Christopher Swope was GOVERNING's executive editor.
E-mail: mailbox@governing.comTwitter: @governing
Googlicious
It wasn't so long ago -- what, 2005? -- when Google would blow my mind, week after week, with new web toys. Just when I'd get over the excitement of flying to Dubai on Google Earth, they'd come along with some unthinkable new research tool. Like making entire libraries of books web searchable.
The tingles don't come so frequently anymore. Yet occasionally there's something new to check out, such as this custom search service, which I first heard about from Steve Rubel. What you can do with it is basically wall off a little corner of the internet that you're interested in and let Google search only those websites.
There's a few government examples. For example, you can search all California state and local websites in one place. Or, search the websites of the utility commissions of all 50 states here. Maybe that last one's not too sexy. But it'll sure help the next time I write about telecom or electricity.
Twitter: @governing
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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