Why Patents Need to Be Abolished, Now (ContributorNetwork)

COMMENTARY | Apple just got an Android tablet called the Samsung Galaxy Tab banned in Australia and Europe, thanks to its supposed infringements of Apple patents. Apple's also trying to get all Android smartphones and tablets made by HTC banned, and it's taking potshots at the Motorola Xoom as well. All three companies are firing back with their own countersuits, giving the whole proceedings the feel of global nuclear armageddon.

How did this happen? Aren't patents supposed to encourage innovation? I grew up being taught that inventors like Thomas Edison raced to discovery, so that they could file a patent on it. I never imagined a world where patents would be used as weapons of war, but that's what it's come to these days.

Here's why the patent system as we know it is broken, and why we need to get rid of it now:

It's impossible not to infringe patents

Take another look at that ZDnet article about the Apple / HTC lawsuit. It mentions, in passing, two of the patents in question, which Florian Mueller at FOSS Patents translates from jargonese into plain English. One is basically a patent on making email links clickable, while the other is a "plumbing"-related patent that it's basically impossible for any smart gadget not to infringe.

In a nutshell, our patent law made it possible for Apple to describe the obvious steps for making a tablet or smartphone, and then sue anyone who took the same obvious steps. So this isn't a matter of how Samsung's devices look eerily similar to Apple's; it's a matter of how Apple wants to be the only one allowed to make smartphones and tablets, period. And since Apple's gotten so fat and powerful that it now has more cash than the federal government, it's getting its way, and is literally outlawing its competition.

It takes people away from the drawing board

And puts them to work in the courtroom instead. Take yet another look at that article, and note the numbers attached to those two patents. The second one is US Patent number 6,343,263. How many employees does it take to write up all those patents? How much taxpayer money does it take to let these companies use our country's courts as tools of warfare? And how many people aren't even going into the smartphone or tablet business, because they're afraid this will happen to them?

This isn't just a problem that affects big businesses, either. Because when it comes to patent law ...

It's used by the strong against the weak

I don't just mean Apple against the much smaller HTC. I mean well-funded "patent trolls" like Lodsys, against indie app developers like IconFactory. "Trolls" like Lodsys make no products, and invent nothing. Instead, they buy up some of those millions of patents, then go around finding people who may have infringed them by accident and sue them or demand settlements. Then they use the piles of money they get to find more people who can't defend themselves, and so on ad nauseam.

That's what patent law has turned into: Not the enabler of the next generation of Edisons, but a tax on smart and inventive people, that puts money in parasites' pockets. Oh, and a way for Apple to deny you the choice of buying a competitor's inferior product. How gracious.

That's why patent law needs to go. Or at the very least, it and its supporters should be forced to explain themselves. Now.

Jared Spurbeck is an open-source software enthusiast, who uses an Android phone and an Ubuntu laptop PC. He has been writing about technology and electronics since 2008.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/personaltech/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110810/us_ac/8944243_why_patents_need_to_be_abolished_now

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Things You've Got To Know About Antique Pine Furniture | Articles ...

Antique pine furniture has been employed in homes since the 1850?s. The Industrial Age brought about mass production, but many of the pieces of furniture that are considered antiques were hand-crafted and beautifully finished. It is this class of antique pine furniture that's most desirable.

The home made pieces were often painted in the basic colors and used as accessories to pieces of pine furniture that had just be waxed in its natural color. This superbly aged wood is just beautiful, carrying a patina that can't be was faking.

The empire of Great Britain led the 1800?s surge to industrialization. Populations grew and wealth was more evenly distributed. Even the blue collar employee was able to afford nice furniture, so production stepped up. Much of the Irish and English furniture that's considered antique pine comes from the forty years between 1850 and 1890. This period of time is exactly when the economic period was going on.

