KO/Countdown: No see? This proves you don't have to go the "celebrity" route to get any "salacious" story you must find necessary to be in your program. I'm serious!! I don't care if you show disgusting photos because this story, at least, does have a relevant topic. I don't even care if a story isn't really relevant is you need humour. I'm just SICK of the celeb stuff. I'm betting Ms. Hilton's release after 2 whole days of what obviously must be even worse than Gitmo conditions will be on your show tonight as it will every media stream in this country. Someone please explain to me why any one cares about any of these celebs?

Independent: It's sad, but that is what 'sells.' For all the chest beating, berating of politicians, etc., you'd think that the MSM (including Countdown), would spend more time focusing on our fallen military heroes! Just about the only time that any military member is named, is if they have been abducted, or were part of some mass casualties. Agree or disgree with the hell that is the war in Iraq, but I'm for one, sick and tired of NO mention at all. I guess it goes back to if politicians, media types, average American, etc., had to watch a loved one go off to war, the Paris Hiltons of this world wouldn't even be known! Okay all, back to your Crackberries, cell phones, and internet! PEACE!

Jamie - you're correct, of course. I'm sorry I ranted. I have to remember that Countdown isn't an investigative news organization, it is a commentary on reported news. That is what I keep forgetting. (I sure wish they'd explain why they dropped the "dictator directive story".) It's just that there exist reporting mechanisms for celeb stuff so I kinda wish there was just one place where I wouldn't have to listen to it. Thanks again for pulling me back.

Jamie, you hit upon the sad truth of it: the tabloid type of reporting makes the money. The REALLY sad part of the equation is that the public at large is perceived to be more interested in the Brittneys, Hiltons, and Lindseys than who died in Iraq today. The dumbing down of our Nation is sickening. I for one am tired of being offered "news" as if I were a pre-pubescent kid. On a lighter note, congratulations on the Stanley cup. I hope your loved ones come home safely!

Now the whole world can make sure Paris stays at home, look for them darn WMD's, hunt for Osama, and watch Dubya sneak off to the Rose Garden for his afternoon Brandy Alexanders.

So - this is an interesting story. As long as those satellites can't peek through windows, I'm guessing the privacy thing doesn't really come into play. I'm guessing that as long as a satellite can pick up anything that a street side camera can, then this will not be a legal issue. Hmmm. What about if your yard is surrounded by a tall solid fence. Then maybe not. I am glad that people are becoming more aware of the possibilities of contual surveillance though. How does this thing work financially. For instance, if I leave home, can I set up a lap top to continually monitor any activity around my home? Seems as though this might be an alternative to services some protection agencies provide. (smile.)

Independent: As I tried to explain on another Blog there are two sets of standards in this country. The rich, famous and celebs (actors/actresses/athletes/politicians/,etc.) and the common folk like you and me and other bloggers here. The kings and queens and the worker bees. And these standards are driven by the great almighty dollar. In addition, our society has always placed more importance on who you are rather than what you are and that determines who makes it into the circle of the privileged. It has always been this way since the birth of this nation. But with the dawn of mass media it has become even more pronounced in the bed of knowledge of your average person. And although unable or unwilling to admit it, we all have had a part in the creation of this caste system. Networks are also caught up in this caste system because it is the great almighty dollar that drives what they televise. It is the very reason they even exist. Not to report news, but to make a profit. And herein lies the contribution by the American people. They tolerate it. They buy into it. They buy into such things as a white girl with some physcial attraction, dense as a dooknob but with tons of money. They buy into white male political aide going to jail but most likely will be pardoned by the Presdient. They don't buy into black girl with some physcial attraction, dense or bright, but with no money (and who would rot in jail for the same offenses). They don't buy into average white male convicted of perjury doing their full sentence. I'm sure Independent you have heard of the term "material girl". Well Independent, we have become the "material country". We live in a world where 3/4s of the worlds population live and survive in conditons that would shock your average American. I know it has me and I have seen quite a bit. But, take these same people and look for that which we call spiritual integrity, and they have it all over the American people. They may be poor and looking for food in a dung heap but they possess souls that are richer than the richest American. Does America possess many wonderful things. Yes, it does. We have decent homes (compared to most), we have RVs and rap music and huge stadiums, mighty airports, highways, a mighty military, RV's, plasma televison sets, cell phones, computers galore, etc. But one thing we do not have. The most important thing. We do not have spiritual integrity. Sometimes I wonder if we even possess a soul as a people and nation. We fail to buy into those things that are really important to the spiritual health and well-being of a people and of a country. Now don't anyone tell me if I don't like it leave it. I to have a roof over my head, some food, a good dog, yes a computer and a Harley for transportation. But as Independent I do not buy into rich, dense, white girls with money. I ignore such news. I don't buy into political aides who may be pardoned by their Presdient. I do my best to avoid such news after hearing it one time. I live surrounded by it, I hear it, but I don't live in it and I certainly don't let it control my thouhts or emotions (not unless I see or hear where one is being unjust or cruel to another). I would be more then prepared to survive with nothing but my spiritual integrity if the need ever arose, here or anywhere else on this earth.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN

