Yes I have had too much time on my hands this morning.... I need something to keep me awake at the moment. And I hadn't updated in a while and kept seeing news articles that I wanted to comment on. This will likely be my last update for today.... and next time it might actually be on my own life and what's going on there.
Back in the 1970s when I was born it was abnormal for babies born as prematurely as I was to live. I was 9 weeks early. I was born with respiratory distress and severely underweight. But spent enough time in an incubator to survive. I'm resilient, what can I say. Kind of like cockroaches here. But any ways.
There has now been a long term study that looked at premature babies born from 1967 to 1988 compared to full-term births. Preemies tend to have higher death rates in childhood, and are more likely to be childless. While the overall risk was low children who were born 5-9 weeks early showed a doubled risk of death from ages 1-5 compared to those born at full-term. Boys were even more likely to die then girls. Prematurity was also linked to lower education. The question asked by the study leader is "Are we improving their survival at the expense of significant problems down the road?"
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Stamped Apple
It's all about the Brands.... Logos... Brand images... Loyalty... What's in a brand? What comes to mind when you think of certain companies? Nike... Pepsi... Wal-Mart... Sony... Etc. We all have our opinions on these companies and it's based on their ability (or inability) to brand.
The web site BrandChannel had a poll to find out which companies had the greatest impact on consumer's lives. Apple won the award taking 6 different categories, including most inspiring and the one readers could not live without. Other inspiring brands included Nike, Coca-Cola, Google and Starbucks.
Microsoft, on the other hand, had the dubious honor that it was the one company that respondents were most likely to argue with and the brand that needed to be revamped the most.
I have mixed emotions about the survey.... But that's also because I have a love/hate relationship with Apple. I spent much of my last 2 days off troubleshooting my computer so it doesn't really endear me to them all that much. Especially since the issue seems to be related to an update that was done. I hate troubleshooting.... At the moment it does seem to be working so that's a good thing. But it seems that, at least for this survey, Apple reigns supreme.
The web site BrandChannel had a poll to find out which companies had the greatest impact on consumer's lives. Apple won the award taking 6 different categories, including most inspiring and the one readers could not live without. Other inspiring brands included Nike, Coca-Cola, Google and Starbucks.
Microsoft, on the other hand, had the dubious honor that it was the one company that respondents were most likely to argue with and the brand that needed to be revamped the most.
I have mixed emotions about the survey.... But that's also because I have a love/hate relationship with Apple. I spent much of my last 2 days off troubleshooting my computer so it doesn't really endear me to them all that much. Especially since the issue seems to be related to an update that was done. I hate troubleshooting.... At the moment it does seem to be working so that's a good thing. But it seems that, at least for this survey, Apple reigns supreme.
Free for the Taking... or Maybe Not
More news here.... Also from Yahoo. I was reading about a hoax on Craigslist and it is kind of scary. Someone posted an ad on Craigslist indicating that the owner had to leave the area suddenly and all the belongings were free for the taking. Too bad the owner really wasn't leaving town. He came back to people loading their cars full of his stuff. Even had to fight with some of them that it was his stuff and that he wasn't leaving. Really brings to light the mentality that if it's on the internet it must be true. Gotta wonder just how much he pissed someone off for them to do that. Makes me want to make sure that I do not piss anyone off that much.
Water, Water Everywhere
But not a drop to drink... I was checking out the news the other day and they had an article on the drinking water. In 15 southern Ontario municipalities they found traces of painkillers and other drugs. Samples taken from downstream of a sewage outfall were the most contaminated while samples taken from lakes had low but still detectable level of the drugs. In samples taken from wells they did not find any traces of the drugs. The article went on to say that sewage treatment plants are not designed to remove drugs. Now since some of the drugs they were testing for were painkillers does that mean I don't need a prescription or to buy some Advil? Maybe I should just pour a glass of tap water.... Mmmm tasty....
Almost makes me want to buy bottled water actually. But then a lot of companies claim you're getting pure water... when really it's no better then tap water. In some cases it really is tap water. *Cough* Dasani *Cough, Cough* Kind of makes me want to pick up my nice, shiny red can then since at least then it has all kinds of other additives and I know what I am getting into.
Almost makes me want to buy bottled water actually. But then a lot of companies claim you're getting pure water... when really it's no better then tap water. In some cases it really is tap water. *Cough* Dasani *Cough, Cough* Kind of makes me want to pick up my nice, shiny red can then since at least then it has all kinds of other additives and I know what I am getting into.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Downside to Multitasking
With the advent of technology the push seems to be on to get more done... be more productive... It is supposed to be "time saving." Personally, I don't think it does save you any time in the long run. And studies have shown that you are less efficient when you multitask.
There was a study that came out in 2001 and presented by the APA.... I have to report on it simply because it is the APA. Before I mention the findings I want to point out that this was initially published back in 2001... and yet the push continues to multitask more... not less. In the study subjects switched between tasks. The researchers measured speed of performance as a function of whether successive tasks were familiar or unfamiliar, and whether the rules for performing them were simple or complex. What they found is that subjects lost time when they had to switch from one task to another, and the time costs increased with the complexity of the tasks. There was also a greater time cost when the task was unfamiliar. Their conclusion was that while multi-tasking may appear more efficient on the surface it may actually take more time in the end. As the author points out that 1/2 second of task switching may mean the difference between life and death for the driver that is also talking on a cell phone as you are not totally in control during that time.
As a side note... and only sort of related.... I was watching Mythbusters the other day and they were discussing the effect of talking on a cell phone and being intoxicated while driving. Basically they did a road course under three conditions: Control, Cell Phone and Alcohol. Under the control condition they passed all of the driving tests. Next up was the cell phone use. They failed over half the course. Then there was the alcohol. I should point out that they were not over the legal limit before driving. They also failed over half the course. So which one had a bigger impact? Cell phone usage. There was an interesting point brought up however. At least with a cell phone you can put it down or turn it off. You can't instantaniously sober up.
