Haider's Blog

Author: Haider

  • Weighing in on Google vs. Bing on cheating

    The blogosphere is buzzing about how Google has charged Bing with cheating or copying its results. And they have proof that it happens.

    1. What is the charge and what is the proof:
    Google had 20 engineers use winXP machines with the Bing toolbar installed while searching for their own random search terms… and do that for a couple of weeks. and after that time – it shows up on google. ergo they are cheating.

    2. The Defense
    The Googlers used Bing’s toolbar, agreed to the EULA, agreed to send user data back for Bing to improve its service. And since the googlers were consistently providing these ‘garbage’ results, that brought the results seeded by Google. The Bing toolbar sent that data back to Bing which used that data to improve its results and return the valid result. So, it worked.

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  • 2010 in Review

    2010 has been an amazing year, a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but one that was worth all the highs and the lows.
    Early this year, I started off with very basic goals…
    Get a Job
    Finish Last Semester at McMaster University!
    Finish OI6 Design Project – Autonomous Racer!
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  • LensHero!

    My next favorite site for lens selection!

    So, came across this site on lifehacker, and have to say that its amazing… Normally, i’d research the lenses at dpreview, but it wasnt always as easy to use and loved the suggest feature.

    Being the site that it is, it suggested a 70-300, which was definitely one i had in mind, but i dont know if i will go with a tamron – will just have to try it out to find out! maybe an early christmas gift for myself wouldn’t be too bad right now?

    Overall, i think anyone who is thinking of expanding their lenses or just wants to see what he/she should look for next, its a great site!

    And the address for this great site is www.LensHero.com!

  • The Technology Arena in 5 Years

    I think this is as good time as another to try and predict the future of technology. I’m going to organize this by looking at the Past, Present and then finally the future. I feel going about it this way we can see the trends and see how different parts of technology were embraced while others were shunned, or simply discarded. To make it a little more organized, I’m also going to split this up into, what I think are, the big industries of our time. Since these are also the industries most affected from technology, they also in someway have a big say as to where things were and where they’re going.

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  • Three Cups of Tea [Book Review]

    Just finished reading this book, and I have to say it really is an amazing story about a real life Indiana Jones!
    Starting from the failure to climb K2, to the kidnapping in Afghanistan and ending on a minefield. Amazing story and inspirational to how one man can actually make a difference. And as it says in the last chapter of the book – When the Heart speaks, take notes – It’s an amazing way to end the book.

    The mission to bring literacy to remote parts of Pakistan is one that I have always supported and can be added on to the amazing self funded projects currently running in Pakistan. TAC is another such project that I think has done well, but more focussed on one of the bigger cities in Pakistan – Lahore. The book has also been able to bring to light the best part about Pakistani culture – the unwaivering hospitality of its people.

    All in all, I recommend reading this book, simply to understand the importance of education and the change one man can bring given the determination and right mindset. Things easier said than done. Lets all hope that Mr. Greg continues his work for Pakistan and the rest of the world.