The other problem is that having sufficient data to draw a proper curve, bell shaped or otherwise.

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In some ways, Google represents the internet-era equivalent of Bell Labs or Xerox PARC legendary corporate research outfits that shaped the evolution of technology in earlier periods.

ECONOMIST: The internet

Musicians play oboe-like ''suona, '' bell-shaped gongs and a variety of drums, while masked or unmasked dancers move farcically to the accompaniment.

UNESCO: Culture

Poll investors, amateur or professional, about the future and you will likely get a neatly-shaped bell curve of expected outcomes, with most respondents herding toward the perceived safety of the middle ground.

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