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=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: vansmack on November 01, 2007, 01:40:00 pm

Title: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 01, 2007, 01:40:00 pm
Alright, I make no bones about the fact that this is completely ego driven, but rather than starting a new topic nearly everyday, I will now post "Things Smackie Thinks You Need To Know" in this thread.  The range will be as diverse as Smackie - politics to porn, sports to celeb gossip.  Ignore it if you like, enjoy it if you will.
 
 OBSCENE LOSSES (http://www.portfolio.com/culture-lifestyle/culture-inc/arts/2007/10/15/YouPorn-Vivid-Entertainment-Profile/#page1)
 by Claire Hoffman  
 November 2007 Issue
 Conde' Nast
 
 DVD sales are in free fall. Audiences are flocking to pornographic knockoffs of YouTube, especially a secretive site called YouPorn. And the amateurs are taking over. Whatâ??s happening to the adult-entertainment industry is exactly whatâ??s happening to its Hollywood counterpartâ??only worse.
 
 On Friday, May 18, Steve Hirsch, founder of Vivid Entertainment Group, the worldâ??s largest producer of adult videos, was expecting a mysterious visitor. But Stephen Paul Jones was late. When Jones, an unknown figure in the pornography world, finally arrived in the all-white reception area of Vividâ??s Los Angeles offices at 2 p.m., he was apologetic. His private plane had broken down, he explained, and he was forced to fly commercial. Hirsch, dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, found that excuse a little slick. But he was eager to speak with Jones, so he let it slide and introduced him to two Vivid colleagues. When the four men sat down in the companyâ??s conference room, Jones got right to the point: He wanted Vivid to buy his website, YouPorn.com.
 
 More fascinating details about why the porn industry is now afraid of the internet rather than embracing it like they once were... (http://www.portfolio.com/culture-lifestyle/culture-inc/arts/2007/10/15/YouPorn-Vivid-Entertainment-Profile/#page1)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 01, 2007, 02:01:00 pm
For a long time know I've been advocating sitting on the fence and letting the HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray debate play out.  But tomorrow, Walmart and Best Buy are selling Toshiba HD-DVD players for $99.  I'm pretty sure I'd pay $99 just to watch Transformers (and Megan Fox) in HD anytime I wanted to.
 
 http://www.dailytech.com/HD+DVD+Player+to+Break+100+Mark+on+Friday/article9498.htm (http://www.dailytech.com/HD+DVD+Player+to+Break+100+Mark+on+Friday/article9498.htm)
 
 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8021767&st=toshiba+hd&lp=5&type=product&cp=1&id=1158323325814 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8021767&st=toshiba+hd&lp=5&type=product&cp=1&id=1158323325814)
 
 Black Friday comes earlier every year it seems...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 01, 2007, 02:34:00 pm
no fucking way, $99? that's a 'for the win' if the internet ever had one
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 02, 2007, 01:17:00 pm
smackie needs a blog
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 02, 2007, 02:14:00 pm
Last night I was singing along to Journey with a transsexual playing a ukulele in an Irish pub.  That's about as San Francisco as it gets â?? I love this town!
 
  <img src="http://www.nicolemcrory.com/images/Photos01.gif" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: lagas on November 02, 2007, 02:43:00 pm
How I imagine "smackie"...
 
  <img src="http://www.canyon-news.com/artman2/uploads/1/ego.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 02, 2007, 02:50:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by lagas:
  How I imagine "smackie"...  
You make a good point.  
 
 I totally need to get a mirror in my office!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 03, 2007, 12:47:00 pm
It's nearly impossible to get ahead financially while living in certain metropolitan hot spots. Get your footing in an affordable location instead.
 
 Get Ahead in a Starter City
 By Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine
 
 I just moved from Palo Alto, Calif., to Baltimore.
 
 No, I'm not crazy. Just broke.
 
 I lived three years in Palo Alto, enjoying the beautiful weather, a pristine neighborhood and close proximity to family. But I soon realized that if I stayed, it would be nearly impossible to reach my financial goals.
 
 More... (http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/LearnToBudget/GetAheadInAStarterCity.aspx)
 
 The top cities for young professionals:
 
 Washington, D.C.
 Denver
 Austin, Texas
 Raleigh, N.C.
 Lexington, Ky.
 
 The top cities for young families:
 
 Atlanta
 Minneapolis/St. Paul
 Des Moines, Iowa
 Provo, Utah
 Green Bay, Wis.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 05, 2007, 01:49:00 pm
Ah, the most exciting cell phone news of the year (sorry iPhone lovers)...
 
 November 5, 2007
 Google Makes Its Entry Into the Wireless World
 By MIGUEL HELFT and JOHN MARKOFF
 
 SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 5 â?? Google took its long-awaited plunge into the wireless world today, announcing that it is leading a broad industry alliance to transform mobile phones into powerful mobile computers that could accelerate the convergence of computing and communications.
 
 Mobile phones based on Googleâ??s software are not expected to be available until the second half of next year. They will be manufactured by a variety of handset companies, including HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung and be available in the United States through T-Mobile and Sprint.
 
 The phones will also be available through the worldâ??s largest mobile operator, China Telecom, with 332 million subscribers in China, and the leading carriers in Japan, NTT DoCoMo and KDDI, as well as T-Mobile in Germany, Telecom Italia in Italy and TelefĂłnica in Spain.
 
 The 34-member Open Handset Alliance, as the group is called, also includes many of the leading makers of mobile phone chips, like Broadcom, Intel, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments, as well as SiRF Technology Holdings, Marvell Technology Group, Nvidia and Synaptics. EBay (which owns the Internet calling service Skype), Nuance Communications, NMS Communications and Wind River Systems are also members of the group.
 
 The technology is expected to provide cellular handset manufacturers and wireless operators with capabilities that match and potentially surpass those using smartphone software made by Apple, Microsoft, Nokia, Palm, Research in Motion and others. In contrast to the existing competitors, Googleâ??s software will be offered freely under â??open sourceâ?ť licensing terms, meaning that handset manufacturers will be able to use it at no cost and be free to add new features to differentiate their products.
 
 As always, there's more.... (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/05/technology/05cnd-gphone.html?_r=1&hp=&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on November 05, 2007, 02:29:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  For a long time know I've been advocating sitting on the fence and letting the HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray debate play out.  But tomorrow, Walmart and Best Buy are selling Toshiba HD-DVD players for $99.  I'm pretty sure I'd pay $99 just to watch Transformers (and Megan Fox) in HD anytime I wanted to.
 
   http://www.dailytech.com/HD+DVD+Player+to+Break+100+Mark+on+Friday/article9498.htm (http://www.dailytech.com/HD+DVD+Player+to+Break+100+Mark+on+Friday/article9498.htm)  
 
   http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8021767&st=toshiba+hd&lp=5&type=product&cp=1&id=1158323325814 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8021767&st=toshiba+hd&lp=5&type=product&cp=1&id=1158323325814)  
 
 Black Friday comes earlier every year it seems...
i just saw this, but i knew about Wal-Marts sale last week.  the wife went to Wal-Mart at 8:30am that morning, apparently there were more than 50 people in line. and apparently Wal-mart only had 15 players to sell.
 
   pretty shitty.
 
 also, since i didnt know who Megan Fox was , i looked her up.  
 
  and found this tidbit: she made her movie debut with Ashely and Mary Kate Olssen in the 2001 movie "Holiday In The Sun" , her character?  
 
   Brianna Wallace...
 
  hmmmm.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 05, 2007, 02:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by le sonick:
 also, since i didnt know who Megan Fox was , i looked her up.  
 
  and found this tidbit: she made her movie debut with Ashely and Mary Kate Olssen in the 2001 movie "Holiday In The Sun" , her character?  
 
   Brianna Wallace...
 
  hmmmm.
NO. FUCKING. WAY.
 
 it's all fallen into place: we've all suspected that this brian_walalce person can't be real - and "he" is in fact megan fox!
 
 megan - i apologize for making fun of your inability to identify guitar talent, or decent music in general.  very un-gentlemanly on my part.  i suggest that i make it up to you the next time you're in NYC, by taking you out to dinner and a show, maybe some clubbing afterwards.  no, really, it's the least i can do.  just let me know the next time you're in town.  p.s. feel free to wear that miniskirt (http://www.film.com/photos/2/16859491) you wore in transformers.  thanks.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 05, 2007, 06:31:00 pm
This doesn't make any sense, but then again, it is the Pirates...
 
 Monday, November 5, 2007
 Pirates hire former coach as new Manager
 Former Pirates third-base coach succeeds Tracy as manager
 
 -------------------------------------------
 Associated Press
 
 PITTSBURGH -- John Russell is taking one of the most challenging jobs in baseball as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team with 15 consecutive losing seasons.
 
 Let go by the Pirates as their third-base coach two seasons ago, Russell was hired Monday to succeed Jim Tracy as Pittsburgh's manager. He becomes the team's fifth full-time manager since the Pirates last had a winning season in 1992, following Jim Leyland, Gene Lamont, Lloyd McClendon and Tracy.
 
 The 46-year-old Russell lost his previous job in Pittsburgh following McClendon's firing in September 2005. He managed the Phillies' Triple-A team the last two seasons, with the Ottawa Lynx going 55-88 last season.
 
 It's unusual for a team to bring back someone so soon after firing him, but new team president Frank Coonelly and general manager Neal Huntington felt an instant connection with the quiet but intense Russell.
 
 There's more here:
  http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3095222&type=story (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3095222&type=story)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 05, 2007, 06:36:00 pm
:o
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: BookerT on November 05, 2007, 06:39:00 pm
oh like anyone with any sort of real credentials would risk the rest of their career by going anywhere near that job...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 05, 2007, 08:36:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Ah, the most exciting cell phone news of the year (sorry iPhone lovers)...
 
 November 5, 2007
 Google Makes Its Entry Into the Wireless World
 By MIGUEL HELFT and JOHN MARKOFF
 
 SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 5 â?? Google took its long-awaited plunge into the wireless world today, announcing that it is leading a broad industry alliance to transform mobile phones into powerful mobile computers that could accelerate the convergence of computing and communications.
 
 Mobile phones based on Googleâ??s software are not expected to be available until the second half of next year. They will be manufactured by a variety of handset companies, including HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung and be available in the United States through T-Mobile and Sprint.
HTC's prototype revealed, sorta (http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/google-and-htcs-dream-phone-prototype-semi-revealed/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 05, 2007, 08:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  HTC's prototype revealed, sorta (http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/google-and-htcs-dream-phone-prototype-semi-revealed/)
That's encouraging, but I have to be honest - I have not been impressed with HTC's first two venture's into the iPhone competition market - the Touch and the Flo - each had nice features, but both were missing one or two of the iPhones necessary features.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 06, 2007, 01:04:00 pm
Smokin' hot and brilliant.  Damn Tom Brady's a lucky man...
 
 Supermodel Bundchen Joins Hedge Funds Dumping Dollars (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aUdDmoYyZhdY&refer=home)
 By Bo Nielsen and Adriana Brasileiro
 
  Nov. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Gisele Bundchen wants to remain the world's richest model and is insisting that she be paid in almost any currency but the U.S. dollar.
 
 Like billionaire investors Warren Buffett and Bill Gross, the Brazilian supermodel, who Forbes magazine says earns more than anyone in her industry, is at the top of a growing list of rich people who have concluded that the currency can only depreciate because Americans led by President George W. Bush are living beyond their means.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 06, 2007, 01:26:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Smokin' hot and brilliant.  Damn Tom Brady  was (http://bostonist.com/2007/10/18/bradybundchen_m.php)  a lucky man...
corrected.
 
 uh, actually, come to think of it...
 
 and who knew that gisele had a twin sister?!? <sweetcell's head explodes>
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: eltee on November 06, 2007, 03:40:00 pm
smackie, how are people supposed to write to the editor-at-large? (i.e., your mailbox is full)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 06, 2007, 03:48:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Greer Zoller:
  smackie, how are people supposed to write to the editor-at-large? (i.e., your mailbox is full)
Sorry, the response to this thread has clearly been overwhelming.
 
 I'm going through my mailbox right now so feel free to try again.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on November 06, 2007, 03:49:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  megan - i apologize for making fun of your inability to identify guitar talent, or decent music in general.  very un-gentlemanly on my part.  i suggest that i make it up to you the next time you're in NYC, by taking you out to dinner and a show, maybe some clubbing afterwards.  no, really, it's the least i can do.  just let me know the next time you're in town.  p.s. feel free to wear that miniskirt (http://www.film.com/photos/2/16859491) you wore in transformers.  thanks.
Keep dreaming, fanboy.  You think you can say all those mean things about me, just apologize and offer me dinner and a show?  Ha!  Why would I hang out with YOU when I could hang out with REAL musicians like Pete Wentz and Gerard Way?
 
 Megan
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 06, 2007, 04:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brianna Wallace:
  Megan
So what's Brian Austin Greene like in the sack?  I've always wondered...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 06, 2007, 04:46:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Brianna Wallace:
  Megan
So what's Brian Austin Greene like in the sack?  I've always wondered... [/b]
wrong thread, discussion of the above moved  here (http://www.930.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=016459).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on November 06, 2007, 05:24:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brianna Wallace:
  Keep dreaming, fanboy.  You think you can say all those mean things about me, just apologize and offer me dinner and a show?  Ha!  Why would I hang out with YOU when I could hang out with REAL musicians like Pete Wentz and Gerard Way?
 
 Megan
Dinner?!?
 
 I'm surprised you can eat food with all that collagen in your lips.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 06, 2007, 06:26:00 pm
It's like Algiers Out There
 
 I doubt the malls in DC are much different, but I'm noticing a disturbing trend that is turning a nice stroll in the mall into a rapid walk through the market place when you get off the boat in Algiers.
 
 They used to be quite polite and would rely on their charm to sell you something, and you could politely say no thanks and move one.  But more and more I'm seeing the center-booth pedlers in the mall (the one's that are in the center of the aisle between the stores) becoming agressive in peddling their crappy goods.  You know the one's I'm talking about - stinky hand lotions, perfumes, relaxation pillows, some new trendy hair clip, knock-off sunglasses, Crocs, you name it.
 
 Just today a girl at the hand lotion station literally jumped in front of me and blocked my path to try this stupid stinky lotion.  I nearly punched her, but then I remembered I'm not Rhett.  But I'm telling you, it's just a matter of time before somebody does strike one of them, or they put lotion on an unsuspecting patron who's allergic to one of the ingredients, or they spray perfume in somebody's eye.  And I am not going to feel a bit sorry for them when they're sued.  If somebody advertised a mall with no agressive peddlers, I'd go out of my to shop there.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 06, 2007, 06:42:00 pm
And this is utterly ridiculous...
 
 Shula Wants an Asterisk if Pats Go Undefeated
 Shula: Spygate would diminish a perfect Pats season
 ESPN.com news services
 
 Don Shula likes the Patriots' chances of going undefeated, but the Bill Belichick-inspired spying scandal has clouded Shula's thinking when comparing New England with his unbeaten 1972 Dolphins team.
 
 To his chagrin, Don Shula believes the Patriots and Barry Bonds have something in common.
 
 "The Spygate thing has diminished what they've accomplished," Shula said in an interview with the New York Daily News. "You would hate to have that attached to your accomplishments. They've got it."
 
 There's more... (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3097057&type=story)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 06, 2007, 09:16:00 pm
If the fiction writers are on strike, doesn't that mean that Fox News should be off the air too?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 06, 2007, 10:04:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 Shula Wants an Asterisk if Pats Go Undefeated
he should read the NY Post, then.  in their daily print edition's sport section, AFC East standings, they DO have an asterisk by the Pats with the note at the bottom:
 
 * Caught cheating
 
 soooooooooo lame.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 06, 2007, 10:47:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Hoya Paranoia:
  smackie needs a blog
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 07, 2007, 09:22:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Hoya Paranoia:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Hoya Paranoia:
  smackie needs a blog
[/b]
who wants a blog when you can have a tres chic Flog instead  :D   speaking of which...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 07, 2007, 01:55:00 pm
G.M. Posts Its Biggest Quarterly Loss
                 
 By NICK BUNKLEY and MICHELINE MAYNARD
 Published: November 7, 2007
 
 DETROIT, Nov. 7 â?? General Motors reported a nearly $39 billion third-quarter loss today, its largest ever, after it took a huge noncash charge to write down deferred tax credits.
 
