Using gmail labs, you’ve been able to insert images into your emails for some time now. You’ve also been able to drag files right into the email rather than clicking “attach” and so on. Today, Google is launching a feature that combines those two features.

You can now just grab an image from your computer and drag it into your email and there it is in all its glory for your recipient to see. It’s unclear as to whether they will make it so you can drag images straight off a web page into your email or just from your computer’s hard drive. Either way, this is one more little piece of awesomeness from Gmail.

I just tried it out and it works like a charm. This isn’t even a lab feature, it’s built right into the software. You even have the choice of resizing the image once in its place within your correspondence.

PS – it only works if you’re using Google Chrome as your browser (for now). Which you should be anyway.

In a recent interview with USA Today, Nicholas Sparks had plenty to say. Not only did the sentimental hack compare his storytelling to that of Ernest Hemingway, he then went on to spew some serious fightin’ words about Cormac McCarthy – you know, the man who is arguably the greatest living American writer out there (Philip Roth and Don DeLillo probably the only other acceptable competitors for that title).

“Horrible,” Nicholas Sparks said about McCarthy’s masterpiece, Blood Meridian. “This is probably the most pulpy, overwrought, melodramatic cowboy vs. Indians story ever written.”

They’re the kind of words that leave you without much to say, rather just a confused and uncomfortable laugh, as if there is some kind of joke there you aren’t in on. I suppose reading those words was worth it though, just to see Roger Ebert putting Sparks in his place on his blog:

To be sure, I resent the sacrilege Nicholas Sparks commits by even mentioning himself in the same sentence as Cormac McCarthy. I would not even allow him to say “Hello, bookstore? This is Nicholas Sparks. Could you send over the new Cormac McCarthy novel?” He should show respect by ordering anonymously.

Sparks’s words might be infuriating, if they weren’t so laughable. I can see McCarthy shrugging indifferently when told about this and saying with his trademark mild-mannered voice: “Who?”

While cleaning out my email a couple of days ago I restumbled across this little nugget of unbelievable, courtesy of an irritated (but beyond patient) customer and the product of a public education system in the United States. This call is from about three years ago, so hopefully Verizon has sent their employees back to elementary school by now before bringing them back to the job. If you got through 5th grade match class, this call will entertain and frustrate you to no end. If I didn’t get my cell phone through work, this recorded call would be enough for me to terminate my contract with Verizon immediately. I can’t express it any better than that in words.

This customer is unbelievably patient with the operators on the line. If this were me I would have either exploded at one point or asked for someone else (again and again) until I get someone who was hired at Verizon that made it through elementary school with at least a C average.

The audio explains it much better than I can, so just have a listen here.

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You can read and hear follow-ups to this situation over at Verizon Math. If you head over to that blog, it appears in the comment section that this is still a problem – years later! It is absolutely unbelievable! How can a company recognize there is a problem (again, a simple, elementary mathematics problem) and not have it fixed almost three years later.

Sorry state of affairs here.

Proving that social networking is a huge cultural force, the New Oxford American Dictionary has chosen ‘UNFRIEND’ as its 2009 Word of the Year (WOTY). To “unfriend” means to remove someone from your friend list on a social network like Facebook or MySpace. The new word is an excellent choice as the 2009 WOTY because of its “currency and potential longevity,” according to Christine Lindberg, Senior Lexicographer for Oxford’s US dictionary program.

This is a word you may have used yourself – or at least hear others use. If you’re on Facebook, that’s a concept you’ve likely been exposed to (and hopefully, not been the victim of yourself).

Other contenders for 2009 WOTY.

hashtag: a # [hash] sign added to a word or phrase that enables Twitter users to search for tweets (postings on the Twitter site) that contain similarly tagged items and view thematic sets

intexticated: distracted because texting on a cellphone while driving a vehicle

netbook: a small, very portable laptop computer with limited memory

paywall: a way of blocking access to a part of a website which is only available to paying subscribers

sexting: the sending of sexually explicit texts and pictures by cellphone

According to his entry on Wikipedia, Arthur Kade is “a former financial adviser from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania…, [who] in early 2009 sold his financial planning franchise and embarked on what he calls ‘The Journey,’ the pursuit of his lifelong dream of becoming an actor and model.”

