Man vs. Machine

I'm sure you've heard about the Watson computer that IBM has made. Their methodology of proving it's intelligence? Putting it into a competition against homo sapiens in America's favorite game show: Jeopardy.

I'll admit, I usually don't watch Jeopardy (it's on during Seinfeld, obviously you know what I'm watching) but when I do I always learn something - and always feel proud of myself when I know something. I went through a game-show phase where my favorite thing ever was Game Show Network. I literally could not get enough. Anyways.

I caught some of the Jeopardy Watson episode tonight. It's an absolute joke because think about it, who is going to know more: Google or You? Who is going to think of it faster: You or Google? This machine basically uses Google, types the words into its "brain," and gets the answer. Of course it's going to know more than you, and it's going to be able to get the answer faster than you can think about it. You always have those things where you "can't think what it was" and then it may come to you 4 hours later. Google's able to figure it out in less than a second.

Watson is wrecking house. It usually knows the answer with 90% accuracy, and answers in less than a second. You can tell Ken Jennings is just pissed because he doesn't have the split second to process the question before buzzing in. He can't even buzz in and stop to think about it, because Watson is too fast.

What does this really prove? Nothing. Of course the computer is going to be smarter, answer faster, etc. The impressive part is that it "think" for itself. I don't fully understand the technology, but it seems like it's able to understand Mr. Trebek (I'll take The Rapists for 20), process the information, and then respond almost instantly - in English and in the "What is X" format. Watson choose the category it wants to answer, the money it wants to wager. There are a few times it is completely wrong and has an answer from left field, but usually it's dead on. In two days it's up at 38 some thousand.

It's impressive technology, but it scares me to think where this technology will be in 10, 20 years. We've seen too many Hollywood movies to think it could be anything good (Terminator, I Robot), but maybe it could be. Or it could turn into SkyNet and destroy us all. Either way, for right now, it's impressive. Is it necessary? Absolutely not. It's probably the beginning of the end. Embrace what time we have left humans.

New Jersey

I've been thinking a little bit lately about how New Jersey gets such a bad rap. Everyone picks on Jersey. It's America's armpit. Stuck between Philly and New York, it has no identity. In fact, it gets the luxury of being suburbs for Philly and New York, you're either close to one of them. Jersey has the distinct luxury of hosting sports teams that refuse to bear it's name in the football Giants & Jets.

When people from Jersey talk to people who aren't from Jersey, they just say "I'm from Jersey" which always leads to "where in Jersey" and they say "north/central/south" or "Near NY/Princeton/Philly." That's about as specific as it gets, because Jersey is filled with bumblef*** towns that nobody has ever heard of unless you live there. So does every state, but because Jersey has a close connection to these two main cities, they get out more. Nobody knows anything about a state like Idaho, cause nobody from a state like Idaho makes it out alive.

Going to a private school in Philly, we had kids from Jersey, and we always used to make fun of them in the beginning. It was like a "ew you're from Jersey" thing. Really really mature. There were a lot of them however. And my best friend from high school ended up living in Cherry Hill, NJ. I remember the first time I drove over there. What a pain in the ass. Can't make a left turn anywhere. The circles. I never wanted to go back. It's still a pain, but I've managed it. Cherry Hill at least, isn't any different than my neck of the woods in Lower Merion, besides for the main roads. It's not like they're living like barbarians and I'm living the life of kings. It's all the same. Okay, maybe the Thrill doesn't have the same reputation as the Main Line, but still.

But it's interesting, because Jersey has developed it's own attitude that has captivated America. Sure you could talk about the Jersey Shore epidemic - which is still better than ever by the way - and has swept the country all over again. But there's so many shows that relate to Jersey, the Real Housewives crap and that Jerseylicious shows that I've never watched, and I'm sure there are other quality reality shows that really get a sense of the Jersey culture. Of course there's The Sopranos wrapped up in there too.

