Google+ trends: Google Checkout, Shared Circles, Van Persie

Users of Google's social network are sharing groups of friends or followers, known as circles, that they think might be of interest to other Google+ users, on unofficial "Google+ Shared Circles Day." Circles being shared range from everything from The Nerd Circle for tech fans to Science.

Also causing a buzz on Google+ today is Google's online payment system and Paypal rival Google Checkout. This trending topic is driven in part by a post from Google For Nonprofits explaining how to embed a Google Checkout button into one's YouTube channel.

Google+ users are also sharing pictures of flowers under the hashtag "Floral Friday" and buzzing about Dutch footballer Robin Van Persie who, after a drawn out procedure, completed his transfer from English Premier League Club Arsenal to Manchester United.

The top 5 most talked about topics on Google+ on August 17 at 10:15 AM GMT are:  

01.  Google Checkout
02.  #FloralFriday
03.  Robin Van Persie
04.  #SharedCircles 
05.  Robert Pattinson