Country dcor almost demands that you've got an antique pine cupboard and small dining table. To find real antiques, you must find a dealer that can identify reproduction antiques and the genuine antiques. Unfinished pine furniture is still well-liked and many of us will buy this sort of furniture, especially oak pieces from the manufacturer and finish the pieces themselves. Pine trader antiques are another way these antique pieces of furniture are found and purchased. You can't mistake the quality furniture, for the wood has the look of aging that a manufacturer has a tough time replicating.

White wash paint was sometimes used to give a pastel color to mourn furniture back in the 1870?. This type of furniture was employed in kitchens, dens and on terraces or garden areas. Gazebos built of pine from this time sport some mighty fancy gingerbread decorations and will bring quite a good price at auction, but just if it is legitimate. The white wash will be in a position to be dated due to the chemicals used to make that specific color at the time.

Caring for antique pine furniture

If you want to revive a bit of pine furniture, begin at the feet. The feet will need changing out. Make a plinth around the base of in. Thick so as to give it strength as you fix the bottom back to the sides and back. Timber will probably become a little wormy and this may provide good fixing for the feet. Re-nail the sides, bottom and the top to each other to make the item stable again. Repair the drawer runners and square up the bottom edge. Sand the surface and replace all handles. Repair any locks and get keys for the locks. Wax the item with 3 coats s and buff to a mellow glaze.

Furnishing your house with antique pine furniture or oak pieces will bring a rustic elegance to your home that even reproduction pieces cannot lend to your dcor. Find a good auction house and watch the sales meticulously to find just the right pieces for your house or your collections.

My name is Richard Harrelson, I'm furniture design devotee. Being in furniture business for 7 years I've a lot of experience to share and thoughts to exhange. I am inviting you to visit my blog devoted to furniture and particularly ? cheap twin beds and twin bed headboards.

Source: http://articleszing.com/home-family/things-youve-got-to-know-about-antique-pine-furniture

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Go Fish Rules Card Game

Family Card Games

Children love to know about Go Fish card game and "in the vernacular play as a game fish. You can play this game in a group of 2-6 players can play this game are based, you need a deck of 52 playing cards. The reason for the players in this game for groups to gather up, four to win this is sweet and simple game Here are some common rules of card game Go Fish.:

1st In this Play is particularly important to specify the number of the card. The seeds are not as important in this game compared to the number of paper. What the card number and rank of the cards is decided. They range from the ace on the number two and so on.

2nd To decide which player is the dealer, each player receives a card with a face-up. The player who receives the lowest card, the dealer in this game called Go Fish> Card Game.

3rd When you decide which player is the lowest card, the dealer and then the dealer shuffles the cards. As part of the standard Go Fish Card Game, the player sitting to the left of the dealer cuts the cards after mixing.

4th Message cutting distributed, the dealer deals the cards clockwise. At that time, the cards are face down and not treated. If 'It is played with two or three players then each player receives seven cards. When the number of players more so in the case of four or five players, each player receives five cards. The remaining cards should be paid as a warehouse. These remaining cards are face down in a way.

5th Now the players are going to do all four paws up to four cards of each number as six, four cards ten and so on and soon.

6th Now the game begins with the first player seated to the left of the dealer. This player can ask any opponent for each rank. For example, this player any other player for the kings, queens, jacks, etc.

7th The other player must have at least one card is the rank of the player to offer next to the dealer. If that player is not a single card then the rank is to say: "Go Fish". This gives the playerssits on the left of the dealer or a player who really needs a map, pick a card from the store.

8th In the event that the player receives requests for the paper from him, he gets another chance for another card with the rank of the other players or the players to ask themselves. In that case, the player takes the card from the store, which in turn goes to the player sitting to his left.

9th The winner in this game is the person who gets the maximum number ofSet of four cards with the same number.

Source: http://family-card-games.chailit.com/go-fish-rules-card-game.html

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Get 'All Shook Up' during Elvis Week

Julie Jacobson / AP

Rodrigo Gonsalez waits for tourists to pose with him for photos as he plays Elvis along The Strip on June 23, 2011, in Las Vegas.

