This is the Online column, written for The Southland Times)
It’s official, I’m predictable and boring. I’m a creature of habit.
I always listen to the same music when I’m doing housework (Rammstein), I always have a cup of tea before I hit the shower in the morning (black, no sugar), I always sleep on the same side (right) and I always use the same search engine (Google).
A week or two back, Alt Search Engines issued a challenge for surfers to go a day without using Google. The idea is good in theory but I suspect I’m not the only internet user who is inherently lazy. I don’t want to have to get used to the feel of something new, get used to finding things in different places and set out in a different style.
If I’m looking for something online, my first port of call is always Google. It’s like a well-worn shoe: comfortable and familiar (but without the funny smell). If I’m feeling really adventurous, I might venture as far afield as Mamma, but that’s it.
I have no incentive to try other sites, Google works for me: I search, it finds. What more could I want? However, if you are a little more adventurous than me and do want to check out some alternatives to Google, Wikipedia has an extensive list of search engines.
Miss Belvedere unearthed
The past half century wasn’t particularly kind to Tulsa’s now famous buried car. The Plymouth Belvedere was dug up and unveiled on Friday after being buried to mark Oklahoma’s 50 years as a state back in 1957. Sadly, the vault wasn’t as bulletproof as hoped and Miss Belvedere was found to be soaking in about 1m of water.
Legendary grumpy dude and hotrod builder Boyd Coddington — a guest at the unveiling — was unable to start her up as planned but the contents of a time capsule inside the car did survive the underground adventure.
Trade aid
If you sell on Trade Me and have your own website, you can now list your auctions on your site in a nicely packaged little list with the handy dandy GadgetMe (update: it seems GadgetMe is no more; ditto its home site, wiseguy.co.nz).
The developer says GadgetMe still needs some work but you’re welcome to stick it on your site or blog in all its alpha glory. While it’s not an official Trade Me widget, the message on the developer’s website says it uses data provided by Trade Me in accordance with their terms and conditions so they don’t mind you using it.