Stanford University Press Blog

Who's Controlling the Genie?

Robert Plotkin, Patent Lawyer and MIT, is the author of the newly released book “Genie Inside the Machine…” The book Is really innovative in bringing technological advances to the world of patent law.

A recent article in Technology in Review summarizes the book and states Plotkin’s assessment of the future in patented technology.

Genie in the machine describes how the digital age is expanding the possibilities of human invention. He gives the example of the Oral B toothbrush as a product of software design.  But there aren’t just toothbrushes in software production; Plotkin says there are many patents already granted to other products produced in part by software.

 The problem is that the patent system that has suited our industrial society for 100’s of years is now becoming outdated and doesn’t compensate for our technological advances. The problem became apparent in the 1990’s when software produces fought for control over the market and thousands of patents were granted. Plotkin says that the patent system has to be revolutionized so that trivial patents are not granted, stifling real ingenuity.

The author  does think that this is a problem that deserves our immediate attention. With hope for the future, Robert Plotkin assures you that this groundbreaking technology will not replace human ingenuity, but rather augment it, enabling people to boost their inventive abilities to previously undreamed-of heights.  Without talented individuals to communicate effectively with computers (or rub the lamp), the genie is useless.  “One slip of the tongue and you may find yourself turned into a toad rather than bathed in riches,” he explains.

"Global California" delivers a truly global message.

In a recent review from the USC Center on Public diplomacy, author Abraham Lowenthal is recognized for his “clearly organized and pleasantly written” book Global California: Rising to the Cosmopolitan Challenge.

Reviewer Richard Langhorne, professor at Rutgers University, commends the book for its vast amount of information that he says “Californians will certainly, and others should, find very convenient to have set out between the covers of a single book.” Langhorne, impressed with the depth of  evidence presented by Lowenthal, also gives a detailed synopsis of the book.

Lowenthal dedicates a large part of the book to describing the ways in which California is linked to global culture and economy, pointing out the various advantages of specific regions within California, like LA, San Francisco, and San Diego. For example, San Diego’s proximity to a foreign country puts it in prime position for conducting international relations.

The state remains at the cutting edge of the high tech economy. With its dominance of cinema, television, music and multimedia, California exerts global influence. In turn Silicon Valley and Hollywood depend on international markets, capital and talent. California’s economic dynamism rests on immigrants, both highly skilled and less skilled.

But for all it’s geopolitical assets, California lacks the organizational systems to utilize their international connections effectively. The book is focused on how California and its citizens can resolve this problem and participate in the global arena.

As reviewer Langhorne points out, “It would be difficult to quarrel with either the material, the argument or the conclusions of this thoroughly well organized book.” In the end this reviewer finds that Global California delivers a useful statement which can be heeded not only by California but by regions all around the world.

Warshaw delivers tell-all on the Bush-Cheney Co-Presidency

Shirley Anne Warshaw, Professor of Political Science at Gettysburg College and author of the recently published The Co-Presidency of Bush and Cheney is already receiving rave reviews from media.

A recent review in Publishers Weekly states that the book is “thoroughly researched and insightful.” The book outlines how the presidential office from 2000-2008 was split into two thrones. Warshaw explains, in detail, how Cheney was not the puppet master of Bush, but instead his accomplice in creating what Warshaw, and others, refer to as an “Imperial Presidency.” By stacking the White House with his supporters and making key appointments, Cheney succeeded in leading his business-friendly portion of the presidency while leaving Bush to his faith-based policies.

According to the Publishers Weekly review, Warshaw’s book “offers and engaging look at the most controversial presidency since Nixon’s.”

Local Community Says Goodbye to Author

Stanford University Press Author Mary Kimoto Tomita,  passed away recently  at the age of 90.

Mary’s life was filled with calamity and, in turn, hope and charity. At age twenty she traveled to Japan to become immersed in her native culture.  Two years later, in an attempt to voyage back home, her ship was turned around to avoid danger and Mary then forced to remain in Japan for the duration of World War II.  

Mary’s book, Dear Miye, Letters home From Japan 1939-1946, published in 1995, chronicles the pre-war years, war years, and post-war years  of World War II.  Her letters portray the racial prejudices, economic hardships, and social and gender barriers she experienced while immersed in Japanese society in wartime. 

Tomita wrote on April 5, 1946:
“ Perhaps I could forget the sufferings and wrongs I have suffered…
I want to live fully, and to taste life to its fullest heights and depths.” (p 219)

Despite the disparities endured, upon returning to the States, Tomita became a prominent figure in her community. As an Oakland resident she was a librarian, an activist, and played important roles in the Asian American Ministries. 

Testimonies from friends and colleagues, as seen in a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle, show what a giving and well-loved woman she was.