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27 Jun 2009 17:08

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Biz, Tech: Google and Facebook are in a bare-knuckles fight to own the Web

  • In one ultra-organized corner … Google Google’s been on top of the heap for nearly a decade, and it’s a firm hold. They’ve built themselves around the idea that the Web’s organization should be simple. Their ads are well-targeted, and their services – especially search, Gmail and News – are incredibly useful. They made $4.2 billion last year alone.
    However, they have one big problem: They can’t convince the brands of Madison Ave. to work with them.

    source
  • In one ultra-organized corner … Google Google’s been on top of the heap for nearly a decade, and it’s a firm hold. They’ve built themselves around the idea that the Web’s organization should be simple. Their ads are well-targeted, and their services – especially search, Gmail and News – are incredibly useful. They made $4.2 billion last year alone.
    However, they have one big problem: They can’t convince the brands of Madison Ave. to work with them.

  • And in a more social one … Facebook Facebook, on the other hand, is building influence and currency on the Web. They’ve got critical mass, and, smartly, didn’t even focus on competing with MySpace. They want to be the new Google, and have just the right arrogant CEO to pull it off. Their hyper-focused information means they can focus on advertising for brands.
    However, they have one big problem: They keep pissing off their customers by evolving too quickly. source

27 Jun 2009 15:58

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U.S.: DC Metro GM John Catoe: The driver killed in the crash saved lives

  • On Monday when we had this tragic loss, she was there not just doing her job, she took an act that I believe, in my judgment, ultimately will determine that she saved lives.
  • DC Metro General Manager John Catoe • On Jeanice McMillan, the driver who died in Monday’s deadly Metro crash. Initially pegged as inexperienced, the words came as reaffirmation of support for a woman whose reputation hinged on it. • source

27 Jun 2009 13:28

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Biz, Offbeat: This Pringles ad is so entertaining, we can’t stop clicking on it

bestadever0627
  • If all ads on the Internet were like this one, we’d click them every single time. However, we’d get nothing done. Thanks Pringles!source

27 Jun 2009 13:13

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Tech: Which Twitter desktop client is the best? We vote Seesmic Desktop.

Sure, TweetDeck is OK, but Seesmic Desktop is so good that we’d offer up Julius as a spokesman to them. (We also recommend TwitterFox.) source

27 Jun 2009 13:02

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Biz, U.S.: Ruth Madoff is gonna be (relatively) slummin’ thanks to a judge

  • $2.5 million to survive on for the rest of her life. Oh no source

27 Jun 2009 12:39

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Politics, U.S.: A handy guide to GOP presidential wannabes-turned-also-rans

  • Now, their latest hope, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, is bummin’ thanks to an Argentinean ladyfriend. Ouch. source

27 Jun 2009 11:59

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Sports: The Cubs and Milton Bradley aren’t getting along right now

The guy who seems a touch arrogant in this particular photo got so arrogant yesterday that he was told to go home. Not to the locker room. Home. source
 

27 Jun 2009 11:50

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World: Afghanistan’s cash crop, opium, won’t get destroyed anymore

opium0627
  • During the Bush administration, those fighting in Afghanistan fought the war on drugs head-on by destroying opium poppy plants – a huge cash crop in the country. The Obama administration is reversing this policy, letting these beautiful, drug-riddled plants live, but investing hundreds of millions in new crops that don’t get you high. But what’s the fun in that?source

27 Jun 2009 11:07

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Politics, U.S.: Mark Sanford’s wife, Jenny: “Not only will I survive, I’ll thrive.”

  • Am I O.K.? You know what? I have great faith and I have great friends and great family. We have a good Lord in this world, and I know I’m going to be fine. Not only will I survive, I’ll thrive.
  • Jenny Sanford • On her husband, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford’s, admission that he had been cheating on her with a woman in Argentina. She’s a strong individual just like Sanford. She is scorned woman. Hear her roar. • source

27 Jun 2009 10:55

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Culture: Michael Jackson’s autopsy: Inconclusive. Wait for toxicology.

  • Another 4-to-6 weeks (at least) of lack of clarity. The autopsy of Michael Jackson, who was reported to have been injected with narcotic painkillers shortly before his death, has proven inconclusive. That means, yes, weeks of speculation of 24-hour news channels await us until we possibly learn the truth about what happened. Unless, you know, the toxicology reports also come up inconclusive. In which case, we’re screwed. source