Whether you believe global warming is causing extreme weather or you call Katrina and her siblings a fluke, the big money is against coastal development. Insurance companies, who require predictability in calamity, can no longer rely on laying statistically rigged bets. By refusing to insure they’re rendering expensive coastal property nearly worthless.

I’ve seen a lot of angst online about statistical software that will be used in Philadelphia to predict which parolees are more likely to kill, and thus more deserving of attention from their parole officers. I can’t get too worked up about its potential violation of civil liberties when a sex offender is branded, tracked and registered in perpetuity. [schneier]

A ship at sea is slowed by the friction of the water on the hull. Researchers are studying the effectiveness of a layer of bubbles coating the hull to reduce the drag. [slashdot]

Blogging from your mobile phone had an early and (to my way of seeing things) abortive surge in popularity a few years ago. It seems to be making a comeback, and with well-designed applications like Vox available, may be here to stay. [fark]

I am completely enamored of this boat that looks (and swims) like a dolphin. Somewhere between a personal submarine and a speedboat, it’s definitely what the cool geeks will be piloting. [digg]