Thursday, April 08, 2004
Best Wishes
I'm stepping away from this blog. It's been fun and very instructive working on it. But it was conceived as a family group activity and hasn't become that. Thanks to everyone who came by to visit, and especially to those who took the time to contribute to the blog.
Google Email (continued)
Ben writes:
Incidentally, Blogger (which was recently bought by Google) doesn't charge me anything to provide this blog, but it does include advertising - which is so unobtrusive that you may never have noticed it. If they're placing ads according to the content of this blog, I have to wonder how they decided hefcar visitors might be interested in gay radio - the subject of one of the ads at the top of today's page.
Update: Oh, I get it - both ads are for radio which I've mentioned in several blog entries. So, we have in front of us an example of computer analysis of content and consequent placement of 'appropriate' advertising.
I checked the link about Google's new email service you mentioned the other day; I plan to sign up as soon as it's available. But here's something that might slow the bandwagon. Interestingly, I found the link through Google News.Over the years many of us have gradually accepted the notion of pay-TV, but the idea of paying for internet content is a different matter. We want everything to be FREE, like broadcast TV (if you don't count being subjected to commercials and subscription drives as payment of a sort). Google proposes offering what sounds like a huge improvement over Yahoo email and hotmail - more storage space than you'll need in a lifetime plus improved 'searchability' to put your finger on something you wrote or was written to you six months ago. All for free. The downside: Google's computers will scan your email content and attach advertisements keyed to that content. What immediately comes to mind: Your customers receive email from you with ads for your competitors attached, or you express your political views and ads for groups espousing opposite views are attached to your email. Not a pretty thought. Also: Deleting your emails will not delete them from Google's computers. All of which is food for thought. But already hordes of do-gooders have risen up to argue that you shouldn't have a choice in the matter - that Google simply shouldn't be allowed to offer this service to the public. I'd be interested in a pay version of Google email - which hasn't been mentioned but seems likely. I currently pay Yahoo for extra email services like increased storage space. A byproduct of paying Yahoo is that my email doesn't include the little Yahoo plug which free version Yahoo email tacks on the end of each email.
Incidentally, Blogger (which was recently bought by Google) doesn't charge me anything to provide this blog, but it does include advertising - which is so unobtrusive that you may never have noticed it. If they're placing ads according to the content of this blog, I have to wonder how they decided hefcar visitors might be interested in gay radio - the subject of one of the ads at the top of today's page.
Update: Oh, I get it - both ads are for radio which I've mentioned in several blog entries. So, we have in front of us an example of computer analysis of content and consequent placement of 'appropriate' advertising.
Eggs and bunnies
If you thought Annie's egg cartoon wasn't eggs-actly appropriate for Easter, what will you make of this game?
Face it
Were you ever trying to describe someone and wished you had a police artist to help you? Go here.
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Hey, Jimmy !
Click this photo if you dare
Yo! Jimmy! Happy B-Day, Man.
Three eggs were sitting at a bar
Annie wants to egg you into an Easter mood with this.
14 Years
(Click to enlarge)
It's fourteen years ago that Bob and Maura tied the knot and threw a shindig at the Drake Hotel to celebrate. How time does fly.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
From Ireland
Received a wonderfully chatty newsletter from my dad's sister, auntie Mona, in which she filled us in on all sorts of family happenings, including a wedding in Paris with a honeymoon in South Africa - these Irish really know how to do things. She enclosed a news clipping marking my cousin Liam's son James' graduation with a law degree from a London university.
Marie and James Carr and their mother Breeda (Click to enlarge)
I have to confess I last saw these youngsters in 1989, since which they've changed a bit.
Marie, aunt Mae Carr, James, Delia and Raymond (Click to enlarge)
Marie and James Carr and their mother Breeda (Click to enlarge)
I have to confess I last saw these youngsters in 1989, since which they've changed a bit.
Marie, aunt Mae Carr, James, Delia and Raymond (Click to enlarge)
Monday, April 05, 2004
Happy Birthday, Jan
Alexis and Jan (Click Photo)
Younger than Springtime, Jan. Happy Trailering/kayaking !!
Blogging for Peace in Ireland
Here's an article about how blogging is affecting political discourse in Northern Ireland, and this is the author's own blog.
Smoky Mts
If you have a dsl or cable internet connection - or a whole lot of patience - here's a photo blog full of gorgeous pictures taken in the Smoky Mountains.
Update: The Smoky Mountain blogger has relocated for a new job and has closed the blog.
Sunday, April 04, 2004
Spring
(Click photo to enlarge)
This photo, taken from space a month ago, made it look like we might all fall victim to a new ice age. But now, even frigid Wayzata, Minnesota, is out of the deep freeze and expecting temperatures in the sixties the next few days. We've tricked the sun into setting an hour later. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the children are laughing. Think spring.