I don't think it's totally crazy, but it's just interesting. I'm spoiled on my Jersey opinions because I know some Jersey-ites and my religion is Bruce Springsteen, so I feel like I don't know it the way someone in New England may think of it, if they've never been. I know it's not as crazy as the idiots on the shore seem (who, aren't really from Jersey, but capture the attitude that MTV wants you to believe). The way I see it, there are two types of people, there's the type that wants to get the hell out of wherever they're from (born to run), and they is the type that will never move on. Jersey has that "get me the hell out of here" mentality, weather that's to NYC or to California or wherever, anywhere is better than here. Again though, you can cheat that, because you could be "in Philly" and be 10 minutes over the bridge in Cherry Thrill.

In this freezing cold winter, while I'm immensely enjoying the snow (I haven't had this much fun with the snow since I was 8, I think I'm regressing. Benjamin Button syndrome,) I long for for those summer days down in my Jersey Shore. Not Seaside, but a couple miles down in the Ocean City/Stone Harbor neck of the woods. I think part of it is that I could easily be a beach bum for the rest of my life if I could afford it. But specifically watching Jersey Shore and seeing the scenes of the boardwalk and the rides make me miss it so much. It's such a relaxing life, living in warm temperatures by a beach. With my current virtual job, I could feasibly live there. I have no idea what the future holds, but maybe later down in life. We'll see.

That long-about paragraph above is meant to reference how while we all pick on Jersey, yet when the summer comes, I can't wait to get down the shore and relax. We don't treat the shore like it's Jersey, we treat it like an extension of our (non Jersey) homes.

My point is, Jersey's gets a bad rap, but we're obsessed with it. It's not going anywhere. Embrace it. Love it. Go get your full service gas from it.

John Mayer

I'm very fascinated by the antics of John Mayer. I can't think of a better way to say it. It's not something I think about everyday, or that much at all. I thought about it tonight because I saw Johnny boy at the Grammys (which leads to another topic later on).

It's weird. This guy writes music that makes girls melt, spilling his guts and thoughts out. He's been with so many hot women that a normal male would die to be with any one of them. Then he spills the beans about them, burning bridges, he's very outspoken, selfish, maniacal, insane, and yet his music still speaks to me and the girls still love his music. He's loved and hated at the same time. It's almost like he's bipolar, and we have a bipolar judgment of him, depending on the day of the week and what mood he's in.

The music is so raw and emotional. I love it. I listen to his album Heavier Things now as much as I did in 2003. He's gotten critcal acclaim for his music. The best part is that he hates the music he writes. He's clearly into the blues Continuum-style of music, but the money is in the love songs. And he says that too, it's not a secret.

John lives this bastard lifestyle. The celebrity attention has blown his ego to unreal levels. Part of me sympathizes with him; all of these celebrities can get whatever they want, immediately. They could have as many friends that they want, but these people don't want to be friends with them, they just like who they see, weather it's on tv/through music/etc. That's the person that the common folk wants to see. Yet celebrities live a life outside of the studio. They aren't always living the glamorous lifestyles that we think they do. They do the same things we do. We've boosted the ego of all of these people. That's why Lindsay Lohan thinks she can get away with whatever. We only have ourselves to blame.

Anyways, John is able to write this music that makes girls cry, yet he can't seem to hold a girl ever. He's been through at least 100 girls, and if you'd go just off the music, you say to yourself "why doesn't it work out with him and girls?". But outside the studio he's an asshole. I don't feel bad for him with that. I'm starting to get the same way with Taylor Swift. I love Taylor, think she's absolutely adorable, she writes these great songs, but I'm starting not to feel bad for this "poor girl who gets dumped by boys all the time". Why is she getting dumped? Clearly something wrong is going on - with her.

It's funny I wrote about TSwift and John in the same post - they clearly had a thing too. Which seems to make sense - except for the like 12 year age difference - in that they both seem relationship/love flawed so maybe they'd be able to work it out together. Clearly something went wrong. She's got that song, but who knows what really happened. I wouldn't be surprised at anything. I don't think Taylor's as sweet as she seems when it comes to love and everything. She might have these crazy expectations that every thing is like Romeo and Juliet or something unreal. John seems like an asshole, so it's almost no surprise that never worked out. I also feel like we really don't know anything about these people. As much as we think we do, we really have no clue. We only seem them through the lens/music, but there's still the other mmmmmm 365 days a year that we don't see them, know what they're going through, etc.

