THE BATTLE BETWEEN PRIVACY AND CREEPINESS

(by Junichi)

Google Satellites: In The Air Tonight

Question: How many seconds does it take to determine whether Phil Collins has a bunch of trees in front of his house?

Answer: About 12 seconds. Here's how:

First, you use Google to find his address at websites like this.

Second, you plug in his address to Google maps and zoom in on aerial photos of his neighborhood.

In the old days, I'd have to slip Philip Bailey a few Benjamins to get his new address, rent a plane, and then use a high-powered telephoto lens to capture pictures of Phil Collins' roof.

It's amazing how technology makes all of our lives so much easier.