A while back I discovered a wonderful web-based tracking tool on TrackThePack. The website provides a very simple yet elegant design. Below is a screen shot of the site to give you an idea.
The site is very simple to use. Simply enter your tracking number provided by your package carrier, and click on the "TrackThePack" button. The site supports most carriers including: UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS. The site is able to automatically recognize the proper carrier, and give you detailed results as to the current location, and timing of your package's arrival. The site even provides a helpful Google Map, detailing the path your package has taken (see screenshot). So next time you need to track a package, go ahead and track your pack with TrackThePack!
While robins may be the traditional sign of the arrival of spring, here in Metro-Detroit we know the true sign: the return of the orange barrels on the highways. With these construction zones come the inevitable traffic jams.
Traditionally, radio or TV station reports were the best place to get traffic information. While this information is generally good, many times stations will report an incident that has already cleared or may not report one that has just happened. If you want to actually see the traffic conditions before you head out, you can click here to view live feeds from Detroit-area freeway traffic cameras.
Think it is bad here? Check out traffic cameras from across the U.S. and several other countries at trafficland.com.
Google Chrome is a relatively new browser that has quickly gained popularity in the Internet community. Since its initial release, Chrome has seen many fixes and improvements to improve its speed and stability. These updates were so significant that Google quickly removed the "beta" tag off of its new browser in an effort to promote its stability and everyday usability.
I do a majority of my Internet browsing on Google Chrome due to its speed and other features. Here are some of my favorite ones.
Speed, Speed, and More Speed One of the most noticeable features of Google Chrome is its speed. It is fast to boot up, and fast to load pages. It feels faster then Firefox, and most definitely Internet Explorer in my everyday use. Each Tab Has Its Own Process Each tab has its own individual process; if one tab crashes, you do not lose the rest of your opened tabs. This is extremely helpful when you are doing research and each tab is important to keep open. The Download Manager
Downloads are handled differently in Google Chrome then they are in IE and Firefox. In both IE and Firefox, the downloads are opened in a new window to be monitored. In Chrome, downloads are started immediately and can be monitored in the task bar, as shown in the picture above.
Simple Design One of the subtle, yet, impressive features of Chrome is the simple design layout of the tabs, address bar and navigational icons. This browser is designed for maximum screen real-estate for viewing web pages. I find the tab layout to be quite helpful. The New Tab Page
While this feature may not seem like a big help initially, it most certainly is a welcome addition. The new tab page shows a lot of information such as your top nine most visited sites, previous searches, recent bookmarks, and recently closed tabs. Searching From the Address Bar
By default, Google allows you to type a search into the address bar. Then, by simply hitting the ENTER key, you are taken to Google search results. If you go to another site and perform a search, you will then be able to simply hit the tab key when typing in the site name to perform a search on that site (see the screenshot above for an example). Updates This past week, Google officially released its first major milestone update to Chrome. This update packed tons of added enhancements, bug fixes, and stability improvements. Here is a quick rundown of some of the enhancements specific to the 2.0 update courtesy of Google.
Like to spend your summer weekends looking at yard sales?
Yard Sale Treasure Map can make your search more productive. This site mashes classified ads from Craigslist with Google Maps to create maps of yard sales in your area during the upcoming weekend.
Just enter your start address, how far you want to travel, and the day of the weekend, from Thursday through Saturday. Treasure Map will plot the sales on a map. You can read descriptions of the sales, delete ones you don't want, add other stops, and plan a route, all before you print your custom map.
We have written a lot about the Kindle -- Amazon's ebook reader which is transforming the way people read novels and newspapers.
Kindle is not the only game in town, however. Sony, Plastic Logic and other companies have developed their own ebook readers, which they hope will compete with the Kindle.
While driving home recently, Atlanta Councilmember Kwanza Hall came upon an unconscious woman who needed medical attention. He asked those around the woman if they had called 911 – the emergency number. They had, but were unable to get through.
So Counselor Hall turned to Twitter to help summon aide. Here’s the story, as reported by Wired:
Did Twitter help save a life? In this instance – as in the instance when actress Demi Moore’s tweeted a fan’s suicide message – it is impossible to tell for certain. But it is clear that Twitter has not only leapt past email but is challenging the phone as a real time communication tool.
Virtual environments and social networking websites have become valuable tools for elearning and distance collaboration, often being used as a means for urging social change.
On June 3, the University of Michigan-Dearborn will host a free conference to discuss new and innovative approaches for using these applications to address societal issues.The conference, Using the Virtual World to Improve Our World, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the UM-Dearborn campus and simultaneously in the online virtual world of Second Life. The event is sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.
Conference attendees will hear from guest speakers working in industry, non-profits, government and universities who are using various forms of technology to change society.
“This forum and discussion will provide for the exchange of best practices and innovative ideas that can accelerate the pace of change,” according to Bruce Maxim, associate professor of computer and information science at UM-Dearborn, who is coordinating the conference.
Those interested in attending the conference should register with Deborah Stark-Knight at 313.593.3403 or dstark@umich.edu by May 28.
