IQ Test Says I’m a Word Warrior
Of all warriors, that has to be the weakest.
I took an online IQ test at the behest of Nibirutech. Evidently they subject all of their prospective partners and employees to such a test and use the results to gauge the mental capacity of applicants. The test was more fun than I thought and a lot of the English questions seemed like they'd be a little easy for native English speakers. Anyway, here are the results:
Here's where you can take the test if you have interest: TestQ. Unfortunately they held my test results captive until I registered for an account on the site which I have no interest in using again.
Steve Jobs on Flash on the iPad
This is a followup to my rant on Flash and Steve Jobs does a great job defending his decision. That is, the decision to not include Flash on the iPhone and iPad platforms, which recently has created what the media calls "a war between Apple and Adobe". The Youtube clip is embedded below:
Well played, Jobs.
R.I.P. Myspace
As in, my personal Myspace profile. Rest in peace.
How long has it been? At least 8 years. We had a good run, Myspace. But somewhere between you getting bought out and competing directly against Facebook, fate had it in for you to annoy the shit out of me.
But I have to say: quitting you wasn't easy...
...because Myspace asks you over and over if you're sure you actually want to delete your Myspace account. I have no idea how someone can reach the fifth tier of "Are you sure?" questions on accident.
"Myspace" as it was laid to rest. It's ugly. Click for bigger.
I left a cancellation comment
This was after submitting my cancellation request and confirming the submission 6 times
Hooray! No more Myspace.
Actual Freedom
I came across a thought provoking article today which compares the political freedom of the United States with the other freedoms that China offers. It presents (part of) the other side of the story that anyone living in China knows. That is, that political freedoms aren't all that equate to what we really feel and interpret as personal freedom.
It's short so I decided to post it here in its entirety:
Question: What of kind person would look to China – yes, repressive, dictatorial China – as an example of a “free” country?
Answer: Any person who smokes, drinks, likes cheap movies, enjoys exotic foods and drinks, doesn’t like wearing a seatbelt, has a knack for motorcycles, wants to start a business with minimal hassle, wants to buy sex, has passion for purchasing Louis Vuitton knock-offs, or really really likes driving the wrong way down a one way street.
Obviously, to many in the West, the idea of China being in any way free would seem counterintuitive. After all, the impression that the Western media presents of China is one of oppression, of a complete lack of privacy, liberty, and freedom. In the political realm, this is certainly the case: China is an authoritarian military dictatorship. There are no elections. There are no opposition parties. Freedom of political speech is curtailed. Internet use is monitored and controlled.
But people are much more than merely political. And when it comes to all of the little pleasures that make life worth living – those small pleasures that make us fully human – China is, in many ways, a more free country than our own United States.
Take anti-smoking regulations. Thirty-eight American states now ban cigarette smoking in essentially all indoor public spaces. In hyper-puritanical California, many cities and towns are now banning smoking outside as well. Meanwhile, cigarette prices continue to creep upwards. If you are an American smoker who travels to China, you will find that you are actually more free in the “repressive” Middle Kingdom. Even though some Chinese cities have passed partial limits on public smoking, people are still free to light up in bars, restaurants, and other spots of conviviality. Even in cosmpolitan Shanghai, it’s still common for people to smoke in taxis, hospitals, and retail stores. I don’t smoke myself, but I recognize that smoking is a pleasurable experience for many, and that smoking bans represent an infantalizing attack on a basic right. And when it comes to safeguarding that basic right, China far surpasses the “land of the free.”
It’s not only smoking. Fancy a beer at 4 in the morning? I’m afraid it can’t be done here in Oregon – no alcohol can be sold after 2:30AM. China, of course, imposes no such limits. Have you grown some fresh fruit that you would like to sell on the street corner? Here in the States, I’m afraid you’ll have to apply and pay for a license, and thereafter be subjected to inspections by any manner of pointy-headed government bureaucrat. Too bad you’re not in China: you could have just hopped on your bike and gotten to work. Or perhaps you’re feeling a hankering for a Lady Of The Night? Better be careful you don’t get caught, or you could be sent to jail. If you were in China, you could have headed to any of the technically illegal but wholly tolerated red-light salons and gotten your fix – as well as helped a young woman make her livelihood.
America is increasingly becoming a nation that considers political freedoms to constitute the entirety of “freedom.” Political freedoms are important, and one can only hope that Chinese people will soon enjoy more of them. But there’s so much more to life than voting in elections and petitioning for pet political causes. And indeed, there are basic personal rights and liberties – the right to have a drink when you damn well please, for example – that the US should protect as well as China.
