Seriously...Seriously... Archive Pages
November 27, 2007
Snubster on All Things Considered
Well All Things Considered can finally rest. They have reached the end of all things to consider seemingly. They have interviewed me about Snubster. It seems as though the interweb is going crazy again with the whole social networking thing and so Snubster has been popping up in the media again a bit.
For those of you who don't listen to NPR here's a link to the radio broadcast.
Posted by Bryant at 01:43 AM | Comments (1)
November 15, 2007
Time to quit facebook again
I'm sick of facebook again. I think I might quit this time for good. The last time I was this disgusted was when the mini-feeds popped up. This I think facebook just dug its own grave with facebook apps.
First off let me say the biggest reason i'm annoyed with facebook everything about it is a farce.
1. claim: Facebook is a online community for friends
reality: Facebook is an anti-social unsafe online stalking tool.
We have children posting up all of their pictures, who their friends are, where they go to school, what their favorite things are, where they want to go on vacation, where they have been. All of these personal details are now posted online. Just ask Chris Hansen if he think kids should be using "social networks"
2. claim: Facebook is social networking
reality: users select and post pictures, post personal details, post notes for others to gawk at. Then people go online snooping on everyone they can get access to.
3. claim: Facebook apps are the new .com
reality: Yes they are the new .com, but in a bad way. Someone please tell me how these apps are making money? the only thing i see is that they are starting to add a lot of garbage to facebook and they are starting to make the site look like the wasteland that is myspace. Really? someone threw a fish at another person online?
4. claim: Facebook is hip and cool
reality: everyone from high school students, to their teachers, to their parents, to the evening news is talking about and using facebook. how hip is that?
So what's my biggest peeve? All these people wasting effort on facebook is just sad. We should really be developing better tools. We should be developing tools that are truly innovative and open.
If people want to share photos, use photo sharing tools, flikr? picasa?. If people want to post their comments, post on their blog, blogspot, movabletype?. If people want to play online games play online games, wii, warfish?
Although I don't know of a good way to link these together yet, maybe that's the direction we need to head. Or maybe it's better that they aren't.
Posted by Bryant at 01:11 AM | Comments (0)
September 07, 2006
Facebook Petition?
Seeing how this negative news facebook change is spreading through the community and through the news, I was trying to think of ways of letting Facebook know exactly how unhappy users are. Unlike other services, in which you can stop your paid subscription, services like Facebook have a unique situation in where they can do whatever the heck they please without risk of losing subscription dollars.
However, by exposing a serious flaw in their system, I think we can effectively produce actions which will force facebook to take action.
Whenever an action is made on facebook, this action is immediately broadcast to all users within the networks of people involved. Therefore, if everyone against the facebook mini-feeds just posts 1-5 messages on their own walls or as notes, this will flood mini-feeds making them essentially useless.
In the numbers suggested yesterday there are more than 500,000 users that are against mini-feeds. If these 500,000 users post 5 messages, then this means at least 2.5 million messages will be broadcast. This would also probably reach nearly all of the facebook users.
We shall see how facebook responds.
Posted by Bryant at 10:17 AM | Comments (0)
September 06, 2006
Facebook becomes stalker tool
Facebook has changed its focus from being a social networking tool to a type of stalker tool and loses its value in building or enhancing friendships.
I understand the argument that what you place on here is and always has been public. However, I disagree with how the delivery of this information has now been changed. What used to be a system of complete control over content and distribution via information pull has now changed to loss of control over published information and distribution via push and mass publishing.
Ultimately the site has gone from focusing on the creative content of users and shifted its focus to publishing and encouraging the review of actions of users.
Before it was about going up and making a space for others to browse, now its all about going on and getting everybody's actions and business pushed on you.
I also see the potential for spam and unwanted broadcast to start with this new publishing system and ultimately believe that this system will cause a severe degradation of quality on this system.
For instance, what's stopping me from making 20 notes in quick succession and flooding everybody's feed?
Also, next time facebook decides to make a drastic change, it would be nice to be let known in a letter before the change explaining all of the changes and how it will affect users, user content, and privacy.
