It's been a while since I combed through the mailbox and shared a little of what Cringesters have been telling me outside the confines of this blog. Since I'm still a little sleepy from all that turkey (and possibly one or two liquid refreshments), this feels like as good a time as any. First, Cringesters have given a big thumbs up to the notion that Google's possible bid for a chunk of the wireless spectrum wil It’s been a while since I combed through the mailbox and shared a little of what Cringesters have been telling me outside the confines of this blog. Since I’m still a little sleepy from all that turkey (and possibly one or two liquid refreshments), this feels like as good a time as any.First, Cringesters have given a big thumbs up to the notion that Google’s possible bid for a chunk of the wireless spectrum will give the telecom fatcats a swift kick in their assets. R. J. writes:I’m ready to get on the bandwagon as soon as [Google] get the infrastructure in place, and hardware available…Consolidation is forcing me to convert to a CDMA carrier, versus my preferred GSM way of life. I’m past ready!Or, as Cringe fan O. D. succinctly writes, “Hell yes I would sign up.” One thing most Cringesters would not sign on for is the special “we’ll read your email for you so you don’t have to” service the NSA offers to certain ISP customers. But reader B. B. took exception to my ribbing of Deputy National Security Director Donald “Don’t call me Kemosabe” Kerr:I think you are pretending not to be as smart as you are. Mr. Kerr’s point, regardless of whether it actually justifies the data compilation (or spying, if you prefer), is that “people” are outraged about someone spying on them to obtain data, but are willing to give just about any data to just about anybody in support of their own self interests…. A supportable implication is that the the data itself, or who actually “gets” it, does not really matter and is not actually relevant to the issue. The only relevant issue is the “spying to get it” versus [the] “giving it freely” issue. In general, I find pretending to be stupid is an excellent way to mask actually being stupid. In this case, however, I would add that just because I gave my credit card number to Amazon doesn’t mean they can sell it to someone else. Same goes for my ISP and my email. It’s not theirs; it’s mine. But enough on that one. Finally, re my recent Gobbler Awards, J. G. writes with a simple question: “What, no turkey [award] for Vista?” Good point. But I’m thinking that when it comes to Microsoft OSes, another bird might be more appropriate: like goose, as in cooked. Got hot gossip or strong opinions? Share them below or email me here. Custom Cringe swag could be yours. Think you’ve got the right stuff to pass our tech quizzes? They’re not as easy as they look: • The InfoWorld News Quiz • Test Your Geek IQ • Test Your Network Security IQ Software DevelopmentSmall and Medium Business