I have been perusing his blog since its creation and find it to be one of the most absurdly hilarious blogs in existence. He is a man who seems to consider himself one of the greatest actors that ever lived, a person of extreme beauty and influence, as well as a man on the verge of being the next Pitt or Clooney. Which makes many around the internet wonder if this guy truly lacks any sort of self-awareness (which makes the blog hilarious) or if he this is a Kaufman-esque prank which he embodies 365, 24/7 (which makes the blog both hilarious and genius).

I cannot even begin to describe the ridiculousness of Arthur Kade’s blog, but once you start reading, you will have trouble stopping. For instance, on his “Kade Scale,” which you can access from the links at the top of his blog, he has a very-detailed breakdown of his 1-10 scale for how women look. If he refers to a woman as an eight, the description is that they are a “cute girl, but not date worthy.” Examples of an 8? Jessica Alba, Kate Beckinsale, and Heidi Klum.

In his most recent blog, he describes how out-of-control his life is becoming now now his “Journey” is becoming so popular and he is being recognized at all of the hottest clubs and baseball games in Philly, being treated by people as an elite VIP, and getting roles on popular TV shows (like, uh, a role as an extra on Gossip Girl).

It really is amazing how powerful “Kade Nation” now travels, and I feel like sometime soon my phenomenon will rival that of other “A Listers” like The Beatles, Bead Pitt [sic], and even Frank Sinatra, and my fan base will be as dedicated to me as to sports teams like The Red Sox and Yankees. … [A]ll I could imagine is being at The Staples Center sitting next to Leo, Tobey, and maybe even Jack, and having a hand-picked 10 rubbing my leg, and then Brit [Spears] would come over during the concert to give me a shout out, and then they would flash my face on the screen to get an applause. … Sometimes I feel like my ideas and visions are so visionary that if I applied it to politics, I could make an excellent President, and correct many of the problems that our country has, but I don’t feel the rush of passion like I do acting… so I will stick to becoming and acting legend and biggest star in the world.

And that is nothing compared to some of the nonsense Mr. Kade spews. Hilarious nonsense though nonetheless. While I truly, deep down believe that this is all an elaborate, carefully planned hoax (although the man honestly did sell his financial planning franchise to pursue this stuff), after following the blog since its creation, sometimes I am close to being convinced that this guy really is legit and he really is as delusional as he blog makes him out to be.

Lastly, I’ll leave you with a snippet of his August 27th post and hopefully it will be enough to convince you to check out this nutjob’s blog.

Being an amazing man comprised of integrity, pride, and honor (I think I could have made an amazing Marine because of my supreme leadership skills, good looks, and the bond that I create where people who meet me become followers), I have to be able to admit when an idea that either me or The Entourage comes up with ends up being a bad one. My friends and I had discussed all week about going up to NYC to go the Britney Spears Concert because we thought “There would be a ton of hot, young ass there”, and we could meet some “Un-Jaded” 21-24 year olds who looked at us like gods (The demographic that I am finding my celebrity really appeals to is young girls (18-23) because they see me as “The Handsome Man”, and probably see a very fatherly quality in me that makes them feel safe), and we could take them out and show them exclusive entrance and treatment at the hottest clubs in The City, and then back to the room for some Good Old Fashion “Kadeing” (My new term for seducing and sleeping with a Smokin’ Hot girl).

Check out his blog right here and leave your thoughts below.

Although I would like to take credit, this is courtesy of Brandon Griggs over at CNN:

Here are 12 of the most annoying types of Facebook users:

The Let-Me-Tell-You-Every-Detail-of-My-Day Bore. “I’m waking up.” “I had Wheaties for breakfast.” “I’m bored at work.” “I’m stuck in traffic.” You’re kidding! How fascinating! No moment is too mundane for some people to broadcast unsolicited to the world. Just because you have 432 Facebook friends doesn’t mean we all want to know when you’re waiting for the bus.

The Self-Promoter. OK, so we’ve probably all posted at least once about some achievement. And sure, maybe your friends really do want to read the fascinating article you wrote about beet farming. But when almost EVERY update is a link to your blog, your poetry reading, your 10k results or your art show, you sound like a bragger or a self-centered careerist.

The Friend-Padder. The average Facebook user has 120 friends on the site. Schmoozers and social butterflies — you know, the ones who make lifelong pals on the subway — might reasonably have 300 or 400. But 1,000 “friends?” Unless you’re George Clooney or just won the lottery, no one has that many. That’s just showing off.

