Comments for Alon's Blog http://blog.8ln.org An Israeli in the bay Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:32:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 Comment on Open Letter to Stanford University by yuvaler http://blog.8ln.org/2010/02/open-letter-to-stanford-university/#comment-657 yuvaler Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:29:07 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2010/02/open-letter-to-stanford-university/#comment-657 So, do you finally know who this stranger is? So, do you finally know who this stranger is?

]]> Comment on Open Letter to Stanford University by Anonymous http://blog.8ln.org/2010/02/open-letter-to-stanford-university/#comment-656 Anonymous Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:31:56 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2010/02/open-letter-to-stanford-university/#comment-656 Were you able to get your stuff back ok? Were you able to get your stuff back ok?

]]> Comment on Open Letter to Stanford University by Ola http://blog.8ln.org/2010/02/open-letter-to-stanford-university/#comment-655 Ola Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:17:59 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2010/02/open-letter-to-stanford-university/#comment-655 You're absolutely right. This is such bullshit! "OMG, lighter fluid! That's like... napalm! Right?" Not even to mention the handcuffs :-) You’re absolutely right. This is such bullshit!
“OMG, lighter fluid! That’s like… napalm! Right?” Not even to mention the handcuffs :-)

]]> Comment on Walking to work experiment by Blake http://blog.8ln.org/2009/05/walking-to-work-experiment/#comment-653 Blake Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:59:28 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/05/walking-to-work-experiment/#comment-653 If you want to save time, you can get one of those Razor scooters. I am not very agile but after a few minutes got the hang of it :) If you want to save time, you can get one of those Razor scooters. I am not very agile but after a few minutes got the hang of it :)

]]> Comment on Macs, part 4: getting a new MacBook by Anonymous http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/macs-part-4-getting-a-new-macbook/#comment-643 Anonymous Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:37:25 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/macs-part-4-getting-a-new-macbook/#comment-643 why? why?

]]> Comment on Rant about fancy hotels by math4origami http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-642 math4origami Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:20:30 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-642 They pay for the convenience of having everything close by, within the same building. It's just like how Stanford charges so much for parking, food, and other amenities, or how movie theaters and sports stadiums charge so much for their food. They own or are paying for the location and want their money's worth. They pay for the convenience of having everything close by, within the same building. It’s just like how Stanford charges so much for parking, food, and other amenities, or how movie theaters and sports stadiums charge so much for their food. They own or are paying for the location and want their money’s worth.

]]> Comment on Macs, part 3: Podcasts, Customer Service, and Fingers by Macs, part 4: getting a new MacBook - Alon’s Blog http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/macs-part-3-podcasts-customer-service-and-fingers/#comment-641 Macs, part 4: getting a new MacBook - Alon’s Blog Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:25:47 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/macs-part-3-podcasts-customer-service-and-fingers/#comment-641 [...] my previous post I wrote about my experience with macs, and the conclusion was that in order to criticize macs [...] […] my previous post I wrote about my experience with macs, and the conclusion was that in order to criticize macs […]

]]> Comment on Macs, part 3: Podcasts, Customer Service, and Fingers by epsalon http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/macs-part-3-podcasts-customer-service-and-fingers/#comment-636 epsalon Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:07:05 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/macs-part-3-podcasts-customer-service-and-fingers/#comment-636 <p>I think the main problem is that OSs such as Linux are designed from the perspective of the computer's structure. Things that are simple for the computer are easy to do, things that are complicated are complicated.</p> <p>Macs on the other hand are designed the other way around. The OS seems to make things that USERS want to do easy, while hiding a lot of the technical complexity. Therefore, it is tricky to figure out what each and every action does (since so much is happening in the background), but the end result happens to be what the user wanted it to be.</p> <p>The main problem with that is that you don't have a sense of ownership. If the computer does what Apple wants it to do, not what <b>I</b> want it to do. In what way is it <i>my</i> computer? Where's all the joy of tweaking and setting everything up to work just the way you want it?</p> <p>Apple advertises itself with the slogan "Think Different", however the core principle behind Apple products is that everyone has exactly the same thing. The same desktop, the same background, the same menus, and the same shortcuts. Why people buy iPods instead of radios when they all listen to the same music? I am reminded by a radio ad for an iPhone app that lets you listen to public radio. Why not get a <b>radio</b>? </p> I think the main problem is that OSs such as Linux are designed from the perspective of the computer’s structure. Things that are simple for the computer are easy to do, things that are complicated are complicated.

Macs on the other hand are designed the other way around. The OS seems to make things that USERS want to do easy, while hiding a lot of the technical complexity. Therefore, it is tricky to figure out what each and every action does (since so much is happening in the background), but the end result happens to be what the user wanted it to be.

The main problem with that is that you don’t have a sense of ownership. If the computer does what Apple wants it to do, not what I want it to do. In what way is it my computer? Where’s all the joy of tweaking and setting everything up to work just the way you want it?