 That's not a typo... (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/07/business/07cnd-auto.html?hp)
 
 The analysts can say what they want, but I still contend the single largest reason the US Automakers are struggling is because of their insistence on making bigger cars despite not heeding the warnings of an upcoming oil crisis years ago.  They are so far behind the game on fuel efficient cars that it may be too late to save them with out (1) major overhaul and (2) government bailout.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 07, 2007, 03:28:00 pm
OK, who is this guy and what did you do with the REAL leader of France?
 
 Sarkozy Greeted Warmly by Congress
 By ELAINE SCIOLINO
 Published: November 7, 2007
 
 WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 â??President Nicolas Sarkozy of France was greeted with cheers and standing ovations in the United States Congress today, a sign that France was forgiven for opposing the American-led war in Iraq. (SMACK: or because "they were right and we were wrong")
 
 In a speech to a joint meeting of Congress â?? a rare honor for a visiting head of state â?? Mr. Sarkozy spoke of his love of the American dream and the cultural icons of the 20th century, from Elvis Presley and John Wayne to Ernest Hemingway and Marilyn Monroe.
 
 He expressed admiration for Martin Luther King Jr. He thanked the United States for saving France in two world wars, rebuilding Europe with the Marshall Plan and fighting communism during the Cold War.(SMACK: a long over due thank you)
 
 When he called France â??the friend of the United States of America,â?ť the hall, packed with lawmakers, many of whom only a few years ago held France in disdain, burst into applause.(SMACK: be careful, the world might be coming to an end)
 
 More Glorious Adoration of the new leader of France, his thoughts on Iran, Trusting Europe and Climate Control... (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/07/washington/07cnd-sarkozy.html?hp)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 07, 2007, 04:00:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 He expressed admiration for Martin Luther King Jr. He thanked the United States for saving France in two world wars, rebuilding Europe with the Marshall Plan and fighting communism during the Cold War.(SMACK: a long over due thank you)
hopefully posting that made you feel better.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 07, 2007, 05:37:00 pm
Sweetcell, you have no idea....
 
 On to other things:
 
 So we surveyed 15 general managers, assistants and other assorted personnel at the Hyatt Grand Cypress for their thoughts on the following five questions. Here are the results:
 
 1. Where do you expect Alex Rodriguez to be playing next year?
 
 Responses: Los Angeles Angels, 7.5; New York Mets, 3; Los Angeles Dodgers, 2.5; Baltimore Orioles, 1; Florida Marlins, 1.
 
 2. Where do you expect Barry Bonds to be in 2008?
 
 Responses: Oakland Athletics, 3; Texas Rangers, 2; Seattle, 2; Los Angeles Angels, 1; St. Louis Cardinals, 1; New York Yankees, 1; Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, 1.
 
 Three respondents predicted that Bonds will retire, and one executive said he'll be "in jail."
 
 I was not that GM, but if I were a GM, in jail would have been my response.
 
 More of Crasnick Surveying the MLB Landscape... (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=3098341)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 08, 2007, 04:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brianna Wallace:
     
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  megan - i apologize for making fun of your inability to identify guitar talent, or decent music in general.  very un-gentlemanly on my part.  i suggest that i make it up to you the next time you're in NYC, by taking you out to dinner and a show, maybe some clubbing afterwards.  no, really, it's the least i can do.  just let me know the next time you're in town.  p.s. feel free to wear that miniskirt (http://www.film.com/photos/2/16859491) you wore in transformers.  thanks.
Keep dreaming, fanboy.  You think you can say all those mean things about me, just apologize and offer me dinner and a show?  Ha!  Why would I hang out with YOU when I could hang out with REAL musicians like Pete Wentz and Gerard Way?
 
 Megan [/b]
fair enough - given your definition, i'll hang out with REAL women like Jessica Rabbit and Lara Croft, in the meantime.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 08, 2007, 09:51:00 pm
Cardinal's Sued Over STD Text Message
 
 ST. LOUIS -- An Illinois woman is suing the St. Louis Cardinals for allowing a text message that falsely suggested her daughter has a sexually transmitted disease to be posted on the ballpark's message board during a game.
 
 The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in St. Louis Circuit Court, claims the 17-year-old girl was so traumatized by the message last year during a class trip that she stayed out of school the rest of the semester and took her finals in a school office to avoid ridicule.
 
 The lawsuit seeks at least $25,000 in damages from the Cardinals, alleging the ballclub negligently failed to properly screen the messages, which fans may submit for a small fee to display on Busch Stadium's electronic message board.
 
 Linky... (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3100957)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 08, 2007, 10:32:00 pm
next time i'm at busch stadium, i'm texting to the message board "SMACKIE NEEDS A BLOG".
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 08, 2007, 10:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Cardinal's Sued Over STD Text Message
 
the real news here is that 48,000 people showed up to watch the royals play ... way to bury the lead, AP!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 09, 2007, 11:57:00 am
In a rare occurence, I'm lecturing this morning in an international relations course on the situation in Pakistan.  In a previous career I worked with Pakistani lawyres and judges to help modernize their 1991 constitution, efforts that were quashed with Musharraf's coup.  
 
 Lucky for you, I will share my Cliff Notes so you don't have to take the course.  You will not be graded or tested on the following material.  You will simply be able to sound like you know what you're talking about at a cocktail party this weekend.
 
 PAKISTAN â?? You should care more about this particular countryâ??s civil unrest than the others occuring today for one reason â?? they have the bomb!
 
 Players:
 General Pervez Musharraf (Self-Appointed President, head of the Army)
 Benazir Bhutto (former Prime Minister â?? 80â??s and 90â??s)
 Nawaz Sharif (former Prime Minister â?? 90â??s)
 Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry (Chief Justice 2000â??s)
 
 
 In 1998, while Pakistan was at war with India over the Kashmir region, Pakistan tested a nuclear weapon.  The Clinton administration and the UN immediately imposed economic sanctions on Pakistan.  In 1999, General Pervez Musharraf, attacked Indian forces in Kargil (part of Kashmir), according to then Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, Musharraf did this on his own authority.
 
 In October of 1999, under pressure from the US Government to seek a diplomatic end to the Kashmir conflict, Sharif tried to replace Musharraf as head of the Army while he was out of the country.  Unfortunately for Sharif, the Army was loyal to Musharraf, cleared the airport of Sharifâ??s police forces and allowed Musharraf to return to Pakistan.  Musharraf promptly suspended the Constitution in the Coup, declared himself Chief Executive of Pakistan and promised elections â??soon.â?ť   Sharif was then sent to exile in Saudi Arabia.
 
 In 2001, without an election, Musharraf declared himself President of Pakistan so that he could represent Pakistanâ??s interests in meeting with India over the future of the Kashmir region (and how two nuclear powers who distrust each other will live next to each other).  This angered the judges, who forced Musharraf to hold elections by Oct 2002.  An interesting world event occurred on the way to those elections:  Sept 11, 2001.
 
 In preparing the attack of Afghanistan, the Bush administration called the former US ally (they had sent troops to the previous gulf war) and asked them which side they were on: the terrorists or those fighting the terrorists?  Musharraf declared his support for the anti-terrorist forces in early 2002 and upset the Islamic western half of his country, known to be friendly to the Taliban and Al Qaeda (Osama Bin Laden is suspected of still being in the western tribal region of Pakistan).   The Bush Adminsitration promptly lifted many sanctions against the Musharraf led Pakistan and supplied the government with between $4-$10 Billion of military aid to fight Al Qaeda in the western region.
 
 In April, Musharraf, on the heels of this anti-terrorism pronouncement, held a referendum to ask the people to extend his term as Presidency for 5 years.  The legality of the referendum was questioned and the vote itself was seen as fraudulent.  Musharraf, under international political pressure, apologized for the referendum and held elections in October of 2002.  Pro-Musharraf parties then elected Musharraf as President of Paksitan while the opposition parties sat the elections questioning the legality of Musharraf running for President.
 
 Fast forward five years, and Musharrafâ??s term is coming to an end.  This time the lawyers and the judges were prepared to fight Musharraf on Constitutional grounds, namely that the Pakistani Constitution forbids a standing member of the Army from running for the office of the President.  In March of this year, Musharraf relieved Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry from his duties as Chief Justice, hoping to appoint a judge sympathetic to Musharraf.  This sent the lawyers and the judges to the streets in protest and Musharraf relented.  The Supreme Court then reiterated that Musharraf could not be President and in the Army at the same time.  At question was whether or not he could run for President while in the Army -  so Musharraf ran for President promising to step down if he was elected.  The Supreme Court allowed the election withholding their decision on the legality of Musharrafâ??s run for office until Nov. 15.  In the meantime, Sharif attempted to return to Pakistan to announce his candidacy for the office, however, on the runway, he was charged with corruption while in office and promptly returned to Saudi Arabia.
 
 Another former Prime Minister returned to Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto.  She had been in self exile avoiding her own corruption charges.  The exact agreement between her and Musharraf is in question, however, Musharraf allowed her to return with immunity.  The speculation is possibly one of two things:  (1) she has the popular support that Musharraf does not have and possibly promised her the Prime Minister role if she helped him get re-â??electedâ?ť to the Presidency or (2) under the previous guise Msuharraf allowed her back in the country, planned her assassination in order to frame the extremists so that he can declare a state of emergency and maintain power.
 
 Well, an assassination attempt on Bhutto failed (Musharraf is not letting international police organizations help with the investigation as to who attempted to assassinate Bhutto) and remember that Supreme Court decision?  The Supreme Court attempted to beat Musharraf to the State of Emergency by announcing the decision on the legality of his candidacy on the 5th instead of the 15th.  Musharraf caught wind of this announcement and, as youâ??ve seen this past week, Musharraf declared a State of Emergency, suspended the constitution and the elections, rounded up approximately 5,000 judges (including the Supreme Court Justice and those in his court not loyal to Musharraf), lawyers, and political party heads.  The lawyers then took the streets in calculated protests (as a lawyer, I donâ??t think Iâ??ve ever been more proud of the profession then I was earlier in the week to see them defy Musharraf and his police, putting themselves in grave danger on behalf of the pro-democracy people in Pakistan).  Musharraf promised (again) to hold new elections in Feb and that he would (again) step down as head of the Army.  The international community said that they were going to let Pakistan sort this out until there was mass public protest.  Bhutto then organized a mass protest for this morning, however Musharraf squashed it, put Bhutto under house arrest for â??her safetyâ?ť and blockade the protesters in Bhuttoâ??s home city.   Bhutto promises to attempt to take to the streets again with her supporters next week.
 
 So for the first time since the perestroika, a nuclear nation is experiencing civil unrest, and while itâ??s an exciting time in Pakistan, itâ??s a frightening time for the rest of the world, especially with Al Qaeda prominently in the country.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 09, 2007, 12:05:00 pm
is it not surprising that it has taken so long for the unrest to occur? i remember dire predictions right after 9/11
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 09, 2007, 01:11:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  is it not surprising that it has taken so long for the unrest to occur? i remember dire predictions right after 9/11
Well, let's remember that Pakistan is an extremely divided country, so it always seems as though they are on the brink of some catastrophic collapse.  The root, of course, being how to mix Shariah law and democracy (which is what I was there to work on).
 
 After 9/11, Musharraf shocked (nearly) everybody by announcing his support for pro-western forces, and while that alienated the islamic-extreme western half of his country, it was likely a point of unison for the rest of the country (who actually vote).  It was thought that by embracing democracy (and it's allies) Pakistan might turn the corner.  It was how he went about maintaining that power that upset those he united with his pro-western stance, and got him where he's at now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 09, 2007, 03:55:00 pm
High School Football
 
 For those of you that have the Sports Packages with their cable/satellite TV, I welcome you enjoy the battle of Orange County tonight on FSN West/Prime Ticket between my alma mater (Servite) and Smackette's alma mater (Mater Dei) at 7:30pm PT.  Over 20,000 people will be in attendance and the game is held at Anaheim Stadium, the only stadium big enough to house the game in The OC.
 
 For the record, my school hasn't beaten Smackette's school since I was a Freshman (when she was in 3rd grade), but I have a good feeling about tonight!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 13, 2007, 01:08:00 pm
Matt Barkley
 
 Remember the name.  I've seen a lot of great QB's play in high school - Matt Leinart, Carson Palmer, Tom Brady, Todd Marinovich, Jimmy Clausen - and as a Junior, his arm strength beats them all.  By the time he gets to USC (if Pete Carroll is still there), he will be the most experienced high school QB of all time (4 year starter at Mater Dei - currently USA Today #19 in the nation).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 13, 2007, 01:34:00 pm
Democrats: Colleges must police copyright, or else
 
 New federal legislation says universities must agree to provide not just deterrents but also "alternatives" to peer-to-peer piracy, such as paying monthly subscription fees to the music industry for their students, on penalty of losing all financial aid for their students.
 
 The U.S. House of Representatives bill (PDF) (http://edlabor.house.gov/bills/HEAReauthorizationText.pdf), which was introduced late Friday by top Democratic politicians, could give the movie and music industries a new revenue stream by pressuring schools into signing up for monthly subscription services such as Ruckus and Napster. Ruckus is advertising-supported, and Napster charges a monthly fee per student.
 
 More on the worst idea ever.... (http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-6217943.html?tag=nl.e550)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2007, 08:50:00 pm
I swear, if you don't read anything else I post, at least read all of this one (and I'm posting it all!).  I have been preaching this for years and somebody finally got around to saying it!
 
 November 14, 2007
 Op-Ed Columnist
 Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda
 By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
 
 Two dates â?? two numbers. Read them and weep for what could have, and should have, been. On Sept. 11, 2001, the OPEC basket oil price was $25.50 a barrel. On Nov. 13, 2007, the OPEC basket price was around $90 a barrel.
 
 In the wake of 9/11, some of us pleaded for a â??patriot taxâ?ť on gasoline of $1 or more a gallon to diminish the transfers of wealth we were making to the very countries who were indirectly financing the ideologies of intolerance that were killing Americans and in order to spur innovation in energy efficiency by U.S. manufacturers.
 
 But no, George Bush and Dick Cheney had a better idea. And the Democrats went along for the ride. They were all going to let the market work and not let our government shape that market â?? like OPEC does.
 
 Youâ??d think that one person, just one, running for Congress or the Senate would take a flier and say: â??Oh, what the heck. Iâ??m going to lose anyway. Why not tell the truth? Iâ??ll support a gasoline tax.â?ť
 
 Not one. Everyone just runs away from the â??T-wordâ?ť and watches our wealth run away to Russia, Venezuela and Iran.
 
 I canâ??t believe that someone could not win the following debate:
 
 REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE: â??My Democratic opponent, true to form, wants to raise your taxes. Yes, now he wants to raise your taxes at the gasoline pump by $1 a gallon. Another tax-and-spend liberal who wants to get into your pocket.â?ť
 
 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE: â??Yes, my opponent is right. I do favor a gasoline tax phased in over 12 months. But letâ??s get one thing straight: My opponent and I are both for a tax. I just prefer that my taxes go to the U.S. Treasury, and heâ??s ready to see his go to the Russian, Venezuelan, Saudi and Iranian treasuries. His tax finances people who hate us. Mine would offset some of our payroll taxes, pay down our deficit, strengthen our dollar, stimulate energy efficiency and shore up Social Security. Itâ??s called win-win-win-win-win for America. My opponentâ??s strategy is sit back, let the market work and watch America lose-lose-lose-lose-lose.â?ť If you canâ??t win that debate, you donâ??t belong in politics.
 
