news http://www.webupon.com/tags/news New posts about news Why I Will Never Use Google Chrome http://www.webupon.com/Browsers/Why-I-Will-Never-Use-Google-Chrome.241631

We're all part of the matrix.

Browser wars. Faster speed, better security, design.

I say, leave that. Let's focus beyond the matrix.

Why do you think Google released it's new browser? To give you a better user experience?

Yes and no. Of course, they will try to make their browser better in order to convince you to switch from IE or Firefox. But it's mostly for their gain.

Why did Google release a new browser? To compete with IE and Microsoft? Some publications say so. But I DISAGREE. There's a bigger picture here.

Google is on it's way to dominate the internet. Few months ago they released Knol, thus becoming direct competition of Wikipedia. Now they released a new browser. In a few months, I predict they will release a new offline email client (and will become a competition to Thunderbird and Outlook), web OS, Google Laptop...who knows what else.

The reason is simple. If you look at the history of Google...

They became a synonym for search engine.

They are on their road to become a synonym for the INTERNET. Actually, they may have achieved their target already. How to find out? When you think of the internet, what comes first on your mind? Yeah, I thought so...

So, next mission: Internet. After that, COMPUTERS. Who knows, someday Google may become a synonym for the WORLD :) Planet Google, imagine that.

Anyway, let's see the other reason behind this new Google Browser.

DATA...behavior. This is the thing that gives Google a SIGNIFICANT advantage over it's competitors.

They love to know about your internet habits. The more data they collect about your habits, the more they can leverage their data. How?

Well, if you install Google Chrome they'll collect data of which sites you visit, which search terms you type. They can use this in Google Search to display more relevant search information and gain significant advantage over it's competitors.

They can also display more relevant ads via their Google Adsense program so the probability you'll click and purchase would be lot bigger. Also, they will see which sites you visit most so they'll rank their pages higher the next time you perform a search so you can be more satisfied. Simple as that. Competitive advantage, more customers. Every business dream.

Now, why I don't want to use Google new browser? Because I think it's very, very unfair of this company to compete on all fields. They want to grab EVERYTHING from the internet. They crush all the competition too. Also, they invade my privacy. And I don't like when someone does that. I think that one day Google will pay expensively for this...(it's strange that the government doesn't do anything significant to stop this, maybe they are corrupted or something...?)

So, that's my view of that whole situation. What's your opinion?

]]> Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:11:02 PST Social Bookmarking's Buzz http://www.webupon.com/Social-Bookmarking/Social-Bookmarkings-Buzz.236105 The internet has be filled with many social bookmarking websites such as Digg, and StumbleUpon. Recently, Yahoo has joined the field with Yahoo Buzz!. It is like Digg in many ways, with a more noticeably "Yahoo!" experience.

Many have speculated that if companies such as Google were to take over Digg, that they would integrate such a site into searches as well as news services. As Yahoo! has shown, it can be easily integrated into web articles such as the ones published on their site. This will allow the editors of Yahoo News to understand what people want to hear and bring easier access to such news.

While social bookmarking sites have existed for a while, it is unknown how integrating it into a search engine will change the quality of results. It does however, allow search engine creators to understand what information the internet population is looking for. This can create many improvements in search quality, while it may also bring up irrelevant items when doing a search on a topic.

Yahoo is exploring new ways to reinvent itself and allow it to increase its market share of the internet over Google. Such an initiatives can teach other sites how to improve their traffic while improving the internet environment for everyone.

]]> Sun, 31 Aug 2008 07:05:17 PST Nine Crazy and Hilarious Websites That Went Far Away From the Internet Application http://www.webupon.com/Web-Talk/Nine-Crazy-and-Hilarious-Websites-That-Went-Far-Away-From-the-Internet-Application.213919

  • Creating Fake Newspaper

    With this provided service, now you can write any fake news in order to create fake newspaper articles to fool your friends. It looks so real! See the attached sample. What? Alien abduction? Human is taken by UFO?! Could you believe?

  • You Misspelled Wikipedia?