Posted by Bryant at 05:42 PM | Comments (2)
May 08, 2006
David Blaine is an idiot
So tonight, against my better judgement, I watched David Blaine attempt to hold his breath for a record breaking 9 minutes. This was after his week-long stint in a human fish bowl. Now it is normal at this point to ask why anybody would do this. My only excuse was that I just got back from the gym and was too lazy to search for something better to watch.
David Blaine used to be respected in my opinion. Back in my High School Days, he would go around doing his "Street Magic." He did stunts like "levitating" or biting a quarter. However, with the help of the internet, you can find a guide on how to do his "street magic" and with some free time and practice on being ridiculously "intense" you too can become a Blainey.
So maybe it was the Internet that drove Blaine crazy. There wasn't any way that he could prove to the world that he was somehow magical, more intense or even more special than the next kid who spent too much time in a magic shop. Therefore he switched to attempting feats that no other person would ever bother to do:
1. Stand on a really high place for a long time.
2. Live in a acrylic box over the thames for a long time.
3. Live in a human fish tank in NYC for a long time.
4. Try to hold breath for 9 minutes and fail.
Now while I understand that none of these feats are technically "easy," they still piss me off. Blaine isn't attempting for any other reason than to make himself look cooler. At least in school they taught us if you're going to do something like walk for a really long time for no reason, raise some money for a charity while you're doing it and call it a walk-a-thon. Apparently Blaine must have gone to some kind of private school or something.
And so it upsets me that ABC dedicated an hour of live programming of watching a pruny David Blaine attempt to hold his breath for a long time. If there was a way, I would like ABC to give everybody who watched their time back, take back the money that they used to prepare the live broadcast, the goofy doctors, and the money they gave David Blaine for this personal publicity stunt and all contribute it to something worthwhile.
Posted by Bryant at 11:38 PM | Comments (1)
April 16, 2006
The heck is wrong with gas prices?
So I went to go fill my up my 4 wheel drive vehicle again and was sad to see that gas has now gone up past 3 dollars a gallon for me. Does this mean gas will hit at least 3.50 this summer? then mebbe 4 next summer? or does it mean that in 3 years i should be expecting to pay at least 6?
Wheres the news media? Are they going to talk about it again this year or are they going to give ita bye because we just talked about this a few months ago?
According to the DOE, the average price of gas used to be around a buck fifty back in 2003. How much longer are we going to put up with this?
I don't get why there hasn't been more of an outrage over this. Essentially it has gotten twice as expensive to drive to work, drive to a vacation for workers.
If you drove 15,000 miles and averaged around 17.8 miles per gallon, 3 years ago this would cost you 1264.04 in gas. At 3 dollars a gallon that now costs you 2528.09 in gas. When gas hits 4 dollars a gallon it will cost you 3370.79.
I had been pretty indiffernt about ANWR before, but now i'm starting to think we should drill the heck out of it. Sure it's only a short term solution, but at least it will make energy costs a little more reasonable until the technology is developed for us to drive eco-friendly cars.
The other thing about eco-friendly cars that I noticed today. Hybrid cars are allowed to go in the HOV lanes. So all the traiditional cars get the stop and go traffic, while the hybrids get to enjoy the highway speeds. However, Hybrid cars really get their benefit in stop and go traffic. The prius gets 60 miles per gallon city and 51 miles per gallon highway. A Corolla will get 26 miles per gallon city and 34 miles per gallon highway. with the current setup, the prius get 51 and the corolla get 26 for a combined 77mpg. If you swapped them, the Corolla would get 45 and the prius would get 60 for a combined of 106 mpg.
The system should be, for every hybrid, they should let another regular gas guzzler go in the HOV. After all, the people driving the hybrids are driving them to benefit the earth right?
Posted by Bryant at 02:03 AM | Comments (2)
March 16, 2006
Going Dutch...
as part of the new dutch citizen test you must watch a video of a topless women... does this make any sense?
Posted by Jesse at 02:35 PM | Comments (3)
March 10, 2006
Donuts + Bugers = Winning Combination
this item contains 1,000 calories and 45 grams of fat. it is being offered at a minor league baseball team in illinois by st. loius...