In another study they examined learning and discovered that distractions affect the way you learn and can make it more difficult to recall the information later on. It seems there are 2 ways to learn: declarative learning involving the medial temporal lobe and deals with learning facts in an active manner and habit learning involving the striatum. Take learning a phone number for instance. You can either memorize it (declarative learning) or punch it in 1000 times (habit learning). Obviously, if you memorize it then you can always recall it later. Habit learning, is situation specific. You have to be at the phone to recall it. When subjects were distracted while learning a new concept they were more likely to use habit learning instead of declarative learning. As a result it made it more difficult to recall it later on when not under the same conditions.
A New York Times article talked about leaving the multitasking to the computer. A Microsoft research scientist found that when interrupted by a phone call, email, or instant message it took an average of 15 minutes to return to the task at hand. What he was surprised by is how easily someone was distracted and how long it took to get back to the task.
I am currently at work. While I am not taking any calls at the moment I am getting distracted by conversations, questions, and random web sites. As a result it's probably taken me about 2 hours to write this when if I was focused just on it I probably would've been done in about 15 minutes. So back to my thoughts that the Saturn ad is right and maybe we should be getting back to single tasking.
There was a study that came out in 2001 and presented by the APA.... I have to report on it simply because it is the APA. Before I mention the findings I want to point out that this was initially published back in 2001... and yet the push continues to multitask more... not less. In the study subjects switched between tasks. The researchers measured speed of performance as a function of whether successive tasks were familiar or unfamiliar, and whether the rules for performing them were simple or complex. What they found is that subjects lost time when they had to switch from one task to another, and the time costs increased with the complexity of the tasks. There was also a greater time cost when the task was unfamiliar. Their conclusion was that while multi-tasking may appear more efficient on the surface it may actually take more time in the end. As the author points out that 1/2 second of task switching may mean the difference between life and death for the driver that is also talking on a cell phone as you are not totally in control during that time.
As a side note... and only sort of related.... I was watching Mythbusters the other day and they were discussing the effect of talking on a cell phone and being intoxicated while driving. Basically they did a road course under three conditions: Control, Cell Phone and Alcohol. Under the control condition they passed all of the driving tests. Next up was the cell phone use. They failed over half the course. Then there was the alcohol. I should point out that they were not over the legal limit before driving. They also failed over half the course. So which one had a bigger impact? Cell phone usage. There was an interesting point brought up however. At least with a cell phone you can put it down or turn it off. You can't instantaniously sober up.
In another study they examined learning and discovered that distractions affect the way you learn and can make it more difficult to recall the information later on. It seems there are 2 ways to learn: declarative learning involving the medial temporal lobe and deals with learning facts in an active manner and habit learning involving the striatum. Take learning a phone number for instance. You can either memorize it (declarative learning) or punch it in 1000 times (habit learning). Obviously, if you memorize it then you can always recall it later. Habit learning, is situation specific. You have to be at the phone to recall it. When subjects were distracted while learning a new concept they were more likely to use habit learning instead of declarative learning. As a result it made it more difficult to recall it later on when not under the same conditions.
A New York Times article talked about leaving the multitasking to the computer. A Microsoft research scientist found that when interrupted by a phone call, email, or instant message it took an average of 15 minutes to return to the task at hand. What he was surprised by is how easily someone was distracted and how long it took to get back to the task.
I am currently at work. While I am not taking any calls at the moment I am getting distracted by conversations, questions, and random web sites. As a result it's probably taken me about 2 hours to write this when if I was focused just on it I probably would've been done in about 15 minutes. So back to my thoughts that the Saturn ad is right and maybe we should be getting back to single tasking.
The Powers of Advertising
I was about to comment on how I was reading my copy of "Good" really late and make some excuse about how I have other things to do.... and then I looked at it and realized it was for March/April. So really I am not that far behind. Just because it had been sitting on top of my bar fridge for over a month now is beside the point. Speaking of magazines though I also have a subscription to Scientific American: Mind and the most recent edition seems to MIA. I really am going to have to contact them about it one of these days.
I really did have a point here.... Oh yeah on advertising. I was reading through the magazine (What else am I going to do at work? Actually work? Pfffttt) and came across the new Saturn Ad for Astra. It has really got me thinking.... brain in overdrive here.... It says, "How about a little single-tasking. Phones that play music. Music players that play movies. When did we start doing everything at once? And when did we multitask the joy out of driving? ... Just something to rethink about."
Doesn't quite make me want to go out and buy a Saturn... but it does bring into focus more of the lifestyle. Right now I am at work.... It's all about multi-tasking. Having a conversation with the customer, troubleshooting the issue, locating customer information, and creating case notes. Then when I go home I am trying to do so many things at once... from catching up on TV shows that I missed, to email, to video editing, chatting on MSN, eating, to whatever else I can find. Then I wonder where the day has gone and why even though I always seem to be busy that I really didn't accomplish all that much.
But as a result I now have trouble just sitting down and watching a movie. I feel like I should be doing so much more. I now feel like I should be multi-tasking ALL the time. Kind of takes the joy of it. So maybe I should try to get back to focusing on just one thing at at time... Like the Saturn ad says.
I really did have a point here.... Oh yeah on advertising. I was reading through the magazine (What else am I going to do at work? Actually work? Pfffttt) and came across the new Saturn Ad for Astra. It has really got me thinking.... brain in overdrive here.... It says, "How about a little single-tasking. Phones that play music. Music players that play movies. When did we start doing everything at once? And when did we multitask the joy out of driving? ... Just something to rethink about."
Doesn't quite make me want to go out and buy a Saturn... but it does bring into focus more of the lifestyle. Right now I am at work.... It's all about multi-tasking. Having a conversation with the customer, troubleshooting the issue, locating customer information, and creating case notes. Then when I go home I am trying to do so many things at once... from catching up on TV shows that I missed, to email, to video editing, chatting on MSN, eating, to whatever else I can find. Then I wonder where the day has gone and why even though I always seem to be busy that I really didn't accomplish all that much.
