Month: January 2010

Ooooh! Ooooh

I just got tickets for Avatar at the IMAX.  WooHoo!  I’ve been dying to see it in 3D, this is even better!

I love SciFi.  More than anything.  Genre-wise, anyway.

————

How ‘Avatar’ May Predict the Future of Virtual Worlds
CNet (01/24/10) Terdiman, Daniel

The technology James Cameron and his team developed for the film “Avatar” may provide a sneak peek of the future direction that three-dimensional (3D) virtual worlds will take.

The movie’s breakthrough is a camera system that captures live footage of actors and instantly integrates them within virtual environments. Some experts speculate that it and other augmented reality tools will form a core technology for mainstream 3D virtual world interaction.

“It will get more sophisticated when whole worlds are mapped onto the sim-reality complete with avatars–other people–and bots,” predicts expert Bruce Damer.

Jerry Paffendorf, who helped organize the Accelerating Studies Foundation’s Metaverse Roadmap report, expects that the world will eventually be fully immersed within real-time graphical overlays. He says this virtual world evolution is in a nascent stage, incarnated in the prevalence of augmented reality applications “that let you look through the camera to see things that aren’t physically there: Either data overlays like directions or where tweets are coming from or a digital doggy prancing on your kitchen counter.”

“Avatar” producer Jon Landau says the virtual production technology invented for the film will eventually become a consumer technology. He envisions people using it to recor

Only funny if you’re geeky, be warned – You Could Do Better

January 27, 2010

NOTE FROM CHRIS:

Google’s first cell phone, the Nexus One, has
left a string of unhappy customers in its wake
after it’s debut a few weeks ago. Complaints
include spotty 3G connectivity, a high early
termination fee, poor customer support from
Google and problems with the touchscreen.

The Top 13 Biggest Complaints About the New Google Phone

13> The color scheme clashes unmercifully with your pocket
protector.

12> No matter what you’re searching for, it keeps responding
with, “I can see your house from here.”

11> The numeric keypad is in alphabetical order.

10> If you try to use Bing, it Tases you, then automatically
dials the FCC Monopoly Reporting Hotline.

9> When you search for your new boyfriend’s number, it only
returns: “You could do better.”

8> Default “Ch-ching!” ringtone.

7> That voice saying, “Wrong app, loser!” gets annoying after
awhile.

6> It’s uncomfortable wearing those 3G glasses.

5> If you hold it in your hand and drive 88 mph, you don’t
travel through time.

4> Whenever you hit the speed dial for “Dad” it keeps ringing
up Wilbur, the neighbor down the street.

3> Blocks all calls for Chinese take-out.

2> Phone keeps asking if you want to play a game of Global
Thermonuclear War.

and Topfive.com’s Number 1 Biggest
Complaint About the New Google Phone…

1> Every time you hit “I’m Feeling Lucky,” it dials Tiger Woods.

[ Copyright 2010 by Chris White/TopFive.com ]

ComCast Chat Support, Making Things Up As Necessary

user Beth_ has entered room

Beth(Mon Jan 25 2010 11:50:07 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

My husband has a comcast email address.  I need one, too.

analyst Alexa has entered room

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 11:50:15 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Hello Beth_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Alexa. Please give me one moment to review your information.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 11:50:27 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Ok, I can assist you with this issue, may I have your home Ok, I can assist you with this issue, may I have your home phone number area code first?

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 08:50:24 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

I just typed it in to get into the chat room.

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 08:50:44 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Here, I’ll do it again if your system is that lame.  530-123-4567

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 11:51:19 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

I do apologize but we do not see that information.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 11:51:44 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Thank you, one moment while I access your account.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 11:52:46 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

May I have you verify the name & address on the account?

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 08:52:52 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Robert xxxx, 1234 McKinley Road.  Second time I’ve typed that in 3 minutes, too.  Great system!

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 11:53:43 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Thank you.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 11:55:42 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Ok what you will need to do is log onto comcast.net and access Customer Central and you can create a secondary account there.

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 08:55:44 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

How do I log on if I don’t have an email address?

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 08:56:36 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

The fancast splash page says this: Every Comcast Internet customer already has a Comcast.net email address.

Need your Comcast.net email address? Get it here via online chat or call 1-888-586-2364  …. so I have to go elsewhere?

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 11:57:38 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

You will need to use the primary user id to log on.  If you don’t have that information, I can provide it for you but I would need to verify some security information first.

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 08:57:51 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

What kind of security info?  I can never remember Bob’s SS number.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 11:58:49 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

What is the last 4 digits of the SSN # on the account?

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 09:00:00 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Hold on one minute, I’ll call him and ask.  It shouldn’t take very long.

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 09:00:04 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

xxxx

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 12:00:37 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Ok.

