Google launched a new feature yesterday or day before that allows you to enter a number on google local which “connects” you to the business you are searching. The thing is, you can pick anyone’s number and connect them to any business, including stuff like the “Sex Addicts Anonymous” or “Kitty’s Adult Emporium” or other embarrassing businesses. After I discovered it yesterday on Vallywag, see here, I pranked Ryan a couple times, had a few laughs then let him in on the joke. I know that’s very juvenile but I could not resist, ha ha end of story. However, soon phones were ringing around the office as everyone got hit.
Here is how it works. If you find a business on Google maps there is now a feature called “Call” (see below):

Once you type in the number your “friend” will receive a call that when they answer it connects to the chosen business. Around here it resulted in people going, “Why you calling me?” “I didn’t call you, you called me? How did you get my number?” etc etc. Some even called their wireless provider to complain as snickers erupted around the office.
Enjoy. I am sure there will be some updates to this feature to slow down this prank.

Update: It was noted on ZDnet this feature could be used to make long distance calls for free. i.e you click to call someone long distance in the directory, google is picking up the tab.

Well first I would like to handicap the game next week. I agree that Ohio State is the favorite given their home field advantage and track record this season, and I say that as a Michigan fan and alumnus. However I think Michigan has a very good chance of winning. Michigan is a 6.5-7 point underdog, but to win out I would put Ohio State at 3-2 odds to win. I guessing the odds makers have Ohio State at a 3-1 or 4-1 to win, but I like Michigan’s chances. If I bet on sports (I don’t, at least not anymore ) I might take Michigan in this game. If they play like they did in South Bend then they win. Maybe this is my totally biased view coming out, but I have watched every game this year and I think this team can do it if they bring their A game.

Now, for the BCS problem. Its looking that if Michigan squeaks out a win in Columbus they could end up having a rematch with OSU in the Fiesta bowl BCS Championship. That would be a disaster, because it doesn’t look as likely if OSU wins in a close game. Check out Mvictors and Greg Dooley’s great analysis here.

UPDATE: For updated BCS Bowl projections click the link.

I love to take my Garmin 305 (see pic below) and go a run when away on business. Especially when I am in a cool city with cool landmarks and scenery to run by. Here is my run during ad tech in New York this week. I am not sure if I run to stay fit or create cool maps with my GPS .

Garmin Forerunner 305

Below is my Seattle run from the week before:

In a stroke of luck I happened to win the GRS poker tourney again (I won the first event at the 2005 SF Ad Tech). See my Ad Tech comments here. It was similar to the first time in that I short stacked it the whole way with a couple of key double and triple ups. Once we got down to the final 10-15 out of 150 I started to catch a few cards on the river to propel me to the final table and on to the win. Looks like I will get a shot at another $10k buy in event. Having played in two of them, I don’t feel all that great about it because its much harder to beat pros then drunk internet marketers. Last night I certainly had an edge on the rest of the field and caught some cards to get the win, but I will not have any edge in a $10k event.

Funny picture from Drudge..