OFFTOP 1/12/09: The Fine I'll Do It Edition
I don't really have any topics so lets just do what we always do: Argue about music and/or movies.
Best film of 08.
Best Song of 08.
Thing you are most looking forward to in 09.
Person most in need of a junk punch.
Does anyone else have a job that finds them routinely asking themselves what the hell am I doing here?
Why don't more people like Jimmy Eat World? Did In the Middle burn them out?
EDIT: One more, anyone else have a ridiculous amount of music they had to upgrade in their iTunes library for the DRM removal/iTunes Plus upgrade? I am still downloading two days later.
0 recs |
920 comments
Comments
I gave it a rec.
That book is such bullshit. My first reaction when my sister was explaining it to me was “So it’s New Orleans’ own fault Katrina hit them?” To which she replied, “Well I don’t agree with everything in the book.”
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 9:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think all self-help books should be prohibited
but this one is deserving of a special place in self-help hell.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 9:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I tried to watch the DVD a few times.
I can’t go 5 minutes before I start puking and gouging my eyes out. Bullshit has never been so evident in such a brief period of time.
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 11:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That guy has 3 other reviews, 2 of which are almost as awesome.
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 10:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Answers
1. No comment (and no it wasn’t Twilight)
2. Forever – Chris Brown
3. The year not blowing like 2008
4. No comment
5. Constantly
6. Good question, the Middle is a pretty annoying song though.
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 9:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
It isn't J.E.W.'s fault radio killed a great song.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 9:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would agree.
It is also in Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
by Fin on Jan 12, 2009 11:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There's too many answers to those questions
so I’ll skip to the last one – I never bought a ton of iTunes music, so I only have a handful to upgrade. How do you upgrade it? Do you have to re-download it?
I will not address the Jimmy Eat World question because any answer I give will make me sound like a music snob.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 9:45 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
You click on the upgrade link. It will tell you how many songs you can upgrade and how much it will cost.
I spent $282 upgrading over 1000 songs.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 9:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So you have to pay to upgrade songs you've already paid for?
yeeeeeeah, I’ll pass.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 9:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I do not condone illegally downloading music files in any way, shape, or form
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 9:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I do not illegally download music
If I’ve already got it I’ll stick with it, DRM and all; if I don’t have it I’ll get it through Amazon.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 9:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But pdb, your old songs don't even have an Apple logo on them anymore.
How could you possibly listen to them again?
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 9:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Answers:
1. No Country for Old Men, or The Dark Knight. I can’t decide.
2. I usually don’t have favorite songs…just favorite albums.
3. The new Star Trek movie.
4. Brett Favre
5. Not really.
6. I really really really don’t like Jimmy Eat World. And I’m going to echo pdb’s sentiment about my reasons.
Another thing: I watched Tropic Thunder last night and hated almost every second of it. Does anybody else feel that movie was overhyped?
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 9:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
And, fuck, No Country for Old Men came out in 2007.
Okay, I’m going to then say my answers were to the question: “Favorite movies I saw in 2008” and leave it at that.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 9:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Tropic Thunder was hysterical
why didn’t you like it? Probably the funniest movie I saw last year.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 9:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think I laughed maybe five times throughout the whole movie.
To me, it played it too safe. They had a chance to make a great farcical action movie, but it wasn’t clever enough to pull it off. And it wasn’t silly enough to get low-brow laughs either.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 9:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and Tom Cruise was horrifically bad in it.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 9:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the rapping/dancing scenes were awful, but I loved Tom Cruise in the rest of it.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 9:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The part when he plays Flo Rida was fantastic
I loved “a nutless monkey could do your job. No. Seriously. A nutless monkey.”
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 9:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Now go take all the credit.
Seriously, a nutless monkey.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 9:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I read a story about Cruise dying to play that role.
It mentioned that he’s had some awful run-ins with studio heads, and he pretty much created that character out of his hatred for them.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 10:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The thing about it though
is that it isn’t an action movie, nor is it a farce – it’s a parody of the Hollywood way of making movies and of the pompous windbags that inhabit Hollywood. The whole “don’t go full retard” speech is far and away the funniest Hollywood criticism I’ve heard in a long time.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 9:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I definitely know I'm in the minority in this. Most critics loved it, and most people seem to love it too.
Then again, I’m the only person who didn’t like Iron Man.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 9:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My opinion was that it was good because I watched it for free. Had I payed to see it I would have liked it a lot less.
I thought the parody trailers at the beginning was the best part.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I watched the first 30 minutes of Tropic Thunder and turned it off.
Maybe I will give it another try, but I didn’t find it hilarious either.
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 11:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Answers:
Movie: the Dark Knight
Song: Decode by Paramore
Looking forward to: new albums by U2 and hopefully Muse
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 9:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I could tell from a few offtops in the past that Jimmy Eat World is polarizing.
Personally, I love them. I think a lot of people disregard them because of the “emo” stigma and because for an entire summer you couldn’t go more than three songs without hearing In the Middle. I think a lot of people would like them if they just gave them a chance but whatever. Their latest album Chase This Light was fantastic.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 9:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I continue to insist that Chase This Light was a slight disappointment to me because Futures was my second favorite album to come out in college
only slightly behind Yellowcard – Ocean Avenue
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 10:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Futures was fantastic. It was a very dark album though so I can't just throw it anytime. I have to be in a Futures mood so to speak.
Chase This Light is great anytime.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Interestingly, I feel the exact opposite about Chase This Light
I have to be in the right (slightly emo, but not Death Cab) mood for that album and I love Futures almost endlessly.
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 10:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Aww SB, I was totally in love with you
but you had to go and badmouth Death Cab. It hurts.
And yes, I know they probably aren’t popular around these parts. Oh well.
the other angels fan
by Eyebrows on Jan 12, 2009 10:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I love Death Cab. Although I will say they are pretty boring to see live.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My wife was friends with Nick Harmer in high school...
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Death Cab
Zooey Deschanel (swoon!) just got engaged to that wanker, Ben Gibbard.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I saw them at an Angels game down in California back in September.
the other angels fan
by Eyebrows on Jan 12, 2009 10:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He better not have been rooting for the Angels.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It was versus the Mariners.
He’s a known Ms fan.
the other angels fan
by Eyebrows on Jan 12, 2009 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You scared me for a moment.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And a great guy.
They get no love – from people like me, honestly – but they’re still cool in my book.
by marc w on Jan 12, 2009 11:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I know and it breaks my heart
not so much because I could have ever married Zooey Deschanel but because it means that being a stupid wanky beardo can be rewarding. Which is not right.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's just a phase Zooey will grow out of.
They’ll divorce within 2 years and she’ll hook up with a Brad Pitt or a Matthew McConaughey. An obvious example is Angelina Jolie having married Billy Bob Thornton. Although, Pamela Anderson never really grew out of that phase.
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 12:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Death Cab is great
I just need to be in the right mood for them! J.E.W. Futures is great all the time
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 12:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I liked "Get it Faster".
Everything else can go jump off a bridge.
And if you think you had it bad listening to The Middle, every single radio station played it here every half hour, due to them being “Jersey Boys” (They also did this with Fountains of Wayne)
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 10:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Stacy's Mom drove me crazy
because I was already (and still am) a huge FoW fan. In fact, I heard Stacy’s Mom a few days early due to a store selling the CD before the release date, and thought it was a good song at that time.
The repeated play of the song has totally killed it for me, and it gets skipped every time I play the album.
the other angels fan
by Eyebrows on Jan 12, 2009 10:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
In my opinion their best song is If You Don't, Don't
I would even say it has to be amongst my five favorite songs of all time.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Jimmy Eat World is from Arizona.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jan 12, 2009 10:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They made their name in Jersey, playing firehouses.
Every single person I’ve ever talked to around here considers them a “Jersey band”.
I will, however, use this as a bludgeon against them in future conversations.
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 10:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well in the first song off of Chase This Light the lead singer does proclaim he is a "New Jersey success story."
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This dates back to when they had their first big hit.
And earlier, because they were pretty huge in the small club circuit. I can’t think of a fire show they did out here that wasn’t sold out.
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 10:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I once almost flew to Seattle because Jimmy was opening for Green Day at the Tacoma Dome.
