All the signs are there. The breakup with a partner, desperate pleas for relevancy and the sudden irrational fits of anger. The only thing missing from the RIAA's midlife crisis is the Porsche. Yes, it was 48 magical years ago today that the RIAA came into existence, its first magnanimous act being the certification of the first gold record, Perry Como's "Catch A Falling Star," on March 14, 1958. So all you illegal file swappers out there, please take a minute to sing Happy Birthday to your favorite piracy watchdog, but don't forget to send the royalties to AOL Time Warner. — Brian Ward
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