Y2HH

QUOTE (kapkomet @ Dec 12, 2011 -> 07:54 PM) Exactly. You know, I have had that happen to me at least three times now. I had a business plan for a groupon like deal in 2000 (ask SS). It's not exact but it's pretty damn close. I could see that one coming and I'm the in debt pennliess bastard. I wrote a paper for my MBA that is 100% my plan, literally down to the 4P's. Too bad I didn't patent the process then, because I'd be worth millions. And, my fearless (har har) prediction that immediately after the Beijing olympics there would be a world-wide financial meltdown. But that one doesn't really count. You can't patent/trademark something like Groupon (the idea), which is why it's being copied by everyone right now.

For you fine people: Oh, that guy Bane (Tom Hardy)... ...used to be this guy here... (the smaller one)

What's with these occupiers shutting down shipping ports? Why is it they think this is a good idea? Is it because they feel they're sticking it to the man, as in, big corporations? Or maybe they think that by doing something so drastic they can get some media attention, despite the fact that it would be largely negative media attention? I mean, I ask because I wonder how many small businesses struggling to stay afloat in this economy are being negatively affected by shutting down shipping ports may have on them? Do they feel that the only people that ship things are billion dollar corporations, or am I missing something here?

Wah, wah, wah. That's the sound of a joke bombing, not Charlie Brown's teacher or any other Peanuts related adult.

QUOTE (DukeNukeEm @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 12:25 PM) Except my comparison stretches globally. Working from right to left the global political landscape looks something like: Far right: 1880's style American capitalism Right: Modern-day American capitalism Center-right: Capitalism with some stronger elements of the welfare state (Universal healthcare is the big one) Center: Capitalism with a powerful welfare state Center-left: Democratic socialism in some industries, a very powerful welfare state, but still private enterprise in more dominant parts of the economy Left: Democratic socialism Far left: Communism The UK is pretty centrist as far as Europe goes, but really look at the stronger political parties globally. The communist parties in most countries hold about the same level of support of total free market capitalist parties. The only structural impediment to that being reflected in the USA is our single-member districts; admittedly a huge piece of our political infastructure, but still the only thing blocking those parties out. Can't say I agree with that generalized comparison...whatsoever. Far left is communism? Disagree. It depends on the form of government, then the opinions of the politicians as that government therein are what make them left or right. I don't agree on a globalized chart that depicts different governments as right or left. Being left or right is independent of the kind of government you are under. I see it as VERY issue specific. For example, when it comes to abortion, I'm pretty liberal minded, etc. Depending on the ISSUE is what makes a person left/right/or center. Overall, I'd say my opinions sway either right or left, but would average out into the middle of the spectrum.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 12:10 PM) You don't change, your perception of others changes. obama is a marxist liberal to some, a centrist corporate shill to others. Center and the leans are fluid, not rigid norms. Additionally extremist positions aren't necessarily wrong and centrist our compromise positions e not inherently good. That's basing an opinion on misinformation and allowing the dumb to define things when they need to be ignored by those of us with a brain.

QUOTE (DukeNukeEm @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 12:08 PM) Its actually really difficult to think of many parties in the world, aside from the anti-immigrant nationalist parties in Europe, that are further right than the Democrats here. It's also an invalid comparison. We aren't in the UK, and we don't have their political system here. It's comparing apples to oranges. Geographic differences aside, which are HUGE in terms of size/population, etc...but comparing completely different systems/governments to come up with what you feel is equal weight left/right is just absurd.

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 11:49 AM) I guess that's where we disagree, because if Cutler and Forte aren't going to be back, I'd prefer a 7-9 record and a better draft pick than a 9-7 record and a first round blowout at New Orleans. For what reason? The Bears are better in free agency than drafting. Once in a while the get lucky and accidentally draft someone good (and it's rare). So losing in order to get a better draft position doesn't mean much for the Bears. I'd rather be entertained by what they have on the field today than care about a year from now, who the f*** knows, I may not be alive a year from now...so entertainment NOW!