Had I gone, I probably would not have stayed for Green Day.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Green Day put on a good show usually
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw them in Anchorage while I was in high school. I was very unimpressed.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw them at the Crocodile in Seattle
it’s my one “I saw them before they were big” story – right after their first two Lookout! records, and before they were anybody, they opened for Best Kissers In The World in front of a crowd of about 8 people, and blew them away. They’re nothing original, or unique, but they do what they do pretty dang well.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I keep hoping I can say things like this about 36 Crazyfists some day.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Best Kissers in the World were kind of bad.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 12:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
they were reasonably decent live powerpop, though.
But to their credit, after Green Day finished their set, they came out and the first thing that Gerald Collier said was “Uh, we can’t really follow that!” which was funny.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I like the Lemons pretty well.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ha! The Lemons
I used to see them all the time. (I assume we’re talking about the same band)
Nabil Ayers, who went on to start Sonic Boom, was their replacement guitarist for a while, after his other T-town band, Spontaneous Funk Whorehouse broke up.
I saw BKITW once – the night before I took the SAT. They played with a bunch of great local bands somewhere in downtown tacoma… damn, wish I could remember who headlined.
by marc w on Jan 12, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Answers
I only saw about 3 movies in the theater last year. I’ll say Dark Knight.
I abstain on best song, since I wasn’t paying much attention the last 12 months or so.
I am looking most forward to huge change.
I’m a lover, not a junk puncher.
I don’t know if I’ve ever heard Jimmy Eat World. Sorry.
by royalcurve on Jan 12, 2009 10:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Odd comment for the Secret's product descrtption.
The Secret that utterly transformed the lives of every person who ever knew it… Plato, Newton, Carnegie, Beethoven, Shakespeare, Einstein. Now YOU will know The Secret. And it can change your life forever.
What? Beethoven had an unbelievably miserable life.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
It didn't say it transformed it for the better.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 10:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Newton used the Secret to bring about the plague;
Einstein, the atomic bomb; and for Plato, the death of his mentor.
by Matthew on Jan 12, 2009 10:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And here I was planning to use it to get a Pinarello Prince
I need to think bigger, obviously.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The Chargers had one snap in the third quarter.
I still can’t get over that.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 10:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
That was insane.
Kind of like the Washington/Cal game on Saturday.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 10:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why in fucks sake did Bill Levey reff a Stealers playoff game?
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 10:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I was a little peeved by that.
Not that it mattered, but the Chargers were flagged for celebrating and flagged for a late hit, and I saw the Steelers do both of those things to essentially the same degree, and nothing.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 10:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
HOLY GOD
Teen texts 14,528 times in one month.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Teen texts 14,528 times in one month, dies of starvation.
Big Z is the MAN.
by Taylor H on Jan 12, 2009 10:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I had a 15 year old girl in my store that did that
The most I’ve ever done was 2,500 in a month.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 10:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The average number of monthly texts for a 13- to 17-year-old teen is 1,742, according to a Nielsen study of cellphone usage.
What. The. Fuck.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 10:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
that's about 60 texts a day
do teenagers never speak out loud any more?
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I avoid it at all costs, but I have always hated talking on the phone.
Texting has been a blessing for me.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I held out for a long time, but people insisted on it, so I changed with the world.
But I flatly refused to ever answer a text message until I got a phone with a QWERTY pad.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My BlackBerry has made my life so much better.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's not that much
Considering its 30 back and forth and some phones will split longer messages into 2. Not only that but it also counts CC messages sent to multiple people individually
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 10:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have only seen my 15yo niece make about five actual phone calls ever.
She is however constantly sending texts and IM’s via her iPhone.
by Sec 108 on Jan 12, 2009 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why the hell does a 15 year old have an iPhone?
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
because parents are too goddamned indulgent of their little princes/princesses
but don’t get me started.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It was a gift.
She is spoiled and always has been, but she is a pretty good kid.
by Sec 108 on Jan 12, 2009 10:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
then I wasn't talking about your niece.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I do think my Bro and her Mother try to outdo each other with gifts.
It is a sad by product of children of divorce.
by Sec 108 on Jan 12, 2009 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I once had a 8 year old girl come into the store that was eligible for a two year upgrade.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 10:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They aren't that expensive.
Especially since buying her a phone and an iPod would be just as spendy.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
why a kid of 15 needs more than a basic free phone I will never understand
free phone + off-brand mp3 player = good enough goddamit.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I just don't find an iPhone to be that extravegant.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you're also not 15 years old and you make good money
if I had a 15 yo kid and they wanted an iPhone, I’d say “fine, you want one, go earn the money to buy one”.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why a 15yo needs a cell phone is beyond me.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You wouldn't want your children to have a way to contact you 365 24/7?
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
15 years old is about the right age, I think.
They’re starting to drive. That should be reason enough.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 11:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I did just fine at 15, 16, 17, 18 without a cell phone.
Although I will say that it was easier to find a working pay phone in those days. But still.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Heck.
I didn’t have my first cell phone until I was about 23 (provided by my employer), then I went from about 26 until 30 without one again.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My uncle didn't have internet access until he was 48.
I don’t think you can judge modern times by historical circumstances.
by Matthew on Jan 12, 2009 11:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't have non-dial up internet until I was 18.
Fucking 12 years have it so easy
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I still have plenty of friends who don't have cell phones.
They do just fine.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe, but I it's insanely easier to keep in touch with your friends and family if you have one
unless you spend 14 waking hours a day at home.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I can still remeber getting porn off of BBS at 1200 baud before the WWW.
. . . (sigh) good times.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I got one at 19.
But it’s a different day.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's the problem.
Society has been convinced that cell phones are “necessary” rather than a luxury. Now people think that kids need phones as soon as they can talk.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Every necessity was a luxury at some point
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Every material necessity
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cell phones are not a necessity.
Unless you need them for business.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Your car is not a necessity
Your house is not a necessity
It’s a really dumb standard to judge things by.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My cell is cheaper than a land line. I don't see why that is a luxury.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jan 12, 2009 11:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Samsies
My cell comes to 27 dollars a month. It is my smallest monthly bill.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mine is at $50
but that’s because I have a dataplan on mine.
…thank God work is paying for this.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
$70
Damn iPhone and AT&T’s data plans.
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 12:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly I'm surprised AT&T doesn't gouge us more on the iPhone data plan.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
supposedly they might drop the price
YES YES YES YES YES
by Scruffy Lefty on Jan 12, 2009 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I am angry Apple and AT&T re-upped their exclusive contract for an additional three years.
I was looking forward to competition to drive the data plans down. I have the first gen iPhone and I love it so much I won’t ever go back to a regular cell phone, but I will probably upgrade to the 3G version when my contract is up in August.
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It makes sense for apple
There aren’t any other viable GSM providers in the states for at least another 3 years till Verzion switches over.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 1:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I want Verizon so bad.
They were a great provider for me before going to the iPhone. Never had any problems with reception and dropped calls.
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Verizon almost screwed me once.
But other than that I’ve been with them for 8 years and they’ve been mostly great.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 1:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a big fan of Verizon Wireless
they have the best reception of any company I’ve ever dealt with, and in the nearly 7 years I’ve been with them I’ve had exactly three dropped calls.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 1:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I just had my first dropped call about one month ago.
I was so puzzled because it had never happened before.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I love Verizon
I would never leave them, even though they’re a bit pricey and their phone selection sucks. After having to deal with AT&T’s coverage in LA for a year, I’ve found that Verizon is more than worth the extra $5 a month or whatever it is I pay for them. I get a 20% discount through work anyway so…
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Little pricey and small phone selection is correct.
But their service has been impeccable as long as I’ve been with them.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Anything is better than my first carrier.
Fuck T-Mobile.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 1:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd want my kid to have a phone
but they don’t need bells or whistles. A phone that calls and texts is fine.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Which can be hard to find.
last time I was in the States I needed to pick up a cell phone for the time that I was there. I told the guy I just wanted to make phone calls and text, no camera, no internet etc. Dude looked at me like I had 9 heads.
by coolguyrob on Jan 12, 2009 11:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Next time you're back
just go to any Verizon store and ask for their most basic free phone. They’ll never try to convince you to get one because they get no commission on them, but they do have them if you ask.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is exactly what I ended up doing.
