http://www.boingboing.net/2009/12/11/dr-peter-watts-canad.html
A Canadian science fiction writer was allegedly beaten at the US Border by the U.S. Dept of Homeland security and boingboing.net is attempting to help him raise funds to fight the case. This would be a good study on how well social media groups can raise awareness and their effectiveness in securing contributions to their cause.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Raisin Bran Ad
This is a new ad in appearing in Britain that has already made it to top weblink sites sugh as boingboing.net. It catches people's attention and the dialogue makes sure that people actually remember the product and not just the ad.
Intellectual Property
The class discussed copyright and intellectual property issues, and this could be a landmark case that could bring about sweeping change to the current rules.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/will-the-supreme-court-roil-the-software-industry-2009-11-09
In summary, someone applied for a patent for a method and was denied because there wasn't a physical device or transformation. This ruling in a federal appeals court could set a precedent which invalidates software patents since all software is just a method. Overly broad patents such as the use of training videos for people as well can stifle innovation, however no patents for an entire industry could cause serious issues. The majority of work done in fields such as dynamics and control is modeling complex motions and writing algorithms(methods) to control a system. Some of these algorithms take years of developement and refinement by teams with Ph.D's in the field and the lack of patent availability would cut into the funding for such research.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/will-the-supreme-court-roil-the-software-industry-2009-11-09
In summary, someone applied for a patent for a method and was denied because there wasn't a physical device or transformation. This ruling in a federal appeals court could set a precedent which invalidates software patents since all software is just a method. Overly broad patents such as the use of training videos for people as well can stifle innovation, however no patents for an entire industry could cause serious issues. The majority of work done in fields such as dynamics and control is modeling complex motions and writing algorithms(methods) to control a system. Some of these algorithms take years of developement and refinement by teams with Ph.D's in the field and the lack of patent availability would cut into the funding for such research.
Cyborg Insects!
Here is a video showing some of the research results for the topic I presented on Monday.
It's interesting to note that not only are they working to use electrical impulses to stimulate the brains of the insects, but they are adopting the insects way of navigating through obstacles for robots as well.
It's interesting to note that not only are they working to use electrical impulses to stimulate the brains of the insects, but they are adopting the insects way of navigating through obstacles for robots as well.
Indianapolis courts threatening fines
http://www.carformance.com/indianapolis-threaten-2500-fine-for-challenging-traffic-tickets-12102517/
I thought this might be of concern to the many students who live in and visit Indianapolis. It appears that many of the traffic court judges have adopted the policy of fining those who appeal tickets and lose, regardless of the reasons for the appeal. This is a bit disturbing, though there is a lawyer challenging this policy, Paul K. Ogden.
I thought this might be of concern to the many students who live in and visit Indianapolis. It appears that many of the traffic court judges have adopted the policy of fining those who appeal tickets and lose, regardless of the reasons for the appeal. This is a bit disturbing, though there is a lawyer challenging this policy, Paul K. Ogden.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
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