Here in America, we can pat ourselves on the back about being the “freest people on Earth.” But when you get thrown in jail for driving the wrong way down a one way street, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Why I Don’t Like Adobe Flash
Right now, Apple and Adobe are waging a war over something that's had a dramatic impact on the internet for well over a decade. And that is an online technology called Adobe Flash, which presently has an uncertain future.
This started when the iPhone was released without Flash support. To the ire of a vocal minority who didn't have access to streaming video sites (until they upgraded their sites to make them iPhone compatible), this was tantamount to preventing the device from accessing all that the internet has to offer. Now that the iPad has been released, the same concerns carry over to this new device which similarly does not support Flash. As an iPod Touch (and soon to be iPad) user isn't a problem for me at all, and I'll tell you why. It's because Flash detracts more than it adds.
4 Reasons Why Flash Needs to Go:
- It's difficult to use properly, and conversely very easy for everything to go wrong. And that proper use is? Always in service of the content, and never detracting from it. Here's an example of a horrendous site that abuses Flash. It's boisterous and unsightly, auto-plays annoying music, and is all-around terrible. There are millions of sites like it.
- It loads slowly, doesn't scale, and is cumbersome. It might seem like a great idea to add a 2-minute long introduction video to your site to demonstrate to your audience how tech-savvy you are. Don't do that. 80% of your visitors will close the browser tab before your intro finishes because they don't care. Seconds count.
- Google can't crawl any information that you put into Flash and it won't work on mobile devices. You can have your entire site in Flash but none of that information will be accessible to Google and thus, the larger internet. Mobile devices like Blackberries and iPhones won't display your website at all.
- It's an old technology that eats up CPU cycles and battery power, and there are modern technologies like HTML 5 which are superior. In short, aside from Adobe's interest in selling Flash-producing applications, it has no reason to exist going forward. Apple knows this and is accelerating the process, thankfully.
Blocking Flash in Your Browser
I personally (like many others) have a Flash-blocking extension installed in Firefox. This means that any and all Flash on the internet won't appear in my browser unless I specifically enable it to. By and large, the only site that I allow to display flash is Youtube. This trend (of Flash-blocking browser plugins) has gained so much popularity that Ars Technica authored a recent article on the topic, begging users to not block their ads because it funds the production of their website. Sorry Ars: as much as I enjoy your content, Flash adds nothing to your site unless you're an advertiser. Switch to non-Flash adds and people won't block them. Here's a great editorial on TechDirt that discusses the issue further.
Web 2.0 Social Engineering
If you're a foreigner in China with a Paypal account that's linked to a US-based address, I'm willing to bet that you've had your account flagged for "suspicious behavior" at least once. Recently I had an experience with Paypal, which I use for online transactions. The problem occurs when Paypal, referring to its stored address information, mistakes me as a hijacker because I'm accessing my account from China. So when I complete 
transactions over $50 (always sending money and never receiving, of course!) my account could be automatically handicapped by Paypal. It's happened several times to me.
"Limited Account"
When your account access gets "limited", you cannot send money, you can only receive. The balance in your Paypal account is frozen, essentially. To fix this problem you have virtually zero chance of interacting with a human in any way at all: e-mails sent to Paypal are responded to by what appears to be an automated form that instructs me to verify personal details and change my password before finally confirming one of the following three:
- Bank Information: When I tried to enter my bank information it asked for routing and account numbers on my checks. I don't use checks so I have no checks to reference, but I found this account information on my bank's website. I input the information and Paypal says "Sorry, you can't add a bank account with a limited account".
- Credit Card Verification: When I clicked on this button, it said that my credit card had an "incorrect ID number". I edited the credit card information, double checking the number, expiration, and 3-digit security code and they were all correct. When I input the information it says, "Sorry, you can't add a credit card with a limited account".
- Location Information: Paypal wants to confirm that at "home" in the United States. Except I'm not. To prove my identity, Paypal refers you to an image upload application where you can upload a scan of your photo ID to verify identity. I uploaded a high-resolution passport scan and got an e-mail back requesting a "Recent utility bill showing my name and address registered to my Paypal account".
Plan of Action
After being shut down on the first two options and having the third come down to producing a document which is impossible for me to obtain, I'm desperate for a solution. I know that Paypal is probably run by Skynet so there's almost no chance of me reaching an actual person, so here's what I did. It was a long shot, but it worked.
