Sunday, February 25, 2007

Protect Our Internet

Unless we speak out to our members of Congress they could move to allow large telephone and cable companies to control what you do, where you go and what you watch online.

To learn more, visit: www.savetheinternet.com

Visit the URL below to check out what's at stake and send a loud message directly to the Congress:
http://action.freepress.net/campaign/savethenet?rk=Dp3-EuY1mBzvW

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Google - Make Up Your Mind

The Official Google Blog wrote a post about people's personal Google™ usage stories. The story referenced and linked to another post on their blog "our lawyers may not be happy " with the usage of Google™. It seems Google™ is taking issue with using Google™ as a generic verb for searching the web on any engine, not just Google™. I see their point. However, IBM took this stand at the beginning of the PC market and look what happened to their hardware division. IBM was the name for all non-Apple desktop computers. Now they don't even make computers. I think they would have had an advantage in being the only "True IBM' Computer instead of one of many personal computers. When I buy "facial tissue" I never feel like I am getting the real thing unless it is Kleenex™. Even if the other brands could call their product "Puff's Kleenex", only Kleenex™ could claim to be the inventor's of the original product and claim their original formula. I think the potential dilution of the brand name as a private trademark is less a concern than the advantage of being the makers of a product that is so superior to competitor's versions, their name becomes the name of the item or service.

This issue reminded me of something I have had rolling around in my brain from a 2002 movie I otherwise shouldn't and wouldn't remember. The movie is Maid In Manhattan This movie featured Jennifer Lopez as a single mom. The details of the story are insignificant but a reference to Google™ within the first five minutes of the movie raised a question in my mind. (borrowed from Script-O-Rama)

Mother(JLo): You don't have to listen to that 24 hours a day.
Son: Wait. It's Simon and Garfunkel...You can't just turn them off, Mom.
Mother: I understand, baby. Come on. Careful of the puddle.
Son: Why'd they break up?
Mother: Who?
Son: Simon and Garfunkel.
Mother: You got me. You can Google it at school.

Was this product placement or zeitgeist 2002? At first, I thought it was just something cleverly added to the dialog in attempt to make the film contemporary. In an almost immediate second thought, I felt I was being naive. Why would they give free product placement to anything? Though Google™ stilled seemed like an humble startup then, it was already big business. So if it was product placement, when did they decide it was a bad idea to have Google™ become the new verb for searching the web? Do they expect us to keep saying "I performed a web search on blah, blah, blah..." or "I googled blah, blah, blah...". We need a word and Google™ should be happy we love them so much we named it after them.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Best Purchase Last Year Under $20.00


Foot Scrubby Love - I bought this foot scrubby for about $15.00 about six months ago. It is in my tub/shower and I use it every shower. I use a scented gel soap and the soles of my feet get so clean and fresh. It feels like a nice massage too. I highly recommend this product by Earth Therapeutics. I have another set of foot care products made by the same company and they are great too! (not a paid advertisement)

Monday, February 12, 2007

My Favorite Blog, Ever (for now at least)

This blogger is posting the greatest pictures of Disneyland throughout history. Check them at:
Gorillas Don't Blog

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Kusandra Introduction

I am starting my blog. I want to start sharing ideas, dreams and other miscellany.