Current Events

Here is a recap of a few current events that I care about... I'm not saying anyone else will... but at least you know how my mind works.

1) Mattel took Super Duper Publications, a popular speech therapy materials company, to court over copyright infringement and WON! The dispute occurred because apparently using the word "SAY" in materials directly references a toy called "SEE 'N SAY" that was created in 1963 by Mattel.  The court awarded Mattel $3.6 million in returned profit that Super Duper made and lawyer's fee.
Here is a list of reasons why this is ridiculous:

• Mattel doesn't need $3.6million. It won't even make a blip on their radar of profits.
• The See 'n Say profits were completely unaffected by the Super Duper Materials
• The word SAY used in a speech therapy material makes perfect sense! 
• Mattel claims that Super Duper used the word SAY to increase the popularity of their materials and trick consumers... what the heck.
• Isn't this taking copyright law a little far? I mean seriously... it's one word. And have they gone after every single company that has used the word SAY in their product line? I highly doubt it. So why go after the company that helps kids with special needs and communication disorders? 

Super Duper is one of the TOP material's companies for SLPs.  I put my hands on their products EVERY SINGLE DAY I do my job. But they are not a huge power house corporation like Mattel and this will surely affect their profits and ability to sell what they make. Worst of all... any hits they take from this will probably be reflected in future pricing of their materials which will directly affect SLP's!

If you are outraged or want to read more, visit the informational website Speak Up for SAY.

2) There is a corpse flower blooming at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.  It is HUGE. It grows 4-6 inches a day and it smells BAAAAAADDDD! How amazing is that?
Check out the HMNS blog for more info! And for goodness sake, go visit it.  It's a once in a lifetime experience.

3) Passport prices are going up. For the third time this post... what the heck. I haven't gotten a new one since we got married so unless I get my act together by Tuesday (which I won't), it looks like I'll be paying at least 35% more for the darn thing when I get around to changing my name. Check out this article for more info.

4) Car doors weren't meant to be shut on fingers. I am okay though. I may or may not lose a fingernail, but I've concluded after thorough assessment  a quick squeeze that none of my fingers are broken.  My largest injury was the initial shock of the actual smashing.

There in lies the conclusion of "Current Events That I Care About".