CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-06-17 12:27:57 (5 comments, 2 reshares, 34 +1s)

Best Advice I Ever Received:

"If people don't think you're weird, you're doing something wrong." - My High School Band Director

Life is only temporary. Don't try to fit in. Be yourself.

2013-06-16 22:17:51 (36 comments, 5 reshares, 92 +1s)

Remembering +J.C. Kendall

There is something about this community that you can feel inside your heart. If you were one of the early adopters like +Clare Cosgrove and many others, you had the unique opportunity to form some extremely strong bonds.

Because of those deeply personal interactions, the ability to ping each other at the drop of a hat (through so many different devices and technology) these people that would otherwise be "strangers" on the Internet have become an important part of our lives.

I was so flattered long ago to be listed in +J.C. Kendall's company in this wonderful post (below) by +Clare Cosgrove that shows us exactly why we love this community so dearly. If it weren't for that compassion and caring for each other, I don't believe any of you (or I) would have known or cared that our dear friend suddenly passed away.
more »

2013-06-16 16:02:44 (3 comments, 4 reshares, 8 +1s)

The Snowden Principle

John Cusack has a great op-ed here...

2013-06-16 02:06:23 (36 comments, 0 reshares, 35 +1s)

Whoops...

2013-06-15 14:46:02 (15 comments, 4 reshares, 26 +1s)

The Vacuum Quandry

Gentlemen (and certain ladies), I'm sure you have found yourself in the same situation before. Here it is, early on a Saturday morning, you get out of bed to let your sweetheart rest for an extra hour while you enjoy your coffee and reading the news.

As you're halfway through your first cup of coffee and just getting into your caché of of articles that you've been neglecting all week, the sleepy beauty rises. From the depths of her deep slumber she quickly prances down the stairs and does what any respectable woman would do at 8:30 AM on a Saturday morning: she turns on the vacuum.

Here you are, situated in your element with your fresh hot coffee and your dozens of posts and articles to read and suddenly your sanctuary crumbles. Your significant other informs you that the stairs must be shampooed, the laundry must be put away and every... more »

2013-06-15 12:35:38 (0 comments, 3 reshares, 14 +1s)

Today +Sarah Hill , +Veterans United  and +Virtual Photo Walks™ and a team of friends did our first Honor Tour via Google Glass a computer for your face and we took some veterans along with us.

Here's a link to the +CNN iReport +CNN International 

Thank you to all that helped.
Hands free Hangouts via Google Glass are amazing! thanks to everyone who made today's memorial tour a success for our veterans watching in St Louis +Dani Wexelman  +Olivia Clatto   +Veterans United  +Virtual Photo Walks™ +John Butterill   +Bruce Garber  +Chad LaFarge  +Lori Harmon  +Scott Schaefer  +Robert Rouse  +Jim Young  +Eric Blumberg  #throughglass   

Had lots of fun doing a +Virtual Photo Walks™  ! If you missed it live; you can watch it NOW on demand here. 

CNNiReport: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-988803

YouTube: Hero TourWith Sarah Hill, Google Glass &... more »

2013-06-14 20:51:03 (25 comments, 11 reshares, 101 +1s)

Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

#TheTruth   #TGIF  

2013-06-14 16:50:28 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 22 +1s)

Fresh Content Works

Just like fresh ingredients in your lunch, fresh content in your social media strategy can keep your brand looking good.

#SocialMedia #ContentStrategy #Marketing

2013-06-14 00:41:50 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 31 +1s)

2013-06-13 18:18:08 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

I'm still searching.

2013-06-13 11:30:36 (17 comments, 4 reshares, 31 +1s)

5 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Mornings

Not every morning is the same. Sometimes you wish you could sleep until noon and others are filled with so much excitement that you can't wait to get started. If you're like me and work a ho hum job from 8-5 Monday through Friday, you probably have an affinity for your snooze button. However, I have found a few things that can get you more excited about rising and shining.

1. Get up without the help of an alarm clock.

If you have an established routine, you might find yourself getting up around the same time every morning. If you practice waking up without the help of an alarm clock you will find your body to be more alert and refreshed.

2. Limit yourself to three cups of coffee.

If there are two things any geek loves in the world they are coffee and the Internet. However, too much... more »

2013-06-12 21:06:17 (73 comments, 9 reshares, 94 +1s)

Community Overload: Getting Back in Balance

Last year when +Google+ announced the birth of the Communities feature, a lot of went on a community binge. We were creating communities for ALL SORTS of things. From our gaming interests, to our food interests, travel destinations, networking opportunities and even things we probably had no interest in at all. It was GREAT!

