Technology paper September 20, 2007

InterActiveCorp, a multinational Web corporation owning business like Ticketmaster.com and Match.com plans to enter a new venture: InstantAction.com, a new level of gaming by means of using GarageGames.com, which is a game publisher and programmer.  Online gaming markets, averaging to about $2 billion dollars a year, are strong, albeit unstable investments.  Costing InterActiveCorp approximately $100 million dollars to produce, DFC Intelligence predicts that the ultimate revenue for this online gaming market will swell to over $13 billion in 2011.  IAC proposes, via InstantAction.com, a Website of game console quality, involving strategy, action, and advancement.  Because additional consoles or hardware is unnecessary, gamers can play through any offhand device, rather than expensive, specialized equipment.  Although other companies such as Cartoon Network, Sony’s Plastation 3, and Nintendo’s Wii have attempted to adapt games for online play, InterActiveCorp far exceeds these companies in originality, production, and sound ideas.  Although some fees will be charged to play these browser-based games, which do not require downloaded software or instillation, IAC intends to profit directly from advertising.  However, many technologically savvy insiders predict the fallback of such an industrious plan.  Advanced games via the computer, without installed or downloaded software, will probably lead to glitches and delays, as this field of technology is still unsteady.  If this company succeeds, the gaming market will be revolutionized, spreading games to more people and devices, therefore drastically hurting the console market and economies.   

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/sep2007/tc20070919_759130.htm

People September 18, 2007

People are so predictable. Have you ever just sat and observed a talking group of people? Kids, adults, they’re all the same. People are constantly playing the “status game”: altering their manner of speaking by determining how high of a rank they assume within the conversation. I usually play a lower rank, just for the heck of it. It gives me more opportunities to watch others, without being required to speak. People freak out when they realize I know much more about them than previously thought. Teenagers, especially, are all the same. They all have the same issues, the same problems, the same thoughts. Knowing what they’re thinking isn’t so difficult, especially when you’re aware of the game. Every single conversation is an example of the status game.

 I don’t like dodging subjects; I’m particularly blunt. This works to my advantage in the game, especially when people realize I know what they’re thinking. And once they figure this out, my rank skyrockets. It’s fantastic. People aren’t as smart as you think. It’s difficult to fight back the laughter when people stare at me, nonplussed and bewildered. Having this power is great, but frightening.

Who, exactly, is playing the game against me?

I hate. September 18, 2007

I hate blonde, annoying women.
I hate people who think they’re good at something and they suck.
I hate dragonflies.
I hate mushrooms and ferns.
I hate to turn the radio down as opposed to turning it off.
I hate the food residue on silverware fresh out of the dishwasher.
I hate that I have to wash dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
I hate that my new puppy suddenly takes precedence over my old cat.
I hate that the good guys always live far away.
I hate that I’m not naturally good at something.
I hate that I can never keep my mouth shut.
I hate the awkward feeling of someone knowing my name, and my not knowing theirs.
I hate the date for the SATs.
I hate sea lice.
I hate finishing a good book.
I hate this hate list.

Oh, and by the way? September 18, 2007

http://danny-rolling.blogspot.com/

Rock on for doing research in computer class.

Death Penalty “R” Us September 18, 2007

So, I’m supposed to write this research paper on the infamous Danny Rolling. You know, that everyday run-of-the-mill rapist/serial killer who terrorized the UF campus? The Gainesville Ripper? Yeah, him. But, my research paper won’t focus on this guy (who, just for the record, you shouldn’t study when you’re home alone at night), but instead, on the death penalty, and the humanity of it all. Oh, the humanity.

Think about it. Obviously this sicko deserved death. But is it really society’s decision to inflict death upon him? We’re supposed to be punishing killers…by means of killing them. A little hypocritical, don’t you think? Now, I’ve never really given much thought to the death penalty. I’m the type of person who agrees with whatever comrade I’m hanging out with at the time. I’m your biggest Yankees fan and a die-hard Red Socks fan. Ok, so I’m neither. And it’s a little obvious. Especially when I close the door in my room and blast showtunes when any sports team is blaring on the television. Snaps for rebellion.

But, regardless of what baseball team I support, this is the first time I’ve ever really…thought about the death penalty. Is it fair? Can society do that? Can I do that?

This is going to be a very interesting research paper.

Uh…? September 18, 2007