Plus once she found out I was military she gave me 100 minutes free. Thanks!
by coolguyrob on Jan 12, 2009 11:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is incorrect
Commission has nothing to do with the phone and everything to do with the added services. And its gotten to the point where every phone offered can perform at pretty much a equal level.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 11:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My boys have something like "Go" phones, with a certain amount of pre-paid minutes on them.
For use in emergencies only. The 18 year old is allowed to add minutes to his phone, but if it’s ever empty when we call, the phone will be taken away and he can get his own plan and pay for it himself. The 15 year-old has had 30 minutes pre-paid on his phone for about 6 months, and he still has minutes left.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Prepaid phones cost close to twice per minute as a post paid phone
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is true.
But you can never exceed your minutes, and it encourages the older boy to get his own damn phone.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!
Big Z is the MAN.
by Taylor H on Jan 12, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cheaper and more accessible now
times change
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Damn spoiled kids can just stay the hell off my lawn.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think in this day and age 14+ needs a phone
I regret not having a phone while I was in high school, and I couldn’t live without mine for more than like 12 hours
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 12:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
After I started driving and got my first job in high school
my parents decided to get me a cell phone. No regrets from anyone over that.
Personally I think 14 is a bit too early. I’d go with 16-17 or whenever someone starts transporting themselves places.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You can still call from wherever you're going.
That’s what I used to do when I was a teenager.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
As someone who was hit twice as a teen, I was damn pleased that I had a cell.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jan 12, 2009 12:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. I would never let my kids leave the house without me if they didn't have a phone.
I think around the age they begin sleeping over at friends’ houses is when it is time for a phone.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 12:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My God.
How did we survive growing up?!? No bike helmets, no cell phones, no portable video games! The horror!!!
If you were hit by a car, I would hope someone called 911 (and your parents) for you. THis is what always happened when we had accidents when we were younger.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is why I hate society today
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Weren't you just charging people money to help them out of ditches?
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 12:43 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Only tourists
I’d gladly call 911 for them for free though
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Now that we have cell phones, why count on that when you can guarantee being able to call from your phone?
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 12:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If I get run over by a bus, who says I'm going to be able to grab my cell phone and make a call?
Or who says my cell phone isn’t destroyed in the accident? What next, do we make our kids where helmets when they walk to school?
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I almost bet this happens in our lifetimes
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
People got by fine without cell phones, sure.
But now that we have them and they’re fairly cheap, why not? When I was a teenager I still had to call my parents; once I had a cell phone, I could just step outside and call rather than having to find stop what I was doing, find a payphone, make sure I had change, etc etc etc.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And times have changed because now, 98% of society has cell phones.
by Matthew on Jan 12, 2009 12:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
98% of adults carry credit cards.
Should we start hooking our kids up with them when they turn 10?
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You never know, there might be an emergency where they need to buy something.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of kids I know had credit cards in middle or high school for emergencies only
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My little sister has one
They never gave me one though :(
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What kind of emergeny can you have going to school and back that requires a credit card?
Shoot me now. Please.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Breakdown requiring a tow truck or some bullshit like that I think is my parents justification
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm talking about high school or middle school.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That is my parents justification for giving my high school little sister a credit card for emergencies on that horribly dangerous 6 mile commute she drives
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I hate people.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I hate my parents
I never got my own credit card
They pay for her gas too. And sent her to Japan last summer. When I was 16 I washed dishes at a summer camp. She went on some bullshit leadership tour to Japan
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
10 might be a little early.
But 15? Why not?
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 12:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Umm... No job?
Therefore no way to pay the credit card bill?
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I know parents who pay their 22 year old kids' credit card bills. Why not 15 year olds
and for 10 year olds if they abuse it, just take it away
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But I do.
It’s all about trust and teaching children the importance of credit and money management. Also so they have a way to make emergency purchases.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
There was not once in my life before I was 18 that I had to make an "emergency purchase".
Anything I needed could wait until my parents could show up (and use their own credit card if necessary). Name me one thing so urgent that a 14yo needs to purchase that it can’t wait for their parents.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
lap dances
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Where were you when I was a teenager?
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
picking my mom up from her day shifts at the strip club, probably
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Giving a kid a Visa card is not how you teach money management.
This is called “allowance” or a “job”.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My children will almost certainly live in a cashless society.
Making the argument a little silly.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 12:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My parents didn't even bother handing me cash as an allowance
they just kept a running tally of how much allowance I had saved up and let me use it as a debit card when we were out.
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
At the same time, allowing them to charge purchases that others will pay back
as also a moderately silly argument to make for “teaching people smart money management.”
by marc w on Jan 12, 2009 1:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Money is money
You have to teach the kid the value of the dollar the hard way before giving him any forms of money to go throw around all willy-nilly
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think giving cell phones to young teenagers screws their development
Block text messaging from people under 18 and then we’re talking
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you computer dependent?
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Seeing as that my job requires me to work with computers to pull a paycheck
I’d say yes.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think we're too dependent on technology and we're raising a bunch of pussies
but some things have made life better and cell phones are one of them.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There are some drawbacks to cell phones, sure
but I agree with you. The pros far outweigh the cons.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
YES
YES YES YES
If I could go back 30 years the first thing I would do is assassinate everyone who helped create the internet
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think we agree on this at all.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 12:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've considered becoming Amish
I think today’s technology has made us all (myself included) a bunch of paranoid pussies with too much access to information
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ass-beards?
Yuck.
Assa-Beards?
Yuck.
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 1:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I can remove this little bit of the internet from your personal life should you so chose
by Graham on Jan 12, 2009 1:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's too late now
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 1:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The damage is done
Eliminating the internet from myself is bad if the rest of society needs it- I just don’t think it should exist at all
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 1:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The sheer wealth of information available to everyone thanks to the internet
is wonderful. I’m an idealist. I think that if something exists that can easily spread knowledge to billions of people it should be commended.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 1:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Jeez. No kidding.
I mean, heck – remember when parents used to freak out about their kids running up $300 long-distance phone bills?
Kids are going to be kids and do kid things. The fact that I don’t have to worry about my future teenager running up a $300 phone bill too much is OK by me…
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 1:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My first phone bill in college was $279
that sobered me up right quick.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 1:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think this is going too far--the other houses would have phones.
I’m just saying that as long as I was driving, particularly on backroads, I was glad I had a phone. Otherwise it’s unlikely I would have had as much freedom.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jan 12, 2009 12:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe kids these days have too much freedom then.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's just not true
It’s almost considered child abuse these days to kick your kid out on the street all day and tell him to play outside
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There's no way this is true.
We spent 20 years as a society freaking the fuck out about stranger danger and gangs and blah blah blah; if nothing else, cell phones have allowed teenagers to regain some of the freedom they lost when we entered a 24 hour news cycle.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You're kidding right?
My boys had plenty of freedom, as did my little brother who is thirteen years younger than I am. In fact, they had more freedom than I did, and more freedom then my parents or their parents.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not at all kidding.
My cousins weren’t allowed to play in their front yard until they were 14. I had friends that weren’t allowed to stay out past 10:00 on the weekends (in OLYMPIA WASHINGTON) because their parents were worried about gangs. The vast majority of parents are ridiculously paranoid.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 1:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I keep Silas in the bubble.
Screw you, Mariners. I'm back in football's loving arms. *edit: well, shit. This isn't going well.
by kevin_ess on Jan 12, 2009 1:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If you live in a craptatsic neighborhood, this is probably more of an issue.
However, a cell phone isn’t going to protect you from a drive-by, and a credit card makes you more likely to get robbed.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Most kids I knew that grew up in bad neighborhoods had more freedom
because their parents lived in the neighborhoods that boring white people are scared of and realized that it wasn’t a war zone.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't allowed to stay home by myself till I was 12
And allowed to skip family vacations till I was 18.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Once I had a real job,
I could skip vacations.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Still not always allowed to stay in a home by yourself, are you?
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jan 12, 2009 1:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm still not allowed to skip family vacations
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 5:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The fact that I was allowed to drive to my best friend's house
on backroads rather than the long way around was not too much freedom.
