Paresh Dave in Wired writes about TDCommons.org, a Google funded but bepress operated site. The idea is to publish technical disclosures as prior art that might invalidate future patents. It's an interesting overview of the subject, including a USPTO attempt to do the same thing (I covered this here) and a commercial competitor, IP.Com. Apparently USPTO is looking for help with this problem:

"Google is hoping TDCommons has a chance to be embraced as Kathi Vidal, a tech patent attorney who was sworn in as director of the USPTO almost two years ago, settles into her role. Deciding that generative AI programs can’t be patent holders has been a higher priority, she says, but creating a better search tool for prior art is an issue she’s discussed with a lot of organizations. Vidal says she’s open to the USPTO administering and funding its own prior art repository, offering up her email, director@uspto.gov, for feedback on how to do so."

I'm not super-convinced that she's providing her actual email address, but when I have a few minutes I might suggest my own plan - issue all patent applications and shift the examination to the start of any litigation or enforcement attempt.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: TDCommons and the Future of Patent Law #politics #patents #uspto Prior art attempts like TDCommons, IP.com and even the USPTO's failed scheme should be replaced with a fundamental overhaul of the patent system. )

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/1,000s ISO21

View of a very distinct tide line from Lands End in San Francisco.

The photograph titled "Tide Line from Lands End" captures a serene coastal scene under an expansive sky. A narrow stretch of green land gently curves into the frame from the lower left, meeting the vast ocean that stretches out towards the horizon. The focal point appears to be an intriguing rock formation in the distance, which sits calmly against the rhythmic waves of the sea. The sky above is a soft tapestry of muted blues and greys, with subtle hints of warmth as the horizon catches the soft light. This creates a tranquil and contemplative mood, inviting the viewer into a moment of quiet reflection by the seaside.

The style of the photograph leans toward a minimalist landscape, where the emphasis is placed on the open space and subtle textures in both the sky and the water. The composition effectively uses the rule of thirds, with the horizon placed in the upper third, creating a sense of balance and harmony. The gentle curvature of the land adds a graceful line that guides the eye toward the distant rock and the meeting of sea and sky. The subdued color palette enhances the peaceful atmosphere, though some might find it bordering on flat without a stronger contrast or color pop. However, this choice amplifies the simplicity and calmness of the scene, making it a lovely capture of natural beauty.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Tide Line from Lands End #photo #tideline #sanfrancisco #landsend Photo from Lands End in San Francisco showing a distinct tide line. )

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/45s ISO18

Dramatic sunrise at Ulloa and 15th Avenue in San Francisco.

The photograph titled "Sunrise, Ulloa and 15th" captures the tranquil essence of a suburban street bathed in the ethereal hues of dawn. The sky, an incandescent canvas of fiery oranges and reds, sets a dramatic backdrop against which the silhouetted outlines of quaint houses and delicate trees stand. Overhead, the intricate lattice of trolley lines stretches across the sky, drawing the eye towards the vanishing point where the street curves gently into the distance. The warm glow of streetlights and the soft reflection on the tracks add an inviting warmth that contrasts beautifully with the intense sky, while the quietude of the scene speaks of a world just beginning to stir from slumber.

In terms of composition, this photograph employs leading lines with great effectiveness, guiding the viewer's gaze from the foreground to the horizon. The symmetry of the trolley lines creates a dynamic frame within the frame, leading through the neighborhood and offering depth to the scene. The use of color is striking, with the bold sky setting a vibrant contrast to the muted tones of the street and buildings below. This juxtaposition highlights the transitional beauty of dawn. What I particularly admire about this photo is its ability to blend stillness and energy, capturing the tension between night and day. However, the intensity of the colors, while stunning, might overshadow the subtler details of the landscape. Balancing such powerful color with the scene's quieter elements could enhance the viewer's engagement across the composition.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Sunrise, Ulloa and 15th #photo #sunrise #sanfrancisco Photo of sunrise in San Francisco at Ulloa and 15th Avenue. )

• California Proposition 1, Behavioral Health Services Program and Bond Measure
• San Francisco, California, Proposition A, Affordable Housing Bond Measure
• San Francisco, California, Proposition B, Minimum Police Staffing Amendment
• San Francisco, California, Proposition C, Real Estate Transfer Tax Exemption for Properties Converted from Commercial to Residential Use Initiative
• San Francisco, California, Proposition D, Amend City Ethics Laws and Expand Restrictions on Gifts to City Officers and Employees Initiative
• San Francisco, California, Proposition E, Limit Police Department Administrative Task Time and Increase Use of Camera and Drone Technology Initiative
• San Francisco, California, Proposition F, Require Drug Screening for Certain Beneficiaries of the County Adult Assistance Program Initiative
• San Francisco, California, Proposition G, Declaration of Policy Urging San Francisco Unified School District to Offer Algebra 1 to Students by Eighth Grade Measure

While waiting for the horror of Weekend at Bernie's vs. A Clockwork Orange in November there is time to contemplate another slate of job-outsourcing ballot measures. Just one for California and seven for San Francisco so it could be worse. Here goes...

