Google Geek - Local Business Listing

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My name is Ron Hall.

I live at the Funny Farm.

Checked in at my Google account this morning (per usual) and noticed that I had not checked/updated my Local Business Center listing in quite awhile.  If you have a Google account and own or are involved with a local business, you can use this service to edit and customize your listing in Google Maps. This enhances your "searchability", similar to having a custom add in the yellow pages.

You can edit your location, add pictures, add video, tell about your products, hours of operation. payment options, website, etc. You can also create digital coupons. It is not available in all locations (still waiting for coverage at the Funny Farm), but should work in urban areas.

Well it is Sunday - my time to putter.

Make it a good day.

Google Geek - SketchUp in Schools

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My name is Ron Hall.

I live at the Funny Farm.

Headed into town this afternoon for a meeting with the assistant superintendent of our school district. She is the supervisor of technology usage for the district. The person that handles the district's tech infrastructure will also attend. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the development of a pilot course in SketchUp at the middle school. The principal is behind it, there is a capable teacher on staff, the software is available (pro site license), ESD 101 (regional district tech support) is behind it, it could get a grant, and I could mentor. The only hurdle is getting approval from the tech guy.

Keep your fingers crossed for us. Make it a good day. 

Google Geek - Christmas Shopping

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My name is Ron Hall.

I live at the Funny Farm.

Rabbit, Rabbit. My mom says that if you say that at the beginning of each month (it has to be the first words you say) you will have good luck that month.

Just happened to look at "blue Google links" in upper left corner of the Google search window and noticed one for "Shopping" - clicked on it, and it brought up a new beta (at least for me) Google Product Search. Just in time for the holiday shopping season.

Tried it out for a couple minutes. Did notice it had screening check boxes for things like free shipping. Also can screen by "Store"(did not see Craigslist or Ebay listed), "Category", and "Price Range". Wonder what they will think of next.

Make it a good day.

Google Geek - The Press

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My name is Ron Hall.

I live at the Funny Farm.

Got interviewed by a reporter for one of our local papers yesterday. She saw/heard me talk at the school board meeting last week (asked the board to consider a pilot class in SketchUp at my daugther's middle school). I just happened to speak on the same evening as the school board was voting on placing the bond issue (for 3 new schools) up for vote.

More on my request at another time, what intrigues me this morning is that it was found news worthy by a member of the press (must have been a slow day). Have been interviewed a few times by various media types over the years - several times in recent months for work I am doing with SketchUp/Google Earth. One article was on my work with a couple other modelers in Spokane, a second was on work in Cheney/Eastern Washington University, and anoher was on my work on the Spokane River.  

I am complimented by the process, and it is good feedback to know someone is interested enough to bring it to the attention of others. Being asked questions about certain aspects of why I do things is also cause for reflection.

Well, got to go - the public awaits. Make it a good day.

Google Geek - Happy Thanksgiving

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My name is Ron Hall.

I live at the Funny Farm.

Up early - want to make the most out of the holiday, have a lot to be thankful for this year. Beyond the basics (good health, happy family life, comfortable living situation) I had quite a bit of good karma this year.

It goes without saying that I am appreciative to Google again this year, but in a new sense. While their tools were a great help this year in what I am doing, one of the biggest things I got via Google this year is friendship. Both new ones (my Super Modelers group, people I am working with on my various Google Earth endeavors), and recontacting my old ones.

There is an old Bonnie Raitt song lyric that says "can't get no sugar from the phone". Have found it to be true, but also am amazed at how much warmth can come via the internet connection.

Happy Thanksgiving - make it a good day.

Google Geek - Google Parent

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My name is Ron Hall.

I live at the Funny Farm.

Spent 3 hours yesterday evening at my daughter's  middle school demonstrating Google Earth and SketchUp. I was there to help out a volunteer parent group that is trying to raise awareness about an upcoming school bond issue. I did models of the existing school, created a Google Site to help with web info distribution, and posted interactive maps in Google Maps and Google Earth at the web site.

I was the "eye candy" to attract people over to talk about the bond. Went well. For me it was the first time I had the opportunity to get feedback from middle school age kids (and younger). Had my computer hooked to large entrance area monitor, with splitter to a table top monitor next to me. Was positioned so I could see all that were signing in for conferences - watch their eyes/reactions. Quite a number were fascinated, some had never seen, everybody was amazed it was free.

For me it was good feedback to know that this is still new to many people. Also interesting to witness firsthand the generational switch/gap in technological usage/familiarity. In addition, I had a great time sharing/talking - real ice breaker ("Want to see your place in Google Earth?")

Got to take my daughter to school. Make it a good day.

Google Geek - Posting 3D Models

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My name is Ron Hall.

I live at the Funny Farm.

Posted a new model to the 3D Warehouse yesterday. Not really sure why I get such a kick out of using SketchUp to do models of real world buildings. Have been doing it for a few years now and I still get a enjoy it.

I have done the Funny Farm (our home), the local university (EWU) that I picked up my computer skills at, our hometown (Cheney), and some buildings in nearby Spokane. My favorite "collection" is Small Town American Landmarks - based on buildings I have admired in my travels. This last model is in that group - the Livingston Train Depot - in Montana.

Well need to get cracking on another one. Make it a good day.