This week, like most of the Google-watching population, I was wowed by the audacity and usability of GoogleMaps. Little did I realize, though, that Google has built in a zen-like ability to identify some hidden truths about your local area. I discovered this while tipsily mucking about with the "near" feature of GoogleMaps, which is powered by Google Local, the directory of organizations that one can use to find nearby pizza joints and whatnot.
I live near America Online's headquarters, which is in Dulles, Virginia. If you enter "porn near Dulles, VA", the first result is America Online! This seems a little too close to the truth to be just plain chance. Next result is XO Communications, which provides a lot of bandwidth to porn providers (allegedly). And the third result is The New Democrat Network which, according to its web site, "advocates for a modern progressive agenda." Clearly, they ain't kidding.
On the other hand, a search for "adult store near dulles va" yields a number one result of -- wait for it -- The Salvation Army. That's some salvatin' those Christians are doing nowadays!
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