Google is not one to shy away from confrontation: rejecting US Government subpoenas, facing US Congressional finger-pointing for dealing with China and, just announced, opening a branch office in an area all too familar with hostility and conflict, Israel.

"Israelis are chronic searchers. The search is the main use they make of Internet, while for Americans, the main use of Internet is e-mail. The Israeli surfer adopts technologies faster...."

Is Google the modern-day Star Trek, boldly going where others have not?

Warp speed ahead!