I found this on Digg today and it’s the most powerful thing I’ve stumbled upon on the web in quite some time. This isn’t for the faint of heart as some of these images are very graphic. Below is a sample of some of those images, but you should visit the site to read the descriptions accompanying the photos.

At an ATDC brown bag recently, Josh Hallet quipped that “Google isn’t a search engine, it’s a reputation management tool.” More and more corporations are using the web, and in particular the search results in Google, to maintain their reputation. A recent WSJ article (subscription required) entitled “You’re a Nobody Unless Your Name Googles Well” made it clear the importance of Google search results for individuals as well.

For example, take Ted Stevens a republican senator from Alaska. During the net neutrality debate, Senator Stevens spoke of the Internet being a “series of tubes” and that one of his staff sent him “an internet” that didn’t arrive until days later. You can watch the video here. Stevens was ridiculed in the blogosphere and technology circles for his statements and lack of knowledge of the Internet.

Now, suppose you are an Alaska citizen who wants to learn about your senator. You do a Google search on “ted stevens.” This is what you get:

The third result is what many would expect to be the first, Stevens’ senate website. But, the first two are Wikipedia entries, one of which is dedicated to the “series of tubes” speech. This must be a thorn in the side of Stevens and his staff and it illustrates the power Google and other digital entities have in forming people’s opinions.

Beyond Google, think of the current, so-called transparent generation that are now graduating from college and searching for their first jobs. Employers now have Facebook, MySpace and other online diaries to search through to learn more about applicants. Did you blog about that one crazy night? Well, the company you just applied to knows all about it … and you’re not getting the job.

Was listening to a TWiT podcast which led me to a pretty funny video about the Internet crashing by the Onion:

Bacteria that was extracted by scientists from the oldest known ice on earth is alive and growing. This means that ancient bacteria and viruses will come back to life as ice melts around the world as the globe heats up. Scientists say not to worry as they believe these viruses would not pose a threat to humans. I find it fascinating that this could be accomplished. It makes me feel better for having watched Encino Man too many times as a kid.