I think you are trying too hard to argue a point here. While I agree to an extent that society is overdependent on being ‘plugged in’, this argument is getting a bit ridiculous.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jan 12, 2009 12:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the argument comes down to convenience versus necessity
and I think most of the younger members of this community would argue on the side of convenience. Yeah, we’d survive without our phones, but since they’re cheap and easily obtained, why the hell not? Same with getting a credit card at 15 or whatever. Don’t need it, but it’s nice to have just in case, to have that security of knowing if you need to buy something that you have the means to do so.
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I kinda agree with thingray somewhat
I’m all for kids having cell phones – if I had a kid, they’d have one. But a credit card? No. There’s no way a 15 year old kid “needs” to buy something that he can’t talk to his parents about first.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My boys have cell phones.
They do not have the freedom to send 400 texts per day on them, nor are they to be used for calling their buddies. They are only for contacting us when necessary.
If they want to socialize on a cell phone, they can get a job and get their own.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hell, I wish to God my parents had given me a credit card at 15.
Then when I was on my own at age 17 finance and money wouldn’t have been such a steep learning curve. My credit is still suffering from poor decisions I made back then.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But remember in typical cases the parents names are on the card
and they are paying the bill – it doesn’t help you learn to manage money if you’re not the one paying in the end
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have said nothing about credit cards.
I find them ridiculous and easy to abuse.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jan 12, 2009 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have yet encoutered an incident where I needed to have a credit card
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 1:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Now that I'm paying for textbooks out of pocket
it would be nice, but I’m getting by.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 1:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A clutch going out was my introduction to how helpful a credit card can be.
You just have to have a sense of responsibility that some people appear to lack.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 1:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I keep one for emergencies like my car breaking down while on a long vacation or something similar.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My point is that I never "had" to buy something at 15.
Anything that was a necessity my parents would pay for. The things I “wanted” did not require a credit card, and were not an emergency.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Same boat for me.
My junior year in high school I got rear-ended on my way to work. The accident really screwed up my neck and left me in no condition to drive. To make matters worse I was on the shoulder of 405 between Mill Creek and Bothell.
The cell phone let me call my dad, who drove with my brother to come pick me and my truck up.
In that situation, it’s a piece of security to both myself and my family. I’d only been driving for about two months at that point, so I imagine that if I didn’t have it I probably would have been panicking.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm assuming the police showed up as well. They would have contacted your family for you.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No police.
The asshat that hit me wrote down his insurance number, left it with me, and took off.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's completely illegal
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes it is.
Doesn’t change the fact that it happened and I was on my own, though.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
no it doesn't
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How would he contact the police without a phone?
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 12:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Generally in an accident of this severity,
the police show up on their own.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But without a phone he is at the mercy of someone else stopping to use their phone to contact the authorites.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 12:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Call me a misanthrope
but I’d just assume take control of a situation like that myself rather than throw myself at the mercy of those around me.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand this.
I still don’t think it’s a reason to start kids on cell phones and credit cards at 10.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My policy as a parent somewhere down the line
will be that my kid gets a cell phone the minute they stop taking the Freshman Limo to and from school.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Bottom line: Anything, no matter how small, that can help my kids stay safe is worth having.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 12:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would hope there are qualifiers to this statement.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Some things that may make your kids stay safer
could also turn them into giant wimps and incapable of taking care of themselves as adults. The world isn’t always safe and kids need to learn that eventually. Sometimes that requires being in situations that are a little risky.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You guys are obviously missing the part where I have common sense.
And if letting my child have a cell phone so they can communicate with me 24/7 makes them a wimp, so be it.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
antibacterial soap should be illegal.
And I’m not kidding.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Totally agreed
My older sister had a kid 6 months ago. WE STILL HAVE TO SANITIZE OUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING HER BECAUSE SHE’S AFRAID WE’LL GET THE KID SICK.
The kid isn’t going to have a fucking immune system
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this.
We don’t use it in my house.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree wholeheartedly.
I refuse to even use it, which sometimes requires scalding the hell out of my hands.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 1:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think there's a line there though
It’s healthy for kids to find themselves in binds occassionally and have to problem solve for themselves though
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think kids will have plenty of chances to get into binds
even if they have cell phones.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 1:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Like the bind they end up in when they use too many minutes,
and you are about to kick their ass?
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Or the DOT cameras picking up the accident,
and sending the WSP or DOT.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ironically my parents gave me a phone when I started driving to Boise from McCall
The strange part about this is that there’s virtually no phone service from Boise to McCall
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I rather text than talk.
It keeps convos short and sweet, isn’t rude to do around other people in most situations and allows me to keep track of past correspondences.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 10:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I find it incredibly rude when I go somewhere with a group
and no one is talking because everyone is on their damn phone sending texts.
by Sec 108 on Jan 12, 2009 10:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's even more rude if they're on their phones the whole time.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
When I take a call I always leave the room.
People who do not know how to do this are the same as people who sit there and text all the time.
by Sec 108 on Jan 12, 2009 10:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I hate hate hate talking on my phone in front of people
And I make so much of a point to leave the room that I’ve had people accuse me of talking about them behind their backs
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 10:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But if you're hanging with a group of people, and constantly leave the room,
that’s being very rude as well. What people need to do is learn to ignore phone calls and texts, or turn off their phone occasionally.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
THIS
Oh my god I can’t believe people that refuse to turn off their phones. Unless you’re a doctor on call or a transplant patient waiting for a kidney, you can turn off your phone for an hour and the world will still spin just fine.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have to have my phone on 24/7, and there are some calls I could get fired for not taking.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Work related 24/7 phoning is exempt from my scorn
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't turn my phone off because who the hell calls you unless they really need you past midnight on a work night?
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If it's that big of an emergency, call 911.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Now you are just being a little ridiculous.
Sometimes people NEED to know things. Do you wanna miss a birth? A loved one in the hospital?
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 1:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I just wonder how people ever managed to find out about these things before cell phones
and why didn’t that way work?
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 1:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It worked just fine.
Home phones and answering machines, or home phones and call-back-when-someone’s-home, worked like a charm.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes I wonder how people managed to evaluate baseball players before tRA and UZR.
Didn’t ERA and fielding percentage work?
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I hate this line of argument.
How did people get around before cars? They rode horses. They got where they were going, didn’t they? How did people deal with the pain of surgery before local anesthetic? They drank whiskey. They got through the amputation didn’t they?
I don’t deny that some technology has made the world worse, but I don’t see how anyone can argue that cell phones are in that category. I wish people would use them differently than they do sometimes, but I have been in so many situations that would have sucked ass before cell-phones it’s not even funny. If you want to go live off the grid out in the middle of the desert and eat varmints, fine, more power to you. As long as I don’t have to listen to your logical fallacies anymore, feel free.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 1:15 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
It made sense to me, as long as 'your' is general and not directed at one person.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jan 12, 2009 1:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I see your point.
If we replace land lines entirely with cell phones, then children need cell phones.
But there is a certain level of ettiquette that should be observed with any device. If you were throwing a dinner party and your home phone rang (back in the old-timey days), would you pick it up and have a long, loud conversation, or would you politely tell the person that you will have to call them back because you;re entertaining?
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
As I said, I mostly agree with your point.
I think it’s rude to answer a phone in a restaurant or other such situation. I believe if you’re in a group and not expecting a call either from someone who will be joining you or from a very specific source, you shouldn’t answer your phone.
But to carry it so far that people don’t need phones, or kids don’t need phones, that’s just being a bit of a devil’s advocate.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jan 12, 2009 1:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If you have a landline,
I don’t believe children need cell phones. The only reason my 15yo has one is because he is in marching band, and travels out of state, or far away, and sometimes he has to call us to pick him up when they get back late at night (when the school is closed).
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is that it's getting harder and harder to come by a landline as the years go by.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 1:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
In another 5 years it probably won't be an option.
Doesn’t mean I have to agree with it though.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Fuck off
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 1:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't be mean unless you're Graham, dumbass.
by Graham on Jan 12, 2009 1:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
sorry
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 2:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Again, call my home phone.
My family knows the number. If there is a baby expected, I’ll leave my phone on (of course).
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And again, not everyone has a home phone.
I don’t.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 1:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I know very few people under the age of 25 who have home phones
we don’t have one in our house and never thought about.
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 1:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Then leaving it on for emergencies makes sense.
