US deficit may pose 'global risk'. The IMF warns that a weakening dollar and US deficits could have serious effects on the American and world economies. [BBC News | Business | World Edition]

But we keep hearing how it is benign. All the time. Rrom the Treasury secretary.  11:15:50 PM    

HP to deliver iPod-based players. Apple's desire to see the iPod remain the leader in the digital music player market got a big push on Thursday when Apple and HP announced that they have formed a strategic alliance to deliver HP-branded digital music players based on the iPod. The news came at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. [MacCentral]

Wow. This could be exciting news. Not just the selling iPods but that HP will preinstall iTunes on their computers. This would only expand Apple's software reach and could put a damper on Microsoft. MS may have too many constraints on them from various consent agreements to retaliate. Could be an interesting summer.   9:43:16 PM