Google's Project Loon

An undated handout photograph made available by Google shows a balloon floating over New Zealand as part of Google's 'Project Loon' in New Zealand. -EPA

I read about Google's Project Loon this afternoon. Google is working on bringing Internet connection to remote areas of the world by sending balloons to the edge of space. These balloons, carried by the wind, would be at altitudes twice as high as commercial planes, can beam Internet access to the ground at speeds similar to today's 3G networks or faster.

While still in the early stages, the plan is for Project Loon eventually to launch thousands of balloons to provide Internet to remote parts of the world, allowing more than four billion people with no access to get online. This access could also be used to help after natural disasters, when existing communication infrastructure is affected.

"The idea may sound a bit crazy - and that's part of the reason we're calling it Project Loon - but there's solid science behind it," Google said, but added: "This is still highly experimental technology and we have a long way to go." - The Star

The world will be a more connected world when this becomes a reality, allowing better access to information as well as providing more convenience.  Shopping can be done from even the remotest part of the world, buying stuff from the comfort of one's home.

How to remove yourself from following a blog

With reference to what Small Kucing commented about not being able to unfollow a blog, and if you find yourself faced with this little issue, here is information on how to unfollow a blog as provided by Google Blogger help:

The easiest way to remove yourself from following a blog is to visit the blog, and click Options | Site settings under the Following widget on the blog.

You will then see a pop-up window with your profile settings. Click Stop following this site and you will be removed from following the blog. If the blog doesn't have a Followers widget, you can still stop following the blog. To do so, click the gear icon on the right-hand side of your Reading List on your dashboard.

You'll then see a list of all the blogs that you're following. To stop following a blog, click Settings, then Stop following this site.

Hope this will be helpful.

Google Doodle for Auguste Rodin

Rodin is the reason for a Google doodle today, Nov 8, as Google celebrates the 172nd birthday of François-Auguste-René Rodin who was a French sculptor and who gave us The Thinker.

"The Thinker" (Le Penseur in French) is a bronze and marble sculpture by Auguste Rodin, whose first cast, of 1902, is now in the Musée Rodin in Paris. It depicts a man in sober meditation battling with a powerful internal struggle. It is often used to represent philosophy.

The Musée Rodin in Paris, France, is a museum that was opened in 1919, dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. It has two sites, at the Hôtel Biron and surrounding grounds in central Paris, and just outside Paris at Rodin's old home, the Villa des Brillants at Meudon (Hauts-de-Seine). The collection includes 6,600 sculptures, 8,000 drawings, 8,000 old photographs and 7,000 objets d’art, and the museum receives 700,000 visitors annually.

Source: Wikipedia

The last Google Doodle was for Bram Stoker who gave us Dracula.

Google doodle for Bram Stoker

Google celebrates the 165th birthday of Bram Stoker today, Nov 8.

Abraham "Bram" Stoker (8 November 1847 – 20 April 1912) was an Irish novelist and short story writer, best known today for his 1897 Gothic novel Dracula. During his lifetime, he was better known as personal assistant of actor Henry Irving and business manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London, which Irving owned.

Before writing Dracula, Stoker spent several years researching European folklore and mythological stories of vampires. Dracula is an epistolary novel, written as a collection of realistic, but completely fictional, diary entries, telegrams, letters, ship's logs, and newspaper clippings, all of which added a level of detailed realism to his story, a skill he developed as a newspaper writer.

Stoker was bed-ridden until he started school at the age of seven, when he made a complete recovery.

After his recovery, he grew up without further major health issues, even excelling as an athlete (he was named University Athlete) at Trinity College, Dublin, which he attended from 1864 to 1870. He graduated with honours in mathematics. He was auditor of the College Historical Society and president of the University Philosophical Society, where his first paper was on "Sensationalism in Fiction and Society".

According to the Encyclopedia of World Biography, Stoker's stories are today included within the categories of "horror fiction," "romanticized Gothic" stories, and "melodrama."[8] They are classified alongside other "works of popular fiction" such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein[9]:394 which, according to historian Jules Zanger, also used the "myth-making" and story-telling method of having "multiple narrators" telling the same tale from different perspectives. "'They can't all be lying,' thinks the reader."[10]

The original 541-page manuscript of Dracula, believed to have been lost, was found in a barn in northwestern Pennsylvania during the early 1980s.[11] It included the typed manuscript with many corrections, and handwritten on the title page was "THE UN-DEAD." The author's name was shown at the bottom as Bram Stoker. Author Robert Latham notes, "the most famous horror novel ever published, its title changed at the last minute.".[9] The manuscript was purchased by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

For more on Bram Stoker visit Wikipedia which the above is borrowed from.