But as a result I now have trouble just sitting down and watching a movie. I feel like I should be doing so much more. I now feel like I should be multi-tasking ALL the time. Kind of takes the joy of it. So maybe I should try to get back to focusing on just one thing at at time... Like the Saturn ad says.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Who Knew It Would Be This Hard
Here is a picture of the bracelet that I lost. Since it has been gone I have come to realize just how important it was to me. I am also realizing that recreating it is a real challenge. You would think that it would be easy.... It's just orange and white beads after all. Finding orange beads that are the right size has become a nightmare. I've discovered that the beads from the original bracelet were incredibly tiny. But the ones I seem to find now are either too big or too small.
I spent about 3 hours yesterday looking up bead sizes and by the end I think I was even more confused then ever and still had absolutely no idea what I should be looking for. There are plenty of auctions on eBay but it's a gamble. I have no idea if it would be the right size or the right colour. So I am a little reluctant to go that route.
There are 2 self-injury sites that carry bracelets and what not. Seems the supplier in the UK that was providing them with the orange beads has discontinued them so they are not an option. I really do have to make it myself.
Some suggested getting one of the silicone bracelets. I tried that once. it was too big and just slid off my wrist. Then Azrael turned it into a toy and I never saw it again.
What am I Paying for?
The other day I was out running errands. Like to get them done before my days off. The guy from Cogeco called... Not the tech support guy but from their CR department or corporate or whatever. He asked me how I was doing and my response was, "I'd be doing better if my cable was working." Alan was under the impression that they had resolved the issue when they were out back on the 9th. He was a little surprised to discover that they had come out twice and given me the same answer that they gave me almost two years ago... that it was a problem between my apartment and the 8th floor. Well it's one thing to tell me that... but they did nothing about it. No follow-up or anything. I just hadn't gotten around to calling and harassing them yet. So I was promised an answer within 48 hours.
Low and behold tech support calls me the next day. First she explains that it's a problem with damaged cable between my apartment and the 8th floor. I know that already. So then she launches into this long winded explanation of how they will likely have to re-wire it and how they're not sure how they will get that done... as if I'm inconveniencing them. I pay $120 month for cable and internet... Really I just want what I am paying for. It's not like I damaged the cables or caused this. So yes I am sorry that it means extra work for you but it's not my problem. So then she had to arrange a time for a repair guy and the supervisor to come out to "assess it." So that means I have to make sure that I am off my call and home as soon as possible. It means that I have to be home all morning... So they're not the only ones that are inconvenienced. And I already know that this won't be the end of it. They still have to identify exactly what needs to be done in order to rectify it. Then come back and do it.
I highly doubt that they are even going to offer any type of compensation over the whole thing. Likely I will have to fight them for it. At least that's what I am predicting. I don't like fighting all that much... especially in a case like this where the compensation should be automatic. First, and foremost though, I'd like it to be fixed... so I can watch all the channels that I am paying for and record all my shows.
Low and behold tech support calls me the next day. First she explains that it's a problem with damaged cable between my apartment and the 8th floor. I know that already. So then she launches into this long winded explanation of how they will likely have to re-wire it and how they're not sure how they will get that done... as if I'm inconveniencing them. I pay $120 month for cable and internet... Really I just want what I am paying for. It's not like I damaged the cables or caused this. So yes I am sorry that it means extra work for you but it's not my problem. So then she had to arrange a time for a repair guy and the supervisor to come out to "assess it." So that means I have to make sure that I am off my call and home as soon as possible. It means that I have to be home all morning... So they're not the only ones that are inconvenienced. And I already know that this won't be the end of it. They still have to identify exactly what needs to be done in order to rectify it. Then come back and do it.
I highly doubt that they are even going to offer any type of compensation over the whole thing. Likely I will have to fight them for it. At least that's what I am predicting. I don't like fighting all that much... especially in a case like this where the compensation should be automatic. First, and foremost though, I'd like it to be fixed... so I can watch all the channels that I am paying for and record all my shows.
One Year Later
I meant to write this yesterday and actually assumed I was going to have time to write it last night but since I didn't wake up until midnight guess not. So yesterday marked the 1 year anniversary of being fired. Fortunately, I had yesterday off so there was no chance that history was about to repeat itself. Not that I figured it would be... nor am I really superstitious... but I'd still rather not take that chance.
What a year. It has certainly had it's moments and been a trying year. Something about being unemployed.... taking on a corporation.... finding a new job.... and now here we are. The important part is that I made it through. I survived the year. I'm sure that I could give the breakdown of the entire year and relive the whole thing but I'm not sure that it would be all that beneficial. Suffice to say that I took what I could out of it and am moving on with my life.
Right now I am enjoying a 3 day weekend. When I planned for a long weekend I didn't even realize that it was the Easter weekend. So I am losing the extra hours... I still get paid for today. So that is just fine by me. It's all about the peace and quiet... and getting back to the place where the Fibro isn't flaring up and causing a great deal of pain.
The hard part about life these days... aside from the reduction in pay... is that I work midnights. Definitely not an easy shift to be on. It's often difficult to go to sleep in the middle of the day and then be up all night. For as many channels as I might have with the cable there really isn' a whole lot on at night.
What a year. It has certainly had it's moments and been a trying year. Something about being unemployed.... taking on a corporation.... finding a new job.... and now here we are. The important part is that I made it through. I survived the year. I'm sure that I could give the breakdown of the entire year and relive the whole thing but I'm not sure that it would be all that beneficial. Suffice to say that I took what I could out of it and am moving on with my life.
Right now I am enjoying a 3 day weekend. When I planned for a long weekend I didn't even realize that it was the Easter weekend. So I am losing the extra hours... I still get paid for today. So that is just fine by me. It's all about the peace and quiet... and getting back to the place where the Fibro isn't flaring up and causing a great deal of pain.
The hard part about life these days... aside from the reduction in pay... is that I work midnights. Definitely not an easy shift to be on. It's often difficult to go to sleep in the middle of the day and then be up all night. For as many channels as I might have with the cable there really isn' a whole lot on at night.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Putting Freud to Use
You Are the Ego |
 You take a balanced approach to your life. You definitely aren't afraid to act out on your desires - even crazy ones. But you usually think first. Morals drive you as much as hedonism does. You've been able to live a life of pleasure... without living a life of excess. |
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Better Late then Never
Seems I missed Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD). My bad. Better late then never, right? I do want to bring attention to this topic as I feel it is important. So March 1 was actually the day designed to bring awareness to what is still a virtually unknown, or taboo subject. I never said I was going to make people comfortable or shy away from difficult topics. Just look at the right hand side. I have links already to all my posts on the subject.
