Friday, September 17, 2010

Googland

Googland

[G] Six films, six winners, and six different views of democracy

Posted: 17 Sep 2010 05:08 AM PDT

YouTube Blog: Six films, six winners, and six different views of democracy

In perhaps no other time in human history have there been so many different views of what the word democracy means. And that's what makes our second annual Democracy Video Challenge so fascinating: over 600 people around the world submitted videos to the contest, answering the prompt "Democracy is..." And last week, the six winners of the contest -- selected by a panel of judges and then voted on by the YouTube community -- were honored at an awards ceremony with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington, D.C.





The six winners came from all over the world: Juan Pablo Patiño is from Colombia, Yared Shumete is from Ethiopia, Anup Poudel is from Nepal, Joel Marsden is from Spain, Farbod Khoshtinat is from Iran, and Adhyatmika is from Indonesia. Click here for some footage from the winners meeting with Secretary Clinton, and here's a playlist of their winning videos (which are also spotlighted on our homepage today):



What do you think democracy is? Join the discussion in the comments section of these videos.

Steve Grove, Head of News and Politics, recently watched "Democracy has a new challenge."


URL: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/youtube/PKJx/~3/ipYqUu1HWAU/six-films-six-winners-and-six-different.html

[G] View Near Real-time Flights over the U.S. in Google Earth

Posted: 17 Sep 2010 12:53 AM PDT

Google LatLong: View Near Real-time Flights over the U.S. in Google Earth


Thanks to our friends at Flightwise.com, we've published a new, dynamically updating KML file of commercial flights over the U.S. Turn on the layer to see the current location and altitude of thousands of flights, in near real-time. The KML file is created from data available on the Flightwise website, which they collect from the FAA every few minutes.


Hover over an airplane icon to see the airline, flight number, and up-to-date path.


Clicking an icon yields an information-rich bubble showing more detailed flight information, including estimating arrival time.


And finally, clicking on the "Download flight path" link in the balloon downloads a full KML tour of the flight so you can play back and rewind the flight up to its current position and see where it was at any point in time.

Note that due to FAA restrictions and timing of data pushes, the time of the data displayed will lag by an average of 15 or 20 minutes behind the current time. Nevertheless, we find this layer to be a compelling and fun way to get a snapshot of all the airplanes in the air at any given time over the U.S., all placed at the appropriate coordinates and altitude. Save the layer to your "My Places" panel, keep it checked on, and it will auto-refresh every few minutes. Surely this is the best way to keep up to date on what's going on in the skies in Google Earth. And don't call me Shirley. *

* An homage to a classic film.

Posted by Cris Castello, GIS Data Engineer
URL: http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/09/view-near-real-time-flights-over-us-in.html

[G] Google Chrome Extensions at School: Research and write papers

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 06:37 PM PDT

Google Chrome Blog: Google Chrome Extensions at School: Research and write papers

Last week in the Official Google for Students blog, we highlighted extensions that help students stay connected with friends and family. Check out today's Google Chrome Extensions at School for extensions that can help you research and write papers for any class.

Posted by Koh Kim and Meredith Papp, Product Marketing
URL: http://chrome.blogspot.com/2010/09/google-chrome-extensions-at-school_16.html

[G] New in Labs: Video chat enhancements

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 06:17 PM PDT

Official Gmail Blog: New in Labs: Video chat enhancements

Posted by Serge Lachapelle, Product Manager

If you use video chat in Gmail, you might be interested in a new Labs feature we just rolled out that allows you to preview new video chat features before they're turned on for everyone. Visit the Gmail Labs tab under Settings, turn on "Video chat enhancements," and right away, you'll see higher resolution video and a bigger video chat window.



The higher resolution video uses a new playback mechanism which enables widescreen VGA and frees up valuable resources on your computer. For it to work, both you and the person you're chatting with will need to have the lab turned on. Remember that you can always revert to standard video chat by disabling the lab.

