Daily Bits

humor

Software Gives Computers Sense of Humor

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AIWork on artificial intelligence has been going on forever, and even huge developments have been made in this area. We hear and read about smart computers on a daily basis. We visit online video platforms to watch the awesome creations of scientists. However, we have to admit that there is still a long way to go before computers or robots can match the human brain (in some respects, at least).

While other researchers, engineers, and computer scientists are busy trying to achieve the ultimate AI setup, Chloe Kiddon and Yuriy Brun have come up with something that will give us more amusement than anything right now. They have created a software that adds a human aspect to computers – a sense of humor.

You have to admit that while we love the idea of an emotion-less and 100% efficient robot, the idea of interacting with robots with humor involved is even more appealing. Think of Iron Man and his robot cum fire extinguisher.

More than a generic sense of humor, though, the software gives computers the ability to understand specific kinds of jokes. Imagine this scenario.

My friend and I were driving home from school when a car suddenly pulled out in front of her car and she had to slam on her brakes. I said, “I hate it when they pull out when they know you are coming!” (That’s what she said.) ((Source: TWSS -Yes, there IS a web site for that’s what she said jokes!))

If you don’t get the joke, I suggest you do a quick search on the phrase “That’s what she said”.

So anyhow, the two computer scientists created the system DEviaNT (Double Entendre via Noun Transfer) using jokes found online to train the computer. ((Via Physorg)) The end result? A computer that can tell you “That’s what she said!”

Can’t think of a practical use of this software right now, but who cares?

Image via Trinity

Your Favorite Logo – The Honest Version

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Logos have been used forever to make brands stick. There is no denying that the use of logos work, hence the high premium placed on brilliant logo designers. Now, something we may not think about a lot is the fact that while some logos are brilliant and help make the brand name stick, these logos may not actually be an accurate reflection of what the brand stands for.

Then again, logos are made to show companies in the best light possible, so stark reality may not be the first priority. Am I confusing you? How about we take a look at honest portrayals of some of the most popular logos that we see on a daily basis today? These logos were designed by the guys at Designers Couch ((Designers Couch)). Let the images speak for themselves!

Facebook = Procrastination

Facebook
I only have one question: how many hours do you spend on Facebook everyday? I will not even dare to answer that for myself!

PlayStation = Procrastination

PlayStation
Facebook may be more accessible than the Sony PlayStation, but anyone who has this gaming console will know just how fast time can fly by when playing a game. It’s as honest as logos can get!

Nintendo = Nothing to Do

Nintendo
It’s still funny, but I am not sure “nothing to do” encompasses the concept of Nintendo. Then again, if I think about how people will get together on a boring night and end up playing Wii…could be wrong, though. What do you think?

McDonald’s = McDiabetes

McDonald's
It can also be McOverweight, McUnhealthy, or McDisgusting. Now you know why I am not a logo designer by profession.

Camel = Cancer

Camel
Long known fact. We can substitute Camel for any other cigarette brand, but it would not look as good, would it? Plus, it hasn’t stopped people from smoking for hundreds of years. Will this honest logo make any difference? For my sake, I hope so.

Absolut = Vomit

Absolut
Funnily honest logo, but I feel that I have to clarify. Absolut only equates to Vomit if you drink a bottle on your own, straight, in a short period of time. I would be more agreeable to a similar idea if it were Jose Cuervo = something. It’s too horrible to think about.

So are these logos honest enough for you?

Darth Vader Does the Blues

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We all feel the blues sometimes. There is no need to be embarrassed or ashamed when you don’t feel 100 percent. Heck, apparently, even the supposedly indomitable Darth Vader felt the blues! I guess that with a life story like that of Darth Vader’s, one really will feel down every now and then.

What do you think the father of Luke Skywalker does when he is down? He plays the harmonica like you may never have heard before! (What? You didn’t know that Darth Vader can play the harmonica?) This is a perfect example of how music spans cultures. 😉

Here’s a funny video that can get you through the mid-week slump. It’s several years old, but it should still do the trick for those who live in 2011. 😉

Get Ready for Blue Monday

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Blue Monday
Did you know that there is such a thing as Blue Monday? I am NOT talking about having the blues on Monday, but a special Monday of the year that is characterized as statistically being the most depressing day – ever. No one really knows just how true this is, especially since the idea started as a publicity campaign by Sky Travel. (You can never really tell when it comes to these kinds of campaigns.)

However, it is not without some sort of scientific support. Psychologist Cliff Arnall is attributed with the formula that calculates just how depressing this day is. See if you can make the formula out:

[W + (D-d)] x TQ
M x Na

where weather=W, debt=d, time since Christmas=T, time since failing our new year’s resolutions=Q, low motivational levels=M and the feeling of a need to take action=Na. ‘D’ is not defined in the release, nor are units. (Wikipedia)

There is no doubt that a lot of people experience the Monday Blues, and that the period immediately after the holidays can be quite difficult, but does Arnall’s premise hold water? Not surprisingly, he has had his critics. It seems that even the exact Monday is unclear – is it the third or the fourth Monday of January? Wikipedia says it’s the fourth, while other sources (MNN) say it’s the third.

I have an idea. Whether or not Blue Monday exists, why don’t we just gear up for the weekend and start having fun early on a Friday? What do you say? 😉

Photo via Softpedia

Only Speak One Language? At Least Learn to Laugh Online in Other Languages!

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They say that learning a foreign language is one of the best things you can do to expand your horizons. After all, learning to speak a language other than your native tongue does a lot to open your mind – not only to a new way of expressing yourself verbally, but also opening up to a new culture and a different way of thinking. There is, however, the fact that for some people, picking up a new language is not an easy task. It does require some time, effort, and even money.

learn to laugh online in other languages

If you feel that way, why not go an alternative route? Since you probably spend a considerable amount of your time on the Internet, how about you learn how to laugh online in other languages instead? It may be quite far from actually speaking foreign languages, but hey, it’s the thought that counts? (Maybe not, but what the heck!) [Read more…] about Only Speak One Language? At Least Learn to Laugh Online in Other Languages!

The Popinator Takes the Finger Out of Finger Food

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Popcorn launcher
The Popinator

How many times have you played the game of “throw popcorn at me, and I’ll catch it with my wide open mouth” with your friends or siblings? I have not done it in a while, but there it is hard to think of a silly activity that can offer so much fun. Well, unless you count throwing peanuts, and other similar finger food.

All that is fun if you have a throwing partner whose aim is ace, but what if you’re alone? Or what if you simply don’t feel like expending much energy but want to eat some popcorn. Yeah, sometimes you can’t believe how lazy people get, huh?

Enter the Popinator. The machine that takes away the need to use your hands to have some popcorn fun. [Read more…] about The Popinator Takes the Finger Out of Finger Food