Google sets aside $200 million for YouTube

According to CNET:

Google could be preparing to fight copyright lawsuits related to its acquisition of YouTube by setting aside over $200 million in escrow for a year. In a statement Monday announcing the completion of its purchase of YouTube, Google said “12.5 percent of the equity issued and issuable in the transaction will be subject to escrow for one year to secure certain indemnification obligations.”

I wonder if they’ve been listening to Mav’s owner Mark Cuban who’s been pretty outspoken against YouTube and it’s legal issues.

Go back in time with Google Earth

If you’re a big fan of old school maps, check out latest feature in Google Earth. According to Lifehacker:

The Rumsey collection includes 16 maps. Among them you’ll find a 1790 world globe, a 1680 map of Tokyo, and an 1814 map spanning the Pacific Ocean to the Mississippi–courtesy of Lewis and Clark.
To view these new old maps, you’ll need the latest version of Google Earth (use the program’s check-for-updates feature if you’re not sure you have it). In the layers section, select All Layers, then look for Featured Content > Rumsey Historical Maps.

TNA Wrestling ready for prime time

TNA Wrestling goes primetime tonight on SPIKE! Too bad I don’t have cable anymore, I hear Kurt Angle is debuting in the ring tonight for TNA. Angle takes on Samoa Joe Sunday night on the company’s PPV. Should be a great match.
Jeff Jarrett held a media press conference earlier this week to discuss the PPV and the future of the company.
And Slam sports has a story on Jarrett and his behind the scene work for TNA.
In regards to former WCW and WWE wrestler Chris Jericho:

“I’ve known Chris for over 10 years, and I’ve always respected his ability. He still has a lot of great years in him. If Chris decides to come back, I have no doubt in my mind that it will be because he truly wants to, and because he loves the business. I believe it is something we can work because of the advantages of our schedule.”

Shoot video like a pro

Rick Broida over at Lifehacker has some pointers for everyone shooting videos this holiday season.

Nothing brings out the camcorders like the holidays, which is why this is the perfect time to admit an ugly truth: You suck at making home movies.
No, really. I’m sure you’re a nice person and all, but there’s more to videography than just taking the camcorder out of the box and pressing Record.
As with photography, good videography requires a bit of know-how.

Rick’s pointers include:

  • RTFM
  • Be prepared
  • Use a tripod
  • Raise the lights
  • Ace the audio
  • Set up your shots
  • No digital zoom
  • Shoot B-roll
    Read the full article here

  • Sharp for Senate

    It’s been a couple days since I caught wind of this, but my blogging time’s been cut down a bit lately.
    Anyways, Capital Insider reports that former Texas Comptroller John Sharp may be preparing for a possible run for US Senate against John Coryn.

    The Democrats’ nominee – whoever that might be – in a 2008 U.S. Senate race would find themselves at a major funding disadvantage at the start of a race against Cornyn. A former Texas attorney general and state Supreme Court judge from San Antonio, Cornyn has raised more than $5 million since his election to the upper chamber of Congress and had $2.8 million still in the bank at the end of September.
    Having served as a state senator, Texas Railroad commissioner and comptroller for eight years before two unsuccessful races for lieutenant governor, Sharp is a well-known political commodity who would have millions of dollars worth of name identification already built up if he decides to enter the picture for a U.S. Senate showdown in 2008. Sharp presumably would not need to raise as much money as some potential candidates would for a viable Senate campaign as a result.
    But Sharp, who’s never had trouble raising cash for a political race, would still need a substantial war chest if he hoped to be competitive with Cornyn. Sharp’s fundraising abilities with business interests might have improved in light of his role as the Texas Tax Reform Commission chair – a temporary post that Perry offered him despite a long running feud that was fueled when the two former Texas Aggies clashed in the 1998 lieutenant governor’s race. Perry edged Sharp that year – and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst beat the former comptroller in 2002.

    Hat tip to Nate for the heads up.

    Boys in Jos praying for you

    From Erin:

    Hello friends,
    At the end of this month, our boys in Nigeria will be gathering to pray for you. They will spend time thanking the Lord for all of you.
    They will also be interceding for you in specific ways. We need to know your prayer requests.
    Please, even if you have not been in communication with me, email me a request so that I can send it on to Nigeria.
    There will be over 140 boys, orphans and former street children, lifting up your requests to our Lord.
    It will just take a moment for you to send on a request that God will hear from the lips of His children in Nigeria.
    Please email your prayer requests before Sunday November 19th. Your response will help facilitate this time of intercession. The boys are learning how to pray and to be thankful for all the Lord has done for them.
    It is all about Him.
    Erin Rigsby

    www.webmissions.net/erinrigsby

    “I cannot change the world, but I can change the world for one person.”
    Mother Teresa