On a related note I am very saddened at the moment. The other day I lost my orange and white bracelet. I ransacked the apartment but to no avail. Now we're talking like $2 in beads but that's not the point. I am so not the arts & crafts type and can see me getting really frustrated trying to tie the knot in it. Aside from when I broke the first one it has not left my wrist in 2 years. So I am pretty devestated over it.
It's not that I think I am going to go back to the self-injury because I don't have it. I just used it to remind myself each morning that it was one more day. It's like any addiction. You have to acknowledge each day the accomplishment that comes from making it through another day. And when things were tough I would look at the bracelet and remind myself that I was stronger then that and that recovery was a lifetime process. I already tried looking on eBay for a replacement and the place where I bought it from in the first place but they are sold out. It's a sad day... especially since it's supposed to be the month of awareness. What do I do... lose the bracelet. So much for that thought.
On a related note I am very saddened at the moment. The other day I lost my orange and white bracelet. I ransacked the apartment but to no avail. Now we're talking like $2 in beads but that's not the point. I am so not the arts & crafts type and can see me getting really frustrated trying to tie the knot in it. Aside from when I broke the first one it has not left my wrist in 2 years. So I am pretty devestated over it.
It's not that I think I am going to go back to the self-injury because I don't have it. I just used it to remind myself each morning that it was one more day. It's like any addiction. You have to acknowledge each day the accomplishment that comes from making it through another day. And when things were tough I would look at the bracelet and remind myself that I was stronger then that and that recovery was a lifetime process. I already tried looking on eBay for a replacement and the place where I bought it from in the first place but they are sold out. It's a sad day... especially since it's supposed to be the month of awareness. What do I do... lose the bracelet. So much for that thought.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Winter Wonderland
Back around groundhog's day I was ready for winter to end. It has been a long winter with a lot of snow. I was hoping for spring. Now here we are and it's like a blizzard outside. For most of the night at work I was sitting there looking out the window, just waiting for the snow to start. Fortunately, it really didn't start until after I got home from work. At 7:00 in the morning I was wishing I had my camera though. It was like the calm before the storm. The streets were deserted and it looked extremely peaceful. But everything was covered in snow. Reminded me of a winter wonderland.
I've heard estimates as high as 50 centimetres which is 4 feet of snow.... More likely there will be about 2 feet of snow. That's just craziness. It's March. And I don't want to see 4 feet (or even 2 feet) of snow in an entire winter... let alone in one day. I am currently watching the snowfall and hoping that I am able to make it to work tonight.
Hmmm... apparently I forgot to post this.... Still hoping to make it into work tonight. It all depends on my ride being able to make it here. Well the tricky part is actually clearing the snow off the car and being able to get out of the parking lot where he works. Something tells me that it's going to be a skeleton crew at work tonight and super busy.
The good news... an hour less at work tonight since the clocks go ahead partway through my shift. Well I suppose that's also bad news since it means an hour less in pay.
I've heard estimates as high as 50 centimetres which is 4 feet of snow.... More likely there will be about 2 feet of snow. That's just craziness. It's March. And I don't want to see 4 feet (or even 2 feet) of snow in an entire winter... let alone in one day. I am currently watching the snowfall and hoping that I am able to make it to work tonight.
Hmmm... apparently I forgot to post this.... Still hoping to make it into work tonight. It all depends on my ride being able to make it here. Well the tricky part is actually clearing the snow off the car and being able to get out of the parking lot where he works. Something tells me that it's going to be a skeleton crew at work tonight and super busy.
The good news... an hour less at work tonight since the clocks go ahead partway through my shift. Well I suppose that's also bad news since it means an hour less in pay.
Bent Out of Shape
Azrael was making new friends today... sort of. I am beginning to think that I should sabotage my cable more often. He really likes to play with the cable guy. I am starting to think that I should try and find cable guy.... or someone that wears a tool belt. Wait that sounds kind of bad. But for as much as Azrael wanted to visit him and make a new friend he was a little bent out of shape. For one his morning routine got interrupted. If I ever thought that I was obsessive with routines I think he has me beat. Azrael was also territorial and likely could smell his cat as well. Makes me think twice about bringing in another cat. His payback was to turn the cable guys jacket into a bed while he was here. One of the tools that the cable guy was using was to check frequencies and it had a high pitched sound that just drove Azrael absolutely nuts. I thought he'd go hide in my room.... but instead he ran straight for the cable guy and started hissing. At least he didn't outright attack him. After he left I almost felt like I had to be the therapist and reassure him.
As far as the cable goes... Well they reset the cable box so hopefully they fixed my issues with recording. Kind of irritating to set it to record a show and then not have the show record. The fact my digital channels are inconsistent still hasn't been resolved. There is an issue with the cables somewhere between my apartment and the 8th floor. But they are supposed to be coming back tomorrow morning to test it out and get it fixed... or escalate it if necessary. This has been an issue pretty well since I moved in here. I'm thinking this is repair guy #4. So not holding any hopes on it actually being resolved. I just have to hope that I get off work on time tomorrow morning.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Techno Geekiness and My Hate for Codecs
With the death of HD-DVD (Long live Blu-ray!!!!!!!!!!) I had been seriously considering getting an HD-DVD player. Am I insane? Probably... but can we say fire sale and cheap movies? I think we can. Besides up until the end of February you get 5 free movies for purchasing certain players. But spending $100 to get 2 movies that I really wanted and 5 that I didn't need (2 come in the box) just didn't seem worthwhile. So I had all but given up on the idea... unless the price dropped even further. The other day I was on Red Flag Deals and came across a deal for the XBox 360 HD-DVD player. Why I even decided to check out the thread is beyond me. I don't own an XBox and with the ability to stream multimedia files to the PS3 I am not about to get an XBox 360. Any ways.... while reading the thread I realized that you could connect it to the PC and play videos through it. Suddenly I had a reason to get it.... especially since it was $50. So then I was on the hunt for the drive. Managed to get one at Blockbuster which was nice since I still had some store credit left after the whole Resident Evil fiasco. It was the one time they weren't overcharging me.
