I received an email this weekend telling me to get directions from Google Maps from New York, New York to Paris France and then read through the directions they give. The first odd thing that I noticed with the directions is that the trip will take 29 days and 7 hours? Hmm - I never knew you would need to take about 2.5-3 months off just to visit Paris. Then I saw why it takes so long...Google Doesn't believe in planes! Step 24 in the directions has you swim 3,462 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. I wonder if Google is going to set up little rest stops in the ocean so we can take breaks and grab a snack? Anyways, this is an awesome find on Google Maps, and I hope to find out about more like this "easter egg" soon!

Google map image: Does Google Believe in Planes?

Let's talk about a college that I was interested in attending when I was looking at colleges. It is a school that has been monopolizing the news lately, and for a good reason. On Monday, a student opened fire on campus and killed at least 32 people. This is a tragedy for any college campus, but even more profound for the town of Blacksburg. The town is known as one of the best places in the country to live and its very little crime. On Virginia Tech's website, stats are shown that 91% of the people surveyed "feel safe in their neighborhood". It also mentioned that the town's police "operates 24 hours a day and provides full police service to the university community". Why I am bringing these up? It is because of the English teacher that brought things written by the student (that did the shooting) to the police and nothing was done. Sometimes a town or any place where people live can get too safe that things will be overlooked because "that can't happen here".

Things will be different for all of the colleges across the country now. Campuses will try to become more secure, will listen more to threats and abnormal behavior, and will punish every chance they get just to prove that they are not messing around. I heard on the news that RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology -- the college that I graduated from) arrested a student last night when they found 2 assault rifles and ammunition in his dorm room/car. I am sure more stories like this will come up all over the country! Here anything like that around you?

Today's website: Virginia Technology

I was very disappointed when I found out that the United States did not win the bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. I would love to take a small vacation and go watch the best amateurs in the world compete, and New York City wold have been the perfect place for this.

Late last week the US committee announced that their City of choice for the 2016 Olympics will be Chicago! The bid against other really nice cities like Madrid, Prague, Rome, Tokyo, and more will not be until 2009, but I am already excited! Chicago is a very nice and beautiful city that would do a great job hosting the games. With the amazing waterfront and busy city atmosphere, there are a lot of things for tourists to do/see when they are not watching the sports. Here is to hoping we host the Summer Olympics in 2016!

Today's website: Chicago

Happy Dyngus Day. I honestly know nothing about this celebration, but I know it is huge in Buffalo! I tried to do some research on it, but it seemed to me that it was another St. Patrick's day...anyone know? My guess is that most people like to give up alcohol for Lent. To make up for missing St. Patrick's Day and to celebrate Lent coming to an end, they all meet up for a Dyngus Day Celebration and party the night away. I hope I am close with that guess...

I heard a few people last week talking about going to a Celebration place this afternoon, and thought it would make a good map image! If you are in the area, it sounds like the place to be will be the Hearthstone Manor on Dick Road in Cheektowaga. The party starts at noon (there goes people working today), and costs $8 to enter. Have a great Dyngus Day everyone!!!

Google map image: Dyngus Day Celebration

I do not have any clue how she found it, but Nicole sent me today's interesting find in Google Maps. It looks like a cruise missile flying across Utah. I was really interested in the smoke trail that was captured behind the object.

Many sites on the web are already talking about this capture, and many people are stating that it is actually a jetliner (a MD-80 passenger jet to be more exact). Since I am not an expert in planes or missiles, I have no clue what it actually is! Any comments?

Google map image: Is it a Missile or a Plane?

When you think of the Bahamas, you usually think of paradise, but many people will soon be traveling there for more than the perfect weather, temperature and pristine water. The court case (and appeal) for where Anna Nicole Smith's body is finally over, and the ruling is that she will be buried in the Bahamas. I do not know the exact location yet, but I am sure many people will find out and start traveling to see her burial plot. It does not sound like a great vacation to me, but I know a lot of people that like to pay tribute to those who pass away.

Today's website: The Bahamas

For sports fans, one of the biggest events of the year (the biggest for me) will happen this weekend. The Indianapolis Colts will face off with the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. Even though I am usually wrong, I figured that I would take a stab at predicting the game. I noticed that I have been predicting a lot of the big events this year, so why not do this one also?!?!

I think the game will be a lot closer than everyone expects. Peyton has not been that phenomenal looking this year when he has had to go up against a solid defensive team. This weekend he will be facing the best defense in the league, and this could spell trouble. I ultimately think the game will go in their direction, but I feel it will be because of the Indy defense playing really well this post season and because of a last minute drive and great accuracy (especially under pressure) for Adam Vinatieri. Chicago is a great team, but I think this is the Colt's year. Even though it will not get them a ring, I would take Chicago with the spread if I was betting!

The game will be held in Miami at Dolphins stadium. This weekend is hard for any player in the league that did not make it to the Super Bowl, but it must be horrible this year for any Miami Dolphin Player/Coach. It is in your own back yard, and you can only watch.

Even if you are not a fan of football, I would still recommend watching the game...you will probably love the commercials! Whatever your reason to watch the game this weekend, I hope you have a lot of fun!

Google map image: Super Bowl XLI - Dolphins Stadium

It has been awhile since I have written about New Orleans, but recently it has been a major headline in the news. Why? Because Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are moving their family to the French Quarter of the City. Now why did I think this was noteworthy of writing about? I heard on television yesterday someone talking about this topic, and they said that they really like how Pitt and Jolie use the attention that they get from the press to bring up major concerns/issues from around the world. I never thought of it like this, but it is really true that they do this. They have done it for marriage, 3-world countries, and now this. I really cannot think of other actors in the world that are even closely devoted as these 2 are. I hope they enjoy their new house in New Orleans! The map image is of the entire French Quarter. I have not been able to find the actual house they found, but I will leave a comment if I get a better map image to show.

Google map image: New Orleans - French Quarter

It has been awhile since I have talked about any football. You might think big deal, but this week being college bowl week it has been hard for me! Some great games that I loved watching was the dominating win of USC and the comeback win in overtime by Boise State. I have a feeling that Monday's BCS Championship game (also known as Tostitos Fiesta Bowl) will be another game that is a one-sided domination. Who am I picking? Ohio State of course. They have showed some great performances through the year, and I cannot see Florida taking their glory away. Now, being a football fan, I really hope the game is very close (and high scoring) for the entire game. The only way I could see this happening is if Ohio State does not come in fully prepared, but who would come to a bowl game and not be prepared? The game will be held in the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals, and is the most impressive stadium I have ever seen. The stadium has a total capacity of 73,000 people, is a retractible dome, is natural grass, and is the only American building name by BusinessWeek to be one of the world's ten most impressive structures. I think the one thing that cause my eye is how the field is also retractible. How does that even work with natural grass? Anyways, I think this will be a fun game to watch. Just make sure you have your beer, pizza, and friends ready for Monday night!

Google map image: University of Phoenix Stadium

Eric Willis sent me a link yesterday to today's map image, and I just had to show everyone else! I am sure this was computer generated, but it was too cool to not show. I mean seriously, who else could have done it...aliens?

Google map image: Firefox Crop Circle