_________________________________________________________ F A M E F O R U M N E W S L E T T E R N A T I O N A L W O M E N 'S B A S E B A L L H A L L O F F A M E National Syndicated Column (contents are protected) Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2008 TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU120937, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU196853, TXU211917, TXU216769, TXU234252, TXU253116, TXU260664, TXU276615, TXU288273, TXU311442, TXU348663, TXU346055. Issue Number 00412 _________________________________________________________ Volume XI, Number 18 Publisher and Author July 16, 2008 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2007 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTION KRIS "LEFTY" RANISZEWSKI SEE THE WEBSITE FOR ALL "HALL OF FAMERS" http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/albums DIDRIKSON, HOWARD, SCHILLACE, DANCER, FERGUSON, WINTER, WRIGHT, LUKASIK, MILLIKEN, BALLENTINE, GEYER, WALLACE, CIULLA, GUIDACE, MACURIO, SHELDON, BEAUCHAMP, HUDSON, BRENNEMAN, FERENO, SWEENEY, NELSON, DOMINGUEZ, TRIOLO TED WILLIAMS WEBSITE http://www.saveted.net _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: PLAYING AND PITCHING PARODIES Articles appearing in issues of Fame Forum sometimes feature parodies of songs and films which are essentially parallel renditions that are modified in some manner to represent baseball themes. Works of origin are typically referenced or footnoted at the conclusion. In this approach, titles are changed, content is edited, certain previous words are retained or modified to suggest or reflect the subject of the parody (which is necessary to identify the source), and new text is incorporated into the recreated verse or story. Recently, several parodies were introduced into a trilogy of articles covering songs of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and Arthur Freed in Fame Forum, Volume XI, Numbers 15, 16, and 17, respectively, from July 3-14, 2008. Baseball themes were also introduced into the titles of those three issues: "Puttin' on Your Mitts," July 3, 2008, replacing Berlin's song title, "Puttin' on the Ritz," 1928; "Begin the Ball-Guine," July 11, 2008, replacing Porter's song title, "Begin the Beguine," 1935; and "Swinging in the Rain," July 14, 2008, replacing Freed's song and film title, "Singin' in the Rain," 1928 and 1952. This demonstrates, in part, how a parody operates, where something known is creatively imitated in another manner for another purpose. And, with a song, some elements of the original must be retained (tune and/or text) in order to be recognized as a parody. The following is an explanation of a song parody from the July 11th issue featuring a rendition of Cole Porter's "You're the Top," 1934, which was substantially modified. In this new rendition, the tune remained (must be imagined on the screen), some words were retained to afford recognition of the parody, and a vast majority of the text was changed. After his college song writing days at Yale, Porter rarely included sports in verses. "You're the Top" originally had 10 stanzas and 80 lines repetitively started with the word "You're..." Only twice within 80 lines did Porter mention anything sports related (see below), and there was nothing on baseball (which the Fame Forum version amended). Refrain 1, line 2, "You're the Colosseum," (refers to Rome) Refrain 2, line 12, "You're a Derby winner," (horse racing) The Fame Forum version has 31 lines, and contains some text which is similar (SIM) for recognition, while the remaining 87% is either modified (MOD) from the original or the words are entirely new (NEW). Fame Forum, Volume XI, Number 16, July 11, 2008 (Code) Line (SIM) "You're the top, (MOD) should play at the Colosseum. (SIM) You're the top, (NEW) inducted into the NWB museum." (SIM) "You're Shakespeare's sonnets, (NEW) outshining Sir Haley's comet. (MOD) You can raise us from (MOD) the bottom to the top." (MOD) "You're my full course dinner, (NEW) You're the tournament winner, (SIM) You're Ritz's best hot toddy, (MOD) You're Chrysler's artsy body." (NEW) "You're Didrikson's gold feet, (NEW) You're Weissmuller at a meet, (NEW) You're as Gehrig is reliable, (NEW) You're Ruth's 714 undeniable." (NEW) "You're Aqueduct's first date, (NEW) You're Sonja's figure eights, (NEW) You're Dizzy's mighty throws, (NEW) You're Dempsey with his foes." (NEW) "You're Jones over the greens, (NEW) You're LaGuardia swept clean, (MOD) You're new dresses from Saks, (MOD) You're exempt from sales tax." (NEW) "Because, special lady, (NEW) donned in number nine, (NEW) games are always fine, (NEW) only you can raise us, (NEW) only you can