Lou Page

Giving Google a Little Latitude

Google has launched Latitude, a new feature for Google Maps that runs as an iGoogle gadget on your computer or mobile phone. Latitude allows you to know the precise, up to the minute location of your friends, and, they in turn get to know your location.

Latitude is Google’s attempt to get social with its map feature. Consider this from the Official Google Blog:

And with Latitude, not only can you see your friends’ locations on a map, but you can also be in touch directly via SMS, Google Talk, Gmail, or by updating your status message; you can even upload a new profile photo on the fly. It’s a fun way to feel close to the people you care about.

Of course, it seems that privacy will be a major concern and Google has done a good job of allowing you to see who gets to see where you are.

Is this a service that appeals to you? Is it a good or bad idea? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Meet Rex the Wonder Dog

If you haven’t seen this before, then meet Rex the Wonder Dog. This is a truly amazing and creative video. The best part, it was done with a bunch of regular stuff that you probably around the house combined with a huge dose of creativity.

Rex has become quite a phenomena with his own fan club, music album, and newsletter.

Enjoy!

Time for Congress to Rejuvenate America’s Appetite for Sex?

“It’s time for congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America.” At least that’s the opinion of Hustler Magazine Publisher, Larry Flint.

According to Flint and Joe Frances, the CEO of Girls Gone Wild, the American Porn industry has been hurt by the recent economic downturn. Their solution? According to CNN.com is to as congress for a $5 Billion dollar bailout of the adult entertainment industry.

In the article, these men agree that the porn industry isn’t in any real danger but reason that “People are too depressed to be sexually active…”

My opinion?

• That hat the last thing America needs is someone promoting expansion of the porn industry.
• That this is a really, really stupid idea.
• That they probably have about a 50-50 chance of getting the $5 Billion from Congress.

I’d love to hear what you think about this, shout it out in the comments below.

Five Easy Steps for Your Computer’s 3000 Mile Check-up

Is your computer slowing down? Wish it had the same zip that you experienced when you first took it out of the box?

Here are some easy maintenance tips to help keep your computer running at peek performance.

1. Remove dust that has accumulated in your computer.
2. Deal with the clutter of temporary files and cookies that accumulate over time.
3. De-fragment your hard drive.
4. Update virus and spyware programs and run the scan.
5. Make any needed software and hardware updates.

If you keep up on all these things; every 3,000 miles or in computer terms, every six months your computer will be running just like the day that you took it out of the box.

Here’s an easy to understand video that explains the process.

Texting for Info – Google SMS

If you can send a text message, you can access the power of Google right from your mobile phone – no computer needed. When you are on the road it’s super easy to find the phone number to a restaurant, movie times, or just to see your favorite team’s score, just use your cell phone to text Google (46645).

Of course, this works best if you have unlimited text messaging; however, event if your cell phone company charges you to send and receive text messages, getting answers back quickly and accurately. Using Google SMS is dead simple.

1. Simply text message your search query to 466453 (spells “GOOGLE” on most phones)
2. In a few minutes you will receive a text message back with your results.
3. There is no step three!

You can even text for help if you need it. For a list of useful shortcuts and tips, text message “help” to 466453 (”GOOGLE”).

Google SMS can provide residential phonebook listings, dictionary definitions, product prices, zip and area code lookups, and even do mathematical calculations.

If that’s not enough for you, you can also convert currency, get directions, translate words, get weather forecasts.

Recommended Actions:

1. Add 466453 (”GOOGLE”) to your text contact list.
2. Practice by texting the word “weather” followed by your zip
3. Visit Google SMS
4. Visit the Google SMS FAQ Page.
5. View the introductory video below:

Tithing Rap Video

I struggle with the way some churches teach about giving. So naturally I had some serious doubts that a bunch of white guys doing a “rap” about tithing.

But I think you’ll agree that these guys are really funny. You have to appreciate how they took a risk and took a light-hearted approach to what can be a tough topic. Besides that, they are pretty good dancers too.

Lesson learned: You can get a serious point across with a little humor. What do you think? Shout out your thoughts in the comment section below.