But you can silence it when it’s appropriate.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 1:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We have a land line for the security system only and have no phones hooked up to it
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 1:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
same at my house
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 1:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
but we do possess a corded phone in case of power outages
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 1:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've got a landline at my place
but only because work is footing the bill. It makes sure they have multiple ways to get a hold of me at 2 in the morning.
If I wasn’t working for this office, I probably wouldn’t have a land line.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 1:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Does VOIP count?
I surrendered my land line to Comcast…
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 3:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not all emergencies can be solved by calling 911
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 2:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Name one that can't.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 2:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Your sewer line just broke.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 2:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Again,
if you’re that far away, what are you going to do? Whoever knows your sewer line is broken can call a plumber.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 2:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So people shouldn't be made aware of emergencies then
by Jeff on Jan 12, 2009 2:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
they'll figure it out soon enough.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 2:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just wait til we evolve and develop telepathy
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 2:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I knew you were going to say that
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 2:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
but they're so Twilighty
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 2:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait until we can plug our brains directly into a world wide wi-fi.
I’m seriously thinking about trademarking the phrase “Brain Blogging.”
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 2:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was snarking
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 2:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
wait, what?
Your question was “name one emergency that can’t be solved by dialing 911”.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 2:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You haven't made one logical argument why cell phones are bad
People are bad, not the technology.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 2:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I never said cell phones are bad.
I said they aren’t a necessity for most people, and that I don’t think children “need” them.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think there are different definitions of need.
Yes, you don’t “need” a cell phone to live, but I think you could justify using “need” in certain situations, and for some families I think it would apply.
by acblue on Jan 12, 2009 4:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If you're that far away from your dog,
what are you going to do about it? And whoever is calling you can (should) take them to the vet.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 2:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Have you ever been a college student?
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 1:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No, what's that like?
As if I cared what time people called me when I was in college?
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 1:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t turn my phone off because who the hell calls you unless they really need you past midnight on a work night?
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 2:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I went to school and work in the same time zone I grew up in, like the vast majority of my friends
and it wasn’t the stupid friends who got jobs in different time zones
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 2:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If you have friends/family in a very different (like, oh, 8 hours) time zone
this is important. Still, these people call my land line, which is why I desperately want to destroy my corded phones and rip the phone jacks out of the wall. Or cancel the service, one of the two.
And I often turn off my cell phone at night because of the scourge that is drunk-texting. Even with the sound off, the little alert light thing makes it look like a UFO is landing in my kitchen if the entire house is dark.
by marc w on Jan 12, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
People who turn off their phones are obnoxious
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 10:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I started texting
and I can’t turn off my phone 100% just airplane mode.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 10:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I guarantee you your phone will in fact turn off
press and hold the red button for a few seconds and off goes the phone.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought this was odd as well.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 12:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And I guarantee you are wrong.
Holding the little red button just turns off the phone radio. The phone itself can not be turned off without removing the battery.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
See the only phones I've ever owned
are Blackberries, ITC 8000 series smartphones, and iPhones.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
In my career I am on the job 24/7
I had to leave the room at the USSM/LL meeting on Saturday because a client called. Either your friends understand who you are and what you do or they don’t.
My issue is that people are losing the ability to be present with the people they happen to be with at any given time.
by Sec 108 on Jan 12, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If there is a work issue this is fine.
But when cell phones are going off during funerals, there is a problem with society.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Regarding the last sentence,
I do worry about that. I try not to, but even when I have guests over, it’s hard not to check the laptop every few minutes to check for e-mail.
These are usually pretty close friends who are just there to watch a game or something, so it’s not like they need my attention, but it’s still something I’m conscious of. I fear becoming addicted to technology sometimes.
But then again, I always find that once I turn off the computer/phone, I’m not anxious or anything. I should probably do it more often.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 11:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It is a real issue now.
People who say it is not an issue are generally the ones who are offending.
by Sec 108 on Jan 12, 2009 11:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have my phone on 24/7 and don't have that problem
If I am company at someone’s house, I’m not going to respond to a text or a call unless really important, and I’m not going to the the phone/computer to start a conversation with someone else.
It all comes down to being a prick/not a prick and technology has little to do with it.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rude people are rude people.
Take away their cell phones and they’ll probably just fart at the table.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My comment is not directed at you or technology.
It is more in regards to how people do not interact on a personal level as much as they used to.
Available technology may play a role in that, but it is not solely to blame. If you are not seeing this in your personal life you are lucky.
by Sec 108 on Jan 12, 2009 11:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My cell phone is usually turned off as soon as both my fiancee and I are home (unless we have plans with someone that night).
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't even have a landline anymore.
Cell phone is my primary means so it stays on.
by coolguyrob on Jan 12, 2009 11:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This makes sense.
I have a landline still, so people can reach me in emergencies, even if my cell is off.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Plus in my business I'm on call 24/7 so I absolutely have to be reachable.
No excuses. Well other than an emergency of my own I guess.
by coolguyrob on Jan 12, 2009 11:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So for you 24/7 access is necessary.
For most people it isn’t.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh I totally realize that I'm way in the minority.
And agree with you. It kills that I can be out on a date and I have to have my crackberry right there with me and I can’t shut it off.
by coolguyrob on Jan 12, 2009 11:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If I'm just hanging at the bar on a Friday it doesn't bother me.
But if we’re out at dinner with friends or something, I silence my phone and just check it after dinner is over.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll at least check to see who it is.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 11:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why interrupt your dinner?
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It might be important. Same reason I keep my phone on silent in the movie theatre.
I have a policy with everyone who knows me. Call me twice in rapid succession if it is urgent.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 11:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wish people would leave messages.
Or call, and if I don’t answer, text. But if you call and don’t leave a message, I’m under no obligation to return your call.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 11:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have a land line just so I have a number to put on applications, resumes, forms, etc.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 11:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I just toss my cell on those kinds of things.
Typically (especially with jobs), I want the person calling to be able to reach me whether or not I’m at home. If I’m out, I can always tell them “you know, this isn’t a great time for me, can we arrange another time to speak more in detail.”
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 12:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I used to do the same thing when I was working at Mills Music.
It’s a nice touch for a customer. You’re pretty much saying that “Even if I’m not on the sales floor, I want to be able to help you out. Here’s my cell number so you’re guaranteed to talk to me directly.”
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
...Which is really annoying to someone who is trying to get in touch with you.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Call my home phone.
If you don’t know my home number, you’re probably not anyone I want to talk to anyway.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No one calls my home phone except for telemarketers.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup. Telemarketers and work.
I ignore both. When my land line rings, I answer it maybe 10% of the time. Leave a message or leave me the fuck alone.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Caller ID helps with this.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I get very few of these.
It almost seems like that “no call” list worked.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've re-upped twice and I still get calls.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to give it credit.
But it seems like that’s when most the calls stopped.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not much of a phone user, so I leave it on. No one calls me anyway, so it's not like I get flooded.
The laptop is another story, though.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 11:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you here.
I walk out of the room/office whenever I get a call on my cell phone. Privacy is a little bit of it, but mostly I just don’t want to annoy people. It bothers me when people do it, so I try to do my part.
Also, since cell phones don’t give you the voice feedback that a land line does, people apparently don’t realize that they’re screaming into the phone.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but leaving people at a table to take a long phone call is rude too
I think that if the texting is done discreetly, I’m fine
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Trump this...
When interviewing a candidate for a role in our team recently, my manager took a call during the interview. Didn’t even apologise either.
How am I supposed to just gloss over that and ask another question?
W1 L2 (.333)
Coming to a baseball stadium near you this June
by MarkE on Jan 12, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm completely uncomfortable talking on the phone in a room full of people
It amazes me that there are people totally comfortable with it
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's worse when everyone is walking around talking on their cell phones.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm able to text without missing a beat or even looking at the phone.
Just like anything, texting can be discrete or incredibly obnoxious and it all depends on the individuals.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 10:55 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I still think this is going to catch on.
Big Z is the MAN.
by Taylor H on Jan 12, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
*retracts comment.
Big Z is the MAN.
by Taylor H on Jan 12, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If it catches on (which it won't) it will only be to belittle you.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I just try to do all of my correspondence by e-mail.