raise us, (MOD) you can raise us from, (MOD) the bottom to the top!" Note: 58% new text, 29% modified, and 13% similar. Another example of a more extensive recreation earlier this year was a parody on the movie "Sunset Boulevard" rewritten with an overriding baseball theme and the scene was changed to Chain Bridge along the Potomac River. In addition, in previous years, there were 33 articles on Ted Williams often written as parodies of other major films. In 1908, Jack Norworth penned "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," and since then there have been hundreds of versions written. There are at least 78 published editions bearing that exact title, but with different vocalists and renditions. Artists including Bing Crosby, Andrews Sisters, and Tony Martin had versions; and Gene Kelly released two. Harry Caray had his rendition, as did the quartet of Tommy Henrich, Ralph Branca, Phil Rizzuto, and Roy Campanella. "Casey at the Bat," by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, published in the San Francisco Examiner on June 3, 1888 has hundreds of renditions frequently with changes in titles and outcomes. There was a 1962 version of "Casey and the Mets," a parody tribute to Casey Stengel. And, another version of "Casey" featured women players in Fame Forum, Volume II, Number 06, January 31, 1999. Thus, it is not surprising for popular verses from songs and scenes from films to become "parodized" on television, radio, stage, and internet. This approach was even more prevalent in the 1940's and 1950's when hit songs might have several parodies aired concurrently, some of which were better than the originals. From that era, parodists extraordinaire were Spike Jones and Stan Freberg. There have always been parodies, and the tradition continues unabated, as examples, renditions from the Capitol Steps and Saturday Night Live, and there are many individual talented performers, such as, Mark Russell and Paul Shanklin. Often a tune is borrowed with the addition of new satirical lyrics. Parodies properly presented for recreational, informational, and educational purposes generally are not an infringement of an original work. Furthermore, quotations and references on an original work properly footnoted are acceptable, especially for teaching. In 2006, an entire Fame Forum article on Ted Williams was used by the University of Oklahoma Law School as a handout for classes on wills and trusts. This was discovered during an internet search, and the handout was posted online, which contained a complete newsletter with masthead and copyright references (as noted above). The law professor was advised that it was only a story, however she believed it useful for contemporary discussions. The U.S. Supreme Court considered parodies most recently in a 1994 case, and the following is a brief summary. Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music Inc., 510 U.S. 569 (1994) is frequently referred to as the "Pretty Woman Case" because the parody was based upon a Roy Orbison song by that name. Luther Campbell and his musical group produced a parody of the Orbison song "Pretty Woman," and Acuff-Rose Music sued as a copyright infringement. The high court, "...stated in no uncertain terms that a parody as a form of criticism or commentary could be 'fair use' of a copyrighted work." In addition, the court found there was more than sufficient differentiation in composition and application. There were two other Circuit Court cases not heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Ninth Circuit Court considered Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. v. Penguin Books U.S.A., Inc., 109 F. 3d 1394 (9th Cir. 1997). This is referred to as "The Cat in The Hat Case." However, eventually this became a matter pertaining to trademark infringement (essentially, copyrights address written text, whereas trademarks cover logos and designs). A story parody published by Penguin Books had a somewhat parallel structure to the Dr. Seuss series, but featured an antagonist named Dr. Juice. So far, they were within their rights. Perhaps, it was not good judgement to have a fictional Dr. Juice represent O.J. Simpson, but that is not a copyright matter. However, Dr. Juice was depicted wearing the unmistakable top hat of the "Cat in the Hat." This design has Seuss trademark protection, and because of that Penguin Books was ordered to discontinue the Dr. Juice representation. Another Circuit Court case was in New York, Leibovitz v. Paramount Pictures Corp., 137 F. 3d 109 (2nd. Cir. 1998). This concerned a photograph, and is often referred to as the "Naked Gun Case." Photographer Annie Leibovitz took an infamous picture of