quid.pro

Michael Jackson's Death Wreaks Web-Traffic Havoc

From Digits on WSJ.com

On Google, more than half of the top 100 searches were related to him as of midday Friday. People searched for lyrics of his most popular songs, especially “Thriller,” “Man in the Mirror” and “Billie Jean.” Google News users had a tough time getting search results for “Michael Jackson” between 2:40 and 3:15 p.m. PST Thursday, sometimes reaching an error page because of the torrent of traffic.

How To Save The Newspapers, Vol. XII: Outlaw Linking

From TechCrunch

Of all the misguided schemes put forth lately to save newspapers (micropayments! blame Google!), the one put forth by Judge Richard Posner has to be the most jaw-dropping. He suggests that linking to copyrighted material should be outlawed.

Wilco and moon

Facebook Click Fraud 101

From TechCrunch

Our posts earlier this week about the alarming amount of click fraud at Facebook left more than a few unanswered questions. The problem is real and was confirmed by Facebook. But what wasn’t clear is exactly how or why it was happening. Now, after we’ve interviewed a number of advertisers and fraudsters, we know exactly how and why they are doing it.

Happy New Year Bordeaux

It's not embeddable but check out this video from Zach Quinto's website. Especially good for Heroes fans.

Controlling weight key to Sandoval's prowess

From SFGiants.com

While his teammates were quietly grabbing their postgame grub and packing up for home after Monday's defeat, turning up the volume on the stereos and settling any unfinished business from their dominoes games after Tuesday's victory, Sandoval could be seen, win or lose, pushing one leg in front of the other on the exercise bike.

For the naturally fullback-sized Sandoval, that means headphones on ears and sweat pouring off his face, even after going 1-for-3 with an RBI double and playing nine innings at third base, as he did Tuesday. It's all a part of the routine to keep his playing weight static.

Sabean Wants Bats, Won't Deal Yet

From MLBTradeRumors.com

According to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News Giants GM Brian Sabean knows what he wants to trade for, he just doesn't expect to acquire anybody until the days leading up to the July 31st trade deadline. Few teams are completely out of the race, so Sabean said he expects a late-developing market.

Amazon Warns Calif. Lawmakers on Sales Tax Bill

From WSJ.com

Amazon.com Inc. sent a letter to California legislators on Monday threatening to end its business with marketing affiliates in the state if legislation passes forcing the Seattle e-commerce company to collect sales tax from California customers.

The letter follows similar threats Amazon made last week in North Carolina and Hawaii, after those states moved closer to passing legislation that would force e-commerce companies to collect tax if they have online marketing affiliates – people who get a sales commission from links on their own Web sites – in the state. Amazon won't say how many people are in its affiliates program.

Kate Moss Destroys The Kills

From Strangeglue.com

Kate Moss has been guilty of crimes against music before, this time though, the claims go distinctly less metaphorical.

While staying in a hotel with her boyfriend and front-man of The Kills Jamie Hince, the two of them got into an argument which resulted in her throwing his bag into a nearby swimming pool.

Clear no more

Bummer... I was really starting to enjoy cutting in line.