“Under today’s copyright laws, you are guilty until proven innocent.”

Here’s a very disturbing story by Amita Guha.

I’ve added a new section to the bottom of the left hand sidebar; ‘worthwhile causes’.
This will contain links to campaigns, charities, and other organisations I think you should be aware of.

Please do your best to support these worthwhile causes. It isn’t always easy: there are so many. I know I try my best.

Just finished watching The Lord Of The Rings DVD. Excellent!

I thoroughly enjoyed it. It really is a most wonderful translation from book to film. I think probably one of the best (although The Abyss came close). I can barely wait for the next one.

All in all, whilst there were obviously things from the book that could not be translated to film (at least and still have it as a commercial success), it really was a good effort. I particularly liked the way the history was summed up at the beginning but with more detail supplied later. I also liked Ian McKellen’s Gandalf. I remember when I first realised who was playing Elrond; Hugo Weaving (Mr Smith in The Matrix), I was astounded: I’d kind of pictured all the Elves in the way Legolas was portrayed (by Orlando Bloom): blonde and pretty (and that’s just the guys). But, of course, the 3000 year old lord of Rivendell would be a strong, wise, and slightly sinister character. It worked for me.

I did notice that the UK video version has been re-classified as a PG (Parental Guidance) rating: I’m sure it was at least a 12 at the cinema. I didn’t notice anything in particular which had been cut, but then again it is almost nine months since I saw it last.

I have to disagree with Chris‘ comments, and say that the ending was just right in terms of following the book.

Recommended!

OK. The girls are in bed (Bekki is sleeping over) and I’m going to make Jan and I a coffee and we’ll settle down to watch The Lord Of The Rings DVD.

Aaagh! I forgot to go and buy The Lord Of The Rings DVD today! Jan has promised to go and get it for me tomorrow. Phew!

This put a smile on my face! QWEST ADMITS SPELLING ERRORS

I couldn’t believe the rain today. Incredibly heavy. Especially after the good weather we have been having. And it made the office unbearably humid even though it was slightly cooler than yesterday.

I guess it means all the foreign visitors for the Commonwealth Games now have a better picture of what Manchester weather is like! 🙂

Steve P just sent me a link to the Campaign for Digital Rights summary of Sony’s new set of non-“Red Book” audio CD releases. Thanks Steve.
I hadn’t realised this was so widespread and so damaging! The Celine Dion album causes a PowerMac G4 to require repair by an Apple dealer! What’s next, only Sony CDs will work in Sony players?
They also have a good Dmitry Sklyarov FAQ