We plan to add more video chat enhancements to this lab in the future, so if you have it on you'll automatically get those too. Feel free to post your comments or report any issues you encounter in the video chat forum (we also follow #googlevideochat on Twitter).
URL: http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-in-labs-video-chat-enhancements.html

[G] Stay safe while browsing

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 02:45 PM PDT

Google Online Security Blog: Stay safe while browsing

Posted by Panayiotis Mavrommatis and Niels Provos, Security Team

We are constantly working on detecting sites that are compromised or are deliberately set up to infect your machine while browsing the web. We provide warnings on our search results and to browsers such as Firefox and Chrome. A lot of the warnings take people by surprise — they can trigger on your favorite news site, a blog you read daily, or another site you would never consider to be involved in malicious activities.

In fact, it's very important to heed these warnings because they show up for sites that are under attack. We are very confident with the results of our scanners that create these warnings, and we work with webmasters to show where attack code was injected. As soon as we think the site has been cleaned up, we lift the warning.

This week in particular, a lot of web users have become vulnerable. A number of live public exploits were attacking the latest versions of some very popular browser plug-ins. Our automated detection systems encounter these attacks every day, e.g. exploits against PDF (CVE-2010-2883), Quicktime (CVE-2010-1818) and Flash (CVE-2010-2884).

We found it interesting that we discovered the PDF exploit on the same page as a more "traditional" fake anti-virus page, in which users are prompted to install an executable file. So, even if you run into a fake anti-virus page and ignore it, we suggest you run a thorough anti-virus scan on your machine.

We and others have observed that once a vulnerability has been exploited and announced, it does not take long for it to be abused widely on the web. For example, the stack overflow vulnerability in PDF was announced on September 7th, 2010, and the Metasploit project made an exploit module available only one day later. Our systems found the vulnerability abused across multiple exploit sites on September 13th.

Here's a few suggestions for protecting yourself against web attacks:
  • Keep your OS, browser, and browser plugins up-to-date.
  • Run anti-virus software, and keep this up-to-date, too.
  • Disable or uninstall any software or browser plug-ins you don't use — this reduces your vulnerability surface.
  • If you receive a PDF attachment in Gmail, select "View" to view it in Gmail instead of downloading it.
URL: http://googleonlinesecurity.blogspot.com/2010/09/stay-safe-while-browsing.html

[G] Diversey awarded for cutting carbon emissions using Google Apps

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 02:29 PM PDT

Official Google Enterprise Blog: Diversey awarded for cutting carbon emissions using Google Apps

Editor's note: We've invited Brent Hoag, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, of Diversey to tell readers about their recent recognition as one of InformationWeek's most innovative users of business technology. Diversey, formerly JohnsonDiversey, is headquartered in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. With sales in more than 175 countries, Diversey is a leading global provider of commercial cleaning, sanitation and hygiene solutions, serving customers in the building management, lodging, food service, retail, health care, and food and beverage sectors. Diversey, Inc. is committed to a cleaner, healthier future. Its products, systems and expertise make food, drink and facilities safer and more hygienic for consumers and for building occupants.

This week, InformationWeek announced its annual listing of the nation's 500 most innovative users of business technology. We're proud to report that Diversey was recognized as being among the top 10 U.S. manufacturers for its innovative and environmentally efficient cloud computing strategy – the foundation of which is Google Apps. The use of Google Apps for email, collaboration and calendar helped Diversey reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 73 metric tons or the equivalent of taking roughly 15 passenger vehicles off the road.

In just one day, the company migrated 14,000 accounts to Google Apps in more than 60 countries and 18 languages. Since implementation in May 2009, employees have changed the way they communicate with other employees and customers. Google Apps' cloud-based e-mail, calendars, documents and sites have improved the quality, consistency and effectiveness of communication and allows for business continuity in the event of a disaster.

