Google.org Launches Site To Track Flu

As reported on the BBC's website, Google.org has compared billions of searches that occurred over the years during various flu outbreaks and developed a way to triangulate what is breaking out where based on search data. (Sounds like fun, no?)

Anyway, Flu season is here, kids are snuffling everywhere like bloodhounds, every other parent I know has some kind of cold going on and a couple have had sinus infections, so at least this could help you determine if you have to wear the bunnysuit to to the grocery store.

Google Blog Article

Google Blog Article On An Arenavirus That Could Turn Your Hair Gray

Who Is Sick.org (another sniffle-tracker)

(Thanx to Modern Mechanix for the photo!)

Google.org Launches Site To Track Flu

Shop Local: Cornerstone Books

1) They have hot drinks, baked goods and a fireplace.

2) They will honor Barnes and Noble coupons.

3) They sell their own gift cards.

4) They also have an online retail store.

There's also a great kid's corner and no matter how crazy my toddler acts, I never get the "look" from the staff.

Shop Local: Cornerstone Books

Mantis Sighting!

-Right here at the Gonyea Park playground! The warm weather seems to have confused some of the local insect life. We currently have a resident fly that seems to have Alzheimer's slowly buzzing around the house. I almost considered keeping the mantis as a pet to catch insects, but our cat might not want any more affection competition!

Mantis Sighting!

Shop Local for Christmas! 5 Reasons

1. You'll save on gas.
2. You won't run the risk of giving "that special someone" a gift that looks like anything but.
3. No hours wasted sitting in traffic, finding a decent parking spot and then waiting in line.
4. It will keep your local economy going strong.
5. It's more fun!

I tried doing this last year and had a great time finding comics for my niece and nephew at Harrison's (who else would be able to recommend non-naughty age appropriate but not brain-mushing manga?). Some other good places:

Derby Bookstore
Cornerstone Books
Pamplemousse
Bunghole Liquors (fun t-shirts)
PEM Gift Shop

Shop Local for Christmas! 5 Reasons