POLITICAL: Trademark versus First Sale

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

[TIP ‘o’ the HAT to: Lo, Gerry (MC1979)]

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Trader-Joe-s-drags-a-pirate-to-court-4736782.php

Trader Joe’s drags a pirate to court
Patricia Yollin
Updated 11:04 am, Friday, August 16, 2013

*** begin quote ***

Vancouver, British Columbia — Michael Hallatt has spent more than $350,000 at Trader Joe’s in less than two years. But the popular grocery chain doesn’t ever want to see him again.

*** and ***

“I don’t think Trader Joe’s really has a chance, suing here in the U.S.,” said lawyer Greg Owen, a trademark, copyright and unfair competition expert with Owen, Wickersham & Erickson, an intellectual property firm in San Francisco.

If Trader Joe’s had sued in Canada, or if Pirate Joe’s were operating in the United States, the claim might be more viable, said Owen, who reviewed the lawsuit and motion to dismiss. He added, however, that the first-sale doctrine, which Hallatt is fond of citing and which lets people resell what they’ve bought, is more nebulous when perishable items are involved.

*** end quote ***

Interesting. Maybe Trader Joes will go to “licensing” their products. Like all the software companies want to do!

I had thought they’d hire the guy to be in charge of their Canadian roll out.

I, personally, don’t like Trader Joes. It’s like a yuppie 7-11 with prices to match.

Here’s is another reason to ignore them.

“This is the part of the show where I dispense a little of what I call rough justice!” … attributed to Judge Marilyn Milian, but may have an earlier history.

I’d urge everyone to give Trader Joes a little “rough justice”. Just skip the place and you’ll save yourself some money too.

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MEMORIES: Our Girl loved Grentz’s and her coaching

Monday, August 19, 2013

http://www.news-gazette.com/associated-press/2013-08-19/grentz-wins-lapchick.html

Grentz wins Lapchick

Mon, 08/19/2013 – 10:11am | The Associated Press
1230_spor_grentz_group.jpg
Photo by: Rick Danzl

*** begin quote ***

NEW YORK — Former Illinois coach — and women’s basketball pioneer — Theresa Grentz has been selected as a 2013 recipient of the Lapchick Character Award.

*** end quote ***

We were season ticket holders in the old college avenue gym.

Before RU women were big time. 

Frau Reinke would pick me up at the train station so we could make the games on time.

I asked her once why it was so important to her.

“I know I could have done that if we weren’t so poor. Those girls have no idea how lucky they are.”

Makes me sad to think about it now.

Glad that Grentz is honored.

I know she has one fan in high places pulling for her.

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CLOUD: Nothing is as unbelievable as an “eternal” promise

Monday, August 19, 2013

Dear F John,

We’re writing to let you know what we are shutting down the 1000memories.com website.

Archived versions of your memory pages will remain up indefinitely at the following links:

– Evlynn Mahoney Reinke – http://archive.1000memories.com/people/4744-evlynn-mahoney-reinke/memories

We have also created two ways for you to export your photos that can be used until September 15, 2013:

– Export to Ancestry by visiting 1000memories.com/export.
– Download a ZIP file of all your photos here

We regret that this decision will adversely affect many people, but we are excited to continue serving many of you at Ancestry.com. Since being acquired last fall, we’ve launched a beautiful way to tell your ancestors’ life stories as well as a new and improved version of our Shoebox mobile app. We will now be working toward a new photo-sharing experience on Ancestry.com.

We can’t thank you enough for your support and input over the last several years. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at contact@1000memories.com.

Sincerely,

The 1000memories.com team

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FUN: Bear cub in garage and one off Mama Bear outside

Sunday, August 18, 2013

http://youtu.be/POGN07WqvWs

Bear Cub

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Funny but could have been a disaster in many dimensions.

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HARDWARE: Kindle Paperwhite

Saturday, August 17, 2013

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007OZNZG0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007OZNZG0&linkCode=as2&tag=reifaclif-20

Kindle Paperwhite
Wi-Fi, Paperwhite Display, Higher Resolution, Higher Contrast, Built-in Light

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OK, I relented and bought one. The IPADs, Mac reading app, and such are just too “heavy”.

I like it …

… BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), …

It needs some UI (User Interface) help with respect to Library Books.

It’s a PIA to get stuff off the Kindle that has expired. 

It also doesn’t (easily if at all) differntiate between content I’ve borrowed and stuff I’ve bought.