Google doodle for Halloween 2012

Google is at it again with yet another of their fun Google doodles.

This year's Halloween doodle depicts the facade of a row of houses where each door opens (at the click of the mouse) to reveal a house-occupant. Click on the doors to find out who or what lurks behind each one of them.

Shucks, I've given it away, haven't I with the bottom image. Still, go see for yourself.

Happy Halloween!

By the way, here is an interesting read about ghouls, goblins and ghosts from The Hot Word!.. What is the precise difference between ghouls, goblins, and ghosts? Which one is truly disgusting?

Moby Dick is honoured with a Google Doodle

Google honours Moby Dick today with a Google doodle celebrating its 161st anniversary of the publication of one of the greatest classics of American literature. Written by Herman Melville, Moby Dick was first published in Britain in 1851.

The doodle depicts a scene from the book in which Captain Ahab commandeers a boat to strike at the huge white sperm whale.

An extract from Wikipedia..
Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is a novel by Herman Melville, first published in 1851. It is considered to be one of the Great American Novels and a treasure of world literature. The story tells the adventures of wandering sailor Ishmael, and his voyage on the whaleship Pequod, commanded by Captain Ahab. Ishmael soon learns that Ahab has one purpose on this voyage: to seek out Moby Dick, a ferocious, enigmatic white sperm whale. In a previous encounter, the whale destroyed Ahab's boat and bit off his leg, which now drives Ahab to take revenge. -

Haven't read the book? Watch the movie then, albeit one from 1956!



Or if you prefer the cartoon version..

Innocence of Muslims - Actress sues California man

Three days ago, an incoming email with the subject: There may be no anti-Islamic movie at all got me thinking whether I should post it and spread a little awareness but thought against the idea considering the sensitive nature of the issue.

But am glad now I no longer have to keep it under wraps as The Star has an article today about it. You can read about it here: Actress sues California man behind anti-Muslim film

In case you are wondering what this is all about, this is in relation to the movie/video that has stirred up quite a reaction and caused much unrest and/or deaths in some parts of the world, even in Indonesia.

Even our very own Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim was quick to react describing YouTube as being insensitive to the anguish of Muslims the world over as it has yet to remove film clips of the "Innocence of Muslims" from its listing.

Another article in the same paper published the same day says Google Malaysia blocks 'Innocence of Muslims' video clip and that

Those trying to load the video from a Malaysian Internet Protocol (IP) address would see a message that reads: "This content is not available in your country due to a legal complaint. Sorry about that."

Out of curiosity, I did a search on Google Malaysia and voila(!) was surprised to be able to access the video clip and the full movie as well. Go figure.

Let's hope this new information will put a stop to all the escalating violence in countries where people strongly reacted to this "dubbed" movie before more damage is done and more deaths resulting.

As if it's not enough that we have to contend with natural disasters left and right! I can't help thinking if all these man-made disasters are also counted as contributing to what's leading up to the end of the world on Dec 22 which by the way many experts and spiritual leaders are advising preparation for.

Google Doodle Doo..

A Google doodle a day keeps the blues away! Indeed, Google has done up a daily doodle of the games in the London 2012 Olympics. Today's Google doodle is dedicated to Shot put.

The shot put is a track and field event involving "putting" (throwing in a pushing motion) a heavy metal ball—the shot—as far as possible. It is common to use the term "shot put" to refer to both the shot itself and to the putting (throwing) action. - (Wikipedia)

Yesterday's Google doodle was for Table tennis.

Others so far include:

Fencing

Gymnastics, Hockey, Archery and Swimming

Opening Ceremony

Which is your favorite Google doodle? Also, show us your doodles if you are doing any doodling yourself.

Google doodle for Peter Carl Faberge

Peter Carl Fabergé also known as "Karl Gustavovich Fabergé" is Google's honoree today. Born 166 years ago on May 30 (died September 24, 1920) he was a Russian jeweller, best known for the famous Fabergé eggs, made in the style of genuine Easter eggs, but using precious metals and gemstones rather than more mundane materials.

