Randomness from an overactive mind
Archive for September, 2005
All about Perception
16 years ago
by bangbang023
in general
This is my first post in my new category. I figure a nerd, like me, should have a tech area on his site 
It’s funny how, in recent years, public relations has become almost as important as the actual code when it comes to computer software. A few weeks ago, Google released GTalk, an IM application that uses the Jabber protocol. Using Jabber leaves a lot of room for interoperability and, for now, allows users to use any Jabber client of their choosing to connect to the network. However, the application, itself, was clearly rushed out early in hopes of creating hype. It lacks MANY features of standard IM apps and doesn’t have much in terms of customization (I couldn’t even choose where I wanted it to be installed to). It’s an early BETA, what’s the big deal? The problem lies in the fact that people love it. If AOL had put out the exact same client, it would have been universally deemed trash. Why? Public relations, my friend.
In the world of computers and the World Wide Web, everyone is fighting to be the most friendly. Why? Because the average computer user is very uneasy online and, when someone is able to calm them down a little and allow them to simply enjoy the web, they take to it. Google is the king of this. Don’t get me wrong, I like Google too, but many people are completely incapable of finding any flaw in anything Google does. GTalk didn’t earn any of the praise it received, but the Google name did.
AOL is slowly working on their next big version of AOL Instant Messenger, dubbed “Triton”. Even in early testing, the UI is good looking and the program functions pretty well. With the inclusion of built in tabbed IM’s (called Grouped IM’s) and a plugin API, AOL is going to be the first client to introduce, out of the box, what users have been paying for, in add-ons and 3rd party clients, for years. It’s a huge step and, yet, few have taken notice simply because it’s AOL. Did I mention public relations?
I actually fear all of this, to a degree. Is marketing going to become more important than the code itself? Maybe that’s already the case if you take a look at the video game market. It’s scary, actually. Computers are getting faster, people are getting more tech savvy, and it seems that one’s PR guy is more important than the quality and skill of their programmers.
Examination of A Pride
36 years ago
by bangbang023
in poems
Examination of A Pride (9/3/2005)
Just turn the fucking light on and lets get to the start
I’m thinking what I’ll write on, it’ll be from the heart
I’m taking the charge and willingly playing this game
Pouring my soul out to relieve the pressure of pain
And it’s so insane watching as your faces all change
What did he say? Is his mind really that way?
I think you should pray that I don’t get near to a flame
Combustibility is what gives me this range
But do you think this is strange? A quiet kid with a flow
It’s unpredictable but we all know how it goes
As soon as rage grows, I’ll take it right to the page
I’m swinging with my pen as I write through the rage
And bust through the cage, anger cracks through the bars
Every fucking stroke represents all of my scars
It may not get me that far, but this is all for relief
I don’t need a house or a car to help me find inner peace
So, no I won’t cease, I won’t fold up, stop and leave
I don’t care who’s offended cause this is something I’ll keep
A passion I need to climb the hills that are steep
A constant reminder that I will never be beat
I can’t believe I wrote that, but damn it’s so smooth
I don’t mean to be rude, but what could I possibly lose?
Cause here in these shoes there’s not many possessions
Just a heart and a pain and this rhyming obessesion
Dictating my lessons through every poetic session
A journal to the world of my darkest confessions
But it’s no profession cause I don’t even get paid
Just a collection of my thoughts, my rage and my pain
And I’m paving my way through the acidic rain
Using words as a bridge to cross over to change
Cause things ain’t the same, I’ll find absolution
I’ll wash it away and write to get back at confusion
And take back the solution, the perfect mixture of life
Finding peace in my self with a small hint of the strife
Cause I need all that spice to add fuel to this fire
Just one more excuse for me to write with desire
So, call me a liar or pretend this is fake
Pray I’ll expire or fall victim to fate
Please raise up the stakes so that I’ll make more mistakes
Cause I can run every race, it’s no matter the pace
I’ll be out of the gates running with you in the chase
So tie up youe lace so you don’t fall on your face
I don’t think there’s disgrace in writing with passion
But it’s never embraced once it’s over examined
Back Story: I just took a flow and went with it. I touch on quite a few topics: Why I write, People’s reactions to my rhymes, the life behind the words, and the energy it gives me to keep fighting onward. I hope you like it. By the end of this one, I was so into it, that I was sweating and breathing heavily. What a rush.
Given the Chills
16 years ago
by bangbang023
in general
Australia on Friday said it would donate A$10 million (US$7.7 million) immediately to the American Red Cross as well as sending a team of emergency management specialists to identify what other help could be offered and providing services where most needed.
Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga said she and her fellow citizens felt solidarity with those affected.
…And while the small island nation is still recovering from the tsunami disaster, it also pledged $25,000 to the American Red Cross, the AP reported.
Doesn’t that just give you the chills? Here in America, we’re so used to having our country jump to help others that, sometimes, we get a little cocky and think we can handle anything that comes our way. Even Sri Lanka, a country that was nearly wiped off the map completely, is offering it’s help. What’s to say? Our government may be corrupt and full of assholes, but we, as a country, thank you, or, at least I do.
Frustration Ensues
36 years ago
by bangbang023
in journal
It’s been the week of hell at work. Every time I turned around, something wasn’t exactly going my way. At least make it something that’s truely my fault.
Monday, a woman asks me to Open Box a new, unopened item so she could get it at a discount. I told her it was against policy to do so and I wouldn’t. She goes to a manager and tells the manager that I was being “mean”. You have to be kidding me. There I am, for 4 hours that day, pricing the HUGE open item setup we have and this is what I get on top of that? I actually chose to abide by the rules and I get called mean. To make it worse, she’s, apparently, some Best Buy nut who was even at the grand opening of the first ever Best Buy and knows everything about the company. I guess she also knows how to put on a good act and leave out parts of the truth when complaining to a manager.
Tuesday, a couple asks me for a TV. I explain that we don’t have it in stock for take home and only have it for delivery. They ask how much delivery is and I, of course, tell them that it does cost $50. They ask for free delivery (as everyone does) and I explain it’s against company policy. They grab the tag from me and go to customer service to say that I was being “mean”. Gah! I’m just doing my god damn job you assholes!
I’m getting tired of this crap. Customers here have no respect or manners and treat us all like complete shit. I get yelled at when something isn’t in stock and get called mean when I follow the rules. I get yelled at because Best Buy doesn’t take orders over the phone. I get told “don’t waste your breath” when I ask if the guy needs help. I’m so fucking sick of it. As it is, Monday, this one guy treated me like a dick then realized he needed me to answer questions. It’s amazing how quickly I forget things when I’m pissed off. I hope he has fun getting the run around from his cable company.
I hate being this angry. While there’s an energy to be found in anger, feeling like you’ve been shit on by the world is not something enjoyable. It’s degrading and wears a person out. I try to be nice and I get yelled at. I act like an ass and get yelled at. Maybe if I stuck my thumb up my ass and spun around, people would finally shut the hell up.