Oracle Versus Google: The Database Kingpin Gets Desperate

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Martin Bergmann

Oracle’s lawsuit against Google over alleged infringement of Java slipped from epic battle to soap opera this week: The relationships between the judge, jury, plaintiff and defendant have become a tangle of legal ambiguity and financial suffering — or is it avarice? The jury deferred to the judge on the extent of Oracle’s intellectual property protections. The judge, in turn, wrested from the jury control over the lion’s share of damages, yanking Oracle’s prize another few inches out of reach. With major issues still to be decided, it is becoming clear that Judge William Alsup holds the high cards – and that he has the tech smarts to play them intelligently and mercilessly.

The trial is unfolding in three phases: Copyright, patent and damages. The copyright phase ended last week with the jury convicting Google on one of three counts, namely infringement of nine lines of Java code known as rangeCheck. In a separate issue, the jury couldn’t agree on the question of whether Google’s use of the Java API was a so-called fair use, and thus allowable under copyright law. That question went to the judge, who hasn’t decided yet. His decision could have a big impact on the size of Oracle’s payoff, as we’ll explain in below.
Phase Two, the patent phase, consumed the past several days, focusing on two Oracle patents that Google allegedly violated. The jury was still deliberating at the time of writing. However, one of Oracle’s claims was thoroughly debunked by Google’s lawyers, who showed that Android does not even use the technology in question. Although anything can still happen, it looks unlikely that the jury will accept that claim. The other claim is a closer call.

Oracle Seeks to Cover the Cost of Acquiring Sun

But never mind about whether or not Google is guilty of infringing Oracle’s patents. The big money won’t come from damages for patent infringement, but for copyright infringement. That’s where Oracle has pinned its hopes.
You can’t blame Oracle for kicking and scratching for anything it can get at this point. Oracle spent $7.38 billion to acquire Java creator Sun Microsystems in 2009 with the thought that it could leverage Java to recoup the cost. Taking Google to court (which it did shortly after the acquisition was formally approved in 2010) could recover most of that money. It’s no coincidence that Oracle’s initial damage estimate was in the $6 billion range.

It’s Up to Judge Alsup

Here’s the rub: The fate of Oracle’s prospective payoff now rests entirely with Alsup. When the fair use decision passed to him, with it went control over damages in the copyright phase. If Alsup awards statutory damages, Oracle’s reward would be $150,000. And if the judge rules that Google’s appropriation of the Java API was a fair use, that might be all Oracle gets. On the other hand, if the judge decides against fair use, he still might not award Oracle anything close to the billions of dollars it seeks.
Alsup won’t be hoodwinked. He has proven that he is willing to learn about the technological issues at the heart of the case. And learn he has. This week, he revealed that he has not only learned how to program, but has used the nine lines of rangeCheck code more than a hundred times. He found it simple to do, he says. Will he find an infringement of a mere nine lines, out of the entire corpus of Java, worth $1 billion? Or even $1 million?
Oracle’s desperation hasn’t been lost on Alsup. During the discussion of copyright damages, he called Oracle’s effort to gain significant revenue from Google “a fishing expedition.”
If the developer community agrees, Oracle stands to damage not only its bottom line but also its credibility. Sun created Java to be open source and free. It developed the language more as a steward than as an outright owner. By attempting to copyright the API despite the impact that would have on the entire software ecosystem, Oracle is calling into question the legal nature of computer languages and programming. Its soap opera risks the good will of the developer community at large.


Credit: ReadWriteWeb

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20 Interesting Ways Colleges are Using Pinterest

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Martin Bergmann

Just about everyone and their mother (especially mothers) is on Pinterest these days, and we can’t blame them: it is a really cool resource for finding the very best ideas, inspiration, and all around neat stuff. So we are not at all surprised to find out that colleges and college students are joining in on the fun, too.

Many colleges and universities have jumped on Pinterest to create their own boards for prospective and current students, alumni, and other interested parties, and lots of them are doing a really great job. From game day fashion to alumni baby photos, college pinboards are full of some really fun and useful stuff. Read on, and we’ll share 20 of the college Pinterest boards that we’re most impressed with.

Colleges Using Pinterest

1. Adorable bulldogs

Drake University is doing great things with their Pinterest account, including Celebrate Drake, Study Abroad, Ultimate Fan, and Bulldogs Without Borders boards that are truly outstanding. Our personal favorite is one that highlights photos of bulldogs, Drake’s official mascot. This is a really fun and lighthearted way to bring school spirit to Pinterest.

