Blabble natural language weblog search

Internet Retailer has an article about Blabble, a weblog search company that incorporates natural language processing when parsing weblogs. Blabble just entered its public beta stage on Monday. Take a look at a report for Bourne Supremacy for a better idea of what Blabble is offering that is different than Feedster or Technorati.

The software can search the database for relevant words, phrases, and even within defined time frames to gauge how often bloggers referred to a product by hour, day, week and more. It also can search for the same idea as expressed by phrases composed of different language. It encompasses a “tone engine” that, for example, ranks adjectives and descriptions on a scale to determine the degree of a blogger’s negative or positive feeling about the product or service being discussed.

Congressman Ed Shrock quits over weblog accusations

Ed Schrock, United States Congressman for Virginia’s 2nd District, announced yesterday he would not seek a third term in November. He faced homosexual allegations that surfaced on weblogs such as Michael Rogers’ blogACTIVE. He received a 100 percent rating from the Christian Coalition in 2002 and was one of 233 lawmakers who supported the Marriage Protection Act. The 63-year-old Schrock is married and has one son. Ed Shrock not seeking a third term is the first instance I know of where webloggers have pushed someone out of federal office. Trent Lott is often cited as an example of the power of the blogosphere but Ed Schrock appears to be the first big affect at the federal level.

Apple announces new iMac design

iMac

Apple announced the new 17″ and 20″ G5 iMac this morning. 1.6GHz or 1.8GHz PowerPC G5, widescreen LCD, and a NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics card.

This computer is just what the “it just works” families have been waiting for. I know this computer will make my parents happy and cut down on a lot of office clutter. Add a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for a complete wireless experience you can tuck in a drawer when not in use.

The biggest issue Apple needs to overcome is the price difference over a starter Dell. I priced a Dell Dimension 2400 this morning with a 2.8GHz processor, 17″ LCD, DVD and CDRW combo, 80 GB hard drive, and 256 MB of RAM. $849 including a free printer, a difference of $450 or 53%. Will the style of the new iMac win over enough home customers in search of something that works?