My Space, Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Orkut, Hi5, Fotolog. I am pretty sure these are the only social networks I have a log-in account. However I only use Facebook and Twitter on a daily basis. I am ashamed to say that I spend probably about 30 minutes every day with these sites, which comes out to about 3-4 hours a week.
I have a couple of scientific theories about these sites, which are based 90% on my gut feeling. In other words it is probably 100% correct.
- Single people spend at least 5 times more time than people in relationships.
- Women waste a lot more time than men.
- There is a direct inverse relationship between the amount of time spent on Facebook with how well your relationship is doing. In other words, the more time you spend checking this site, the faster downhill your current relationship is going.
Here's factual (my gut) numbers of what women do on Facebook.
. 10% - reading about what their good friends are doing. And responding to their comments.
. 15% - reading what about the people they dislike are doing and very importantly, wearing.
. 25% - what boyfriend is doing (if applicable)
. 20% - checking up on ex-boyfriends (if no current boyfriend, add 35% from above to this section)
. 30% - looking at pictures of ex-boyfriends current girlfriends.
And here's the percentile for men.
. 10% - reading what their good friends are doing. And responding to their comments.
.90% - Looking at hot girls that they may know or want to know. Befriending them. Acting really witty and funny to impress them.
Now that I have established these facts. The question of what value would I put on these sites. Personally I do not believe I would care if it just went away. When I log in it is exclusively for lack of better things to do. If these sites would charge a fee, regardless of how inexpensive, I would not pay.
However I believe I am in the minority on this. I do believe there is a large number of people (single) whom spend much more time than I on these sites. These people would pay a small fee annually or monthly for their log in access.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Quick Oscar
So it came and went. I watched the last three categories, Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Motion Picture Movie On a Big Screen Assemble or whatever it is called now.
The few minutes that I watched I actually found it somewhat entertaining, and here are my other thoughts:
- Sean Penn had a great line about how liberal the Academy really is. And Bobby D was also funny.
- I think Sophia Lauren is from another planet and she just learned how to speak English.
- As a guy I hate how good looking Brad Pitt is, and how overrated Angelina Jolie's looks are (still would never kick her out of bed).
- Mickey Rourke looks like the Joker from Dark Knight without the makeup. Seriously, what is going on with his hair?
- Why was Adrien Brody crying?
- I really want to watch Slumdog Millionaires
I have never been a big fan of the Oscar's even though I usually end up going back and watching the winning movies. I am not sure why I do not pay more attention to it, especially since I consider myself movie nerd.
The few minutes that I watched I actually found it somewhat entertaining, and here are my other thoughts:
- Sean Penn had a great line about how liberal the Academy really is. And Bobby D was also funny.
- I think Sophia Lauren is from another planet and she just learned how to speak English.
- As a guy I hate how good looking Brad Pitt is, and how overrated Angelina Jolie's looks are (still would never kick her out of bed).
- Mickey Rourke looks like the Joker from Dark Knight without the makeup. Seriously, what is going on with his hair?
- Why was Adrien Brody crying?
- I really want to watch Slumdog Millionaires
I have never been a big fan of the Oscar's even though I usually end up going back and watching the winning movies. I am not sure why I do not pay more attention to it, especially since I consider myself movie nerd.
Give me the dirty seats...
The topic of why some people prefer not to go to the movie theatres came up a few times in class. A couple of valid points were brought up such as cost and the lack of ethics from other customers. Clearly the economy is tough and the prices are a little out of control. A couple of tickets, popcorn and a soda will set you back $25 plus. And I completely agree that the few people that did not get the memo that cell phones should be turned OFF during the movies, and have the audacity of answering them should earn the offender a free one-way trip to Panama or Cuba.
But then there were the weird excuses (in my opinion). I guess it has become very trendy to come up with reasons why "I don't go to the theatres." It's too dirty, it's too crowded, I can't pause and rewind, I don't have time, too loud, people step on my Puma's, etc.
I really do not know why, we (as a class), are so down on the movie theatre. It is such a great experience!
I usually go with a person that I like and preferably smells acceptable. I enjoy putting on some comfortable clothes and shoes, and getting out. You get the chance of "people watch" which is an incredibly underrated hobby.
You get there, buy your tickets, get your Goobers (fantastic), and find some good seats. I am one of those that will always show up 20-30 minutes early to make sure I get the perfect spot right down the middle, not too far back, not too close. Then you can show your "co-pilot" what I nerd you are by answering every one of the trivia questions and Word Scrabble that comes on before the previous. I feel like a real champ every time, even though I have been told many times how unimpressive that is. I does not matter, I feel smart and I paid good money.
Then, the previews! Another chance to show my "nerdiness" because I have already watched all of them on the Internet days before. And so, 2 seconds into the preview, and I am already whispering things like: "That's the new Tom Cruise movie, it's going to suck!" I do not know about you, but in my book it is still acceptable to whisper to the person besides you in between the previews, as long as it is less than 20 words.
