UMG sues MySpace
Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music organization, is suing MySpace.com for allowing users to upload copyrighted music and videos to their profiles without permission from the artists.
“Businesses that seek to trade off on our content, and the hard work of our artists and songwriters, shouldn’t be free to do so without permission and without fairly compensating the content creators,” a UMG representative told CBC News Online.
Crime Log
Nov. 9
A female advised that an unknown person(s) removed $40 of property from Rhoads Hall.
Nov. 14
A male was arrested at the James Branch Cabell Library for possession of marijuana.
A male was arrested on North Belvidere Street for distribution of marijuana.
Donors spend big bucks for name rights in new business building
How much is your name worth? That may depend on how much you’re willing to give. Such is the philosophy behind the gift recognition opportunities program of the School of Business Capital Campaign. Through this program, individuals willing to pledge money for VCU’s campaign can be rewarded, if they desire, by having their name recognized in the new business building.
Survey finds dirty classrooms, broken desks and ‘swarms of gnats’
Buildings that received the most problem reports:
School of Business building: 55
T. Edward Temple Building: 33
Sanger Hall: 19
Oliver Hall/Education: 17
How faculty members feel, in general, about the classrooms where they teach:
“Dissatisfied,” “Very dissatisfied” or “More dissatisfied than satisfied”: 56 (41%)
“Satisfied,” “Very satisfied” or “More satisfied than dissatisfied”: 65 (47%)
“About equally satisfied and dissatisfied”: 17 (12%)
Sample of anonymous comments from survey respondents:
“The desks for students are uncomfortable, too often bolted to the floor, and counterproductive to the kind of ‘learning-centered’ environment this university purports to embrace.
Professors speak out about ‘learning environments’
Dirty floors. Broken furniture. Poor lighting. Rooms that are too hot or cold.
These are the complaints many professors have about the classrooms at VCU, according to a survey conducted by the faculty senate. Four out of 10 respondents said they were dissatisfied with their teaching environment.
Butts out
As 2007 approaches, Gov. Tim Kaine has already decided on a New Year’s resolution for Virginia: to quit smoking. By that time, though, VCU will have beaten him to it by two months.
On Oct. 26, Kaine signed Executive Order 41, banning smoking cigarettes from all state-owned buildings and vehicles.
In the News
WORLD
MELBOURNE, Australia – A meeting of top financial officials from around the globe opened Saturday against a backdrop of 3,000 marching protesters, some of whom turned violent, pelting police with stones, bottles and smoke grenades.
Some 3,000 protesters marched on a downtown hotel where the Group of 20 meeting of finance ministers and central bankers opened, but most of the violence appeared to center around a group of about 200 demonstrators dressed in white coveralls with red bandanas tied around their faces.
Corrections
In “Ballot Questions Nos. 2 and 3?” (Nov. 6), the CT stated California would decide on “as many as 36” proposed constitutional amendments. The correct number is 13.
The Commonwealth Times strives to be accurate in gathering news. If you believe we have made an error, please call Executive Editor Karen Bolipata at 828-6056 or e-mail her at editor@commonwealthtimes.
Transactions
Baseball
Major League Baseball
MLB – Named Darryl Hamilton senior specialist of on-field operations.
American League
Seattle Mariners – Signed RHP Renee Cortez, RHP Jesse Foppert, INF Rey Ordonez, OF Tony Torcato, INF Brant Ust, RHP Cibney Bello, LHP Josh Kite, RHP Michael Wagner and RHP Jared Eichelberger to minor-league contracts.
Nationwide
Pro Baseball
NAPLES, Fla. – The Boston Red Sox emerged as winners of the bidding for Daisuke Matsuzaka and have 30 days to sign the Japanese pitcher to a contract.
Boston acquired the rights to negotiate with Matsuzaka by offering the Seibu Lions $51.1 million.