Posted by Jesse at 09:22 PM | Comments (1)
February 18, 2006
Willie Nelson & Brokeback...
seems as if brokeback mountian syndrome is still strong. willie nelson just released a song titled "Cowboys Are Secretly, Frequently (Fond of Each Other)."
some lyrics:" Well a cowboy may brag about things that he's done with his women
But the ones that brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer"
rest of the lyrics
Posted by Jesse at 04:22 PM | Comments (0)
January 30, 2006
Stay away from me FATTY!
A "It makes people feel more comfortable to think that obesity stems from lack of control," Whigham said. "It's a big mental leap to think you can catch obesity."
In the mean time, it's probably in your best interest to stay away from fatties. Fortunately, they can usually be outrun, unless they're so fat that they're already on some sort of self-propelled electrical chariot 24/7.
And if you're unfortunate enough to be having any kind of "relations" with a fatty, it may be time to come clean with your friends and own up to it. Unfortunately, this may mean that you are now dead to them.
Contrarily, we can attempt to round up all the fatties and put them into some sort of containment area. If we somehow constructed a giant buffet in Montana they might all come. Then we can seal off Montana till we find some sort of magical "cure" for being fat.
Posted by Bryant at 05:15 PM | Comments (0)
December 31, 2005
Mitch Hedberg Passed Away from Overdose
It has been released that Mitch Hedberg's Death was due to a Drug Overdose.
It was originally thought he may have suffered from heart failure. Sadly this great comedian's career ended in a hotel room in New Jersey this March.
I've decided to collect a few clips of Mitch's performances and upload them to vidstogo.
Enjoy.
Posted by Bryant at 01:22 AM | Comments (8)
December 19, 2005
Deal or No Deal calculator
So tonight on the way home from work I heard a radio ad for the new international hit coming for a 5 day event on NBC. Suckered by marketing as I usually am, I decided to watch this new show : Deal or No Deal.
First of all the show is hosted by Howie Mandell.
What the heck happend to howie?
Anyways back to the show. Basically the premise of the show is this. There are 26 suitcases. They all have a value from 1 penny to a million dollars. At the beginning of a turn, a player picks one suitcase. Then he or she must pick 5 suitcases to reveal from the ones remaining. After that, the person is allowed to accept a "deal" from a "banker" instead of keeping the unknown amount in the suitcase he picked.
This game seems like a great game for people who are bad at math. My guess is that NBC will calculate an expected value based on the suitcases remaining. Most likely the value that they give to the contestant will be less than this value.
Being the nerd I was, I decided to make a play along webpage that will allow you to "play along" and see if this holds true.
If this holds true, it will seem to always make sense to play to the very end.
Link to the Deal no Deal Calculator
Posted by Bryant at 10:29 PM | Comments (206)
December 04, 2005
If You Laser it They Will Come....
Present Watch 20005:
I have one simple request. And that is to have sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads!--- and sadly i cant find this online.. yet... anyway, i have one goal this holiday season: make sure all my presents come with lasers so here is the begining of my list of laster powered products....
the laser equipped pool cue. good for seeing exactly where to hit the ball and also blinding your oppenent so he cant see where is hit the ball....
Posted by Jesse at 11:33 PM | Comments (1)
December 02, 2005
I LOST my drivers license
as most of you know i really like the show LOST; turn out that some of the cast of LOST really like alcohol. Michelle Rodriguez and Cynthia Watros were arrested for drunk driving recently in Hawaii where LOST is filmed...
AND OF COURSE THE SMOKING GUN HAS THEIR MUGSHOTS.... these girls definately look a lil strung out...
Posted by Jesse at 09:06 PM | Comments (2)
November 30, 2005
A la cart pricing for cable ... maybe?
Ever since I've had to start paying for my own damn cable, I've wondered why the heck am I paying for hundreds of channels when I really only watch about 10 of them. Shouldn't they really give you money back for pumping in crap like the WB, UPN, and lifetime?
Looks like the FCC agrees too. They're advocating for the push of A la cart TV channel cable pricing.
This cannot come soon enough.
Posted by Bryant at 10:05 AM | Comments (1)
November 16, 2005
Beans arent the only food that will give you gas...