Getting stuff emailed to it seems neat but width-wise doesn’t always fit.

More as I play with it.

“But choose wisely, for while the true Grail will bring you life, the false Grail will take it from you.” Grail Knight in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097576/quotes

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POLITICAL: Changing minds?

Friday, August 16, 2013

How Ron Paul Changed My Heart and Mind
By Mike Marion
August 9, 2013

*** begin quote ***

Ron Paul blew my mind the first time I saw him on one of the talking head shows. Some of it made perfect sense, but some of it sounded downright heretical. How could this man say such sensible things about taxes and the economy, and then the next moment become a naïve lefty spouting nonsense like “peace brings prosperity” and “war is always destructive”? Didn’t this guy know that WWII ended the Great Depression? That Reagan beat the Soviets with an arms build-up? Jeez, didn’t he know that the U.S. waged war to beat slavery, and Nazism, and Communism? Peace through strength, man!

It was around this time that I slaughtered my first sacred cow: the War on Drugs. It became clear to me that this war was economically foolish. The argument that “prohibition on alcohol didn’t work, prohibition on drugs doesn’t work” made logical sense. I realized that I could not possibly justify locking anyone in a cage for a victimless crime, particularly as I enjoyed a couple cold beers at home while watching politics on TV. I started to identify as a libertarian, and I began to suspect that if I could be wrong on such an obvious issue as this war on the American people, maybe I would need to rethink everything.

*** end quote ***

The “(pseudo) War on (some) Drugs” was really my second “Sacred Cow”.

I avoid the drugs in the Sixties. 

But it was the Viet Nam war that really opened my eyes. 

I wasn’t smart enough to be a draft resister. (But I should have been.)

As the slaughter evolved, it should have been apparent that it was a stupid idea, propagated by stupid people, by politicians who were using it for their own gain.

I knew from my interest in the Civil War that the “Generals” fought a European style war, on the American terrain, with weapons that obviated the strategy and tactics they were using. It was a bloodbath.

And, I knew it was Lincoln’s fault. (I never worshiped at that particular alter. He said it was about “tax collection” in his first inaugural address, but I know few have ever read that.)

The “Drug War” was another joke.

I was already a little L libertarian when Ron Paul emerged. I knew about him before most anyone else did. I found him in the Libertarian stuff and, studied him when I heard his voting record — 235-1 aka Doctor No long before James Bond.

I am not persuasive. I r an injineer. fat old white guy injineer to be precise.

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” — attributed to Einstein

The USA, it’s politicians and bureaucrats, as well as it’s Sheeple, Mundanes, and Clovers, are all nuts!

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GUNS: Not everything requires hardware

Thursday, August 15, 2013

http://www.guns.com/2013/08/09/knife-wielding-burglar-bruised-and-battered-by-72-year-old-retired-boxer/

Knife-wielding burglar bruised and battered by 72-year-old retired boxer
8/09/13 | by Brent McCluskey

*** begin quote ***

“I was scared when he first drew the knife, but my old training must have kicked in because I just punched him as hard as I could and he went down like a sack of spuds. If you can’t defend what’s yours, where are we at?” Corti said after the case.

*** end quote ***

Sorry, but this just kicks the can down the road four years. Probably less.

And, makes it someone else’s problem.

With a gun, this criminal would be dirt side up and an object lesson.

Glad it worked out so well, but I’m a non-violent pro-life person, but I want a gun when the Bad Guy brings a knife.

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JOBFINDLING: VP of ERP Carolina

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

We are continuing our search for a VP of ERP for a large multi-billion dollar global client in the Carolina’s and wanted to be sure you knew!

The successful candidate will need to have a solid ERP background in SAP, or Oracle, etc. as well as leadership who can work well with the executive staff and communicate and execute that vision to the business folks.

In addition this person will need to know how to leverage IT to grow the company, be proactive, always bringing additional capabilities thru IT.

In a nutshell this person will have over all responsibility for applications and ERP systems globally, as well as leadership over all ERP projects, app dev, implementation, and continuous improvement.

Experience needed includes; 10+yrs of AppDev and leadership, at least one successful ERP project, and experience as a senior leader having strong leadership/management experience.

Great compensation package and fantastic place to live!

This person reports directly to the CIO and will have a great degree of latitude to make it happen!
If you are looking for a sizeable company, global, and a great career opportunity, we need to talk.
Take a look at the job spec and let me know if this is a fit for you OR someone you could recommend.

