My Christmas Present From Google

Today, I was watching Human Target on Hulu when a commercial for Google's Epic Demos caught my eye. These girls successfully ordered Indian food in Hindi using Google Translator. I had to check it out for myself.

After misusing this fine piece of technology (saying dirty words and all my crazy thoughts), I fell in love with this thing! Unlike other translators that translate each. word. separately., the improved Google translator understands the context. I put in "The Hangover" and it gave me the Spanish name for the movie, not the word for a literal hangover.

The thing has audio for the translations (for some languages, not all). It gives off the Steven Hawking vibe, but it conveys the message clear.

In short, I'm going to have fun giving my boyfriend the silent treatment this weekend. Thanks, Google!

The Internet Lacks Depth

The internet, of course, is our gateway to knowing anything about nearly everything. However, I find an area of information the internet does lack: The answers to life's deeper questions...or at least deeper than "What's on TV tonight?"

Old friends and I keep tabs on each other through Facebook. So, the age-old saying "You probably won't think about them in ten years" has been proven wrong. I pretty much know how the people I knew ten years ago are doing now, and it's pretty profound how are lives have changed in this seemingly small amount of time.

Thinking about this lead me to search Google for 'self-fulfillment'. It suggested a book on Amazon.

Now, it's not Google's fault it couldn't lead me to feeling like less of a failure because I haven't accomplished anything notable yet. However, it made me realize: There are problems that cannot be solved with a Google Search. (Perhaps Bing?)

It's profound to think that the internet holds the opinions of all the world, yet no one knows how to achieve self-fulfillment or has the perfect cure for boredom or knows how to improve a relationship.

Perhaps I should be the geek who creates the website to solve all of these problems. Though, the fact I'm looking for them probably means I don't have a clue about the answer. This project would require a lot of time and thought.

Either that or surrender to the notion that the internet will never have all the answers.

Not-So-Fond Memories

Perhaps it's because I am a bit cynical, but looking at my grade school websites have not made me happily nostalgic. In fact, I find most people who went to the public schools in my town don't miss them too much.

It's a phenomenon that is profound to me that, instead of all of us bonding in the yearning for times past, we all hated that time and bond in happiness that it is over! Sure, we cried a little at graduation. We'd miss the strong friendships we'd made. However, most of those tears were of happiness. Tears that shouted: AND YOU'LL NEVER SEE ME AGAIN!!!

Frankly, school worked in a weird way. The older you got, the harder your work was and the less cruel people became. Elementary school was a battlefield of being picked on for everything, middle school introduced relationships and the horrors of puberty, then by high school you were dealt less social problems but more academic ones.

The days of "kids have it easy" are finished. Kids have it hard. Harder than adults. No, they don't have to worry about bills, marriages, and kids. But at least adults choose to work, marry and have kids. Kids have to go to school. Then, when was the last time an adult had to defend their self-esteem from 20 to 30 of their peers?

Cut the kids some slack. They have it harder than you!

My Dreamy Experiment - Phase I

From time to time, I want to experiment with my favorite subject: ME!!! I was watching this hot new show, "Running Wilde", and it brought up the subject of mind control. More precisely, the subject of controlling dreams.

Of course, I had no instinct on controlling dreams, so I turned to WikiHow- probably not a reasonable source-but this an experiment...

Follow the link for the 13 Steps. Look for updates.

[Short Post] Geek Celebrities

I was in a bathroom with my glasses on wearing a black turtleneck and I noticed I looked like Steve Jobs. I turned to a classmate and said: "I look like Steve Jobs." She replied: "Who is Steve Jobs?" She may as well have said: "Koiusdoklkjfiesdn."

Interesting though, there are very few geek celebrities. Probably because geeks don't party hard on a Tuesday night sans undergarments. (Rather, we're staring at some text-editor attempting to innovate.)

What we need in this ever-growing technological world is a hot, genius celebrity. Preferably a girl (writer's bias), this geek would be proud of all her gadgets and tech-knowledge. I salute Morgan Webb and G4, but we need a... A Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, or Miley Cyrus of technology (or science!).

Let's give the kids another cool profession to strive for that will require creativity, problem-solving, and unhealthy eating & sleeping habits in order to succeed!

My Idea For My Boyfriend's New Tech Wardrobe

I call it a tech wardrobe because he's not just looking for a new computer, but a new phone...preferably a smart phone. And, having a geek girlfriend, he often turns to me for my opinion.

Phone
As far as phones, he's been caught between a Droid X and iPhone 4 for a while now. He's leaning more toward the Droid X now, and I'd have to agree with him. At first, I thought: "IPod Touch, iTunes, therefore iPhone." However, after he showed me his Droid vs. IPhone Excel Spreadsheet Scoreboard (he's a very smart shopper), I have to side with the Droid X. AT&T and Apple have a few issues regarding that phone that I'd advise people to research before purchasing the iPhone 4. Having not done this (yet), I won't go into that today.

Outside of those two phones, Windows Phone 7 and Android have come out with some pretty impressive-looking smart phones. Then there's the new Blackberry for those who happen to favor those. Moral: Don't buy into hype; find the phone that fits you. Go out and play with some of them. And for goodness sake, ASK QUESTIONS!!!

