Padd Solutions

I've heard of Google Buzz, but with much less time on my hands, I haven't taken the time to really dig into what all the 'buzz' was about. Today, it was released to the world.

Basically, it's Google's version of Twitter.

Like everything else with Google, there's a lot of integration across it's platform, and the very little I've played with it, I like it.

Facebook, Twitter, Picasa, YouTube, and Blogger are what I use most often; Google Buzz will probably join that list. What I like about the others is they're easily integrated, and I hope Buzz follows suit.

Facebook is great because 90% of my friends and family use it. Picasa and YouTube give me a place to post pictures and videos to add to my blog or link to my Facebook account.

Twitter's great because I can see what's going on with the world before it hits the airwaves (i.e. I found out about Michael Jackson's death before the news outlets jumped on board). Plus, it's a great source of information with links to relevant topics (i.e. politics, news, sports, etc.) beyond the typical mainstream sites. I like reading about healthcare from a source other than CNN, Fox News, or the Huffington Post.

With Twitter/Facebook integration, my tweets double as Facebook posts, so I can reach two audiences at once. Then my friends and family comment on Facebook, while other conversations get rolling on Twitter.

As you'll see in the video above, Google Buzz will be a fantastic tool with Google Maps integration, and the 'nearby' feature it offers, specifically in traffic situations as the example shows.

Twitter doesn't offer that level of integration, but it has it's own benefits.

Google Buzz seems the most sophisticated with location tagging which opens a world of possibilities. It would be great if I could buzz from my computer or phone and have my Facebook and Twitter status' updated with the same. Simple integration: that way, my posts get the relevant responses.

It'll be interesting to follow this technology and see where it goes.

...and if you haven't seen Google Goggles, you gotta check it out. With time and technology, this could be a fantastic tool!

I just put Olivia back to bed, and by the sounds on the baby monitor, she might be popping up again fairly quick. Instead of going to bed and waking up again, I'll just wait.

In the meantime, here are a few rumblings I've found on the web:

• In the market for a new cell phone? No matter which company you've chosen, here's a 'how to' guide to getting the best deal from people within the business.
  
  
• Nine out of every ten premium PC's sold at US retailers is a Mac. Apple's market share is growing and this article proves that people who have the money, buy a Mac.
  
  Anyone with a Mac already knows the only reasons people don't spend the money to purchase one is because (1) they've never used one, or (2) they don't have the money.
  
  If they have the money and are familiar with the operating system, they buy one... and never touch a PC again.
  
  
• There was a time when I said this would be my next phone. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to be coming to T-Mobile in the immediate future, and from the reports I read, it's a bit sluggish. I would be interested in purchasing the Nexus One from Google, but I'm limited on the plan I can choose.
  
  Because I'm looking for an Android phone from T-Mobile with a virtual keyboard that's aesthetically similar to the iPhone, my options are very limited. I don't like what's currently available to me.

...and my little girl's awake.

She's getting big, turning 6 months old yesterday.

I'm currently updating the registration on my Mustang. 

In Colorado, emissions testing is required before you can register your vehicle, and as you might expect, it's another shining example of our government at work. 

The office of motor vehicles comes next, and I'm certainly looking forward to spending half my day waiting in line.

Each experience I have with the government (federal, state, or local level) reminds me why I hope they never take control of health care. 

There's no one financially invested with hopes and dreams of improving the product, or making sure customer service is properly executed. No one cares, and the staff's performance proves it.

I challenge any liberal asking for governmental control to tell me they enjoy their experience at the DMV, social security office, or making a phone call to any other government entity. It's a pain, and everyone knows it.

Our healthcare system needs work - no one debates that point - but let's be real careful we don't put the wrong policies in place.

I've added a few videos of the little lady - some are interesting, some are not; either way, there's more.

We took a ride to Aberdeen, South Dakota for Rebecca's grandmother's funeral and captured a few short clips along the way.

Unfortunately, all the good stuff happens before the camera begins recording. As soon as I pull it out, she seems to stop.

Oh well. We'll make the best of it. To see the clips, click here.

In regards to Rebecca's grandmother, here's a link to her obituary. She was a fantastic lady, and we would all be so lucky to spend 92 years on this earth and accomplish what she was able to in her lifetime.

Life can't be a cakewalk all the time, right? It sure would be nice if it was, but it's fair to say "when it rains, it pours."

Rebecca has a tendency to kill the tires on my car. It's never her car - it's always mine. This morning was no different, as she woke me at 7:30am to tell me she was on the side of the road because she ran over something driving to work.

After a trip to Discount Tire, I replace the tire on my Mustang to find a screw in the tire of our Equinox. Now I'm back at the tire shop having it repaired.

Thankfully I don't work until 4:00 tonight.

My aunt, uncle, and cousins took a trip to Steamboat Springs for Christmas, and a slight detour through Denver to visit for a couple days.

Feeling the need to entertain, the seven of us headed to P.F. Chang's for dinner until we realized it was too damn cold to be out of the house.

In the process, Olivia-Grace got her first taste of Dr Pepper and seemed to love it. Watch above for your video evidence.