    Image Source

    No, this is spelled right as a Unicyclopedia but not a Wikipedia. Here, you'll have all the information you will (n) ever need. It's an official encyclopedia for unicycle enthusiasts to share their secrets and views. But could you dig it? It's choked full of untrue facts and utter lies. The non-confusing page may lead to confusion and disarray but it's everything you need for laughs!

  • I Respond In Accordance to Your Command

    Image Source

    This is an interactive flash website with Stewie from the TV cartoon comedy “Family Guy” as a charcter. This website is funny as each command you input will instruct Stewie to respond accordingly. When you type “You poop”, this guy will pee. When you asked him to dance, he did a cool dance. When you type, “world domination”, there'll be a short but cool animation on screen. This website is indeed crazy and hilarious, why don't you give it a try?

  • How Rich Are You in the World?

    Image Source

    Do you want to know how rich are you? Here's your opportunity to find out your financial status in the world. Just type you annual income into the box provided and hit the button : “show me the money!” You might accidentally find that you are probably grouped into a high-income individual.

  • All You Need to Know About Toilets

    Image Source

    This website displays everything about the toilet that you need to know. Here, you'll come across with the toilet's designs, toilet's sounds and many other toilet news made for the enjoyment of the entire family.

  • Your Eyes Betray You

    Image Source

    Here you'll experience a variety of “space distortions”, “optical illusions”, and “visual phenomena” in terms of its space, time and motion. Your eyes, in fact, have betrayed you with what you saw! My related article on this optical illusion is here.

  • Prepare a Deathswitch Before You Die

    Image Source

    Here, an individual can leave his or her deathswitch. If by accidentaly, the individual leaves the world, all his or her mails will be despatched to the pre-decide mailbox.

  • Create a Fake Message or E-mail

    Image Source

    If you wish to deliver an anonymous SMS Text messages or an anonymous email to your friend, then you've come to the right place here.

  • Unveil the Facts

    Image Source

    This website simulates the level of carbon dioxide emission, birth and death rates of each country all in a real-time basis.
    • ]]>     Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:47:46 PST     Five Great Sources to Get Your News http://www.webupon.com/Web-Talk/Five-Great-Sources-to-Get-Your-News.186063 There are countless avenues one can use to get the news. From the internet to newspapers to cable news networks that broadcast twenty-four hours a day. I, like everyone else has their favorite sources for what's going on in the world.

    1. The Wall Street Journal

       For those of us invested in the stock market, but also for those of us who want US news and world news, the Journal is fantastic. It's available online, for a subscription can be quite expensive, nearly an investment on its own. One of my favorite features is that on the front page in the left-hand column are snippets of the day's news, which gives you a taste of the story and if you choose to read on, tells you where to find the rest of the story.

    2. The New York Times

       This is an old favorite. It did go through a bit of a scandal a few years back, but it has recovered quote nicely and provides intelligent coverage of all that's going on in the United States as well as abroad. Also available online, and the subscription is more reasonable. If you like reading weekend papers, the weekend section of the Times is excellent, but remember that most of what is written pertains to those living in New York City, as far as local attractions and the like.

    3. NPR (National Public Radio)

       This is one of my favorites. It has so much variety in what it covers and goes to great lengths to bring you what you need to know to be informed about the world around you. There is no newspaper for NPR, but it is available online and you have to check your local radio listings to get the local station. NPR is definitely worth tuning in, especially for Morning/Afternoon Edition, which gives you detailed coverage of the day's top stories on your way to work.

    4. BBC

       By far my favorite news source. The way the news is presented is impeccable. The BBC is extremely unbiased and intelligent. Don't use BBC if you're looking for domestic news, but I would recommend it above all others if you're seeking world news. Especially of note is their coverage of the war in Iraq. Like NPR, there is no newspaper, but is available online as well as on cable television. Here in the United States, you can access it through BBC America. If you don't have cable, check your local public television station's schedule, for it is often broadcast at 11:30pm on most public television stations.

    5. The Guardian

       This is a British newspaper that I have consulted on numerous occasions when doing research and projects for school. Like BBC, very intelligent coverage, and the newspaper subscription may not be available here in the United States in certain areas. But it is online and it does have its own sections on news for the United States as well as the rest of the world.
    ]]>     Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:55:21 PST     10 Incredibly Interesting Things to Do Online Just to Unwind http://www.webupon.com/Web-Talk/10-Incredibly-Interesting-Things-to-Do-Online-Just-to-Unwind.166473 This is the first in a series of articles, which will focus on fun and interesting things to do on the Internet. The websites and activities must be incredibly interesting and rather unique to qualify for one of the articles in this series. So, prepare to unwind your mind and have a little fun at the same time.

