Tired of the riff-raff on Facebook and LinkedIn? Looking for that platinum-and-diamond-encrusted infinity pool on the Web where the really big fish swim? Total Prestige is an invitation-only networking site for the really, really, REALLY rich. Wired Magazine was given a “tour”, which they relayed in this article published yesterday. According to Wired, there are 637 active members on the site with another 400 who have no public profile but can view content. While yachting tips abound in the blog, the main thrust of the site appears to be the business connection.

I can’t do this justice, so I am going to quote directly from the Wired article:

The homepage, or “Lobby,” plays classical music entitled “Beautiful Day” and displays online users at the top of the page. There are also widgets with content from sites like CNN, Golf Digest and Forbes.

“Unfortunately, right now I can’t offer you a glass of Champagne or Scotch for a welcome toast, but I sincerely hope to meet all of you very soon,” Perez writes as a welcome in a sidebar.

There are various sections including “The Lounge” for live voice, video and text chat and a marketplace for buying/selling goods (some items listed now are luxury cars, jewelry, and a pair of islands in Bora Bora). There’s also a “Social Diary” tracking events like galas and fundraisers, a link to view the online magazine from within the network as well as a place to blog.

And, of course, there is always the VIP room within even an exclusive club: A new feature introduced to the site Wednesday offers a premium membership that allows members to write content for the online magazine that can include advertorials and infomercials to share their businesses and products. (Cost: $500 a year for club members and $900 a year for nonmembers).

I wonder how many insurance lawyers are members of Total Prestige. I can tell you that I have not yet received my invitation but I am expecting it any day now.

It’s not law, but it is tech, and it is timely with the most capitalistic of all holidays upon us. And it is just for iPhone users. Gizmodo reports that Amazon has launched an iPhone application that allows you to take a picture of anything and receive the product purchasing page from Amazon free of charge (that is, until you hit the One-Click button). The return is not instantaneous – you may need to wait up to a whole day to get your result. Not exactly instant gratification, but at least we are in the ballpark. I will really be impressed when you can snap a picture and have the item materialize right next to you. “Earl Grey! Hot!” Get on that Amazon!

Screen shot (from Gizmodo):

It’s finally official: Google and Facebook launched their Friend Connect and Facebook Connect services today, promising to tie us all together in happy little pods, Matrix-style.

Here is a video on Facebook Connect:

Here is a video on Google Friend Connect:

Edited to add: If you are actually looking for information on these services, head on over to Mashable for Facebook Connect and Google Friend Connect.

It’s finally official: Google and Facebook launched their Friend Connect and Facebook Connect services today, promising to tie us all together in happy little pods, Matrix-style.

Here is a video on Facebook Connect:

Here is a video on Google Friend Connect:

Edited to add: If you are actually looking for information on these services, head on over to Mashable for Facebook Connect and Google Friend Connect.

DISCLAIMER: I do not use Google Reader, preferring instead to read my news via Newsgator FeedDemon. But I know many do and if you are one of those or if you are just looking for a reader, then check out the streamlined look and new features, as reported by Lifehacker. Improvements include collapsible navigation, hiding unread counts and new feed bundles. Hit the jump to see some screen shots or give it your own test drive.

Google Reader: Google Reader Simplifies Look, Adds Features