Imagining the changes in the near future

I sometimes get discouraged, that the world is going into the sink. Then i find a site like WorldChanging, where it seems that some people actually are working together to make the world a better place for the future. While they do not show any technology that is 'outside the box', making the box work for those outside the U.S. and EU is an accomplishment as well.

the near future and data retention

Just saw a lecture about the near future, that is what we might be able to expect in the next twenty years or so. the main point was that data storage and retention will change how we view ourselves and the world. Please go and read, as it is very insightful.