BTW, you know what is funny/stupid about this whole google thing? I don't need to go on the internet to see stupid stuff like this. Good grief, I can probably see at least 4 women a day with their pants riding below their thongs-and they aren't even trying to sit down. Try as they may, our HOA can't catch all the dumbsh**s that let their dogs poop on the sidewalk. Cats in the window? I know this all comes down to satellite and the invasion of privacy-but it's sort of like all of this celebrity crap-if we don't give it the attention it wants, then maybe it will all just go away! PEACE!

Jamie: You are a mess . Keep them coming.

Any chance we could use the google thing to watch whats happening at guantanamo (aren't they basically being held out side in cages?)or in bagdad? Then it might actually be useful and not just another way to stalk people.

Paris is merely a symptom. Double standards helped create the climate for the first American revolution. The Blind on the Hill are steadily opening a box they won't be able to close. When they ask "Why are we getting the rope?", among the many crimes of their grossly negligent and graft riddled political careers, we can list O.J. and Paris. It will be waaaaaaaaaaay down the list, but the celebrity treatment in the legal system needs to end too. And it will. One way or another. Are you listening, Senators? Justice for all or justice for none.

Nice post Todd. I agree.

The rich, the famous and the celebs seek drama & attention in their lives; they can't seem to live without it. As a common folk, I seek joy in my life. Something I can't live without - and wouldn't want to. Money can't buy it. You have to go out and find it.

Paris Hilton = baloney on white bread. I see a simularity. If there is a shread of hope left for civilization maybe, after 40 days of confinement, the news organizations will find some other non-entity to follow and Paris can go back to getting loaded, having one night stands and generally crawl back under the Faberge' rock she crawled out from under a decade ago.

C A: Thanks?:) PEACE!

Incredible: After Edwards delivered a national security speech today, reporters asked him about ... Paris Hilton!

We had a local radio guy broadcasting from the U.N. building and he had to switch topics from the G8 Summit and Darfur and 'how all countries are inconnected' to talk about Paris. I was so disgusted, I drove the rest of the way in silence. And that was OK.

I heard about this feature from Google Sightseeing (http://googlesightseeing.com/). The siteuses Google Maps, but "is not sponsored by or affiliated with Google." Check out these sights: http://googlesightseeing.com/2007/06/01/street-view-roundup/ Half Naked Sunbathing Girls on Google Street View http://googlesightseeing.com/2007/05/31/half-naked-sunbathing-girls-on-google-street-view/

"We'll always have Paris." -Humphrey Bogart

Independent: I did not see that questioning of Edwards when they asked him about Paris. What was his reply? And I agree. When I hear some of the stupid questions these reporters ask candidates I want to puke. I think if I were Edwards I would have given the reporter a look that clearly stated "you have to be kidding me to ask me such a question", and then stated "now excuse me before I shove your mike up your ass". Maybe that also gives you another clue why I couldn't run for presdient, smile.

The sheriff that released Paris should be terminated and jailed for at least 1yr. He was probably paid off by the Hilton family. Paris should return to jail with more time added.