Laptops
Well, at this point, if it's not a Macbook, it's a Windows 7 PC. I'm currently using Windows 7 (By that I mean, I have a laptop with Windows 7. I'm actually using an iMac right now), and I like it. I never had Vista, so I can't really tell the difference. However, there seems to be a reasonable consensus that Windows 7 is an improvement from its FAIL predecessor.

Most University of Michigan college students either (a) have a Mac or (b) have a PC and want a Mac. Macs are more expensive, but are notoriously better computers. The way I see it?

I like Microsoft Office better on a PC (because that's what I'm used to), so I handle big writing, presentation, and spreadsheet business on a PC. Otherwise, I prefer a Mac.

My ideal plan, that my boyfriend is so not going to use, is to buy a Macbook (regular, Pro, or Air) and use Google Docs instead of Microsoft Office. [See post: 'Why Are People Using Google Docs???'] Safari is a great browser, so you don't have to replace IE with Google Chrome or Firefox, but I would download one of them. (I like having two browsers.)

Conclusion
The moral of all this is: Every now and then we need to update our tech wardrobe. Do the research, though, so you can be as comfortable with your new electronics as possible. Also, look up ways to increase battery life and things to go with your computer like exterior speakers. Be a smart shopper in all your consumption!

Why Aren't People Using Google Docs???

Perhaps the title is misleading. People do use Google Docs, but not as many as what should be. It's probably because people have already spent hundreds on some Microsoft Office Suite, and want to get their money's worth. However, I see Google Docs making Microsoft Office obsolete (at least for the average user who uses it for Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).

Reasons to use Google Docs over Microsoft Office:

• No need to email documents to yourself because Google Docs is online
• Microsoft Office is expensive; Google Docs is free
• Google Docs autosaves
• No .doc vs. .docx problems when Microsoft releases new versions of Office
• You can allow people access (or not) to the documents to edit without numerous emails and downloads
• Saves disk space on your personal computer
• Syncs well with other Google devices (i.e. Sites, Wave, GMail, Blogger, etc.)
  

Possible Cons to Google Docs:

• Not quite sure how private Google Docs is, so I would leave personal information off of it
• I'm sure there are more options on Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel than it's online counterparts
• Other Microsoft Office Applications?

Obviously, I'm quite impressed with Google Docs. I've been preparing to write a new screenplay and using it instead of my Microsoft Office software. Also, my boyfriend wants a new computer. My thinking is: "Use the money you'd spend on Microsoft Office to buy a more expensive computer." Or something nice for your girlfriend. J/K

App-ocalyse Now

With the looming arrival of Google TV, which seems to be a hit already, I thought I'd point out that apps are taking over the world.

Yes, those little icons that lead to programs that can fulfill your every need (at least, that's what Apple likes to think) are slowly taking over ever single electronic device known to man.

On our computers: apps. On our cellphones: apps. Now on our TV??? How long before the car gets apps? (If you don't consider OnStar an app already)

Why is this bad?

I'm not saying it's bad, but it does make me a bit uncomfortable. Maybe I shouldn't have access to Netflix everywhere I go. Sort of feels like life is becoming trendy; like every trend has to encompass our entire lives to be useful.

I dunno. Just a thought.

My Short Numerology Exploration

So, today is John Lennon's birthday, and an interesting thing about John Lennon that not many people know is that his lucky number was 9. That sent me off into the internet looking for my lucky number. I found more than what I bargained for...

I found 4 important numbers:

• My Life Path Number
• My Destiny Number
• My Motivation
• My Birthday Number

http://www.wikihow.com/Find-Your-Lucky-Numbers-in-Numerology

My Life Path Number was: 9

"Those on the number 9 Life path are destined to travel a humanitarian path. These individuals make great diplomats, environmentalists, veterinarians, teachers, judges, social workers, nuns, priests and healers.

These sophisticated individual are very selfless souls and are often patient, trustworthy and honorable from the very beginning to the end of their life. Their moral rectitude, compassion and generosity often identify them.

Noble number 9's are willing to take on great responsibilities in the name of justice or fighting for the underdog. Very few of them are interested in material gain. Many of them believe they will get their rewards in heaven for good deeds done on earth. It is also not unusual for a number 9 to give up all of their material possessions for the common good.

Sometimes 9's express their deep understanding of life through painting, writing, music or other art forms. Many also become mystics, channellers, light workers, Reiki masters, witches and alternative healers.

The number 9 personality is best suited to the healing and care giving professions. Their sensitive natures tend to be completely trampled in traditional, competitive business environments.

Number 9's have winning smiles and make friends very easily. They are great listeners and many of them can make others feel better just with a simple pat on the hand. Although they are fantastic with strangers, they are not so great in one on one relationship. One on one relationships often seem toxic to sophisticated number nines who are turned off by the drama, possessiveness and terminal uniqueness that is associated with the ideal of a soul mate. 9's also do not like sex much, unless it is related to a tantra or practiced for the purposes of procreation. Many of them purposely remain single so that they can treat everybody like their soul mate.

