Saturday, February 9, 2008
Tea Review: Dead on.
Hey everybody, just wanted to give an update (since...what was it, yesterday?) that the wheels are in motion for the upcoming "mini-site" about Tea. If you have ideas/suggestions I would be more than happy to hear them, you can comment here or email me at marineoceania@gmail.com or canellp@allegheny.edu
Friday, February 8, 2008
Coming Soon....
In Addition to this blog, I will be starting a new website, I just thought of this, a whole little website that is dedicated to drinking tea and rating how it tastes. Names for this website are up in the air right now, but let me know if you think of something! email me at canellp@allegheny.edu
canellp (at) allegheny (dot) edu.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Okay, so here's what's up. I just wrote a paper that started to be about Microsoft's bid for Yahoo and how Google is involved (which is actually quite a story). I'm going to post it here, because, well I think its actually pretty good (not to mention it is only two pages, I think that even I have the patience to read two pages of content). Anyways, I'll post it both here as well as upload it to my Pownce account. I'd appreciate some feedback, even though it is due tomorrow haha.
Microsoft……..Did You Mean: Google’s Rival
In the early to late Nineties, if you happened to go around and ask anybody what was the largest company of all time, you would inevitably get the same response: “Microsoft.” However, their domination of the market severely changed in around 2004, when a small search company, known as Google, went public on the stock market. Google helped Internet users search the web and soon became a household name. As Google become more and more popular, they developed useful and even fun applications for all to use.
Going back to Microsoft, the software company has been competing with Google for some time. Though, Google dominates the web search, there have been talks about Microsoft buying the struggling search company Yahoo (Reuters, 2008). Though Yahoo CEO has made a clear statement that there has been a bid, no transactions have been made. It is widely accepted throughout the Internet and in the media, that Yahoo is not doing so well. With the resignation of four CEOs in the past year, needless to say, Microsoft buying Yahoo would benefit both companies.
On the other side of the coin however, Google has turned the tables around as it also has decided to consider an alliance with Yahoo.com. Although Microsoft’s goal is to purchase Yahoo (which would deplete Microsoft’s cash reserves), Google’s is to help Yahoo “fend off” the cash bid and form a kind of stronghold against Microsoft. Google representatives have also contacted their friends at Time Warner (owners of AOL) to make a possible counter bid, thwarting Microsoft altogether. (Sorkin, 2008).
It seems as though Microsoft and Google are becoming bitter rivals, as Google’s plan seems to be delaying any kind of purchase Microsoft plans to make, concerning Yahoo. Microsoft has used this same tactic back when Google purchased the advertising company known as “DoubleClick,” for $3.1 billion (Labaton, 2008). Shortly thereafter, with the release of Windows Vista, Google filed an antitrust lawsuit after finding out the new OS discouraged the use of Google’s Desktop software. The software, developed by Google, is used to search your computer for files and other data, among other useful applications. Apparently Microsoft included that same feature, nullifying Google’s Desktop Search. The lawsuit claims that Microsoft has made it difficult for users to use anything other than the built in Live Search, violating the user’s ability to choose. Since then, Microsoft has been required to allow 3rd party applications to run smoothly on all Windows platforms (The Associated Press, 2007).
As the future unfolds, it is almost certain that these two Internet companies show no signs of slowing down. Though Microsoft has proven to be successful in the past, Google’s progress seems to be in its infancy, as more and more free applications are developed for all to use. Finally, I believe that as Google ups the competition, Microsoft will struggle to make new and innovative products. Microsoft’s most recent OS release, Windows Vista, proved to be a huge flop as it was considered to be the biggest tech disappointment of 2007 according PC World Magazine. Microsoft will continue to sell products, but will gradually become a significantly smaller company.
It is simply a matter of time.
Microsoft……..Did You Mean: Google’s Rival
In the early to late Nineties, if you happened to go around and ask anybody what was the largest company of all time, you would inevitably get the same response: “Microsoft.” However, their domination of the market severely changed in around 2004, when a small search company, known as Google, went public on the stock market. Google helped Internet users search the web and soon became a household name. As Google become more and more popular, they developed useful and even fun applications for all to use.
Going back to Microsoft, the software company has been competing with Google for some time. Though, Google dominates the web search, there have been talks about Microsoft buying the struggling search company Yahoo (Reuters, 2008). Though Yahoo CEO has made a clear statement that there has been a bid, no transactions have been made. It is widely accepted throughout the Internet and in the media, that Yahoo is not doing so well. With the resignation of four CEOs in the past year, needless to say, Microsoft buying Yahoo would benefit both companies.
