Alternative search engines

Google may reign for internet searching - but there are some fun alternatives available (even if many may ultimately be powered by Google).

Blingo shares the same approach as the veteran iWon, but randomly gives away practical prizes that change monthly. This month you could win movie tickets, iTunes gift certificates, or an iPod among other things. Chances to win are limited to your first 10 searches per day, and you don't need to sign-in or have an account to win.

Goodsearch reminds me the Hungersite in that it gives you a chance to contribute a little bit everyday to good causes around the world or at home. The website donates 1 cent to a charity of your choice for every search you submit.

ErrorMail

I swear that I get a "server error" message when accessing my Gmail account more than I actually get logged in. I am sorry now that I made it my primary email account. I mean I know it's in beta still, but by now - considering how many users they recruited, you'd think a major recurring issue like that would be worked out. They need to start calling it ErrorMail.

Beer Trucks

The other morning on the way to work there was a "Backfin Pale Ale" beer truck in front of me (My guess is some local brewery I didn't know about), and in front of that was a "Killians Irish Red" beer truck. It was pretty sweet. The only thing better would have been to have a "Corona" truck with one of those girls licking the bottle.

Farewell to MLB's Greatest

Baseball legend and Minnesota Twins great Kirby Puckett died yesterday of a stroke at the age of 45. Kirby was one of my childhood idols and my favorite baseball player of all time. He brought an uncommon personality and enthusiasum to baseball, with an all around athletic ability, leading the Twins to the world series in 1987 and 1991. Though his career came to an abrupt and early end due to glaucoma in 1996. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001. A character like this is missed in the baseball community amidst the modern day bulging salaries and steroids cases.

Read the SI.com story

Happy Freakin' Valentine's Day

I am "one of those" people who hate this holiday. So much that I actually am posting something. Bahumbug.