TechCrunch offers up a handy-dandy idiots guide to getting some blog-love.

Looks like the rumors are all true…bloggers can’t keep anything a secret.

According to Cnet…

eBay plans to pay $1.3 billion in cash and $1.3 billion in stock to the global communications company. It has agreed to hand over up to an extra $1.5 billion, for a total payout of more than $4 billion, if Skype meets certain financial targets by 2008, according to a presentation to investors on Monday morning.

How does Skype fit in with eBay’s model, I hear you ask?

When the deal is complete, eBay hopes to integrate the service with its e-commerce operations, allowing buyers and sellers to communicate through VoIP.

According to his own blog, Scott Rafer is stepping down as CEO of Feedster and will be taking on some new projects.

The best of luck to him.

Hat-tip SE Watch.

InformationWeek has five questions every company should ask, before installing Google Enterprise.

According to Reuters, the Thai military is concerned that Google’s satellite imagery of government buildings could lead to attacks.

The Thai military will discuss the issue with telecommunications and security agencies before approaching Google and other companies that provide similar services, Armed Forces spokesman Maj. Gen Weerasak Manee-in said.

“We are looking for possible restrictions on these detailed pictures, especially state buildings,” Weerasak told Reuters. “I think pictures of tourist attractions should do.”

Riiiight. Maybe they could also have the telephone number de-listed too! Next the French will prevent Google from showing images of Paris, claiming it’s hurting their tourist industry.

One of the last remaining details of the Google/Geico lawsuit have been settled, ahead of a Wednesday deadline that would have seen both companies back in the courts.

Google’s not out of the woods yet…

Google’s advertising challenges still faces trademark threats in lawsuits filed by another insurer, AXA Group, and Plymouth, Mich.-based American Blind and Wallpaper.

So Google still faces many lawsuits, but I have good news…..ok, I won’t go there.

CNet has the best summary of today’s closing arguments in the ongoing Google/Microsoft law suit.

The more you read about it, the more you can read between the lines that really Microsoft just hates Google and wants to mess with their plans. By hiring Lee, Google gave Microsoft the perfect opportunity to do just that.