I can type ~75 words a minute on a keyboard, and ~1 word a minute on my phone. And I’m near a computer pretty much all day. Texting is nice when I’m on the road, but other than that, I avoid it.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I check in at about 100.
Big Z is the MAN.
by Taylor H on Jan 12, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting article about how big of a scam carriers have made text messages
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/28/business/28digi.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=text%20message&st=cse
Should be ok but please try to avoid any possible political connections.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 11:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Looking at the girl, I think she goes down as the person most in need of a junk punch.
Although, it wouldn’t quite nearly have the same effect. Make it a gut punch.
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 12:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Holy crap, the average is 1,700??
I’m at like ~200 a month
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 12:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you obviously need to drive more
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Amy Winehouse is only 25!? I thought she was like 40.
Talk about wear and tear.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 10:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'm amazed she's still alive to be honest
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Picking Amy Winehouse in celebrity death pools is almost cheating.
the other angels fan
by Eyebrows on Jan 12, 2009 10:46 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
My wife actually named hers the Amy Winehouse Memorial Death Pool this year
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The writer who is commenting on the HOF show says he doesn't look at stats
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 10:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
and this is a surprise how again?
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Those stupid kids on the internet never saw Blyleven pitch therefore they know nothing.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 10:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Jack Morris knew how to win, Blyleven didn't
(Blyleven won more games)
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 10:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I fully believe with the contraction/death of "old media"
and the actual death of old sportswriters that the HoF balloting process will be more scientific in 15 years than it is today, and until that time there’s no use in getting up in arms about it.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 10:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm actually glad that the even brought it up
It would have never been brought up a few years ago.
I’m not really mad I just find it hilarious (especially coming from a guy with a slimy east coast accent)
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Stay away fanboys.
But thanks to what must have been a mastermind bent on villiany and evil, I am in the market for a new mp3 player. I’ve had experience with iPods before thanks to a generous purchase plan through my alma mater and are comfortable with them. I have the following needs for portable music player(s):
-something that’s easy to use at the gym
-something that’s easy to use while driving
-something that helps kill time on the bus
Thanks to lala, I no longer need an mp3 player when I have net access. I previously had a 2nd gen nano, which was small enough to use at the gym and easy enough (UI folders and an actual visual screen) to scroll through for driving.
I want something in the 8GB range of memory, and after some price shopping, my current thoughts run toward getting two players. One that’s the cheapest and smallest that I can find that will play mp3s and will only play mp3s (for gym) and a more full-featured player like the nano for more general use.
I’m curious about people’s thoughts on either or both lines of players. Have a cheap player that’s durable? I’m also curious about anyone who owns an iPod Touch and they’re overall thoughts on it. It seems like a really fun gadget, but is it worth the extra cost?
by Matthew on Jan 12, 2009 11:18 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The touch is really cool gadget for everything but a MP3 player.
Zunes and creatives are usually high quailty players without the hassel of itunes.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 11:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
By that, do you mean the audio quality of the touch sucks?
I already deal with iTunes for other reasons and will have to no matter my player, so that’s not an incentive for me.
by Matthew on Jan 12, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just from playing with my friends iPhones
It appears to be very cumbersome to operate while moving around. I hate my ipod but the one thing that I like is that I can operate it without taking it out of my pocket. From my moderate experience with the touch that appears to be quite difficult. The other gimmicky stuff is top notch though.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is the best thing about the ipod for me
I don’t have to look at it to operate it.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I want a MacBook Wheel So Badly
:-)
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 1:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm an old man and I hate touch wheels
I want tactile buttons to press (and a dedicated volume control if I can find it)
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You also hate keyboards...
…either that or they hate you :-)
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 1:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Considering the fact that he has 43,131 comments on Lookout Landing alone
I assume he does not hate keyboards
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 1:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I love my new keyboard
and if you check my comments you will see that my keyboard related bitching has gone down to nearly 0% since I got it.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 2:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing is better than my new Microsoft Natural 4000.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 2:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't say things you can't take back.
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 2:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I love this keyboard so much.
Finally a worthy successor to my decade-old Natural Pro.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Some things in life are worth paying for.
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 2:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My brain skipped the 'to' in 'gone down to nearly 0%' the first time I read this
and thought you just made a very funny meta joke.
Nope.
by Matthew on Jan 12, 2009 3:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's a good point.
Not sure how much it would effect me, but I hadn’t thought about that before.
by Matthew on Jan 12, 2009 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is why I told my brother not to get one
It looks neat, but the control interface is probably annoying and you won’t be able to operate it without looking at the screen.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I use Mediamonkey to load my iPods (don't think it does touch)
There are a lot of good media managers that do iPod loading and organizing.
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have SanDisk Sansa (8 GB).
And I love it. It doesn’t have too many features, which is great for me, but it’s a rock-solid player. I’ve had it for a year and a half now and haven’t had any problems with it.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 11:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I will agree with the Sansa as a good "gym" player.
I would still go with a Nano or iPod classic as a car player, though.
I wouldn’t rec the touch for driving, too much going on, need to look at the to change anything.
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 11:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've heard good things, but IIRC, that's a little more than I want to spend on what would amount to solely a gym device.
I’d be looking for something in the $35 and under range for that.
by Matthew on Jan 12, 2009 11:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I use my Sansa for everything: gym, car, home.
I do everything in my BVD’s.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have a 3rd gen Nano (the square one) and I love it for the gym
it’s a great shape, it’s flash memory so there’s no moving parts to jar while running, and mine’s 8 gig so it holds a ton of stuff. I also have a 4 gig one that I would part with (bought the 8 gig for the extra capacity when they announced the 4th gen nanos, which went back to the rectangular shape), but it sounds like you want something bigger – but if a 4 gig 3rd gen nano would interest you drop me a line.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I just uploaded my entire CD collection to Lala over the weekend.
I’m convinced that there’s a catch somewhere, because this is too awesome.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 11:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's far too fantastic to last, but I am milking it for all its worth in the mean time.
by Matthew on Jan 12, 2009 11:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The quality is awesome.
I had grown so used to free.napster.com that I started to ignore how bad it sounded.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I had never heard of this lala. I am checking it out now.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The whole non-ipod market has gone tits up
I pods are good and dandy, but I don’t like the small screen, I hate the scroll wheel, and itunes is a big resource hogging turd.
Personally, I liked my Creative player (no longer made), and my Zune (except for the Y2K bug) just fine, but Microsoft will be pulling out of that market too.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
iPod touch has none of those, except maybe the iTunes.
by Fin on Jan 12, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
...Itunes is like 80% of the problem
That and apple is really douchey and smug to I try to avoid when possible.
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 11:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Companies can't be smug, or douchey.
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 11:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't tell me Graham has a thing against a little elitism, now?
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 11:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've got to go with Graham on this one
I love just about every Apple product I’ve ever owned, but I absolutely hate their marketing department. Every time I see a PC vs Mac ad I want to charter a flight down to Cupertino so I can strangle someone.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 11:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I see that as two sides of the same coin.
If you make the products the everyone loves, you can afford to be smug/douchey/elitist.
I’m sure pushing their products in that way doesn’t hurt their bottom line, as even MS fanboys will still get iPods over Zunes when push comes to shove, and reinforcing stereotypes of the hip underdogs probably brings in the anti-establishment morons.
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 11:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You have to be creative to destroy a monopoly, though...
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 1:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Google is much better at this than Apple
by Graham on Jan 12, 2009 1:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And Apple has a few monopolistic tendencies of its own, really.
I’ve never really understood the difference between an awesome business and a monopoly, to be honest. It’s a hard line for me to draw.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 1:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
As does google
I’m not entirely convinced that an open-source monopoly is any better than a proprietary one.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 1:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's probably a little too close to politics for this site,
but it has to do with deliberately preventing competition, as opposed to just crushing it in the open marketplace.
Think IE automatically resetting itself as default browser at startup, to mess with Netscape.
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 1:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that's unfair
but I don’t have a problem with Microsoft bundling their own web browser and media player in with Windows.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 1:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not bundling.
The start of the Euro anti-trust suits was that you couldn’t uninstall IE, and it would reset itself as default should something take it away.
But bundling is part of any software, really, so no, I have no problem with that, and it turns out that anti-trust lawyers don’t either. You just have to be able to uninstall the pieces if you don’t want them.