    1. Digital Films

       Let your creative juices flow at DigitalFilms.com as you prepare to produce your very own digital movie that you can email or share with your friends and family. Choose your own background scene, characters, animated actions, dialog, introduction and ending credits and everything that you will need to produce your own digital film for free. Let your creativity shine online and share your creation with the world.

    2. Food Fighting

       Start a food fight online among your family and friends by throwing virtual food at them via email. Simply select the type of food you wish to toss their way from red ripe tomatoes to cream pies without having to clean up any mess. This concept is simple, but fun when more people get involved.

    3. Strange Reports

       We all know someone who likes playing practical jokes and pranks on unsuspecting people. Now get ready for some sweet payback by creating a virtual prank with their name written all over it. Send a fake news report with your victim named as the sole suspect that the police are looking for via email. You create the news report using the tools that StrangeReports.com provides and then you simply forward the report to your victim's email address and let the fun begin.

    4. Folding U.S. Paper Money

       After stumbling across this interesting money folding activity on Bored.com, I knew that this one activity that would blow your mind. You can fold U.S. paper money using the techniques shown on this website to see the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center on fire or you can see Osama in The Pentagon and so, much more by simply folding your money correctly. This exercise will blow your mind. I promise.

    5. The Dialectizer

       This website lets visitors convert any English text into several comic dialects from Pig Latin to Redneck and several other dialects. Simply type the URL of any website written in the English language, select the dialect of your choice, and then click Dialectize, so you can see your favorite websites converted into the language that you selected.

    6. Cave of Magic

       Originally I had my doubts about this mind control magic trick, but admittedly it blew my mind, because it worked. Cave of Magic is a card trick that guides visitors through a series of short exercises, before it has you pick a single card, and then Simeon (your guide) mysteriously reads your mind and picks the card that you have selected. It's wild, weird and most importantly, it really works.

    7. Crazy Images

       This is a must see website that offers its visitors a wide selection of amazing interactive activities that will keep you busily entertained for hours. Choose from image menu an activity that you want to see, and then using your mouse take control making the images change right before your eyes. Hidden within some of the images are nuggets of treasures that will reveal more websites and activities that will blow your mind. I'll leave finding these Easter Eggs embedded within some of the activities on this website up to you to discover, because it is part of the fun.

    8. Fortune Teller

       Just for fun, let's see what your fortune has in store for your future. You can choose from nine different kinds of readings that are each focused on a different aspect of your life. Similar to tarot card readings, but using a regular deck of playing cards these readings are pretty dare accurate.

    9. Match Age

       Try to accurately guess the real ages of the people shown on this site using only the photograph that the user has provided or upload your own photo and let other people try to guess your age. This is an extremely addictive activity, so you might want to avoid visiting this site until you have more free time available.

    10. Get MakeOvers

       Have you been considering changing the natural color of your hair or getting a new hairstyle, but are a little nervous about what the changes might do to your look, then before you do anything too extreme checkout this website first. You can upload your photo and change your hairstyle, makeup, glasses, and many other things until you discover the best new look for you and before you actually do anything to yourself in real life. This is a really useful website as well as a lot of fun to unwind while using.
    ]]>     Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:43:05 PST     Two Website/Blogs for the Progressive News Reader http://www.webupon.com/Web-Talk/Two-WebsiteBlogs-for-the-Progressive-News-Reader.112100 Media Channel Dot Org