The Town Crier. “Michael Jackson is dead!!!” You heard it from me first! Me, and the 213,000 other people who all saw it on TMZ. These Matt Drudge wannabes are the reason many of us learn of breaking news not from TV or news sites but from online social networks. In their rush to trumpet the news, these people also spread rumors, half-truths and innuendo. No, Jeff Goldblum did not plunge to his death from a New Zealand cliff.

The TMIer. “Brad is heading to Walgreens to buy something for these pesky hemorrhoids.” Boundaries of privacy and decorum don’t seem to exist for these too-much-information updaters, who unabashedly offer up details about their sex lives, marital troubles and bodily functions. Thanks for sharing.

The Bad Grammarian. “So sad about Fara Fauset but Im so gladd its friday yippe”. Yes, I know the punctuation rules are different in the digital world. And, no, no one likes a spelling-Nazi schoolmarm. But you sound like a moron.

The Sympathy-Baiter. “Barbara is feeling sad today.” “Man, am I glad that’s over.” “Jim could really use some good news about now.” Like anglers hunting for fish, these sad sacks cast out their hooks — baited with vague tales of woe — in the hopes of landing concerned responses. Genuine bad news is one thing, but these manipulative posts are just pleas for attention.

The Lurker. The Peeping Toms of Facebook, these voyeurs are too cautious, or maybe too lazy, to update their status or write on your wall. But once in a while, you’ll be talking to them and they’ll mention something you posted, so you know they’re on your page, hiding in the shadows. It’s just a little creepy.

The Crank. These curmudgeons, like the trolls who spew hate in blog comments, never met something they couldn’t complain about. “Carl isn’t really that impressed with idiots who don’t realize how idiotic they are.” [Actual status update.] Keep spreading the love.

The Paparazzo. Ever visit your Facebook page and discover that someone’s posted a photo of you from last weekend’s party — a photo you didn’t authorize and haven’t even seen? You’d really rather not have to explain to your mom why you were leering like a drunken hyena and French-kissing a bottle of Jagermeister.

The Obscurist. “If not now then when?” “You’ll see…” “Grist for the mill.” “John is, small world.” “Dave thought he was immune, but no. No, he is not.” [Actual status updates, all.] Sorry, but you’re not being mysterious — just nonsensical.

The Chronic Inviter. “Support my cause. Sign my petition. Play Mafia Wars with me. Which ‘Star Trek’ character are you? Here are the ‘Top 5 cars I have personally owned.’ Here are ’25 Things About Me.’ Here’s a drink. What drink are you? We’re related! I took the ‘What President Are You?’ quiz and found out I’m Millard Fillmore! What president are you?”

You probably mean well, but stop. Just stop. I don’t care what president I am — can’t we simply be friends? Now excuse me while I go post the link to this story on my Facebook page.

A statement I would actually support. [via] The Daily Swarm:

The big record companies are suing the people they should be wooing. And it needs to stop….Kind reader, I implore you to send the brain trust of the Big Four a message and make August “Ban Major Record Labels Month.” Is there a record you really want to buy that’s being released on a major label in the next four weeks? Wait until September to buy it. I bet you can stream it for free from the band’s Web site or MySpace page. Or just suck it up for the next 29 days. And if you bought music this weekend, just extend the ban until September 2….Let’s also make August “Support the Indies” Month.

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Rock and roll style. To coincide with Pearl Jam’s latest effort, Backspacer, the band has placed “puzzle piece” images that when brought together complete the entire album cover; designed by political cartoonist Tom Tomorrow.

Apparently if you click on a piece of the puzzle and bring all of them together (hidden around the internet – good luck) you will be rewarded with something that “is better than the usual free MP3.” I personally don’t care too much, nor do I have the time and patience to go hunting for these things. But if you do, I can get you started with one of the first pieces over at Wired.com.

Good luck. And whatever it is you get for free when you win, be sure to cut me in on the deal for starting you out.

From a video and graphics design point. I’m digging this little video, I can even get by the hamfisted narration. Scratch that, it is kind of endearing.

While we aim to be a bit better around here and Rowthree.com with the ads and all the social media and other clutter. The below graphic pretty much says it all – most particularly in regards to the gigantic movie and pop culture blogs (McSweenies and Boing Boing excepted).