 â??Think about it,â?ť says Phil Verleger, an energy economist. â??We could have replaced the current payroll tax with a gasoline tax. Middle-class consumers would have seen increased take-home pay of between six and nine percent, even though they would have had to pay more at the pump. A stronger foundation for future economic growth would have been laid by keeping more oil revenue home, and we might not now be facing a recession.â?ť
 
 As a higher gas tax discouraged oil consumption, the Harvard University economist and former Bush adviser N. Gregory Mankiw has argued: â??the price of oil would fall in world markets. As a result, the price of gas to [U.S.] consumers would rise by less than the increase in the tax. Some of the tax would in effect be paid by Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.â?ť
 
 But U.S. consumers would have known that, with a higher gasoline tax locked in for good, pump prices would never be going back to the old days, adds Mr. Verleger, so they would have a much stronger incentive to switch to more fuel-efficient vehicles and Detroit would have had to make more hybrids to survive. This would have put Detroit five years ahead of where it is now. â??Itâ??s called the America wins program,â?ť said Mr. Verleger, â??instead of the petro-states win program.â?ť
 
 We simply cannot go on being as dumb as we wanna be. If you hate the war in Iraq, then you want a gasoline tax so you can argue that we can pull out of there without remaining dependent on an even more unstable region. If you want to see us negotiate with Iran, not bomb it, you want a gasoline tax that will give us some real leverage by helping to reduce the income of the ayatollahs.
 
 If youâ??re a conservative and you believed that the Iraq war was necessary to drive reform in the Middle East, but the war has failed to do that and we need â??Plan Bâ?ť for the same objective, you want a gasoline tax that will reduce the flow of wealth to petrolist leaders who will never change if all they have to do is drill well holes rather than educate and empower their people.
 
 If you want to see America thrive by becoming the most energy productive economy in the world â?? a title that now belongs to Japan, which doesnâ??t have a drop of oil in its soil â?? you want a gasoline tax, which will only spur U.S. innovation in energy efficiency.
 
 President Bush squandered a historic opportunity to put America on a radically different energy course after 9/11. But considering how few Democrats or Republicans are ready to tell the people the truth on this issue, maybe we have the president we deserve. I refuse to believe that, but Iâ??m starting to doubt myself.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 16, 2007, 02:26:00 am
Just thought I'd remind you...
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  2. Where do you expect Barry Bonds to be in 2008?
 
 One executive said he'll be "in jail."
 
 I was not that GM, but if I were a GM, in jail would have been my response.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Celeste on November 16, 2007, 09:46:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I swear, if you don't read anything else I post, at least read all of this one (and I'm posting it all!).  I have been preaching this for years and somebody finally got around to saying it!
 
 November 14, 2007
 Op-Ed Columnist
 Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda
 By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN...
I hate the fact that I'm reading your "blog" you've started here on the board, smackie...BUT I have to admit, this was a fascinating article and one I'll save.
 
 Why do you suppose we don't go the route Friedman proposes? Do the politicians not understand the economics...or is it the back-room dealing with wealthy Arab oil-producing countries that stands in the way?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 16, 2007, 01:33:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Celeste:
 Why do you suppose we don't go the route Friedman proposes?  
The reasons are mostly political - and by that I mean political suicide.  
 
 A simple mention of an increase in the gas tax will cost you an election - even in hippie liberal places like San Francisco.  Part of it comes down to a lack of understanding of the tax process as well - even if one were to call it revenue nuetral to the US coffers, and an increase in the amount of take home pay (as the Harvard economist proposes), the simple mail fliers and commercials would ruin any chance of that person being elected.  The un-informed electorate would hear nothing but an increase in taxes.
 
 Couple that with most US folks not having a solid grasp of foreign policy, save for wars (especially surounding OPEC and petrolstates), and it's too much for the most voting Americans.  I hate to think this, but I would love to see a poll on whether most Americans playing word association with Islamic countries today would say "oil" or "terrorist" first when it comes to OPEC countries.  Seven years ago it would be oil, no doubt, but today I'm not so sure.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 16, 2007, 02:19:00 pm
do you have a link for that article?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on November 16, 2007, 02:22:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  do you have a link for that article?
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/opinion/14friedman.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/opinion/14friedman.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 16, 2007, 02:41:00 pm
I don't remember who it was that posted that brilliant Maher interview with Kasparov, but this is what he was referring to.  As a former OSCE Election monitor in CEE/NIS, this is particualry disturbing given Putin's history and reluctance to step down as President.  I wonder if the US or the UN will now not recognize the elections, as they are want to do when this situation happens is other "dictatorships"?
 
 Press release (http://www.osce.org/odihr/item_1_27967.html)
 ODIHR unable to observe Russian Duma elections
 
 WARSAW, 16 November 2007 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has informed the Russian authorities that the Office will be unable to act upon their invitation to observe the 2 December elections to the Russian State Duma.
 
 In a letter to the Russian Central Election Commission, ODIHR Director Ambassador Christian Strohal regretted this conclusion, but said that due to delays and restrictions, ODIHR would be unable to deliver its mandate.
 
 In spite of the delayed receipt of an invitation from the Russian authorities to observe and unprecedented restrictions introduced in the invitation, the ODIHR set out to deliver its mandate conscientiously and in good faith by attempting to deploy an observation mission within the many constraints placed upon the institution.
 
 The ODIHR requested to deploy 20 experts on 7 November and 50 further observers on 15 November. Despite repeated attempts to attain entry visa into the Russian Federation for ODIHR experts and observers, entry visas have continuously been denied.
 
 The ODIHR therefore concludes that the authorities of the Russian Federation remain unwilling to receive ODIHR observers in a timely and co-operative manner and co-operate fully with them. It is with regret that the ODIHR recognizes that it will be unable to deliver its mandate under these circumstances.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 16, 2007, 06:36:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I swear, if you don't read anything else I post, at least read all of this one (and I'm posting it all!).  I have been preaching this for years and somebody finally got around to saying it!
 
 November 14, 2007
 Op-Ed Columnist
 Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda
 By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
 
hasn't he written a million columns saying this same thing over the last few years?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 16, 2007, 07:57:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Hoya Paranoia:
  hasn't he written a million columns saying this same thing over the last few years?
Not nearly as bluntly or as directly as he did this week.
 
 Yes he has written about going green.  Yes he has written about sticking the next generation with the war debt.  Yes he has written about the gas tax. And yes he has written about the petrodollars and their effect on Iran, Suadia Arabia, Russia and Venezuela.  
 
 But I have never seen someone so directly take on the US Lawmakers and frame such an argument for a gas tax while directly disussing it's effect on US foreign policy, Detroit's lack of innovation and an argument for making it revenue neutral in terms that both liberals and conservatives could actually support in one Op-Ed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 19, 2007, 10:32:00 am
http://www.apolloalliance.org/apollo_in_the_news/archived_news_articles/2005/03_27_05_nytimes.cfm (http://www.apolloalliance.org/apollo_in_the_news/archived_news_articles/2005/03_27_05_nytimes.cfm)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2007, 01:02:00 pm
Turning down a handjob from a gay guy is like not looking at a rainbow.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2007, 02:08:00 pm
Trade: Angels Get Garland For Cabrera (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3118872)
 
 The Angels added Jon Garland to their rotation Monday, but at a steep price. The White Sox acquired Gold Glove shortstop Orlando Cabrera in exchange for the right-hander.
 
 ---------
 
 Another deal must be in the works because otherwise this makes little sense from Anaheim's standpoint.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2007, 02:32:00 pm
At $400, I think Amazon is crazy to think this is going to be the next big thing.  At least they were smart to include free EVDO (Sprint), but why not include wi-fi too?
 
 November 19, 2007
 Amazon Launches Wireless Book Reader "Kindle" (http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/technology/tech-amazon-kindle.html?pagewanted=print)
 By REUTERS
 Filed at 1:14 p.m. ET
 
 NEW YORK (Reuters) - Amazon.com, the world's largest Web retailer, said on Monday it will begin selling an electronic book reader with wireless access, the latest attempt to build consumer interest in portable reading devices.
 
 Although the market for e-books is limited, and competing devices have yet to catch on, one analyst said Amazon's book reader could eventually evolve into one that is able to capture all of the company's many offerings.
 
 The battery-operated Amazon Kindle will sell for $399 and let users download books, newspapers and blogs over a wireless connection. It can carry about 200 books downloaded from Amazon.com at about $10 each for new releases.
 
 Letter from Jeff Bezos (http://www.amazon.com/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: beetsnotbeats on November 19, 2007, 02:48:00 pm
Yeah, $400 is DOA. Lotsa new laptops barely cost that nowadays.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: beetsnotbeats on November 20, 2007, 11:23:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Celeste:
  Why do you suppose we don't go the route Friedman proposes? Do the politicians not understand the economics...or is it the back-room dealing with wealthy Arab oil-producing countries that stands in the way?
Glenn Greenwald (http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2007/11/18/friedman/) shows how Friedman is really a giant asshole.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2007, 12:14:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by beetsnotbeats:
  Glenn Greenwald (http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2007/11/18/friedman/) shows how Friedman is really a giant asshole.
Needless to say I just about threw up when I read that article on Sunday and vehemently disagreed with it.  What's wrong with putting foreign policy back in the hands of the person it's supposed to be in - The Secretary of State - with guidance from the President?  To even suggest that a VP (no matter who it is) has that much say in foreign policy is absurd, and you need only point to this administration to see its faults.
 
 However, Greenwald's first paragraph is useless towards the rest of his article and is simply congering up and old piece with a huge dose of hindsight.  It's absurd to say that Friedman had more to do with the Iraq war than George Tenet and the rest of the folks peddling the false intelligence.  That's who Friedman relied on and that's who the 296 Representatives and 77 Senators relied on.  To think otherwise is an attempt to simply make a name for yourself.  
 
 Friedman has said for a while now that he was wrong (as do about 100 liberal congressmen) based on falsified intelligence, but more importantly he was pointing out that the Bush strategy upon going into Iraq was wrong from the beginning.  I don't think very many people had the feeling that Friedman did on how this particular invasion was doomed from the start.  It was much easier to say the war is a bad idea than it was to point out the flaws of the particular invasion.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 20, 2007, 01:09:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by beetsnotbeats:
  Yeah, $400 is DOA. Lotsa new laptops barely cost that nowadays.
wrong comparison/competitor.  laptops are heavier, more cumbursome, the screen represents less of the surface, shorter battery life, etc.  people who buy this ebook thingy aren't looking for a laptop replacement.  they're looking for a book replacement.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 20, 2007, 02:30:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by beetsnotbeats:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Celeste:
  Why do you suppose we don't go the route Friedman proposes? Do the politicians not understand the economics...or is it the back-room dealing with wealthy Arab oil-producing countries that stands in the way?
Glenn Greenwald (http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2007/11/18/friedman/) shows how Friedman is really a giant asshole. [/b]
that guy is one angry person. . .if i had the desire to read anymore of his spew i'd look to see what he has to say about hitchens; but since i've moved past reading the ramblings of 19 year olds, i won't.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2007, 10:21:00 pm
Let me write the dissenting opinion for you:
 
 
Quote
There's only one purpose for a handgun - to kill another human being.
That's all I would say.
 
 --------------------------
 
 November 21, 2007
 Justices Will Decide if Handgun Kept at Home Is Individual Right
 By LINDA GREENHOUSE
 
 WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 â?? The Supreme Court announced Tuesday that it would decide whether the Constitution grants individuals the right to keep guns in their homes for private use, plunging the justices headlong into a divisive and long-running debate over how to interpret the Second Amendmentâ??s guarantee of the â??right of the people to keep and bear arms.â?ť
 
 The court accepted a case on the District of Columbiaâ??s 31-year-old prohibition on the ownership of handguns. In adding the case to its calendar, for argument in March with a decision most likely in June, the court not only raised the temperature of its current term but also inevitably injected the issue of gun control into the presidential campaign.
 
 More from the New York Times.... (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/21/us/21scotus.html?_r=1&hp=&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2007, 10:31:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
   
Quote
Originally posted by beetsnotbeats:
  Yeah, $400 is DOA. Lotsa new laptops barely cost that nowadays.
wrong comparison/competitor.  laptops are heavier, more cumbursome, the screen represents less of the surface, shorter battery life, etc.  people who buy this ebook thingy aren't looking for a laptop replacement.  they're looking for a book replacement. [/b]
No one's questioning the technology or the audience, we're questioning the price.
 
 At that price point, which are folks more likely to spend their money on?  That's the make or break argument for  this device.  And on that I agree with beetsnotbeats on - I'm much more likely to spend my money on a more fully functional device until the price point comes way down.  Even if I added the savings of my books and magazine subscriptions (well, at least the ones I read and not just peruse the pictures), it still doesn't make economic sense at $400.
 
 I have a Dell Latitude X1, which is roughly the same size at that device (half an inch longer, 3/4 inch wider, roughly 1 pound heavier).  I've always wished they made a tablet version of my laptop - I'd buy one in a second, even with the battery limitations.  I would pay $200-$300 more for that laptop with full functionality much quicker than I would pay $400 for just a reader.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2007, 02:09:00 pm
Google-DoubleClick: Tough sell in EU
 
 By Dawn Kawamoto
 http://www.news.com/Google-DoubleClick-Tough-sell-in-EU/2100-1030_3-6219589.html (http://www.news.com/Google-DoubleClick-Tough-sell-in-EU/2100-1030_3-6219589.html)
 
 Story last modified Wed Nov 21 06:40:29 PST 2007
 
 Google's megamerger proposal with DoubleClick could face greater scrutiny in Europe than the United States if antitrust regulators decide the deal takes the companies into new markets.
 The European Commission, which announced last week that it has pushed Google's merger proposal into its more rigorous "second phase" review, tends to follow two lines of investigation--current and future markets--when it looks at the antitrust implications of mergers. American trustbusters, on the other hand, take a narrower view.
 
 For Google, that means its $3.1 billion planned merger is likely to pass antitrust muster in the United States, but faces a much tougher sell in Europe.
 
 ----------------------
 
 Google is likely to be the second tech company this year (or maybe next) to win in the States and lose in Europe, Microsoft being the first.
 
 This reminded me of a great article I read on How the European Union is becoming the world's chief regulator (http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9832900), for all its good and bad.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2007, 03:28:00 pm
For those that missed the 5 HD-DVD players they had at Walmart....
 
 Amazon is having a similar sale. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000U62N1S/ref=amb_link_5900732_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=1WMEG84FH67CYAVP14JE&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=331132101&pf_rd_i=1000167901)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 22, 2007, 01:26:00 pm
Torii Hunter Reaches A Deal With Angels
 
 Former Twins star Hunter agrees to 5-year contract with Angels
 
 ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Outfielder Torii Hunter and the Los Angeles Angels reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday night on a five-year contract thought to be worth $90 million.
 
 "They play the game the right way," Hunter said. "They play hard-nosed baseball."
 
 The agreement is subject to a physical.
 
  http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3123200 (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3123200)
 
 -----------------------------
 
 I'm still shaking my head.  Who's going to play shortstop?  I'll espouse a crazy theory on you like the one where one GM knew Bonds would be indicted.  Anaheim knows that Matthews is in trouble in the Mitchell report and will face a long suspension - that's why they signed Hunter.  Either that or shipping Matthews to St. Louis as payback for the Bottenfield deal.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 22, 2007, 09:32:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Let me write the dissenting opinion for you:
 
   
Quote
There's only one purpose for a handgun - to kill another human being.
That's all I would say.[/b]
here's my take on this stuff from almost 7 years ago (god, i'm old):
 
  http://www.thehoya.com/viewpoint/022701/view2.htm (http://www.thehoya.com/viewpoint/022701/view2.htm)
 
 i spent a lot of time on this issue in college and it was really demoralizing to see how much ground we lost post-9/11 ... the movement really had the wind knocked out of its sails
 
 i was really hoping this wasn't going to be granted cert, and it doesn't look good right now at all
 
 do you read scotusblog (http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/)?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 24, 2007, 01:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I don't remember who it was that posted that brilliant Maher interview with Kasparov, but this is what he was referring to.  
 
