§ Wordless-WBW Painted Bunting in "Oil"

§ The Promise of Sun...All in Flowers

I seem to just now realize, after going through my photo files, that the predominant color of wildflowers in Texas is yellow...and one of my favorites is the silver leaf sunflower [native to Texas and parts of Florida and North Carolina].

Anywhooo, I call this Mellow Yellow:

aka a baker's trekker's dozen

Common Buckeye

§ This and That...

...Walking in the Sunshine...

It's a bit difficult to fathom that next Tuesday it'll be the first of August already! So, this week, I registered myself to participate in the city's 5K Heart Walk! It will take place in October, giving me time to raise the funds I pledged. AND, it'll be a lot cooler in that month. [Hopefully, drier also, but it's STILL hurricane season, so anything's possible].  I decided to join as an individual so not to disappoint any company's team if for some reason I need to drop out while participating or not show up at all.  It will give me a lot more peace of mind to do it this way.

Heart Walk Image created by me with use of free clipart



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...Copyright Issues...

Once again, I was compelled this week to take down an image I shared to add more layered text on a photo and then republish the 'newer' version Wednesday. A gal that left a comment actually posted in her comment that she'd take my image, of which I took a screenshot. My question is, if it's not from a free site, or listed in Google searches that have no copyright issue for fair use [an act that allows use of images for educational purposes], "Why do they think that special photos of a private collection is free to steal and 'replicate' as she stated?"  They're ALL protected under the copyright laws.   On my sidebar I have a 'copyrighted' graphic which implies all my photos are protected by that very law.   Anyone should either ask permission for use, or check the site for any disclaimers.  For instance, with a whole slew of my own images I'm using for a project, I emailed the site's owner and asked if it was feasible I use their filter for purposes that will have my images and their filter published....I got a reply  It's ALWAYS best to ask first before any legal action is taken.  Also, if you DO use some image from an online site...ALWAYS give credit where credit is due somewhere on your website, never claim the borrowed image is yours.

The screenshot I saved for reference...

and then, my email with privacy editing

On Thu, Jul 6, 2017 at 8:57 PM, Anni wrote:

Date: 06/07/2017 20:57:53
Email: emailomitted.com
Country: US
City: N/A
Timezone: N/A
Ip:omitted
Language: en
User-Agent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; WOW64; rv:53.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/53.0
Sent from: desktop

I have a couple of photos of my own [taken by me, off my camera], and I would like to use one of your free filters [oil painting] and then put this in a publication. I know I have the copyright of the image, but do I have the right to have your filter used and still not infringe on YOUR rights as a website?

Thanks in advance, Anni

* * *
Re: [US][DESKTOP] I have a couple of photos of my own...
Friday, July 7, 2017 6:19 AM


From:
"Support Team"
To:
email omitted.com


Many thanks for your message and taking interest in private website. For simple effects like filters you do not require any permissions from us.

Kind regards,
name withheld

Support Team




- - -

...Houston, We have a Problem!!...

The Astros?!!  What happened?!!!  For the entire 2017 season, you've been on the TOP throughout the entire baseball leagues [higher batting averages of BOTH American and National].  Now, you're falling...Dodgers have over-run your standings.  Come on...don't strike out!!  Get your mojo working again and win, win, win!!  I haven't 'talked' much of the game here of late, but still...I ♥ Baseball!!

- - -

...Whitecap Beach Cuteness...

As I walked the beach, I came up on a family out enjoying the surf. I asked the parents for permission to take a few photos of their daughter. I couldn't resist the sweet innocence of her expressions and the perfect beach gear for her!!

- - -

...Books...

After taking day trips around the area and visiting a few historical sites, I have been in search of some historical books on the 'fathers' of Texas. I just found a short biography of Stephen Austin. I've read a few chapters and am enjoying the story...from childhood to his college days so far. Interesting to learn about him, and now know the reason why the state's capital city is named after him. Also found, one I've been looking for at the used bookstore for nearly a decade, is "Sahara".  A book that is out of circulation, published in 1995. Why? Well, one of my favorite action movies is of the same title, based on the novel. I want to compare the movie with the book...I know the book will be different than the movie, hopefully explaining one thing mostly...how and where did the wrecked plane come from they find in the desert! lol To be read after the bio on Austin! 

- - -

...A little Comedy Relief...

§ green...

ARTIST: Muppets [Kermit the Frog]
TITLE: It's Not Easy Being Green
Lyrics:


It's not that easy being green
Having to spend each day the color of the leaves

When I think it could be nicer being red, or yellow or gold

Or something much more colorful like that

It's not easy being green

It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things
And people tend to pass you over 'cause you're
Not standing out like flashy sparkles in the water
Or stars in the sky

But green's the color of Spring

And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like an ocean, or important
Like a mountain, or tall like a tree

When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why, but why wonder why
Wonder, I am green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful





photo credits:  A green anole [lizard] on a hibiscus bush in our yard the other day...different angles as he tried to escape from my view ---I love the 2nd image especially since it shows us their ability to change color, quite like the well-know Chameleons.

