THE EYE IN THE SKY

Ok, I'm sure I am the last person to join the band wagon, but have you all checked out Google Earth? I have heard of it for quite a while but haven't checked it out till yesterday. My, my, my, do I feel like an international spy.



If you are clueless like I was hours ago, Google Earth allows you to visit anywhere on earth via satellite imagery. It is a free download that is great fun to play with. It is not real time imagery due to many reasons too complex for me but Google Earth can explain. Though not in real time, the image is usually within 90 minutes of real time. Close enough for my needs.


The pictures are not photograph sharp but you can definitely tell what you are seeing.



This is my little house in Arkansas. A bit distorted and hazy but there it is. Now the stuff you see on TV shows like 24 is much clearer where you can actually see peoples faces but then, this is the free version. Had this occurred while I was mowing the yard, I would have been in the picture if unrecognizable.


With a click of a button, I instantly traveled to Key West and found my grandmother's house we lived in 60 years ago. Boy have the hibiscus grown. They are taking over.
Then with another click, I was in Ohio right on the lake where I spent some of my happiest times as a teenager. We lived there two different times while growing up. Unfortunately, I can see it but it won't let me transfer that photo via email like I did the others. Don't know why, but then I am only hours old in this process.



With the economy so bad, this is a cool way to travel and never have to leave home.


I probably should worry about this capability leading to "Big Brother" for I do feel a little like "Big Brother" my self as I snoop in peoples back yards.


What do you think? Fun or potentially dangerous and invasive? I'm leaning towards fun.