    Walter Cronkite wrote: "Mediachannel.org is undoubtably worth taking in." A ringing endorsement from one of the mainstream media's leading lights is also worth taking seriously. Mediachannel.org, established in 2000, is a site for those progressives who are concerned about the corporate media and the way in which our news is delivered to us. The site was founded by Danny Schecter and Rory O'Connor, two veterans of the world of journalism, who created the site to address the "political, cultural, and social impacts of the media." The whole site is devoted to nothing but, featuring articles, both written in-house and links from other sites, that explore the latest media-related news for the discerning reader. The site also includes a daily blog by Schecter the News Dissector who pontificates on the latest happenings in the world. Schecter covers everything from the war coverage in Iraq to the media's obsession with celebrity news and generously features links to other writers and stories covering a variety of topics of the day. A topic he has been narrowed his laser-sharp focus on recently is the economy and the recent collapse of the hedge funds due to corporate corrruption on Wall Street. Schecter has also directed a number of documentaries on the subjects that make important viewing. A great source for those viewers who are tired of being spoonfed a daily diet of pablum from the corporate news media.

    Glenn Greenwald's Blog at Salon.com

    A blog that is gaining notoriety for its dead-on interpretations of the MSM is Salon.com's Glenn Greenwald. Whether it's the vacuous way in which the Washington press corps reports on or doesn't report on the most pressing issues of the day or taking the wind out the various rumors, half-truths, or outright lies that end up becoming conventional wisdom in the D.C. pipeline, Greenwald is like Bruce Lee, expertly karatechopping his way through the nonsense that makes up of much of the mainstream news media. Greenwald holds no punches and makes for an entertaining read as well. Greenwald was previously a constitutional law and civil rights litigator in New York, but his take on the media, the political hubris of the present administration and its cheerleaders, and our culture in a post-9/11 universe in general come from someone with a firm grasp and knowledge of the American and political landscape. His take on the NYT's David Brooks' defense of ABC's Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos' recent performance during the Clinton/Obama debate is frighteningly true, but Greenwald's brilliance is that he is able to take Brooks' defense of Gibson and Stephanopoulos's obsession with "gotcha" journalism, and wring out deeper truths. As he so pointedly observes in his blog:

    The reason the establishment press fixates on these adolescent themes has nothing to do with what "Americans" want. It has everything to do with the fact that it's what these journalists always do; it's what they're programmed to do; and, at this point, it's all the empty and slothful media stars know how to do.

    Critically, they're not just assaulting Obama (and, before him, Clinton and Edwards) with randomly selected petty trash. It's purposeful and familiar: all of these Drudgian paper cuts are intended to expose Obama as an exotic, bizarre, effete, vaguely American-hating elitist who is out of touch with Regular Americans and plagued by a personality so unlikable that you can't possibly vote for him even if you agree with him on all of the issues -- just as was true for virtually every national Democratic leader before him. All of this happens while the media reverence for John McCain and his character, "strength," likability and integrity grow -- far beyond even the affection they acknowledge they have long harbored for the amiable war hero, George W. Bush, and which is obligatorily directed at the canonized Ronald Reagan.

    Greenwald is one of those writers whose throwaway lines elicit a nod of recognition from his readers. Greenwald has also written three must-read books How Would A Patriot Act (2006), A Tragic Legacy (2007), and the recently published Great American Hypocrites. Smart and aggressive in his search for getting at the truth, Glenn Greenwald's blog is a must-read for any progressive surfing online.

    ]]>     Mon, 21 Apr 2008 05:17:40 PST     Proper Use of Internet News Sites http://www.webupon.com/Web-Talk/Proper-Use-of-Internet-News-Sites.104964 Covering more of real news stories would bring more daily readers to internet news sites. Using on line journal news writers would allow news to be cover by writers who live news.

    Online news writers could be mush more successful by covering more news that affects real life daily news in the world. News stories should be done about daily news in America as well as world news topics. Writing more news of topics about real news would bring more readers online.

    Since the inception of commercials news in news papers as well television news covers more news about sex scandals in main stream news. Free news would bring back more hard hitting news that affects people. News today covers news with blood and gore news to sell commercial air time.

    Online new sites should cover more news that affects people every day. News needs to cover more of America`s important news. More news coverage of the prolonged war in Iraq would help put the right questions to the government.

    News in America today covers just part of the whole news story when doing a news story. Ask the hard important questions when covering a major news story. Online news sites can cover more real daily news even in online sites.
    Covering more real life news items would bring more credibility to on line news sites. Daily online news topics should cover more news about people needs in America along with world news. Doing real news stories would get more readers to come online to read about real life news.