I‘m actually pretty excited about this. As a guy who already spends far too much time communicating with others around the world, Google Wave should make it much more interactive and much quicker. This is truly the future and the title of this post is not a lie. Seriously, goodbye email; it’s been a nice run.

The guys over at Web Monkey explain it far better than I can, so head over there to read the article, but for a more fun version and visual demo, check out the video belowof the unveiling/presentation. Yeah it’s almost 90 minutes long, but just watch the first 10 minutes or so; you’ll get the gist. Damn that “playback” feature is wicked.

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Twitter has hit the mainstream. The “social media” tool recently celebrated its third birthday (congratulations if you remember last years Macworld event which killed Twitter and introduced the “Fail Whale” to the masses. If you remember that, you’re officially a Twitter grandfather/mother) but it seems as if recently the micro-blogging application has picked up steam and folks you’d never expect are now talking about Twitter like it’s the next best thing. Soon your cool grandmother who knows all about YouTube is going to want in on the action.

So how do you explain the inner workings of Twitter? Why, you show them a video of course! This one is pretty funny and features a hysterical interpretation of the previously mentioned Fail Whale. This is classic people. Classic I tell you!

You know that feeling you get right after you push send on an email bitching out your boyfriend for not putting the toilet seat down and you call him a ninny-muggins and tell him it’s over? You realize as you’re pressing send you shouldn’t have sent that? Well gmail has just introduced “undo send” as part of their ever expanding lab tools. After you send a message that wasn’t ready or you shouldn’t have sent in the first place, just click “undo” and gmail will grab the message and put it right back in the “compose” window.

How is this possible? Once something is sent, it is sent right? Well, yes. This trick doesn’t really grab an already sent email and magically bring it back. It just holds all sent messages in a queue for five full seconds before sending them. Which should be more than enough time for you to feel the pang of regret and hit the panic button to tell gmail not to send the message after all.

Leave it to Google to constantly come up with good, innovative ideas. More details on the undo feature can be found on the gmail blog

So over the past 18 months or so I’ve become obsessed with finding just the right browser for my tastes. I’ve dabbled with damn near everything from IE8 to Opera to Flock to SpaceTime to Pogo. Since Chrome came out, my search has ended as Chrome has the simplicity I look for in the aesthetics of Safari, the functionality of Firefox and the speed is unparalleled as of yet.

Still, when a new incarnation of a browser makes its way into my inbox, I’m always eager to check it out. Particularly when said browser is the next evolution in my second choice for browsers: Apple Safari.

Apple claims that the software runs 4 times faster than the previous generation of Safari and faster page loading times than either IE7 or Firefox (it didn’t say anything about beating out Chrome).

For iTunes fans, you’ll instantly recognize the “cover flow” feature which shows your browsing history in a series of screenshots that you can flip through, just like your home LP collection (or iPod album cover flow).

As innovative as Apple has been, they seem to have taken a few cues from other browser innovations however. For instance, Chrome seems to be ripe for the rip-off with the style points for the tabs feature; this includes adding the ‘+‘ sign to add tabs and also putting the tabs at the top of the screen rather than underneath the browser buttons. Also like Chrome, your home page can be set to a series of screen shots representing your most frequently visited sites (aptly named “Top Sites”); a feature I quite like… alot. Though with my particular download, this feature seems to be a bit buggy and all of the screenshots are invisible. Something Chrome doesn’t do with this feature that the new incarnation of Safari does, is implementing a feature that shows if one of these Top Sites has published new content since the last time you visited by adding a white star on a blue background that appears in the upper right-hand corner of the view for that site. Nice.

While I’m still getting used to the slightly different features of Safari 8, so far I think it’s a really nice piece of browsing software. Despite the bugs (that I’m sure are either only temporary or only affecting my specific download/computer), it does seem quicker than every other browser I’ve used (except Chrome). The tabs are gigantic and taking some time to get used to; including the “closing X” being on the opposite side that I’m used to and I can’t move the tabs around simply by grabbing them – you have to grab only the corner of the tab to move it. And you can’t move it into its own window like Chrome enables you to do.

If you wanna try out the new Safari, which again, Apple claims is still in BETA (which is code for, if there’re any bugs, don’t complain cause its in BETA), you can DOWNLOAD IT HERE. While it may not be completely up to snuff (so far), it’s worth a go – especially if you’re using that piece of shit called Firefox.