IM Becoming Medium Of Choice

Instant messaging is overtaking email as the preferred way to communicate, especially among teens and young adults. Overall, IM's are up 19 percent year over year, with many Americans sending as many, if not more, IM's than they do emails, according to AOL's Instant Messaging Trends Survey.

MSN Supports Lazy Shoppers

Not about to sit on the sidelines as other websites reap the influx of online shopping, MSN announced a "new and improved" MSN Shopping service with new comparison shopping tools, links to free shipping, and services for procrastinators. And if Danny Bonaduce rehab TV has left you cold, "America's favorite mother," Shirley Jones will be at your service with gift ideas.

Net Access Could Be A Real Gas

For anyone who thinks blogs are a load of hot air, the next potential Internet connectivity option could make that a more realistic point of view; natural gas pipes will be the latest way to carry broadband signals.