    On line news sites can cover real stories about America`s forty eight million people with out health care to cover them. Writers should be able to write affective articles to keep more news in the new `s. Covering a news story one time stops the constant use of free news to bring about questions to get answers on real news stories.

    Online news sites must write more news that affects world problems in other nations. Covering real world news stories would bring online news sites more readers from many nations. There are so many news stories that can be covered about people in need.

    Covering news in real life can bring online news new readers where news can be more affectively hard hitting covering a real news story. Real news must put real questions to a news story to completely cover that news topic. Covering more people news would allow for helping bring news into line with mainstream media news.

    Online news sites have a chance to become a world wide force for news people news. Using daily world news stories from other nations covers more daily real world news topics. Online news sites can be the future of real news sites must strive to bring in more quality real news stories to online sites.

    Using real life citizen journalist can give news a human perspective from people who live life where most real news happens. Online news sites can cover more people news this will bring in many new readers to catch up on daily news in America and world news.

    Online news sites can revolutionize the news to cover real live news stories to bring needed information to readers online. Covering more real life news stories would bring many news daily readers to online news sites. News will only be affective when covering real life news stories for the future of online news sites.

    Competing with national and world news will bring real news to online sites bring in more readers to read about real news giving citizen journalist a chance to put real questions to many major news stories. Competing with major news networks along with television news takes covering real news stories must be done on online news sites to cover real news stories.

    The future of online news sites in only limited by those who seek to sell adds .Online news sites can really be profitable when used to cover real world news stories. Online news sites can cover major news stories much quicker using readers to help report news stories.

    Online news must cover real news to take the next step in becoming a major daily news site for real news stories. Covering legitimate news would bring credibility to the future of all online news sites. Real news is the future for all online news sites to become a major force in daily news.

    Bring online news into major media news will raise both profits along with credibility to online news sites who move to the next step in online news.

    ]]>     Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:27:19 PST     10 Alternative News Websites Well Worth Reading http://www.webupon.com/Web-Talk/10-Alternative-News-Websites-Well-Worth-Reading.101594 Interested in news that isn't covered by the mainstream media? Fortunately the Internet has many sites that publish articles of a topical nature that you probably won't find in the more well-known news sources. Here are 10 good alternative news websites.

    1. Parallel Normal

      Run by Mark Baard, Parallel Normal tackles the more controversial news such as RFID tags, personal rights, and invasion of privacy by those in authority. The site also has a list of news blogs that are worth a visit. Mark Baard is also a member of the Second Life community so you'll find links to blogs and articles about that particular online game.

    2. WhatReallyHappened.com

      Running strong for fourteen years, WhatReallyHappened.com has a very impressive list of alternative news stories. Other topics the website covers is the ongoing 9/11 controversy, famous assassinations, and "the war on terror". WhatReallyHappened also has a radio show on the GCN radio network which is well worth a listen.

    3. Wikileaks

      This site's motto is, "Global Defense of Sources and Press Freedoms, Circa Now". This wiki website has a comprehensive list of alternative news stories from all around the world. If you're a writer, this site encourages participants to submit articles analyzing and/or summarizing what's going on in the world today.

    4. informationliberation

      "The News You're Not Supposed to Know", this is another alternative news website with many, many articles to peruse. Make sure to check out the multimedia section, it has many links to dozens of great videos online. All-in-all a very comprehensive and impressive alternative news source.

    5. AlterNet

      One of the more popular alternative media websites, you'll find topics covering U.S. politics , the environment, and the war in Iraq, just to name a few. Check out the blogroll and the many RSS feeds from AlterNet.

    6. Axis of Logic

      "Finding Clarity in the 21st Century Mediaplex". With many articles from contributing columnists and freelance writers, this website also has many commentaries from its readers. You can subscribe to their e-zine, and there is also an excellent RSS feed to browse on this site.

    7. Consortium News

      Consortium News has a great deal of coverage on U.S. politics. The editor of this website, Robert Parry, started this website in 1995 after becoming tired of the mainstream media's lack of news coverage on important issues. You can sign up for email updates, and there's also an RSS feed.