Finally the main event, the moment everybody in the room is waiting for. By this time, the popcorn bag is almost empty, that is a cup full of ice next to your arm, and you have to go to the bathroom really bad. But all of that is forgotten within a few moments, because we are all devoting full attention to the moving pictures. We all suspend disbelief and start connecting with the story, the characters, and the settings.
After the movie everyone is talking about it. Once again we all get a chance to become something we are not, Professional Movie Critics. We hail the good performances, and criticize the bad ones. Even the trip to the bathroom on the way out is different, that is our alone time to reflect what is the main point we want to make about the movie on the way home.
I could go on for hours about other great things about the movie going experience, such as a good place to go on a date, forget about problems outside, socialize with groups of friends before and after, etc. But that is not necessary, just thinking about the experience, puts a smile on my face. It makes me want check Fandango for some movie times.
Come to think of it, I just got Caddyshack on the mail from Blockbuster, I guess I'll keep the 20 bucks tonight.
But then there were the weird excuses (in my opinion). I guess it has become very trendy to come up with reasons why "I don't go to the theatres." It's too dirty, it's too crowded, I can't pause and rewind, I don't have time, too loud, people step on my Puma's, etc.
I really do not know why, we (as a class), are so down on the movie theatre. It is such a great experience!
I usually go with a person that I like and preferably smells acceptable. I enjoy putting on some comfortable clothes and shoes, and getting out. You get the chance of "people watch" which is an incredibly underrated hobby.
You get there, buy your tickets, get your Goobers (fantastic), and find some good seats. I am one of those that will always show up 20-30 minutes early to make sure I get the perfect spot right down the middle, not too far back, not too close. Then you can show your "co-pilot" what I nerd you are by answering every one of the trivia questions and Word Scrabble that comes on before the previous. I feel like a real champ every time, even though I have been told many times how unimpressive that is. I does not matter, I feel smart and I paid good money.
Then, the previews! Another chance to show my "nerdiness" because I have already watched all of them on the Internet days before. And so, 2 seconds into the preview, and I am already whispering things like: "That's the new Tom Cruise movie, it's going to suck!" I do not know about you, but in my book it is still acceptable to whisper to the person besides you in between the previews, as long as it is less than 20 words.
Finally the main event, the moment everybody in the room is waiting for. By this time, the popcorn bag is almost empty, that is a cup full of ice next to your arm, and you have to go to the bathroom really bad. But all of that is forgotten within a few moments, because we are all devoting full attention to the moving pictures. We all suspend disbelief and start connecting with the story, the characters, and the settings.
After the movie everyone is talking about it. Once again we all get a chance to become something we are not, Professional Movie Critics. We hail the good performances, and criticize the bad ones. Even the trip to the bathroom on the way out is different, that is our alone time to reflect what is the main point we want to make about the movie on the way home.
I could go on for hours about other great things about the movie going experience, such as a good place to go on a date, forget about problems outside, socialize with groups of friends before and after, etc. But that is not necessary, just thinking about the experience, puts a smile on my face. It makes me want check Fandango for some movie times.
Come to think of it, I just got Caddyshack on the mail from Blockbuster, I guess I'll keep the 20 bucks tonight.
Castaway
The question is pretty straight forward and simple: "What movie would watch over and over on a deserted island?" Simple right? Not so much after 15 seconds of thinking about this question. Basically this has caused a horrible overload of possibilities in my head. I could watch classics ranging from The Gladiator, to Pulp Fiction, Man on the Moon and of course, The Lion King. However, how would I feel after watching these movies repeatedly on an island? The first couple of times maybe I would go back to building my raft not thinking much of it, but after a few more "movie sessions" of Scarface, I think I would stop building a raft and start building a skyscraper so I can jump head first from it.
And so, I started to think about the movies that have made me feel good. Movies that I can think about it 2 minutes or 2 days later and smile. And for that type of reaction, the budget size does not matter, nor does big name cast, special effects, etc. The only thing needed is a funny, different story and some goofy characters.
That is when I designed my foolproof list of 11 feel good movies. Movies that during the 90 minutes or so you will have a smile on your face and forget that you are probably going to die alone and very soon. Basically everyone should carry at least ONE of these movies any time they are going to travel (especially if you are going on a FEDEX plane).
11. There's Something About Mary
10. 40 Year Old Virgin
9. Beverly Hills Cop
8. Happy Gilmore
7. Blue Streak
6. Money Talks
5. History of the World
4. Old School
3. Dumb and Dumber
2. Superbad
1. Wedding Crashers
I am sure most people will disagree with a few of these movies. Sure most of them displays an exaggerated amount of sophomoric behavior, but that is what makes them great. And trust me, I have done extensive research and this list is foolproof!!
