Art - it is a delightful little NEW process called "deep packet inspection" DPI.

The UK tech rights folk are up in arms about about the clandestine experiments of 2006-08. It is insideous - as the ISP will gain revenue as the browsing database of individuals is "push marketed."

You might be noticing "phone calls for solicitation" after you open e-mail...these are "beacons" within your mail that let telemarketers know you are by the phone and what e-mail you opened.

This has gone below most of the US tech folks radar. My guess it will be in the public press about in time for "The Ides of March."

You can OPT OUT - my machine runs 10 times faster without "doubleclic" "google.ads" "akima" and a score of others ...

If you want more I can refer you to discussion groups and sites like Gibson Research.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

It is a brave new world.