Google - Not Just for Web Browsing

Some of you may or may not know that Google has a bunch of tools in addition to their web browser. A few of the more popular ones include Google Earth, Google Translate, and Blogger. I just wanted to share a few of the tools that I think are overlooked and might be useful to some of you.

• Google Health- This is an organizational tool to keep track of all of your health information. You can also use it to share your information securely with anyone you wish.
• Google Notebook- A handy way to keep track of all your little notes. Has a great organization system to help you keep track of everything.
• Google 411- (This is probably my absolute favorite!) Problem: You need to know the number to the local movie theater. There's no computer around to search for the number and all you have is your phone. You could call 411 from your phone to get the number, but you'd rather not waste $1.99 just to get the number. Solution: Just dial 1-800-GOOG411. It's free and very simple to use!
• Google Talk- Send and receive instant messages with your friends and family. Don't feel like typing? Connect to a voice chat.
  

There is one more thing I wanted to share, but it's not quite a tool.

Google Holiday Logos- One of my favorite things about Google is seeing the different logos on all the holidays, especially ones I have never heard of. Sometimes I miss out on the designs, though. I just found out that there is a directory of all of them and you can go check it out to see which ones you missed.

Here is a whole directory of all the tools that Google has to offer: Google Tools

Is there a Google tool you use that you just couldn't live without? Which one is your favorite and how does it make a difference in your daily life?

Dieting and Search Engines

I'm starting a new diet, starting today. I'm going to be using Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar and garcinia cambogia. Hopefully that and a little exercise will do the trick. My mom swears by the vinegar and I was told by a GNC associate that the garcinia cambogia will help curve my carbohydrates. I'm not usually good with sticking to a "diet," but I'm hoping I can pull through with this one.

I also just wanted to let everyone know about a commercial I saw last night for a new search engine. It's called Bing and it is powered by Microsoft. Not sure if it can actually replace Google, but we will see how it all goes.

Today's going to be a long day, again, so I better get going. Have a great day. :)

Swine Flu

With all the scare about the Swine Flu, I just thought I would share this map with you. Google has been tracking all of the Swine Flu activity.

The purple marker indicates a confirmed or probable case.
The pink marker indicates suspected cases.
The yellow marker indicates that what were once thought to be Swine Flu cases are now negative.
And any marker without a black dot in the middle indicates a death.

Swine Flu Map

Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to protect yourself.

• Stay informed.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.

And here are the common symptoms (provided by PandemicFlu.gov) of Swine Flu in humans:

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Feeling Better

Happy April Fool's Day everyone! I checked Google when I woke up this morning, and they didn't have a special design for today. I wonder why?

I decided to try and make a green bean casserole to go with mine and Danny's dinner last night. Dan has never had it before, and it's my favorite. :)
It didn't come out bad at all:

I had to take a picture on my cell phone, my digital is dead!

My Hoppy Easter Mug was featured on LA's Designs. You can see it here.
Thank you for putting my design up!!!

Dan just got home from school so I'm going to get lunch ready now. I just wanted to thank everyone for all their kind comments the other day and let you all know that I am starting to feel a lot better now, hopefully it stays this way!

EDIT: I sold my Affenpinscher Magnet today. Thank you!!

Affenpinscher Magnet by jasminesphotography
Create a custom magnet On Zazzle
See other Toy Magnets