Archive for July 29th, 2003
Pentagon axes online terror bets
by Dave Wilson on Jul.29, 2003, under Uncategorized
I applaud the Pentagon for its decision not to go ahead with an online terror attack betting system. The system was supposed to provide insight into possible terrorist attacks and assassinations by allowing people to buy futures contracts on various scenarios. The thinking seems to have been that if a spike is seen on a particular contract, it may be an indication that those in the know are trying to make money before carrying out the dastardly deed itself.
This plan looks strangely similar to an illegal scheme reported on CNN recently (sorry – I can’t find the link) where web sites were taking bets on the date particular government officials would die. The punter choosing the closest date won the pot. The idea here, however, was to encourage assassination by building up a “reward” which the perpetrator could claim.
Another customer announcement
by Dave Wilson on Jul.29, 2003, under Uncategorized
Another product containing our chips and software has hit the market in the UK. Look for the Packard Bell-branded FreeView boxes in your local electronics retailer.