It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray
by Faux on Jan 12, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I own the iPod Touch
If you don’t need more than like 12 GB of space for music, it works perfectly. Picture for videos is very high quality, and you can go on the internet wherever there is Wi-Fi. Also what I like most is that Apps you can get for them. Now you don’t have to pay for all of them, and they can sometimes can be very handy when you are on the go.
by Fin on Jan 12, 2009 11:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've used a lot of MP3 devices
but the iPod is still at the top of my list as far as usability and ease goes. I’ve got a 30GB video and 8GB iPhone, and I love both. The 30GB video is great for long road trips.
My brother owns the newer 8GB nano and he absolutely loves it.
As for the Touch, what Robert said.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 11:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I liked the CreativeZen because it would accept damn nearly any format of video or music, and the screen was amazing
but holy shit was the scroll bar impossible, and it scratched easily
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 2:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've got a creative zen V, and it looks like the Creative Zen Mosaic might fit your needs
Like JI, I don’t use (and will never use) iTunes, so I just needed a small mp3 player with a decent screen. My old Zen V has a decent screen, great battery life, and pretty good sound. Dedicated volume.
I’ve had mine for 2 years, fwiw.
by marc w on Jan 12, 2009 11:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I like my Creative Zen Touch, but it didn't like Vista.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 11:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It can stand in line.
Wonder if it’ll work w/Windows 7?
by marc w on Jan 12, 2009 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't mind my iPod when I had it (I had one of those huge clunky ones)
and I don’t mind my Zune now (other than the name and the fact that people act like fucking retards when asked to do anything with it). Zune’s are pretty easy to use while driving and while there are a few things I’d change about the display, it’s a fine device. If I were you I’d just go for whatever is cheapest because if you just want music to listen to there really isn’t a reason to own a Touch or something wacky like that.
by Fogel on Jan 12, 2009 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Driving while using your zune is more distracting then drunk driving
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes I just like to point that out because I think either drunk drivers get way too much flak or people engaging in non driving activities while driving don't get enough
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd go with the latter
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's situation dependent
On a backroad in the middle of the night I think both are fine, in 45 MPH traffic on I-5 at 630 PM I think you should be instantly jailed for either
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You can run off a back road into a tree as easily as you can hit another car in traffic
if your eyes aren’t on the road and focused on what you’re doing.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Difference though
Running into a tree only hurts yourself
Running into another car hurts someone else
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd prefer to arrive at my destination without hurting myself though
wouldn’t you?
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but I don't think a law should dictate that
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Laws can't be drawn that finely, though
and shouldn’t laws help protect all people, self or otherwise?
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't want laws protecting myself from myself, only myself from others
but I’m not sure this is going in a good direction
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably not
but one final question: you’re on a rural road, texting away because your conversation just can’t wait. You miss a curve, and my house is on that curve. You plow your car through, let’s say, my garage door. Nobody’s hurt, but if that’s my garage door I want a law in place saying that what you did is illegal. Otherwise, I have almost no recourse short of my insurance, which may or may not cover the damage you did and if it does, will probably adversely affect my rates. SHould what you did be considered illegal, given that nobody got hurt?
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The act of running into your garage door should be illegal
How I did it should not be an issue
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 12:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually kind of agree with you here
Because if you did this while eating a cheeseburger, which can be just as much of a distraction, no laws come into play. Except for reckles driving I guess.
by coolguyrob on Jan 12, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But the argument could be made
that if you weren’t texting, you would have been focused on the driving, and thus not run off the road into my garage door, could it not? If you ran into my garage door because your brakes and steering failed, that shouldn’t be illegal. Intent matters.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It shouldn't be illegal but I should be fully liable for paying for your garage door
Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org
by I'm NOT Corco on Jan 12, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But you'd still have to pay
What are you asking the law to DO here?
by marc w on Jan 12, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Recognize that driving should be a singular activity
if texting is covered under “reckless driving”, great, but if not I think the definition of “reckless driving” needs to be expanded.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It shouldn't be expanded by itemizing each gadget or
food item that’s distracting.
If you drive off the road into someone’s garage, you’re liable. What more needs to be said here?
by marc w on Jan 12, 2009 1:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't mean an itemized list
But the RCW currently only defines “reckless driving” in terms of either speed (x mph over the posted maximum) or impairment by drugs or alcohol. The language should be expanded so that it catches things like eating, texting, brushing your teeth, etc. – in other words, things you do behind the wheel that are detrimental to the safe operation of a vehicle.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 1:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No it's not
not even close, it’s no worse than changing the stereo
by JI on Jan 12, 2009 2:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That was my initial line of thought,
but after figuring out that a Touch would cost me ~$100 over a plain mp3 player, I’m trying to gauge whether the stuff like the App Store, wifi access, etc is worth that much to me.
by Matthew on Jan 12, 2009 12:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd stick with a more vanilla MP3 player.
The Touch’s wifi support is neat, but if you’re in a place with wifi you probably should just use a laptop instead.
Either that or go with an iPhone and be able to use it’s non-MP3 functionality everywhere.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't need or want a phone.
And I do not carry laptops around with me.
by Matthew on Jan 12, 2009 12:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I still stand by my thoughts on the Touch.
It’s a neat device, it just doesn’t do anything particularly well. It’s an okay music player, but the battery life leaves a lot to be desired. The app store applications tend to be more novelties than anything.
As far as value goes, you’re probably better off with a device that’s more dedicated to MP3 and music playback.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have a 32GB touch and love it (got it for $225)
But I don’t really use it to listen to music. Mostly just videos when I’m flying and games. But I agree with BrianL says if your trying to get around your music library and switching between songs it can become frustrating.
YES YES YES YES YES
by Scruffy Lefty on Jan 12, 2009 12:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The standard iPod wheel is so much more easier to use than the touch screen for scrolling through your library.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yes it is
I use my shuffle mostly for listening to music. I just fly a lot for work now so I really needed something to do on the plane.
Oh and I love the Wifi browser btw.
YES YES YES YES YES
by Scruffy Lefty on Jan 12, 2009 12:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
O yes, it is great.
The iPod touch is basically for people who want an iPhone but already has a phone.
by Fin on Jan 12, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not really.
I think it is much easier to use the letters on the side to go down to the artist you want and etc.
by Fin on Jan 12, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Woot frequently features mp3 players - especially during Woot-offs
I have bought a couple of mp3 players from Woot and have gotten fantastic deals.
I previously posted as "Man From Nantucket"
by mem on Jan 12, 2009 1:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, this!
A few years ago, I got a AAA-powered 1-gig MP3 player for $25 (when similar models were going for at least $50).
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Big fan of both, it suits my lifestyle. Or did but still prefer a small/large combo.
For exactly what you said, for cycling or working out a stick memory player that is lightweight, and virtually indestructible is fantastic. I do like being able to haul around the lionshare of my music collection on occasion.
What I really need is a better set of head phones for working out, little rubber bands and plastic are annoying. And innocuous, I think it’s illegal to ride even on the Burke with headphones on.
Formerly dpseadvr.
by Kermit. on Jan 12, 2009 2:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Shut it. Check the tags.
Big Z is the MAN.
by Taylor H on Jan 12, 2009 11:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You're still wrong.
Geaux Hornets.
by NOLAmarinergirl on Jan 12, 2009 11:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not your buddy fwend.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Now it's my turn to say Huh?
Big Z is the MAN.
by Taylor H on Jan 12, 2009 11:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
South Park reference.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Heard that this morning.
He’s been considering retirement for years. I hope he gets to enjoy it.
Man do I love midgets.
by Thingray on Jan 12, 2009 11:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So I had the misfortune of watching "What Happens in Vegas" a while back and it got me to thinking.
Are there seriously any people out there who think gags based on the concept that men should leave the toilet seat down so women don’t fall in the toilet by accident funny? Seriously, how ancient is that “gag?”
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 11:57 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like a plot line from "According to Jim."
Screw you, Mariners. I'm back in football's loving arms. *edit: well, shit. This isn't going well.
by kevin_ess on Jan 12, 2009 11:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember that Onion "Macbook Wheel" parody?
