Google, Microsoft Get Seats On Obama Science Council (IT Channel News by CRN)

President Barack Obama Monday said he would seek to revitalize the U.S.' federal commitment to science and technology, pledging 3 percent of the U.S.' gross domestic product to scientific research, education and development.

Addressing the National Academy of Sciences, Obama also announced the members of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), a group of 20 that includes Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Microsoft's chief research and strategy officer, Craig Mundie.

How To Overhype Your Search Engine
(Search Engine Land)

After covering search for 13 years, I’m more than a little jaded. I’ve seen any number of search start-ups promise to revolutionize how we search. None of them have in the huge way they’ve promised, other than Google — and it’s a special case. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been watching Wolfram Alpha walk the same hype path so many have followed before. So I thought I’d offer a little advice, for what it’s worth. Here’s how to set your search service up for a disappointing fall.

1) Fail to brief those in the know
2) Use controlled demonstrations
3) Claim you’re the “next Google” or fail to set expectations
4) Trot out big names with no connection to search
5) Offer me or anyone an “exclusive” to break your launch