TechCrunch, WIRED Go to War Over Post Deal

TechCrunch blogger Michael Arrington BLASTED Wired Magazine blogger Betsy Schiffman's SWIPE at TechCrunch's recently announced syndication deal with the Washington Post newspaper. In a nutshell, Schiffman's view is: What's a legendary newspaper like the Washington Post (they broke the Watergate story, for example) doing in bed with a ethically challenged blog like TechCrunch. (Schiffman characterized TechCrunch as a blog "written by a dude who invests in the companies he writes about.") Arrington's response is: WTF? Yes, he invests in startups and also writes about them, but it's OK because he fully discloses all the details. So F.U. So then Schiffman contacted the Washington Post's ombudsman to say, in effect, are TechCrunch's posts up to Washington Post standards? Stay tuned for more. This isn't over.

Are There Too Many Women in IT?

According to Gartner, the percentage of women in IT is low and shrinking, dropping from 42 percent in 1996 to 32.4 percent in 2004 worldwide. In some countries, including in the United States, it's below 30 percent.

This conspicuous gender imbalance is caused by a long list of problems, according to advocates of women in IT, including a lack of female role models, a pervasive stereotype of IT professionals as unfashionable "nerdy men," and workplace sexism.

I really don't know why more boys than girls choose to study IT, choose careers in IT and stay with IT once the career has started – and I confess I have no solution to offer. I'm sure stereotyping, sexism and other factors play a role. But I also believe that PRESSURING GIRLS - or boys, for that matter - into careers they won't like isn't helping anyone. Dangling false motives - such as role models and the countering of stereotypes - won't help anyone, either. They've got to love the machines, the systems and the act of complex-problem solving or they're unlikely to enjoy or succeed in IT.

Site Lets You Register Your Penis' Nickname

A majority of men give their penis a nickname, according to disreputable sources. Now, a site lets you register that name to prove it's as unique as your... well, unique. They give you a CERTIFICATE and everything. The name of the site is -- what else? -- nameyourwang.com!

Found Photo: Why Is the Internet Cafe Closed?

I took this picture today of a sign on the door of the CosmoNet Internet cafe on the Greek Island of Rhodes. File this under information that's TRUE BUT USELESS.

U.S. Military Used Fake Chinese Networking - FBI

A two-year FBI probe called Operation Cisco Raider discovered the use by various branches of the U.S. military of some 3,500 counterfeit Cisco Systems network components made in China. The FBI says it doesn't know whether or not the fake goods were part of a "state-sponsored intelligence effort" (i.e. CHINESE SPY PROGRAM). The potential threat with fake network equipment would be the potential ability of China to jam U.S. network equipment or make it easier to hack, according to the FBI. Despite the threat, the FBI worked with the Chinese government on the investigation, which resulted in arrests within China.

Why Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer Should Resign

Steve Ballmer's got no vision, no charisma, no engineering cred and no outside experience running a company. Ballmer himself admits to not being good at negotiating. And now his deal-making and decision-making skills are being questioned. Remind me again: WHY IS STEVE BALLMER CEO OF MICROSOFT?

Worst Bluetooth Gadget Yet: PDA Stylus Handset

Brando is now selling a $30 PDA stylus that doubles as a Bluetooth headset. When a call comes in, you HOLD THE STYLUS UP TO YOUR EAR to talk on the phone. You can also plug earbuds into it and take the call the old-fashioned way.

Cadillac CEO to Show Off Ethanol-Electric Chopper

Not content with leading a company that makes gas-guzzling monster cars and SUVs during an oil crisis, Cadillac boss Jim Taylor plans to show off a chopper at the Detroit Auto Show this year that runs on ethanol -- a HOG THAT RUNS ON FOOD-BASED FUEL during a global food crisis! The motorcycle is being built by Great American Chopper of Clawson, Michigan, for Taylor. It's a hybrid chopper that also runs on electricity. Alright. I'll admit it. I want one.

Google Backs Spinning Power Plant In the Sky

Search giant Google is funding Magenn Power, a Canadian company building GIANT POWER PLANT KITES BLIMPS. The tethered balloons have "riverboat blades," which make the whole contraption spin in the sky from the force of the fast-moving, high-altitude wind, which generates electricity with power-generating turbines. I want one.

Adventures In Extreme Telecommuting

Thanks to advances in mobile computing, telecommunications and the Internet, it's possible for some lucky professionals to enjoy what has become known as the "extreme telecommuting" lifestyle. "Extreme telecommuting" is just like "working from home," except you're not at home -- you're living abroad without taking any time off. I've been in Greece now for nearly a month, and I'm happy to tell you that "extreme telecommuting" is possible and rewarding -- but it isn't easy. HERE'S WHAT I'VE LEARNED SO FAR.

When Is International "Shut Up Day"?

Saturday was International Shutdown Day, a worldwide event put together by a Canadian organization of the same name (Shutdown Day) to get as many people as possible to ignore their computers for 24 hours. Are you tired of these International Days that try to get you to do something? When is "INTERNATIONAL SHUT UP DAY"?

Scientists Invent Eyeball- Controlled Game Input

Researchers at the UK's De Montfort University are creating software that would enable GAMERS TO PLAY USING ONLY THEIR EYES. The software would control LED lights mounted at the bottom of a PC display and sensors that used the reflected light to figure out where the player was looking. "Gestures," such as quickly glancing to one side of the screen, could switch modes. Although the technology is aimed at handicapped people, the technology could also be used by super-gamers who might play faster using eye-control.