In early December Microsoft Live Labs released Thumbtack, which is said to: “[use] machine learning and natural language techniques to understand the information you give it.” Looking through the interface one notices some interesting tools. Such as a gadget that creates plots based on attributes of the items you collect and a “Layout Gadget” that I assume creates layouts but currently appears to only work with IE7. Intelligent parsing of information, on demand analysis, visualization, there are great ideas here. The unaccomplished obstacle is how to allow users access to these in an intuitive and simple fashion.