CONNECTING TO:



_ _ _

Just some thinking 'out loud' mostly here:

Should we continue with this meme or not? I'm wondering if y'all feel uncomfortable about it. In the recent past, there has been an issue of copyrights. In question of copyrighted song lyrics as I've posted at the beginning of the ThemeSong meme site... and using lyrics on a website such as blogger blogs and others, I've been doing some more research along with others, finding this...

The fact is that republishing a song's lyrics in its entirety is a violation of the copyright[s] of the song's owner. Fair use only applies when a brief section of the lyrics have been quoted for as part of editorial comment on the song. It does not matter whether the republishing is for profit (e.g. AdSense site) or not for profit (e.g. Wikipedia) the republishing of the entire lyrics of a song does not fall under fair use.

Also, another thought that crossed my mind while doing some legal research at the library the other day, in regards to copying lyrics, words, quotations, etc....without permission of the said owner and other copyright laws, my question: then WHY is Google [and Google Reader especially] allowed to take a page from our blogs and when you go and do a Google Search for say..."Hootin' Anni's" ---my page comes up as a link AND the most recent post in their archives shows, with MY text?!!! And it's just NOT the free blogs either...Google Reader posts privately owned blogs and their text!! I have several privately owned domains [ones that bloggers PAY for] in my url listing of blogs I follow with Google Reader. Now, to me [being able to read their blogs from my listed sites through the reader]... that is more of a copyright infringement than those of us who post partial lyrics --- Google has not been granted permission by blog owners per sé - a legal document signed by both blog owner AND Google ---yet, Google makes a profit?!!!!! On another token of copyrights...anyone is allowed to copy and embed certain videos/songs from YouTube...is that not the same principle? I do know that I just read even tho you're copying and using lyrics, it's NOT theft, but considered an infringement if you use the ENTIRE song. Also, different countries, have different copyright laws when it comes to infringement. That in itself, is a hindrance if you ask me.

But, again, from the onset of the meme, Thursday Themesong", I had posted that at the beginning of the meme main site where you'd link up your photos/theme ---"when in doubt DON'T USE THE SONG!!!" I highly recommend you don't use the ENTIRE SONG [see note at beginning on "Fair Use"] ---there is a link to read if you choose...at the very top of the meme's blog page. Analysis of Fair Use.

But, if you don't want to do this meme any longer, we CAN discontinue it all together. What do you think? I'd appreciate EVERYONE's input. Should we continue?!!!!

§ Does she, or doesn't she? Only her tr@demark knows...

click Macro button to join



MACRO MONDAY

This beauty was near the loading dock [the walkway plank] to 'board' the Seafood Restaurant at the Marina...Landry's Seafood House. The photo was taken a couple of weeks ago, and I'm sure it didn't survive the harsh winter weather from last week. What a shame. But, as an added note, I always stop and have to get a close up look of pansies and linger by them...they were my father's favorite spring-time blossom. He was an avid gardener...I think it rubbed off a little on me.








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MONDAY MORSELS

I ask with a bit of dismay: "How is trademarking the name S@r@h P@lin feasible; what is her purpose in this whole idea?!!!" This past week, there has been light given to us readers about the attempt for our Queen Political Spe@ker and EX v!ce-pres!dent!al c@ndidate of the Republ!c@n party regarding that she and her daughter have applied for registering their names. For the fact that in just a short couple days since the article, the two were denied the trademark. Well now...that brought a burning question to me. Why the two are trying to 'protect' their names and giving them a realm of opportunities to sue those who speak their opinions against them [as she has many times in the past of others: i.e. "0b@m@ palling around with Terrorists"] ---or another incident that I recall was SNL and T!n@ F@y....well, it's totally absurd an action if you ask me, and I sure hope my assumption of any hidden meaning to this action on her part...is incorrect. Sure, I can probably understand the fact that issue of 'trademarking' your name, for protection, such as some celebrities do because of those cashing in on the name when it's not their name, or using it for fraudulent actions, but is this action for the true meaning of protection or is it just a ploy to have the opportunities, if they arise, for slander law suits in the future? I can't help thinking this; with her past actions. It seems that she can dish it out, but if anyone were to slander her or her registered daughter's name...whoa. America, look out!! And Tina Fay? I'd be hitting the high road outta here!! Then, on the other hand, it made me wonder just how many S@r@h P@l!ns there are in the world? I ventured further into the name....trust me, there are tons----IGI [International Genealogy Index]. Hmmmmmm. The woman from Al@sk@ is getting on my nerves more so each day.