Now my actual PC doesn't meet the system requirements to play HD-DVD. The display is not HDCP compliant and the video card doesn't support it. No surpise there.... My Mac really is the most versatile computer ever. Just one small problem though. There is no software for the Mac that will play HD-DVD. Well no HDCP compliant display there either... but that was only a minor issue. Fortunately I have Vista on that computer as well. Reboot into Vista and this is when the fun began. Norton wanted to update. Okay fine... So then I had to connect to the internet. And as soon as I did that Windows wanted to update. Both of those took a long time and then somehow Norton found 2 spyware and a virus. With no internet connection how did I manage that? So 2 hours into my ordeal I am having system issues and decide to wipe the system and start over. Boot to the disk and format... so far so good. Too bad I hadn't changed the start-up disk so it booted back into Mac OS X when it restarted. So back to the disk I go and time to try that one more time. Get Vista installed (again) and time to install Norton and do the Windows updates. After all I want to make sure that it's up to date... and has no viruses. Installed a couple of applications and then it was time to play. Disconnect the external drive since it was Mac formatted any ways and got the blue screen of death. It restarted on it's own and then I connected the HD-DVD player. Took a few minutes to install the drivers for it. That was by far the easiest part of my night. Insert the Kingdom on HD-DVD and it opens Power DVD. So far so good, right? You would think... all I get is black.... no menus.... no nothing.... so I was running through the scenarios... like compatibility (this is an XBox drive after all... and I am using a Mac). Try a different disk with no luck. Then I remembered that I had AnyDVD HD installed and running. Turn that off... and hey look I have video. So the hard part was getting my system set up in the first place.... My next question was whether or not I could use a remote with it. Now there is an IR receiver already but it wouldn't recognize the XBox remote that came with the drive. I do, however, have a remote for Windows Media Center edition. That one did work. Took pretty well my entire first day off just to get to the point where I could play HD-DVDs.
Most people would stop there.... After all I could now pick up some cheap HD-DVDs (like at Deep Discount) and play them on the computer. But why stop there? For one, I don't like being stuck in Windows. I want to be able to play videos on my Mac. I also want to be able to play it back on my TV which is not currently an option. Now I can buy the adapter and possibly play it on the TV (I did hear that it may not work in Windows) but that means more cables.... This is a portable computer.... that is looking more and more like a desktop these days.... but with a smaller screen. So.... at the end of day #1 my quest began. I wanted to find a way to convert the HD-DVD files into a compressed video file that I could play on the Mac... or the PS3.
3 days later I am not sure that I am any closer to the goal. As an interesting note I can use Visual Hub on the Mac and convert the video no problem. I find it interesting that the Mac will read an .evo file at all... but any ways. The problem is that there is no audio to go with it. HD-DVD uses DD+ audio (or even TrueHD) and there is no codec to read it.... at least not on the Mac platform. And, as far as Windows goes it's sketchy at best. WinDVD, Nero, and Power DVD all have the decoder so the audio plays fine.... But that doesn't really help me in my quest. Nero is the closest but it doesn't play nice with files ripped to the hard drive.... I don't think. Or should I say that while I might be able to strip the audio with it I don't think I can do it all in one... using that to convert the files. Not sure I want to spend the money on Nero 8 if it won't do what I want it to. I did look on Dolby's web site for the decoder.... For the entire Dolby Media Producer it's $11,000. And I thought Final Cut Studio was expensive. For just the decoder it's $1800. So how can DVD players afford to include it?
About the only option I have seen so far is to install like 6 different things and use them all for various portions of this process. I am the stereotypical Mac user. I want it to be simple... and just work. I want one application.... That would be nice. And for the video part of it that works.... It's all about encoding the audio. That's where the problem lies. All of the codecs involved... makes my head spin just trying to think about it. Right along with using command lines to convert the files and then put them back together. Why did I have to start this process?
Now my actual PC doesn't meet the system requirements to play HD-DVD. The display is not HDCP compliant and the video card doesn't support it. No surpise there.... My Mac really is the most versatile computer ever. Just one small problem though. There is no software for the Mac that will play HD-DVD. Well no HDCP compliant display there either... but that was only a minor issue. Fortunately I have Vista on that computer as well. Reboot into Vista and this is when the fun began. Norton wanted to update. Okay fine... So then I had to connect to the internet. And as soon as I did that Windows wanted to update. Both of those took a long time and then somehow Norton found 2 spyware and a virus. With no internet connection how did I manage that? So 2 hours into my ordeal I am having system issues and decide to wipe the system and start over. Boot to the disk and format... so far so good. Too bad I hadn't changed the start-up disk so it booted back into Mac OS X when it restarted. So back to the disk I go and time to try that one more time. Get Vista installed (again) and time to install Norton and do the Windows updates. After all I want to make sure that it's up to date... and has no viruses. Installed a couple of applications and then it was time to play. Disconnect the external drive since it was Mac formatted any ways and got the blue screen of death. It restarted on it's own and then I connected the HD-DVD player. Took a few minutes to install the drivers for it. That was by far the easiest part of my night. Insert the Kingdom on HD-DVD and it opens Power DVD. So far so good, right? You would think... all I get is black.... no menus.... no nothing.... so I was running through the scenarios... like compatibility (this is an XBox drive after all... and I am using a Mac). Try a different disk with no luck. Then I remembered that I had AnyDVD HD installed and running. Turn that off... and hey look I have video. So the hard part was getting my system set up in the first place.... My next question was whether or not I could use a remote with it. Now there is an IR receiver already but it wouldn't recognize the XBox remote that came with the drive. I do, however, have a remote for Windows Media Center edition. That one did work. Took pretty well my entire first day off just to get to the point where I could play HD-DVDs.