2. Future Aggies

We’re big fans of the way that Texas A&M makes being an Aggie a family affair. In their Future Aggies Pinterest board, TAMU shares cute clothes, baby photos, and a celebration of everything that Texas A&M kids might like.

3. Famous Maryland Alumni

The University of Maryland makes their educational value stand out by highlighting alumni that have gone on to make it big. The school boasts graduates including Google’s Sergey Brin, Connie Chung, and Jim Henson, fun facts that we were oblivious to before Pinterest.

4. Eat for $5

Obviously catering to the poor college crowd, Multnomah University’s Eat for $5 Pinterest Board shares great eats that students can pick up for a fiver or less. Have a little more wiggle room? They’ve got a board for $10 meals and even $10 Portland activities.

5. Bikes & Bike Style

On the bike-friendly campus of Oberlin College, two-wheeled love doesn’t stop on the bike paths: it goes on Pinterest, too. Cool bikes, inspiring bike style photos, and even great ideas for never losing your bike key again are available through this college pinboard.

6. Flip Flops & Long Boards-Campus Style

California Baptist University embraces California style in this pinboard. Check out Flip Flops & Long Boards to find cool dorm ideas, shoe styles, and even rad skateboard designs.

7. Weekend Adventures

Stockton College has found a great way to motivate students, highlighting awesome adventures that they can look forward to each weekend. With a location that puts students close to the beach, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, and even New York City, Stockton’s collection of weekend adventures on Pinterest is impressive.

8. The Treasures of Yale

On Pinterest, Yale is able to highlight some of the most amazing artifacts in the university’s collection, posting videos in The Treasures of Yale. This video series and Pinterest board goes in depth to explore arts, humanities, and science treasures from Yale, including rare paintings and art pieces.

9. Nowhere Like Here

In this Pinboard, Bennington College does a great job of highlighting what makes their school unique. Photos of interesting spots on campus, unique activities, Bennington-only moments, and cool projects make this college look like a place you want to be.

10. William Woods, the man

Dedicated to the namesake of William Woods University, this Pinterest board has photos of Dr. William Stone Woods, as well as photos of his gravesite. We really enjoy the way that William Woods University celebrates its heritage here on Pinterest.

11. Global Like No Other

Although some colleges might say they offer a global education, Concordia College really backs it up with this Pinterest board. Through links, photos, and stories, the Global Like No Other board from Concordia offers extensive proof of why this school regularly ranks among the top 15 colleges in the country for global study.

12. Historic Boston

As a women-centered university located in Boston, Simmons College has a lot to offer when it comes to the history of the city. Old photos, maps, and historic architectural projects can be found in the college’s Historic Boston pinboard.

13. Jobs, Careers, & Internships

We’d like to see Folsom Lake College really explore all that Pinterest has to offer, but their Jobs, Careers, & Internships pinboard is off to a great start. Sharing relevant articles, news, and even the latest job openings, Folsom’s pinboard is a great resource for students to check out.

14. True love

Sometimes, true love happens on a college campus. This is evident at Illinois College, and they’ve dedicated an entire pinboard to highlighting Illinois College sweethearts, married couples who met and developed their relationships at the college. Newlyweds, families, and old married couples contribute to this pinboard’s warm and fuzzy feeling.

15. People of Elizabethtown College

Just who makes up Elizabethtown College? This pinboard offers an answer, sharing links to stories about students, alumni, faculty, staff, and others in the Elizabethtown community. We love how Elizabethtown offers this pinboard to help outsiders get an idea of what the college is all about.

16. Things to do at Carleton

We’re sure there’s no shortage of things to do at Carleton University, and this pinboard does a great job of pointing out several of the fun activities that the school has to offer. Through Things to do at Carleton, students and other interested parties can learn about art galleries, talent events, a butterfly exhibit, and even a magic show.

17. Maymester Destinations

Students at Piedmont College enjoy the opportunity to participate in a “Maymester” travel abroad experience, and the college highlights some of the possibilities in their Maymester Destinations pinboard. We’re impressed with how the college has found breathtaking photos of several different European, South American, and Asian locations, enticing students to take advantage of this great program.

