100 blogs without GYM?

Scoble's trying to do 100 blogs without mentioning Google, Yahoo, or Microsoft.  He's now 25% of the way there, but I have to say that I prefer the GYM version of Scoble.  Blogging without mentioning GYM is like programming without for loops... or hockey without fights... or CHiPs without Eric Estrada.

Hmmm... maybe this is an opportunity for me.  Yes, I think I'll provide the GYM supply for that pent-up demand today.  My day in the sun.  Here goes...

Google today announced that they're offering Web Analytics for free.  This is the tool formerly known as Urchin that helps site managers better understand what folks are doing on their web sites.  It's always interesting to see the how Google monetizes their online products, in this case it's integration with AdWords to provide ROI metrics.

Yahoo! appears to be taking the month off, since they haven't put out a press release since October 18.  Good for them.  I think we all work too hard in this business.

In Microsoft news, looks like the Windows AntiSpyware folks have officially deemed the rootkit bit of the Sony/BMG DRM technology as potentially evil.  I've followed the IT security biz for a while, and I think this is a pretty big deal.  Concern over security has finally gotten to the point a major security software vendor can tell a major application vendor, "I'm sorry, but it's in all of our best interests that your software be removed from PCs." Not only that, but community sentiment seems to be firmly in the AntiSpyware folks' favor on this.

I also can't resist mentioning AOL's new "vintage" TV offering: all the "Welcome Back, Kotter," "Wonder Woman," and "Kung Fu" (and others) you can watch for free, as long as you're willing to tolerate 15 seconds commercial spots.  Man, I could never get tired of watching David Carradine burn those dragons onto his forearms with that hibachi thing.