Google Talk?

Google has been successful on its every move, so far. The search giant just released its IM software Google Talk a few days ago. The Google Talk's user interface still looks very "Google", but is its neat face enough for the long-term survival?

People seem less enthusiastic for this new product than Google's previous products. The reasons are very simple. Google only own a fraction of memberships compared to AOL, Yahoo and MSN. It is a fact that is very hard to change. Certainly, IM, as a communication platform, has much potential due to its popularity among young users. That's probably why Google is willing to put its name at the stake. While I am not optimistic on this move, we can tell if "Google Talk" is still talking in months.

Summer is almost gone

There are only two weeks left before the fall semester starts. What have I done during the summer?

The good news is that I have two publications accepted during the summer. The WI paper was long due. It was somewhat disappointing that the CIKM paper was not accepted as a regular paper. (Life doesn't reward us in proportion, does it? Or I am just whining too much.) In addition to school, I also started some exercise in gym. It is definitely challenging for me because I have been living a sedentary lifestyle since high school. Losing a few pounds worth celebrating, but more importantly, I need to keep it as a healthy habit.

What's the bad news? I had a plan to study some linear algebra application in data mining, but it didn't happen. The excuses are always there. I am just hoping I will be more focused with the semester starts.