Then, all of a sudden, 6 months later, we are overwhelmed by the climbing red numbers on the Community page. We have dozens of communities we haven't visited in months and communities we don't even remember joining.

Don't worry, we're in this together.

Today, I said "Enough!" I went through my list of community memberships with a machete chopping down the unnecessary affiliations like bamboo shoots in the jungle. I was clearing a path to make my community... more »

2013-06-12 11:44:29 (5 comments, 2 reshares, 29 +1s)

Today is the day to bridge the gap between what you should be doing and what you are doing.

You are the only thing that stands in your way from becoming successful. If there is something that you have been keeping on the back burner for a while, today is your day to get back on top.

Whether it is getting back to blogging, resuming your workout routine or practicing a new skill, getting back to it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Just take small steps and persevere.

2013-06-12 11:17:59 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

OMG These comments are GOLD I tell you #Nashville #Hollywood #Hipsters #snark

2013-06-12 02:40:24 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

We have heard from many of our friends over the past few days, and the prevailing question is, 

“Can we help?”

The answer is yes! Here are three easy ways to support your symphony:

Tweet to Give: https://givver.com/nashville-symphony

Click to Donate: https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/support/donate?

Buy Tickets:
https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/tickets/calendar — at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

2013-06-12 02:39:05 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 30 +1s)

I call this the... Auto-Awesome Fiddler

Playing around with burst shot mode in the pet store today and caught this little fiddler crab walking around. Pretty neat!

2013-06-12 00:01:00 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 14 +1s)

My sushi!

Okay, not really...but the sake is ice cold and that's all that matters!

2013-06-11 21:39:54 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

Keeping It Real

We live in a dymanic world full of constant change. Luckily for us, some things, like this box of Cracker Jack, always stay the same.

It seems silly, but sometimes it is comforting to know that some things are always the way you remember them.

Find comfort in the small things when the big things are overwhelming.

2013-06-11 19:12:51 (6 comments, 13 reshares, 24 +1s)

The Hell with Hats! Check out this tin foil hut!

If you think a tin foil hat is going to keep you safe, think again. This guy wanted to ensure that no one could pick up the thoughts from his brain and decked out his garage in what appears to be insulation and aluminum mylar.

#PRISM   #Skynet   #Privacy  

Original story: http://englishrussia.com/2010/03/03/tin-foil-hut/ .

2013-06-11 16:18:58 (0 comments, 5 reshares, 4 +1s)

2008...

I heard this one on the radio on the way to work this morning. Allegedly Shia LaBeouf was amazed when an FBI agent played back audio from one of Shia's personal phone calls from two years ago.

#PRISM  

2013-06-11 14:17:53 (8 comments, 3 reshares, 8 +1s)

Dear Google users—

You may be aware of press reports alleging that Internet companies have joined a secret U.S. government program called PRISM to give the National Security Agency direct access to our servers. As Google’s CEO and Chief Legal Officer, we wanted you to have the facts.

First, we have not joined any program that would give the U.S. government—or any other government—direct access to our servers. Indeed, the U.S. government does not have direct access or a “back door” to the information stored in our data centers. We had not heard of a program called PRISM until yesterday.

Second, we provide user data to governments only in accordance with the law. Our legal team reviews each and every request, and frequently pushes back when requests are overly broad or don’t follow the correct process. Press reports that suggest that Google is providingopen-ended ac... more »

2013-06-11 13:07:52 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

I'd love to go home, but I just got here...

#work

2013-06-11 11:34:08 (3 comments, 2 reshares, 16 +1s)

Google+ Dashboard - making it easier to manage your online presence

Today millions of businesses use Google+ to connect with their customers in meaningful ways. Many of these businesses also use AdWords to promote their products; Maps to update store info; and YouTube to publish high-quality video content (to name a few). We want to make it easier to manage your online presence - all across Google - so today we're getting started with Google+ Dashboard. After signing in to your Google+ page, you'll now have access to the following Dashboard features:

1) The ability to update your info (like website URLs, store hours and phone numbers) across Maps, Search and Google+ - all from the Overview tab.

2) One place to monitor your Google+ notifications, assign page managers, share photos and videos - even start a Hangout with followers.

Local businesses... more »

2013-06-11 02:41:24 (5 comments, 3 reshares, 38 +1s)

Creating Something Worth Sharing

Over the last few weeks I have been spending a lot of time thinking about content strategy. What is it that makes people want to share? Is it humor, pop culture, wisdom or inspiration?

