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universal ancestor

Grand Teton Park

subtle censorship?

Perhaps "mute" would make it more PC, but "dumb" (as stated for the contest) gives it a different dimension derived from the original stereotype.

Sol, I don't think changing the criteria at this stage is necessary -- we are an imaginative bunch -- and possibly could be unfair to any who may have already written or started a story which includes all the parameters. Take care. Vern

I would suggest that if the character is there all along but doesn't become significant until near the end, then you might bring her into the story through some foreshadowing or even brief appearances if warranted by the occasion, but if she doesn't really do anything or is not part of any scene per se until her late arrival, then that would be the place to introduce her. Develop no character before her time so to speak. Just my opinion. Take care. Vern

in de right

Has there ever been a thread with a large number of responses (say at least two pages) that hasn't been "hijacked" or deviated from the subject of the initial post? Even the simplest of premises such as the first word which comes to mind do not stay on course as naturally more than one word soon appears in responses. I wouldn't consider that being "hijacked". Like most natural conversations and soap operas, offshoots occur within threads with regularity much like objects falling under the influence of gravity when dropped. Take care. Vern

You might be correct if we were taking Rousseau's or any individual's philosophical view per se, but a broad spectrum of views derived from the general public is just the opposite of taking one person's view of human nature. To average directions is not even relevant to averaging a concept of time for the situation being considered; it is not even as close to comparing apples to oranges which is to say utilizing a bit of "common sense" should make the difference apparent. In the case of determining a time frame for copyright, everyone would not agree on a specific number of years, but you would come up with a number likely to be considered reasonable by the majority of people using their own common sense. And using common sense wouldn't provide a number completely off the scale of reason. Take care. Vern

They are not required or expected to have divine insight into a perfect time frame; however, they are expected to have a little common sense which would say that to afford protection for a work long after the author and perhaps any offspring have died is a bit gracious with the original intent of the law to reward creativity while not unduly depriving the public access forever.

outs in diary

Disney has lobbied for and gotten several extensions for the Mickey Mouse copyright, but it will still run out unless extended through further palm greasing by Disney. But even without an extension of the copyright, Mickey Mouse has been trademarked up to his eyeballs and characteristic ears and thus the very mention of Mickey Mouse is now considered by many to be synonymous with corporate Disney. Therefore, Mickey Mouse may likely never enter the public domain as long as the trademark is renewed. Should Disney go bust and/or forget to renew the numerous trademarks, then the immortal Mickey will enter the public domain. Take care. Vern