Most people would stop there.... After all I could now pick up some cheap HD-DVDs (like at Deep Discount) and play them on the computer. But why stop there? For one, I don't like being stuck in Windows. I want to be able to play videos on my Mac. I also want to be able to play it back on my TV which is not currently an option. Now I can buy the adapter and possibly play it on the TV (I did hear that it may not work in Windows) but that means more cables.... This is a portable computer.... that is looking more and more like a desktop these days.... but with a smaller screen. So.... at the end of day #1 my quest began. I wanted to find a way to convert the HD-DVD files into a compressed video file that I could play on the Mac... or the PS3.
3 days later I am not sure that I am any closer to the goal. As an interesting note I can use Visual Hub on the Mac and convert the video no problem. I find it interesting that the Mac will read an .evo file at all... but any ways. The problem is that there is no audio to go with it. HD-DVD uses DD+ audio (or even TrueHD) and there is no codec to read it.... at least not on the Mac platform. And, as far as Windows goes it's sketchy at best. WinDVD, Nero, and Power DVD all have the decoder so the audio plays fine.... But that doesn't really help me in my quest. Nero is the closest but it doesn't play nice with files ripped to the hard drive.... I don't think. Or should I say that while I might be able to strip the audio with it I don't think I can do it all in one... using that to convert the files. Not sure I want to spend the money on Nero 8 if it won't do what I want it to. I did look on Dolby's web site for the decoder.... For the entire Dolby Media Producer it's $11,000. And I thought Final Cut Studio was expensive. For just the decoder it's $1800. So how can DVD players afford to include it?
About the only option I have seen so far is to install like 6 different things and use them all for various portions of this process. I am the stereotypical Mac user. I want it to be simple... and just work. I want one application.... That would be nice. And for the video part of it that works.... It's all about encoding the audio. That's where the problem lies. All of the codecs involved... makes my head spin just trying to think about it. Right along with using command lines to convert the files and then put them back together. Why did I have to start this process?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Hits from the Bong
I am thinking that LG has been listening to too many Cypress Hill songs... Oh the song titles I could use here.... "Hits from the Bong", "Insane in the Brain," and "I wanna get high" Cuz a drug induced haze is the only way I can make sense of their most recent decision. While everyone else is abandoning HD-DVD (well okay maybe Paramount will still be supporting them after their payout in August to go HD exclusive) LG has decided NOT to join that trend. Instead they are planning to come out with a new dual-format player. With the fire sales that are about to happen why not just pick up another HD player? The dual-format players are typically more expensive and (as evidenced by the dual VHS and DVD player) if one part fails you're kind of SOL. I am assuming that people who had built up an HD collection already have an HD player. So I guess LG's strategy is to still make them abandon their old HD player in favour of one that plays both. Why not just pick up a Blu-ray player? Or they are trying to take advantage of some poor fool that hasn't heard the news yet that HD-DVD is dead and the funeral is now over. All I can say to LG is to remember to "Puff, Puff, Pass."
Lunchtime and Alcoholic Beverages
I had some errands to run yesterday morning after work. No big deal but then I didn't want to go home and cook before having to go to bed. So I went down to Swiss Chalet. I couldn't order a Pepsi because I don't like Pepsi... and didn't want any more caffeine in my system. So I ordered a strawberry daquiri instead. The waitress looks at me and says, "That's a virgin daquiri, right?" Did I ask for a virgin drink? I don't think so. So then she says that she asks everyone that when they order a drink at noon.
It still irks me. For one, there are a lot of people that work midnights. I had been up for 14 hours and to me it was a late dinner. If I had come in there at 6 pm nothing would be said... even though I would actually be on my way to work at the time.
Secondly, it's about judgment. You order a drink with lunch and society seems to think that it's a problem. Now with business men it's acceptable. It's like there is this automatic assumption that you are an alcoholic if you have a drink at noon... even though they can legally serve you alcohol after 11:00 a.m. The last drink I think I had was Christmas time when I went out with the family. Haven't been to a bar since November. So it's not like I drink all that often. But I don't want someone to critisize me (or feel like they are) for having a drink with lunch.... After all... It's not even my lunch.
I think that for places that serve alcohol it would be good to go with the thought that if they didn't order a virgin drink then it means they wanted the alcohol. After all it's the patron's responsibility to order the drink the way that they want it. And if I order a daquiri I want the rum. Now that I have Pirates of the Caribbean going through my head and the line, "Why is the rum gone?"
It still irks me. For one, there are a lot of people that work midnights. I had been up for 14 hours and to me it was a late dinner. If I had come in there at 6 pm nothing would be said... even though I would actually be on my way to work at the time.
Secondly, it's about judgment. You order a drink with lunch and society seems to think that it's a problem. Now with business men it's acceptable. It's like there is this automatic assumption that you are an alcoholic if you have a drink at noon... even though they can legally serve you alcohol after 11:00 a.m. The last drink I think I had was Christmas time when I went out with the family. Haven't been to a bar since November. So it's not like I drink all that often. But I don't want someone to critisize me (or feel like they are) for having a drink with lunch.... After all... It's not even my lunch.
I think that for places that serve alcohol it would be good to go with the thought that if they didn't order a virgin drink then it means they wanted the alcohol. After all it's the patron's responsibility to order the drink the way that they want it. And if I order a daquiri I want the rum. Now that I have Pirates of the Caribbean going through my head and the line, "Why is the rum gone?"
Toshiba PR Might Be Looking for a New Job
Obviously with the recent news HD-DVD is now officially dead.... The format war lasted about 2 years and has now ended with Blu-ray being declared the winner. Now I can't help but wonder if Toshiba's head of PR is going to be seeking employment elsewhere. Most of their press releases about a company (Warner Brothers, Netflix, Best Buy, Wal-Mart) choosing Blu-ray exclusivity were virtually the same.... just a cut and paste job with the names replaced. "We are sad to see _________ go. We continue to maintain that we have the superior format and the customers will continue to choose us for their high definition format."
Last week I think was the best though... Reports came out on many major news sources that Toshiba was accepting defeat and conceding. Toshiba didn't deny those reports. However, they denied making any press statement. Now what kind of denial is that? They also said they had not made a decision yet. Oh yeah a day later there was an official press conference where Toshiba conceded and HD-DVD was pronounced dead.
