I am reading Tom Friedman's book "The World Is Flat", which talks about the convergence of technology, capitalization of India, China and Eastern Europe and the lowering of trade barriers around the world. The net result of this convergence is a level playing field in which the notions of the nation-state and even the corporation become less important, and the notion of personal empowerment become more important.

For example, two hundred years ago, you might grow up, work, marry and die in the same community. This community is your "world" in effect and other countries have little influence on your life. This was the world where state and national boundaries dominated. Fifty years ago, you might have moved within your country, but would likely have stuck with one job and one company. This was the world where corporations dominated. Today, individuals are more likely to move between companies, careers and all over. There are many jobs where you have to justify your continued employment on a regular basis, lest your skills are determined obsolete or easier and cheaper to staff overseas.

Welcome to my blog on technology and education. I am currently a software developer and consultant living and working on Cape Cod. In the past I was also an educator and a scientist working for NASA. I started this website to have a conversation with my neighbors on the Cape, and I hope it serves to foster a greater sense of community for us year-rounders.

My blog will focus on technology and education trends, and I'll start with the latest news from Apple Computer, I mean Apple, Inc. Apple has, of course, officially changed its name, even though it's been clear for some time that they are more than just a computer company. To date, they have sold 2 billion songs on their iTunes store alone. As Steve Jobs said in his keynote address at MacWorld, they sell 5 million songs a day, which is 57 songs a second, every hour of the day.