Graphic by Greg Harrison.

You may think the Happy Birthday song is as old as time. It is. You may think you have the right to sing it to your friends (or yourself) publically at any time. You don't. "Happy Birthday To You" is under copyright law and has been since 1935.  The company that owns the rights makes up to $2 million a year from the joyful tune's appearance in media. The Creative Commons are currently in the midst of holding a competition for music-makers worldwide to create a new song that will become even more popular. While it's a grand ambition, world famous songs aren't usually forced into eternal popularity, so we will see how this progresses. Until then, be very careful when using this classic song, and don't have a happy birthday just in case.

A beautiful rendition of Tchaikovsky's "Sugar Plum Fairy" performed by the Glass Duo in Bologna, Italy. Just in case you were looking for that little Christmassy boost.

Salif Keïta, an albino prince from Mali, is a direct descendant of the founder of the Mali Empire, Sundiata Keita. His royal heritage meant that under the Malian caste system, he should never have become a singer, which was deemed to be a griot's role. But since he was cast out by his family and ostracized by the community (albinism is believed to be a sign of bad luck), he was able to pursue his musical passion and became The Golden Voice of Africa.

The Salif Keita Global Foundation - For the fair treatment and social integration of persons with albinism