[Who knew I would ever be writing about celebrity relationship? Is this really what I'm doing with my life?]

The other thing I realized tonight from seeing him at the Grammys - John Mayer is old. Not only does he look like a normal Johnny Depp, he just looks old. He's not the kid who wrote Bigger Than My Body/Something's Missing/Home Life (you can see my Heavier Squares bias. I like all his albums, in case you were wondering). I googled him - he's 33. I can't be one to judge, but I just hope in 10 years I'm not living like that. He's a 33 year old boy. I have no idea what he sings at his concerts (I've always really wanted to go - to see the music and maybe I could pick up some emotional girls who are in the set up by the concert, but I never went) but this is getting ridiculous if he's still talking about your body as a wonderland. How long can he keep writing about this stuff? (I'm just putting this sentence in because I'm realizing that this paragraph has way too many parenthesis/footnotes. I'm clearly insane.)

I'm not sure there's anyone else like him out there. I really like his music, and I think he's talented when it comes to songwriting. I think he's compulsive, and it's our fault for giving him the attention to create. The curse of celebrity. Either way, it's very fascinating.

Now if I spent this much time examining my own life?

Real Estate Agents= Scum of the Universe

I'm in the middle of moving my life to NYC. It's been a long process, but it's (hopefully) coming to a close.

Why has it taken so long? Well the first 7 months are due to my career status, so I'll blame myself. But the last 2? It's because I'm being duped every weekend by real estate agents. I'll find their listing on their sites and it would say a building is something in my price range [which is low, but I'm trying to be as independent as possible on an entry level salary]. And then we see it and it's not in that price range, it's more like $500+ more.

Every time I ask the realtor why the price difference, they say "it just changed today." But it didn't. There was this one building that I had seen with one agent, and another agency had the same property (I knew based on the amenities) and it was still listed AT THE WRONG PRICE. I emailed and asked if that was the price, and *surprise* it was wrong! They just changed the price "today". I emailed back and said that they didn't, it changed at least a week ago, because I saw it and it was higher then. I then explicitly asked "why do you list the wrong price when you know the difference?"

That's the best, because you're flipping the tables on them, because you know their game and calling them out. The responses I've gotten are just hilarious. One was literally a smiley face. They squirm.

The other thing with these realtors is that they have no boundaries. Especially now because there are so many ways for them to contact you. I would give these people as little information as I could about me. I even lied about my name to one. I made the mistake of including my signature in my e-mail, which includes my phone number. Within the hour I had 3 missed calls from my new friend. Got some texts. There is no control. Needless to say, they did not get my business.

Realtors thrive off the bait and switch. Bait them in with a good deal, then give them the less good deal. How is this legal? How do we fix this? I'm not creative enough to come up with this solution right now, but this is outrageous. Seriously. How is anyone supposed to get anything done when all that's out there is bullshit? And to follow up with the bullshit, these pesky realtors won't stop bothering you once you give them your information.

Therefore I'm declaring real estate agents scum of the universe. Especially the NYC ones. I can't say I really know any other ones. Them and the bloodsucking lawyers that try to get as much money as possible. They're an unfortunate necessary evil because you have to find an apartment some how, but they need to be regulated. I don't want to deal with them every 12-18 months for the next 8 years. So brutal.

Also another note - how is anyone with a typical "business" job working 9-5 (but no one in NYC works 9-5 it's more like 9-6 and usually more like 9-9) supposed to see any apartments during the week? If you're looking at a "luxury building" the leasing offices close at 5. Limits you to only weekends to get your act together. It's hard to get anything done, and getting an apartment is kind of important. Washing your clothes? Not necessary. Finding a home? Necessary.

It's also been an interesting 9 months or so since graduation. I've been employed for 3-4 of those months, but not in a row. And that's not counting the stint back in retail. It's hard being homeless and trying to figure out your life when you want to live it in another city. I'm very lucky to have this virtual job where I can work from wherever I have internet. I'm going to post more on that experience soon. But it's been a weird 9 months. I'm glad to get some sort of normalcy back - and can finally start living, instead of getting ready for living. And to get back in game shape. It's nauseating when I don't have any routine, everything just is a mess. So things are looking up. I'm starting to ramble, last time I checked this isn't my diary. Bye.

