And if that wasn't creepy enough, try listening to this radio program from NPR. Apparently, a lot more than just email has been checked out - and not just by computers.

If you still think that large blinking banners are ok and better than having your "privacy" invaded, try visiting hotmail with an anti-spyware/adware program set to alert you when a web site tries to install spyware or adware on your computer. I did this the very last time I used hotmail and discovered that one of the obnoxious banners or pop-ups was trying to install spyware on my computer.

I'm glad that Google has been kind enough to not assume I'm a desperate single guy who needs a dating service ("She's waiting for you!"). Or that I actually think I can shoot the lobster to win an iPod. Or that I'm comfortable reading my mail with a near-seizure-inducing strobing banner right next to it. Furthermore, I'm really glad that they have a smart spam filter that diables links in those emails that are phishing for my account info. Thank you Google!