Well that's interesting, and hopeful. The US gov't agency behind the Voice of American commissions a 'circumventor' (anonymizing proxy), that an be used to circumvent blocks imposed by government (and other) firewalls. Message to the firewall builders: If you want the benefits of the Internet, you get the transparency that comes with it as well.
4:44:57 PM    

Well this would be cool if true. Many moons ago (like 12 years worth of 'em) I was part of a team with Gitta Salomon, Dan Rose, and a lot of other good folks that designed a UI (piles) and prototype algorithm for automatic information organization. Which I assumed had been filed and forgotten, except that about four years back I found out Apple was still pursuing a patent on the work, which finally issued. If this feature actually comes out as rumored, my hat's off to Kevin Tiene, Brian Bechtel and others from the old team who persevered. You sure have more patience than I do! (And I hope you found a better name!)

Thanks to Harvey Lehtman for the tip.

Update: If you want a quick look at what they're describing, check out Dan Rose's overview of the group that first I and then he managed at Apple. Scroll down. Our teams did the 'backend' database work and the human interface group managed at the time by Joy Mountford were responsible for the 'frontend' UI. (Though as I recall the project was the usual Apple everyone's-finger-in-every-pie process.)
11:20:01 AM    

I recommend a thoughtful piece on artists' motivations and how they are supported from Dan Bricklin. Some direct comment on DRM, but this is a wider look. Important, since in the US legal framework, IP rights are based on economic utility. When and if a particular scheme of IP can be shown to be counterproductive, it could be time to move on to a framework with greater utility in the new circumstances.
11:08:10 AM    

even your eye doctor has a deal. Seriously, I went for an eye exam earlier in the week, and it turns out the doc was once in EE and has a side line business doing broadband RF detectors. They don't actually need venture money, but it's pretty cool anyway. One of the flavors can be set to bandpass on the 2.4 or 5.8GHz unlicensed bands, and could be used as a low-rent detector for a rogue AP (so long as it's beaconing or active).

This kind of thing is why the Valley enjoys a regional advantage in venture activity. We've looked at deals picked up everywhere from chess tournaments to a partners' cabinet installer, and I'm sure there are even stranger stories out there.
10:56:36 AM    

There's a great post regarding disclosure of proprietary technology by ventures, over at VentureBlog. Entrepreneurs go read the whole thing, and the comments, and pitch in your own.
10:49:32 AM