And on another note, this all brings to mind the way of life these days, with everything being online through the internet. Are copyrights really 'safe'? Ohhhhhhhhhhh, that also reminds me. Have you ever heard the term: copyleft? Well, in today's times of the internet, there IS such a term and it's being used these days. Yep, copyleft. And the symbol is like any other. Yes, it's a reversed © symbol...

"Copyleft type licenses are a novel use of existing copyright law to ensure a work remains freely available."

Read all about it here! Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day. Will wonders never cease? LOLOLOL

§ Forever and always...

Click to Join


Sunday Stealing: The 35 Questions X 2 Meme: Part One

1. How far away is the last person you kissed? Right now, within a few feet of me. Same room.

2. Has someone ever told you they would be with you forever? Yes, the last person I kissed as a matter of fact.

3. Last person you were in a car with? Ummmm, same as #1 and 2nd question!

4. Any plans for tomorrow? Let's see, tomorrow's Monday or so it's said. But then Monday, tomorrow would be Tuesday and so on and so forth. Have you ever heard the line "Tomorrow never comes"?

5. How long does it take for you to take a shower? As long as it takes.

6. Best friend or close friends? Yes. Both actually.

7. Is tomorrow going to be a good day? See #4

8. Did you kiss anyone Friday? Every day actually.

9. Ever thrown up in public? In school, when I was a kid. Now, I know better than to go out in public if I'm sick...don't wanna spread the germs! [It'd be nice that everyone would STAY HOME if sick!!]

10. What's on your mind RIGHT NOW? Besides answering this -A layer of protection, a bit of skull and some hair!!

11. Who was the last person you talked to? See #1, 2, and 3.

12. What is the WORST subject they teach at school? Well, when I WENT to school, I hated History. Now-a-days I'd think it would be World Geography, a total waste of time and energy to study, since the countries, boundaries, and capital cities change over night.

13. Have you seen anyone lately that you don't get along with? No, I tend to stay clear...out of harm's way so to speak.

14. What is your favorite color top to wear? Purple, Black, Green. Not necessarily together.

15. Have you ever been in a car accident? Yes. It certainly makes your heart pound right out of your chest!!!

16. What's the closest thing to you that's green? My wedding band...has emeralds.

17. Where would you like to be right now? Out to eat...Cracker Barrel. I'll see if I can talk Bud into taking me for Breakfast.

18. Write down some lyrics to the song you're listening to? Queen..."We are the Champions my frie-e-nd!!"

19. How many dogs do you have? None!! They tend to tear up the yard, chew, dig, bark, and neighbors don't like their loud barking, nor do I. Besides, I like my flowers and yard too much. Cat's are much less destructive.

20. Is anything bugging you right now? The Questioneer!!

21. Is life going right for you now? I try having a good outlook....I tend to find the silver lining if I can. Sure I complain, but there's always good if you look in the right place.

22. Is there someone you care about more than yourself? Family!!!! But I have to care about me in order to be there for them...so it's an iffy question/answer.

23. What made you laugh today? You Tube...I watched Jeff Dunham a bit.

24. What was the last movie you watched? Yesterday during my lunch...HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS with Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey! [Yum on the M*M!]

25. What's the last conversation you had about? Ms. Palin and McCain's coverage on CNN. It wasn't pretty. The coverage/speeches/cheers...and our conversation wasn't pretty either!

26. What were you doing at 7:00 this morning? I'll tellya later...when it's actually 7:00.

27. Do you like your hair long or short? I like long hair to make French Braids...but lately, I like my hair short!!

28. Do you want to see somebody right now? No, I'm not ready to see anyone in P Js.

29. Do you like the rain? Yes...don't have to scoop it!!

30. Did you have a valentine this year? Yep, for the last 41 years as a matter of fact.

31. The last person you kissed needs you at 3 am, would you go? Of course.

32. Would you honestly say you'd risk your life for someone else? I have...every time I get behind the steering wheel!! Seriously, you take your OWN life too in your hands these days; driving in the city and on freeways.

33. Honestly, if you could go back 1 month and change something would you? I can barely remember a week ago. Why even think about the fact, when change things you can't?

34. How do you feel about boys smoking? That's a trick question...or discriminatory--what about girls smoking?

35. Could you see yourself with someone forever? Yep...I'm working on it!!

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NOTE: A blogger yesterday left in my comment box a comment regarding copyrights on posting comic strips that I have scanned. I just wanted to let y'all know I respect that very much. And I emailed the author for permission to keep the comic up on my post...if permission would've been denied, I was more than willing to take it off my post. This morning, I received a reply in my email...and posted a screen shot of the response on yesterday's blog...just below the weekend funnies segment.






POSTED: Sunday, March 28th, 2010
6:00 A.M.