In Nature magazine’s free on-and-offline edition about scientific computing, you can read an article by Vernor Vinge which examines the impact of MMORPGs and other ‘virtual worlds’ on the way we think, work and play. The material resonates nicely with his forthcoming novel, ‘Rainbows End’.

It’s amazing what people are doing with the Google Maps API. I’m really digging the Flood Maps, which show you where the water would be if the seas rise by anywhere from 0 to 14 meters. Looks like 8 meters is the sweet spot for me — so far as I can tell, that puts my condo right on the new beach. (Too bad the new beach will consist primarily of a submerged 101 freeway.) Before you have too much fun with the map, keep in mind that the default setting of 7 meters is how much the oceans will likely rise if Greenland’s ice pack melts completely. Greenland’s ice pack is already melting (albeit slowly).

Interesting article from professional contrarian Cringely, whose reading of the budgetary tea leaves leads him to the conclusion that the boom in Homeland Security funding went to personnel before the IT investment could be made. All those companies who were counting on Homeland Security dollars to kick start their technology projects may be left out in the cold.

Lists? We can do lists. Fast Company tells us what they’ve thought of next (link courtesy of futurewire) and MIT Technology Review offers its top 10 emerging technologies (via GeekPress).

The Beastie Boys are releasing a concert film/documentary called Awesome; I Fucking Shot That! on March 31, with a special showing event on March 23. Most of the footage in Awesome is shot by fans who were given cameras by the Beastie Boys for the movie. Worldchanging’s write up is well worth reading.