Now back to my PS3 and those bright shiny blu cases.... And who ever said that gamers don't buy movies... Oh wait that was Universal Studios exec. Ken Graffeo. I saw a poll not long ago at the Blu-ray web site and about 80% of the people on there said they use their PS3 to watch movies on. Guess it's a bigger market then Graffeo thought. According to Graffeo, the PS3 is a gaming machine first, and studies have shown that "70% of gamers don’t even know that their console has a DVD playback option." Hmm... Guess that he was a little off on that statement. Oops.... perhaps they should've pushed Microsoft to include the HD-DVD player in the X-Box 360 instead of as an add-on. Might have made a difference in the format war.... But the end is here and the future is Blu.
HD-DVD: The look and sound of upconverted DVDs. :o)
Last week I think was the best though... Reports came out on many major news sources that Toshiba was accepting defeat and conceding. Toshiba didn't deny those reports. However, they denied making any press statement. Now what kind of denial is that? They also said they had not made a decision yet. Oh yeah a day later there was an official press conference where Toshiba conceded and HD-DVD was pronounced dead.
Now back to my PS3 and those bright shiny blu cases.... And who ever said that gamers don't buy movies... Oh wait that was Universal Studios exec. Ken Graffeo. I saw a poll not long ago at the Blu-ray web site and about 80% of the people on there said they use their PS3 to watch movies on. Guess it's a bigger market then Graffeo thought. According to Graffeo, the PS3 is a gaming machine first, and studies have shown that "70% of gamers don’t even know that their console has a DVD playback option." Hmm... Guess that he was a little off on that statement. Oops.... perhaps they should've pushed Microsoft to include the HD-DVD player in the X-Box 360 instead of as an add-on. Might have made a difference in the format war.... But the end is here and the future is Blu.
HD-DVD: The look and sound of upconverted DVDs. :o)
Nails in the Coffin and the Final Burial
TOKYO, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba is quite surprised by Warner Bros.' decision to abandon HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray, despite the fact that there are various contracts in place between our companies concerning the support of HD DVD. As central members of the DVD Forum, we have long maintained a close partnership with Warner Bros. We worked closely together to help standardize the first-generation DVD format as well as to define and shape HD DVD as its next-generation successor.
We were particularly disappointed that this decision was made in spite of the significant momentum HD DVD has gained in the US market as well as other regions in 2007. HD DVD players and PCs have outsold Blu-ray in the US market in 2007.
We will assess the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluate potential next steps. We remain firm in our belief that HD DVD is the format best suited to the wants and needs of the consumer.
February 12, 2008 - "We have long held the belief that HD DVD is the best format for consumers based on quality and value, and with more than 1 million HD DVD players on the market, it's unfortunate to see Netflix make the decision to only stock Blu-ray titles going forward. While the Best Buy announcement says they will recommend Blu-ray, at least they will continue to carry HD DVD and offer consumers a choice at retail."
February 18, 2008 - "The media [has] reported that Toshiba will discontinue its HD DVD business. Toshiba has not made any announcement concerning this. Although Toshiba is currently assessing its business strategies, no decision has been made at this moment."
February 19, 2008 - "We carefully assessed the long-term impact of continuing the so-called 'next-generation format war' and concluded that a swift decision will best help the market develop," said Atsutoshi Nishida, President and CEO of Toshiba Corporation. "While we are disappointed for the company and more importantly, for the consumer, the real mass market opportunity for high definition content remains untapped and Toshiba is both able and determined to use our talent, technology and intellectual property to make digital convergence a reality."
We were particularly disappointed that this decision was made in spite of the significant momentum HD DVD has gained in the US market as well as other regions in 2007. HD DVD players and PCs have outsold Blu-ray in the US market in 2007.
We will assess the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluate potential next steps. We remain firm in our belief that HD DVD is the format best suited to the wants and needs of the consumer.
February 12, 2008 - "We have long held the belief that HD DVD is the best format for consumers based on quality and value, and with more than 1 million HD DVD players on the market, it's unfortunate to see Netflix make the decision to only stock Blu-ray titles going forward. While the Best Buy announcement says they will recommend Blu-ray, at least they will continue to carry HD DVD and offer consumers a choice at retail."
February 18, 2008 - "The media [has] reported that Toshiba will discontinue its HD DVD business. Toshiba has not made any announcement concerning this. Although Toshiba is currently assessing its business strategies, no decision has been made at this moment."
February 19, 2008 - "We carefully assessed the long-term impact of continuing the so-called 'next-generation format war' and concluded that a swift decision will best help the market develop," said Atsutoshi Nishida, President and CEO of Toshiba Corporation. "While we are disappointed for the company and more importantly, for the consumer, the real mass market opportunity for high definition content remains untapped and Toshiba is both able and determined to use our talent, technology and intellectual property to make digital convergence a reality."
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Tales in Customer Service
For once I am not venting about Apple's lack of service. Back in December I pre-ordered the Resident Evil trilogy from Blockbuster. I had $100 in store credit and they really haven't been getting in any Blu-rays. So I went with something expensive since I knew that I would end up paying more any ways. The customer service rep wasn't sure if they would be able to order it since it was a Blu-ray title but promised that he would look into it and let me know if there was a problem. I went in a week before the release date to make sure it was ordered. "Oh yeah, no problem" I was told. So I go in January 1 to pick up my movies and everything came to a crashing halt. It had not been ordered at all. Say what? I was told that they would look into it and get back to me. A few days later I got a phone call promising that it would be in the following week.
So I called on Tuesday to see if there was any news. I figured since movies were released that day it meant that they would be getting in shipments on Mondays. Turns out the shipments come in on Wednesdays so I was told to call back. I stopped in on my way to work. Why waste cell phone minutes? I was already in the area to get dinner so it was all good. No sign of it. But I was told it might be in by the end of the week. Since I had been promised that it would be in that week I went back in. The customer service rep this time was pretty rude. First words out of her mouth were, "Did we call?" This was followed by "wait until we call." Guess they don't want me shopping for anything else.