Coors has found a way to use beer to power cars.... not only the best light beer now also fuel for my broke ride...
source
Posted by Jesse at 01:57 PM | Comments (0)
November 04, 2005
North Korea Orders Females to Remove Their Pants
Posted by Jesse at 03:40 PM | Comments (0)
November 03, 2005
Kevin Federline Rap Star yallaintready
and we got the proof. here are some lyrics courtesy of foxnews.com
"I should be saying keep my damn name outcha mouth but y'all people keep increasing my change amount
So, go ahead and say whatcha wanna, I'm gonna sell bout two mill, fool, then I'm a-gonna
I know you wish you was in my position cuz I keep getting into situations that you wish you wuz in, cousin
I'm not your brother, not your uncle, I'm daddy, dude
Steppin' in this game and y'all ain't got a clue
My prediction is that y'all gonna hate on the style we create, straight 2008
But I know that you really can't wait because people are always askin' me — when's the release date?
Well maybe baby you can wait and see
Until then, all these Pavarottis following me
Gettin' anxious, go take a peek, I'm starring in your magazine now every day of the week
Back, then, they call me K-Fed, but you can call me Daddy instead..."
and at this link i was able to find an audio sample....
AND I FOUND THE MP3 LINK.... ENJOY... the name of the song is "yall aint ready"
Posted by Jesse at 12:10 PM | Comments (1)
United Slowing Down Planes?
I'm not sure if anybody else got a phone call or email today, but United Airlines notified me that my reservation has been changed.
At first glance, the itineraries looked the same, but after looking at it again, the flight times for both were extended by 9 minutes. Now either Chicago and Washington have grown farther apart due to global warming or United may be slowing down their planes by 10% in an effort to save gas and money.
Just speculation.
Posted by Bryant at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)
November 02, 2005
What grinds me gears : Automatic Windows restarts
Well its annoying enough when an operating system reboots randomly due to buggy code.
But do you know what really grinds my gears? When an operating system reboots randomly because it was designed to do so. That really grinds my gears.
The "feature" of having windows update automatically reboot your computer if you happened to step away from your computer for more than 5 minutes is just about the most retarded "feature" ever.
That is all.
Posted by Bryant at 10:29 AM | Comments (2)
October 25, 2005
Why again am I paying 3 dollars a gallon?
British Petroleum has announced their quarterly figures.
Instead of blaming Hurricanes or the supply and demand curves on high energy prices, why don't we blame greed?
Quarterly profits for BP are up 34% . That really grinds my gears.
We'll see what happens when the other oil companies announce their results later this week.
Posted by Bryant at 09:45 AM | Comments (0)
September 29, 2005
LOST: every lil stinking number appearance
in LOST there is a string on numbers which are kinda key to the show. here are the all the places those numbers pop up in
Posted by Jesse at 12:42 AM | Comments (0)
September 27, 2005
Can you hear me now? Good.
Well I was one of the fortunate unfortunates who purchased a Motorola V710 immediately when released last summer. Oh I bought it anticipating that my phone would be able to talk seemlessly with millions of gadgets in a language known as bluetooth.
However soon after acquiring the phone, it was clearly apparent that this phone had bluetooth, but a crippled understanding of it. Sure it could talk to headets and it could be used as a modem, but in other features it was sorely lacking. Couldn't do PIM Management, OBEX file transfers or any of that other bluetooth goodness.
So a bunch of phone geeks got together and filed a class action lawsuit. Verizon settled. This means, if you bought a v710 before 1/31/2005, then you're entitled to the full purchase price refund of your phone. Woo hoo!
Although I've gotten an e815 since then, I'm still looking forward to trading up to the CDMA RAZR.
Looks like Verizon will be getting me a christmas present this year.
Posted by Bryant at 10:12 AM | Comments (0)
September 10, 2005
Avoid Phone Trees with this List
Not sure if this is just me, but I really hate those automated voice systems that are in use everywhere. Even worse now are those horrible automated systems that are supposed to be easier by having you talk rather than press buttons.
Usually when I call customer service its for a specific problem that I really need to talk to someone for.
Fortunately for me, someone has compiled a list of companies and shortcuts for getting to a human operator on the line. Enjoy
Posted by Bryant at 02:01 PM | Comments (0)
August 25, 2005
Review: Voipbuster
So Jesse come's running to me to tell me about talk.google.com. I don't get what all the hype is about with Google Talk. They're using an existing protocol and they're doing nothing new. Again, if you're using Gaim like I mentioned before you're doing fine without Google Talk. But this article is really about VoipBuster and Let's get back to that.
