Google Maps was quietly updated recently. A couple of small revisions made it even *more* user-friendly. First off, the columns have been flip-flopped - the map "pane" is on the right, and instructions/directions are on the left. Makes perfect sense to me. Also, when you look up driving directions, and those directions would require you to scroll down to view... the scroll is contained in the left-hand "pane", with your map still in view. Makes perfect sense to me, again. Finally, when you access any address you have the option of setting that location as your "starting point". The next time you load up the home page, your starting point will be loaded up.