Its amazing how often we hear about google in news. Its either some groundbreaking update on an existing service, a new product/service launch or acquisition, Google is never seems to get a break from technology news. Its once again time for Google to acquire another web property from the way it sounds.

We have come to find from different sources that Google might be acquiring Valve which is known for its Half-Life games and Steam, a content distribution platform which Valve uses to sell and distribute games. Google seems to be trying to tap into the gaming market as well as the acquisition might best fit them for that matter. As of this point its a rumor but usually when Google rumors go around it happens to be true. And when it comes to acquisitions Google sure as hell seems to be getting quite a few of them each year. Its a wait and see thing at this time.

For a complete timline and acquisitions please refer to this link Google’s Acquisitions.

An interesting study shows how employers are using web to weed out job applicants they don’t want to hire. The fact that everyone has a MySpace, Facebook or other social networking or social media profile/page has certainly given one more thing for employers to check before hiring someone for the job.

Here are some key data from the study,

• 41 percent of candidates disclosed incidents of drinking/drug use
• 40 percent posted provocative photos or information
• 29 percent had poor communication skills
• 28 percent badmouthed a previous company/employer
• 27 percent lied about qualifications
• 22 percent made offensive statements about gender, race, religion, race, etc.
• 22 percent used an unprofessional screen name
• 21 percent were linked to criminal behavior
• 19 percent shared confidential information from previous employers

This is exactly why people say : Watch you do on the internet. It might be fun and exciting today but that one random act might haunt you for the rest of your life.

So before you decide to put up your video grinding on the dance floor on YouTube, Think again.

[ source : Arstechnica ]

Just found a neat way to get back the old look of Facebook. I am not sure how long you will be able to do this as I am sure Facebook will try to implement new design to all. But meanwhile you can at least stay from the new look and keep admiring the old one. Here is how,

1. Sign in to your Facebook Account
2. Visit this link : Old Facebook
3. Click on Add Application
4. Once you add the application click here

And with that you should have your old Facebook back. Thanks to Alicia Kimber for the tip.

[ Source : Facebook ]

**UPDATE: Just found this cool Wii Unlocker that’ll lets you play backup (copied) games and turn your Wii into a media center.. Click here to watch the video. It rocks!**

Just found a cool video on YouTube that shows how you can run copied game discs on Wii. I have never played Wii ( sad but true ) but upon talking to couple of my hardcore Wii fan friends, it seems like the information and steps provided are pretty solid.

Enjoy the video!

[ Source : YouTube ]

Most of you probably already know about the Google Chrome comic that Google released to give users a little fun way to see how it would work. Although the copy existed online there were only a few physical copy available. Of course, TechCrunch got hold of two copies.

Anyways, TechCrunch had an auction for the sale of the physical copy of Google Chrome Comic book. It seems like the final bid was $1,575. It says in the post that the auction would end at noon on Monday Sep.15th 2008, so I assume its over and the sale has been finalized.

So there it is, unless we hear something from TechCrunch itself, the physical copy of Google Chrome Comic Book seems to have sold for $1,575. All proceeds go to charity.

SOLD!

According to a report by Awareness Inc. almost 70% businesses are ok with their employees using Social Media at work. With the web turning into a central hub for businesses to connect with potential customers this is no surprise. It won’t be too long before employers will start choosing applicants based on their social media usage.

To download the report please follow this link. You have to fill out a short form to download but the information on the report is worth the time and information you provide.

I found a video on YouTube that shows how you can make a webpage go all whacky. Please take a look at the video below and see the sites get all drunk and out of control

[ source : YouTube ]

Here is a story that was submitted a while ago, almost 48 hours ago and it is now on the frontpage. Has Digg changed the algorithm or is it a glitch? Educate me.

Its no surprise that Nintendo has gained some massive market after the launch of Wii. And to top it off, with Wii Fit they have landed some health conscious people as well who otherwise might not have been into gaming. Great move!

Nintendo recently announced that the highlights of Wii Fit Family Challenge will be airing on TV next month. The show will be hosted by Olympic skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi which will be featured on Oct. 9th on Nick at Night.

Video games have come a long way and Nintendo after being quiet for a long time is starting to shake the market once again.

Acquisitions are nothing new. Lately it seems like one comes every other week. According to some sources it has been confirmed that Best Buy will acquire Napster for a whooping $121 Million. Napster currently has 700,000 digital entertainment subscribers and this deal is valued at $2.65 per share, not bad.

The acquisition is expected to close sometimes during the fourth quarter. This is what COO of Best Buy had to say regarding this acquisition,

This transaction offers Best Buy a recognized platform for enhancing our capabilities in the digital media space and building new, recurring relationships with customers. This transaction offers Best Buy a recognized platform for enhancing our capabilities in the digital media space and building new, recurring relationships with customers.

[ source : AppleInsider ]