Randomness from an overactive mind
Posts tagged general
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.
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.
Want to Preorder Xbox 360 at Best Buy?
46 years ago
by bangbang023
in general
They haven’t really made it known yet, but if you plan on preordering the Xbox 360 from your local Best Buy, you’re going to be in for a surprise. You’ll only be given the chance to preorder if you are or become a RewardZone member. That’s right. You’ll have to pay an extra $10 to sign up for their RewardZone program if you wish to pay the preorder price and have a brand new Xbox 360 waiting for you on release day.
Help the Victims of Hurricane Katrina
36 years ago
by bangbang023
in general
If you have some extra cash sitting on the side, I think you should check out the link below and consider donating to the Red Cross (make sure to choose Hurricane Relief to direct your funds there) in order to help all the people who had the poor luck of having their lives turned completely upside down by Hurricane Katrina. The Red Cross has a minimum required donation of $5, but, hey, that’s not really that much money.
Opera for Free
06 years ago
by bangbang023
in general
Opera is yet another web browser that has been around for a very long time, 10 years to be exact. While it’s the most feature rich and most tighly kept to standards, it’s been held back by the fact that you either have to pay for it or deal with small (very small) text ads at the top of the browser window. However, until Wednesday at 12am PDT, you can get a completely free copy, legally, simply by heading here and filling out the form. Once you submit it, a screen will come up with registration codes. Download the browser and use the appropriate code (most people will use Windows code) and, wah la!, you have a completely free, fully functioning version of one of the best browsers out there. Give it a shot and see what you think.
Disturbed Cover Art Released
06 years ago
by bangbang023
in general
The much talked about cover art to the next Disturbed album, “Ten Thousand Fists”, was finally leaked to the web. Why the big deal? Todd McFarlane is the artist behind it.
Woman Burns Down House
16 years ago
by bangbang023
in general
A woman accidentally set fire to her own home Tuesday while trying to kill snakes on her front porch, according to investigators. She said she found a nest of snakes in a couch on her porch and doused the snakes with lighter fluid. When she threw a match on them, the couch burned and so did her house.
Howard Phifer, who lives up the street, said there are a lot of snakes in this area. “I’ve been in this area 45 years,” Phifer said, “and that’s’ the most snakes I’ve seen since I’ve been here.” After the woman set the couch on fire she realized the flames were spreading, so she ran inside to call for help. The fire then engulfed the home and she had to jump out of a window.
The woman is okay and so is her dog. Phifer said he has an idea why snakes are slithering into his neighborhood. “Building houses and running them out of the woods or what not,” said Phifer. “All I know is they’re around.”
These stories occur so often, as of late, I decided to create a whole category here for shit like this. How stupid can a person be? It completely boggles the mind.
Who is the “Bitch Dog?”
36 years ago
by bangbang023
in general
CHICAGO Aug 17, 2005 — LaChania Govan said she got bounced around by her cable company when she called to complain. She made dozens of calls and was even transferred to a person who spoke Spanish a language she doesn’t understand.
But when she got her August bill from Comcast she had no trouble understanding she’d made somebody mad. It was addressed to “Bitch Dog.”
“I was like you got to be freaking kidding me,” said Govan, 25. “I was so mad I couldn’t even cuss.”
Next time you call tech support, remember that you may wind up being the next “Bitch Dog” haha.
Welcome to Xpression.V2
46 years ago
by bangbang023
in general
By the time you see this message, I’m sure you will be very confused and wondering if you, perhaps, clicked the wrong link. Rest assured my friends, this is still Xpression. Due to the limitations of the old system and my own personal boredom with it, I decided to updgrade to WordPress. It is a very flexible blog system that simply had the plugins I need to provide as easy a transition as possible. The theme, while not of my own creation, was heavily modified by me to provide you with the same information you’ve grown used to on the main page of Xpression.
The only major change to the presentation is the fact that every post now appears on the front page. It’s how the system works and may take some time to get used to, but I do believe it helps you, the reader, to more quickly access the information.
This is still a work in progress, so there may be times things are completely broken or a little out of whack, but I felt I was far enough along to set this to live. Hopefully, this new design and system will encourage people to comment more. I know, personally, it definitely encourages me to post more.
Thank you for your continued interest in my life and, well, let the controversy continue.
A message to the haters…
16 years ago
by bangbang023
in general
To all the dick heads on my case lately: I actually like WindowBlinds. Just as I like Firefox. Just as I like AIM. Just as I like RealPlayer. I’m allowed to be critical of an application and still like it.