nsomniact's comments

nsomniact | 11 years ago | on: Is Wine-Tasting Junk Science?

In college we used to pour handles of McCormick vodka into left over Grey Goose bottles(same ones used over and over). I think you all can guess that no one ever knew the difference. :p

nsomniact | 13 years ago | on: Facebook knows you’re gay before you do

I made a point earlier that the advertiser chooses the target audience and I don't believe FB does what this article claims. I've seen retargeting creep into FB lately but again someone is making assertions rather than an algorithm IMO. Some 3rd party ad networks let you really drill down.

I think FB can do what this article claims but is not actually doing it.

nsomniact | 13 years ago | on: Facebook knows you’re gay before you do

It's been about a year since I placed a FB ad but I was under the impression that whomever is placing the ad targets an audience not FB itself. If that is still correct then whoever was placing the "coming out" ad was acting more like an observant bartender mentioned in the article rather than an intelligent algorithm.

nsomniact | 13 years ago | on: Ask HN: Are there programming jobs for Math PhDs?

I'm a co-founder of Olympus Math, an adaptive platform that improves math proficiency for middle and high school students (currently deployed across 35 school districts nationwide)

Your above mentioned project is aligned to a new product we are gearing up to develop. I would love to chat with you further, you can email me at [email protected]

nsomniact | 13 years ago | on: Don’t Use Automatic Image Sliders or Carousels

My co founders and I had a discussion about this very issue. We all wanted the functionality initially but realized that we hated sliders as users of other sites. No one I know cares to re-read the slide that was missed.

nsomniact | 13 years ago | on: Sen. Paul proposes bill protecting Americans from drone surveillance

Best thing to do is call his office at 202-224-4343. Express your disdain.

You should also call your Members of Congress and Senators. Funny that congress doesn't have a automated directory. So I built callingcongress.org for this exact purpose, it's dial by zip.

You would be surprised how far a phone call, email, fax, and even a letter go. Especially if enough people tie up phone/fax lines etc.

nsomniact | 13 years ago | on: Show HN: Calling Congress, the easiest way to call congress

Why I made this

I find it funny that while almost every large organization has a dial-by-name or by extension directory, the U.S. Congress does not. One can call the switchboards like (202) 224-3121 where an operator answers. They then ask whom you want to be connected to, but what if you don’t who your officials are? Seems to me we can automate this process to save money and time.

So I made this small dial-by-zip directory app using Ruby and Tropo. I haven’t coded for years so this is my way to re-learn all the while empowering constituents.

I know there are some cool apps for the iPhone or Android that let you search and call your officials but this number can be used by anyone on any phone.

I also added a feature where it posts on twitter @CallingCongress when someone uses the service. Basically it posts “a constituent called Representative XXXXX”

I’ll try to add more features like being able to call State officials and also being able to record a message so that during specific campaigns constituents can do a reverse “robocall” to the official. This would be almost like a automated calling campaign.

My hope is that the startup and technical communities help our government be more efficient and accurate.

nsomniact | 14 years ago | on: Ask HN: 25 year old skilled hacker, stuck as laborer in midwest. Please help

Sometimes you have to go where there is a demand for your skill set. If you don't mind moving, get on a plane and get to one of those spots. I think it would show a lot of commitment to your "craft" to potential employers.

Also the first week scenario perhaps might be hyperbole. This is all predicated on how you might fit with an employer. I've known folks moving from your neck of the woods to find a position within a couple weeks.

Good Luck!

page 1