Here's one of those beautiful Faberge Easter eggs, the Bouquet of Lilies or Madonna Lily Egg by Faberge

Image source: Wikipedia

Google doodle of a Giant Zip

Today, Google celebrates Gideon Sundback's birthday with a Google doodle, an interactive giant zipper running down the search engine's homepage commemorating the birth of the zip's inventor.

Born on April 24, 1880, the Swedish-American electrical engineer is most commonly associated with his work in the development of the zipper that revolutionized the clothing industry.

Google doodle this Valentine's

Expect a Google doodle when you visit their homepage today? Google celebrates this year's Valentine's Day with an animation.

200th Birthday of Charles Dickens

Today, Feb 7, marks the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens (7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870). Google pays tribute and celebrates the occasion with this Google doodle..

Image source: Wikipedia

Charles John Huffam Dickens was an English novelist, generally considered the greatest of the Victorian period. Dickens enjoyed a wider popularity and fame than had any previous author during his lifetime, and he remains popular, having been responsible for some of English literature's most iconic novels and characters.

Most of us would probably know him as the author of such classic works including A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, David Copperfield, and The Pickwick Papers, his first novel.

There are museums and festivals celebrating Dickens' life and works in many of the towns with which he was associated with.

There is even a Dickens World themed attraction, covering 71,500 square feet (6,643 m2), and including a cinema and restaurants, opened in Chatham on 25 May 2007. It stands on a small part of the site of the former naval dockyard where Dickens's father had once worked in the Navy Pay Office.

This year, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are to lead celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens.

Events to be held across the country include a wreath-laying ceremony at Dickens' grave in Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey, and at his birthplace in Portsmouth, Hampshire. More..

You can find more information about Charles Dickens on Wikipedia. Also check out A walking tour of Dickens’ London - bbc.com

A Visit to Dickens World

Madame Marie Curie - 144th birthday

If Marie Curie were to be alive today, she would have been a grand old lady of 144 years-old. The above is Google's doodle to commemorate Madame Curie's 144th birthday. She died on July 4, 1944.

Marie Skłodowska Curie (7 November 1867 – 4 July 1934) was a Polish–French physicist–chemist famous for her pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first person honored with two Nobel Prizes —in physics and chemistry. She was the first female professor at the University of Paris. She was the first woman to be entombed on her own merits (in 1995) in the Paris Panthéon.
More on Wikipedia

Gumby and Friends on Google doodle

Google today pays tribute to Art Clokey turning 90 if he were to be alive today. Art was the creator of Gumby, the green clay figure.

Google’s home page features a unique interactive stop motion clay doodle created by the Clokey Productions Premavision studios. The doodle features some of Clokey's characters popping out from balls of clay.

A few short Gumby videos for your viewing pleasure.. Enjoy!






And a Montage

Google doodle: Honoring Martha Graham

Another animated Google doodle today. This time to honor someone who made a difference in the performing arts, Martha Graham. See the little performance on google.com.

Some information from Wikipedia..

Martha Graham (May 11, 1894 – April 1, 1991) was an American dancer choreographer regarded as one of the foremost pioneers of modern dance, whose influence on dance can be compared to the influence Stravinsky had on music, Picasso had on the visual arts, or Frank Lloyd Wright had on architecture.[1] Graham was a galvanizing performer, a choreographer of astounding moves. She invented a new language of movement, and used it to reveal the passion, the rage and the ecstasy common to human experience. She danced and choreographed for over seventy years, and during that time was the first dancer ever to perform at The White House, the first dancer ever to travel abroad as a cultural ambassador, and the first dancer ever to receive the highest civilian award of the USA: the Medal of Freedom. In her lifetime she received honors ranging from the key to the City of Paris to Japan's Imperial Order of the Precious Crown. She said, "I have spent all my life with dance and being a dancer. It's permitting life to use you in a very intense way. Sometimes it is not pleasant. Sometimes it is fearful. But nevertheless it is inevitable."

Image above is of Martha Graham, shown here with Bertram Ross

Google Doodle - Charlie Chaplin's 122nd Birthday

Google has done it again! If you go to Google.com today, you'd notice a movie doodle,, Google's way of celebrating Charlie Chaplin's 122nd birthday if he were to be alive today. Click on the doodle to watch a video. Nice..

What's Your Favorite Ice Cream Sundae?

Thanks to Google (yet again), we all know a little bit more about the ice cream sundae. Today is the 119th anniversary of the first documented ice cream sundae. If you use Google.com today, you would see this pretty doodle.

