would-be cover artiste. (Outfits like The Harry Fox Agency in New York generally handle the publisher's side.) However, in the rare event that negotiations fail, the copyright laws contain provisions for a type of mechanical license called a "compulsory license," which, in effect, give anyone the right to record any song he or she wants to, as long as notice is given to the song's copyright owners within 30 days after the recording is made and before it is distributed."

[www.straightdope.com]

@DearEditor: That's not correct.

"If somebody is determined to do a cover version of your song, it is well-nigh impossible for you, Joe Composer, to stop them. In general, the right to record somebody else's song is called a 'mechanical license,' and usually it's negotiated in a routine manner between representatives of the copyright holder and the would-be cover artiste. (Outfits like The Harry Fox Agency in New York generally handle the publisher's side.) However, in the rare event that negotiations fail, the copyright laws contain provisions for a type of mechanical license called a 'compulsory license,' which, in effect, gives anyone the right to record any song he or she wants to, as long as notice is given to the song's copyright owners within 30 days after the recording is made and before it is distributed."

[www.straightdope.com]

Not that I'm holding my breath or anything.

I think that in most cases, if the bonus DVD were truly worth the aluminum oxide that it occupies, it would be released on its own.

I was shocked and dismayed to learn of your recent exclusivity pact with Blockbuster Video. I was also quite puzzled, as Blockbuster hardly seems an appropriate venue for independent film. They have an established record of open hostility towards non-mainstream entertainment, and their customer service is terrible. For those reasons, I have not shopped there in several years.

While I can appreciate that this arrangement represents an effort to make independent film available to the widest possible audience, in many cases, it will do exactly the opposite. I for one, will not be renting any of the films affected by this arrangement (because I do not/will not shop at Blockbuster). As Blockbuster's recent fortunes attest, I am far from alone in thie regard.

I'm not so sure about the ATM idea, because I think most people would just tune it out after the first few times; especially after the bank inevitably began using the feature as an excuse to serve ads. Also, since wireless networks are anything but secure, something feels odd about someone being able to know how much I'm withdrawing from my account, and - since the message is disclosing the location of said withdrawal - where I am at any given moment.

There is indeed such a place; although it does not exist in brick and mortar form. It's called Amazon.com.

I tend to remember things I purchased with gift cards, however, and years later, that item does hold a positive association with the person who gave me the gift card. The gift card that my mother in law gave me several years ago made her one of the coolest people I've ever met, because right now, it takes the form of two obscure reggae compilations that I had been salivating over for an eternity.

Having said that, I only buy gift cards to merchants who have an established track record; and only if I have it on good authority that the giftee will be able to immediately spend it on something they truly want. Amazon is a great example. They sell just about everything under the sun, their prices are good, and their customer service is spectacular.

A bad example? My aunt gives me a $25 Blockbuster gift card for Christmas every year, and I can barely give the damn thing away. I love her to death, but it breaks my heart to think of her parting with her $25 for something that no one she has ever met is going to enjoy.

"I'm not particularly religious, but I am spiritual. What kind? Feng shui, mostly, and energy. I'm good at picking up people's energy, like I'm receptive or something."

"I am a very giving person. When the hurricane thing happened, I went to my closet, filled six boxes of stuff and said to my assistant, 'Take it to Katrina!' I also like to give stuff to people who are my 'workers,' especially if they don't make much money."

Quotes taken from here: [farm2.static.flickr.com]