 Press release (http://www.osce.org/odihr/item_1_27967.html)
 ODIHR unable to observe Russian Duma elections
Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007
 Russian Police Detain Kasparov
 By AP/MANSUR MIROVALEV
 
 (Moscow) â?? Riot police beat and detained opposition leader Garry Kasparov Saturday as they took dozens of protesters into custody at a rally against President Vladimir Putin, his assistant said.
 
 The former chess champion was forced to the ground and beaten, his assistant Marina Litvinovich said in a telephone interview from outside the police station where Kasparov was held.
 
 He was later taken to a city court, where he was charged with organizing an unsanctioned protest and resisting arrest. The court proceedings were continuing Saturday evening and it was unclear whether Kasparov would be released.
 
 "What we see today is the implementation of Putin's plan," Kasparov told journalists in the courtroom. "Putin's plan" is what the dominant pro-Kremlin party is calling its platform in the current parliamentary campaign.
 
 http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1687284,00.html (http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1687284,00.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 26, 2007, 02:08:00 pm
November 26, 2007
 Lott to Resign Senate Seat Before End of Year
 By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN and JOHN HOLUSHA
 
 WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 â?? Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi, the former Republican leader who was forced to step down in 2002 after making a remark that seemed to support segregation, announced today that he will resign by the end of the year.
 
 Speaking to a crowd of supporters at a televised news conference in Pascagoula, Miss., Mr. Lott said he and his wife, Trish, had decided that they still had enough â??time left to do something elseâ?ť after his 35 years in the House and Senate.
 
 He said he had â??nothing definite at this time,â?ť but suggested he might want to teach. He said he had called President Bush and Vice President Cheney last night to notify them of his decision.
 
 http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/26/us/politics/26cnd-lott.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/26/us/politics/26cnd-lott.html)
 
 -------------------
 But what you need to know is in the 5th paragraph.  It's called cashing in:
 
   
Quote
By resigning before the end of the year, Mr. Lott would beat the effective date for new ethics rules that double to two years the amount of time a former public official must wait before he can join a firm to lobby his former colleagues. The new rule applies to those who leave office â??on or afterâ?ť Dec. 31.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 26, 2007, 02:27:00 pm
Even I can learn something from Fox News, though I still hate the song:
 
 Neil Diamond: Caroline Kennedy Inspired 'Sweet Caroline'
 Tuesday , November 20, 2007
 
 LOS ANGELES  â??
 
 Neil Diamond held onto the secret for decades, but he has finally revealed that President Kennedy's daughter was the inspiration for his smash hit "Sweet Caroline."
 
 "I've never discussed it with anybody before â?? intentionally," the 66-year-old singer-songwriter told The Associated Press on Monday during a break from recording. "I thought maybe I would tell it to Caroline when I met her someday."
 
 He got his chance last week when he performed the song via satellite at Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg's 50th birthday party.
 
 Diamond was a "young, broke songwriter" when a photo of the president's daughter in a news magazine caught his eye.
 
 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312306,00.html (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312306,00.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 26, 2007, 06:23:00 pm
If you watched any football at all between Thanksgiving and today, you surely saw the new Ford Ads touting the new Microsoft powered Sync system.  If, like me, you ignored them until you heard the Band of Horses song and then ran immediately to your computer to learn more, here's what you would have learned:
 
 (1) The system is fairly well represented in the commercials - it has two main functions - to allow the driver to control a cell phone wirelessly via bluetooth and to connect and control your music player via a USB cable.  It syncs with the top 50 selling cell phones and mp3 players (http://www.syncmyride.com/Own/SupportContent/PDF/IOP_V100_US_EN.pdf), except the shuffle.  For the mp3 players not listed, there is an aux plug for simple music playback.
 
 (2) It's currently standard on the Ford Focus SES, and available on most other higher end Fords for $395.  It will be spread to Lincoln and Mercury by the end of the year.  It is exclusive to the Ford series through November 2008, then it will be available to other companies that adopt it.
 
 (3) Expect commercials in the future to describe another feature - it's ability to read text messages aloud to the driver and send automated responses.  But I would hold off on that commercial until Microsoft updates the voice - apparently it's really bad.
 
 (4) You can sync up to 12 different phones, but can only sync with one phone at a time.  There is a priority list for when more than one of the synced phones is in the car, and you can edit this priority at any time.
 
 (5) If you don't want to use the voice activation stuff, you can use on screen menus.
 
 (6) With MP3 players, it will recognize voice commands that are essentially the same as those on an iPod display, including play genre, artist, album, song or a playlist. Sync can play audio files stored on a music phone via Bluetooth, will play songs stored on a flash drive that is plugged in the USB port and it will charge any device connected to its USB port.
 
 (7) It takes a while to index larger players on its first use, but is supposed to be fairly efficient after that.
   
 I'm hoping to try one later in the week and will report back on how well it works and how easy it is to set up.
 
 Sync Home (syncmyride.com) (http://www.syncmyride.com/)
 AutoWeek (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200771002006)
 News.com (http://www.news.com/Microsoft-revs-its-automotive-engines/2100-1008_3-5111932.html)
 Cnet (http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13526_1-9823105-27.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 26, 2007, 08:14:00 pm
Emma Clarke, that lovely voice of the London Tube system that tells you to mind the gap, among other things, was fired allegedly for making mock announcements available on her web site. (http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/26/in-london-stand-clear-of-the-closing-bores/index.html?ex=1353733200&en=a6a70bd99f992383&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)  I was too late in getting there as her site was overwhelmed, but here are the transcripts of some:
 
   
Quote
We would like to remind our American tourist friends that you are almost certainly talking too loudly.
Quote
Would the passenger in the red shirt pretending to read the paper but who is actually staring at that womanâ??s chest please stop. You are not fooling anyone, you filthy pervert.
Quote
Would passengers filling in answers on their Sudokus please accept that they are just crosswords for the unimaginative and are not in any way more impressive just because they contain numbers.
Quote
Here we are crammed again into a sweaty Tube carriage â?¦ If youâ??re female, smile at the bloke next to you and make his day. Heâ??s probably not had sex for months.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 27, 2007, 01:13:00 pm
I'm sure Apple will take credit, and they should.  Their profit mongering and closed business tactics have forced the rest of the industry to either compete by closing more of their business down, or take the exact opposite approach - open it all up and see what happens.
 
 First Google, now Verizon, and I expect Sprint to follow.  This is huge for the industry:
 
 Verizon Shocks Wireless World By Promising To Open Its Network
 
 Verizon Wireless plans to publish technical standards next year that software developers can use to design products that will interface with the carrier's network.
 
 By Elena Malykhina
 InformationWeek
 November 27, 2007 11:10 AM
 
 Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless shocked the U.S. wireless industry on Tuesday, announcing that starting next year it will open up its nationwide network to mobile devices, software, and applications not offered by the carrier.
 Verizon Wireless plans to publish technical standards next year that software developers can use to design products that will interface with the carrier's network. Mobile devices that meet the minimum technical standard will be activated on the network. Details of the standards will be disclosed at a later date, the company said.
 
 The carrier has set up a $20-million testing lab where mobile devices will be tested and approved. It also hopes to get input from developers about running outside devices on its network and the impact they might have on network performance.
 
 More from Information Week: (http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=204203940)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 27, 2007, 02:59:00 pm
For the baseball guys....
 
 Rob Neyer does a comparison of the last 10 Boras contracts signed and whether the team got a good deal or not. (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=neyer_rob&id=3128891)  It's free on insider today too.
 
 One thing he doesn't point out that I will point out for you - not a single one of those guys in those ten big contracts won a world series with/for that team.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 27, 2007, 03:06:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  For the baseball guys....
on a somewhat similar note, have you ever seen a rational explanation in the form of a column like this for the value placed on NFL draft picks in trades for active players?
 
 i know salary / recent performance / cancer-to-the-team issues loom large, but there's such a huge disparity between, say, the Bucs giving up two 1st rounders to get Keyshawn Johnson and the Pats giving up a 4th rounder to get Randy Moss
 
 it's always baffled me
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 27, 2007, 03:30:00 pm
I have to be honest - being a GM in the NFL is a job I don't think I'd ever be able to do.  When you add a salary cap it makes things like a 4th rounder for Moss make sense - that's my guess anyway.
 
 I have a childhood friend who's in his 9th year as a middle linebacker in the NFL.  A couple years ago I ran into him at Xmas time when we were both home and I asked him how he went from being on multiple practice squads out of Stanford as a strong safety, to defensive captain for the Falcons in 4 years.  He said that high draft pick rookies aren't given the chance to develop in the NFL because they're so expensive.  They must produce immediately, or they kill the cap (of course they still get a huge payout). He said he was given a chance by Atlanta because he was cheap and took advantage of that and worked really hard.  Interestingly, he also said he was careful about not taking the huge payout too early to price himself out of the league.
 
 If that's the effect it has on the players, could you imagine what a GM must go through?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 27, 2007, 04:07:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Hoya Paranoia:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  For the baseball guys....
on a somewhat similar note, have you ever seen a rational explanation in the form of a column like this for the value placed on NFL draft picks in trades for active players?
 
 i know salary / recent performance / cancer-to-the-team issues loom large, but there's such a huge disparity between, say, the Bucs giving up two 1st rounders to get Keyshawn Johnson and the Pats giving up a 4th rounder to get Randy Moss
 [/b]
i would also add union pressures.  remember, the baseball union was adamantly opposed to a-rod reworking his rangers contract to take less money to go to boston.  whereas in football, the union is nowhere near as strong as baseball's, to put it lightly.  couple that with non-guaranteed contracts, and you can make anything make sense and under the cap.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 27, 2007, 04:14:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
   couple that with non-guaranteed contracts, and you can make anything make sense and under the cap.
Yes - this is a huge point that was underlying my remarks about not taking the huge payout too soon.  The non-guaranteed contracts and the structure by which signing bonuses count against the salary cap make it just a complete mess.  This is a huge reason why the Niners are going to be rebuilding for a long time (crimes from the 90's) and why the Redskins will be in trouble for a long time (Dan Snyder crimes).
 
 This is also a big reason why the Niners had to trade their 2008 #1 that eventually ended up in New England - they couldn't afford another top 10 pick.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: BookerT on November 27, 2007, 04:20:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I have a childhood friend who's in his 9th year as a middle linebacker in the NFL.
you're childhood friends with chris draft? i won my fantasy football league championship in 2003 and he was a crucial IDP performer for me!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 27, 2007, 05:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by BookerT:
  you're childhood friends with chris draft?
I am.  We lived about 3 blocks apart and were on the same soccer team and little league team for years.  His older brother was actually my age, and Chris was in the grade behind me.  They were both the best athletes in the neighborhood - Chris just got big while his brother stayed skinny.
 
 Smackette is super happy that he's a Ram now, as that is her favorite team.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on November 27, 2007, 05:20:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Hoya Paranoia:
  on a somewhat similar note, have you ever seen a rational explanation in the form of a column like this for the value placed on NFL draft picks in trades for active players?
 
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
 
 
 Just look at the redskins first round draft picks from the late '90s - Heath Shuler - Michael Westbrook - Andre Johnson - Kenard Lang.
 
 Keyshawn may be a total douchebag, but at least he proved himself in the NFL for a few years.  Draft picks are a crapshoot.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 27, 2007, 05:51:00 pm
For Fico, NKOTB and anybody else who will admit to watching The Hills (courtesy of the Sport Guy):
 
 http://www.bestweekever.tv/2007/10/25/reality-victims-unit-meet-gavin-my-friend-who-went-on-a-date-with-lc-from-the-hills/ (http://www.bestweekever.tv/2007/10/25/reality-victims-unit-meet-gavin-my-friend-who-went-on-a-date-with-lc-from-the-hills/)
 
 I am shocked and appalled that the producers are making calls that are making the show less than real.  I mean, Justin-Bobby is not like that in the real world?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 27, 2007, 06:01:00 pm
"I guess people should just try to remember that this is all entertainment, and just as Iâ??m not the boring dork they made me out to be, Lauren and the other people on the show are sometimes capable of being nice, decent, funny people. Except for Spencer, I hear heâ??s really like that"
 
 hahahahah
 
 was last nights worth watching?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 28, 2007, 12:49:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
 
 was last nights worth watching?
Justin-Bobby was in rare form last night, but Spencers sister is an apple that didn't fall too far from the tree.  Amazing, that one.  We haven't seen the last of her for sure.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 28, 2007, 05:00:00 pm
Google will release a version of Google Desktop for the Mac tomorrow that lets users install gadgets â?? something previous versions didnâ??t support.
 
 Why would Mac users need a sidebar when they already have their dashboard? Well, it turns out there is no sidebar, and gadgets are installed into the dashboard.
 
 http://blogs.zdnet.com/Google/?p=821&tag=nl.e589 (http://blogs.zdnet.com/Google/?p=821&tag=nl.e589)
 
 I'm addicted to Google Dashboard Gadgets.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 28, 2007, 05:40:00 pm
dashboard is pretty sweet. my epl news one stopped working though  :(
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 28, 2007, 05:59:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  dashboard is pretty sweet. my epl news one stopped working though   :(  
I deleted that one as it kept ruining games I was recording to watch later in the day.  Same with the Champs League and UEFA gadgets.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 28, 2007, 06:18:00 pm
i like it during the transfer window
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 28, 2007, 09:24:00 pm
Bill Simmons, aka The Sports Guy, did a marathon chat today for the Jimmy V Foundation (over 7 hours!)
 
 http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/special/billsimmons?event_id=18257 (http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/special/billsimmons?event_id=18257)
 
 If you're like me and can't stand the white type on a dark background (I practically go into seziures), I've made a PDF of the chat wrap:
 
 http://www.mediafire.com/?bwymvbhmwic (http://www.mediafire.com/?bwymvbhmwic)
 
 Makes for nice bathroom reading.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 29, 2007, 12:31:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 If you're like me and can't stand the white type on a dark background (I practically go into seziures)
things sweetcell thinks you ought to know:
 
 when putting together a PowerPoint presentation that is meant to be projected, white/light letters on a dark background looks better and is easier to read.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 29, 2007, 01:28:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  things sweetcell thinks you ought to know:
 
 when putting together a PowerPoint presentation that is meant to be projected, white/light letters on a dark background looks better and is easier to read.
Only if you can control the lighting in the room.  If you can't, you're destined for disaster.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 29, 2007, 01:45:00 pm
Remember when I said:
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   I'll espouse a crazy theory on you like the one where one GM knew Bonds would be indicted. Anaheim knows that Matthews is in trouble in the Mitchell report and will face a long suspension - that's why they signed Hunter.
Well now I feel a little better about that:
 
 Moreno on Mitchell report: 'There's going to be names'
 ESPN.com news services
 
 Updated: November 29, 2007, 12:03 PM ET
 
  It remains to be seen if the players contacted by George Mitchell's investigators are actually named in the report, which is due for release sometime before Christmas.
 
 But Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno raised the bar Wednesday when he said the report on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball will include names of players.
 
 "The names of players will come out that people will be mad about," Moreno, quoted by The Los Angeles Times in Thursday's editions, said. "Some of my information is second hand, but I know there's going to be names."
 
 More... (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3133290)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on November 29, 2007, 01:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Bill Simmons, aka The Sports Guy, did a marathon chat today for the Jimmy V Foundation
Ugh!  You like Bill Simmons?!?!  He's AWFUL.  The prototype jock-sniffing blogger who's obsessed with TV and video games and has nothing unique or intelligent to say.  He's even worse that Chuck Klosterman.  Both are the sound of one hand clapping and the other hand down their pants.
 