On the other side of the coin however, Google has turned the tables around as it also has decided to consider an alliance with Yahoo.com. Although Microsoft’s goal is to purchase Yahoo (which would deplete Microsoft’s cash reserves), Google’s is to help Yahoo “fend off” the cash bid and form a kind of stronghold against Microsoft. Google representatives have also contacted their friends at Time Warner (owners of AOL) to make a possible counter bid, thwarting Microsoft altogether. (Sorkin, 2008).
It seems as though Microsoft and Google are becoming bitter rivals, as Google’s plan seems to be delaying any kind of purchase Microsoft plans to make, concerning Yahoo. Microsoft has used this same tactic back when Google purchased the advertising company known as “DoubleClick,” for $3.1 billion (Labaton, 2008). Shortly thereafter, with the release of Windows Vista, Google filed an antitrust lawsuit after finding out the new OS discouraged the use of Google’s Desktop software. The software, developed by Google, is used to search your computer for files and other data, among other useful applications. Apparently Microsoft included that same feature, nullifying Google’s Desktop Search. The lawsuit claims that Microsoft has made it difficult for users to use anything other than the built in Live Search, violating the user’s ability to choose. Since then, Microsoft has been required to allow 3rd party applications to run smoothly on all Windows platforms (The Associated Press, 2007).
As the future unfolds, it is almost certain that these two Internet companies show no signs of slowing down. Though Microsoft has proven to be successful in the past, Google’s progress seems to be in its infancy, as more and more free applications are developed for all to use. Finally, I believe that as Google ups the competition, Microsoft will struggle to make new and innovative products. Microsoft’s most recent OS release, Windows Vista, proved to be a huge flop as it was considered to be the biggest tech disappointment of 2007 according PC World Magazine. Microsoft will continue to sell products, but will gradually become a significantly smaller company.
It is simply a matter of time.
Monday, February 4, 2008
I would love to know what people are doing upstairs!
So much banging! Jeeze. Well, this is my life as a college student haha. I had comp sci, astronomy and zen buddhism today. They were all good, the least boring being Comp Sci. I love that class, it really is so cool! Tomorrow I have my FS: Software Everywhere class, which is so interesting, though half the class looks like they'd rather be ANYWHERE but in his class. Which is too bad, Kampfhammer is an awesome professor and a great guy! He's quite enthusiastic and really loves what he does! I want a job like that.
I was going to say something....rather type something but I totally forgot what it was going to be!
Ohhhh I remember now, I was going to have a poll. (yes there will be a poll up on here shortly).
I'm thinking about changing my blog's title to something else, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know what title is best. As we all know, a title is quite important! Anyways, my roommate just went to bed (at 11:30!) so I am going to calm down the typing.
The poll will be up shortly! Goodnight everyone!
I was going to say something....rather type something but I totally forgot what it was going to be!
Ohhhh I remember now, I was going to have a poll. (yes there will be a poll up on here shortly).
I'm thinking about changing my blog's title to something else, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know what title is best. As we all know, a title is quite important! Anyways, my roommate just went to bed (at 11:30!) so I am going to calm down the typing.
The poll will be up shortly! Goodnight everyone!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Midnight Jazz.
Hey everyone, I'm back! Back from where you ask? From being absolutely nowhere! I've been slacking on my posting I know I know but I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, since you all love when I post (isn't it obvious?). I think that question mark is supposed to be on the outside of the parentheses? I don't know, I guess it isn't too terribly important. Oh well, this intro paragraph is just awful, so on to whatever else that I need to say!
So I realized that in college, when you don't drink you are isolated from 96% of the college community. And apparently some people that you abode with hate you for it! WOAH!!!!!! Hahah so I have to keep myself busy while everyone else is consuming alcohol, most of the time illegally (according to U.S. Law, and we all know that is important haha). So what do I do you ask? I knew you were going to ask! I do many a thing to keep myself occupied and although the lack of ANY hockey on television at this great campus I am at (thanks GatorTV, you suck), I have to occupy myself with things like watching tv shows and going on digg.com on my MacBook. Now usually, on Friday nights my friends go out at 11 or so? And luckily my hallmates don't drink too much either so we usually have great chats and such. I also am a fan of both IBC Root Beer and Orange Crush so I tend to drink one of those as well. And since my roommate is out drinking and not watching tv I can sneak a game of NHL 2006 in! How exciting! Now many of you are going "Wow what a sad life he leads, why doesn't he just go out with everyone else?"