    8. Disinformation

      From Disinformation Press, this website strives to cover news stories that otherwise go unnoticed or hushed-up in the mainstream media. Visitors to the site can vote on the stories they like the most, and there's also a chat room and personals section.

    9. Guerilla News Network

      Run by the Guerilla News Network, this website is chock full of alternative news stories and links. It has a user base of over 12,000, a very active forum, and links to an incredible number of blogs. They offer a newsletter, a free blog hosting service, and much, much more.

    10. Independant Media Center

      A website that covers many topical news stories in different languages, the Independant Media Center states that it is "a collective of independent media organizations and hundreds of journalists offering grassroots, non-corporate coverage. Indymedia is a democratic media outlet for the creation of radical, accurate, and passionate tellings of truth." Make sure to check out the impressive list of Independant Media Center websites from all over the world, it's in the left-hand column under the heading "imc's".
      11. I hope some of these links are of interest to you, and if you have a favorite alternative media website not listed here, please feel free to post the hyperlink in the comments section below. And to paraphrase another saying, may the good (alternative) news be yours!
    ]]>     Sun, 30 Mar 2008 04:15:39 PST     Hilarious Videos http://www.webupon.com/Video/Hilarious-Videos.90289 We all spend some time searching the net bored out of our minds hoping for some entertainment. Well look no further because I've scoured the net for you. Here is a well rounded mix of comedy you're sure to enjoy. Everything from bloopers and comedians to the faithful leader of our country. It'll only take a minute and it sure beats working so have a look. Also read the bottom of the page for some interesting information on the biology of laughter.

    The Evolution of Dance - A popular video from yesteryear which highlights all the dance moves you or your parents grew up with.

    A Simple Comedy Show - No dialogue is needed to fill this theater with laughs. Sit back and be amazed at these performers and their unique humor.

    News Bloopers - A news reel of deleted content that was simply too funny to air. If you like seeing people make fools of themselves on national television have a look.

    Funny Commercials - A few highlights from around the world. Clearly American commercials aren't the only funny ones.

    Our President - It is a bit cliche and almost too easy to continue to take shots at the commander and chief but that won't stop us. Check out this compilation of George being George.

    Now don't you feel better? All it takes is a little laughter to relieve the stresses of life. If you didn't already know it, laughing is clinically proven to boost your immune system. It actually releases natural killer cells which fight tumors and viruses. In fact the science of laughter is called gelotology, look it up. Not to mention it is considered by some buddhist monks to be an effective form of meditation! Reading this article could save your life, what do you think about that?

    ]]>     Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:25:31 PST     Military Blogs: The New Letters Home http://www.webupon.com/Blogging/Military-Blogs-The-New-Letters-Home.90137 “Look Ma! No pen and paper!” should be the mantra of the 21st Century. Computers, blackberries, palm pilots, mp3's, Ipod's and cell phones saturate the communications of the world. Between children and parents, corporations and their employees and even soldiers and their letters home--- e-mail and it's various incarnations have replaced for the most part the pen and paper for instant communication. Much to my surprise, the American military has embraced the age of wireless communication by allowing their deployed soldiers to e-mail and blog. Military blogs are often insightful, funny and poignant not to mention helpful in understanding the mindset of the men and women who serve on the frontlines.

    In the midst of such harrowing circumstances the soldiers are still able to maintain their humor while revealing sharp observations on the political and humanitarian circumstances in which they are thrust. As the active shield of freedom for this country, the American soldier is well aware of his/ her heavy burden. Yet they are able to express their views in such a manner that reveals powerful insights on the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, politics and life in general. Some say they only mirror the conservative aspects of American society…whether or not this is wholly the case, the men and women in uniform deserve to be heard.

    Most news outlets hail blogs and blogging as the wave of the future for news as it happens. Perhaps it is. But how often do they look to military blogs for their reporting? These first hand accounts of men and women on the frontline are more powerful than any report sent in by the most seasoned and embedded reporter. They often reflect an uninhibited view of the people and places of their time. From officers to enlisted men, they all have something to say. It is time for us to listen. There are many stars within the blogosphere and I heartily submit that the next luminaries in the world of journalism may be serving in Iraq or Afghanistan or beyond.

    ]]>     Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:10:18 PST