In more professional related news, I’m keeping an eye on the VS Tech v. Twitter case.  Wondering how it will impact Twitter, it at all… (read more about it here).

Previously, I wrote a series of posts on the topic that you can see here:

Part 1 – The Armenian Genocide
Part 2 – What Transpired
Part 3 – Recognition of the Armenian Genocide
Part 4 – A Survivor’s Account of the Armenian Genocide – My Great Grandmother.

For additional information on the Armenian Genocide check out these sites:

Thank you for taking a moment to remember.

Further, not a single one of those deaths necessarily falls within the definition of genocide in the authoritative Genocide Convention of 1948. It requires proof that the accused was responsible for the physical destruction of a group in whole or in substantial part specifically because of their race, nationality, religion, or ethnicity.

Necessarily? Yes. They necessarily fall within the definition of Genocide.

I wanted to comment on his article and explain to him that my family had first hand knowledge of the motivations behind the genocide, however, the comments are already closed so I will address this here. As I’ve blogged about previously, my family includes survivors of the Genocide. My great grandmothers family was well known and acquainted with members of the Turkish government. When the killings began these government officials acknowledged the killing of Armenians (you know, because of their race, nationality, religion, and ethnicity) but they assured my family that they would be protected. This was a lie. A neighbor heard the same officials discussing that my family was not safe, a few of the family members were able to escape (I use the term escape loosely because though their lives were spared they still suffered a lot). So, Bruce, I think this makes it pretty clear that the deaths were in fact Genocide.

Quit calling my great grandmother a liar. So much for being a “Scholar.”

I hope everyone is having a pleasant 1.1.11. I’m starting off the new year by backing up my laptop! Something I meant to do all of 2010…

If you’ve been looking to do the same, here is a post on Lifehacker that walks you through using one utility.

1. Register Your Trademarks
2. Record your registered trademarks with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
3. Monitor and Investigate trademark offices, the marketplace, affiliates and supply chains, and domain names
4. Take legal action when counterfeiters are caught
5. Seek formal recognition as a well-known mark in the countries which allow obtaining such a status
6. Work with local authorities, such as in foreign territories
7. Utilize the press using press releases and notices
8. Make it difficult to copy your products and packaging
9. Keep written anti-counterfeiting policies and guidelines which are to be distributed to employees and affiliates
10. Be active by networking through global or national organizations

For anyone interested in this area, the article is a great read. A copy of it can be found here.

Blogger Beware: You Can Be Sued Over ‘Anonymous’ Posts – via ABAJournal

That is all.

Last year I wrote a series of posts on the topic that you can see here:

Part 1 – The Armenian Genocide
Part 2 – What Transpired
Part 3 – Recognition of the Armenian Genocide
Part 4 – A Survivor’s Account of the Armenian Genocide – My Great Grandmother.

For additional information on the Armenian Genocide check out these sites:

Did you catch tonight’s Olympics Opening Ceremonies? I was bored out of my mind. Sure there were some high points like projected Orcas swimming across the stage and the mind boggling hair of that opera singer… but the rest? come on.

I wanted excitement and impossible daring feats. I got a poet from youtube and a boy twirling in the air performing “can you see the wind.” Is this the impression you wanted the world to have, Canada? Is this what you wanted me to take away from the opening ceremonies? Boredom?

Should have used the Disney Epcot Pavillion sound track (Oh Canada, you’re a lifetime journey for the traveler) or the whole attraction would have been fine also.

I wonder if there is a transcript of the speech the CEO gave, which was a series of lists combined to form a speech.

Regardless, the torch is lit and the games have commenced! Can’t wait to watch the events!!

…though I do wish that Shirley Manson had done a couple more songs…

Even 40-50 miles out from the fire the skies are hazy from the smoke.

Hopefully this can be cleared up soon, I’d like to have an ash free car at some point in the near future.

Here is a view of the fire from my place when it was still relatively small:

Station Fire in the first few days

update 8:25: it is at least partially contained