Are Hewlett Packard PCs Racist?

Check this video out.

A couple of smart workers noticed something when they were playing around with HP’s new webcam that automatically senses when someone enters into the frame (facial recognition), then follows their motions by panning and zooming to keep them center.  One problem:

It seems it doesn’t work on African Americans.

Wanda Zamen, who is Caucasian, and Desi Cryer, who is African American, created a YouTube video that has since gone viral on the Internet testing out the computer’s capabilities. About 20 seconds into the video, Cryer begins to move around, attempting to test the camera out and seeing if it can sense his motion and recognize his face.

Nothing.

Zamen then enters the frame alone and it doesn’t take 2 seconds for the camera to recognize her face and begin following her motions. Cryer enters back into the frame and the sensing abilities seem to cease.

HP has received complaints regarding the technology and is said to be looking into the matter. The cause of the problem?

“The technology we use is built on standard algorithms that measure the difference in intensity of contrast between the eyes and the upper cheek and nose,” wrote Tony Welch, the lead social media strategist for HP’s Personal Systems Group. “We believe that the camera might have difficulty ‘seeing’ contrast in conditions where there is insufficient foreground lighting.”

So, you didn’t check on this before why? Did you not assume that African Americans would be using your computers? It seem to me like someone has dropped the ball and they better pick it up quick before this becomes more of a PR nightmare.

Door closed.

-Damien

Is Robert Downey Jr’s “Sherlock Holmes” Gay?

Hmm, interesting development in the world of Warner Bros.

Robert Downey Jr., you know that one guy who was once had a really big career, then got into drugs, lost his career, only to gain it back by playing some man made of iron, was on the David Letterman show promoting his new movie, “Sherlock Holmes,” when he jokingly referred to Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick, Dr. Watson as “homos.”

This of course is freaking out Warner Bros. executives as they don’t want audiences to think the story is about closeted detectives in London, who happen to know how to fight.

But I say this: it’s friggin 2009! Get over it! I’m sure people would care less if Holmes was straight or gay. If Bruno can make millions of dollars at the box office, so can Sherlock Holmes. This movie will make money either way because of the history of the character and the film’s stars.

If not, well, sucks for you Warner Bros. Hey, there’s always next year. Just make sure one of the stars of your flick doesn’t alude to anything gay, so have them stay away from using makeup on set, wardrobe, and craft services.

Oh wait.

Door closed.

-Damien

Michael Jackson’s FBI File Released

Michael Jackson’s FBI file was released today, detailing various aspects about the pop star’s life. The releasing of the file includes the FBI’s investigation into the singer’s child molestation allegations made against him by a 13 year-old boy in 1993 and the 2003 child molestation case he faced in Los Angeles, CA when another 13 year-old boy made similar allegations.

But the file didn’t reveal much that the public didn’t know already. The file included heavily redacted documents, photocopied tabloid articles and  what would be considered the most sensational of the bunch, a plot to kill the singer and then president, George H.W. Bush.

“Frank Paul Jones had a history of threatening to kill the president and had been arrested numerous times outside the White House, according to investigatory reports. In rambling letters collected by the FBI, Jones claimed to be the son of John Gotti, demanded money and pledged to “commit mass murder at a Michael Jackson concert.” A Los Angeles federal judge sentenced him to two years in prison in 1993 for mailing threatening communications to Jackson.”  (La Times)

But it seems like the FBI really didn’t do much, as local authorities did most of the heavy lifting. Yes, the FBI had to be involved with most of the cases because of the federal charges and alleged threats made against Mr. Jackson, but it seems like they let the local authorities handle all the work.

Lazy asses.

Door closed.

-Damien

Pay Up, Fakers!

Remember the ‘balloon boy’ hoax a few months? Yeah, that’ the one. With the boy alledgely stuck in a helium balloon floating over the sky with no way of stopping, then it turned out he was hiding in the attic while the world watched in terror?

Assholes.

Anyway, Richard Heene and his wife, the parents of the balloon boy, have just been asked to pay the piper. And shit ain’t cheap. Police have ordered the Heenes to pay a whopping $42,000 in fines that will be spread out among the many different organizations that helped in the recovering of the balloon, including the federal aviation department.

Next time, if you want to have fun and pull a prank, try a whoopie cushion or a good ol’ pull my finger. Not, pretending to have your kid floating away in some damn E.T. ripoff.

Door closed.

-Damien

T.I. Released from Prison, But…

He’s heading to a halfway house. T.I., that one guy whose songs include, “Whatever U Like” and “Swing Ya’ Rag,” was sent to prison last year, after pleading guilty to gun charges from 2007.

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, was originally sentenced to 366 days in prison, but he has only served 7 months in federal prison. After he spends the rest of his sentence in the halfway house, T.I. still has to complete more than 500 hours of community service and 23 days of house arrest.

Door closed.

