THE SECOND TIME AS FARCE

“Tragedy purges the mind of trivia.”

Noted technofruitopian George Gilder, who also believes that Microsoft’s blue screen of death is the greatest technological threat to mankind, Gilder.org, 17 September 2001

ONE RING TO RULE THEM ALL

“We don’t believe that Microsoft or any one company will be the only authorization provider on the Internet.”

Microsoft executive Brian Arbogast, on the company’s plan to open its Passport system to other website-registration schemes, and in the darkness bind them, in the land of Redmond where the servers lie, News.com, 19 September 2001

FLY THE ENDLY SKIES

“In light of last week’s tragedies, we believe our early booking levels are an encouraging indication of the resilience of the American spirit.”

Expedia CEO Richard Barton, attempting to put a positive spin in the air as his site’s flight sales fell by two-thirds, TheStreet.com, 18 September 2001

THE LONG BOOM

“We have much to do and much to ask of the American people. You will be asked for your patience, for the conflict will not be short.”

U.S. President George W. Bush, on conducting a drawn-out fight in the age of instant gratification, CNN.com, 15 September 2001

GO EAST, YOUNG GEEK

“The New York American Red Cross is in dire need of technology equipment and services.”

Joe Leo, assistant director of the American Red Cross, on the urgent need for techies and computers in New York City to keep relief workers from drowning in paperwork, Wired News, 14 September 2001