More on Second Life

After joining Second Life nearly a month ago as a poor citizen with the name of Duderino Doobie, I have spent almost zero time on it. And it's not because I've been so busy that there is no time to explore my second life, but rather that I don't think it's very entertaining. Okay great, I can fly around and mingle with people. But frankly I think it's kinda stupid and clunky from a user's perspective.

With that said, I'm still very fascinated by everything that goes on with second life and other global online communities. Whether it's the bank runs or the severe drop in Second Life's USD spend - I'm hooked.

That's why I was quite entertained when I flipped through the ODNI's (Office of the Director of National Intelligence) declassified report on data mining to Congress earlier this February. Most notably the sections on their project named Reynard which is designated with the goal of "automatically detecting suspicious behavior and actions in the virtual world". My favorite part:

The cultural and behavioral norms of virtual worlds and gaming are generally unstudied. Therefore, Reynard will seek to identify the emerging social, behavioral and cultural norms in virtual worlds and gaming environments. The project would then apply the lessons learned to determine the feasibility of automatically detecting suspicious behavior and actions in the virtual world.

Wow. An economy. Bank runs. Terrorism. Who would have every guessed that something like Second Life would have ever taken this turn?

A Little on Superdelegates

If you can't already tell, I'm quite interested in all of the politics this election year (largely the fault of plowing through all seven seasons of the West Wing). And with so much of the media focused on the role of superdelegates this year, I figured a little insight from Tad Devine (Democratic strategist) wouldn't hurt:

The Sky is Falling

Last week I had a conversation with someone at work about the Pentagon's plan to shoot down US 193 - our very expensive spy satellite that seems to have taken a turn for the worse. While I originally hadn't been paying too much attention to it, he convinced me that this is quite the spectacle.

So for starters, we're talking about a 5000 pound satellite that is descending from space over the next few days. It so happens that this satellite was a secret spy satellite propelled by several small engines fueled by 400 liters of Hydrazine - a lethally toxic chemical that was stored in a container which will not burn up on reentry. [read: could cause deadly toxic cloud on impact] But since many people have realized that there is something like a 4/trillion chance that the toxic cloud (which is only toxic for a short while) will hit an area with a single person in it, this argument for shooting down the satellite seems to be a little silly. Many folks are speculating that this is just a chance for the government to show off our anti-satellite/anti-missile defense system.

After evaluating this situation, the Pentagon announced that they would stage three attempts to shoot down this satellite with SM3 missiles. When I first heard this, I assumed these missiles were just like every other missile I normally see in the movies; you launch it, it gets close to the target, and explodes. But oh no - the SM3 is a kinetic missile - a missile that doesn't explode on impact, it just hits its target really, really, really, hard.

And when I say 'hard', I mean freaking hard. The small projectile that finally hits the target is only the size of a shoe box, but carries 135 megajoules worth of force -the equivalent of a 10 ton truck moving 600 mph. Yikes.

Here's a nice little video that plays out what the SM3 will do as it goes to hit our billion dollar satellite tomorrow:

If that doesn't interest you, maybe all of the controversy concerning the debris cloud might. This report argues that the debris cloud will fall over Canada, move over to Western Africa, and finally cover Eastern Australia. While many people would consider a miss to be a failure, the report argues that a direct hit would be even worse. From the same report, here is the trajectory:

The small white dot indicates the point of intercept for US 193.

And to add even more excitement, all of this might be happening during the lunar eclipse tomorrow night! How fun!

Mint.com

This afternoon I committed serious infidelity against the long and exclusive relationship I've built with my ever reliable financial planning software....Quicken. After reading half a dozen articles about the young and sexy mint.com, it was only a matter of time before my financially prudent eyes began wandering over to mint's seductive offering. After a few minutes indulging on its younger features, I'm sold. I've found myself questioning if I should abandon all the history I've built up with Quicken and commit myself to the possibility of a future with mint. It seems foolish and rash, I know, but it seems so right...

To add a twist to this troubling love triangle, this is the first year I've used Turbo Tax - the offspring equivalent from my relationship with Quicken. While I have always liked Quicken and found our times together useful, it has been anything but love at first sight. We've had our fights and our struggles and we definitely don't see eye-to-eye in a lot of situations. But, I love Turbo Tax. After going through the experience of filing taxes by hand last year (mainly due to lofting), I am firmly committed to Turbo Tax and I don't want to see my choice in financial planning software affect that relationship.

