humor

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

March 15, 2013 By noemi Leave a Comment

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.

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]

The Popinator Takes the Finger Out of Finger Food

September 19, 2012 By noemi Leave a Comment

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]

Haiku Computer Error Messages

October 18, 2011 By noemi 1 Comment

Do you like poetry? Maybe not? I have a confession to make. Poetry calms me down. When I feel stressed or something is bothering me, reading poetry usually does the trick.

Now you may not feel the same way, but I am sure that you will appreciate the effort and creativity that went into these one-of-a-kind computer error messages. They are not your usual curt and brief error messages that go straight to the point. Don’t get me wrong – there is nothing wrong with these messages, they get the job done. But with all the time I spend in front of my computer, some deviation makes for a little bit of fun.[Read More]

Software Gives Computers Sense of Humor

May 4, 2011 By noemi 1 Comment

Work 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

April 18, 2011 By noemi 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

Camel = Cancer

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

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?