He doesn't belong in, and neither do quite a few others that have made it. The HOF is becoming a watered down popularity contest, rather than what it was intended to be. Was Santo a good 3B in his time? Yes. Was he one of the best of all time? No. He was not.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 11:42 AM) But it is a subjective, fluid scale. In America, the Democrats are considered a generally liberal party. Compared to most European states, though, they're center-right to right. That's the whole concept of the Overton Window and a real-world example of the fallacy of the appeal to moderation. The extremes define the middle, so if you keep getting more and more extreme, you keep pulling the middle ground towards your positions. I consider being a left leaning or right leaning person to be normal. I consider a centrist normal. When you go too far right or too far left, unlike how many attempt to redefine it, it does NOT mean you move to the opposite side...it means you're a moron. Too far left and you don't become center-right, what you become is Nancy Pelosi.

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 11:27 AM) The Bears aren't winning the Super Bowl, or even getting there, with Favre. The only chance the Bears have of reaching the Super Bowl this season is if Cutler and Forte are both back in time for the playoffs. If there is a good chance of that happening, then I have no problem bringing in Favre or McNabb to try and get the Bears into the playoffs, but does anyone think Favre would be happy becoming the backup QB at that point? If there is little chance of getting Cutler and Forte back for the playoffs, then I hardly see the point of bringing anybody in just so the Bears can get plastered by the Saints in their first playoff game. I didn't say they'd win -- and that's beside the point. The Bears job, as a business/organization, is the attempt, at all times, to put the best product on the field that they can. I don't care if Favre gives the Bears a 1% or 25% better chance to win the Superbowl than what they have right now, any increase in chance and I think it's what they should do. OR, they should stop saying they're in the business of putting the best product on the field that they can. Do I think Favre with the bears would mean they win the Superbowl? No. Do I think they have a better shot, regardless of how much of a long shot it is, with Favre? Yes. I also like to keep in mind that football, is nothing more than real-time entertainment. And f*** all, but Favre is entertaining as hell on that field, regardless of who he plays for. Even if it means losing -- I'd ENJOY watching them lose with Favre more than watching them lose with the crap they have left over in the wake of Cutlers injury. The Bears are in the business of entertaining people. What they did last week...that wasn't entertainment for anyone other than KC. And that is all.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 11:10 AM) Oh and I don't think I claimed that I wasn't biased in there. I'm openly a left-liberal. I thought you were a neocon all this time! Oh, and sorry for blow up about the "when you get so far left you become center-right" thing, but I've heard that before...and it annoys me to no end when people redefine what left/right means to suit the situation, when and how they want to do so.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 10:58 AM) Well if you get far enough to the left politically, every Democrat, except maybe Kucinich, is really a center-right asshole at best. So from that viewpoint, MSNBC is a corporatist MSM news outlet looking to back the corrupt, corporatist Democrats over the more-corrupt, more-corporatist Republicans. I'd still contend strongly that network-wide biases at MSNBC approach anything close to what Fox does. Yes, their editorial shows are mostly liberal, sometimes strongly (Maddow), sometimes stupidly (Schultz). But it's not quite the same as, say, Fox having multiple commentators and guests talk about how "Obama left GOD out of his youtube address!" over the course of a day's worth of shows, or how their coverage of #OWS focused almost entirely on how they're a bunch of dirty, smelly hippies while rarely, if ever, actually discussing some of the stronger messages coming out of the movement. You show you bias so openly all the while denying it exists is what makes this entire line of reasoning you're trying to justify so funny. MSNBC is AS biased as Fox in the opposite direction. This is my opinion, which has equal weight to you opposite opinion on the matter. There is no way to prove this in either case. Dismissing MSNBC as non biased by making up some insane s*** like "if you get far enough to the left politically, you're really center-right" is just...well...insanity. WTF kind of thinking is this? Stop repeating stupid s*** like that...because it makes you sound stupid. No, you aren't center-right when you move too far left...stop repeating it. That's just f***ing dumb.