And so, I started to think about the movies that have made me feel good. Movies that I can think about it 2 minutes or 2 days later and smile. And for that type of reaction, the budget size does not matter, nor does big name cast, special effects, etc. The only thing needed is a funny, different story and some goofy characters.
That is when I designed my foolproof list of 11 feel good movies. Movies that during the 90 minutes or so you will have a smile on your face and forget that you are probably going to die alone and very soon. Basically everyone should carry at least ONE of these movies any time they are going to travel (especially if you are going on a FEDEX plane).
11. There's Something About Mary
10. 40 Year Old Virgin
9. Beverly Hills Cop
8. Happy Gilmore
7. Blue Streak
6. Money Talks
5. History of the World
4. Old School
3. Dumb and Dumber
2. Superbad
1. Wedding Crashers
I am sure most people will disagree with a few of these movies. Sure most of them displays an exaggerated amount of sophomoric behavior, but that is what makes them great. And trust me, I have done extensive research and this list is foolproof!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Newspaper... Oldspaper...
Professor Carpenter once said that if a person’s parents have the habit of receiving and reading newspapers, than the person is more likely to read newspaper as well. I have been reading newspapers for as long as I can remember mostly because it has always been readily available to me every day. Even before I moved to the U.S. 13 years ago, I used to read “Jornal do Brasil” which is one of the biggest newspapers in Brazil. Another reason why I have always read the newspaper is because I am an avid sports fan, and I really enjoy reading different columnists opinions. I read the Sports section religiously every day, and for the past few years, I have developed the habit of browsing through different sections as well.
In a way I really feel that newspapers are a way of communication that eventually will become obsolete. Which is unfortunate because it is very practical and simple way to keep up to date with news around your community and the world. However due to advances in technology, I believe more and more people will choose to drift away from newspapers towards online news. After all, our cell phones are so advanced now that we can receive and read full articles anywhere at any time. I probably will continue to read newspapers regardless if there are more efficient means of getting informed. I really like that nostalgic feeling of waking up, getting the newspaper outside, feel how the weather is, sitting down to have breakfast while reading it. Opening up that bulky object, checking scores, finding interesting things, and etc. There is something about keeping this old habit that makes me feel good. I guess it will always connect me to my parents as well.
I had never opened a copy of the Wall Street Journal before this class. I have always read the Orlando Sentinel and sometimes the USA Today. One obvious reason I have never developed the habit for the WSJ is due to the lack of a Sports section.
The extra time I used to spend going through the non-sports sections of The Sentinel, I am spending browsing through the WSJ. So far it has been a little different from the Sentinel and I get less local information, but I have not felt as if I am missing anything. And I also enjoy the “A Head” section on the front page. The week of the Presidential Inauguration they had a piece on the company responsible for the porta-poties during the Inauguration party, which is breakthrough reporting at its best.
Tough economic times, is what is on everybody’s mind nowadays. The immediate positive that I get out of using the WSJ instead of a text book is the fact that it will be a lot cheaper. Another positive that I foresee is the fact that we will be dealing with current news. A text book will have a lot of theory, fancy terms and pretty pictures, but I will take current events any day. Have I mentioned that it will be more than a couple of happy meals cheaper?
In a way I really feel that newspapers are a way of communication that eventually will become obsolete. Which is unfortunate because it is very practical and simple way to keep up to date with news around your community and the world. However due to advances in technology, I believe more and more people will choose to drift away from newspapers towards online news. After all, our cell phones are so advanced now that we can receive and read full articles anywhere at any time. I probably will continue to read newspapers regardless if there are more efficient means of getting informed. I really like that nostalgic feeling of waking up, getting the newspaper outside, feel how the weather is, sitting down to have breakfast while reading it. Opening up that bulky object, checking scores, finding interesting things, and etc. There is something about keeping this old habit that makes me feel good. I guess it will always connect me to my parents as well.
I had never opened a copy of the Wall Street Journal before this class. I have always read the Orlando Sentinel and sometimes the USA Today. One obvious reason I have never developed the habit for the WSJ is due to the lack of a Sports section.
The extra time I used to spend going through the non-sports sections of The Sentinel, I am spending browsing through the WSJ. So far it has been a little different from the Sentinel and I get less local information, but I have not felt as if I am missing anything. And I also enjoy the “A Head” section on the front page. The week of the Presidential Inauguration they had a piece on the company responsible for the porta-poties during the Inauguration party, which is breakthrough reporting at its best.
Tough economic times, is what is on everybody’s mind nowadays. The immediate positive that I get out of using the WSJ instead of a text book is the fact that it will be a lot cheaper. Another positive that I foresee is the fact that we will be dealing with current news. A text book will have a lot of theory, fancy terms and pretty pictures, but I will take current events any day. Have I mentioned that it will be more than a couple of happy meals cheaper?
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