Around the Web 5.19.08

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Microsoft said Sunday that it was talking with Yahoo again, though this time about a deal that falls short of a full acquisition. Though it wouldn’t rule that out either. Today rumors percolate -- again -- that Microsoft is interested in buying Facebook. But seriously, who isn’t? As Microsoft tries to decide its next move, CNET’s Dan Farber walks us through its options.

Federal authorities say they broke up an international crime ring that used phishing attacks to steal personal information, the AP reports.

Electronic Arts again extended its $2-billion takeover offer for Take-Two Interactive, maker of ‘Grand Theft Auto IV.’ CNET’s Daniel Terdiman says the final-deadline, OK-not-really game that EA is playing hurts the company’s street cred.

From the computer screen to the TV: ABC has picked up an online sitcom, which had run on Microsoft’s MSN, as a midseason replacement. The show features Jenny McCarthy and Leah Rimini.

David Colker reviews two canine GPS gadgets, for the dog who’s always on the go -- without permission.

Have strong feelings about your doctor? Lots of people are turning to the Web to post reviews of their physicians, Shari Roan writes.

Apple is trying to get the record labels to sell more music as ringtones through iTunes, the NYT’s Bits blog says, quoting anonymous sources.

AOL closed its $850-million acquisition of social networking site Bebo.

-- Chris Gaither