Internet Pizza

Why is it that every time a new networked gizmo or feature is introduced, they include the feature - often standalone or dedicated - to order pizza? Related to this, if pizza is the best feature/killer app, the product is pretty much doomed.

Malus

Awesome word. As a potential deduction from a bonus, UBS executives may get a "malus". But, of course, I don't think it can result in a number lower than zero. http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/no-bonuses-for-top-ubs-executives/

TiVo this

Why don’t broadcasters include a link on their program websites to “TiVo this”? I understand that they would prefer not to have viewers skip through commercials. But, at the same time, I think they would prefer that: (i) it be their shows that are skipped and (ii) make the televisions automatically tune into the show on the chance that the viewer is watching live. And, perhaps, they could embed in the privacy policy something that allows them to get more finegrained insights into the viewer’s habits (but still not disclosing identity, etc.).

honey pots

How do unprotected PCs get infected by viruses "mere seconds" after being connected to the internet? Are there computers just shooting around the internet looking for open ports? Isn't this flood somewhat obvious (and shouldn't identification of the source allow at least the zombie computer to be disconnected)? And, finally, when my firewall is down for a second (switching, as it often seems to, between Norton and Windows firewall), is my machine getting zapped?

school buses and voting machines

Just noting that both are generally of poor quality in the U.S. because both are chosen and paid for by governmental units that are often small and not professionalized (school districts and municipalities). It's a testament to the generally high level of ethics and quality in the U.S. that either of these things work at all given the handicaps in the selection process.

AT&T wi-fi access for iPhone owners

Finally, after several false starts, we get the formal announcement of free wi-fi for iPhone users at AT&T wi-fi hotspots. Justifying AT&T's default hijacking of my wi-fi settings to treat "attwifi" as a trusted network and breaking my 3G connection as I pass five Starbucks on the way to work.

But, of course, it's not all sunshine and light - logging in is a multi-step, daily process so I can't skip from node to node as I walk past the quintet.

Someone needs to write an app that automates the login process ASAP.

Break The Glass

According to this Bloomberg article, Goldman seems to have been aware of the break-the-glass plan from at least the beginning of 2008 as they already had Federal Reserve representatives on the premises in March 2008. I guess it wasn't so secret after all? And how was it shocking news when Goldman and Morgan became bank holding companies at the end of September. And, finally, why wasn't Lehman given permission when asked a few weeks earlier?

"The contingency planning to become a commercial bank had been under way since March, after the collapse of Bear Stearns Cos. sent shivers through Wall Street. That's when Federal Reserve inspectors set up camp at the firm's 85 Broad St. headquarters, a sign of things to come."