This week has been busier. Basically prep for both my boss not being around for a while, and me not being around for a while. It's weird both not wanting to make major changes, but not wanting to get started in longer projects either. So it's sorta figure out what can be changed and then do a bunch of testing. Or do minor changes that have been pushed off because of priorities. Anyways, Dave was trained in the basics of how to poke at the email servers and other things, and a quick summary of how the ERP sync works. We didn't give him a test that was hinted at by hitting the EPO switches though (actually the network guy who's also gonna be gone started that rumor). It'll be nice to forget about all that stuff for a while though.

Google released the Google Maps API today. For those who haven't played with the maps already, how in the world did you miss it? Anyways, as an example of how it works... Most of you know how cell companies are always talking about their coverage maps, but nobody will give you a map of where the sites are actually located. I guess it's sorta notable as if you don't understand how the cellular system works, people would freak out at things like the layout of the MSP area sites. Anyways, the maps are usually available through the FCC (they're required to file maps, exact locations, antenna direction and HAAT, and measured strength in every direction which the FCC considers public data), but the quality is barely workable, and mapping it out by hand would definitely not be worth the effort. So anyways, now one can just take the list of coordinates and make a really cool version. Those of you who use Verizon Wireless in the Twin Cities may find that map interesting (it's also very similar to Cingular's TDMA and AMPS which are on Cellular Side A, but probably very different from their GSM which is on PCS). Now to think of what I'll make next... It'd be sorta cool to take a GPS with logging and use the polylines to make a map of travel that people could browse. Or dump in a package tracking number and have it show the rough path it took (I'll let someone else handle that one).

On a more fun note, check out Sysco's new VoIP-in-a-can. There's also the WiFi Speed Spray. Note that's for outdoor use only, and not to be used near electrical appliances. Anyways, that's enough for now.