You Go Google!

Here's a neat trick anyone can do with any cell phone. I read this in a newspaper article written by someone at the Chicago Tribune, and it seemed too good to be true.

To get the phone number and address of a restaurant, simply text the name of the restaurant, along with the city and state, to 466-453 (which spells GOOGLE). Within one minute, Google will text you back with the address and phone number of any restaurant by that name in the area.

To put it to a real test, I tried it with the name of a local, non-chain restaurant. Immediately, I got back the accurate info on that restaurant, plus the info for an auto shop with a similar name. I thought, hmmm.....maybe it works for more than restaurants. I sent a text for the Home Depot in my town....voila....the correct info came right back. It works for regular businesses, not just restaurants.

Intrigued, I typed in my husband's name and city and state. It sent me back only similar business names, so apparently it doesn't work for home listings. Oh, well.

Keep in mind that normal text messaging rates apply, usually 10 cents per text unless you have a package that includes texting. But well worth it when you are out and want to make a reservation or call in an order or find out how long the wait is.

Anyway I look at it, this just blows my mind. I'm a techno-junkie....but I still can't believe what is available to us right now...and what will be available to us in the future.

P.S. I bought a wireless keyboard yesterday for a great price, got it all set up, love it, and then found out it doesn't fit in the keyboard tray on my desk. It's really cool, and I'm going to keep it, but if you go shopping for one, measure your keyboard tray before you go and take the measuring tape with you, because they don't always put the dimensions on the box. I'm typing from my lap right now, which is pretty comfy!