- They're expecting a scan of my utility bill: So to keep their attention and not get forwarded straight to the "automated form" pile, I make them think that's what I'm sending. I format my message into a .gif image and upload it as if it's a scan of my monthly bill.
- Kindly state my circumstance and make a plea for assistance. I kept it simple and to the point. Having had this happen to me before, I understand their concern and address it directly. Including contact information is important.
- Hope someone reads my message. If I can get a reasonable person to read my message, maybe they'll e-mail me personally and help me figure this out. I doubt many people are doing this, so my case probably stands out. For that particular hour, at least.
I Can't Believe This Worked
Within an hour, I received a reply (automated, naturally) stating the following:
Our review is complete and we have restored your account. We appreciate your patience and thank you for your help in making PayPal the safest and most trusted online payment solution.
Here's the .gif I sent:
the actual .gif file that I sent to Paypal when they held my account hostage and demanded a utility bill that I couldn't provide
Now I'll know what to do when you limit my account the next time, Paypal! In all honesty though, I'd prefer they be over-protective rather than neglect suspicious activity. Security > convenience when it comes to online real-money transactions.
The iPad & Digital DJ’ing
Today I came across a post on Gizmodo showing off a new app on the iPad called Mixr. It's not dissimilar to DJ'ing programs on the iPhone (or iPod Touch), but it takes advantage of the iPad's larger screen by enabling more on screen at once. Check out this screen shot and you'll see what I mean:
As you can see, it's a beautiful looking application that looks to challenge at least entry-level DJ applications, although in my opinion it's fatally handicapped by the lack of dual outputs. What that means is that you'll be using the iPad single 3.5mm headphone output to either DJ in stereo without being able to cue anything (which makes it not real DJ'ing, essentially) or split the output into two mono channels and use one for headphones. It looks like a lot of fun to mess around with (especially since you can access your entire iTunes library), but this is no threat to industry standard DJ applications like Serato.
After gleaming over the info and photos in the post I get to the comments section where I naturally find a lot of logical and insightful comments, like these:
"Welcome to the Future."
"Holy hell.. this right here is a killer app for me. Gotta get an iPad now.. no joke"
"Spinning on the iPad will be fun but not really something you can do on a pro level. However, a 10" multitouch surface that can interface with other apps (presumably MIDI over WiFi) could be amazing. $500 Lemur anyone?"
The Timeless Analog vs Digital Debate
But, there always has to be one, doesn't there? One guy who's as abrasive as he is self-righteous and narrow-minded. But it was constructive in that in provoked some thinking.
Here's the comment I read:
He should have just posted this
"I can't stand laptop djs's. Sorry for all you computer dj's: it ain't the real deal. Nothing is better than the quality vinyl offers, and you can actually scratch, honest to goodness scratch, with vinyl, not a laptop with a scratch button. I can bet that in New York or L.A. you'll see these turd burglars in no time at all. Yeah yeah, you don't have to haul a shit ton of vinyl, but guess what, it's part of the art. Do you see concert bassists complain about carrying their instruments. Maybe, but they understand that it's part of playing a large instrument. I understand using cd's, because vinyl is damn expensive and heavy, but only when used in tandem with real vinyl. Final Scratch is fun, and is a good merger of computers and dj'ing, but nothing can replace the feel and warmth of vinyl.
This is a rant, I know, but it just grinds my gears when I see cheesy shit like this."
And my response:
"When you say you can't stand laptop DJ's do you mean virtually every famous DJ touring the earth now? Like Jazzy Jeff, A-Trak, and The Beat Junkies? Because they all use laptops. After 20 years of performing with vinyl only.
This app looks great for beginner DJ's, but it isn't meant to (and cannot) compete with industry standard applications.
It bugs me when vinyl purists act elitist because there are a lot of Serato DJ's who were vinyl purists (I'm one, too) who were converted by what's an incredibly solid and practical solution. I use Serato but vinyl emulation has reached such a refined level of development and practicality that it's become the standard while playing records has become the exception. It's because the experience of DJ'ing with vinyl has been reproduced with such accuracy that it's converted the masses. It's already converted many of the most hardcore vinyl purists that you could name."
Transformation of the DJ Landscape
It's startling when I think of how much has changed in ten years.
Another vinyl purist turned Serato user
In 2000 I was spending most of my pocket change on house records at Yoshitoshi on M Street in Georgetown (Washington DC) while adjusting to adulthood. Now, I check blogs and whitelabel.net every week for new tracks to DJ at my shows. I have 900+ records in storage at my fathers house in Virginia and 100 or or so records with me in China, although I don't ever even use those.