 Plus, could someone explain to me the entire "Jimmy V" cult?  He died of cancer?  So did millions of people.  What's so special about him?  Does he have an inspiring story?  Did he make a real difference?  Alex's Lemonade is a great story.  Jimmy Valvano is saint because he gave some ESPN speech about how you're supposed to "laugh every day, cry every day and think every day?"  Thanks, Mr. Rogers!  
 
 Maybe Klosterman and Simmons never had fathers who could teach them how to throw a football.  They're the sad, pathetic kind of bloggers I was referring to the other day.
 
 I mean just LOOK at those pictures:
 
   <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e6/ChuckK.JPG/200px-ChuckK.JPG" alt=" - " />
 
   <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/Bill_Simmons_by_David_Shankbone.jpg/180px-Bill_Simmons_by_David_Shankbone.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 29, 2007, 02:16:00 pm
what if i told you he liked fall out boy
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 29, 2007, 02:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  things sweetcell thinks you ought to know:
 
 when putting together a PowerPoint presentation that is meant to be projected, white/light letters on a dark background looks better and is easier to read.
Only if you can control the lighting in the room.  If you can't, you're destined for disaster. [/b]
not in my experience with PPT (which is quite a bit).  oh no - are going to have to chalk this one up to "YMMV"?!?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 29, 2007, 02:49:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  not in my experience with PPT (which is quite a bit).  oh no - are going to have to chalk this one up to "YMMV"?!?
Well, it's never happened to me, but I can think of at least three times where I've been in the audience where somebody tried to have the lights turned off to give a powerpoint presentation and the room was too dark for people to take notes, so they tried to turn off only half the lights, which wasn't possible.
 
 So the choice was no notes for your audience, or no one could read what was on the screen.  Once, they ended up doing a B&W version with the lights on, but of course, all the writing on the graphics wasn't visible (the graphics remain in color).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 29, 2007, 03:09:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  Plus, could someone explain to me the entire "Jimmy V" cult?  He died of cancer?  So did millions of people.  What's so special about him?  Does he have an inspiring story?  Did he make a real difference?  Alex's Lemonade is a great story.  Jimmy Valvano is saint because he gave some ESPN speech about how you're supposed to "laugh every day, cry every day and think every day?"  Thanks, Mr. Rogers!  
i also hate the Jimmy V shit that ESPN shoves down our throats ... i was trying to watch 'cuse get their asses whupped last night by a mediocre A10 team and i'm subjected to call-in interview after call-in interview about Jimmy V ... WHO THE FUCK CARES??
 
 this is the real problem:  the sports culture is full of barely-sentient athletes who lack any sense of irony or skepticism ... they act like hard-asses 95% of the time, then turn into an oprah episode when they decide to show any emotional range ... there is ZERO in-between ground ... any type of emotion is channeled into the schlockiest "chicken soup for the soul" type of hokum with retarded high school children shooting 3-point shots and dying fathers getting liver transplants from ex-teammates
 
 i think the main difference between "sports bloggers" like deadspin and the like is really just a healthy dose of skepticism and a refusal to cave into the emotional crap that the mainstream sports media forces on us
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 29, 2007, 04:25:00 pm
There's really never going to be much progress in the Islamic World until there can be better understanding of Shar'ia Law and it's inability to adapt to modern basic freedoms:
 
 British Teacher Sentenced to 15 Days in Sudan Prison (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article2966023.ece)
 
 Saudi's Sentence Gang Rape Victim to 200 lashes, 6 months in Jail (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7098480.stm)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 29, 2007, 06:34:00 pm
ESPN is having a contest for the greatest Sportscenter Commercial of all time (http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=3266).
 
 I'm boycotting the vote because they left out some of the best commercials of all time, even outside of Sportscenter:
 
 Be a Big Buddy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iVrFc7OlXs&feature=related)
 Can I have the Country of Origin please? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y0RJSHnTqw&feature=related)
 American Cheese (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APOtRvO6moA&feature=related)
 That's Weird (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGSI316RwWs&feature=related)
 
 
 And my personal favorites:
 
 The New Kid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HxRkFtIIdA&feature=related)
 The Nogahyde (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GisL-VBXQ2g&feature=related)
 Shue for Steiner (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu74zuyVSrw&feature=related)
 And Y2K (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPt3eLv7Ie0)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Mobius on November 29, 2007, 06:45:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Bill Simmons, aka The Sports Guy, did a marathon chat today for the Jimmy V Foundation
Plus, could someone explain to me the entire "Jimmy V" cult?  He died of cancer?  So did millions of people.  What's so special about him?  Does he have an inspiring story?  Did he make a real difference?  
 
 Brian [/b]
Perhaps you've noticed that ESPN has a culture.  Chris Berman is the spiritual leader. Sports Center anchors tend to be sarcastic and use catch-phrases. And Dick Vitale is college hoops.  Jim Valvano's legacy - esp. b/c of his closeness w/ Vitale - is part of that culture.  A lot of ESPN's culture is cliche or worse (e.g. Mark May and Lou Holtz), but that's the network's foundation.
 
 Valvano wasn't a saint but is the namesake of a foundation that raises money for cancer research.  This may offend you, but the fact that "millions of people" have died of cancer suggests that research to fight cancer is a valuable thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 29, 2007, 06:54:00 pm
Damn.  I was a fan.
 
 Emily Sander's, aka Zoey Zane, Body Found (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22030368/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 29, 2007, 07:28:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I don't remember who it was that posted that brilliant Maher interview with Kasparov, but this is what he was referring to.  
 
 Press release (http://www.osce.org/odihr/item_1_27967.html)
 
 ODIHR unable to observe Russian Duma elections
 
 Russian Police Detain Kasparov
 By AP/MANSUR MIROVALEV
 
    http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1687284,00.html (http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1687284,00.html)    
This was the original thread. (http://www.930.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=016357)
 
 And he's your ongoing update.  He was released from prison, but promises chaos as the election gets closer  (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/world/europe/30russia.html?ex=1354078800&en=137824b668ee4d84&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)(it's Sunday for those that don't know).
 
 I still maintain that his life is in danger.
 
 But it looks straight out of a movie:
 
   <img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/29/world/29kasparov.600.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 And lastly, I'm going to add this to your sylabus as to why Kasparov and other moderates are so worried about Russia:
 
 The rewriting of history
 
 The Kremlin uses its version of the past to forge a new ideology for the present (http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10102921)
 
 For those that aren't going to read that link, there's a new history manual sponsored by Putin's people that teaches that the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 is not seen as a watershed from which a new history begins, but as an unfortunate and tragic mistake that hindered Russia's progress, Ghorbachev was the worst ruler in Russia's history, Putin is a quasi-czar, and that Russia did not lose the Cold War, Russia simply ended it.
 
 Now, you might want to read that link.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on November 30, 2007, 03:17:00 pm
hey, van, you still in san fran.?  i watched this fucking awesome doc. last night.  it was called, the wild parrots of telegraph hill.  ever been there?  i never knew san fran. was so beautiful.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 02, 2007, 01:46:00 am
Vansmack and Venerable want you to know that:
 
 (1) The Top 4 are automatically eligible
 
 (2) The Top 14 teams have priority
 
 (3) No more than two teams from each divsion of the SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big 10, Pac 10 or Big East can qualify
 
 (4) Any non "Big Division" team in the top 12 must be picked (Hawaii is currently down by 21)
 
 (5) Rose Bowl gets first pick if (when) one of their teams is picked
 
 Therefore, Illinois and ASU stand to benefit, while Florida and either Mizzou or Kansas stand to lose out despite being in the top 10 in the BCS.
 
 We assume the C in BCS stands for clusterfuck.  We are therefore, sympathetic to two things:
 
 (1) Conference Championship corollary (or the Mizzou Rule) - if you make the conference championship, you deserve priority over another divison team who didn't make the conference championship if you're in the top 14 [but we can be swayed to top 10 instead fo 14].
 
 (2) The old bowl format with a "Plus One" Game
 
 This is worse than 2001, but not as bad as 2004.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2007, 12:59:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  This was the original thread. (http://www.930.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=016357)
 
 
 ODIHR unable to observe Russian Duma elections -Press release (http://www.osce.org/odihr/item_1_27967.html)
 
 
 Russian Police Detain Kasparov (http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1687284,00.html)[/url]
 By AP/MANSUR MIROVALEV
 
         
 The rewriting of history (http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10102921)
Russia's election
 
 How it was rigged (http://www.economist.com/PrinterFriendly.cfm?story_id=10238268)
 
 Dec 3rd 2007 | MOSCOW
 From Economist.com
 
 A farce of a poll, but Vladimir Putin looks stronger
 
 IT WAS never in doubt that Vladimir Putinâ??s United Russia party would get a sweeping victory in the parliamentary elections on Sunday December 2nd. The entire government machine, the court system, the prosecution service, the police, the state media and even the central commission itself were deployed to produce a landslide victory. The result was programmed months ago: United Russia got its 64%; just three other partiesâ??the Communists, the ultra-nationalist and obedient Liberal Democratic Party and Just Russia, a Kremlin satelliteâ??passed a 7% threshold.
 
 Nor was there any doubt that the poll was rigged. (http://www.economist.com/PrinterFriendly.cfm?story_id=10238268)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on December 03, 2007, 01:14:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  ESPN is having a contest for the greatest Sportscenter Commercial of all time (http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=3266)
my roommate in college was the georgetown bulldog mascot
 
 he almost killed himself at the ESPN the Magazine "Mascot Picnic" ... remember those 2-min ads that ran non-stop on ESPNNEWS for a while?  he inexplicably jumped off a picnic table onto an enormous bouncy ball, almost snapped his neck in half
 
 he was also in a pretty good one where he steals some nascar driver's car and does doughnuts in the parking lot
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2007, 01:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Hoya Paranoia:
  he was also in a pretty good one where he steals some nascar driver's car and does doughnuts in the parking lot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo_0bo9O5ds)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on December 03, 2007, 02:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Vansmack and Venerable want you to know that:
 
 (1) The Top 4 are automatically eligible
 
 (2) The Top 14 teams have priority
 
 (3) No more than two teams from each divsion of the SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big 10, Pac 10 or Big East can qualify
 
 (4) Any non "Big Division" team in the top 12 must be picked (Hawaii is currently down by 21)
 
 (5) Rose Bowl gets first pick if (when) one of their teams is picked
 
 Therefore, Illinois and ASU stand to benefit, while Florida and either Mizzou or Kansas stand to lose out despite being in the top 10 in the BCS.
 
 We assume the C in BCS stands for clusterfuck.  We are therefore, sympathetic to two things:
 
 (1) Conference Championship corollary (or the Mizzou Rule) - if you make the conference championship, you deserve priority over another divison team who didn't make the conference championship if you're in the top 14 [but we can be swayed to top 10 instead fo 14].
 
 (2) The old bowl format with a "Plus One" Game
 
 This is worse than 2001, but not as bad as 2004.
Why should anyone bother watching college football until this shit is cleared up. The orange bowl and rose bowl can go fuck themselves.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on December 03, 2007, 02:45:00 pm
Hey Smackie, when are you going over to Russia to help them get things straightened out?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 03, 2007, 02:47:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
 Why should anyone bother watching college football until this shit is cleared up. The orange bowl and rose bowl can go fuck themselves.
i dont know about anyone else but i only watch my team (penn state) and even then not every week. might watch the championship game too
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2007, 02:57:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  Why should anyone bother watching college football until this shit is cleared up. The orange bowl and rose bowl can go fuck themselves.
I am definitely boycotting the Orange Bowl.  There's no way I'm watching that.  
 
 I will, however, watch the Rose Bowl because they have been consistently against the BCS from the beginning and this is just another show by them as to why the BCS is not the proper solution.  I kind of like that they kept tradition and picked an eligible Big 10 team.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on December 03, 2007, 02:59:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 I am definitely boycotting the Orange Bowl.  There's no way I'm watching that.  
 
 I will, however, watch the Rose Bowl because they have been consistently against the BCS from the beginning and this is just another show by them as to why the BCS is not the proper solution.  I kind of like that they kept tradition and picked an eligible Big 10 team.
a 3 loss big 10 team that Missouri beat on a neutral field, its bs no matter how you slice it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2007, 03:08:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Hey Smackie, when are you going over to Russia to help them get things straightened out?
Been there, done that.  I'm retired from the International Develoment world, especially in the NIS (and under this administration).  There are plenty of young people out there with more enrgy than me who can still make a difference though.
 
 I would like to point this out however:  disagree with Chavez all you want, but he put his socialist reforms for Venezuela up for referendum and lost (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/04/world/americas/04venezuela.html?hp).  He was even gracious in defeat.  It might not have been a completely fair election by international parlance, but it was 1000 times more fair than Russia.
 
 Both of these votes illustrate, however, that as long as these rulers enjoy huge revenues from gas/oil to buy the peoples vote, people will support them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2007, 03:14:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
 a 3 loss big 10 team that Missouri beat on a neutral field, its bs no matter how you slice it
I'm not saying it was the best pick, but it at least can be explained by tradition, which was the Rose Bowl's fight with the BCS from the very beginning.  They've been consistent.
 
 The Orange Bowl has absolutely no excuse for not picking Mizzou.  I can't even imagine it was better for revenues.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2007, 03:24:00 pm
BTW - I'll be running a Bowl Pool this year as soon as it's available.  I don't think Yahoo has ever done one, so I've been using CBS for the past few years.  You pick every game (no spreads) and then rank them based on your confidence in the winner (1-33).  
 
 I'm up for suggestions if anyone has any better ideas for a college bowl pool.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2007, 03:44:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  There's really never going to be much progress in the Islamic World until there can be better understanding of Shar'ia Law and it's inability to adapt to modern basic freedoms:
 
 British Teacher Sentenced to 15 Days in Sudan Prison (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article2966023.ece)
 
 
It really is going to take brave Muslim leaders in free countries to do more of this to help with all of the disagreements:
 
 Sudan's President pardoned the British School teacher after meeting with two Muslim members of Britain's House of Lords, Nazir Ahmed and Sayeeda Warsi, who had traveled to the predominantly Muslim African nation to lobby for her release. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/03/AR2007120300465.html?hpid=topnews)
 
 Kudos to them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2007, 08:44:00 pm
Law Professor Estimates His Copyright Liability in the Billions
 
 To make the point that copyright law is wildly out of sync with people's behavior and expectations, a law professor at the University of Utah has published an article (http://www.turnergreen.com/publications/Tehranian_Infringement_Nation.pdf) describing how he would be liable for an estimated $4.5-billion in damages a year if copyright holders assiduously enforced their rights. The professor, John Tehranian, says he starts the day infringing when he responds to e-mail messages. His responses automatically include copies of the messages on which he is commenting. Within an hour he has replied to and forwarded 20 e-mail messages, making him liable for $3-million in statutory damages, Mr. Tehranian writes in the Utah Law Review. Later, he violates the Copyright Act when he distributes to his students copies of three Internet articles analyzing a Supreme Court decision handed down an hour earlier. And when he bares his chest to go swimming he reveals a Captain Caveman tattoo on his right shoulder.
 
 The professor acknowledges he is assuming a narrow interpretation of fair use and a reading of case law that favors copyright holders. Still, his point is that the law needs fixing. "One must either irrationally conclude that John is a criminal infringer--a veritable grand larcenist--or blithely surmise that copyright law must not mean what it appears to say," he writes. "Something is clearly amiss."--Andrea L. Foster
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2007, 01:57:00 pm
I woke up this morning with the feeling there was going to be an early Christmas present like the year I found out the Angels signed Vlad.  Well, there wasn't anything yet, but I did read this from the BirdMart section (the clearance store for cheap MLB players):
 
 The Orioles and Dodgers met last night and discussed Miguel Tejada, according to two baseball sources. But according to one source, the match between the two teams did not appear to be there. Tejada has let it be known that he is only willing to move to third base if he goes to a contending team.
 