-Damien

Will Gaga perform? Grammy Performers Announced

The Grammy Award performers are slowly trickingly out this week.

Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and the Black Eyed Peas are all set to perform at this Grammy awards airing Jan. 31st on CBS. Beyonce and Taylor Swift will have a busy night with performing and being nominated for 10 and 8 Grammys respectively.

Lady Antebellum and soul singer Maxwell are also set to perform at the award show on Sunday night.

Taylor Swift is also expected to present, according to People Magazine.

But my burning question is: Will the Gaga perform at the award show? All I got to say is she better. Oh and Gaga, no hanging from the ceiling in blood, please. Might freak the old people out.

Door closed.

-Damien

First Paula, Now Simon?!

Well, there goes American Idol.

That is if Simon Cowell decides to leave the program at the end of 2010 as his brother, Tony Cowell, is suggesting. On Tony’s podcast, “The Cowell Factor,” (really?) Tony announced that Simon Cowell, the only reason why people watch American Idol (What? You thought people tuned in for the singing?), is preparing to leave the hit show at the end of the current season and begin focusing solely on bringing the “X-Factor,” Simon’s U.K. hit show in the same vein as “American Idol,” to American viewers.

Tony says:

“A press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everybody expected: Simon will leave Idolat the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of X Factor to U.S. TV in 2011.”

I think this is a smart move on Simon’s part. The show is really not creating superstars anymore (Kris, who?) and viewership has slipped over the last few years.

And you know what? Simon is going to need judges for the American version of “X-Factor.” Hmm, maybe this was Paula’s plan all along. Jump off a sinking ship and board a brand new life boat. I wouldn’t put it past her…or Simon.

Door closed.

-Damien

[Image via/VirginMedia]

Tiger and His “Hoebag” Still Hooking Up?

What the hell Tiger? Haven’t you learned your lesson by now? If you’re still wondering what Tiger Woods is doing after the shitstorm he brought onto himself, we might have the answer the for you.

Tiger Woods’ location has been a mystery to some for a while, as the public has not seen or heard from him since the scandal broke. But sources close to the golfer are saying that Mr.Woods is out playing with his balls on the sea…and he’s not alone.

Tiger Woods is reportedly hanging out with his #1 hoebag, Rachel Uchitel in Palm Beach, Florida at her home in the area.

When asked whether or not her and Tiger were still seeing each other, the Wicked Hoebag of the West replied:

“I got a house here and 2 girlfriends have been here the entire time. I have family that lives in Palm Beach also, I planned this before November.”

How the fuck does that answer whether or not you are still seeing Tiger? What?

Looks like someone has taken too many balls to the head.

Door closed.

-Damien

Dell Pulls Out of MTV’s “Jersey Shore”

Well, another one bites the dust. Computer maker, Dell, has pulled its ads from the hit MTV show, “Jersey Shore,” calling the program derogatory and the company does not “condone or support ethnic bashing in any form.” This is the 3rd sponser to be pulling their ads from the show. Dominos and American Family Insurance were the first to be scared away from the “Shore.”

But even though the advertisers are running for the hills (also a lame ass program on MTV), viewers are still sticking around.

Jersey Shore, last week, pulled in more than 2.5 million viewers Thursday night, making it one of MTV’s most watched programs.

Of course this may have something to due with the fact that one of the cast member’s Snooki (yes, Snooki) was punched in the face at bar, while the cameras were rolling. MTV has since edited the video out of the broadcast, but if you understand the meaning of the word YouTube, I’m sure you can find the video with no problem.

Door closed.

-Damien

P.S. Don’ forget to check out all the latest breaking news in the Archives at Close the Door, Please.

Polanski Denied!

Roman Polanski, that one guy who directed “The Pianist” and who was once married to slain actress Sharon Tate, has had his appeal request denied by a Californian court on Monday. Variety reports:

“In a 70-page opinion issued Monday, the Second District appellate panel issued a 3-0 ruling that rejects the request of Polanski’s attorney to dismiss the case stemming from a 1977 incident with a 13-year-old girl.”

Polanski has been awaiting the decision of whether or not he will be extradited back to the United States to face charges made against him stemming from his statutory rape case. He has been working with Swiss officials for months now, determining if his case will be transferred to a Los Angeles court, but to no avail as of yet. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office released a short statement after the ruling:

“The ruling today by the Court of Appeals is another step in the resolution of the Polanski sentencing,” spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons said. “We await a decision by the Swiss courts on his extradition to Los Angeles so all issues can be resolved by the Superior Court.”

I think the guy needs to be brought to America and face the consequences. I mean, it’s been what, 32 years! Come on! Bring his ass over here and have him the face the music. Don’t let this guy get away because if we do, then we would have to sit through another depressing ass movie like “The Pianist.”

I can’t do that again. No. Sir.

Door closed.

-Damien