To Download or Not

I’ve never been a music file swapper. In fact, with the slow processor in my old computer and the little space in my hard drive keeping music files was not a great option. I did have a few I downloaded once and then a friend copied them into a CD (in mp3 format). Now I have this powerful computer that comes with a CD-writer unit (I even can make DVDs!) and I decided to burn those mp3 files into a real CD I can listen to in the car and around, then I went looking for more music using Kazaa Lite K++ so I could finally have those songs I like so much without having to buy a whole album. In less than a week my computer had around 400 MB of music (adding the new and the old ones), but yesterday it hit me: “Isn’t there a big thing going on with the RIAA giving subpoenas to people for this?” – I got scared and immediately removed all the files.

I don’t know how it works here in Canada, but according to these two articles, if you follow certain rules, it’s kind of legal here in Canuckistan to deal with music files. I have no idea how it works and I still have to read the articles carefully, but I just wonder… why do normal people, the users, have to deal with legal stuff when the companies that create the file sharing software should be the ones paying the artists. Probably they already do, but you don’t give people the technology to get music for free (instead of over-paying at the music store) and then tell them it’s illegal. I’m all for buying a CD, you can come and check my collection, but sometimes you just don’t have the money or simply don’t want to buy the whole album and you ABSOLUTELY want that song.

I’m sure there’s a better way to get artists paid for their work without having to hit the user. I think the whole menacing with legal actions just makes part of the current terror campaign against American people who are always treated like criminals in their own country (just check the controls at the airports, ugh!). I hope organizations like the EFF can find a way to end up this madness, so people can enjoy their favorite music, while the artists get what they deserve for their creations. Meanwhile, even if there’s not a big thing going on here in Canada my computer is clean of mp3 files, but I don’t guarantee I won’t download more to burn them in a CD; I just keep the sharing option closed.

What are your thoughts?

9 Coronas

9 Coronas! Hilarious – I found it at a website by a very funny guy from Calgary, and he seems truly Canadian. Make sure you check the Molson Canadian videos, he he!

I’ll have my 26 things!

I decided that I’m going to participate in the second round of 26 Things : The Photographic Scavenger Hunt. I didn’t have the motivation to do it a couple of months ago, but I think it’ll be a good idea to keep myself busy and entertained looking for photography subjects. Are you going to participate too? It starts November 1st!

Then when everything is ready I’ll put it up in a new webhosting account. It’s been great being part of Jaya’s little community, but since I have BeatrizDominguez.com hosted at No Hassle (great hosting service!) I thought it was a good idea to upgrade the account and put everything together in the same place. Oh well, it seems that I have some nice little projects to overcome the cold months.

Winter Plans

The clock changed last night, now the days get dark earlier and the mornings don’t happen early enough. Today I put away our summer clothes and took the sweaters and jackets out of the suitcase where they slept during the warm months so they can be of use. I have this urge to stay inside and protect myself from the darkness and the cold, cuddle with the hubby, put a fire in the fireplace, drink hot chocolate (unsweetened for me, please) and let my soul be quiet waiting for the first snow flakes to fall.

The weather here in Montreal has been miserable, the rain won’t give us a break until Tuesday and the thick layer of clouds in the sky makes me gloomy (I wish I were here), so I’m keeping myself busy while the sun shows its face again. The new toy helps me go through these grey days without going totally crazy; I made my first CD mix today with songs by Mikel Erentxun that I was saving since Carla generously sent them to me. I’m listening to it right now, dreaming about old days and reflecting on my present life.

My new work isn’t all that and I’m seriously thinking of just forgetting about it. Little pay and they didn’t even call me this week, which means I had no hours and there will be no pay check on the 31… I’m not very happy. Besides I have to be honest with myself: I’m not retailing sales material. I told Jaya the other day that I know I’m made for bigger things, not because I’m proud, but because I know I can. I want to help people, that’s what I want to do. I’m waiting for the Carrefour Emploi to call me because I want to meet a Counselor in Professional Orientation; I’m 28 years old, I have a degree in Biology, I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up, but I have an idea.

Today I talked to my mom. She’s buying a new apartment and seems happy about it, but I have no idea how she will manage to live in one after so many years of living in big houses. I guess she doesn’t want to feel so alone in a huge house anymore and decided to close her space a little. The description of the apartment makes me believe it’s a really nice place and just a block away from my brother (she already lives close to him, but she will be closer). Everyone seems happy about the project and ready to make it work… and I’m so far away. I can’t believe I was in Colombia and I didn’t see my family, but I probably will sooner than expected… My mom is ready to pay me a plane ticket so I can FINALLY spend the holidays with them. I still have to think about her offer, quit the non-job I’ve got and move along.

And then after the winter, the family reunion and the rest of the madness, I’ll stop procrastinating and go back to school.

L’Adieu du Concorde

Posted from my new computer: Farewell to era of supersonic passenger travel as final Concordes land – When I posted about it a few months ago, I still couldn’t believe the Concorde was no more, but today one of the most impressive machines ever created by men says good bye and one my “things to do before I die” will pass to the list of the “things I won’t be able to do”. Maybe they will come up with a more powerful plane that won’t cost so much to keep up with… Let’s hope for better things!