Always seeking good lyrics sites and noting that today is hotelier, Cesar Ritz' birthday (1850-1918) I thought I look up the words to "Puttin' on the Ritz."

I came across the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) pages - part of HIH. I could only find the site referred to at Mudcat in a "Harvard Law" thread noting the US government's official sanctioning and disclaiming of copyright infringement there.

But the site is distressing to me and seems clearly an attempt by the Bush Government to extend the prostlytizing "religious-based initiative" and to control what's "good for" our children. This is the NIEHS Kids' Pages. (Not that the music only seems playable)

Note this is a Nat's Inst of Health site & its Environment division. Songs are justified by Everything in your environment may have some impact on your health. Yes, that even includes music -- music is an important part of our "environment".   Although NIEHS does not study the effects of music on the body, other scientists have studied its impact on physical and mental functions for many years. Most notably, music can measurably reduce stress and pain levels. ["Kids' Pages!] For example, research supported by the National Institute of Nursing Research recently found that listening to music reduced patients' pain levels following major abdominal surgery.... But there is another reason that NIEHS includes this sing-along section for it's visitors -- sing along activities are very educational. Please learn more about the educational purpose of the NIEHS Kids' Pages, and how we hope to help you build a healthier life and brighter future.

Ok. True or anecdotally inane, it's a rationale to provide Appropriate Songs - NIEHS has limited space and does not plan to include additional requests unless room becomes available and the song requested:

    * is appropriate for small children;
    * has a children's theme and/or an educational message;
    * is upbeat, inspirational, or motivational;
    * relates to the environment, health, science, or other educational subjects.

Ok. Maybe a government is obliged to promote patriotic values to ensure they don't get overthrown by a disgusted populace. But pushing religious values is not only against our Constitution (for good reason) but what we are currently having a War on Terror all about.

I really don't want the Bush people Inspiring my children.

BTW, although the site claims to work with Netscape, I can't get my up- to-date Netscape 7.01 to play the music. IE works easily. Another conspiracy here?

NIEHS site