The answer is kind of complicated. There is no magic formula or secret sauce. The only thing you can do is be true to yourself and your brand.

In order to create something worth sharing, you need to be honest and know your audience. If the people that interact with you or your brand enjoy things on the lighter side, keep your content on the lighter side. If you know what is important to people, talk about it.

The easiest way to lose your audience is to bombard them with things that are unnatural, out of context and totally irrelevant. Don't try to change who you or your brand are to entice your audience. The best way to engage people is to... more »

2013-06-10 20:00:48 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Dear +Sprint,

This relationship isn't working for me.

I talk to your representatives on the phone, and they're always so helpful and happy to report my issue. But when I spend 3 hours trying to send one message over your network and drain my battery in the process, I wonder why I send you hundreds of dollars every year.

Please take a moment to explain to the fine people of Nashville why your service is so terrible and what you plan to do to compensate us for failing to serve us as promised.

Sincerely,

A Paying Customer

2013-06-10 18:48:54 (11 comments, 1 reshares, 13 +1s)

iOS 6: It will take your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in entirely new directions.

LOL, yes it did.

Glad Apple focused on something else this time around...like copying the Windows Phone GUI.

#WWDC  #iOS7

2013-06-10 18:12:28 (0 comments, 4 reshares, 14 +1s)

Here's how to get the most out of the new +Google Maps!

Here are five videos from the official +YouTube channel to get you started in using the new Google Maps interface. Happy travels!

Meet the new Google Maps: http://goo.gl/oy8Gi
Directions: http://goo.gl/FDoIk
Search: http://goo.gl/xOP7h
Imagery: http://goo.gl/OmKT8
A map built for you: http://goo.gl/l3w2Z

2013-06-10 17:25:03 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Nashville foodies, what are you doing this Wednesday? Would LOVE to see you at this amazing interactive culinary benefit event which helps Red Cross relief efforts in Oklahoma. Please spread the word! RSVPs required. http://myemail.constantcontact.com/FemCity-Nashville-An-Interactive-Culinary-Event-w--The-Chef---I.html?soid=1102694186571&aid=FSynseFAkc0

2013-06-10 14:38:21 (16 comments, 3 reshares, 12 +1s)

Oh, well that settles that...

The Director of National Intelligence in the United States has issued this statement (PDF: http://goo.gl/RjLwo) alleging that the practices of the #PRISM program have been publicly known since 2008.

2013-06-10 05:08:42 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

Regard the date, if you will.

#NSA   #PRISM   #PatriotAct  

2013-06-10 05:01:22 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 19 +1s)

CMA Music Fest

The view from up here almost made the crowd look like it was CGI...

Goodnight, Google+ers!

2013-06-10 03:11:32 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

CMA Music Fest

#CMApocolypse, as we call it in Nashville, showed its true colors tonight. Although the festivities were cut short by some incoming severe weather, fans were entertained by a great lineup including Lee Greenwood, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Gary Allen and Carrie Underwood with special guest Willie Nelson.

Also, +Robert Warren was there...somewhere. I wonder if +Jessica Northey was there?

2013-06-09 22:47:07 (22 comments, 4 reshares, 48 +1s)

The Internship Doesn't Disappoint

This afternoon +Brittani Fox and I ventured to the local cinema for a little big screen treat. Luckily for me, she had no idea the movie was mostly about Google.

First of all, the movie is not a documentary. It's full of actors and a lot of factual inaccuracies. If you want to go into the movie as the fact police, you're not going to enjoy it. For starters, Vince and Owen participate in a hangout using a 16:9 camera, but their image shows up in 4:3 aspect ratio. If that bothers you, you're not going to be able to handle a few other stretches of the imagination.

As I said, this isn't a fact-based film about being an intern at Google. It's an uplifting movie about the change of pace in our world, the dog-eat-dog job market, and the uncertainty that well polished college graduates face when starting a... more »

2013-06-09 18:12:17 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 22 +1s)

A Perfect Afternoon for a Google Fan Boy

After living and breathing all things Google for the last two years I couldn't dream of a better movie than The Internship.

I've avoided all of the trailers and spoilers in hopes of a truly entertaining afternoon. Who knows maybe I'll even get a few laughs at myself while watching this one...

2013-06-09 16:57:17 (2 comments, 3 reshares, 12 +1s)

2013-06-09 15:59:28 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 25 +1s)

#SundaySelfie  

Thanks to some help from +Mike Searle, I was able to take some self-shot photos that Auto-Awesome stitched together into this animated GIF.

