A few weeks ago the story broke about Google trying to own
the word “Glass.” A few people,
including the brilliant Oliver Stepe of YKK took up the cause in different
forums to make our case clear in that Google should not be able to patent that
word that is as much of part of the public domain as you can get. Heck, my great grandfather came to the US in
1898 with $34 and a glasscutter and was in the “glass” business then…. Long
before a “google” was created. I for one
cannot even see the US Patent Office being so shortsighted to allow this, but
in our world crazier things than this have happened. So far the attempts have been denied but
Google continues to appeal. So we may as
well get involved while we can. Oliver
created a petition that you can sign and you can also access the maze of
documents from the US Patent office as well.
The arrogance of Google is simply mind blowing. I think its time we all find a different
search engine to use, though I know that’s impossible… In any case this is a story to watch and see
if it grows any momentum.
Elsewhere…
-- Speaking of Google, I had tried a few weeks ago to get into
the whole Google+ thing. I still get
emails from people who rave about it.
And again, it does nothing for me.
Nothing at all. I seriously think
the only people who use it are employees or Google and their family members.
-- The fine folks from Garibaldi Glass are having their 4th
Annual Open House this coming Friday.
This should be an amazing time and one I am bummed to miss, but surely
won’t next year. These guys bring in suppliers and industry trades to educate
their customers as well as architects and designers. Basically it’s a trade show/seminar/open
house all in one. It’s a tremendous idea
being pulled off by a company that supports this industry strongly. Good luck guys, sorry I won’t be there. Though me not being there will probably help
attendance!
-- Last week I had the chance to watch American Hustle and was
seriously disappointed. Maybe I was in
an off mood, but I thought the movie was horrendous and surely not worth all of
the hype.
-- As I do each month, I always look through the latest issue
of Glass Magazine and after reading the tremendous content; I look at the ads
to see which ones stand out. This month props
to the team at Matodi USA for an ad that just popped off the page. Love the simplicity of it and the right use
of color. Nice work gang.
-- I received remarkable feedback from my interview with
Anthony Branscum of Innovative Glass.
There’s a lot of interest in the interior switchable space these days
that is for sure. The interesting part
for me is that many people just do not know where to source the material from
and also the worry of getting it from a credible supplier. I guess I take it for granted since I know
the legitimate players out there but evidently its not that clear to the market
place.
-- Not sure if Diana Bernal of Key Glass will become a regular
on the Glass Magazine Glassblog circuit but I sure hope so.
Her maiden effort was terrific.
I love the passion and approach.
Hopefully they’ll be more blogs from her in the future!
-- Last this week, for my running friends, a new song for your
motivational pleasure. It’s called 300
Violin Orchestra by Jorge Quintero and it’s simply awesome. If that song can’t get you pumped to keep
running, nothing will.
LINKS of the WEEK
-- Farmers Almanac calling for a long hot summer…. We’ll see if
they are right, I think its going to be cooler than normal.
-- A pretty snarky list of the top 10 most disappointing
destinations in the world. A few I
surely do not agree with… specifically Disney.
-- Reason number 1,348,999 why NBC is not one of my favorite
networks. Disrespecting Boston bomb victims… C’mon guys.. her request was simple!
VIDEO of the WEEK
From old friend and co-worker Dave Gillikin. Great piece on the best April Fools Day joke
done in 2014. 26 million views on this
one too… man Dave has a lot of friends!
5 comments:
Interesting take on the Google glass issue, I didn't realize that it was such a hot item. What kind of effect do you think this would actually have on the glass industry if Google succeeded?
Trademarking common words also came up recently in the news, regarding Candy Crush. The app creators have trademarked the word "Candy" in the European Union, although it was denied in the US. Also, Xavier Morales points out that "Apple", "Time", "Shell", and "Caterpillar" are trademarked common words. Apparently, sometimes, it's quite appropriate to "own" generic words.
Celia
Thank you for the comment- its excellent and I had no idea about the generic ownership angles you noted. That surely does factor in!
I am not sure what the end effect would have on the industry and that is an excellent question to ponder. I'll have to do that and throw it out there as well!
Thanks again
Max
I'm going to patent 'Bacon'.
Rod Van Buskirk, President
Bacon & Van Buskirk
Interesting about Google. I'd use a different search engine however the rest of them are all terrible!
Saw American Hustle this weekend as well. We stayed awake so it was better than most movies we've seen recently. Agreed though, I don't know what the hype was about.
Looking forward to seeing my old pals from Garibaldi later this week. They know how to have an event. Spy camera being installed now.
Rod- I love that!! Do it!! Thank you for the post.
Rich- thank you for the post as well...wish I was with you at Garibaldi- they are really sharp!
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