QUOTE (Milkman delivers @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 10:44 AM) Poetry. He says that now, but if did come back and won the Superbowl with the Bears, he'd be the first in line buying his f***ing jersey and slobbing his knob. I heard this same crap out of the Vikings fan base before Favre went there, too. I'm sorry but winning is winning. It's not your money they'd be spending, so why do you care? Anyone on this board pretending they'd rather lose than have Favre win is a moron, and it's what classifies you as a "Da Bers" fan, versus a Chicago Bears fan.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 10:17 AM) Well this is a fair point--does the GOP control FNC, or does FNC hold considerable sway over the GOP? Either way, though, 'lean' right is a bit soft of a description of their bias. It's the only way to term it, since not all Fox news contributors lean right. A majority of them do, but not all. I try to be fair when it comes to this. I'd venture to guess NBC has it's token few republicans on staff, too, but they'd never get on the air from what I know. Since I don't watch NBC -- ever -- I wouldn't actually know for sure. I do watch Fox from time to time and I do know they let non republicans on the air.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 09:37 AM) That's exactly what we do, on the longer trips. I just bought an extra battery pack, and charge it before we go. Weighs less than the charging cord and solar cell would anyway. I just wush Garmin had designed the unit a little better, to where the already-existing USB port could also charge the battery. Would have made things easier. Honestly, Garmin's designs are pretty bad. They're far bulkier than they should be IMO. They need to put some serious work into the ease of use on their software, not to even mention they need to design their hardware FAR better than they do.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 09:23 AM) 7 days? We use Garmin Rino HCx's, they are GPS units (map-capable) with intergrated 2-way radios (which come in handy when you have large groups). If we keep them on during daylight hours, and use them occasionally, we get about 3-4 days per charge on the battery. So, we're fine for short trips, but start to have issues on week-long ones. That's why I have been considering solar chargers. Problem with these Rinos is, even though they have a USB port, that is only used for data transfer. To charge it, you have to use the wall plug, which includes a cord that (irritatingly) has one of those giant resisters at the plug end. Weighs a ton. That's where my issue is. I have those -- and the worst part about them is they charge slow, too...so I'm pretty skeptical that they could even come close to being charged up a reasonable amount by some infancy solar charger tech. Best idea I've found with these is just carry an extra fully charged battery in a waterproof bag...ends up being less space taken for just about the same amount of weight seeing as that you don't need a solar charger + the cord. I've found, in my vast camping experience, that most people abuse GPS units (and for that matter other portable technology while out in the woods), by using them when they're not necessary, messing around with the two way radios too much, etc. Put the tech away until you actually need it... And if you can't, a simple extra battery is more than sufficient.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 08:46 AM) It's debatable. To be clear. Does Fox lean republican? Absolutely. But does that mean the republican party "controls them"? No. Someone favoring one party over another actively being controlled by them are two VERY different things. At best, I can only say "maybe" when it comes to this because I don't know if they control them or not...but I'd probably side with not. That has nothing to do with the fact that most Fox tv personalities lean right.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 09:10 AM) Well, you can somewhat address the time issue by putting it on the top or back of your back (or on the front on the shoulder strap, depending on sun direction). So things can charge while you hike. I even saw recently, a backpack with a solar cell built right into it. But I agree, the technology (portable, personal use solar cells) is still in its infancy, or toddlerhood at least. That's pretty use specific. Most campers don't do walk-in/hike-in camping. So for the backpackers out there, it may be useful...but I say "may" with a bit of gusto. As someone who has backpack camped, the last thing you want to do is add any more weight or bulk (or fragile technology) to your pack. Most pocket GPS's can last upwards of 7 days with constant use. WTF are people doing with their tech that it's running out of batteries? Stop abusing it and you wouldn't have to worry about such nonsense. I mean...your backpacking...put the f***ing technology away. This kinda crap is ruining camping.