Jesse was excited that you could talk to another Google Talk user on a computer for free. While that was cool in 1999, this just doesn't cut it nowadays. So I directed him to try Voipbuster. Read more of the Review after the Jump :
What is it :.
How would you like to talk to anybody on any phone in the United States and 20 other countries for as long as you'd like for free. Here's their rate table for other countries.
All you need to do is download the Voipbuster software, sign up for an account and then put 1 euro into your account. This can be paid by credit card or paypal so you're safe.
Sound Quality :.
So you're probably wondering how the sound quality is. I would venture to say that its better than regular phone service, but this probably has to do with the better microphone and speaker connected to the computer than the phone.
Real World :.
I loaded voipbuster software on my girlfriend's laptop before she went on a trip to Japan. Using free Wi-Fi over there she was able to make completely free completely clear calls back to the states. Voipbuster seemed to work fine for all calls with no noticable latency.
Verdict :.
Where's the press on Voipbuster? Why is crappy Google Talk getting all the attention of the media when Voipbuster is much better? If you need to make a lot of long distance or international calls, it's a no brainer. Go out and download it.
Posted by Bryant at 10:49 PM | Comments (5)
Does A Body Good... Does a Job Very Bad
a marlins batboy was suspended for six games for accepting the infamous jackass milk drinking challege. An ex marlin and now dogder pitcher challenged the youngster to finish one gallon in under an hour before the game; the prize for succeeding $500 dollars.
now you may ask if the batboy gets suspended for accepting what happens to the adult who did the challenging: NOTHING.
but seriously what kid wouldnt accept that challenge and what is wrong with accepting...
Posted by Jesse at 02:45 PM | Comments (2)
August 09, 2005
Checks that sign you up for stuff should be illegal
You know what really grinds my gears?
Those checks that credit card companies send to you to sign up for worthless crap like "credit monitoring service" upon cashing.
Normally it doesn't bother me that much, but today, received an envelope from CHASE that had my name in a faux handwritten font, which also grinds my gears. Who actually belives that somebody took the time to handwrite every single letter. But anyways, there was a handwritten note on the envelope saying special offer Check Enclosed.
As I went to open the rear flap, I noticed that the gold seal was a bit loose. It turns out this was because the entire contents of this envelope were missing.
So now I'm thinking theres some jerk out there who's cashed a check made out to Bryant Choung and scored off with 10 bucks while I sit here stuck signed up for god knows what for eternity and without a single phone number to call to cancel.
These damn things should be illegal. Anybody can clearly see this is a scam and you can't just send a check which might end up getting cashed on accident between a couple rebate checks.
Anyways I called the credit card division, and here is a short transcript of our call
Me: Hello, I'm calling to ask about an empty envelope I received from Chase.
Greg Redford(Phone center Operator): yes?
Me: Well I'm concerned that I may have been signed up for one of your services because the envelope says "special offer check enclosed"
Greg: Ok
Me: Well who can I speak to about this?
Greg: Well this is the credit card office
Me: Ok, well do you know who I can call or talk to about this?
Greg: I work in credit cards.
Me: I understand, but at this point I have no point of contact, I just need some direction on where to go.
Greg: Do you have a social security number?
Me: Is this necessary?
Greg: Just give me your social security number.
Me: XXX-XX-XXXX
Greg: You don't have a credit card with us.
Me: I know I just want to talk to whoever can clear up this envelope situation.
Greg: I don't know anything about that. I'm in credit cards.
Me: Please just tell me who else in Chase might be able to help.
Greg: Call your local Branch
Me: The local branch? It looks like this is something sent nationally.
Greg: Have a nice day.
Chase apparently doesn't have a local branch in the DC area so I searched in NYC. Apparently I got the Chase branch in Chinatown.
Me: Hello, I was directed here from the Credit card office.
Assistant Branch Manager: Ok
Me: I received an empty envelope that says "special offer check enclosed" and I wanted to make sure that I wasn't signed up for any of your services
ABM: We sent you an empty envelope.
(I wasn't sure if this was a statement or a question)
Me: Yes. And I just wanted to know who I could call to get this cleared up
ABM: Call the Credit Card division.
