Microsoft's new policy aims to broaden licensing
This is taken from the Deseret News (Salt Lake City, Utah)

December 4, 2003, Thursday
SECTION:
BUSINESS;
Pg. E03

By Helen Jung Associated Press

SEATTLE -- Microsoft Corp. said Wednesday it will open its portfolio of patented technology for use by academic researchers and make it easier for companies -- including competitors -- to license its intellectual property.
The company said the changes are designed to respond to other technology companies who have wanted Microsoft to license its patented technology. Other companies, including IBM, have long made their intellectual property available.

"A number of other industry leaders have done (this) for a number of years and in some cases decades," general counsel Brad Smith said. "We're joining their ranks today."
The move comes as the company faces potentially severe penalties from the European Union over alleged anticompetitive behavior, that could include forcing the company to disclose more of its technical information in its Windows operating system.

Smith noted that the new licensing program satisfies some of the long-standing concerns from European regulators, but said it is not directly aimed at the European inquiry.

"This kind of step is consistent with the kinds of steps that others in the industry including our competition and some in government have been encouraging us to take," Smith said, "but this is something that has been in the works for some time."

Microsoft, based in Redmond, Wash., announced two programs.

The first is a royalty-free program, in which the academic community may access its portfolio of copyrighted and patented technology for noncommercial use and research. Microsoft had previously allowed only limited access.

The second is for commercial companies wanting to license its technology.

Microsoft on Wednesday announced two specific technologies available for licensing -- one for file transfers and one that makes reading text on computer screens clearer. But Microsoft is "open for business in terms of licensing our intellectual property," Smith said.

The move reflects that Microsoft is genuinely trying to change its ways, said Joe Wilcox, an analyst with Jupiter Research.

"This is a company that historically has been very, very tight with its intellectual property," said Wilcox. "And now it's realizing that it has something valuable that it can offer to industry, government, educational institutions and that sharing is a good thing -- for the company image, for fostering cooperation with other companies and for advancing technological adoption that also benefits Microsoft," he said.

"Microsoft is maturing and is beginning to recognize it must take more of a leadership role."

Indies Win Court Decision
For those of you who were unaware, the big motion picture studios were seeking to create a ban on video screenings of movies that are in contention for certain awards, such as the Oscars, Golden Globes, etc...with the claim that these videos often create an opening for movie piracy that can hurt some of the releases. However, this ban is thought by the independent filmmakers to actually cause more harm than good. Check out this story for more details.

Judge's Ruling

Body Pump Class
Today I decided during lunch I would be good and attended a body pump class at the local gym. Man, was it hard. It also probably didn't help that I hadn't eaten anything and therefore was getting the shakes during some of the exercises.
All in all, it was a good experience, but the instructor was one of those people that us more...ahem...actionally challenged people...like to hate. She was all buff and stuff in her workout pants and tank top. Looking pretty much like she could beat the living daylights out of anything she came across. She also had all this energy. That same type of energy that on the one hand makes you want to pat her on the back and on the other, much more dominant hand, makes you want to smack her. Luckily for me, after the class was over, I pretty much couldn't lift my arms to do either. Speaking of which, I have to rest from typing now. Man, that was one insane class.

Cool Site
If you like the entertainment industry, I just wanted to point out this site, Zap2it

Hope you like it too!

Fire Drill Follies
Well, around 10am this morning, my office had a fire alarm go off. If it isn't bad enough that it is cold outside, I am also one of the Emergency Response Team members for my building. I am still not really sure how that happened, but anyway. So, the alarm goes off and the fire alarm lights start blinking and we all go downstairs to wait for further instructions. While it is a bit cold outside...ok...30 degrees, we aren't outside for very long.
However, it is now 2:30pm and my floor has yet to have the heat restored nor do we have the flashing light turned off. Basically, it seems as though we are having some type of office rave complete with strobe lights. I can't even get into how difficult that makes it to work on a computer. Insane.

Thanksgiving Fun
Ok, so it has been a while since I posted last and that is because I did not have access to a computer over the recent holiday.

The holiday was a good one, spend mostly eating and enjoying numerous family games of pop culture trivia. Due to the fact that my aunt was getting beaten in all these games, she has now decided that she will be watching hour after hour of E! Television. All in all, it was a good holiday although it was over a bit too quickly, but then, which holidays aren't these days.

Alias and Redskin Football
Ok, so on Sunday night I was all prepared to sit down and watch a kick arse episode of Alias. Unfortunately, I was treated to an evening of Redskin football, wherein the Redskins didn't even win.

So, they said that it would be on 2 and a half hours after the game so that they could show reruns of the West Wing and ER. Whatever. Anyway, I did finally get to see it, and man was it awesome! I am so glad that show has gotten such a following. I just hope that it keeps building up its audience. So, if you aren't watching it, you should!

ER
Are there any ER fans out there? I used to be a huge fan, but must admit, like many others, my interest has been waning in the show. However, last night's episode was pretty good. Except for the horridness that was Romano's last line. It actually evoked laughter from me. Not sure if that was the intention, but it was certainly the result. And, I wasn't the only one laughing either...

Dental Update
Well, today's dentist appointment went much better than Wednesday's and now, finally, I can enjoy a meal again, or at least enjoy chewing a meal again. For that, I am very grateful.

The O.C. Age Differences
Not sure if anyone tunes into the new Fox hit, The O.C., but the following is an interesting look at how their ages stack up. See if you can determine a pattern.

Ok, on the OC in real life, here are the actor's ages:

Sandy(48) Kirsten(36) parents of Seth(23) and adoptive of Ryan(25)

Ryan(25) is going out with Marissa(17) who is the daughter of Jimmy(40) and Julie(31)

Now, we have the other two--Summer(22) and Luke(23)

For the age thing to work out, Kirsten would have had Seth when she was 20 and Julie would have gotten pregnant in high school.