In the midst of doing that, I found it really awkward to press the capture button on my Galaxy SIII while I was holding the phone in my hand and a cup of coffee in the other. So, I went on a search to learn about using Voice Commands to take photos with my phone. Now I won't have to press the screen, instead I just have to say "cheese!"

2013-06-09 14:58:41 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 2 +1s)

Sad Day for +Nashville Symphony

It looks like the auction is set for June 28th unless the center files for bankruptcy protection. The mayor, though, is urging the center to do whatever possible to settle with the bank before having to take legal action.

Something tells me, regardless of the outcome, the show must go on. Nashville is rooted too much in music and the arts to lose such an icon that reflects our culture so eloquently.

#SaveTheSymphony  Full story: http://goo.gl/O4Sdm

2013-06-09 13:03:28 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 31 +1s)

More Auto-Awesome

Last night we went to downtown Nashville to have dinner with our friends at a new gastro pub called Pub 5. Over the course of the night I shot over 120 photos. A lot of them I shot in rapid succession in hopes of some incredible "auto-awesome" results.

Surprisingly, only two of those shot sequences worked the way I assumed they would. The panoramic turned out to be absolutely awesome, but I expected to get a GIF. Maybe if the image quality is high enough, the algorithm stitches them together as a larger image in stead of a shaky GIF?

The big disappointment was the 30 shots I took of the fireworks display with a very steady hand. Those didn't turn out to be anything more than the 30 still shots. Regardless, I'm totally stoked that my photos are getting these totally free and unsolicited makeovers.

What fun shots have you... more »

2013-06-08 23:11:57 (5 comments, 1 reshares, 26 +1s)

Auto-Awesome Profile Background Test

I came back from a day on the river and found this neat little auto-awesome compilation in my photos. Thanks, +Bradley Horowitz!

I'm going to use it as my profile background to give people a little motion when they mouseover my avatar.

2013-06-08 22:51:07 (1 comments, 2 reshares, 8 +1s)

Silly Prism Product Review

I thought some of you might find my review of #Prism  slightly humorous. I'm glad the folks at +Amazon.com had a sense of humor.

"This review is from: Tedco Light Crystal Prism - 2.5" (Office Product)
We have been using this tool to gather intelligence for the last seven years. It wasn't until two days ago that the American people have discovered our use of this product. Because it was veiled in secrecy for so many years, we were unable to publish this review. But, now that the cat's out of the bag, here's what we love about this Prism:

- It allows us to see all of the different colors within the spectrum. (Red for Verizon, Orange for AT&T, Yellow for Sprint, Blue for Facebook, Indigo for Microsoft and Yellow for Yahoo)
- It lets us see things that we wouldn't be able to see without the nakede... more »

2013-06-08 17:13:26 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 20 +1s)

#CMApocolypse Backstage Access

2013-06-08 15:54:45 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 11 +1s)

Getting ready to hit the water on the Cumberland River in #Nashville for some #CMApocolypse fun this afternoon!

2013-06-08 12:52:12 (34 comments, 1 reshares, 10 +1s)

Windows 8 Wi-fi Hell

Alright, I'm about at my wits end with this top-of-the-line +Samsung USA laptop that I spent $1,000 on. It's beautiful, sleek, powerful but a complete waste of space if I can't connect to the Wi-fi.

Since waking up I have spent the last 45 minutes trying to get this computer to connect to my home network. Of course, after running all of Microsoft's troubleshooting steps it tells me that there is a problem with my wireless router. Really? I don't think so. I have a GoogleTV, Roku, Xbox 360, Wii, iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone, iPhone 5, Galaxy S3, HTC Evo LTE, Macbook and Chromebook all connected with no issues.

Has anyone else encountered this problem with Wi-fi in Windows 8?

2013-06-08 11:49:13 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

2013-06-08 02:00:48 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 13 +1s)

I found +Raleigh Burke at the Art Crawl...

2013-06-08 00:23:59 (4 comments, 1 reshares, 32 +1s)

"If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit."

2013-06-07 19:49:06 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 7 +1s)

Interesting Similarity...

"The game has a complex backstory that Google is revealing piece by piece." - +Wikipedia

#Ingress   #Prism  

2013-06-07 19:33:22 (5 comments, 3 reshares, 5 +1s)

Most Interesting PowerPoint Slide Ever

Here's the slide that shows when the Special Source Operations team started their alliance with each of the nine (actually eight since Google owns YouTube) major entities.

If you've been targeting the US with your Zune over the last 6 years, you're screwed. However, the NSA has turned a blind eye to anyone using an iPod until last year...

Source: +Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/prism-collection-documents/)

#Prism