There has been a lot to be said on both sides of the debate of the new proposal for file sharing. With well over one billion music files being shared in Canada each year and only about 2.00% of this comprising of legally purchased downloads, it’s not a wonder that the Songwriters Association of Canada has put forth a plan to ensure that music creators receive renumeration for their work as well as fulfill the demand for the way in which music is distributed. The plan would include a $5.00 a month ‘license’ to be added to everyones monthly internet provider’s bill. The fee would allow users to share files legally without the threat of copyright infringment. Some ISP providers are currently against this proposal as the administration of the framework would fall in their lap for implementation. Would you support this plan?
Source and more info can be found at www.songwriters.ca
Published: 14 Mar 2008-U.K. Sun-By Alex West
A HOPELESS romantic saw his engagement plans vanish into thin air – after a balloon containing a £6,000 diamond ring was BLOWN AWAY.
Luckless Lefkos Hajji wanted to surprise girlfriend Leanne, 26 – so he told a florist to put the sparkler inside a helium balloon.
But as he left the shop a gust pulled it from his hand and the balloon soared into the sky.
Lefkos, 28, said: “I couldn’t believe it.
“I just watched as it went further and further into the air. I felt like such a plonker. It cost a fortune and I knew my girlfriend would kill me.”
The floor fitter spent two hours chasing the balloon in his car – but eventually gave up hope.
Vanished … ring like one Lefkos lost
Lefkos, of Hackney, East London, said: “I had been planning the proposal for ages.
“I thought I would give Leanne a pin so I could literally pop the question.
“But I had to tell her the story – she went absolutely mad.
“Now she’s refusing to speak to me until I get her a new ring.”
Florist Helen Savva, of Cockfosters, North London, who put the ring in the balloon, said: “I thought he was taking a risk. I said, ‘I hope you hold on to it’.”
Lefkos is still hoping the balloon turns up.
He said: “It would be amazing if someone found it.”
March 11, 2008, EST.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ATHENS, Greece - Greek workers discovered about 1,000 graves, some filled with ancient treasures, while excavating for a subway system in the historic city Thessaloniki, the state archeological authority said Monday.Some of the graves, which dated from the first century B.C. to the fifth century AD, contained jewelry, coins and various pieces of art, the Greek archeological service said in a statement.
Thessaloniki was founded around 315 B.C. and flourished during the Roman and Byzantine eras. Today it is the Mediterranean country’s second-largest city.
Most of the graves - 886 - were just east of the city centre in what was the eastern cemetery during Roman and Byzantine times. Those graves ranged from traces of wooden coffins left in simple holes in the ground, to marble enclosures in five-room family mausoleums. A separate group of 94 graves was found near the city’s train station, in what was once part of the city’s western cemetery.
More finds are expected as digging for the Thessaloniki metro continues. Digging started in 2006 and the first 13 stations are expected to be done by the end of 2012. A 10-station extension to the west and east has been announced.
Post 9/11, expansion of CCTV (closed circuit television) surveillance is a world-wide phenomenon. Recently the debate about mass transit video surveillance systems came under scrutiny by privacy advocates when it was learned that the TTC’s (Toronto Transit Commission) plans to install around 12,000 cameras on every bus, streetcar, subway car and each station. Approx 1.5 million TTC travelers’ would be photographed on a daily basis and the cameras will also have audio capability. The debate continues. On one side there is the need to ensure public safety, on the other is the privacy concern due to extensive personal information-gathering. Where do you stand?