Me: I just called and they sent me here.
ABM: We didn't mail the envelope.
Me: I know. I just need a number to call.
ABM: Sorry, I don't know anything
Me: I just need to know what department or division I can call
ABM: Check inside envelope for phone number.
Me: The envelope is empty
ABM: Sorry.
Me: Sorry?
ABM: Sorry. Have a nice day.
So now I'm out of ideas and I'm tired. Thinking about running for office just so I can pass a law that makes these things illegal, or I'll just wait till I get my first bill.
Posted by Bryant at 11:16 AM | Comments (5)
August 08, 2005
IBM enters the mix
Looks like IBM Research has an entry into the Search Engine world. However, this search engine based on concepts and facts instead of only keywords. However, this is more of a solution for private search engines instead of the big public ones like Google, Yahoo and MSN
Posted by Bryant at 09:17 PM | Comments (0)
July 22, 2005
Why do cows care about Daylight Savings?
It looks like they will be extending daylight savings time in America to reduce energy usage. Right now we're looking at an extra 3 weeks in the spring and an extra week int he fall. I think this is a good thing: extra daylight less energy. I would think this would make everyone happy.
According the CNN article, Farmers are saying it would adversely affect livestock. Since when do cows care what time it is?
Posted by Bryant at 12:54 PM | Comments (0)
Too Connected
A study has shown that the average person will get interrupted at work every 3 mintutes by something like a phone call, email, or IM.
The problem, according to the study, is that it takes 8 minutes of uninterrupted focus for the brain to get into a full creative state. Ergo, nobody in America is productive or Creative anymore.
Thanks internet.
Posted by Bryant at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)
June 13, 2005
Jacko is Backo
Michael Jackson has been acquitted of all charges.
Posted by Bryant at 05:51 PM | Comments (0)
June 03, 2005
Free Krispy Kreme Donuts Today!
Free Krispy Kreme Donuts Today!
Time to pull out those old halloween costumes to go for a bakers dozen.
Posted by Bryant at 01:39 AM | Comments (0)
May 04, 2005
Update: Jennifer Wilbanks as Toast?
recently we posted on Jennifer and her cold feet and audrey seiler like move. now she has become a piece of toast on ebay?
source
Posted by Jesse at 01:30 PM | Comments (2)
April 19, 2005
Tiger Woods Chip Shot
I missed this when it happened a couple weeks ago, but here's the awesome video clip of Tiger woods sinking the chip shot at the Masters.
The ball seriously hangs for about 2 seconds and waits for a dramatic pause before going in. Nike couldn't have asked for a better place to put their logo. It looks like something staged for a golf movie
Posted by Bryant at 01:25 AM | Comments (0)
April 01, 2005
Finger Length May Determine Agressivity...
a study of some 'scienctists' has found a link between index to ring finger ratio and agressive behavoir.
1. if you ring finger is longer than your idex finger your all man (like me!)
2. if you ring finger is shorter expect to have your lunch money stolen.
im happy science is undertaking such useful projects.
Posted by Jesse at 03:27 PM | Comments (0)
March 28, 2005
Sony Banned from Selling PS1 and PS2 Stateside
Sony has been ordered by a court to stop selling Playstation and Playstation 2, Two game controllers, and 47 Game titles (another article) due to a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Immersion Corp.
The lawsuit in a court in California claims that Sony infringed on Immersion's technologies which synchronized video games with vibration in controllers.
I'm not sure about the details in this case, but I remember playing Goldeneye on my N64 back in High school in 96-97ish that had vibrating controllers. I'm not even sure if that was the first game with a vibrating controller.
Also I'm curious to see what this means for Nintendo and Microsoft and their consoles.
According to Sony, they will be allowed to continue selling the Playstation with compulsary licensing fees to Immersion at least until the appeals.
Posted by Bryant at 12:12 AM | Comments (1)
March 21, 2005
John Z. Delorean has passed away
For fans of the Movies Back to the Future, or for fans of the Delorean Stainless Steel Sports Car, I have sad news.
At age 80, John Delorean has passed away. CNN has a pretty good obituary on the man who created the legend.
Posted by Bryant at 01:24 PM | Comments (1)