I will tell you why. The cliche answer would be that my parents pay too much for me to screw off and get into some potentially viable trouble. This is not what I want. But surprisingly it is not the main reason that I don't drink! There are several reasons, first of all my lovely girlfriend does not drink, which is very good for me, we just don't think it fits our lifestyle. Another reason is that in Buddhism, they do not get intoxicated due to the fact that it impairs judgement and thus enlightenment will not be achieved. We all know how cool enlightenment is. With alcohol, its not gonna happen! The third reason is because I am a nerd. Plain and simple. I would rather sit around on a Saturday night and watch Diggnation by myself laughing then go out and see a bunch of people make asses of themselves. Though it is fun to mess with drunk people, probably the most fun part about having friends who drink. Though I seldom do it, if I do happen to see them, it is quite fun.
So those who read this proooobably think I am a huge loser but its okay, I don't want to have to avoid people for doing stupid shit with them :).
Its Sunday night, and I will smack every one of you who says "its Monday morning." Anyways, the reason for the title! For those of you who do not know, I am an avid jazz listener and used to play tenor saxophone in Prep's jazz band. Every Sunday night at 11:30-12:30 I have a Midnight Hour jazz session. Meaning: I listen to jazz music, drink tea and relax until 12:30 at which time I get ready for bed. Its the best ever. Anyone who wants to join (hahah open invitation) is welcome to, just bring your own tea. You are welcome to provide Jazz of your own if you bring a CD/USB stick as well.
I should make a jazz listening club.....
I need more jazz though, well when I get home I'll go on Pirate Bay I guess
Which reminds me! I highly recommend watching the free film called "Steal this Film."
Its very good.
Next up on the list is Killer Joe by Lionel Hampton and finally he closes with Midnight Sun.
Damnit I should be a radio show host on WARC.
So I realized that in college, when you don't drink you are isolated from 96% of the college community. And apparently some people that you abode with hate you for it! WOAH!!!!!! Hahah so I have to keep myself busy while everyone else is consuming alcohol, most of the time illegally (according to U.S. Law, and we all know that is important haha). So what do I do you ask? I knew you were going to ask! I do many a thing to keep myself occupied and although the lack of ANY hockey on television at this great campus I am at (thanks GatorTV, you suck), I have to occupy myself with things like watching tv shows and going on digg.com on my MacBook. Now usually, on Friday nights my friends go out at 11 or so? And luckily my hallmates don't drink too much either so we usually have great chats and such. I also am a fan of both IBC Root Beer and Orange Crush so I tend to drink one of those as well. And since my roommate is out drinking and not watching tv I can sneak a game of NHL 2006 in! How exciting! Now many of you are going "Wow what a sad life he leads, why doesn't he just go out with everyone else?"
I will tell you why. The cliche answer would be that my parents pay too much for me to screw off and get into some potentially viable trouble. This is not what I want. But surprisingly it is not the main reason that I don't drink! There are several reasons, first of all my lovely girlfriend does not drink, which is very good for me, we just don't think it fits our lifestyle. Another reason is that in Buddhism, they do not get intoxicated due to the fact that it impairs judgement and thus enlightenment will not be achieved. We all know how cool enlightenment is. With alcohol, its not gonna happen! The third reason is because I am a nerd. Plain and simple. I would rather sit around on a Saturday night and watch Diggnation by myself laughing then go out and see a bunch of people make asses of themselves. Though it is fun to mess with drunk people, probably the most fun part about having friends who drink. Though I seldom do it, if I do happen to see them, it is quite fun.
So those who read this proooobably think I am a huge loser but its okay, I don't want to have to avoid people for doing stupid shit with them :).
Its Sunday night, and I will smack every one of you who says "its Monday morning." Anyways, the reason for the title! For those of you who do not know, I am an avid jazz listener and used to play tenor saxophone in Prep's jazz band. Every Sunday night at 11:30-12:30 I have a Midnight Hour jazz session. Meaning: I listen to jazz music, drink tea and relax until 12:30 at which time I get ready for bed. Its the best ever. Anyone who wants to join (hahah open invitation) is welcome to, just bring your own tea. You are welcome to provide Jazz of your own if you bring a CD/USB stick as well.
I should make a jazz listening club.....
I need more jazz though, well when I get home I'll go on Pirate Bay I guess
Which reminds me! I highly recommend watching the free film called "Steal this Film."
Its very good.
Next up on the list is Killer Joe by Lionel Hampton and finally he closes with Midnight Sun.
Damnit I should be a radio show host on WARC.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Four Steps for College Zen.
Many times I find myself being in the presence of those college students who seem stressed out of their minds and can simply not handle their workload successfully, or with a good amount of sleep. My Professor mentioned in class today if we had any tips on this subject, I had only one, but I thought about it and I thought up a few, so enjoy these Steps, well more like guidelines :).
Step One: Don't overload on classes. Let's face it, everybody is impressed when somebody goes and says they are taking something like 22 credits in a semester. In the college I attend, the average student takes 4 classes, for a total of 16 credits. Sure those kids who take umpteen credits are admired by their peers as well as their parents who will brag about them. In reality, these kids are the ones who stress over classes, drink too much caffeine, and do not get enough sleep.