The company's migration to cloud computing was the result of a corporate-wide commitment to find more sustainable and efficient ways of doing business. Diversey's cloud-based technology platforms allow for a collaborative working environment and helps maintain business continuity. It also reduced the company's carbon footprint by eliminating up to 10 company servers and by decreasing the need for business travel and the purchase of redundant hardware and software.

Diversey's commitment to sustainable IT is another example of our environmental leadership and our passion for finding new ways to reduce the environmental impact of our operations globally. In Google, we've found a good partner in the sustainability movement, and look forward to continuing to meet and exceed our sustainability and innovation goals together.

Posted by Ashley Chandler, Google Apps team
URL: http://googleenterprise.blogspot.com/2010/09/diversey-awarded-for-cutting-carbon.html

[G] Supplement your AdSense earnings with Google Affiliate Network

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 02:16 PM PDT

Inside AdSense: Supplement your AdSense earnings with Google Affiliate Network

Many publishers are very good at recommending just the right stuff for their users. We love seeing influential publishers in all genres — from foodies to techies to moms to shopping experts — delight users by giving them access to products and services that they believe in. When these trusted publishers recommend a book, a gadget, or a new perfume, their audiences are very likely to follow.

Have you ever wondered if your users buy the products you recommend? Have you wished you could be rewarded for driving sales and conversions? You can. With Google Affiliate Network, publishers can access cost-per-action (CPA) or affiliate ads. This means that you can start working with advertisers who will pay you a performance fee for driving a sale or other conversion. Many AdSense publishers have already started using Google Affiliate Network to complement their AdSense ads and earn additional revenue.
Here's how to get started:
  1. Sign up for a Google Affiliate Network account with your AdSense Publisher ID.
  2. As soon as you're approved for Google Affiliate Network, sign in and apply for advertiser programs.
  3. Follow the instructions to start displaying cost-per-action ads.
Check out our Beginner's Guide to help you through the process of becoming a successful affiliate publisher and continue reading for the answers to our frequently asked questions.

How are Google Affiliate Network ads different from the ads I serve through Google AdSense?
Affiliate programs are not ad units or campaigns; they are ongoing programs that allow advertisers to reward publishers (or "affiliate partners") for driving sales or conversions. While your AdSense ads are automatically targeted, you will select which Google Affiliate Network advertiser programs to join and then choose which affiliate ads to add to your site.

Can I promote my Google Affiliate Network ads?
You may promote Google Affiliate Network ads on your site. If you endorse the product that you are referring, feel free to let your users know. By adding your personal review of the products you refer, you can help your users make more informed choices.

Note that you may not promote or call attention to AdSense ads in the same way. Learn more about important differences between CPC and CPA ads that explain the reasoning behind these separate policies.

What kinds of advertisers are in the Google Affiliate Network?
We have a diverse range of advertisers who run successful affiliate programs through our network. Just a few examples include Target, Barnes and Noble.com, Blue Nile, Verizon Wireless, Aéropostale, and Wedding Channel Store (The Knot).

Is this available for publishers outside the United States?
Yes, publishers in all countries supported by AdSense are eligible. However, the majority of advertisers in the Google Affiliate Network are currently focused on the US market.

How do I get paid?
If you've earned at least the minimum commission, you'll receive consolidated payments through your Google AdSense account.



Posted by Erica Sievert - Google Affiliate Network Team
URL: http://adsense.blogspot.com/2010/09/supplement-your-adsense-earnings-with.html

[G] YouTube Homepage: Promoted Videos advertisers can get it while it's hot

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 02:12 PM PDT

Inside AdWords: YouTube Homepage: Promoted Videos advertisers can get it while it's hot

Cross posted from the YouTube blog.


For big advertisers on YouTube, the YouTube homepage is often seen as the holy grail. It's the highest-profile placement on YouTube, providing marketers with the ability to deliver a big impact and drive attention to content, trailers or advertising. To give you an idea of the scale we're talking about, the homepage has been delivering nearly 45 million impressions per day and 18 million unique visitors a day in the U.S. — that's the equivalent to the ratings of several top-rated prime-time television shows combined. While impressions and unique visitors are never guaranteed, users who visit the homepage are actively looking for the next video to watch, so advertisers naturally want to be part of the action.