9's who stray from their wrong paths often find themselves feeling angry or hostile towards those they have helped. They may feel their generosity has been misused or abused. Their life path is to have faith in God or a Higher Power rather than other people. The number 9 who is giving with an expectation of reward, needs to reexamine his or own inner core and principles.

The negative side of 9's manifests when they find others leaving them out of the loop. Their eccentricity causes others to treat them like village idiot. Sometimes 9's lofty ideals are presented in a manner that others find absurd, spacey or hilarious. Part of a 9's life path to express spiritual principles through actions, rather than through preaching or proselytizing."
http://ezinearticles.com/?Divining-Your-Life-Path-Number&id=3004

My Destiny Number was: 3

"A Destiny number of 3 shows that you are meant to utilize creativity and optimism in life. Part of your job in life is to help other people realize the power of joy, laughter, and imagination. By helping others who may have lost the joy of living learn to appreciate life and live it to its fullest (and most joyful) you will find your own joy and fulfillment. Expressing yourself creatively is key to making this happen."
http://www.aboutnumerology.com/destinymeanings.php

My Motivation Number was: 5

"You are motivated to be unconventional. In youth, you were surrounded by surprising experiences, non-routine people and you were given the freedom to learn from experience. You were encouraged to experiment, to be adaptable and to show enthusiasm. You enjoy sensuality, travel and freedom. You are clever."
http://www.lotterybunny.com/motivation-numerology-meaning.aspx

And My Birthday Number was: 1
(Most influential between my 28th and 56th birthday)

"The number 1 energy suggests that there is perhaps more executive ability and leadership qualities in your makeup than your lifepath may have indicated. A birthday on day 1 of any month gives a measure of will power and self-confidence, and very often a rather original approach. This 1 energy may diminish your ability and desire to handle details, preferring instead to paint with a broad brush. You may be sensitive, but your feelings stay rather repressed."
http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-birthdays.html

I don't put too much stock in this stuff, but I don't find it incorrect. I actually found it rather interesting, and I hope you do too.

RIP New(ish) Phone; Burn In Hell

Why am I blogging at 12:40 am when I will be busy from 10am to 10pm tomorrow? Because the Samsung Impression is a non-innovative piece of crap phone. As an Informatics student, I can say without conviction, that the designers of this cellular device were either drunk or stupid during the production of this phone.

Sometime tonight, my touch screen-- the core element to all the phone's functionality from calls to internet-- decided it was gonna stop working. No, this isn't the first time. It has done this before, but tonight it doesn't think it's going to start working again.

Talk about an over-reliance on technology! Who designs a phone where nearly every function, except the bull-crap camera, needs the touch screen, a technology that can malfunction for a long list of reasons, to function?!

No one in the team thought, "Hey, if the touch screen malfunctions, the consumer is screwed."? When I was small the mouse on the family desktop stopped working properly. I had to learn how to maneuver the keyboard; we didn't need a new computer.

I'd go replace this phone with another impression, but unless it's a Droid or iPhone I'm done with touch screens. I googled my problem to possibly find a solution. All I found was confirmation that plenty of people who have this fairly rare iPhone-wannabe, HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. It seems to be inevitable.

Honestly, if my mother hadn't just bought this phone for me, I'd throw this thing into a brick wall & buy a new one. However, I'm just going to do the latter of those things.

A Much Needed Coma

Nobody really knows this about me, but I write screenplays for a hobby. I thought I'd use my new blog to jot down an idea I had (have?). It comes from, unfortunately, me being frustrated and tired in every sense with life and thinking, " I don't wanna kill myself, but I'd take a nice medically-induced coma for a week or so."

So in my movie (it's a comedy, by the way), I'd like for some girl to be stressed out with her family and relationships. Then she gets into the marvelous coma where she has to find herself and finally take "life" one step at a time. Meanwhile her family is in debate over whether or not to pull the plug.

(Cruel, I know. I'm a very disturbed person. I realize this more and more everyday.)

I haven't got all the details down yet, but I will... if I don't forget about this entirely.

That Girl Is Poison!

I had a really random thought - as I often do - while I was getting dressed for a "date" yesterday. I put on a black-and-white stripped shirt and black jeans replacing the gray shirt I had on before because I thought it was too dark, but this is not a fashion blog so I'll move on...

In an Animal Behavior course, I learned that a contrast of light and dark colors is commonly seen in poisonous (or chemically-defensive) animals. It serves as a warning to all predators that this animal is not one you want to mess with.

You see that white stripe? You've got about 5 seconds.

This got me wondering...

Of course, I'm not really poisonous. But I have a punky, rock star attitude that could warrant the poison label. Girly girls like pink and purple, gothic people wear black, depressed people favor dark colors.

My rebel personality is better expressed using the combination: bold colors + black. I also love the contrast: edgy + feminine.

I have a big personality that doesn't fit into a square peg. Of course there are a number of other things I like that don't quite fit into these two rules, but this is certainly my starting point!

"That girl is poison!"

"Style is a way of saying who you are without having to speak." -- Rachel Zoe