Luddites or Privacy Champions?

http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php/201115/7038/Google-announces-Street-View-retreat-in-Germany

Google announces Street View retreat in Germany

by Steven Mostyn - Apr 11 2011, 12:28

Having only last week seen its contentious Street View service slapped down in Switzerland, search titan Google has now decided to abandon the German version of the interactive mapping tool.

That’s according to online blog Search Engine Land, which reports that Germany’s existing Street View content will remain accessible to users but will receive no further updates as Google’s iconic camera cars depart the country.

Google’s decision to yank its vehicles may be viewed as somewhat odd, not least because the Berlin State Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the search giant after a German woman challenged Street View for invading her privacy and that of her family.

However, the Germans have been fairly resistant to the appearance of Street View’s camera cars, with almost 250,000 residents and businesses having taken advantage of an opt-out clause presented by Google—which results in entire locations being blurred from view via the online service.

...including Kindergartners!

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20052512-71.html

Schools supe: iPad more important than a book

The iPad has enjoyed more than its fair share of hyperbole since its launch.

However, perhaps the praise heaped upon it by a school superintendent from Auburn, Maine, might represent the pinnacle (thus far, at least).

CNN and WGME reported that every elementary public school student in Auburn, Maine, will be getting a new iPad 2.

The iPad will become a permanent tool of learning for these children.

But perhaps those who haven't quite kept up with technology's pace will be perturbed at one comment made by Auburn schools Superintendent Tom Morrill. For he declared that the iPad is "even more important than a book."

The difference between vision and hallucination?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx2Slxp0TkM

The Essay