By Rob Lovitt, msnbc.com contributor

Elvis may have left the building ? 34 years ago next week ? but the King remains forever in the hearts of millions of loyal fans. Join them during Elvis Week (Aug. 10-16) and you, too, can join in the toe-tapping, hip-swiveling fun.

Elvis Week, Memphis, Tenn.: The tribute-artist contest and other signature events are sold out, but the faithful can still get their Elvis fix at several events around Memphis over the next week. Take a Graceland trivia tour on Friday; work up a sweat with a 5K run/walk on Saturday morning, and grab a candle for the annual vigil at the King?s gravesite on Aug. 15.

The Elvis Presley Birthplace, Tupelo, Miss.: Elvis may have left town as a teenager, but his spirit lives on in the family homestead in Tupelo. On Wednesday, the museum will hold its annual fan appreciation day with live entertainment, door prizes and stories from native Tupeloans who knew Elvis when he was still just Vernon and Gladys? boy.

The Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix, Ariz.: Celebrating the reopening of its Artist Gallery, this year-old museum debuted a new Elvis exhibit on Aug. 6 featuring items on loan from Graceland. Highlights include jumpsuits, gold records and the recently restored Martin D-28 guitar from Elvis? last tour.

The Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Little Rock, Ark.: Elvis may be more closely linked to Richard Nixon (who made him an honorary DEA agent) than Bill Clinton, but it?s at the latter?s library that you?ll find ?Elvis at 21: The Photographs of Al Wertheimer.? The exhibit, which captures Elvis in 1956, just as he was poised on the brink of superstardom, runs through Aug. 21.

Las Vegas, Nev.: Alas, the first?Las Vegas Elvis Fest (July 28-30) has come and gone, but hey, this is Las Vegas so you?re never far from an Elvis sighting or experience. Catch one of the many Elvis impersonators or Cirque du Soleil?s ?Viva Elvis? show and, if the mood strikes, get married by the man himself or at least a well-accoutered facsimile thereof at any of several local chapels.

After all, Elvis Week or not, there?s no denying the enduring appeal of the King of Rock ?n? Roll. Come Aug. 16, he?ll have been dead for 34 years, but until then, all we can say is ?Long live the King!?

Other stories you might like

Rob Lovitt is a longtime travel writer who still believes the journey is as important as the destination. Follow him at Twitter.?

Source: http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/08/09/7318015-get-all-shook-up-during-elvis-week

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Childhood Obesity and How to Combat it | Child lose weight

This chronic condition has increased rapidly over the past years has finally gained national recognition. Many more children between the ages of two years old and five years old are already on there way to becoming the next generation of obese teens, and eventually obese adults and obese seniors. With obesity being one of the leading causes of morbidity, disability, discrimination, and employment problems, it has become one of the biggest public problems since tobacco use and exposure. Bad eating habits are not the only culprit, genetic diseases that can predispose children to become overweight cannot be forgotten. Diseases such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome are common in obese children, however still playing a larger role in the general overall population is bad eating and exercise habits.

It is the hope of many health educators, and medical professionals from psychologists to medical doctors that increased public awareness and preventive policies will eventually improve the situation. Professionals are treating this as a major public health concern that is threatening to damage our most precious resources, the children. Introduction of healthy play, healthy food choices, and recreation that promotes physical activity is on the top of the list for discussion and plans of battling this epidemic. Having caretakers take pro active measures to keep the child on the right track and setting good examples are key elements to helping these children to learn a healthier behavior and attitude towards their own health.

The annual National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has come to the conclusion that as many as one third of U.S. children are overweight or at high risk for childhood obesity. The health problems that will begin to manifest themselves from the heavy weight of such young children will start kids down a road the problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risks of diabetes. These are diseases usually reserved to adults, not children. Combating this troubling condition must however, begin at home with the caregivers for these children. Improving overall diet, not dieting, and exercise is the key to resolving the problem. Protecting children?s health now and in the future will depend greatly on education of parents and caregivers to implement healthy daily living strategies.