What's the point? With the choice between records or Serato, I'll choose Serato everytime. As much as I love vinyl and the culture surrounding it, I don't like warped records, pops and clicks, or carrying a 40lb bag of records with me to clubs. I like having all my music organized and accessible in a moment, effortlessly flipping between songs and cue points, and being able to add new tracks to my playlists without breaking my back or my wallet. I love scratching and Serato flawlessly produces the unmistakable enjoyment that I experience when I'm scratching actual records. There is zero actual difference in terms of feel.
I'll keep my records though, because they're like a collection of experiences and memories. Every record has a story behind it - sometimes individual drum hits, instruments, or arrangements within songs have their own story. Artwork on the sleeve make each disc totally unique. That's the beauty of vinyl culture and collecting records.
Conclusion
A lot of has changed, but I say that what we've gained is greater than what we've lost. As with all tools, they must be used in the right way.
Best of both worlds: the authentic (and unmistakable) vinyl control of a powerful digital platform
Back from Hong Kong
Two days ago I returned from 8 days in Hong Kong, which was a nice break from the mainland. As usual I crashed with Cassady (DJ Enso), good friend, generous host, and all around champion. Since my last visit to Hong Kong, Cassady had moved to a new apartment on the 11th floor among towering office buildings and the droning noise of Lan Kwai Fong, Central District.
It was a week of living the high life in Hong Kong, eating fine falafels by day and ripping drum & bass records by night. Although the conditions in Hong Kong aren't generally conducive to being relaxed and comfortable, Cassady has carved out a very nice lifestyle and I was mostly treated to that for a brief period. The women that he had coming in and out of his place - incredible. Truly living the high life, he is (in Yoda voice).
The week that I was there Google announced that "Street View" is now enabled in Hong Kong. Cool! Check out Central, it's a truly awe-inspiring neighborhood. Fortunately the photos were taken in the daytime, before Lan Kwai Fong turns into the Asian Bourbon Street. Also known as the "Europetown" of Hong Kong.
To give you an idea: this photo was taken about five meters from the doorway that leads to Cassady's apartment where I was staying:
Conviction & Love in the Inner Circle: My Favorite Uncle Gets Married
To be fair, I should clarify: I only have one uncle - but if I had more than one, I'm confident he would be my favorite. Because he is awesome.
Congratulations to my Uncle George (my father's younger brother) as he celebrates with his beautiful new wife which he is completely in love with. Check out this great instant message that he sent me:
I'm silently confirming to myself that when I get married, this is the mindset that I aspire to. In a world of (what often seems like) people making compromises and getting married for questionable reasons, it's inspiring to witness someone so close to me demonstrate such conviction, love, and courage.
Congratulations George, we love you and we're very proud.
19th Step Updated, 2010 Year of the Tiger Edition
It's been another year, and I've made some updates to 19th Step.
It's been a few years now since I was really posting on a regular basis and I attribute that to spending less time traveling and having more outlets for my thoughts and ideas - but it remains a great place to dump my thoughts or drop a note about what I'm working on.
Makes it so much simpler
In the past 3 months I've been doing a lot of WordPress design and development, modifying themes and setting up new sites. A few (Disco Death, Chengdu Living) of them are online, but the bulk are still in production. I'm looking forward to releasing those and in the meantime I'm having a great time learning more and refining my skills. It's nice to know that web development has gone in such a modular direction, it's far less of a headache than it was 5+ years ago because powerful, flexible, and straight forward content systems like WordPress and Joomla have really blossomed.
Having full control over the things that I'm working on is also a luxury that I appreciate each and every single day.
Over the last two days, here are some of the changes I've made:
- Changed background, link, and title colors, added a tiled background image
- Added an RSS banner at the top and delegated the feed to Feedburner
- Enabled comments, avatars which work through Gravatar, and added "Leave a comment" link to each post
- Found the right combination of 14 plugins, like WPtouch, which makes the site look pretty on an iPhone or iPod Touch
- Trimmed down the categories. I deleted almost 10 categories that had fewer than 10 posts and assigned the relevant tags to those posts.
- Tagging previous posts. This is a work in progress but I've started the process of tagging over 5 years of posts!
- Added links to Chengdu Living, Disco Death, and Just Charlie to the sidebar
- Added a tag cloud to the sidebar. This will become more useful when the bulk of the posts are tagged
- Removed my e-mail address and social network links, and replaced them with a simple contact form.
Nothing left to add to this site except content!