QUOTE (Reddy @ Nov 28, 2011 -> 10:23 AM) In what regard? the real problem the movement is facing is the very thing they're protesting against. people b**** that there's no clear "message" and that it's unorganized, but that's precisely because the only way for the masses to hear anything about the movement is via the main stream media. Now... who runs the MSM? The big corporations that OWS is against! So obviously they're not going to present information that displays OWS in anything close to a positive light. There's close to zero coverage of it anymore, but not because it's stopped. Did you all know that the protesters from NYC walked to DC to occupy congress? I feel like that's an interesting news story... oh wait - it didn't get covered. There's plenty going on, but the GOP runs the news networks, (and in the rare case it's not the GOP it IS a rich corporation) so we're not going to hear about it. That's the real problem they're facing. If they can circumvent that - the majority of Americans would rally behind them. After all, that said majority already favors the things OWS is championing. Just about getting the message out. WTF with this post? The GOP runs the news networks? You mean Fox, MAYBE. But seriously, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, CNN? No. Just stop. I've heard more about OWS on practically EVERY network than any other story the past 2 months, including anything regarding Cain and/or Gingrich. For a while there, a day didn't go by without 50 stories about OWS in some form or fashion. The message was and is out there...the problem is the message is convoluted, at best. So let's stop pretending otherwise. Have the number of stories died down in the recent few weeks? Sure, because they had plenty of time to say what they needed to say, only none of them said it...because they didn't know what they wanted...the people watching grew bored, and everyone stopped caring about this trash. Including me. OWS became about nothing more than OWS versus Police force. After a while, it seemed as if they were goading various police into doing something stupid so it could be reported on the news how unfair the police are. Problem is, the majority of people don't believe the police are unfair...and shortly after the majority stopped caring.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 6, 2011 -> 08:02 AM) I'm starting to see them pop up in the backcountry, seeing backpackers with them. Some use a single-panel thing they clip onto their pack. But they also have lightweight, flexible sheets that you can lay over the top. But here is the other thing... the panel(s) itself may not weigh much, but, the cord you have to use might. If it can charge via USB, great, do that. But make sure the charger has a USB capability. Which brings up the other thing... some devices - such as some GPS units - have to charge via normal 12V plugs, like you put in a wall. Some solar stations may not have that, and even if it does, the charger cord probably weighs more than the GPS unit. Basically, if you are looking at these... bring your actual equipment into an REI, and see what it takes to actually get them plugged together. The only work under the best of conditions, mostly. And the biggest issue with them is how long they take to charge. Do they work? Yes. But who wants to be sitting around for 8 hours while a camera charges under the sun? Leave it and you risk someone stealing it or a huge rain/wind storm coming around, etc. Also, like you mentioned, space/weight they take up. I'm sure they'll get better over time, but from what I see, they're mostly only usable in the best of conditions.

QUOTE (bmags @ Dec 5, 2011 -> 10:27 AM) Mostly that I got it as a gift and want to upload a book on it. But, if I register their email address on it, will they get an email saying "hey thanks for registering your kindle." Is there a sneaky way to load it up? Can I buy kindle books onto my computer and load it on there? Create a "spam" mail account on gmail or some other free email system and use that email for any such things. Use an email like that for anything related to product registration, forums, etc...so if they do hack it/track it, they won't find much other than a bunch of garbage spam and other information you don't care about. Everyone should have a LEAST 2 email addresses. A personal/private email you mostly use yourself and give to certain people. And s general use email for the rest of this garbage out there.

QUOTE (Whitewashed in '05 @ Dec 2, 2011 -> 06:00 PM) That's really the bottom line... unfortunately. No matter what we think can or can't be monitored, assuming that you have any sort of privacy is the wrong way of thinking. Assume you have no privacy, and do what you can be "be private". I.E. don't freely hand out personal information, lock down privacy settings on any website you're a part of, opt out of any optional items, etc. Technology is changing what privacy once meant and what it is now...back before the technology existed to track these things, it wasn't a concern. Now that the technology exists, there is no putting it back in the box. It's out there now...so at this point the few things you can do to remain private you SHOULD do. So, when someone calls to verify any personal information with you, hang up. Nobody should EVER verify anything over the phone, unless it's a phone call YOU initiated yourself. And even then, there are certain questions they have no business asking today, even if you called them.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Nov 23, 2011 -> 11:13 PM) Uh anonymous had done a bit more than google searches Anonymous aren't doing much more than using other peoples scripts or code, and DDOS attacks to "hack". That's not hacking. At best, it's script-kiddie cracking. Also, punish the officer *IF* it's officially determined he did something wrong. In this case, if it's determined he didn't, punish the people who write the laws, which WE elect. What should you NOT punish? The officers family.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Nov 23, 2011 -> 10:06 AM) But a competent pollster looking at that would question the actual makeup of your sample and whether it was representative or not. That's why the cross-tabs break down with so much granularity on a good poll. You can't just say you polled 200 random people without verifying that your sample was a representative sampling of the larger group you're trying to extrapolate your data to. I'm still not disagreeing that there are many, many ways to construct a bad poll, some deliberately and some intentionally. RE: political strategist, obviously a DNC poll is going to be biased but there are plenty of political scientists out there who do not partisan strategists but take pride in presenting representative data and understanding of a population's views and ideas. And not just in politics either, but brand preference, etc. There are some scientific polls that are not biased...I openly admit this. I simply have little trust to find which ones ARE and which are not. In this world, I question almost everything...including scientific polls. How do we know that their posted methodology isn't a complete lie? We don't. We just have to take their word for it.