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Most people understand that computers have technically been around for about a half century or so. But there have been multiple reports of computer-like items before that time, depending on your definition of a computer.
Then there's the Ancient Moon computer, which is about 2,000 years old. According to a recent article published in the journal Nature, this device may have been used to predict eclipses of the solar and lunar variety.
One of the more depressing things online is when you notice that not a single one of your AIM buddies is at his or her computer. Even though you may actually have to do some work (or, at the very least, envelop yourself in Internet "research"), it's always to find at least one additional soul you know that's also available.
I've played my fair share of board games, and I'm pretty up to speed with a majority of newer games. I have to say that the basic version of Apples to Apples is one of the best. You can play it with a group of adults or kids, and it's fun to play at any level.
Sometimes books are labeled fairly in a certain genre, although they may appear to people who do not normally enjoy the given category. "Ender's Game," by Orson Scott Card, has to be categorized as a science-fiction novel. But luckily for the reader, it's much more than that.
I have had Verizon service for almost two years. I guess I would classify myself as being a little less than satisfied with the product. I had to switch phones four times, and I've spoken with the company's reps more than 10 times regarding my service. While nothing was ever completely solved, the reps always attempted to help me, which gave me a little satisfaction in knowing they were at least trying.
But after the recent Verizon debacle regarding an erroneous rate charge, I have to consider questioning what is occurring at the phone super giant.
More than two years ago, I wrote a column about how people think I look like other people. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you see this), I'm not the only person who experiences this look-a-like problem. Here are some comments:
Chatting with bots can be fun ... sort of strange, but fun. But what about bots chatting with each other? Can they determine that each other is not human?
Well, that's a tossup, but Discover Magazine tried to determine this particular item. ALICE and Jabberwacky have been chatting with people for quite some time now. And finally, they have been introduced.
How many different types of license plates are there in the world? I'm not sure, but if you are ready to do a hand count, you could start at License Plates of the World. You will find a ridiculous amount of license plates; not just current ones, but past plates as well. There are also ways to purchase some of the plates, if you happen to be the type of person who is missing that 1930s vintage Montana plate.
Just like any insane person, I do a fair share of talking to my computer. Amazingly enough, it never seems to talk back, even after the constant urging to get something done or to stop crashing.
Join me on Saturday, Jan. 21, to check "The Developers" and book signing event. I will be at the Evansville Borders (6401 East Lloyd Expressway) 12-2 p.m. and at Owensboro's Beyond the Brim (Wesleyan Park Plaza) 4-6 p.m. The book is currently available at these locations, as well as other regional bookstores and Amazon.com. It is also now available through Baker & Taylor, a national distributor.
Even if you already have a book, or you don't want to buy one, or you don't know how to read, come out to the locations and say hi!