I am very much a believer in algorithmic approaches to problem-solving. The alternative (data-intensive approaches) is just too dumb and hard to work with. A good algorithm can accomplish so much more. Besides, I've always harped about the importance of process intensity (based on algorithms) and data intensity (based on data tables)
However, the algorithmic approach has its own particular problem: you can never be certain that it will produce results that are quite what you intended. You must be very careful in designing your algorithms to avoid this problem.
Google is one of the primary exponents of algorithm-driven approaches to computing, and I believe this fundamental philosophical outlook is a major factor in Google's success. However, there is one place where Google's algorithms fall a little short, with hilarious results. The Google news system picks out the best news stories to present to the viewer, and that story-picking algorithm is pretty good. However, it has another algorithm that picks a good image to accompany the story, and that algorithm has a few problems. I present here for your entertainment some of the better examples of this phenomenon, which I call "Google Bobbles".
"If we can't play our way, we won't play at all!"
Gee, that guy looks really, er...
Those insidious terrorists! Now they're using pretty girls!
Gee, I didn't know that either Edwards or Jesus was blonde.
No more Mr. Nice Guy with the protesters!
And you thought all terrorists had beards and dark skin.
"C'mon, kid, quit whining and chase those damn Easter Eggs!"
It's good to see that Democrats and Republicans are working together so well.
The End. Oblivion. Nothingness.
I bet it's just another one of those diplomatic games.
It seems those astronauts have been spiffing up the place.