It's an insanely quiet day here (b.org here and work here). For your amusement, todays librarian cartoon.

[link]

I can't do fine needlework anymore because it has to be closer than my current glasses can focus.

Recently I've taken up electronics as a hobby. I've discovered that when I try to solder tiny stuff, etc. that I just can't see tiny things close up like I used to be able to. (Crappy vision in one eye doesn't help.) There's some stuff that I just would not be able to do without a magnifying glass.

My right eye's been twitching all week, which is about right for my stress levels.

I have a question for Buffista lawyers...

Can a college theatre department sell (at a prophet) videos of past productions of non-original material-- that is, the production is riginal and we paid for rights to put it on, but the playwright is still alive?

It seems to me no, but that if we are just asking for fees for materials to make copies for the cast or something, then it is OK?

How about on-line streaming of entire productions (not exerpts for advertising purposes)?

why is my lower lashline twitching?

When that happened to me, I thought it was just eyestrain or stress, but the cause turned out to be an extremely pale and thin hair that had grown from beside my nose up to where it could tickle my lower eyelashes. It was practically invisible, even in strong light, and was thinner and more transparent than the peach fuzz on my ears. I only found it when I was at the mirror rubbing my eye to relieve the twitch and saw the tenting of the skin an inch away next to my nose. It left a little blood blister when I plucked it. Freaked me out a little.

I don't know nothing 'bout no rights stuff, Sophia.

The hair thing is interesting. I will check that out. That would be so damn satisfying.

(at a prophet)

Heh.

Can a college theatre department sell (at a prophet) videos of past productions of non-original material-- that is, the production is riginal and we paid for rights to put it on, but the playwright is still alive?

I'm sure the rights agreement probably strictly forbid that. Sam French agreements usually allowed for archival copies and that's it. Not to mention any fees for directors, designers, professional actors and stage managers (if you had any). Also license fees for any recorded music used. It's a crazy huge can of worms, Sophia.

Sophia, at least in my book contracts there are very specific clauses dealing with issues like this. It would probably be in the contract with the original playwright (or whoever put the production together if it was something like a revue).