A little known fact is that a few days each quarter, we open up the YouTube homepage to Promoted Video advertisers. These companies end up getting a bit of extra exposure from their campaigns. There are a couple of ways to make sure your ads show up on the homepage, should the opportunity arise. First, log into your AdWords account, and under "Campaign Settings," consider the following:

  • In order for Promoted Videos ads to appear on YouTube browse pages, watch pages, and on the homepage, select "Display Network"
  • To appear *only* on YouTube placements, select "Relevant pages only on the placements I manage" and add youtube.com as a managed placement.
  • To appear *only* on the homepage, select "Relevant pages only on the placements I manage" and add youtube.com::pyv-top-right-homepage as a managed placement
  • Set a specific bid for the homepage and keep in mind that it is a more competitive placement
  • Please note: this feature is only available in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the U.K., and The U.S.

Because the dates we run Promoted Videos on the YouTube homepage vary, we unfortunately don't have a set schedule for you. However, we typically know about 48 hours in advance. If you have a managed account, you can ask your Google representative to let you know when these opportunities arise so that you can increase your bids to improve your chances of showing up.

Several advertisers – large and small – have found great success showing Promoted Videos on the homepage. One YouTube advertiser, Dynomighty Design, grew their entire business by using Promoted Videos and getting placements on the YouTube homepage. Founder Terrence Kelleman says: "YouTube helps us sell our product, learn about our audience and build a strong brand image. And as a small company with a limited advertising budget, YouTube has become our main advertising strategy. Not only are costs low with Promoted Videos, but healthy conversions also make YouTube our #1 referring site in terms of traffic and revenue." To read more about Dynomighty's story, check out their original YouTube video and their feature on the Official Google Blog.

The YouTube homepage has a captive, engaged audience and it's our goal to let advertisers understand how best to reach customers that would be interested in hearing from them. For more information about advertising on YouTube, visit youtube.com/advertising, and for more information on Promoted Videos, check out ads.youtube.com.

Posted by Mark Sabec, Product Marketing Manager, YouTube
URL: http://adwords.blogspot.com/2010/09/youtube-homepage-promoted-videos.html

[G] Print your spreadsheets (and save ink) with more printing options

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 02:05 PM PDT

Official Google Docs Blog: Print your spreadsheets (and save ink) with more printing options

With the power of the cloud, you have access to and can share your files from basically any device without needing to print out anything. We understand that there are occasions when you still need to print, however, and that's why today we're happy to announce two new features for printing: selection printing and gridless printing. These two new options allow you to not only customize your printouts, but also save ink in the process.

With selection printing you can print a highlighted section from your spreadsheet. The new option to not print the default gridlines is valuable if you're trying to print a handout or trying to save ink. You can access these settings via File > Print.


These printing improvements are a direct result of feedback from many of you. If you have more ideas, let us know in the forums.

Posted by: Julian Mcauley, Software Engineering Intern
URL: http://googledocs.blogspot.com/2010/09/print-your-spreadsheets-and-save-ink.html

[G] Live webinar for businesses on 9/23: Google Apps for mobile

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 11:54 AM PDT

Official Google Mobile Blog: Live webinar for businesses on 9/23: Google Apps for mobile

(Cross-posted on the Official Google Enterprise Blog.)

With the rapid adoption of Internet-enabled mobile devices, employees increasingly seek access to their email, documents, and other corporate data from their mobile phones. In addition, employees are bringing their personal smartphones to work or carry multiple devices creating new challenges for IT administrators.

Join me next week for a live webinar where we will share our vision of enabling mobile workers with easy access to information anywhere, anytime. You'll also learn about the various mobile applications and recent innovations. We'll also highlight support for Google Apps on mobile devices and also discuss the various tools that are available for IT administrators to manage Google Mobile products for businesses.

