Many years ago, I read a short story by Arthur C. Clarke (probably in Tales from the White Hart) that described a group of scientists trying to create the “perfect song” via computer. The idea was that every hit song ever recorded was analyzed, and the essence distilled into a single tune. The problem, however, was that the resulting tune was so “catchy” that it was impossible, once heard, to ever get it out of your head, and it eventually drove unfortunate listeners mad. I believe the story went on to describe how the scientists tried to weaponise the song, but it all went horribly awry when the birds learnt the song and started singing it from the trees, so dooming the world to insanity.

So what's the point of this story? BoingBoing has published a short note on a German ornithologist's claim that birds are now starting to learn and sing ringtones.

*Shudder*