There are several interesting topics covered in recent posts on the course blog. For starters, it’s looking like we can find examples pretty much everywhere of networks that behave according to the rules we learn in class. Students have found examples in everything from investing within one’s network in the financial industry to Republican party factions and presidential candidates.

I think this class is exciting primarily because it brings up so many interesting subjects. A few topics from the postings inspired me to look for further related readings. Students can feel free to use these for future blog post ideas.

On the matter of cell phone networks and how analog cell phone service is disappearing, read this article from BusinessWeek, The Dawn of Green Mobile Networks. According to the article, the number of cell phone subscribers in 2015 is expected to be 5 billion, up from the 3 billion users today. This will require new infrastructure in less developed, poorer areas. Using renewable sources of energy can allow a successful (and more sustainable) expansion of the mobile network.

One post talks about the Silicon Valley network and how and why it works. This article discusses the uniqueness of technology clusters within the global network of technology industries, and Seattle’s potential to be a new cluster.

A few students discussed mergers between existing online networks (MySpace/BBC and MonsterTrak/CSO). More about connecting over the web with a post about Friend-Of-A-Friend and one about other professional networking.

Check out this New York Times Freakonomics column about the affects of MySpace and social networking on society, with comments from quite knowledgeable people with interesting comments.

Finally, in the spirit of Valentines Day perhaps, a posting on monogamy compared to the Prisoner’s Dilemma. Check out this article from the Guardian to read more about fidelity versus infidelity as related to developing social intelligence and natural selection. Best quote? “animals that engage in monogamous pair-bonding… tend to have larger brains than promiscuous animals.” So if you’re smart, be faithful.