spl

I've re-written the lyrics to a commercially produced song. What I'd like to know is:

1) if this, in itself, is a violation of the copyright laws associated with the original work? (new lyrics do not match the original whatsoever)

2) can the background music from the original be used, provided it's "similar" not exact?

Please, only take the time to answer if you can point to credible sources and not just an opinion. I've got an opinion, I'm looking for an answer.

Thanks!

Long story (Yahoo allowable characters aren't enough to go into the detail) so the short version and question follows.

I recently had a lot of my personal property thrown out by my former landlord. In that property, family photos (about 100-150) and 20 years worth of my artwork (freehand-drawn, pencil/paper) where among the items. I already know that it is against the law in my state (Maine) for this to happen (besides the fact that it happened BEFORE a court-ordered date for me and my belongings to be out of the old house) but I need to know if there is anything (legally recognized by U.S. courts) in the way of monetary damages for the photos and artwork that have been put in the dump and are now unrecoverable?

Thanks.

Ok, my wife has this thing she does that I think is cute, but weird. I told her she's probably the only person in the world that does it so I'm asking the world to pitch in their two cents. SERIOUS answers please.

Do you, or anyone you know, put all the frosted shredded wheat (frosted obviously being the key word) with the frosting side up? By that I mean, you don't just pour it in the bowl and throw milk in. I mean you (or the person you know) literally have to have ALL the frosted mini shredded wheat, individual pieces, with the frosting facing up.

Seriously, she does this but is she the only one??