Solution: Take a less demanding work load, don't worry, you'll finish in 4 years this way. Not to mention still have a life. Also, don't feel as if you must take so many classes to succeed, getting all As in 4 classes is a lot more rewarding than 7 or so Cs.
Step Two: Work hard....but not too hard! Often times I hear kids I know going crazy and stressing to the point where they practically rewrite their chem book! One's brain can only take so much studying, actually that is a fact. I just tried to dig up the research's website, but I know that if you study for over 2 hours without a break, your brain actually shuts out any attempt to learn new material. This goes along with cramming.... It doesn't work, it actually just stresses your brain and makes you learn less!
Solution: During intense study sessions, 15 minute breaks can do wonders. Snacking during this 15 minute period can recharge your brain and make it easier to focus. Think how hard it is to do anything when you are hungry! Also, periodic studying works SO much better than cramming, I have learned that from experience.
Step 3: Don't take a class you know you will not pass. Sometimes we're just not good at things. Its true! As I am writing this I thought of Mathematics. I can do math, but I dislike it and really have to work at it to get it. If you must do it for your intended major, however, and do have to take it, do not try to "get by" without any effort. That does not work. Period.
Solution: Teacher's have Office Hours and practically beg students to come by and chat about homework or class material. It is a tremendous help and can make or break your success in that class.
Step 4: Relax, Zen Style. Okay, maybe not meditate for 3 hours straight or anything (though that would be impressive!). I guess this solution is in the step! After a long day of classes and lots of studying, relax and do something calming. Though watching TV is relaxing, I discourage that since it stimulates your brain with all the plots, flashing images and crazy programs. Instead, listen to calming music, lay in bed with your eyes closed and think, drink tea or my personal favorite, read for pleasure. I recently got into reading and cannot think of a better stress reliever. Finding a good book is not easy, but when you find one, boy is it rewarding. If it isn't the dead of winter I suggest taking a nice walk. If it is a nice calm day and there's that right amount of snow on the ground, then by all means take a walk! It is quite rewarding and relaxing as well.
I guess I only really thought of four, but hey, its good advice if I do say so myself :)
Step One: Don't overload on classes. Let's face it, everybody is impressed when somebody goes and says they are taking something like 22 credits in a semester. In the college I attend, the average student takes 4 classes, for a total of 16 credits. Sure those kids who take umpteen credits are admired by their peers as well as their parents who will brag about them. In reality, these kids are the ones who stress over classes, drink too much caffeine, and do not get enough sleep.
Solution: Take a less demanding work load, don't worry, you'll finish in 4 years this way. Not to mention still have a life. Also, don't feel as if you must take so many classes to succeed, getting all As in 4 classes is a lot more rewarding than 7 or so Cs.
Step Two: Work hard....but not too hard! Often times I hear kids I know going crazy and stressing to the point where they practically rewrite their chem book! One's brain can only take so much studying, actually that is a fact. I just tried to dig up the research's website, but I know that if you study for over 2 hours without a break, your brain actually shuts out any attempt to learn new material. This goes along with cramming.... It doesn't work, it actually just stresses your brain and makes you learn less!
Solution: During intense study sessions, 15 minute breaks can do wonders. Snacking during this 15 minute period can recharge your brain and make it easier to focus. Think how hard it is to do anything when you are hungry! Also, periodic studying works SO much better than cramming, I have learned that from experience.
Step 3: Don't take a class you know you will not pass. Sometimes we're just not good at things. Its true! As I am writing this I thought of Mathematics. I can do math, but I dislike it and really have to work at it to get it. If you must do it for your intended major, however, and do have to take it, do not try to "get by" without any effort. That does not work. Period.
Solution: Teacher's have Office Hours and practically beg students to come by and chat about homework or class material. It is a tremendous help and can make or break your success in that class.
Step 4: Relax, Zen Style. Okay, maybe not meditate for 3 hours straight or anything (though that would be impressive!). I guess this solution is in the step! After a long day of classes and lots of studying, relax and do something calming. Though watching TV is relaxing, I discourage that since it stimulates your brain with all the plots, flashing images and crazy programs. Instead, listen to calming music, lay in bed with your eyes closed and think, drink tea or my personal favorite, read for pleasure. I recently got into reading and cannot think of a better stress reliever. Finding a good book is not easy, but when you find one, boy is it rewarding. If it isn't the dead of winter I suggest taking a nice walk. If it is a nice calm day and there's that right amount of snow on the ground, then by all means take a walk! It is quite rewarding and relaxing as well.
I guess I only really thought of four, but hey, its good advice if I do say so myself :)
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