There’s this new amazing service called Grand Central by Google. And because of the amazing Virgil, I am now a exclusive member. This is a free service provided by Google where you choose one local telephone number that can ring a whole bunch of secondary numbers when called, depending on how you configure the service; i.e. one phone number for life.

So in an experiment, I’m going to post my Grand Central number online for your calling pleasure. If you want to chat, or have some prayer… give me a ring.

If I don’t answer, I’m either chilling with my family or in a meeting.

If you don’t get me, it’s not personal… just try back again.

360-474-5117

This could be either really stupid or completely amazing. And note: this isn’t my cell phone number, it’s a service that uses the given number to connect to my cell phone. If it becomes intrusive, I’ll turn it off.

Two reports that blew my mind:

- Google bought website You Tube 1.65 billion dollars!

-Trekkies (stop it, that’s not the joke) forked over 7 million dollars to buy models of the star ship Enterprise (stop laughing) used on the show(s). One reportedly sold for $584,000 because it included the smell of fresh geek.

Where are these deep pockets coming from? Why aren’t they spending it on something worthy (like me, Stuart Delony, missionary for example.) It never ceases to amaze me what we find to spend our money on.

But, I’m guilty as well. I’m not rolling in it, but I always find ways to buy useless crap. Thinking back upon my spending. I’d have to say my top ten are:

10. A rubber butt (for the comic value, but rarely used)

9. Richard Marx’s greatest hits (it seems like an oxymoron)

8. A full dress suit (never worn it and don’t think that I ever will - even though I’m Baptist)

7. A dog (it’s a long story, but I owned a dog for like 12 hours when I was in Junior High. I paid for it and when my folks discovered it, the dog made it’s way to a good home - not ours)

6. 1994 Nissan Pathfinder (engine would randomly die - lemon!)

5. Movie ticket to Titanic (3 hours of my life I want back)

4. Love offerings to Jim and Tammy Baker PTL (not actually mine, but this is one from a family member close to me who complains weekly about it)

3. Folgers Coffee (Once you know what good coffee is, you never go back!)

2. Extended Warranty (It’s just throwing money away!)

1. Four words: “As Seen on TV.” (I’m compelled to buy it, and then after I use it, I’m compelled to throw it away. I have a weakness for infomercials and anything sold by Chuck Norris)

So how about you? What’s the most useless thing you bought (besides your copy of the Purpose Driven Life) and wasted your money on?