Last March, McGill hosted a conference at the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy . In a recent episode of the great program "Search Engine" from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) they published some of thoughts the person (Bruce Lehman) who played a key role in drafting the DMCA (from his presentation at the conference), including doubts about the DMCA and how well it has worked (and not worked).
You can find a video recording on youtube.
There is also a link to a MP3 recording which I found thanks to a nice review on the Digital Copyright Canada web site.
If you have concerns about this law, or the incipient Canadian version, see the previous article which includes links regarding what you can do.
07 December
2007
2007
09 December
2007
2007
We are preparing for the next Sea Trial for the Aqua robots. At currently have 3 different members of the Aqua family on the bench in different states of disassembly. In addition, we have a new network of sensor nodes being finished and readied for testing. Aqua 1.0, the original robot, is pretty much ready to go. Ramius, the next generation of robot that was tested last year is still in parts, but we had it together before and it should be a "simple" matter to re-assembly and testing. The newest member of the family line, Kroy, is also being assembled.
Robot Ramius with guts out
Last year we had problems changing from Nickle Metal Hydride battery technology to Lithium polymer technology. The startup ciruit inside the robot was not quite right, and the robot had a lot of trouble starting when the newer longer-lasting batteries were in. We have a lot of re-designed circuit boards including a new power controller piggybacked on the new motor controller board Chris cooked up. This new board will be used in both Ramius and Kroy, and they are both waiting for a few last-minute debugging cycles on the board before it goes into the robot.
More robot components
When all is said and done, Ramius will be retrofitted to be identical to Kroy, but with the field test coming on so fast this may not be possible until after the field trials. Other new technologies include lots and lots of stuff on the software side, including really untethered operation. Right now it's all pretty stressful for the team and everybody is juggling complex scheduling tradeoffs to combine research, end-of-term stuff, and robot assembly.
13 December
2007
2007
The Canadian version of a DMCA-like law was not introduced as expected and will be deferred until at least January 2008. From the senate transcript: "Senator Tardif: Honourable senators, it appears that the Minister of Industry decided not to introduce the copyright legislation yesterday, Tuesday, December 11, 2007, although a notice had been filed."
Let's hope the delay was due to concern for the popular expression of discontent. The official explanation was pure baloney: "Senator LeBreton: ... the minister is very thoughtful and thorough. ... there are good and valid reasons why he did not proceed." This is the time for Canadians (or other interested parties) to contact your MP (or sombody's MP) or do one of several other simple things to express youself. If you don't, you'll have no right to complain about whatever gets passed.
There was substantial public comment, and if it was heard then that's how the system is supposed to work.
There was substantial press coverage of the negative reaction to the anticipated DMCA announcement. This column from
Mathew Ingram in the Globe and Mail is an example.
At the very least, use this electronic form to send a simple letter. It's so easy.
15 December
2007
2007
Books I am looking at to give for gifts. Most of these have a science flavor. I own a couple and like them.
Scientific American The Amateur Biologist (Paperback)
Filled with experiments from a wide range of specialties, including botany, genetics, behavioral studies, cellular biology, microscopy, microbiology, and entomology, this fascinating book also contains helpful hints and clear instructions on how to build experimental apparatus using simple household materials and affordable alternatives to more expensive scientific equipment.
Amazon.CA
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich Hardcover. What do you do? Tim Ferriss has trouble answering the question. Depending on when you ask this
controversial Princeton University guest lecturer, he might answer:
“I race motorcycles in Europe.” or “I ski in the Andes.” or “I scuba dive in Panama.”
Amazon.CA
Whoosh Boom Splat: The Garage Warrior's Guide to Building Projectile Shooters (Paperback)
Amazon.CA
These are the homemade machines that you’ve dreamed of building, from the high-voltage Night Lighter 36 spud gun to the Jam Jar Jet, the Marshmallow Shooter, and the Yagua Blowgun.
The Best Time Travel Stories of the 20th Century: Stories by Arthur C. Clarke, Jack Finney, Joe Haldeman, Ursula K. Le Guin, (Paperback)
Amazon.CA
The Best Time Travel Stories of the 20th Century: Stories by Arthur C. Clarke, Jack Finney, Joe Haldeman, Ursula K. Le Guin, (Paperback)
Amazon.CA
The Best Time Travel Stories of the 20th Century: Stories by Arthur C. Clarke, Jack Finney, Joe Haldeman, Ursula K. Le Guin, (Paperback)
Amazon.CA
Other stuff at:
this list of science gift suggestions
25 December
2007
2007
The robot uprising starting with an onslaught on our morale. I saw robots stealing Christmas Trees at the Atwater farmer's market.
Claw coming to get trees
Trees being hauled off
And this is really the order in which things were happening. The trees were being taken away, not deposited for sale.
30 December
2007
2007