Apple advertises itself with the slogan “Think Different”, however the core principle behind Apple products is that everyone has exactly the same thing. The same desktop, the same background, the same menus, and the same shortcuts. Why people buy iPods instead of radios when they all listen to the same music? I am reminded by a radio ad for an iPhone app that lets you listen to public radio. Why not get a radio?

]]> Comment on Rant about fancy hotels by epsalon http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-634 epsalon Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:33:41 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-634 Thank you all for the interesting discussion. I would like to reply to several important points: 1. Amenities - even the cheapest of motels have someone at the reception office 24/7. Even in the cheapest of motels, they'll call a cab for you. Usually, it's easier to get reliable information on the Internet than from a concierge anyway. Regarding things like spa, fitness, and business centers, in most fancy hotels these cost (a lot) extra. For the same price, you could usually find similar third party nearby the cheap motel, and the price will still be cheaper if you include cab fare. 2. Location - Cheap motels can be found in extremely convenient locations, e.g. the airport shuttle I mentioned above, or within short walking distance of Stanford University. Moreover, the daily price of a rental car is significantly lower than the difference in price between hotel and motel. 3. Room size -- I've seen crowded fancy hotels and spacious motels. Not to mention that for the price of the fancy hotel you could get three motel rooms... 4. Ironing and cleaning service - These are usually extremely expensive. For a lesser price you could call a third-party cleaning service to your motel room that will provide the same service. Your comments confirmed my suspicion that these hotels cater to people who don't pay their own bill, or have so much extra money that a $500/day hotel bill is negligible to them. Thank you all for the interesting discussion. I would like to reply to several important points:
1. Amenities - even the cheapest of motels have someone at the reception office 24/7. Even in the cheapest of motels, they’ll call a cab for you. Usually, it’s easier to get reliable information on the Internet than from a concierge anyway. Regarding things like spa, fitness, and business centers, in most fancy hotels these cost (a lot) extra. For the same price, you could usually find similar third party nearby the cheap motel, and the price will still be cheaper if you include cab fare.
2. Location - Cheap motels can be found in extremely convenient locations, e.g. the airport shuttle I mentioned above, or within short walking distance of Stanford University. Moreover, the daily price of a rental car is significantly lower than the difference in price between hotel and motel.
3. Room size — I’ve seen crowded fancy hotels and spacious motels. Not to mention that for the price of the fancy hotel you could get three motel rooms…
4. Ironing and cleaning service - These are usually extremely expensive. For a lesser price you could call a third-party cleaning service to your motel room that will provide the same service.

Your comments confirmed my suspicion that these hotels cater to people who don’t pay their own bill, or have so much extra money that a $500/day hotel bill is negligible to them.

]]> Comment on Rant about fancy hotels by yuvaler http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-633 yuvaler Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:09:44 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-633 By the way, the best sex by far is at home when the girls are deposited at their grandparents. By the way, the best sex by far is at home when the girls are deposited at their grandparents.

]]> Comment on Rant about fancy hotels by yuvaler http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-632 yuvaler Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:08:35 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-632 I never use fancy hotels when traveling on a vacation. I just don't think that the nice bed is worth the extra money. When traveling to a city, the location is very important and being at the center of town is really useful, so I usually choose smaller, usually privately owned 3 star hotels in the center of the a city. Fancy hotels are almost always geared for the rich and for people on business. When you are hopping between cities, sleeping every night in a different hotel, the following is important: 1. Somebody who is around at 3am in the morning when you arrive, and the area of the hotel well illuminated. 2. Somebody who will call you a trustworthy taxi, and will tell you how much time it will take to get to the airport at 7am, with traffic. 3. Iron for your shirts, as well as a dry cleaning service in case you require to clean a dirty suit, or have no time to iron your shirts. 4. Parking is never a problem because business people usually don't rent cars. Yuvaler I never use fancy hotels when traveling on a vacation. I just don’t think that the nice bed is worth the extra money.
When traveling to a city, the location is very important and being at the center of town is really useful, so I usually choose smaller, usually privately owned 3 star hotels in the center of the a city.
Fancy hotels are almost always geared for the rich and for people on business. When you are hopping between cities, sleeping every night in a different hotel, the following is important:
1. Somebody who is around at 3am in the morning when you arrive, and the area of the hotel well illuminated.
2. Somebody who will call you a trustworthy taxi, and will tell you how much time it will take to get to the airport at 7am, with traffic.
3. Iron for your shirts, as well as a dry cleaning service in case you require to clean a dirty suit, or have no time to iron your shirts.
4. Parking is never a problem because business people usually don’t rent cars.
Yuvaler