Preventing an at-risk child from becoming overweight can start a process of healthy and active lifestyles to ensure longevity and energy throughout the child?s life. Little things such as: not getting into power struggles with the child over food, never use food as a behavior modification tool, and setting a good example are some starting places. This only perpetuates the same behavior and may cause psychological behaviors that are unwanted. Critical commenting, and taunting rarely if ever handles the situation with a positive outcome. Emphasizing what?s positive and benefits of changing behavior can make all of the difference in the world. Just fostering the child?s natural inclination to please you, have fun, and explore are perfect opportunities to introduce fitness routines, and reduce such incidents like eating out of boredom. If these things are done with every child in danger of becoming obese, then the numbers suffering will likely decrease.

Therefore, you should always keep in mind the health of yourself and your children. By keeping in shape yourself and displaying a good diet, you can impress upon them the importance of being a health-oriented individual. These habits will stay with them for all of their lives. You will also have quite a few benefits from eating healthy and slimming down. If you shed your extra weight, you will feel much better about yourself. If you want to find out more information about how you should change your diet habits, you should go to your local library for a book about diet and health. You can also talk to your doctor if you want some recommendations that are specific for your current health.


ThankGod Eze is a pastor, motivator and a health and fitness instructor. He holds a bachelors? degree in food sciences, and has many successful websites to his credit. This site http://www.yourhealthandfitnessguide.com serves as a guide to a fit and healthy


Article from articlesbase.com

Source: http://childloseweight.com/87395/childhood-obesity-and-how-to-combat-it/

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A Personal Trainer Can Boost Your Fitness | Quality Health Store

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In this generation of deskbound jobs and knowledge based economy, physical activity has lost its popularity, which is not at all a good sign. Pollution has joined a number of other problems like hectic schedules and cut-throat competition to create a health hazard around the globe.

In addition, with the growing urge to excel at any cost, the need to stay fit and healthy has increased manifold. Thus people of all ages and walks of life are increasingly feeling the urge to incorporate fitness training in their lives.

But fitness routines are highly specialized and starting one without a professional?s guidance and supervision might be harmful. Hence it is always recommended to engage a personal trainer who through his qualifications and expertise can offer the correct help and direction.

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Personal training can offer the inspiration and pressure that will help in sticking to your exercise and diet plan. going to the gym is quite often avoided by people after a tiresome day at work. it is during such times that a personal trainer comes to your rescue. moreover, by keeping in mind your present levels of fitness, a personal trainer can work out a proper programme to cater to your needs.

Personal trainers also administer fitness tests to evaluate where you stand in the fitness graph and where you need to get better. Therefore they are of great help in fixing your fitness targets and keeping you informed about the thrust areas where you need to focus. As each one of us has an exclusive body with different requirements, therefore using personal training becomes important to tailor the fitness regimen accordingly. in reckless attempts to try out complicated fitness regimens, an average person might end up exhausting or even injuring himself. A step-wise progress is essential for a healthy physique, and a personal trainer can assist you figure out these steps.

If you are a busy person, having a personal trainer can ensure that you don?t have to go to the gym on a regular basis. A personal trainer can even visit your place for training if you already have exercise equipment installed at your home.

A trainer who is dedicated, focused, courteous and capable can make a big difference in your personal and professional life. it would not be an exaggeration to say that all one needs to do for healthy living in contemporary world is to get a knowledgeable personal trainer.

Learn more of the most efficient slimming and weight management programme for you.

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Source: http://qualityhealthstore.com/a-personal-trainer-can-boost-your-fitness/

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Does Your Home Have Room for Improvement? | Tampa Plumbing Experts ...

home-improvement-ideas

For the third year running, remodeling projects are on the rise. Whether due to a change in values or the inability to sell their houses, more and more homeowners are choosing to stay put and invest in projects that will improve their quality of life at home.

