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I asked Google (tm) this question...
"...How many active cell phones are in the USA today ?..."
Google responded with this (perfectly sensible, hardly surprising) URL...
www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=How+many+active+cell+phones+are+in+the+USA+today+%3F[^]
So far, so good.
The first nine hits were stories from USA Today
Not a one of them came close to actually answering the question.
Bing and Yahoo's Search (arguably the same entity) Did a lot better.
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Blame it on the ambiguity of interpreting the sentence?
Tried 'Today, how many active cell phones are in the USA?' and the results were dramatically different.
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Excellent thinking. Thanks.
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'How many active' brings up the right question in autocomplete. Unnecessary complication is all down to you! No dissing g  gle required.
I am not a number. I am a ... no, wait!
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Bing understood the question in its original form.
Interesting; last night Yahoo search got it right the first time, but this morning, Yahoo produces hits which are nearly identical to Google's from last night.
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C-P-User-3 wrote: Bing understood
It may well have done but if so it was a fluke. The slightest variation produces less relevant results as you can easily confirm. There is no search engine in the world that can know exactly what you're thinking. It all comes down to the search term and any ambiguity will inevitably get you less than optimal results.
I am not a number. I am a ... no, wait!
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9082365 wrote: no search engine in the world that can know exactly what you're thinking
Obviously, you are right, but you have to admit that they are getting better at guessing...to the point of being spooky.
"Go forth into the source" - Neal Morse
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Now try, "For the perfect suntan, what are the ideal sun times?"
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I'm surprised. I thought the first nine would be adverts to some unrelated companies websites.
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I suffer from severe depression, yet my job is as a programmer. It can be a difficult disability in a trying profession. Anyone else struggle with this? Any tips?
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The Jiving Anchovie wrote: yet my job is as a programmer
I'm curious as to why you phrase it like that.
I love programming. It allows me to get away from the Real World, to create, to share my creations with others, to test myself, and to learn. That's all good stuff to me.
On a potentially unrelated note: do you exercise?
cheers
Chris Maunder
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Chris Maunder wrote: I'm curious as to why you phrase it like that.
Because he's depressed!
What do I win?
Jeremy Falcon
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Chris Maunder wrote: I'm curious as to why you phrase it like that.
Cause you still haven't bought me a beer. That's why.
Michael Martin
Australia
"I controlled my laughter and simple said "No,I am very busy,so I can't write any code for you". The moment they heard this all the smiling face turned into a sad looking face and one of them farted. So I had to leave the place as soon as possible."
- Mr.Prakash One Fine Saturday. 24/04/2004
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I'm in Sydney next week...
cheers
Chris Maunder
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Chris Maunder wrote: I'm in Sydney next week...
Give me a date, a time and a place and I will organise work to be there. Also let me know if it's alcohol or just coffee.
Michael Martin
Australia
"I controlled my laughter and simple said "No,I am very busy,so I can't write any code for you". The moment they heard this all the smiling face turned into a sad looking face and one of them farted. So I had to leave the place as soon as possible."
- Mr.Prakash One Fine Saturday. 24/04/2004
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It'll be skinny decaf soy gluten free lattes all the way. I know you Mick, and I know what you like.
cheers
Chris Maunder
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Yeah, while it's typical of people to assume that geeks are somehow one dimensional nerds, a lot of programmers I know are very emotive, empathetic folks.
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There is an interesting youtube video around the area of creativity and mental illness [^]from Professor Nancy Andreasen. She explains how sometimes the very traits that are present in creative people can also lead them to be more vulnerable to depression.
The general advice is always to seek professional help with regards to depression and as Chris mentions physical exercise can make a big difference.
I hope things improve for you.
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
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I struggled too, well, nothing severe. Might be time to start looking. I find creativity helps with staying "in the zone." But you need freedom to do this.
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Yes. My problem was B12 deficiency, so get that checked if you hadn't already.
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Been there done that. Do some soul searching and found out what caused that and get some closure. It usually comes back to childhood crap, so talking to people about it or like a counselor is a good step.
Or maybe you're just not in the field you're meant to be in. Could be a simple as that. If there's something else you'd rather do, then do it man.
Jeremy Falcon
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If I understood "depression" as something you can suffer from, other than a short term emotional jag of a teenager, I might be able to sympathise with you. I'm afraid I'm one of those who are just going to tell you to suck it up and get on with your life.
As for creating an equivalence between depression and programming, that has to be a personal viewpoint, most of us enjoy the work! Change careers, find something you enjoy and work out how to do that. I did!
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity
RAH
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Are you sure you are not promoting the old stereotypes?: What is depression[^]
Peter Wasser
"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell
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I doubt my opinion is promoting anything, me and old stereotypes are well acquainted.
Even knowing someone, my DIL, who "suffers" from depression I don't understand it.
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity
RAH
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There is lots on the net about depression. Seek out professional help and don't rely on gratuitous advice. What is depression[^]
Peter Wasser
"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell
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