Friday, December 10, 2004

I wonder if Dan's (and potentially Joi's via Google) new venture will be focused on local or topical journalism?  I know a way to build ads for topical news that would blow the socks off of traditional search-based advertising.  I also have some ideas on how to supercharge local advertising.  Regardless, it sounds like fun. 3:56:13 PM    Comment_ Trackback []

AJ.  Karzai declares a Jihad on drugs.  However, there is concern that a heavy-handed approach would result in further destabilizing the country and fueling violent backlash against the government and foreign troops.  Mr. Karzai has turned down U.S. proposals for a Colombia-style crop-dusting campaign to destroy poppy fields.   The first concern is very real.  This country could unravel quickly.  It was smart to turn down crop dusting.  This would create too many enemies too quickly.  This has to be done very, very slowly.  A big question, are we willing to spend the billion dollars plus a year on pay-outs to warlords to buy the loyalty we need to pull this off?  I don't think so.  Karzai is on his own. 10:27:39 AM    Comment_ Trackback []

UPI.  The US has a backlog of more than 1/2 million security clearances!!  This is total BS.  Frankly, the whole system is wrong-headed. First, secrecy is a burden. Our current levels of secrecy makes it virtually impossible to hire the talent we need.  It also prevents the levels of information sharing we need to be flexible.  It is a process that manufactures silos at an alarming rate.  Second, this level of secrecy isn't in line with the threat we face.  It was built to defend against a nation-state threat.  We don't have one, nor are we likely to have one.  Third, almost everything we need from a security clearance can be gained through automated means (system monitoring -- a real use for Poindexter's TIA). 9:15:12 AM    Comment_ Trackback []