The following week I still hadn't heard anything so, while at work (of course), I managed to locate an email address for Blockbuster's customer service. I decided to email them with my tail of woe and see what happens. I didn't figure I'd even hear back. But I was getting frustrated. After all I paid for the movies... cost me something like $140 in the end (including the store credit) so I wanted my merchandise. They replied within a few days (which made sense since I emailed them on the weekend). Sent it off to the district guy who got back to me pretty quickly as well. Here I was getting my hopes up. They were telling me that there was a problem with the order. According to the supplier the title was not available and according to Sony it is. They basically said that they would know that day (or the next) if they could get it. They were also going to match Future Shop's price if they could get it (since it was $40 cheaper). So far so good right? Except that I didn't hear back. I waited until the beginning of the following week and then emailed the district guy again. All I wanted was a yes/no answer. Is it available? Didn't get that... He told me that he was going to be checking with the store that day. And once again I never heard back.
Almost a month after it was released I still did not have my merchandise and had no way to know if I was ever going to get it. I keep checking for good deals on Blu (like my misprint for Lost: Season 3 which I got for $24.99) and discovered that Amazon.com had the Resident Evil trilogy for $48.99. Since Future Shop had it for $72.99 that was a wee bit of a difference. I jumped on that deal. Got it for $58 including shipping. So then I had to go into Blockbuster to get my money back. Almost 2 months after the whole ordeal started I still had the $100 in store credit to spend and was back where I started. But I did save quite a bit of money in the process.
I did get a couple of Blus while I was in Blockbuster but they were still overpriced. Why is it that they specialize in movies and can't even compete price wise with other stores? I still have $14 left and no idea what to buy.... As I mentioned previously, I might put it towards a previously viewed movie so that I don't have to spend as much on both formats. Or perhaps a previously played game. But I am not playing that many PS3 games these days. Or maybe they will even start getting in Blu-rays... but then again they even say on their web site that prices start at $34.99. Definitely overpriced... especially compared to the States.
I can say this... after using Blockbuster to build up my DVD collection I have absolutely no desire to ever step foot in that Blockbuster ever again.... other then to use up my store credit. This whole experience has been extremely poor and they really have done nothing to retain me as a customer. I am more then happy to support Future Shop and Amazon with my hard earned cash. Blockbuster is now on my boycott list.
So I called on Tuesday to see if there was any news. I figured since movies were released that day it meant that they would be getting in shipments on Mondays. Turns out the shipments come in on Wednesdays so I was told to call back. I stopped in on my way to work. Why waste cell phone minutes? I was already in the area to get dinner so it was all good. No sign of it. But I was told it might be in by the end of the week. Since I had been promised that it would be in that week I went back in. The customer service rep this time was pretty rude. First words out of her mouth were, "Did we call?" This was followed by "wait until we call." Guess they don't want me shopping for anything else.
The following week I still hadn't heard anything so, while at work (of course), I managed to locate an email address for Blockbuster's customer service. I decided to email them with my tail of woe and see what happens. I didn't figure I'd even hear back. But I was getting frustrated. After all I paid for the movies... cost me something like $140 in the end (including the store credit) so I wanted my merchandise. They replied within a few days (which made sense since I emailed them on the weekend). Sent it off to the district guy who got back to me pretty quickly as well. Here I was getting my hopes up. They were telling me that there was a problem with the order. According to the supplier the title was not available and according to Sony it is. They basically said that they would know that day (or the next) if they could get it. They were also going to match Future Shop's price if they could get it (since it was $40 cheaper). So far so good right? Except that I didn't hear back. I waited until the beginning of the following week and then emailed the district guy again. All I wanted was a yes/no answer. Is it available? Didn't get that... He told me that he was going to be checking with the store that day. And once again I never heard back.
Almost a month after it was released I still did not have my merchandise and had no way to know if I was ever going to get it. I keep checking for good deals on Blu (like my misprint for Lost: Season 3 which I got for $24.99) and discovered that Amazon.com had the Resident Evil trilogy for $48.99. Since Future Shop had it for $72.99 that was a wee bit of a difference. I jumped on that deal. Got it for $58 including shipping. So then I had to go into Blockbuster to get my money back. Almost 2 months after the whole ordeal started I still had the $100 in store credit to spend and was back where I started. But I did save quite a bit of money in the process.
I did get a couple of Blus while I was in Blockbuster but they were still overpriced. Why is it that they specialize in movies and can't even compete price wise with other stores? I still have $14 left and no idea what to buy.... As I mentioned previously, I might put it towards a previously viewed movie so that I don't have to spend as much on both formats. Or perhaps a previously played game. But I am not playing that many PS3 games these days. Or maybe they will even start getting in Blu-rays... but then again they even say on their web site that prices start at $34.99. Definitely overpriced... especially compared to the States.
I can say this... after using Blockbuster to build up my DVD collection I have absolutely no desire to ever step foot in that Blockbuster ever again.... other then to use up my store credit. This whole experience has been extremely poor and they really have done nothing to retain me as a customer. I am more then happy to support Future Shop and Amazon with my hard earned cash. Blockbuster is now on my boycott list.
Entertainment War
It really does cost a lot of money to upgrade your movie collection to a whole new format.... at least it does when you have about 200 movies. The good news is that not all the titles are even currently available. How can that be a good thing you might ask? Well seeing as I can't afford to buy all the movies I am making my way through the collection. But now there is a new problem. Not only are the movies I had previously on DVD not available but some of the new releases are also not being released in the high-definition format. I can understand not being able to buy those made by Paramount or Universal since they are backing the HD format. However, those made by Blu-ray supporters is a little more mystifying. Rendition is one movie that will be released shortly but so far there has been no announcement on it being released in the Blu format. More importantly, Lions for Lambs will be coming out at the beginning of April and there is no word on it being released in Blu either. The dilemma is that I don't want to be paying for the movie twice. It's an understandable concern. But I really do like the movie. I do have credit at Blockbuster.... so maybe I'll pick it up previously viewed there while waiting for a high definition release. In other news, I really do wish that the format war would come to an end so we can all move forward and not have to pick sides.... It's not grade school... and it's only hurting the consumers.
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