Register to attend the live webinar on 9/23 @ 10am PST / 1pm EST / 5 pm GMT. We hope to see you there.

Posted by Mayur Kamat, Google Apps Product Manager
URL: http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2010/09/live-webinar-for-businesses-923-google.html

[G] Ahold goes Google: International food retailer moves 55,000 employees to Google Apps

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 11:54 AM PDT

Official Google Enterprise Blog: Ahold goes Google: International food retailer moves 55,000 employees to Google Apps

Ahold, an international food retailing group based in the Netherlands, that operates leading supermarket companies in Europe and the United States, including Albert Heijn, Albert / Hypernova, Stop & Shop, Giant Food and Giant Food Stores has gone Google. Ahold has over 2,900 stores around the world with a local presence in the communities they serve.

Ahold made the decision to move to Google Apps to provide its global workers with a single web-based platform for communication and collaboration, replacing Ahold's existing email domains and systems in Europe and the US. Ahold chose Google Apps for its 25 GB of storage per account, integrated IM (Google Talk) and a series of additional features that facilitate communication, including video based communication tools, automatic translation and shared calendars.

The global deployment of Google Apps will bring a number of benefits to Ahold employees, among them:

- consolidation and standardization to a single mail system and global address book
- improved productivity through the use of efficient e-mail and instant messenger tools, as well as powerful personal and shared calendars
- training support with new video based communication tools, including video IM
- improved collaboration within and between operating companies and functions
- improved international communication with features such as automatic Message Translate, allowing users to translate e-mails from and into different languages with one click of the mouse or real-time translation in Google Talk.



Posted by Ashley Chandler, Google Apps team
URL: http://googleenterprise.blogspot.com/2010/09/ahold-goes-google-international-food.html

[G] Imagery of Four Mile Canyon fire in Boulder, CO

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 11:54 AM PDT

Google LatLong: Imagery of Four Mile Canyon fire in Boulder, CO

This Labor day brought Colorado its most destructive wildfire to date, as measured in structures lost. 169 homes were destroyed and 6,181 acres of mountain terrain were scorched as the Four Mile Canyon fire blazed its way through our hillside.

Community members worked together to create a collaborative map to show the location of the fire and track its progress. The map was open for anyone to contribute information as soon as it became available. For many, this was a primary source for the most up-to-date information available about the fire.


View Boulder Fire Area in a larger map

Additionally, new imagery from GeoEye of the burn area is now available as a KML overlay. We will be adding this to our base layer soon. When viewed in 3D using Google Earth, this image vividly illustrates the extent and magnitude of the damage.

Our profound gratitude goes to the fire fighters who worked tirelessly to subdue the fire in the face of high winds and difficult terrain. If you would like to help, you can learn more here.

Posted by Mark Limber, Product Manager, Google Boulder
URL: http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/09/imagery-of-four-mile-canyon-fire-in.html

[G] Live webinar for businesses on 9/23: Google Apps for mobile

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 09:03 AM PDT

Official Google Enterprise Blog: Live webinar for businesses on 9/23: Google Apps for mobile

With the rapid adoption of Internet-enabled mobile devices, employees increasingly seek access to their email, documents, and other corporate data from their mobile phones. In addition, employees are bringing their personal smartphones to work or carry multiple devices creating new challenges for IT administrators.

Join me next week for a live webinar where we will share our vision of enabling mobile workers with easy access to information anywhere, anytime. You'll also learn about the various mobile applications and recent innovations. We'll also highlight support for Google Apps on mobile devices and also discuss the various tools that are available for IT administrators to manage Google Mobile products for businesses.

Register to attend the live webinar on 9/23 @ 10am PST / 1pm EST / 5 pm GMT. We hope to see you there.

Posted by Mayur Kamat, Google Apps Product Manager
URL: http://googleenterprise.blogspot.com/2010/09/live-webinar-for-businesses-on-923.html
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