Catching Up On Readings: The Government and Email Privacy

Google made news when it announced that it will require government agencies to have probable-cause warrants before delivering the contents of Gmail. We’ll have more on the tech giant tomorrow. Click on the paragraph link for the rest of this week’s posts. >>>

Catching Up On Readings: Graph Search v. Google+

As Facebook introduces Graph Search, the UK’s Guardian newspaper assesses the new product in the context of what journalist Charles Arthur calls a “slow, gradual” collision between Facebook and Google+. Click on the paragraph link for the rest of this week’s posts. >>>

Catching Up On Readings: Remembering Aaron Swartz

Aaron Swartz, an Internet activist, committed suicide Friday at age 26. Among many of this weekend’s articles on Aaron, his life and his work, are a New York Times obituary and this tribute from Wired.

Click on the paragraph link for the rest of this week’s posts. >>>

Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary

Today is the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, one of the most inspirational figures in human history. Among his many accomplishments, two stand out.

>>>

Catching Up On Readings: A Crowdfunding Assessment

Entrepreneurs looking to raise money through crowdfunding may be interested in today’s New York Times article by Amy Cortese. Although crowdfunding is an increasingly popular way to help build a business, it’s not surprising that there are growing pains, especially as the Securities and Exchange Commission considers how much to change laws that protect investors. Click on the paragraph link for the rest of this week’s posts. >>>

At the Dawn of 2013

We are coping with the death of a dearly loved.

America is coping with Newtown.

India is coping with Damini.

Syria with Assad.

Whether it is personal or universal, suffering seems ubiquitous. The augmented reality of social media makes it all even more intense, dominating our consciousness.

And yet.

>>>

Ending 2012 on an Optimistic Note

As 2012 draws to a close, despite numerous disturbing occurrences, I still feel optimistic about what lies ahead. To all who have sent me personal emails, Facebook and LinkedIn messages wishing a happy new year, thank you for taking the time to send along your warm wishes. To all my readers, subscribers, followers, connections, and friends – please try to preserve optimism. That is the only way forward.

Hope to see you at the first roundtable of 2013 on Jan 3.

Catching Up On Readings: Wrapping Up 2012

“Top stories” lists may be standard fare for media sites to round out the year, but this one from TechSpot deserves special mention. Organized by category and in a calendar format, it covers more than 500 stories ranging from mobile to tech culture. Click on the paragraph link for the rest of this week’s posts. >>>