]]> Comment on Rant about fancy hotels by RAK http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-631 RAK Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:30:41 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-631 As someone who translates travel guides, including listings for fancy hotels, I have also often wondered about this. What fancy hotels have and motels lack is usually refered to by two code-words - 'amenities' and 'style'. 'Amenities' are things like a spa, fitness center, business center, a concierge that calls cabs for you/helps you plan a night on the town, etc. - usually things that are not very important to you (or me) but are to others. 'style' is even more fickle, as it has to do with nothing functional and only with the design (usually in the lobby, sometimes in the rooms too). However, the three advantages that I really enjoy in high-class hotels (the few I've slept in) are: 1. The comfy beds (already mentioned) 2. The room size (motels can be very cramped, especially for two people) 3. The location - a midtown hotel saves time, money and hassles. As someone who translates travel guides, including listings for fancy hotels, I have also often wondered about this. What fancy hotels have and motels lack is usually refered to by two code-words - ‘amenities’ and ’style’. ‘Amenities’ are things like a spa, fitness center, business center, a concierge that calls cabs for you/helps you plan a night on the town, etc. - usually things that are not very important to you (or me) but are to others. ’style’ is even more fickle, as it has to do with nothing functional and only with the design (usually in the lobby, sometimes in the rooms too). However, the three advantages that I really enjoy in high-class hotels (the few I’ve slept in) are:
1. The comfy beds (already mentioned)
2. The room size (motels can be very cramped, especially for two people)
3. The location - a midtown hotel saves time, money and hassles.

]]> Comment on Rant about fancy hotels by Blake http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-629 Blake Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:48:36 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-629 I think it has to do with what a person is used to... for example, I grew up in a home full of firm beds. It's what my parents always bought and I even got to choose a new bed sometime in high school and I chose a firm bed, so looking back, I know I used to like firm beds. When I started sleeping at Jason's, I thought he was insane for having an "ultra plush" pillow top mattress and had trouble sleeping. Now I love it. Just this week I spent a night at my parents and had a horrible time falling asleep because the bed was too hard! I have also trained myself into needing very high quality bed sheets. Anything "standard" feels rough to me, including basic Best Western level hotel sheets and I don't sleep with much clothes on so it makes it that much worse. So I think what it comes down to is that I am spoiled when it comes to beds. I can't sleep well on a bad bed and it's worth the extra $75 dollars or so to Jason and I to ensure I have a good night's sleep, not to mention that the better hotels are pretty much guaranteed to be up to our cleanliness standards. I am DEATHY afraid of bringing fleas or bedbugs home because they are so hard to get rid of! I think it has to do with what a person is used to… for example, I grew up in a home full of firm beds. It’s what my parents always bought and I even got to choose a new bed sometime in high school and I chose a firm bed, so looking back, I know I used to like firm beds.

When I started sleeping at Jason’s, I thought he was insane for having an “ultra plush” pillow top mattress and had trouble sleeping. Now I love it. Just this week I spent a night at my parents and had a horrible time falling asleep because the bed was too hard!

I have also trained myself into needing very high quality bed sheets. Anything “standard” feels rough to me, including basic Best Western level hotel sheets and I don’t sleep with much clothes on so it makes it that much worse.

So I think what it comes down to is that I am spoiled when it comes to beds. I can’t sleep well on a bad bed and it’s worth the extra $75 dollars or so to Jason and I to ensure I have a good night’s sleep, not to mention that the better hotels are pretty much guaranteed to be up to our cleanliness standards. I am DEATHY afraid of bringing fleas or bedbugs home because they are so hard to get rid of!

]]> Comment on Rant about fancy hotels by epsalon http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-628 epsalon Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:42:38 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-628 I guess I can't really feel the difference between a Motel 6 bed and a Hilton bed. Not to mention that even the Motel 6 bed is much much comfier than what I have at home. Why do people spend so much extra for beds specifically while traveling? I guess I can’t really feel the difference between a Motel 6 bed and a Hilton bed. Not to mention that even the Motel 6 bed is much much comfier than what I have at home. Why do people spend so much extra for beds specifically while traveling?

]]> Comment on Rant about fancy hotels by Blake http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-627 Blake Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:38:02 +0000 http://blog.8ln.org/2009/08/rant-about-fancy-hotels/#comment-627 I have found that the quality of the beds and sheets (and pillows, but I always bring my own anyway) are substantially superior in the nicer hotels and are worth the cost to upgrade to at least a Marriott level hotel. The only hotels I've ever stayed in that were around $50 per night were Days Inns, Motel 6s, and similar motels when I was driving across the country before I met Jason. While we had some "nice" ones (the beds and sheets were never what I consider to be nice,) we had just as many dirty disgusting bug-infested hell holes. I have found that the quality of the beds and sheets (and pillows, but I always bring my own anyway) are substantially superior in the nicer hotels and are worth the cost to upgrade to at least a Marriott level hotel.

The only hotels I’ve ever stayed in that were around $50 per night were Days Inns, Motel 6s, and similar motels when I was driving across the country before I met Jason. While we had some “nice” ones (the beds and sheets were never what I consider to be nice,) we had just as many dirty disgusting bug-infested hell holes.

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