 All of my Dodger fan friends loved that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 04, 2007, 02:13:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I woke up this morning with the feeling there was going to be an early Christmas present like the year I found out the Angels signed Vlad.  
or last year with larrson
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2007, 02:16:00 pm
Who didn't see this coming?
 
 Apple, AT&T sued over iPhone's visual voice mail (http://www.news.com/8301-13579_3-9828078-37.html?part=dht)
 
 I smell a settlement.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2007, 02:49:00 pm
The Vivendi-Activision merger (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/03/technology/03activision.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin) is great news for gamers.  Unfortunately the fallout is that, now, huge conglomerates NOT involved in the gaming industry are going to start buying up smaller gaming companies. The end result of those types of mergers could be bad for the games being produced, but surely not profits for the conglomerates.  Gamers can only hope that other large media companies that have a video games division (like Vivendi) will get on the wagon before other conglomerates do.
 
 3 good things to come out of the Merger:
 
 #1 - The profits from Vivendi's "World of Warcraft" will equal better games for the consoles.  It's an odd twist in that consoles drove PC games sales for much of the last 20 years.
 
 #2 - EA Games now has a true rival in Activision Blizzard, and that can only be good for the industry.  Let's be honest, EA has gotten very complacent with it's cash cows of yearly updated games, mostly in the sports arena.
 
 #3 - What's not being talked about but what might be of most interest to this board, Guitar Hero now has unfettered access to the entire Universal Music catalog (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Music).
 
 Rock on.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2007, 06:08:00 pm
The Twins and Angels continue to talk about a Johan Santana trade. Many of the same players mentioned in the Miguel Cabrera sweepstakes -- Howie Kendrick, Brandan Wood, Nick Adenhart, and possibly Jeff Mathis or Reggie Willits -- would be included in a package for Santana.
 
 It is believed that the Angels haven't talked with the Marlins since last night, and Miguel Cabrera is off their radar screen -- at least for now.
 
 Boston increased it's offer to include Jacoby Ellsbury (hmm, after Jacoby signed with Boras, they decide to deal him?) and the Yankees and Twins haven't talked at all so far Tuesday about Johan Santana.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on December 04, 2007, 06:25:00 pm
How about a Santana for Torii Hunter trade?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2007, 06:30:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  How about a Santana for Torii Hunter trade?
A little more to your liking:
 
 The Jays are kicking the tires on Erik Bedard, and they could include A.J. Burnett in a package for the Orioles' ace. Bedard is Canadian, and Burnett, who could opt out of his contract next winter, has family ties to the Baltimore area -- something that is important to O's owner Peter Angelos.  
 
 The Orioles and Dodgers may be close on a deal that will send left-hander Erik Bedard to Los Angeles, a baseball source said. The O's are in need of a center fielder and a closer who can play at the major league level, and the Dodgers seem willing to part with outfielder Matt Kemp and reliever Jonathan Broxton, who could come in a close in lieu of Chris Ray, out for the year after Tommy John surgery. "They want Bedard bad," said the source.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: saco on December 04, 2007, 07:17:00 pm
From the Boston Globe; believe what you will...
 
 http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/thebuzz/ (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/thebuzz/)
 
 From the Globe's Gordon Edes(6:08 p.m.): "Angels GM Tony Reagins just told reporters that there was no truth to Angels being involved in Johan Santana negotiations. Said he never talked to Twins"
 
 
 From ESPN's Jayson Stark (4:49 p.m.): "The Twins and Angels continue to talk about a Johan Santana trade. Many of the same players mentioned in the Miguel Cabrera sweepstakes -- Howie Kendrick, Brandan Wood, Nick Adenhart, and possibly Jeff Mathis or Reggie Willits -- would be included in a package for Santana."
 
 
 From the Globe's Gordon Edes (4:39 p.m.): "The Newark Star Ledger just reported that the Yankees are out of the running for Johan Santana. One Sox source said he was skeptical that was the case. The Twins, meanwhile, have outrighted a player off their 40-man roster, the kind of move that often takes place before a trade, as they try to create roster space. The Commissioner, Peter Gammons, says a fifth player may be in the package that the Sox would give the Twins for Santana, minor league outfielder Ryan Kalish, but my Sox sources could not confirm that. The Sox people I'm talking to say they're still waiting."
 
 
 From the Herald's Rob Bradford (4:01 p.m.): "According to a source familiar with the negotiations the Twins have told the Red Sox they want to complete the Johan Santana deal by the end of today."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2007, 07:21:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by saco:
  "Angels GM Tony Reagins just told reporters that there was no truth to Angels being involved in Johan Santana negotiations. Said he never talked to Twins"
I love hearing that.  That confirms they're talking (as opposed to "no comment" when you aren't talking but want someone to think you are).  All that notwithstanding, I believe the Sox are in the best position to land him, I just hope it costs them a fortune.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2007, 07:28:00 pm
Gammons just reported on ESPN radio that Detroit moved in and made a deal for Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis - 6 players (Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller, catcher Mike Rabelo and three minor league prospects).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 05, 2007, 02:30:00 am
Miranda Kerr.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 05, 2007, 01:37:00 pm
Which leader of a nation is this quip talking about?
 
 
Quote
And while liberals chafe at growing restrictions on individual freedoms, even religious conservatives protest that [the leader] has diverted resources to wasteful projects and replaced competent administrators with ideologues.
 
 [This Leader's] tireless speechmaking, religious fervour and nationalism still inspire many poor [Countrymen]. But within the establishment, which is to say among the educated class elevated politically by [a war], doubts have spread as to whether the president's hardline populism could lead to a dangerous polarisation. With a combination of business interests and some senior conservatives increasingly ranged against him, the president may feel forced to rely on more repressive tactics.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 05, 2007, 02:50:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Which leader of a nation is this quip talking about?
 
 
If you said Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10147667), give yourself a gold star.
 
 If it sounded to you like it could have been George W. Bush, don't fret - it very well could have been.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: tigersscareme on December 05, 2007, 04:03:00 pm
any guess as to what the "big announcement" after the Hills finale is?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 05, 2007, 04:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by tigers scare me:
  any guess as to what the "big announcement" after the Hills finale is?
Thank you for reminding me - don't forget to Tivo the Two Hour Hills special this Sunday: LC Looks Back.
 
 Anyhow, as for the announcement, I bet it's that Speidi's future will be decided next season - the cliffhanger approach.  But I secretly hope it's that "Britney - Canada Whore" becomes a full time player next season as Brody's girlfriend.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: tigersscareme on December 05, 2007, 04:48:00 pm
i'm going to be out and about on sunday so i'm hedging my bets that mtv will rerun the holy hell out of an LC movie...but i'm also dubious of my attention span of that whole scene.
 i love the hills (in that perverse, 'i know i shouldn't' way) but i never saw laguna or whatever preceeded the hills.
 
 my prediction for the anouncement is spence/heidi split. i think they've already acknowledged that there'll be another season because they're refering to the finale as season not series. but maybe i'm being too literal.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 05, 2007, 07:41:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by tigers scare me:
  i'm going to be out and about on sunday so i'm hedging my bets that mtv will rerun the holy hell out of an LC movie...
It's on like 5 times on Sunday alone.  I'm not about to miss the NFL for it, but I'm definitely going to see it.  I'm also going to watch it on the Tivo so I can FF the boring parts - that's how much faith I have in it.  that being said, I am looking forward to the scenes of STEE-PHEN and the early Jason stuff.  Incredible theater there.  But really, you never saw Laguna Beach?  Maybe I have a soft spot for it because I grew up in it, but that some incredible TV.
 
 You're probably correct on your guess as to the big announcement.  Lets just hope it's in HD next season!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 05, 2007, 07:48:00 pm
Quote
The most agonizing baseball moment since Bill Buckner's gaffe was Francisco Cabrera's series-winning single for Atlanta that killed Pittsburgh in the 1992 playoffs. Not only did the Pirates blow a ninth-inning lead, not only did Cabrera, a no-name, deliver the final blow, not only did comically slow Sid Bream somehow beat a Barry Bonds throw home, not only was it the Pirates' third straight October defeat ... but Bonds signed with the Giants a couple of months later, banishing the Pirates to small-market hell. They haven't been heard from since. The franchise was effectively murdered by one play.
I still have the vision of my childhood hero, Andy Van Slyke, sitting in center field with his hat pulled down over his eyes, burned into my brain.  He couldn't believe it - I couldn't believe it.  It was the only night I ever paddled out in the dark to be left alone with the ocean (which is never a good idea).  The sad part is, even Anaheim's 2002 World Series video builds up to the climactic moment by showing Barry Bonds tenure in Pittsburgh, ending with that scene.  I have exorcised the demons with Anaheim, poor Andy came close as a coach with Detroit, but the fine fans in Pittsburgh are still haunted.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 06, 2007, 12:42:00 am
Quack! (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3143032)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 06, 2007, 10:01:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
The most agonizing baseball moment since Bill Buckner's gaffe was Francisco Cabrera's series-winning single for Atlanta that killed Pittsburgh in the 1992 playoffs. Not only did the Pirates blow a ninth-inning lead, not only did Cabrera, a no-name, deliver the final blow, not only did comically slow Sid Bream somehow beat a Barry Bonds throw home, not only was it the Pirates' third straight October defeat ... but Bonds signed with the Giants a couple of months later, banishing the Pirates to small-market hell. They haven't been heard from since. The franchise was effectively murdered by one play.
I still have the vision of my childhood hero, Andy Van Slyke, sitting in center field with his hat pulled down over his eyes, burned into my brain.  He couldn't believe it - I couldn't believe it.  It was the only night I ever paddled out in the dark to be left alone with the ocean (which is never a good idea).  The sad part is, even Anaheim's 2002 World Series video builds up to the climactic moment by showing Barry Bonds tenure in Pittsburgh, ending with that scene.  I have exorcised the demons with Anaheim, poor Andy came close as a coach with Detroit, but the fine fans in Pittsburgh are still haunted. [/b]
1. SID FUCKING BREAM WAS OUT BY A FUCKING MILE. OUTOUTOUT. i call this play 'when barry bonds threw sid bream out at the plate and the stupid ass ump called him safe'
 
 2. stan belinda's walk of damon fucking barryhill is what really sunk everything here. belinda was great that year, and barryhill was comically bad, like .098 or something bad
 
 3. andy van slyke was my baseball hero as a kid as well
 
 4. the next day one of my friends knocked some kid out for wearing a braves hat. at least we had something to talk about for the next 3 years
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 06, 2007, 10:04:00 am
oh and i actually blame the strike for sinking the pirates
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: tigersscareme on December 06, 2007, 10:29:00 am
i'll be driving back from NYC on sunday and then at the rock and shop on sunday night with my little monster dolls.
 
 i'm going to be one tired pup.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 06, 2007, 12:19:00 pm
What the hell are the Dodgers thinking?
 
 Dodgers Sign Andruw Jones: 2 Years, $36 Million (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3143653)
 
 A five-time All-Star, Jones will receive a $12.2 million signing bonus, of which $5.1 million is payable next year, $2.1 million in 2009 and $5 million in 2010. He well get salaries of $9 million next year and $15 million in 2009, and also will receive a no-trade clause.
 
 Jones' $18.1 million average salary trails only those of the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez ($27.5 million), Boston's Manny Ramirez ($20 million), the Yankees' Derek Jeter ($18.9 million), and the Cubs' Carlos Zambrano ($18.3 million).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 06, 2007, 04:22:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  1. SID FUCKING BREAM WAS OUT BY A FUCKING MILE. OUTOUTOUT. i call this play 'when barry bonds threw sid bream out at the plate and the stupid ass ump called him safe'
 
i didn't realize that barry bonds could throw someone out at home plate.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 06, 2007, 04:30:00 pm
he was playing shallow, and this is sid bream we're talking about
 OUT OUT OUT BY A FUCKING MILE
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 06, 2007, 05:06:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  he was playing shallow, and this is sid bream we're talking about
 OUT OUT OUT BY A FUCKING MILE
ok, calm down. . here, will this help?
 
   <img src="http://www.fansedge.com/Images/Product/33-54/33-54379-P.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 06, 2007, 05:55:00 pm
sorry, 14 year old shoeshine was inconsolable for about 5 years. then i stopped watching baseball
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 06, 2007, 07:16:00 pm
Guillen, Gibbons get 15-day suspensions (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3144472&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines)
 
 I wish this would be all it tkaes to explain Jose Guillen's rage, but alas, I think there is more...couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 07, 2007, 01:26:00 pm
Is it just a coincidence that CompUSA and Tower Records shared building space in the mall next to my work? (http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13506_1-9830832-17.html)
 
 I think not.  I'm looking forward to the after Christmas free for all...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 07, 2007, 02:24:00 pm
I was going to make my 5 Tech predictions for 2008, but as I was putting them together Venerable sent me an email laying out one of them.  So instead, I'll release them individually:
 
 #1 - 2008 will be the year that internet access at your seat will finally be available on airplanes, starting with longer flights and working its way to the commuter flights (which is backwards, but at least its coming).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 07, 2007, 03:30:00 pm
Sean Penn just walked by my office, but that's not the thing Smackie wants you to know about.
 
 The part I want you to know about is the fact that I somehow managed to not make a Jeff Spicoli joke.  And some say I was never going to grow up....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on December 07, 2007, 03:51:00 pm
Was he smoking a cigarette? If not, it probably wasn't him.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Sean Penn just walked by my office, but that's not the thing Smackie wants you to know about.
 
 The part I want you to know about is the fact that I somehow managed to not make a Jeff Spicoli joke.  And some say I was never going to grow up....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 07, 2007, 03:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Was he smoking a cigarette? If not, it probably wasn't him.
 
No - we're a non-smoking campus.   Have been for years.  It's fairly aggressively enforced too.  
 
 He's here supporting Kucinich and the adminstration is a little worried about what he might say (there's a lot of press here).  I'm in my "student attire" to attend the event on behalf of the administration.  Ahh, the baby face...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on December 07, 2007, 04:01:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  No - we're a non-smoking campus.   Have been for years.  It's fairly aggressively enforced too.  
 
 He's here supporting Kucinich and the adminstration is a little worried about what he might say (there's a lot of press here).  I'm in my "student attire" to attend the event on behalf of the administration.  Ahh, the baby face...
so it took having a baby face to officially become the man?   :p
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 07, 2007, 04:54:00 pm
Tech Prediction #2:
 
 2008 will not be the year that the HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray Debate gets solved, however, HD-DVD will take a substantial lead because it's way below Blu-ray in cost to consumer.  Will it be insurmountable?  Not as long as the Playstation 3 is going to continue to reduce its price.  
 
 I'm waiting for one/two triggers to happen to get me to buy an HD-DVD player:
 
 (1) If Blockbuster waivers from it's Blu-Ray in stores only policy, I'm all over an HD-DVD player (you can already get HD-DVD from thier online stores).
 
 (2) If any of the "Blu-Ray only" movie studios switch to the "we'll offer both" formats camp.  Right now, Warner's switch has kept Blu-Ray solidly in the mix.  
 
 And one trigger point that would make me wait on both for a while - if Blu-Ray decides to lower the hardware costs to that of HD-DVD, then all bets are off, but waiting until after the holidays to do this I think might be the start of HD-DVD dominance.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 07, 2007, 06:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  He's here supporting Kucinich and the adminstration is a little worried about what he might say (there's a lot of press here).
Here's the text of his speech if anybody cares:
 
  http://www.counterpunch.com/penn12072007.html (http://www.counterpunch.com/penn12072007.html)
 
 He's a little off base on foreign policy but our students ate it up.  There was a college Republican protest that was a little humorous before it got a little agressive - I'm sure it will be on youtube soon.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on December 07, 2007, 06:52:00 pm
Sean Penn lost every shred of cred when he threatened to move to France if Bush won the election, and then totally backtracked when Bush actually won.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 08, 2007, 04:02:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   There was a college Republican protest that was a little humorous before it got a little agressive - I'm sure it will be on youtube soon.
Yep, this is my life...
 
