Ashton Kutcher Chanllenges CNN to a Twitter Contest

Popular host of MTV's "Punk'd" and actor of "That 70's Show", Ashton Kutcher has challenged CNN on website to see who will get 1 million tweets first. If Ashton Kutcher wins he will "ding dong" the president of CNN house. It does not say what will happen if Kutcher loses the contest.

I think this a publicity stunt on Kutcher part, which he is known for(just look at "Punk'd"). However it will be good publicity for CNN and getting more people to watch them.

IBM Roar into Business Consulting

IBM is known for their software development for a range of job specifics such accounting booking, system analysis, and high level system diagrams. Since the economy is not looking to change anytime soon, IBM has embarked on a new business venture to stay a float. This business venture is consulting. Consulting is helping a client with a particular need or problem. This is done analyzing what is going on their system or process and giving them a solution for a fee. Their consulting department is broken down into three sections business intelligence software, data-mining software, and business-process optimization software.

IBM has gotten creative with expanding their business during the recession. I think other businesses should look at what IBM did to expand their businesses beyond the normal services to survive

Bringing Smart Energy Home

There are companies are producing wireless electronic meters. These are placed in home to monitor energy consumption. It monitors a variety of the things such electricity meter outside. Also since the monitor will be hooked up on a wireless network, it operate entertainment system, roast a turkey, and control the thermostat.

I think this is a wonderful invention, which will help protect the environment. I hope that these companies will make low cost so that everyone will be able to have one.

"Can a 'smart grid' turn us on to energy efficiency?"

The government have been researching possible ways to conserve energy and find new ways to generate and regulate energy. The researchers proposed incorporating a "smart grid". "Smart grid" is a digital distribution system. This system distributes electricity, while eliminating waste and improving reliability. The "smart grid" would also give alternative fuel suppliers business opportunities.

Within in the "smart grid" system, a "smart meter" will be used to give customers advice on how to reduce their electricity bill as well as the ability to see electronically how much electricity has been consumed.

I think this is a wonderful idea, because it providing a solution to on-going issue of how to conserve the natural resources used to provide electricity and finding alternatives to providing electricity. Also with today's economy it help with utility costs, but it's just my opinion let me know what you think.

Natasha
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/01/eco.smartgrid/index.html