All 3 of the 24 hour cable news services are now covering Paris Hilton LIVE on a continuous basis. Good thing we don't have a war going on, soldiers being wounded or killed, the whole world is completely safe and happy, or any other major issues so we can enjoy full and complete coverage of a spoiled rich bimbo who not only believes that she is above the law, but that she can either buy her way out of trouble or whine her way out of trouble. Our brains are deteriorating.

To Steve Turner: Love the quote. BTW, I love Paris in the springtime.

CA - Edwards rather deftly ignored the celebrity named and talked to inequities in justice per his poverty centerpiece. He did a fairly good but not completely successful job in controlling his facial features which, if weren't held in check, would more probably be something along the line of "who the f** cares about this slut", I'm talking security here!".

To: CA/Tuscaloosa: Loved your post. And to everyone else I found your commments very interesting. My first time here but will be coming back often. This is better than the TV news. Thanks

SL. "The Last Time I Saw Paris" -Liz Taylor & Van Johnson

Margeret-Oxon Hill: Welcome. Many fine folks here with some good thoughts and ideas. Again, welcome and "express yourself", smile.

Margaret Patton - Oxon Hill - sounds familiar. Is that any where near Severna Park?

Indicative of our national issues. Lazy, self-centered and apathetic. That is a big problem with our country (I do not mean to imply every person in it...but in general). All these things being talked about are related and affected by these three things. I see it in the schools I teach at where as long as they get by with their job and can go home in the summer, the teachers are more likely to gripe in the hallways (yet still bend over) than to risk ANYTHING and ask for action about an unprofessional and abusive principal. It is a society where it is too easy to sit back and bring the world to the safety of your screen and keyboard than to get out and fight for values. Shoot, the way education and government is structured today, I'm not positive the country understands or can relate to anything of value outside of tangible objects and the privacy of their own homes. As for Paris Hilton? Get over it. She is simply a spoiled rich kid growing up. The sad thing is I see this kind of view of life nowadays from people with much, MUCH less than she has. The majority of people I see today (and I travel) with character are older Americans...like older than 50's...and older immigrants. Spoiled,complacency and apathy. Welcome to the US of A. Robert P.S. I served in the US Army with pride (and a strong work ethic) and I can tell you from experience, the majority who join do not do so to "Serve". They join because they think it is their best opportunity to succeed, for school opportunities or to run from a bleak future. I cannot tell you the number of people I interacted with who replied to hard or threatening times in the military with awe that they were experiencing them at all. Some are true heros...MANY are scared automatons who are lucky they were trained by good people before them and given better resources than the enemy. Seems we are happy to sit at our screens peeking at each other, ridiculing spoiled brats and somehow attaching ourselves to the contrived service of others by making public comments to their "service". I'm going to go read my jokes books to smile a little. Thinking about these things has brought me down.

I'm astonished that within the first few posts the subject (Google Maps NOT Paris)became the focus of this blog. How easily every gets distracted from the things that will matter in our lives............................................. My daughter is grown and married but I think there should be some concern about in this day and age about the possibility of what it means when your cute child is caught on the photos playing in the yard. After the series on preditors, this seems like it could present a potential danger, another shopping venue. Also seems as though it may give criminals a chance to "case" a neighborhood, plan an exit strategy, etc. We really need to think about what this minor convienience will truly cost us in the long run. This kind of convienience and safety could have been had in the 1940's IF we had planted a watcher/reporter in every home 24/7, allowed representative of every corporation to place someone in our home to read our mail, listen to our phone calls, send back a list of every catalog we read, sent back a list of everything we bought or owned, and provided a psycologist to do an assessment of our proclivities, sent back reports on how we pay our bills, what clubs we joined, what we watched on TV, where we bought things etc.... ...... ...... ........ ...... ..... .... .......... A person in our home 24/7, listening and logging would have been required to provide the information collected on us today. My grandparents would never believe that Americans have allowed an almost total invasion of privacy.................................. For those who say that "If your not doing anything wrong..." I ask, when was the last time you invited the neighborhood, or the nation into you bathroom when you were on the toilet, or into you bedroom when you were engaged in pillowtalk or lovemaking with your spouse? Never? Why... Because it was wrong, or because you value privacy?

FOR THE WEBMASTER.................................... Please, allow for paragraphs! Longer posts are awful to read without them....I'm begging....