Here's a nice photo I snapped of mint after our time together.... (sans sensitive information)

Best DUI Ever

My mom sent me this a few days ago and I just got around to watching it now. It's pretty funny...

My Reaction to Disneyland

While Google disappointingly decided to forgo the annual ski trip, Disneyland wasn't so bad...

What the hell am I talking about - is there another company that would have taken me and thousands of other employees to Disneyland for a few random weekdays in February? I think not. (For those of you not in the know, every year Google treats its Googlers to a West Coast Trip. Historically it has been a ski trip to Tahoe, but this year they took us to Disneyland)

The last time I was at a Disney-anything was during my freshman year at Michigan. My lacrosse team was down in Florida playing a few games and we decided to venture over to Disney World during one of our days off. Compared to Disneyland, I distinctly remember there being way more alcohol at Disney World - not that alcohol is a critical component for the entertainment value of amusement parks...

Anyway, as a young 20 something, Disneyland wasn't exactly my scene. Obviously I saw some of the value in all of the attractions and what not, I just would have rather spent my time skiing or golfing somewhere. But without question, Space Mountain was quite cool and it totally runs like a ride designed by Walt Disney himself. The best part

1. It's the first roller coaster I've been on that runs in the dark.
   
2. It has a bad ass soundtrack that plays while you ride (sound effects, etc.).

So even though I would have preferred 74 degrees on the 14th green, the Imagineers did a nice job of keeping me entertained.

Super Tuesday!

It's Super Tuesday baby! Get out and vote! It is absolutely unacceptable for anybody not to vote today....with one exception. If you happen to be an independent and you're in a state that doesn't allow independents to vote for the party you'd like to vote for. That sucks. I'm feeling for you.

Here's a little gadget I'll be watching all day (between roller coasters):

State of the Matt

In spirit of all the states that seem to be happening (California, US), and due to my poor performance in communication lately, it seemed appropriate to issue my State of the Matt address. Ladies and gentlemen, Matt Hudson.

[Applause]

Thank you. Thank you Matterica.

[Thunderous applause. Matt smiles, obviously flattered, and pauses for 12 minutes]

Thank you Matterica. The last 12 months have been of transition and change for me, as a Matt, but they have also been some of the most important 12 months of my life. With my move out to San Francisco and into independence, I have stepped into my young adult shoes and tied my laces tight for the marathon in the years ahead. While there have been many hurdles and turns in the race this year, I want to assure you that every step I took was on the path in the right direction. At times I may have stumbled or paused, but I inevitably regained my balance and breath to continue taking long strides towards my dreams.

[Applause]

On the economy (work) of Matt, I could not have wished for a better year. Even though I made significant productivity gains and maintained a heavy trade surplus, none of that would have been possible if I had not started in the top position. Google has treated me very well, especially over the last two months, and I am quite happy with the people I work with and the direction that I am headed. The meconomy needs no stimulus package, cash infusion, or lower interest rates to stay strong. The meconomy thrives on ideas and innovation and I am privileged to be a part of a trade organization that supports the same principles.

In a few months, the meconomy will shift gears as I rotate into another position, but I am equally optimistic - if not more - of this change. There are several bright minds planning for this transition and I am confident the economy of Matt will stay strong.

[Applause]

On social welfare (relationships), this was a tumultuous year for Matterica. I definitely saw my ups and my downs, and many times I questioned my participation in this kind of welfare. Sometimes the risk seemed too great and the reward too fleeting. Nevertheless, the last month of 2007 brought a great surprise and I'm happy to say that my state of social welfare has not been better. I foresee no 'boomer' level crisis for this welfare state and am thrilled at the way things are turning out.

[More applause]

Education has always been very important for long term strength and development of myself and 2008 was no exception. While I haven't taken any classes since graduation, I can assure you that my education is far from over. Over the next few months, I have laid out several initiatives to help stimulate my mind and progressively build my skill sets. This includes taking the GMAT, learning R, and taking some technical classes at a local school. My top advisers are currently working on the best strategy I can take here and I assure you that we are keeping my best interest in mind.

[Applause]

On National Security (politics), after spending dozens of hours deliberating with my top political advisers I have submitted my absentee ballot for the California primary with a vote for Barack Obama. In the end, I found his argument for transparency more compelling than any other candidate and I have made no secret that transparency was my top priority.

[Standing applause]

2007 was a tremendous year. Without question, it changed my life. But with the same confidence and the same vigor, 2008 holds more promise and more hope. God bless me. God bless Matterica.