With the advent of Sundae, ice cream is never viewed in the same light again. The Sundae, this appetizing ice cream dessert typically consists of a scoop of ice cream topped with sauce or syrup, and in some cases other toppings including chopped nuts, sprinkles, whipped cream, or maraschino cherries.

You can practically create your very own sundae with the many toppings and syrups available or make one from the already famous sundaes such as the Classic Sundae, Hot fudge sundae, Brownie sundae or a Banana Split.

The Classic Sundae is the original sundae. It is vanilla ice cream topped with a flavored sauce or syrup, whipped cream, and maraschino cherry. These sundaes are typically named for their flavored syrup, cherry sundae, chocolate sundae, strawberry sundae etc. Soft serve ice cream is often used instead of regular ice cream.

Wanna make a Banana Split? Nothing to it. It is..
Three sundaes in one, side by side between two halves of a banana, sliced lengthwise. Includes strawberry ice cream topped with strawberry syrup, chocolate ice cream topped with chocolate syrup, and vanilla ice cream topped with crushed pineapple. Each scoop is individually garnished with whipped cream and a cherry.

And finally, the most expensive ice cream sundae in the world is at a price of 1,000 U.S. dollars. It is the Serendipity Golden Opulence Sundae, sold by Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York City. The dessert consists of five scoops of Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream infused with Madagascar vanilla, covered in 23-carat edible gold leaf, rare Amedei Porcelana and Chuao chocolate, American Golden caviar, passion fruit, orange, Armagnac, candied fruits from Paris, marzipan cherries, and decorated with real gold dragées. The sundae is served in a baccarat Harcourt crystal goblet with an 18-karat gold spoon.

Back to reality, what's your favorite ice cream sundae?


Source: Wikipedia

A tip to increase traffic to your site

Google has a nice doodle today. It's to honour Robert Bunsen who would have been 200 today if he were still alive. Does the name ring a bell? Bunsen? Something to do with science?

Robert Bunsen, the German scientist who developed the Bunsen burner.

What else is happening around the world today? Libya is still worrisome, so is the nuclear leakage in Japan, floods in Perlis, mudslide in Krabi, Thailand, and tourists had to be helped out to safety on Tao Island. McD served its last breakfast this morning. The outlets must have been crowded with long queues. And traffic to my sites seeking printable vouchers has also tapered off.

I'm no expert on SEO but I must be doing something right on keywords in the title of the posts. I read that keywords in the title can get your post/blog listed higher up on the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) meaning that your post appears higher up in the page of search results. Research has shown that chances of people clicking on your site are much higher when you are listed on top, preferably above the fold on page 1.

Google logo today, Feb 8 - Jules Verne

Google has an interesting logo today on its website. It is to commemorate the birthday of Jules Verne.

From Wikipedia,
Jules Gabriel Verne (French pronunciation: [ʒyl vɛʁn]; February 8, 1828 – March 24, 1905) was a French author from Brittany who pioneered the science-fiction genre. He is best known for novels such as Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1870), A Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864), and Around the World in Eighty Days (1873). Verne wrote about space, air, and underwater travel before air travel and practical submarines were invented, and before practical means of space travel had been devised. He is the third most translated individual author in the world, according to Index Translationum. Some of his books have been made into films. Verne, along with Hugo Gernsback and H. G. Wells, is often popularly referred to as the "Father of Science Fiction".

The image is in the form of a series of portholes in an underwater vessel - what else! On the right is a joystick which you can manoever in four different directions to view the sea life. You will notice that the lower you go, the darker it gets. Very cool! Quick, get on to Google.com. This is what it looks like.

Jothys Fish Head Curry Restaurant sues blogger and Google

The Star today carries an article of a Malaysian blogger and Google being sued for defamation by a director of a curry fish head restaurant in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The restaurant is recommended by Lonely Planet.

Excerpts from The Star..
Jothys Sdn Bhd director Tharumaraj Sivaperumal filed a RM6mil civil suit at the Kota Kinabalu High Court, naming blogger Poh Huai Bin as the first defendant and California-based Google Inc as the second defendant.

Tharumaraj said he felt very let down when the blogger demeaned his fish head curry and banana leaf restaurant and urged the people to “avoid it like a bad case of herpes”.

The company is also seeking an order from the court to remove the offending articles from Google and other popular search engines used on the Internet.

Read full article..Google and blogger sued by curry fish head restaurant

Related article:
Google to retain ‘offensive’ contents on fish head curry outlet