California Proposition 1, Behavioral Health Services Program and Bond Measure

Yes. This funds housing and treatment for the mentally ill, homeless and veterans in need. It also requires counties to put more of their existing funds into housing.

San Francisco, California, Proposition A, Affordable Housing Bond Measure

Yes. $300M in bonds to build, buy and repair affordable housing. Homelessness is driven by a lack of affordable housing. In addition to building more I'd love to see us cut more of the red tape, but this is a necessary measure to meet our existing obligations.

San Francisco, California, Proposition B, Minimum Police Staffing Amendment

No. I voted against minimum numbers in 2020, and I don't see a good reason to bring them back today. I also recoil at the thought of a dedicated police recruitment tax as this measure suggests. Funding the police is a very basic city service, as is determining the appropriate staffing levels at any particular moment in time. I'm not against recruiting more police at all, but this is a bad proposal.

San Francisco, California, Proposition C, Real Estate Transfer Tax Exemption for Properties Converted from Commercial to Residential Use Initiative

Yes. I voted in favor of this tax in 2020. Post pandemic San Francisco has one of the worst return to office rates and a huge decline in retail. We need to rethink what downtown is for and I love the idea of bringing in more universities and more homes. So this is a tax break that makes sense for now.

San Francisco, California, Proposition D, Amend City Ethics Laws and Expand Restrictions on Gifts to City Officers and Employees Initiative

Yes. Tougher ethics rules are needed. Can't find any reason to oppose this package. We have bribing of inspection personnel, theft of public funds, corruption in Public Works, that inspector who inspected his own building, etc.

San Francisco, California, Proposition E, Limit Police Department Administrative Task Time and Increase Use of Camera and Drone Technology Initiative

Yes. Apparently when SFPD decides to chase someone they crash 38% of the time, about twice the state average. This bill would let them chase more people and use drones and GPS taggers to do it. I'd like them to go on an advanced driving course or two, but if you can avoid consequences just by running away then we don't really have a law enforcement system. Maybe I'll regret this in a few years but it seems mostly common sense to me right now.

San Francisco, California, Proposition F, Require Drug Screening for Certain Beneficiaries of the County Adult Assistance Program Initiative

No. It looks like the recipients of most of these funds are not homeless and have plenty of hoops to jump through already. This seems like it would risk making their situation worse.

San Francisco, California, Proposition G, Declaration of Policy Urging San Francisco Unified School District to Offer Algebra 1 to Students by Eighth Grade Measure

Yes. This is pointless as it has no teeth and they're moving this way anyway. I still want to help make the pointless point.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: San Francisco and California March 2024 Ballot Measures #politics #sanfrancisco #propositions #election #california ITHCWY voter guide to the San Francisco and California March 2024 primary election propositions and ballot measures. )

Timelapse of Miami from South Beach. One cloudy night and then a nice sunset. At the end you can see a night departure of the Icon of the Seas, the new largest cruise ship in the world.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Miami #timelapse #video #miami Time lapse video of Miami shot from South Beach, including Icon of Seas. )

Google Pixel 8 Pro 7mm f1.7 1/51s ISO28

AA2035

The photograph titled "MIA SFO" captures a grounded airplane at a bustling airport terminal. The aircraft, prominently bearing the markings of a well-known airline, is stationed at gate D49, readying for its impending journey. The scene unfolds under an expansive sky heavily laden with cloudy grays, contrasting with the sleek metallic sheen of the plane. Airport personnel are engaged in their duties, tending to the logistics with trucks and equipment positioned strategically around the aircraft. In the background, the terminal buildings form a subdued, industrial skyline, adding to the sense of a global junction where journeys begin and end.

From a compositional standpoint, this photograph employs a strong sense of balance and symmetry. The airplane is positioned centrally, creating a natural focal point that draws the viewer’s gaze immediately. The leading lines of the runway and equipment guide the eye seamlessly throughout the scene, adding depth and emphasizing the organized chaos of airport operations. The lighting is soft but sufficient to highlight the airplane’s curves and textures against the muted tones of the overcast sky. What stands out is the photographer's ability to encapsulate a moment of stillness in a usually dynamic environment. A minor critique could be the overcast light, which, though realistic, might not highlight vibrant colors, leaving the scene feeling somewhat muted. However, this tonal restraint adds a certain gravitas and authenticity that complements the subject effectively.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: MIA SFO #photo #plane #mia #sfo MIA SFO )