Pointers: Recommended Reading

Source: Mark Drapeau, a fellow at the Center for Technology and National Security Policy at the National Defense University, discusses his recent work exploring the potential defense applications for social-networking technology.The research project, known as Social Software for Security, aims to examine the available technologies and their uses across government and identify potential obstacles to the military’s use of them.Ultimately, Drapeau’s team will provide Defense Department leaders with recommendations for developing an overall strategy for deploying social software that has national security uses.Source: Students starting college this year will take a lot for granted that their parents probably find amazing, including Global Positioning System devices, electronic tax filing and the Hubble space telescope. For most members of the class of 2012, these modern-day wonders have been around as long as they can remember, according to the annual mind-set list published by Beloit College. The list highlights the cultural touchstones that shape the lives of students entering college, according to the list’s site. Also on the list: karaoke machines, the movie "Home Alone," Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and, of course, wizard Harry Potter.Source: With more employees looking to work from home because of rising gas prices and other factors, ComputerWorld interviewed human-resources experts and information technology managers about the complexities of telework.Experts say employers should consider a handful of key issues, one of which is the exit strategy. Employees need to understand that any telework arrangement is subject to change, one manager said. One solution is to set an expiration date.Other issues to consider: part-time vs. full-time telecommuting, performance measures, and telework and collaboration.Source: Time magazine reports on the emergence of social-networking sites designed for pets. Not pet owners, but pets.A case in point: Doggyspace.com, a social-networking site with almost 700,000 pooches — with a little help from their owners — contributing photos, videos and blogs. In the near future, canine members will be able to form groups and forums.Unlike other pet-oriented sites, the owners take a backseat on Doggyspace, said Levi Thornton, Doggyspace's founder and chief executive officer. "It's all about the dog."Another canine-oriented technology expert makes the case that dogs "are natural social-networking beasts."