Turns out I’m not the only one who didn’t realize it was a parody until after watching the video.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 11:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
That is just straight up fucking embarrassing.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 12:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They need to make the Onion logo bigger.
Big Z is the MAN.
by Taylor H on Jan 12, 2009 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure thats a joking article as well.
by Robert on Jan 12, 2009 12:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The article was pulled shortly after it was posted.
All that exists of it now is this screenshot.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's those kind of videos (a.k.a. skits) that makes SNL obsolete to me.
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 12:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I still think the only redeeming quality of modern SNL are the digital shorts.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it'd be great if SNL went the way of the Groundlings or Second City
because it’s a fantastic breeding ground for comic talent – it’s just that it doesn’t really need to be seen on national TV. Either that or Lorne Michaels needs to step away from it – his ego is all over that show and that’s to its detriment.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 12:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lorne probably needs to step down.
…and Tina Fey needs to take over.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 12:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sweet Niblets!
Argggggh. My G4 MDD tower died this weekend. I’m fairly confident it’s the power supply – which to purchase the part would be more than what the computer’s worth.
It was gaggingly slow for doing my photos, though, and I was hoping to buy a new one at some point anyway. Now I’m pretty much forced to do it, since my laptop just doesn’t cut it for doing critical work.
So, I’m trying to cobble together a budget. Likely it’ll be in the neighborhood of $1200-1500 absolute max. That pretty much rules out the new Mac Pro towers, so I’m having to hit the G5 tower market. And, hence, a used computer (which I’m really hesitant about in the first place, but as long as I wipe and low-level format the HD, I’m less creeped out by it).
My rules:
1) Has to run OS-X (10.4 is OK).
2) Has to have 1 gig memory at least
3) Has to be a reliable sytem
4) G5 processor at a minimum.
5) Tower, not a laptop – something I can hook my sweet 17" Studio display into. Yes, I know I can get a DVI-ADC connector (actually just got one so I can use it on my wife’s Mac Mini), but part of why I want a G5 is because of the ADC option. Towers are easier to expand and upgrade later, and generally are more reliable in my experience.
My friend was thinking about selling me his dual-1GHZ G4 tower which would be a nice bandaid, but I need something more long-term, and with the economy he’s very hesitant to buy a new computer for himself. So at this point, I’m not considering that to be an option.
Any Mac-savvy folks able to help a brother out???
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 12:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I sold my first gen intel imac to a buddy for $400
You can find a deal.
YES YES YES YES YES
by Scruffy Lefty on Jan 12, 2009 12:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually don't want an iMac.
I don’t want one with a built-in screen.
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 2:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This might be a good deal
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/sys/985596235.html
YES YES YES YES YES
by Scruffy Lefty on Jan 12, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
I’m well aware of CL stuff. I’m looking for potentially other sources. I just heard RE/PC might be a good option. Stuff like that…
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 1:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh and Paul the Canon 5D is amazing
YES YES YES YES YES
by Scruffy Lefty on Jan 12, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, yes it is...
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 1:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My brother got one
Lets just say the video capabilities aren’t a gimmick
YES YES YES YES YES
by Scruffy Lefty on Jan 12, 2009 2:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No, they're really not.
That and the D90… I mean if Redrock already has accessories for both dSLRs as video cams, that’s a pretty reasonable endorsement of their video capabilities.
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 3:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Always take a look on eBay and CL.
Looks to be a decent machine and it’s a generation up from your G4’s and G5’s.
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm...
I’ll have to watch Mac Pros on ebay. Certainly, ideally, I’d like an Intel-based Mac Pro. But, then again, I don’t have CS3 and I don’t really believe in torrenting, so…
This signature space for rent.
by PositivePaul on Jan 12, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Whywhywhy can't The Verve just fucking END a song?
One of my pet peeves: Long-ass outros in songs.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 12:52 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
As BrianL would say:
Richard Ashcroft needs a fucking editor.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 12:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So I have been wanting to put together a nice playlist that has a variety of music.
I have put it off for a long time now because every time I open my music collection, it just seems too daunting of a task to even get started. How would you suggest I go about tackling this problem? Go down the list by genre? Maybe just do artists from A-Z?
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 1:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
This is something I have yet to come to terms with.
I have two playlists. My “Music of Nobuo Uematsu” playlist and my “Cruising down the highway” playlist.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
See, I have like 15 different playlists broken up by genres.
Most of them only have 10-15 songs in the playlist because I never get around to completing them. I want to have a full playlist (300-400 songs) with a variety of genres that I can feel I can groove to whatever the situation. I’m just horrible at making playlists of a single genre that I don’t know how I am ever going to complete something so large with a variety of genres.
Gah! It’s frustrating.
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 1:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Is this a playlist for general listening, or for a specific use (work, gym, etc)?
What I would do is start by thinking of 15-20 of your favorite songs – songs that always come to mind when you think “what do I want to listen to now”? Then, build from there – find songs that sound similar, have similar tempos, and things like that.
Do you use iTunes? Smart playlists are great, because you can also set up a smart playlist that only features things you haven’t played in X amount of time, or things like that.
Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.
by pdb on Jan 12, 2009 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would do artists alphabetically, but that's just my taste.
Screw you, Mariners. I'm back in football's loving arms. *edit: well, shit. This isn't going well.
by kevin_ess on Jan 12, 2009 1:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I do.
I go down the list alphabetically, adding whatever sounds good. If I then need to pare it down to fit onto a CD, I go through the list I’ve just made and get rid of the ones that don’t immediately jump out at me. As soon as I get it to the size I want, then I can tweak it to make a good flow.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
See, my problem going alphabetically is that jumping between genres changes my mood and then I want to go a totally different direction with it the whole playlist.
Maybe I will just start with one genre at a time, pick the best, and then combine them all. I just hate having the playlists I have because I know exactly what song and sound is going to come next. I want it to be like playing the radio and just a random, good song comes on.
by Wilder. on Jan 12, 2009 1:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm weird in that I usually have all sorts of genres in a single playlist.
Switching back and forth never bothers me. In fact, I start to get a little bored if I’m hearing too much of one thing.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 1:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I started using the little rating system on my iPod a little differently.
1- 4 stars each has a different play list. When I hear a new song and have an urge to put it into a specific play list, I usually forget about it by the time I get anywhere near my computer. This way I can use the iPod to give it a rating, and sort the songs out next time I sync the computer and iPod.
My biggest complaint about my iPod is the software isn’t intuitive enough, so I have to do junk like this to make it work for me.
Formerly dpseadvr.
by Kermit. on Jan 12, 2009 2:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Holy shit, Best Buy is blowing out video games right now.
Ninja Gaiden II – $9.99
Condemned 2 – $9.99
Guitar Hero III – $19.99
Saints Row 2 – $39.99
Plus more.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 1:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Man, I really wish I wanted to play any of those games.
Might get Condemned 2, I guess.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 1:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Condemned 2 isn't terrible, but it's not good either.
But for $10…
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
MLB 2k8 was $10 I think
worth it?
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Fuck no.
Have you seen what those framerate issues did to Geoff Baker?
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 1:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think my mental stability is less in question than Geoff Baker's
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think my mental stability is less in question than Geoff Baker's
by seattlebruin on Jan 12, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The framerate issues will make anyone feel stabby.
MLB 2k8 is hands-down the most broken game I’ve ever purchased.
by BrianL on Jan 12, 2009 2:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
For $10, I might buy it for the second time.
(It got stolen a few weeks ago along with all my other games, so I’m rebuilding my collection.)
As Brian says, the graphics inexplicably got way worse, but they patched it so the frame rate is better, but still not good. But pitching is a blast. I like the game enough play it a few times a week, but it’s not great.
by Teej on Jan 12, 2009 2:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Has anybody played Civilization Revolution?
I guess I was expecting something a little more challenging (I’m a Civ II NUT) and was disappointed with the simplicity of this game. Though the animations were kinda funn.
by Phildopip on Jan 12, 2009 1:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Ever since finding Fall From Heaven II I have yet to play a game of Vanilla Civ.
I’ll only get Civ add-ons if the FFH modders move on to the new expansion.
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 2:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh wait, that's the 360 one isn't it?
Yeah, why bother?
Fear the NPE
by thewyrm on Jan 12, 2009 2:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

by 
