Google plays WiFi Santa at Airports

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There's nothing worse than being stuck at an airport without free Wi-Fi. You've spent enough on your flight and the last thing you want to do is shell out another $10 or more for Internet access. You already spent that much for a cup of coffee. FINALLY, we have rescue.

According to a Mashable article published today, Google will provide free Wi-Fi on airports across America from now through January 15, 2010.

Google (Google) has worked with Boingo Wireless, Advanced Wireless Group, Airport Marketing Income and other companies to provide this free service. It is currently available at 47 airports, including Las Vegas, San Jose, Boston, Baltimore, Burbank, Houston, Indianapolis, Seattle, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, St. Louis and Charlotte. It gets even better for residents of Seattle and Burbank, where airports will now offer airport-wide free Wi-Fi indefinitely.

Did you see that? SEATTLE (SEA-TAC) WILL HAVE WI-FI INDEFINITELY. That's a Christmas miracle!

Google also has a charitable cause associated with the offer. People can donate to a selection of charities from the airport networks and Google will match those donations up to $250,000. The full list of participating airports is at www.freeholidaywifi.com.

Amanda and I are heading to Indiana the first week of December for her birthday, so I'm very happy to learn about all of this. Picture me blogging from the airport!

Katrine opens for Pelosi's health care speech at Swedish

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Yesterday, Wesley texted me that Katrine was on TV with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Wait. WHAT???

Yes, it's true. WIB contacted Katrine and she confirmed the news. She said she spoke ahead of Pelosi at Swedish hospital yesterday about being a person who doesn't fit in well with the current health care system. Pelosi followed her with a public option speech.

In an exclusive interview, Katrine told WIB, "I spoke for about 50 seconds... I was terrified with nerves!"

Take that, TMZ.

I was unable to obtain footage of Katrine's speech, but you can see her in the video below.

And I quote: Thanksgiving is the new Groundhog's Day

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Actual phone conversation: Paolo: Dude, I'm at the mall and it's Christmas already. Everything's green and red. Do you hear the music in the background? ("Baby, Please Come Home" is playing.)

Courtney: Yeah, it's like there's no respect for Thanksgiving anymore. People are going to forget it even exists. What will you need turkeys for? Thanksgiving will be like the new Groundhog's Day.

Paolo: Yeah! People will be like, "Oh, was it Groundhog's Day yesterday? Damn, I missed it again this year."

Tragedy at Fort Hood today

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It's been a tough day watching the news about the massacre at Fort Hood in Texas. At last report, 12 13 are dead, including a shooter, and 31 injured. You can check any major news outlet for details.

Here's the word on Twitter. (If the list doesn't appear then Twitter Search may be down.)