an eight-month nude pregnant Demi Moore. The photograph subsequently appeared on the front cover of Vanity Fair magazine in 1991. Paramount decided to use a similar image to promote its forthcoming movie "Naked Gun." An eight-month pregnant model was found, and pictures were taken with a similar backdrop as in the Moore photo. The model's face was replaced with that of Leslie Nielson, star of the movie. The court found this was fair use because the individuals involved and promotional intent were different. This year working its way through the courts is a case on Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling v. RDR Books. The defendant Steve Vander Ark prepared a "Harry Potter Lexicon," a highly comprehensive dictionary based upon Rowling's stories. Although this is not a parody, the concept of fair use should apply. Since a dictionary is a reference and educational, it would be acceptable. However, it is a lengthily commercial publication with extensive quotations and explanations, as expected due to the nature of the publication. Vander Ark claims his work is not a replacement for the Potter books, but is an educational aid for research and interpretation, and does not substitute (taking issue), but supplements the original Rowling novels. And, to that extent it might foster sales of the Potter series enabling more readers to better understand characters, locations, and complicated terms and plots. Rowling is planning her own Potter encyclopedia, but that endeavor has not yet begun, and thus should have little bearing on this case. The U.S. Copyright Office, Section 107 contains a list of reasons for which the reproduction of a particular work may be "fair use," e.g., "criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research." In addition, Section 107 identifies four factors that are considered in determining whether a use is fair. Section 107 1. "Purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for non-profit educational purposes;" [Non-infringement advantage is given to non-commercial, non-profit, informational, and educational uses.] 2. "Nature of the copyrighted work;" [Non-infringement advantage is given to differentiation in composition and application.] 3. "Amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole;" and [No absolute quantitative measurement, but there should not be complete duplication of the entire text.] 4. "Effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work." [There should be differentiation in general consumers, and consideration if there is economic loss.] Most parodies are not considered infringements based upon points one and two above. Typically, the purpose and nature of a parody are sufficiently different as are composition and application. Parodies are well-established throughout recorded history, and essentially part of human nature. If we hear something pleasing or impressive; it is natural to repeat it, creatively modify it, and whistle our own tune. "You know how to whistle, just pucker up your lips and blow." (1) Note: (1) Lauren Bacall to Humphrey Bogart, "To Have and Have Not," 1944. B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: commemorative buttons (2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), t-shirts, caps, and bats. Free commemorative ribbons are available. The website main page has an order form, and the photo page displays several items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame C. HISTORIC TIMELINE July 14, 1967 Eddie Mathews hits 500th homerun. July 14, 1968 Hank Aaron hits 500th homerun. July 15, 1876 NL first no-hitter, George Washington Bradley. July 15, 1905 Shirley Povich birthdate, DC sports columnist. July 15, 1952 Walt Dropo 12 consecutive hits in one day. July 16, 1889 Shoeless Joe Jackson birthdate, MLB player. July 16, 1942 Margaret Smith Court birthdate, tennis champion. July 17, 1941 Joe DiMaggio completes 56 game hitting streak. July 17, 1974 Bob Gibson 3,000th strikeout. July 18, 1941 Martha Reeves birthdate, entertainer. July 18, 1970 Willie Mays 3,000th hit. July 18, 1940 Joe Torre birthdate, MLB manager. July 19, 1910 Cy Young wins 500th game. July 19, 1927 Ty Cobb 4,000th hit. July 20, 1858 First baseball admission 50c in Long Island. July 20, 1901 Heinie Manush birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 20, 1933 Nelson Doubleday birthdate, baseball publisher. July 21, 1881 Johnny Evers birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 21, 1973 Hank Aaron 700th homerun. July 22, 1908 Amy Vanderbilt birthdate, etiquette expert. July 22, 1893 Jesse Haines birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 23, 1880 Emma Carr birthdate, Garvon Chemists Medal. July 