As a Canadian, when I go to google.com, I get the results for google.ca (Canada) which is generally very similar to the US results.

Now as an SEO guy, it’s important for me to be able to check my US rankings quickly and accurately. And I’ve just found the tool to do it.

http://www.redflymarketing.com/blog/google-global-view-results-different-locations/

It allows me to (using firefox) search any country I like and quickly compare the results.
Very handy. Check it out yourself.

Great resources list for the toop donwload and windows software for 2009 from one of my favorite sites:
Lifehacker…

http://lifehacker.com/5271828/lifehacker-pack-2009-our-list-of-essential-free-windows-downloads?skyline=true&s=x