Taking Your Love Relationship Online

This will probably offend almost 100% of my friends in relationships. Sorry.

I'm sick of people who turn their online presence into a dedication to their significant other. It actually disgusts me. There is so much more to you than just the person you're dating. It's just obnoxious. Does anyone really want to see 60 pictures in a row of you guys taking pictures of yourselves with one of you holding the camera facing yourselves? Maybe your parents. Most likely not your friends. There's a high likely hood it's going to annoy everyone. And taking pictures of yourself makes you look like losers. Can't you ask someone to take a picture?

When you're status/tweets consist of something like "with my boo" or "i love x" or "i don't know where i would be without x" or "i'm so bored x please come home" or "movie night with x" or "here's x's valentine's day gift!" "so glad my baby brought me soupy because im sicky and can't get out of bed :(," you are really pushing my limits for giving a damn. Part of that is the problem with social media - everyone thinks what they're doing is important, and it really isn't. I can't say I'm innocent here either - I'm sure not many really care about my thoughts/current happenings, but I try to limit things like that. I rarely share any of these posts to my networks, you came here yourself. You only have yourself to blame haha. I think I have some self control, but I'm sure someone can tell me differently.

[Random sidepoint - I'm tired of people tweeting their foursquare location when they are somewhere stupid - ANY coffee shop, the grocery store, work, their car, sitting in traffic, whatever. Try and retain some self control. No one cares if you are at Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks. Share the cool things - concerts, sporting events, swanky restaurants, the 'pocalpyses but no one wants to know you were getting your hair done on Twitter. Still check in - just don't over share.]

I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer here, I understand you and your love are SO happy and want to take pix and write "i love you" on their wall etc. Just do it with some sort of control. Be more than just your girlfriend/boyfriend. Your friends distance themselves when you only have one person ever on your mind. And then the people wonder why they have no friends when they break up. People (mainly girls, but some dudes too) want to project this image that they are having a much better life than they really are. They want it to seem so glamorous and wonderful, they live this great life they travel to all of these places, have this wonderful other half, do all these fancy things, are "sophisticated," but it's all a facade. That's why people are crazy. They live on other planets.

I should admit, I've never been in a 'serious' relationship, so maybe I'm just bitter. It's something I really wanted in high school cause I was the only kid in my group without one, but by the end of college I was just whatever. It's dumb in college because college is so different than the real world. There's a break every 2 months, a 3 month break every summer, and after 4 years you will probably go your separate ways, seems like a waste of time. I've been meaning to write a post on my non-existent love life, but it's hard to write it without sounding like a total loser. This is probably as much from me as you'll get. Let me say this though: my friends with relationships say the happiest they've ever been is with so-and-so. My happiest-ever moments are Bruce Springsteen concerts and Red Sox championships. So far I've had 6 happiest moments in my life. 6 for 23 ain't bad. [Maybe this is why I'm alone......] Maybe when I do find a girl every post will be about this wonderful girl and how she brings me 'soupy when I'm sicky'. I'd like to think I won't. Someone hold this post against me if I do.

Anyways, this isn't about me, this is about you, love bird. To put it simply: control thyself. Everything you share doesn't need to be some inside joke. There's a reason some things are private and some things are public. There's a thin line where the outsider thinks "oh that's cute" and when they think "shut the F up." Less is more. You're doing everyone a favor.

Other random subpoint, and this is probably because I am on the outside and never experienced it personally, but isn't it even more ridiculous when couples break up online? The drama that comes with it: "She deleted our pictures. He defriended me. She defriended my friends. He doesn't follow me on Twitter anymore. She still has pictures of us, but I've moved on. I know he stalks everything I do, so I'm going to put pix up of me with another dude. She's dating someone else!?!?!" AHHHHH ITS SO STUPID. This is why you need to exhibit self control people. Otherwise you just look like an idiot to everyone.

Everyone have a good Valentine's Day!!!!!! #sarcasm!!!