Stuff I like

Make your handwriting a font

Lifehacker posted a cool site that allows you to write your handwriting on paper, send it to the site and they turn it into a computer font.  I think this is pretty freaking cool.

UPDATE:  After a few days of deep reflection I've realized this ain't so cool.  My handwriting blows. Why would I want to type emails in it?   

I've decided I already have the ability to recreate the sensation for a recipient reading an email in the font of my own handwriting:

To: SFsdfhj,ms
From:Akjld($$#@

RE:  *(#$jksvzx ksfde

H@(8,

(*&safdh.  Adam is the coolest. SKDlafs&845 sdkjfhs*b 897sdog.

laterags

END

Do note that my own coolness never requires translation.

How common are you?

Came across a cool new site that tracks the baby names over the past century and presents it in a graph.  You type in letters and it whittles the displyed names that match.   Click the image below to see better how the reults look.

I tried "Ad" and found that in the 1930s Adolph was at least 4 times more popular than Adam.  That makes for 4 times more babies who had a really shitty time once they got to high school. 

Maps finally done right

I've always found trying to find road maps a pain in the ass.  Mapquest is good for directions, but lacks the feel of a map.  Leave it to Google to get it done right.  Check it out.

To really see its full pontential, type "free wifi" along with your zip code into the top search bar.  Pretty sweet.

You need Skype

I hate talking on the phone, but despite that I've been intrigued for years about the free VOIP solution, Skype.  I finally donwloaded it and have been using it all day.  Conference calling is great.  And I've never heard better call quality in my life.  It sounds near CD levels. 

I'm wondering how this and IM will work together in the future, but it does seem Skype might replace IM.  Something I never would have thought until I tried it.