Buildfax, an organization that collects data based on the number of construction permits filed with governmental building departments, has reported substantial increases in home remodeling projects, particularly for the last 19 months. And according to a recent survey by Consumer Reports, 54% of homeowners currently have plans to remodel some portion of their home.

To get pricing on a home improvement project in your area, click here.

Prior to the economic turmoil, homeowners could expect to not only recoup their investment on renovations, but profit on them at the point of sale. While this is no longer the case, the return on investment for most home remodeling projects remains high. Remodeling Magazine?s annual report on the cost, resale value and amount of investment returned shows that most renovations recoup at least 50% of the costs.

Top Cost-Saving Home Improvements

Replacing windows typically?saves you 30% or more on heating and cooling costs. Installing?new windows not only improves the envelope of insulation that surrounds a home, but it eliminates drafts. Even in a well-heated home, drafts can make people feel chilly.

Homeowners who replace windows will immediately feeling more comfortable. Full window replacement generally costs about $10,000, with about 70% of that cost returned when the home is sold. In addition, homeowners can save as much as $200 to $300 a year on heating and cooling costs.

When it comes to room renovations, kitchen and bath remodels remain the most popular choices. A kitchen remodeling project costs about $20,000 to $55,000. Homeowners can expect to recoup about 70% of those costs when they sell their homes.

Does Energy Efficiency Add Real Value?

In short, yes. Installations that include energy-efficient appliances provide homeowners with month-to-month savings?an immediate perk to incorporating green in your remodel.

How can you be sure the extra expense pays off? Appliances with an Energy Star label must meet guidelines established by the?Environmental Protection Agency. These guidelines mandate that Energy Star products that cost more than conventional products must recoup costs through increased energy efficiency.

With an average cost of $15,000, bathroom renovations generally recoup up to 65% of the cost upon the sale of the home. In both kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects, improvements in air conditioning and heating systems, insulation and water heaters, as well as light bulbs and lighting fixtures, can spell monthly savings for you. Look for the Energy Star label on these products, too.

While renovations that add to the resale value of a home are valuable, projects that make homes more energy efficient can improve your quality of life. Invest in remodeling that will help slim your utility bills, make your home more comfortable and lessen the drain on natural resources.

Photo via Houzz

Source: http://www.emgplumbing.com/2011/08/10/does-your-home-have-room-for-improvement/

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Fairy tales (sort of) meet 'Lost' in 'Once'

ABC

By Anna Chan

Fairy tales are merging with the modern world in ABC?s new fall series ?Once Upon a Time,? but they?ll also have a few run-ins with the dearly departed ?Lost.?

?Once? creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz also executive produced on the show about the mysterious island, and they can?t help but to pay homage to it.

??(?Lost? creator Damon Lindelof) has been a godfather to us,? said Kitsis. ?His name is not on (?Once Upon a Time?), but his DNA is in it, helping us kind of realize our vision of the show.? (Kitsis also pointed out that there are at least three visual references to ?Lost? in the ?Once? pilot.)

Like ?Lost,? there are worlds that overlap in ?Once.? In the land of fairy tales, Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) becomes a mother, but to protect her baby daughter from the Evil Queen (Lana Parrilla), she sends the child away to the world we know. But little Emma (Jennifer Snow), who doesn?t know her origins, grows up and finds her way to Storybrooke, a town where time has stood still for 28 years for all the fairy tale characters who reside there, where true identities forgotten.

"Once Upon a Time" premieres Oct. 23 at 8 p.m.

Will you check out the show for the "Lost" references, or for the fairy tales? Tell us on our Facebook page!

Related content:

Source: http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2011/08/07/7296636-fairy-tales-sort-of-meet-lost-in-once-upon-a-time

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