23, 1925 Lou Gehrig hits first grand slam homerun. July 23, 1936 Don Drysdale birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 24, 1898 Amelia Earhart birthdate, early aviator. July 24, 1911 Addie Joss benefit game at Cleveland. July 25, 1930 Athletics two triple steals in one game. July 25, 1941 Lefty Grove wins 300th game. July 26, 1902 Gracie Allen birthdate, comedian. July 26, 1923 Hoyt Wilhelm birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 27, 1880 Joe Tinker birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 27, 1903 Leo Durocher birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 28, 1889 Bullet Joe Rogan birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 28, 1949 Vida Blue birthdate, MLB pitcher. July 28, 1966 Rachel Sweet birthdate, entertainer. July 28, 1991 Dennis Martinez pitches perfect game. July 29, 1996 Tommy Lasorda retires, MLB manager. July 30, 1890 Casey Stengel birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 30, 1968 Ron Hansen unassisted triple play. July 31, 1816 Lydia Bradley birthdate, founded college. July 31, 1932 Municipal Stadium opens in Cleveland. July 31, 1954 Joe Adcock hits 4 homeruns in one game. July 31, 1961 All-Star game 1-1 tie at Fenway Park. July 31, 1990 Nolan Ryan wins 300th game. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume XI, 2008 Season Publications Number 18, Playing and Pitching Parodies, July 16. Number 17, Swinging in the Rain (Freed hits), July 14. Number 16, Begin the Ball-Guine (Porter hits), July 11. Number 15, Puttin' on Your Mitts (Berlin hits), July 3. Number 14, 2008 NWB Hall of Fame Induction Form, June 29. Number 13, Judy, Judy, Judy (Johnson), June 12. Number 12, Tales of Narda: The Guessing Game, May 10. Number 11, Clifford Plays Some Hoops (Auerbach), April 21. Number 10, Tales of Narda: Lady with the Light, April 13. Number 09, Tales of Narda: Turning the War Club, April 2. Number 08, Playing for a Higher Authority (Natural), March 22. Number 07, Prayerful Pearl (Janis Joplin), March 14. Number 06, Reigning at Ringside in Ritchie (boxing), March 11. Number 05, Tales of Narda: Origin of the Magic Bat, February 28. Number 04, Clifford's Favorite Store (Ballentine), February 15. Number 03, Bases Loaded, Reel Two, (baseball movies) February 12. Number 02, Bases Loaded Remake (Sunset Boulevard), February 2. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was, January 2. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/handouts E. NWB HALL OF FAME PROGRAMS The National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame, an independent not-for-profit organization established September 1998, is situated in suburban Washington, DC. The objective is to recognize achievements of women in regulation baseball. The NWB Hall of Fame offers these programs for participants in regulation baseball with organized leagues. Managers are are encouraged to recommend recognition awards and suggest articles on their teams, players, or events. Applications are available through email and are posted on the website. NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS Nominations for the NWB Hall of Fame are due September 30. Inductions may include four current and one previous players by formal application or candidate statement. NATIONAL MVP AND MANAGER AWARDS MVP player and manager award requests are due December 31. Season nominations should be by a manager or administrator. One MVP player per team may be selected annually. Membership covers transmission of newsletters, announcements, invitations, applications, and access to all website pages. Membership is $9.00 renewed annually, and an application is available on the NWB Hall of Fame website. _________________________________________________________ NATIONAL WOMEN'S BASEBALL HALL OF FAME Richard C. Jaffeson, Executive Director PO Box 15282, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20825 301-847-0102 HallFame@USA.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame "National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame" is a registered trade name with the State of Maryland. MD672265, October 19, 1998. Programs, articles, and contents presented herein are protected under provisions of the U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress. Fame Forum registrations are listed below. TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU120937, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU196853, TXU211917, TXU216769, TXU234252, TXU253116, TXU260664, TXU276615, TXU288273, TXU311442, TXU348663, TXU346055. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2008 __________________________________________________________