The future of warfare

As the world becomes more dependent on data driven technologies the vulnerabilities and capabilities will emerge for nation states and independents (Al Queda or a lone hacker) to wreak havoc. NY Times reports....

Google Hot Trends

Google Hot Trends page is worth an occassional glance, just to see what keywords are buzzing. It does seem a little strange to me that 'Prince Valiants Wife' came in number 10, while 'Lost Finale' came in 11? I'd be curious to see trending over time to get insight into business opportunities... Another question is why is last nights American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, #73? There is something about Hot Trends I don't understand yet.

ACLU.org - Keeping the truth alive

After watching Frontline last week on the surveilance being conducted on American citizens by the NSA I want to remind everyone how important having the ACLU alive and well is. The NSA and Justice Dept. have been conducting wholesale oversight of phone and data communications which employ highly sophisticated profiling technology in combination with information provided by private data collection agencies. Imagine what the likes of Karl Rove and his minions (justice appointments) are capable of with access to this information. It won't just be the terrorist that they will target. BTW, Frontline also pointed out that there was no congressional oversight of this operation which is all the more frightening.

Abnormal Returns

In my search for quality blogs on investment and finance I discovered this little jewel.

http://abnormalreturns.com/

Vista or Google Sidebar?

I keep going back and forth on whether to use the Vista or Google side bar. So far google seems to have better sidebar gadgets, but I don't like the google desktop running in the background slowing down my system. Also, Google gadgets feel a little clunky. I'm going to switch back to Windows for a while and will report what I discover...

Scoble and Winer talk about the valley glut

In the past 24 hours both Dave Winer and Robert Scoble have both written posts about the glut of startups and wannabe's in the valley now. Very reminiscent of 2000 when the bust was imminent. I would imagine the difference this time is that there are many very significant and viable Internet businesses as well as much better infrastructure. Another factor is the displacement and disruption of many traditional businesses (television, newspapers, advertising) whose eyeballs and $ will end up going some where else.

Schwab Online Banking

I signed up for schwab online banking today. Here are a few of the reasons why:

1. 4.25% interest on checking (
2. Complete banking services (checking, billpay, credit card, mortgage, ATM...)
3. Great rewards credit card
4. One stop for all of your financial needs (Investment Portfolio, Trading, Banking, Mortgage)
5. Access to a range of financial products

The most important reason though is the excellent and consistent quality of service. After WAMU and a brief trial with E-Trade, I am moving everything to Schwab.

Cyber Attacks from Russia Now, Who Next?

The International Herald Tribune reports on the Russian attacks on Estonia and how they have a fairly devestating impact on this sovereign nation. While this whole new type of emerging warfare has significant implications between states, think about the implications for terror by individuals or small groups. Imagine what a collection of fairly capable engineers could pull off with the right incentives? I also would imagine that the US government must be cooking up some interesting capabilities for cyber warfare when called for.

Yahoo Music Engine

I become a bigger fan of Yahoo Music Unlimited with every use. I've been a subscriber for over a year and continue to discover new features and value in this great online product. In the past week what I've really grown to love are playing other folks play lists. You can search by playlist and then play a collection of music based on someone else's suggestions. Yesterday it was jazz vocalists, road trips and old country play lists. Combine this with the ability to play any song that pops into your mind or that you read a review of and add any of it to your personal music collection or your mp3 device.

I don't understand why iTunes owns this market, except for the Apple marketing machine. Why would someone pay per use without having a personalize radio, playlists, suggestion engines and unlimited access for $69 a year?

The pending convergence

Mark Cuban posted recently (http://www.blogmaverick.com/2007/05/20/newspapers-tv-and-the-net-its-convergence-time/) on the need for television and newspapers to converge to survive. This does seem like a potential evolutionary path, however, I think that television is lost in terms of news, which is reflected in the audience demographics. I believe that the leader in re-inventing the news is the New York Times. The quality of the reporting in combination with multi-media is pushing the envelope for timeliness and quality.

Example: http://www.nytimes.com/packages/khtml/2007/05/22/world/20070523_SEARCH_FEATURE.html

I don't see this quality of reporting any where else. It would not surprise me if we continue to see NY Times testing out a range of new media experiments as they continue to provide excellent blogs, video segments and insight reporting.

Bill Maher eulogy for Jerry Falwell

This is a great send-off for another one of the 'big fat idiots' on the right..

Seeking good investment blog

My portfolio is in a 30% liquid state right now, so I'm looking for investment blogs which have insight into funds which are good to pick up now. I'll post what I find.