Wednesday Notes

DEAD BIRD REPORTS -- I called one report in Monday. Cheryl reported two this morning.

In California we're suppose to be reporting dead bird sightings to help track the spread of West Nile Virus. The virus is transmitted through mosquitoes and dead birds can be an indicator of the virus' presence in an area. Our yellow-billed magpies seem to be especially prone to the virus. But other birds are affected and should as well be reported when found dead.

Californians can report a dead bird either by calling 1-877-968-2473 (toll free) or online through the state's West Nile Virus website -- westnile.ca.gov. Stanislaus County also has a helpful website on West Nile. The Center for Disease Control is tracking the virus throughout the US.

So far at least seven people and 93 horses have died from the disease in California this year.

THE SUSPENSE IS OVER -- Google's new communication tool is Google Talk -- an IM and voice system. It requires a Gmail account and Windows (for now -- you've got to start somewhere).

The download and set-up was easy. Now I just have to find a friend who has downloaded the tool -- not that I'm into doing a lot of IM or audio chat. It's just that I've become a bit of a Google groupie wanting to at least try out whatever they come up with.

I'm still not sure how they are making money doing all of this stuff. There are not any ads associated with the tool.

GRAND CANYON WEST -- Under construction: glass-bottomed skywalkway jutting 70 feet from the Rim, part of a $40 million tourist project, $25 entrance fee (ouch). Link

A LITTLE FUN with Nigerian scammers. A little more fun with European road signs.

NO ONE SAYS economics has to make sense. The sale of large fuel-guzzling vehicles are up -- along with the price of gas. Go figure.

ASIANS AND NORTH AMERICANS may literally see the world differently, according to University of Michigan researchers.

DIGITAL RADIO is catching on. It may even save AM.