For some time it’s been hard not to notice Google’s ever-broadening influence on my life. Like many people, I use Google apps for maps, mail, spreadsheets, searching and more. If I have questions, Google almost always has the answer.

As I gathered with family over the holidays, Google was used more than once to settle a squabble over some bit of trivia.

We shared some great laughs too. Some of the loudest were over video we’d sent each other from YouTube, Google’s $1.6 billion destination of choice for those with borrowed time on their hands.

In 2007, Google has plans for a bunch more solutions to problems I won’t know I have until it solves them.

Yet just as I feel ready to acquiesce, to fully embrace this Age of Goobiquity, some are also predicting that SweetG may be flirting with the dark side…

A few weeks ago I decried the lack of perspective shown by those calling for Rex Grossman to be replaced. So you think after a few more rough outings I’m ready to eat some serious humble pie?

Not on your life.

These are impatient times, folks, but when it comes to football, I’ll trade broadband for dial-up any day of the week.

That’s not to say you wait on Rex forever. If his struggles continue for another couple of games, well, forget patience. Then it’ll be time to get the Griese gun limbered up for a run at the Super Bowl.

Until then though, I say stay the course. Rex has turned in some woeful performances as of late, but I still think he has enough raw goods to warrant the wait.

He has the support of his teammates. His coach is firmly in his corner too. If and when Rex does pull out of it, that loyalty could be a big chemistry builder.

All of my 37 years have come to this, my defining moment. I’ve learned that in six short months, I’ll be a father. What in God’s name is happening here?

Who knew it was possible to weigh this many things at once? To be overcome with happiness, overwhelmed by the work left to do and just a little bit scared that this, the most pivotal of moments, will turn everything in my life upside down?

You know what? Bring it on. Bring on the poopy pants, bring on the sleepovers and bring on the stark realization that I’m nowhere near as smart as I thought I was.

Ignorance is bliss, and I’ve never been this happy about anything…

One of the hardest things to nail down early in the process of designing a website is the colour scheme. Fortunately, there are some great resources out there for inspiration. I like this one the best.

I think my next vehicle will either be a hybrid or the ultra-efficient Jetta TDI. In the meantime, however, I plan to investigate this cheaper option.

What in the name of Georges Vezina has gotten into this guy? The Leafs’ backup keeper looks like another one of those late bloomers, à la Cristobal Huet.

Dominik Hasek may be fading, but he more than anyone has proven that late starts don’t preclude great finishes. The Dominator didn’t win his first game until he was 26, way back in 1990 with the Blackhawks.