Starchild, /et. al/.,
It's fascinating how an increasing number of people are beginning their sentences with a gratuitous "So".
All of them are stealing the originator's intellectual property! (Sarcasm.)
Warm regards, Michael
Michael,
So, I'm afraid you've lost me. 
But seriously, how is it gratuitous in the example below? I took it to mean essentially "therefore", as in "We got this hearing date assigned, therefore if you support saving the tree, mark it on your calendars."
I don't understand how this relates at all to intellectual property, unless that was completely a joke.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
My entry in your contest: Daphne (because I heard this tree was once a beautiful nymph). I am with you that it is a shame to kill this beautiful tree. However, if indeed the tree is getting old and might topple, injuring someone, the DPW would have to make the decision to remove the tree or risk a lawsuit. I am wondering if you found out whether moving the tree to a meadow or other open space where the chance of injury if it topples is not as great. Who would pay for such a move, I don't know. Maybe with some publicity some private tree lover with some funds might help? Or a volunteer specialist? Or if all that does not work, a volunteer tree specialist who would plant a piece of the tree, so the tree would survive in a way?
Marcy
I'll collect naming suggestions
Considering what you have said, 'Kara' seems like an obvious possible name.
How old is she? Was she there when the Forty-Niners were weighing gold?
Harland Harrison
So intellectual property is property in ideas. The first person who started their sentence with a gratuitous "so" thought up the idea and so owns it, or so the argument goes. So I violated their IP rights. Isn't this logic consistent with the IP defense?
So warm regards, Michael
So one can get a patent on ideas that cannot be monetized? Just asking so I will know.
Marcy
So one can get a patent on ideas that cannot be monetized?
The Constitution allows patents and copyrights "to promote the progress of the sciences and useful arts", and only for that purpose. It is about invention, not staking out marketing territory. Congress does not respect that, however. They even changed the law so Disney Inc could renew its copyrights after Walt Disney was already dead!
Harland Harrison
LP of San Mateo County CA
Marcy,
So you pose an excellent question. I do not know the answer.
Warm regards, Michael
Ah, I did find the reference, "Congress shall have power to...Promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries." (Article I, Section 8). It seems that the Founding Parents felt progress is derived from "exclusive right" to what you invent (and bother to patent!, unlike words such as "so" which no one bothered to patent). Why? I would assume that if you want to make some money and/or gain some fame, you invent something, you patent it, and you only you enjoy the money and fame. I guess this strategy promotes progress by providing a money and fame incentive.
Of course, if you prefer to share your invention with others freely, no problem, just don't patent it.
Marcy
Marcy,
This is a question for a patent/copyright attorney. The law is complicated.
I have a good friend who specializes in this area of law. He's a libertarian and would be happy to speak to the LPSF and answer our questions.
If you set a date and put it on the agenda, I'll invite him. His name is David Pressman. You may know him from the Wed. veggie programs.
Warm regards, Michael
Marcy,
Logically it would seem to be, as you say, "no problem."
As usual, statist laws make things worse. This is a case in point. If you don't patent it, then under the perverted patent laws, someone else can patent it, then sue you for patent infringement.
Just another reason to abolish all patent/copyright laws.
Warm regards, Michael
Hi Michael,
That is a good idea. Maybe Aubrey can schedule time on the agenda. I would be interested in hearing about the legal aspects (hoops to jump through?) of patents and copyrights.
Marcy
Marcy,
Ok, I'll wait to hear from Aubrey. As I mentioned in a previous email, I will be in Tahoe on the 11th, so Sept. or Oct. would be best for me.
Warm regards, Michael
lovely, ivy-covered, old-growth urban tree (hearing Sept. 12)