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.

I stumbled upon this the other day. It’s a viral advertisement for Showtime’s Dexter. You enter some information and send a custom video to your friend. The video is a news segment at the scene of murder, the latest victim of a serial killer. The video has details linking the killer to your friend. Then, the video pans to a wall near the murder scene and written in blood is your friend’s name. It’s somewhat convincing and has probably scared a bunch of unsuspecting recipients. It’s a great example of viral advertising done correctly.

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

In 2004 I bought a Tivo and loved the ability to record TV and skip through commercials. Tivo recently annouced a new version of their product, the Tivo HD. It’s a pretty slick device that’s gotten some good reviews.

One thing, however, has always irked me about Tivos. They charge you a monthly subscription fee of $17. In return, they provide your Tivo with a programming schedule so it stays tuned to the programs you receive from your cable provider. Along with this service, they also send you promotions and advertisements.

I think it’s outrageous that they charge this monthly fee. What your Tivo needs each month in order to work is simply a listing of what shows are on what channels at what time. This information is available free on the Internet and from your cable company. Tivo is charging you $17 — that’s $5 more than basic cable from Comcast costs — for just the channel guide.

I’d like to see an open-source DVR based on Linux. This would allow users the freedom to build upon the DVR’s platform (think what this did for Facebook), and to distribute TV shows with mobile, PC or other devices. It would also prevent us from paying a $17 Tivo tax.

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.