18. Creative Thought Matters

As a college with a reputation for creativity, Skidmore College is staying true to its roots with a pinboard dedicated to creative thought. This collection of pins shares interesting exhibits, projects, and social proof that Skidmore is a hub of young creativity.

19. Major Profiles

Before actually heading off to college and choosing a major, it can be difficult for some students to imagine what their life might be like. With the Major Profiles pinboard, Hanover College allows prospective students to understand more about where various major paths can take them, relying on the experiences and firsthand accounts of actual Hanover students.

20. FC Traditions

Every campus loves to celebrate its historic traditions, and Franklin College is no exception. On the FC Traditions pinboard, visitors can check out fun activities like Grizzly Grandparents, fall tailgating, and the homecoming privy burn.

Article by Tim Handorf Best College Online

Post from: SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources

20 Interesting Ways Colleges are Using Pinterest

Credit: SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources >> Articles

Posted in Blog Network |

Arrest in Miss. killings

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Martin Bergmann
Suspect James D. Willie, 28, of Sardis, Mississippi, was arrested Tuesday on an unrelated charge, police say.
Suspect James D. Willie, 28, of Sardis, Mississippi, was arrested Tuesday on an unrelated charge, police say.

(CNN) — Authorities have arrested a suspect in the case of an alleged police impersonator who is believed to have killed two motorists in Mississippi, the Tunica County Sherriff’s Office said.

James D. Willie, 28, of Sardis, Mississippi, was arrested and the 9mm handgun authorities say was used in two recent highway shootings was in his possession, the sheriff’s office said.

The arrest may put an end to a case that caused a massive manhunt by law enforcement and created panic and fear for many drivers throughout Mississippi.

“Hundreds of man hours have been devoted to tracking down and arresting this individual,” Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said. “Public safety is of paramount concern to us. Just as a week ago, with the resolution of the kidnap/murder case in north Mississippi, again we see the effective results of a unified effort of several law enforcement agencies working together.”

Investigators with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation had raised the possibility that someone posing as a police officer was to blame for the shooting deaths of 74-year-old Tom Schlender and 48-year-old Lori Anne Carswell, which happened 55 miles apart in northwest Mississippi.

Willie was arrested Tuesday on an unrelated offense. Authorities found the suspect with a woman who claimed that he raped her.

He was arrested, and the semiautomatic Ruger handgun he had was also taken into custody.

“It was determined after testing by state Crime Lab scientists, the weapon matched the weapon used in two murders in northwest Mississippi last week,” a Tunica County Sherriff’s Office statement said.

The news of this arrest comes a day after authorities said they were questioning a different suspect in the case.

Authorities said a different man was picked up after stopping two drivers Wednesday night. That man, identified as James Lucas, 45, of Yazoo City, was driving a blue Mercury Marquis that used to be a police car and still had flashing blue lights behind its grille, Humphreys County Sheriff Investigator Sam Dobbins said.

Dobbins said investigators searched Lucas’ home and found handcuffs and fake badges.

Early Friday, it was unclear what, if any, connection Lucas had to the case.

Original: CNN.com

Posted in Blog Network |

Plan to raise sunken cruise ship

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Martin Bergmann
  • The cruise liner will be refloated and towed away, American and Italian specialists say
  • The Costa Concordia struck rocks and turned on its side in January
  • At least 30 people died in the disaster, with two people still missing
  • Costa says its priority in recovering the ship is to protect the local environment

Rome (CNN) — Salvage experts outlined their plan Friday to raise the wrecked Costa Concordia cruise liner from the sea floor off Italy in one piece and tow it from the disaster site.

The complicated operation is expected to start in the next few days and take up to a year, the ship’s owner, Costa Cruises, said in Rome.

It will be a joint effort by Titan Salvage, an American-owned specialist marine salvage and wreck removal company, and Italian marine contractor Micoperi.

Capt. Richard Habib, president of Titan Salvage, said it was an “unprecedented” operation.

“It is not impossible. It is entirely possible. It will be successful, and we believe that our plan will work,” he said when asked whether there was a backup plan.

At least 30 people died when the cruise liner struck rocks and turned on its side off the Italian island of Giglio on January 13.

The search for two people who remain missing will continue alongside the removal operation, said Franco Gabrielli, head of the Italian Civil Protection agency. The 30 bodies recovered have all been identified.

The ship cannot stay in its current position, as it represents a danger for the environment, he added.