 College Republican Version (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzFZnaPGqxM)
 
 Neutral Observer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk6q3YgffvM)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2007, 01:20:00 pm
Denver, Colorado is the most Dangerously Drunk city in America. (http://health.msn.com/health-topics/addiction/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100182332&GT1=10710)  I'll be there this weekend - wish me luck.  DC is the 12th most dangerous drunk city, by the way.  And Durham, NC is shockingly the safest drunk city - I never would have picked a college town to be the safest.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on December 10, 2007, 01:59:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Tech Prediction #2
where do you see digital music/media over the next 10 years?  i feel like in the next decade we'll be accessing all of our media (music/tv/movies/etc) on giant servers (kind of like rhapsody or napster right now) rather than actually owning physical or digital copies of DVDs, CDs, MP3s, etc ... it would track with exponentially increasing broadband speeds, decrease in price for data storage, the demise of the PC, etc
 
 in such a scenario, all the money you invested in purchasing and owning your MP3s (or DVDs) would essentially be wasted, right?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 10, 2007, 02:50:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Tech Prediction #2:
 
 2008 will not be the year that the HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray Debate gets solved, however, HD-DVD will take a substantial lead because it's way below Blu-ray in cost to consumer.  Will it be insurmountable?  Not as long as the Playstation 3 is going to continue to reduce its price.  
 
 I'm waiting for one/two triggers to happen to get me to buy an HD-DVD player:
 
 (1) If Blockbuster waivers from it's Blu-Ray in stores only policy, I'm all over an HD-DVD player (you can already get HD-DVD from thier online stores).
 
 (2) If any of the "Blu-Ray only" movie studios switch to the "we'll offer both" formats camp.  Right now, Warner's switch has kept Blu-Ray solidly in the mix.  
 
 And one trigger point that would make me wait on both for a while - if Blu-Ray decides to lower the hardware costs to that of HD-DVD, then all bets are off, but waiting until after the holidays to do this I think might be the start of HD-DVD dominance.
blue-ray player drops below  $300 (http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/08/samsungs-bd-p1400-blu-ray-player-sinks-below-300/).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2007, 02:52:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Hoya Paranoia:
  where do you see digital music/media over the next 10 years?  i feel like in the next decade we'll be accessing all of our media (music/tv/movies/etc) on giant servers...
 
 in such a scenario, all the money you invested in purchasing and owning your MP3s (or DVDs) would essentially be wasted, right?
Well, I had a debate with Markey on here about this very topic a couple years ago where I predicted that as soon as Apple bought into that model it would come true, at least for Music.  The rest is already happening: DirecTV is currently rolling out it's own version of OnDemand and is using IP instead their satellites.  All of this is basically being done to catch up with South Korea - where nearly all TV is delivered over IP.  The limitation in American is bandwidth with the new HD programming - they don't have that problem in Korea where nearly every residential connection is Fiber, and at a much cheaper rate than America.
 
 With that, I will reveal my Tech Prediction #3:
 
 This is the year that a broadcast network will run a TV program on the internet at the same time as an Over-the-Air broadcast - and just maybe one genius network will run an episode on-line before it airs over-the-air.  And a really smart network would run an HD episode (sponsored by some HD TV maker) because most people can see HD quality on their computer monitors - just not on their TVs.
 
 So yes Hoya, IP TV is the future - but how far in the future is up to the IP industry, and they've throttled every attempt to expand for the past 10 years.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on December 10, 2007, 03:04:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 So yes Hoya, IP TV is the future - but how far in the future is up to the IP industry, and they've throttled every attempt to expand for the past 10 years.
maybe i'm crazy, but i think it'll be more dramatic than just IP TV or ondemand movies ... more of a tectonic shift of how we purchase/consume media, "owning" nothing and streaming everything from some giant central server ... but i don't really keep up regularly with tech news, is that realistic?
 
 it may be hard to make the move from physical media to digital media, but i think it would be even harder psychologically to make the leap from owning digital media to streaming it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2007, 03:14:00 pm
The technology is already there, but the platforms are not - if that makes any sense.  
 
 The problem with the all IP delivery model is that somebody still has to pay for it - and that doesn't exist yet.  So there's no way the networks are going to give up that revenue model until there's a new revenue model.
 
 Look at Apple's TV show sales.  They were decent last year, but are going to get killed this year because the networks have figured out their own revenue generating model.  Who's going to pay when it's free online and all I have to do is sit through 3-4 15 second commercials?
 
 The engineers are still consistently ahead of the business models - that's what killed Napster (perhaps twice) and that's what is the major impediment to the license structure you propose.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2007, 06:24:00 pm
Do you think the Orange Bowl knew this in advance?
 
 Uniwatch is reporting... (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=lukas/071205)
 
 Missouri is hinting that they may wear solid gold (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/aawags11/cottonbowlcopy.jpg) in the Cotton Bowl (as reported by Drew Wagner). â?¦
 
 Either way, Venerable and I think this will not help with New Years Morning hangovers....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on December 10, 2007, 06:52:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Do you think the Orange Bowl knew this in advance?
 
 Uniwatch is reporting... (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=lukas/071205)
 
 Missouri is hinting that they may wear solid gold (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/aawags11/cottonbowlcopy.jpg) in the Cotton Bowl (as reported by Drew Wagner). â?¦
 
 Either way, Venerable and I think this will not help with New Years Morning hangovers....
fairly certain that won't happen
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2007, 06:58:00 pm
It's been quite a while since I created a new Smackie Corollary, but after a few Irish Coffees on Friday, we started working on a new one.  
 
 It's quite clear that the Cougar phenomenon has taken on a life of its own, and young guys seem to be working just as hard as the Cougars these days to get their Cougar stripes.  But before guys start bragging that shaggin any divorcee is a stripe earner, and Cougars braggin on "The Real Housewives of Orange County" that any younger man qualifies as a Cougar (http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/new-housewife-housewives-1934816-orange-county), I've taken it up myslef to create a new Smackie Corollary on Cougars.  
 
 The problem really stems from a loosely worded definition that limits cougars to 30-50 years olds (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cougar), which really isn't right.  Nor does it take into account the age of the male compared to the Cougar.
 
 Half the Cougars age, plus no more than +10 years qualifies as a Cougar Encounter (always round down).
  </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">
 I'm not quite happy with this as it pertains to women under 35 at the moment, so maybe we need a Cougar-in-Training rule for 30-35 year old Cougars:
 
 When dealing with a Cougar in Training, Half the Cougars age, plus no more than +7 years qualifies as a cougar encounter.
  </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">
 This is one is still open for negotiation.  I'm really looking at pivotal factors at the moment (like the Cougar must be a divorcee or have children, maybe there must be some form of botox or plastics work involved).  I'm open to all suggestions....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2007, 07:56:00 pm
I wish I had something to say about this, but it just seems too easy....
 
 Former MLB pitcher Mark Littell demonstrates the new protective cup for you with special words from Chris Sabo on the Nutty Buddy at the end:
 
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C9aiWr0Vfg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C9aiWr0Vfg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 11, 2007, 12:23:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 new Smackie Corollary on Cougars
eww.  do these rules apply to old men chasing young women, or that simply expected behavior? is the reverse that noteworthy?  seems like college frat boys have been forever getting drunk and chasing whatever tail is available - does codification make it cooler?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 01:40:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  do these rules apply to old men chasing young women
Half your age plus seven, no lower.  That rule is steadfast.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 01:43:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  does codification make it cooler?
I don't think it's cool at all - I've almost always gone younger.  But I think their need to be some ground rules for definition purposes before these things get out of hand.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 11, 2007, 11:15:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 with special words from Chris Sabo on the Nutty Buddy at the end
and those special words are "in the testiclese".  awesome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 01:21:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by tigers scare me:
  any guess as to what the "big announcement" after the Hills finale is?
I was actually pretty excited about that announcement last night.  Bring it on!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: tigersscareme on December 11, 2007, 01:24:00 pm
i totally fell asleep during the aftershow. god, i hate those two people. really? is it that hard to throw a boom mic up there? i find those little wig-mics really distracting on anyone who's not on stage.
 
 was the announcement that there's going to be another season? i'm hoping.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 01:29:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by tigers scare me:
  i totally fell asleep during the aftershow. god, i hate those two people. really? is it that hard to throw a boom mic up there? i find those little wig-mics really distracting on anyone who's not on stage.
 
 was the announcement that there's going to be another season? i'm hoping.
Yes, those two are terribly annoying and they were even worse live (sans editing!).  
 
 No!  The big announcement was that THIS SEASON IS NOT OVER!  They've decided to continue The Hills (From Paris) and to finish up the Speidi saga this season.
 
 Here's a preview:  http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1575931&vid=194620 (http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1575931&vid=194620)
 
 (video #11)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 01:54:00 pm
Are there any boardies currently over in England?  I thought there was one.
 
 I need a copy of Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten (http://www.joestrummerthemovie.com/) on DVD and will pay hansomely (and I'm not just talking about the exchange rate).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: tigersscareme on December 11, 2007, 01:57:00 pm
oh good. i wanted to see Paris. If i ever won money, i would buy a small apartment there. i love that city.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 11, 2007, 02:21:00 pm
how long is the continuation and when does it start? i dont have sound at work
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 02:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  how long is the continuation and when does it start? i dont have sound at work
They didn't give a number, and it won't start until the New Year.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 03:42:00 pm
THE NEWSHOUR WITH JIM LEHRER to Broadcast in High-Definition Format Beginning Monday, December 17, 2007 (http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/news/2007/12/the_newshour_with_jim_lehrer_to_broadcast_in_high-definition_format_beginning_monday_december_17_2007.php)
 
 Which brings me to Tech Prediction #4:
 
 2008 will be the long anticipated year of REAL HD Revolution
 
 The Satellite industry (most notably DirecTV) has now given the cable network channels a platform to deliver HD Content, and it will be up to the Networks to finally provide the HD content.  This is the year they do it.  
 
 The Major Networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) have been doing a decent job of HD content for it's primetime shows, and everyone knows sports has been driving the broadcast HD bandwagon for sometime.  And now the cable network channels  will finally catch up.    
 
 DirecTV offers over 75 different HD channels and will likely have 150 by the end of 2008, the Networks finally have a reason to invest in HD.  Content was always the problem, but by the end of 2008, the majority of the TV Americans watch most often will be available in HD.
 
 So that leaves two problems: (1) Other content deliverers and (2) the price of HD TVs.  The other content delivers vary per type of delivery.  The Cable networks are in big trouble.  BIG.  They are desperately trying to use existing infrastructure (coaxial cable) to broadcast HD content.  This is a losing battle, but one they will continue to fight with switching technologies and other highly touted possible solutions.  Bottom line, I wouldn't be investing in Cable companies in the near future.  The Fiber Optic companies are in pretty good shape, and I think FiOS stands to gain the most of the newer companies to take a lot of business from Cable co's in 2008.  AT&T on the other hand is in for a big shock - they built a network with copper to the door (instead of Fiber to the door like FiOS) - this will prove disasterous in the HD revolution.  Dish has a decent chance of surviving if they invest in new satellites - but they are way behind DirecTV these days and slipping faster everyday.
 
 As for the price of HD TVs, they have been falling very quickly, and with a decent sized HDTV (26inch) below $400, I think it's not unreasonable to see an HDTV below $300, maybe even $250 by the end of the year.  With the price of iPods rising, it makes the HDTV at $250 for the teenagers bedroom the Xmas gift de jour of 2008.
 
 When Comedy Central goes HD in 2008, you'll know I was on to something here.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on December 11, 2007, 03:55:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 As for the price of HD TVs, they have been falling very quickly, and with a decent sized HDTV (26inch) below $400, I think it's not unreasonable to see an HDTV below $300, maybe even $250 by the end of the year.
you can get a 22-inch widescreen LCD "computer monitor" for a little more than $200 and use it very easily as a 1080p HDTV (cable box / dvd player / video game console --> HDMI-to-DVI cable --> monitor)
 
 mine is working great as an office tv
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 11, 2007, 04:07:00 pm
smackie, i've been wondering what channels we get in hd on dtv that are not available on (say) comcast? i got dtv and hd tvs pretty much at the same time
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 04:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  smackie, i've been wondering what channels we get in hd on dtv that are not available on (say) comcast? i got dtv and hd tvs pretty much at the same time
DirecTV HD vs. Dish Network HD vs. Comcast HD vs. Time Warner HD:
   http://www.amrax.com/hd.htm (http://www.amrax.com/hd.htm)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 11, 2007, 04:20:00 pm
wow, no espn2 hd? that sucks
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on December 11, 2007, 04:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  wow, no espn2 hd? that sucks
a brief look at that page shows either that comcast varies locally or the page is very outdated
 
 i have comcast and i get ESPN2 HD (as well as TBS, TNT, versus, dc comcast sportsnet, NBA, NHL, NFL, tons of regional sports channels and premium movie channels)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 05:05:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Hoya Paranoia:
     
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  wow, no espn2 hd? that sucks
a brief look at that page shows either that comcast varies locally or the page is very outdated
 
 i have comcast and i get ESPN2 HD (as well as TBS, TNT, versus, dc comcast sportsnet, NBA, NHL, NFL, tons of regional sports channels and premium movie channels) [/b]
Comcast varies per franchise (as does Time Warner).  If the channel is not offered in more than some percentage of the market, it was not included (I'm not certain what the percentage is).  For example, my relatives have a channel on Time Warner that serves as an HD a la carte - if a  game is being broadcast in HD on one of the channels you mentioned, you can find it there, but there is no fulltime ESPN2HD or TNT, TBS, NHL, NFL etc.  As a matter of fact, there is no NFL or NHL network at all.  
 
 But fine, give yourself 20 instead of 9 - it really doesn't matter.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 05:10:00 pm
Windows XP SP3 has leaked to the public.  If you're an early adopter, here you go. (http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1038)
 
 I've had it since last week and really haven't noticed a difference (except on a laptop that uses wifi - it does identify Black Hole networks).  And no, IE8 is not included.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 11, 2007, 05:17:00 pm
you can also get HDTV free over the air:  check availability/reception for your location (http://antennaweb.org/aw/Stations.aspx) (give your real address, but use a bogus e-mail unless you want HDTV-related spam).  urban locations like DC would get all the major networks.  i'm considering buying a PCI card that allow you to get HDTV on your computer monitor, from an antenna.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 11, 2007, 05:18:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Hoya Paranoia:
     
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  wow, no espn2 hd? that sucks
a brief look at that page shows either that comcast varies locally or the page is very outdated
 
 i have comcast and i get ESPN2 HD (as well as TBS, TNT, versus, dc comcast sportsnet, NBA, NHL, NFL, tons of regional sports channels and premium movie channels) [/b]
Comcast varies per franchise (as does Time Warner).  If the channel is not offered in more than some percentage of the market, it was not included (I'm not certain what the percentage is).  For example, my relatives have a channel on Time Warner that serves as an HD a la carte - if a  game is being broadcast in HD on one of the channels you mentioned, you can find it there, but there is no fulltime ESPN2HD or TNT, TBS, NHL, NFL etc.  As a matter of fact, there is no NFL or NHL network at all.  
 