Robert, your last two sentences answered the people questioning our interest in celebrity gossip: we want to escape from a scary and depressing world. We also like to see that if all our secret dreams came true and we were suddenly rich, beautiful and carefree, our lives wouldn't really be any better. It makes us feel good. The war in Iraq, global warming, and dying African babies, DON'T. Especially after a hard and tension filled day at work, we want to be entertained--we need to let down for a little while before we put clothes in the washer. I say, read the gossip! It's pretty harmless compared to drinking whiskey.

America - Where's the love for a 26 year old rich girl? OJ SIMPSON and ROBERT BLAKE IS OUT OF JAIL..WHY NOT GET A TASK FORCE TOGETHER TO WORK ON EXECUTING 'DOUBLE JEPORADY CASES'.... PEACE!

I added all the best "Google Street View" here : http://www.geo-trotter.com/cat-street-view.php.

G. Frank - you are completely right and I will take the full blame for diverting the chat from the posted topic. I did try to bring it back with my post at 1:31 above. However, I was unsuccessful. The major discussion wasn't really about she-who's-name-should-never-be-mentioned-again it was about our outrage at being pounded by this tripe when other more significant and, indeed, crucial topics need air time. However, all in all, I agree with you completely and apologize for diverting the discussion.

First time here.. Now, this is intellegent communication. I hope we can have some good discussions here. All of you seem very well centered in reality.

From Tuscaloosa to Chula Vista and parts unknown. Could any person on this blog actually put a finger on a map and point to Leeds, AL or Independent, Texas? No? But you can all look down your noses at a filthy rich, young, rich, terrified, rich blonde girl who is rich. Does the having money part make compassion so easily lost? Did you see more rich in the sentence than you did terrified young girl?? I am not her advocate, but my perspective is not as skewed as some. Perspective is also the reason I stopped surfing to write this. Americans, please stop looking at the smoke and mirrors. You bought the media circus, again. Google and somebody with a blackberry can see a man relieve himself on the street and a cat watching from inside the house. Great. Neat. WHERE THE HECK IS BIN LADEN?!?! If you can see that stuff for free from Google, then how much more capable is the government? And how much more huge a lie does that make all that WMD talk? Show some outrage where it deserves to be shown! A cat in a window??? Where is the man, no the coward that murdered my friends, family and Americans? I want to see him in court and in jail, not P.H. Perhaps if he had been a girl...... My comment is not to attack anyone on this blog, but I cannot stand by while again the focus is stolen away from the biggest issue this coutry has faced in decades! And I assure you that issue is not about Google or a girl in L.A.

Celebrities always think they shouldn't be punished. And when they are they always find a way to slip out. Now its an unspecified mental condition. Aren't they all the same?

WEBMASTER: please moderate/ filter these posts: 90% are irrelevant to the topic (google maps). NOTE TO FRANCOPHILES: there are other, more appropriate places to air your communal fascination with celebrity worship. ~thanks

QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM THIS SITE, "We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others." UMM, WHAT??? Please see 90% of all previous self-indulgent posts relating to celebrity worship, politics, dead soldiers, etc. (NOT Google Maps) ~thanks

oh yes the next biggest story will be what network will Paris be on some talk show late nite and be paid handsomely for it. The money just keeps flowing and going and going....... WHAT A SHAM THIS ALL IS.

I agree with the previous poster on the approval system... Also, I'm pretty sure these images that are Street Level were not taken from a satellite, the shutter speed would have to be ridiculous. More probably they take the same approach as Windows Live Local does and they have SUVs with cameras mounted on them taking pictures from various angles from the streets of the cities. What camera (satellite mounted or otherwise) do you know of that can take a shot around a curve anyways? Many of these shots are head on with windows nor more than 10-30 feet off the ground, for a satellite orbiting the earth at approximately 18,000 feet, this would be pretty much impossible...

Lookup locations worldwide on satellitepictures easy by address? http://www.picsfromspace.nl A combination of Googlemaps API and thirdparty addressdata with address suggestion. Also View trafficjamlocations in the Netherlands with thier length in graphics? http://www.traffic2graphics.nl

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