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INSPIRATIONAL: Rurbanite?

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/how-to-make-your-own-seed-bombs.html

How to Make Your Own Seed Bombs
Gardenista
August 10, 2013
10:00 am

*** begin quote ***

Guerrilla gardening may use the language of civilian warfare, but floral beauty is the uniting cause. Gardening without permission is another way of describing these activities: not strictly legal but filed away by the authorities under the category of “What’s not to like?” Alex Mitchell in her book The Rurbanite shows the editors of Gardenista how to make seed bombs, using guerrilla tactics to spread cheer.

*** end quote ***

For some reason this appeals to the rebel in my soul.

Even if you never see the flowers, someone else will.

This is almost karmic. Or aka something I could see “Dharma” doing. (Obsure reference to Janna Elfman from “Dharma and Greg”! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118303/ @jennaelfman)

Maybe I’ll do this when I go to Alaska?

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INTERESTING: Fifty Questions

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer.

  1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

    I feel 40. What difference do the numbers mean?

  2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

    Failure is is always worth.

  3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

    We “have” to. Either to satisfy an external figure or an inner delusion.

  4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

    Absolutely more said. Often doing is some much easier than selling or claiming.

  5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

    The hypocrisy of politicians and their corruption.

  6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

    Working as a health care advocate for sick folks.

  7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

    Always what I believe in; otherwise who cares.

  8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

    Skip chasing the dollar and take sabbaticals.

  9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

    Not at all. I made “choices” but who knows if they controlled anything.

  10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

    Doing the right things. Often just doing them is “good enough”.

  11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do?

    Even if the criticism is justified, I must defend my friend. If they talk about my friend behind their back, then they will do the same for me. Beware!

  12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

    Keep a diary of your entire life. You’ll forget the details. And, you won’t learn the lessons of your personal history.

  13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?

    Absolutely!

  14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

    No.

  15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

    Don’t keep track of details.

  16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?

    I’m weird!

  17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?  What’s holding you back?

    Go to Alaska. Conflicts with an opportunity that is currently more important that Alaska which isn’t going anywhere.

  18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

    My past.

  19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

    New Hampshire because all the crazy lIbertarians are there.

  20. Do you push the elevator button more than once?  Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

    No.

  21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

    How would I know the difference?

  22. Why are you, you?

    More worried genius than joyful simpleton, but that may be debated.

  23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

    I hope so.

  24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

    I’ve had friends move away; never lost touch with one close by. So the move is away.

  25. What are you most grateful for?

    Finding my sulmate.

  26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?

    Never make new ones. The best years of my life are behind me.

  27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?

    Yes. A priori knowledge comes from the Creator.

  28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?

    Yes, my spouse passed. Knew it was coming for 35 years. It did.

  29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset?  Does it really matter now?

    Yes. Yes. I think the medical profession screwed up. I believe it made a long term difference.

  30. What is your happiest childhood memory?  What makes it so special?

    Read to the old nuns in First Grade instead of being stuck in Yack In The Box class. I was helping them and enjoying what I did. They felt that they were helping me.

  31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

    When the Critical Care doc took my charts and said to the other docs that “The husband has the answer here in these charts if we just look at them.” Made me feel vindicated in my anal record keeping.

  32. If not now, then when?

    Had my moment in the sun. Don’t know if it did any good. The final outcome was pre-destined.

  33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?

    Done.

  34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?

    When my wife’s near last words were: “Thank you for all youv’e done for me. I love you.” I was too choked to say anything.

  35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?

    Everyone has the “truth” and they ignore the Dali Lama’s “We are all fingers on the same hand.”

  36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

    Yes, certain principles are universal.

  37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?

    No.

  38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

    More.

  39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
    No.

  40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?

    Never.

  41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?

    No one. They know how I feel and I can’t help them.

  42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

    Yeah, sure. Like that could happen.

  43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

    The passion and joy that you feel.

  44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?

    Always.

  45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

    Because there are two types of mistakes, above and below the waterline. People don’t understand and hence all mistakes are treated as bad.

  46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

    Nothing.

  47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?

    Every day when I meditate.

  48. What do you love?  Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?

    I believe so.

  49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday?  What about the day before that?  Or the day before that?

    No. No. And, no. Nothing is memorable.

  50. Decisions are being made right now.  The question is:  Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?

    Making them for myself. Flipping a coin if needed.

    –30–