“The plan to re-float the hull in one piece gives top priority to minimising environmental impact, to protecting Giglio’s economy and tourism industry, and to maximum safety of the work,” Costa Cruises said in a statement.

“Once removal is complete, the sea bottom will be cleaned and marine flora replanted.”

The operation will be divided into four basic stages, Costa said in its statement.

First, once the ship has been stabilized, an underwater platform will be built and watertight boxes, or caissons, fixed to the side of the ship that is above water.

Two cranes fixed to the platform will pull the ship upright, helped by the weight of the caissons, which will be filled with water.

When the ship is upright, caissons will be fixed to the other side of the hull to stabilize it.

Finally, the caissons on both sides will be emptied, after the water inside has been purified to protect the marine environment, and filled with air, Costa said.

Once the giant ship has been refloated, it will be towed to an Italian port, probably in Tuscany, to be dismantled and disposed of according to local regulations.

No exact cost was given by the officials who presented details of the recovery operation.

But a Costa Cruises representative said that the figure would probably be about $300 million.

Costa said efforts to prevent damage to Giglio’s tourism industry would include housing workers involved in the recovery operation on the mainland. Equipment will also be stored there.

The Concordia’s captain, Francesco Schettino, is being investigated for possible criminal charges and remains under house arrest.

He faces allegations of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck, abandoning ship, failing to report an accident to the coast guard and destroying a natural habitat, a prosecutor said this year. Giglio is a protected park.

Schettino’s first officer, Ciro Ambrosio, and six other officers both on the ship and from the firm Costa in Genoa are under investigation over allegations including manslaughter, shipwreck and failure to report the accident, the prosecutor in the case has said.

No one has been charged over the shipwreck.

CNN’s Hada Messia and Claudia Rebaza contributed to this report.

Credit: CNN.com

Posted in Blog Network |

Dish Network Brings Inspirational Channels

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Martin Bergmann

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With DISH Community at house, now you can take pleasure in watching a whole lot of inspirational programs and shows that will give a great boost to you to face life. DISH Community, a preferred satellite tv for pc TV provider in America has include a pool of DISH Network programming packages that deliver wealth of channels airing inspirational reveals that motivates people to move ahead in life. These packages are extremely encouraging and we can study loads of things from these channels. So, if you’re also searching for a supplier that broadcast among the best channels that can encourage and arouse positivity in human beings, then convey dwelling DISH Network. It’s positively a terrific package deal for each member of a family.

DISH Community airs a big selection of DISH channels that are extremely in style amongst masses. In fact, folks of all ages can watch these several channels that not just convey inspirational channels but rather a lot more. Individuals can view a huge number of movie channels, sports, lifestyle, kids’ channels, cooking channels, and plenty of others. In fact, completely different varieties of satellite TV reveals will be watched here.

A number of inspirational exhibits on DISH TV help to life your mood and provide essential advice on how you can lead your life fruitfully. It tells you that the actual hidden that means of life, which ought to be stuffed with happiness, belief and love for all. It definitely assists you to achieve in depth knowledge and significance of being a human being.

 

Furthermore, different dramas, films and sitcoms are only a replica of what you see and really feel in real life, which additionally help in dealing with several problems of life easily. Comic exhibits and packages aired on DISH Community lets you escape for a short time into a world of laughter. These fill you with happiness and allow you to learn that even smilingly you possibly can lead your life moderately being unhappy and low. Whatever you are watching on DISH Network satellite tv for pc TV, entertainment is assured, as you get to observe many of the channels in DISH HD mode, which brings superior image and fantastic sound output! Surely, you will have superb amusing time with family.

Inspiration Network on DISH TV is one of the best DISH Network channels that air great programs and exhibits that encourage individuals all throughout the US. You can view the Network on channel 259, which strives hard to send constructive messages to its viewers. You probably have the perfect satellite tv for pc TV, DISH Network at residence, then you possibly can view the quality content of Inspiration Community, which impacts the lifetime of people. It influences the relationships, faith and pondering sample of people significantly in a positive way.

A number of the finest DISH Community packages carry this channel in its lineup. These embody America’s Prime 200, America’s High 250, and America’s High 120 Plus. Whichever package deal you select, you will get one of the best of satellite TV leisure at home. Your job will probably be to only calm down and unwind! Get DISH Network and have great time watching great films, shows, sports and other entertaining stuff with your entire family.

This post is written by Samuel Jones 27.

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