February 2008

Frozen Grand Central from ImprovEverywhere on Vimeo.

I’m an avid user of Google Maps on my Blackberry.  It’s completely replaced 411 and it helps me get direction when I’m on the road.  With the last update Google added the ability to calculate my approximate location based on cell tower locations.  I love this feature because it shortens the amount of clicks to get driving directions.  What would be great, though, is if Google Maps could show you the locations of your friends.  Integrate it like they did with Google Reader.  The people on your Google Talk list would automatically show up on Google Maps in the browser and on your phone.  If a friend didn’t use Google Maps for a mobile device, then their location could be approximated via their IP.  How cool would that be!?

I don’t know if anyone knows.  But these people seem to have a decent understanding.

One of my good friends, Robert Dietrich is currently volunteering for the Peace Corps in Armenia.  He has started a blog to record his efforts from across the globe.  He helps small businesses develop within a rural city in Armenia.  I can’t imagine all the challenges he’s facing right now, but he’s doing it because he wants to “fight the good fight.”  He’s always had good heart and I applaud his efforts.  So, if anyone actually reads this please drop him a comment.  Also, if you can contribute something, he has a list of needs here.

DataPortability - Connect, Control, Share, Remix from Smashcut Media on Vimeo.
Finally!