Blackboard has acquired its biggest rival, WebCT, and will almost certainly have a huge monopoly in online learning in the next couple of years. I like Blackboard’s product, but this is only bad news for online learning, because Blackboard will jack up their prices on you as soon as they get the chance.

Perhaps online learning will mirror the general condition of our country and spiral downward. I think even Bush has the feeling that he’s plummeting. (And if he lands safely, you can drag him off the edge and watch him fall more.)