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 09:00:59 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Did you get the second part of that reply?  Last four numbers are xxxx.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 12:02:03 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Ok thank you.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 12:03:06 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

The user id is xxxxxx and I reset the password to xxxxx.

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 09:04:27 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Where do I create the secondary account?

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 12:05:50 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Customer Central located on the home page comcast.net under Comcast Services & Support.

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 09:07:03 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

I don’t see services and support on the home page.  A million other things, but not that.  Do you have a direct link?

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 12:09:34 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

I do, but if your on comcast.net located on the far right bottom of the page it says in a grey box, Comcast Services & Support.  Under that it says Manage My Account, and then Customer Central.

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 09:10:24 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Nevermind, I found it.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 12:10:57 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

You will need to go to the User & Settings tab.

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 09:14:33 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Oh, nice, I went through all of it and it said Your request cannot be processed, please try later.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 12:15:40 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Are you logged in on the home computer?

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 09:15:30 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

On one of the home computers.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 12:17:13 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Is it he main computer connected directly to the EMTA/Modem?

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 09:17:35 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Oh, forget it, it has nothing to do with the connection.  I’m getting the internet just fine, as you should be able to tell by the fact that I am chatting with you.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 12:19:03 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

In order to make changes as such, you have to be on the main computer.

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 09:19:27 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

That makes no sense whatsoever.  It’s a browser based app, theoretically one should be able to use it anywhere in the world.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 12:20:27 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

I understand but this is how it is set up.

Beth_(Mon Jan 25 2010 09:21:40 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

No it’s not.  Your manual is deficient.  Once again, Comcast lives up to expectations.  It was a browser. Your app only works with Internet Explorer.  I just got in fine after I switched browsers.

Alexa(Mon Jan 25 2010 12:26:47 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Or you can try clearing your cache, it should be compatible with Firefox as well.  What browser where you using?

analyst Alexa has been temporarily disconnected.  Please wait while the analyst attempts to reconnect.

———————

I suppose there was no graceful way for her to back out at this point, so a hangup became necessary.  I’m getting used to it.

I can’t wait to move and try a different service.  We pay HUGE bucks to comcast every month for a lot of channels and internet access.  Their loss.

Two things

1. Bon Voyage, Pat and Kate! They are sailing off into the sunrise tomorrow on the Blues Cruise. They will be celebrating their 60th birthdays while on board, and have a *Party* planned. Like, 24 hours worth. I am SO SORRY we are going to miss that this year! We’d be on the boat, too, but are still paying for Greece. Next year, dammit, next year!

2. My favorite iPhone app so far:

Younicorn me! God, every time I see this I LOL. Bob, not so much.

Headline Predictions

==================================================================
C  L  U  B  T  O  P  5
Preferred by 4 out of 5 proctologists.
==================================================================
January 12, 2010
The Top 20 News Headlines Predicted for 2010

20> Secret Service Screwup Allows George W. Bush to Sneak Back
Into White House

19> Report: TSA Airport Body Scanners Target “Bra Bomber”
Demographic

18> Medical Marijuana Laws Create Huge Buzz

17> “Avatar” Sweeps Oscars, Cameron Claims “I’m King of the Smurfs”

16> Chesley Sullenberger Safely Lands US Economy

15> Joseph Jackson Announces “Michael: The Disinterred Cadaver
Tour”

14> New Sleep Study Shows C-Span More Effective Than Ambien

13> USA Switches to New “So You Think You Can Be President?”
Reality Electoral System

12> Archaeologists: Mayan Calendar Calculation Off by Two Ye

11> Madonna, Jolie Announce Joint Plans for Sneaker Sweatsho–
er, Factory

10> Palin to Appear on “Real Housewives of Caribou County”

9> International Voters Surprise Obama with Olympic Figure
Skating Medal, Miss Universe Crown

8> Iran Claims Recently Discovered Nuclear Facility Just Used
“to Burn Ants”

7> Obama Courts GOP Support by Proposing Universal Wealth Care

6> Global Warming Blamed for Tipper Gore’s Hot Flashes

5> GOP Retakes House and Senate, Returns to Being in Favor of
Out-of-Control Spending and Prolonging War
4> Miley Cyrus Latest Disney Nymphette to Board Bullet Train
to Slutsville

3> Environmental Impact Study Halts Gosselin-Suleman Wedding

2> Climate Change Deniers Missing in Cancun Blizzard

and Topfive.com’s Number 1 News Headline Predicted for 2010…

1> Alert Airline Passengers Tackle, Restrain Tiger Woods’ Penis

[ Copyright 2010 by Chris White/TopFive.com ]

Good marketing

List price versus Our Price.  I think I’d rather take the list price.

This is on Amazon.com today, and rampant through the K-cups section.  I’m always amazed when Amazon makes a mistake, so much so that I’m still looking at this trying to figure out how I’m reading it wrong.  Am I?