 But fine, give yourself 20 instead of 9 - it really doesn't matter. [/b]
the only thing that matters is i can watch every steelers game in hd on dtv
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 05:24:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  you can also get HDTV free over the air:  check availability/reception for your location (http://antennaweb.org/aw/Stations.aspx) (give your real address, but use a bogus e-mail unless you want HDTV-related spam).  urban locations like DC would get all the major networks.  i'm considering buying a PCI card that allow you to get HDTV on your computer monitor, from an antenna.
Look, Smackie doesn't predict things that happened in the 90's.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 11, 2007, 05:44:00 pm
wasn't a prediction, t'was a reminder  :)   i was recently reminded of how few people know that you can get HD over the air.  but maybe i'm living in a cave.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2007, 07:41:00 pm
A quick Russia update before I go back to wokring on my last tech prediction...
 
 By now you've likely heard that Vladmir Putin has chosen the next President of Russia, Dmitri Nedvedev (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/world/europe/11russia.html).  And just today Dmitri returned the favor by announcing that Putin would be named Nedvedev's Premiere (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/world/europe/12russia.html?hp).  
 
 Nedvedev is a weak leader and it can be assumed that Putin will still be calling the shots.  One thing that's underscored in his credentials is his Chairmanship of Gazprom (appointed there by Putin) - Gazprom calls the shots for Russian energy policy, the main source of Russia's recent resurgence.  Putin has been calling the shots for Nedvedev in Gazprom for some time now.  I expect little will be different in Russia between the Premiere and the President.
 
 Expect one of two things to happen in the first half of 2008:
 
 (1) That Putin, as Premiere will begin to assume the roles of President by changes in the Constitution, most notably the Defense and Intelligence units.  Or...
 
 (2) Nevedev gets drafted by the Red Wings, leaves his post as President, and a non-elected Putin assumes the role, circumventing the Constitution.  While the Red Wings thing is obviously a joke, I'm not ruling this scenario out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on December 11, 2007, 11:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Windows XP SP3 has leaked to the public.  If you're an early adopter, here you go. (http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1038)
 
 I've had it since last week and really haven't noticed a difference (except on a laptop that uses wifi - it does identify Black Hole networks).  And no, IE8 is not included.
IE8 is nowhere close to being out
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 11, 2007, 11:52:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  IE8 is nowhere close to being out
once it is, don't be caught dead using IE7 on this bboard lest you be ridiculed   :roll:
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on December 12, 2007, 01:28:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  once it is, don't be caught dead using IE7 on this bboard lest you be ridiculed    :roll:  
I would never be caught dead using IE7 for anything other than testing, actually more people still use IE6 than IE7, it may be a rolleyes for you but in my field it is a big deal
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 12, 2007, 09:48:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
 I would never be caught dead using IE7 for anything other than testing, actually more people still use IE6 than IE7, it may be a rolleyes for you but in my field it is a big deal
i wasn't rolling my eyes at IE6 or 7 at all, it was for the smug know-it-alls on this board.  i was supposedly pwned by smakie  who pointed out (http://www.930.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=016382&p=2#000047)  that i was using IE6, as if that was something abhorent.  in fact, IE6 is still the  most common browser (http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp).
 
 makes me question your "tech predictions", smacks, if you don't even know what browsers are being used   :p
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: 6949 on December 12, 2007, 10:59:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Are there any boardies currently over in England?  I thought there was one.
 
 I need a copy of Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten (http://www.joestrummerthemovie.com/) on DVD and will pay hansomely (and I'm not just talking about the exchange rate).
I ordered mine off of amazon.co.uk.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 12, 2007, 11:33:00 am
hey smack, i think its available on ppv from dtv
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 12, 2007, 11:47:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Are there any boardies currently over in England?  I thought there was one.
 
 I need a copy of Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten (http://www.joestrummerthemovie.com/) on DVD and will pay hansomely (and I'm not just talking about the exchange rate).
have you tried purchasing it  through the intrenets (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joe-Strummer-Unwritten-Julien-Temple/dp/B000S398N4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1197474212&sr=8-1)?  
 
 you're welcome!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: 6949 on December 12, 2007, 12:29:00 pm
hey sweetcell
 
 "fyi, the page you quoted and linked is the same as the one i posted."
 
    :)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 12, 2007, 01:33:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by 6949:
  I ordered mine off of amazon.co.uk.
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  have you tried purchasing it  through the intrenets (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joe-Strummer-Unwritten-Julien-Temple/dp/B000S398N4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1197474212&sr=8-1)?  
 
 you're welcome!
They're out: Note: orders placed now for this item will not be dispatched in time for Christmas.
 
 I was also trying to avoid a customs duty and possible customs hangup (in getting it before Xmas), the excahnge rate makes it expensive enough.  But it does look like I'll have to order it through Amazon.co.uk.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 12, 2007, 01:36:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  hey smack, i think its available on ppv from dtv
It will be soon, but this was a gift.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 12, 2007, 01:39:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  makes me question your "tech predictions", smacks, if you don't even know what browsers are being used    :p  
Why anybody would use a Microsoft product that is no longer being updated for security patches is beyond me...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on December 12, 2007, 01:47:00 pm
My company does browser testing for IE6 & IE7, Firefox, and Safari nowadays (and whatever versions are current for the Mac...I'm out of touch on that one).  Of course, that didn't stop someone from griping that their site was broken in Netscape 4.06.  Awesome.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
 I would never be caught dead using IE7 for anything other than testing, actually more people still use IE6 than IE7, it may be a rolleyes for you but in my field it is a big deal
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 12, 2007, 02:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  #1 - 2008 will be the year that internet access at your seat will finally be available on airplanes, starting with longer flights and working its way to the commuter flights (which is backwards, but at least its coming).
BetaBlue doesn't count, but it's a start:
 
 BetaBlue: It's one small step for in-flight Wi-Fi (http://www.news.com/8301-13577_3-9832562-36.html?part=dht&tag=nl.e703)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on December 12, 2007, 02:44:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  i wasn't rolling my eyes at IE6 or 7 at all, it was for the smug know-it-alls on this board.  i was supposedly pwned by smakie  who pointed out (http://www.930.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=016382&p=2#000047)  that i was using IE6, as if that was something abhorent.  in fact, IE6 is still the  most common browser (http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp).
 
 makes me question your "tech predictions", smacks, if you don't even know what browsers are being used    :p  
I would kindly demand that you update to ie7, while there may not be a lot of benefits you see there are actually a whole bunch of benefits behind the scenes.  IE 6 is a piece of shit.  I really hope that Microsoft gives corporate IT people and home users a real reason to upgrade to IE8 so we can leave IE6 behind finally.  Make it a mandatory update, tell them IE6 is storing their credit card numbers, anything.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 12, 2007, 04:36:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Is it just a coincidence that CompUSA and Tower Records shared building space in the mall next to my work? (http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13506_1-9830832-17.html)
 
 I think not.  I'm looking forward to the after Christmas free for all...
many are saying the pickins won't be so good, and be sure to go easy on the folks (temporarily) working there: pink slip (http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/12/compusa-sends-out-layoff-letters-bad-service-extends-to-employe/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 12, 2007, 04:38:00 pm
I was little nicer about it then Pollard, but the man speaks the truth.
 
 OK, on to my last tech prediction for 2008, and before you jump on me for making such an obvious one (and popular, I might add), hear me out because it's a lot more than "the price of laptops have finally reached a point where they're as cheap as desktop" - that's short sighted.
 
 Tech Prediction #5:  
 
 2008 will really be the year of the Death of the Desktop

 
 I know, everybody's been saying this since the advent of the laptop, but I think we've finally gotten to a point where there will be virtually no need for desktop computer at home.  Here's why:
 
 (1) Home Servers will take off.  The desktop at home, if you still have one, has really been relegated to a place of storage.  Your photos, your music, maybe even a document or two.  But as the documents and photos move online, that leaves the one main purpose of a desktop - media files.  That's where the new servers come in to replace the desktop, and shore up the deficiencies of a laptop as the primary storage location (the problem being that the laptop is not always in the house).  All that's been needed is storage solution that interfaces with other devices, and this is the year it makes dents into the market.
 
 (2) Wireless streaming to entertainment devices.  New media devices that stream content to your home theater system will both get cheaper and become more user friendly.  When my dad finally started using the Tivo Desktop, I realized we've reached a place where anybody can do it.  When the N routers make a big dent in the market and HD content can be streaming from a web site or a media server to an HD TV, the desktop is goner.  I say by June on this one.
 
 (3) And this last one is the most important -  with the massive advance in the market of Mobile Internet Devices (or ultra mobile PCs) with WiFi capability, like the iPhone, the iTouch, Samsungs Q1, mini-tablets and the "smaller than laptops but much better battery life" devices coming between $400 and $700 - very few people are going to fork out the cash for a oversized desktop at that price when they can have something sleek and portable that does 95% of what most folks use their desktop for today.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 12, 2007, 04:38:00 pm
how anyone can live without tabbed browsing be beyond me
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: beetsnotbeats on December 12, 2007, 05:48:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Tech Prediction #5:  
 
 2008 will really be the year of the Death of the Desktop
I like the idea of user replaceable parts and building my own machine. Laptops are way behind in this department.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 12, 2007, 07:04:00 pm
home servers won't become widespread IMO, as few people are able or want to become IT admins at home.  
 
 i suspect that Mobile Internet Devices won't have the impact you predict, since few want to browse all night and do their online shopping on something that small and ergonomically awkward.
 
 while getting cheaper, you still don't get the same performance for your dollar.  a $700 laptop will perform as well as a $500 desktop (for this reason alone, businesses - and many a household - will continue to buy desktops by the boatload).  
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 When the N routers make a big dent in the market and HD content can be streaming from a web site or a media server to an HD TV, the desktop is goner.  I say by June on this one.
define what you mean by "by june", and you might have a bet on your hands.  "available to early adopters"?  "a possibility"?  sure.  measurable market impact?  i'd be willing to bet no.
 
 the recent market trend of laptop sales growing at the expense of desktops will continue, but declaring the tower's death in the next 12 months is unfounded, IMO.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 12, 2007, 07:22:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  home servers won't become widespread IMO, as few people are able or want to become IT admins at home.  
Who's going to pay $600 for a desktop next year when this awaits you at the same price? (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx)
 
 It's not going to get much easier than that.  And I have a few idea on how I'm going to use mine with this board - but that I'll hold off until 2008.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 12, 2007, 08:17:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 Who's going to pay $600 for a desktop next year when this awaits you at the same price? (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx)
one thing i'm unclear about your proposed scenario: people buy one of these, plus a laptop?  if yes, sounds pricey.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 12, 2007, 08:56:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 With that, I will reveal my Tech Prediction #3:
 
 This is the year that a broadcast network will run a TV program on the internet at the same time as an Over-the-Air broadcast - and just maybe one genius network will run an episode on-line before it airs over-the-air.  And a really smart network would run an HD episode (sponsored by some HD TV maker) because most people can see HD quality on their computer monitors - just not on their TVs.
 
 So yes Hoya, IP TV is the future - but how far in the future is up to the IP industry, and they've throttled every attempt to expand for the past 10 years.
Jackass 2.5 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i46053bf6151a3fb4e5874afb5a4f3026) to made available online for free starting december 19, and will skip movie theatres entirely.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on December 13, 2007, 12:05:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  but I think we've finally gotten to a point where there will be virtually no need for desktop computer at home.  
good sir -- have you SEEN world in conflict (http://www.worldinconflict.com/)??
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 13, 2007, 09:20:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Hoya Paranoia:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  but I think we've finally gotten to a point where there will be virtually no need for desktop computer at home.  
good sir -- have you SEEN world in conflict (http://www.worldinconflict.com/)?? [/b]
is this game too demanding to run on a laptop?
 
 gamers, musicians, video editors, etc. will be on desktops for the foreseable future.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: tigersscareme on December 13, 2007, 12:19:00 pm
yay!
   
Quote
Jackass 2.5 to made available online for free starting december 19, and will skip movie theatres entirely.  
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 13, 2007, 01:26:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
 gamers, musicians, video editors, etc. will be on desktops for the foreseable future.
What is that .1% of the the world's computer users?  And how many of those are home users - maybe just the gamers?
 
 And of the best selling PC video games, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_video_games#PC) how many on that list require desktop power any longer?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 13, 2007, 02:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 What is that .1% of the the world's computer users?  And how many of those are home users - maybe just the gamers?
in terms of individuals, it is indeed low.  but in terms of dollars spent and brand recognition that manufacturers get from catering to power-users, their influence is disproportional.  dunno about video editors, but the "musicians" category probably has more people in the home than in an the office or professional studio.
 
     
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 And of the best selling PC video games, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_video_games#PC) how many on that list require desktop power any longer?
few "require" horse-power, if you're happy with the game running at 15 fps.  but a $500 laptop will not have a dedicated video cards (will use shared memory), hard drive will still be only 5400 rpm and small buffers, CD-R at 24x, no firewire, LCD will be slow, blah blah - specs that are standard on a desktop that costs less.  a gaming laptop costs about twice as much as the equivalent desktop.  but yes, these facts are meaningless for the majority of home computer users.
 
 laptops will continue their current trend of increasing market share at the expense of desktops.  i think i read somewhere that in april this year laptop sales overtook desktop.  but i stand by my assertion that proclaiming the "death" of the desktop in 2008 is an over-statement.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 13, 2007, 03:03:00 pm
dont musicians and video editors use macs anyway
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 13, 2007, 03:07:00 pm
Laptop sales pale in comparison as a PC gamer killer compared to an Xbox 360 or  PS3 or a wii.  It's not even worth a discussion.  The gamer desktop will live for a long while, but it will never have the prevelance it used to have.   And if that's the main reason why people continue people to buy a desktop, then the desktop is surely dead.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on December 13, 2007, 04:30:00 pm
since we were talking about browsers
 
 
Quote
Today we have taken a stand. Opera has filed a formal complaint with the European Commission to force Microsoft to support open Web standards in its Web browser, Internet Explorer. We believe that Microsoft has harmed Web standards by refusing to support them; Microsoft often participates in creating Web standards, promoting them, and even promising to implement them. Despite their talent, however, they refuse to support Web standards correctly.
 
http://people.opera.com/howcome/2007/msft/ (http://people.opera.com/howcome/2007/msft/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 13, 2007, 04:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  since we were talking about browsers
 
  http://people.opera.com/howcome/2007/msft/ (http://people.opera.com/howcome/2007/msft/)
And they have a chance of winning in Europe.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 13, 2007, 09:05:00 pm
And in case there was any doubt before, The Director has just secured my vote for "Boardie of the Year" with the frequent holiday surprises he has been sending me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on December 16, 2007, 11:49:00 am
http://www.break.com/movies_nsfw/show-them-to-me.html (http://www.break.com/movies_nsfw/show-them-to-me.html)
 
 i'm not sure what thread this belongs on, but this one seems as good as any.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on December 16, 2007, 12:04:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  since we were talking about browsers
 
   http://people.opera.com/howcome/2007/msft/ (http://people.opera.com/howcome/2007/msft/)  
And they have a chance of winning in Europe. [/b]
i love opera mini for my helio, great little program
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2007, 01:13:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  http://www.break.com/movies_nsfw/show-them-to-me.html (http://www.break.com/movies_nsfw/show-them-to-me.html)
 
 i'm not sure what thread this belongs on, but this one seems as good as any.
Any video that opens with Phoebe Cates is 100% Smackie approved, but also this video is NSFW.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 17, 2007, 02:03:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  since we were talking about browsers
 
   http://people.opera.com/howcome/2007/msft/ (http://people.opera.com/howcome/2007/msft/)  
And they have a chance of winning in Europe. [/b]
france high court  rules (http://www.nytimes.com/idg/IDG_002570DE00740E18002573AF005B04A4.html?ex=1355202000&en=65a283e4514b2abd&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss#) that amazon can't offer free shipping.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2007, 02:08:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  france high court  rules (http://www.nytimes.com/idg/IDG_002570DE00740E18002573AF005B04A4.html?ex=1355202000&en=65a283e4514b2abd&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss#) that amazon can't offer free shipping.
Oh, Brussels is going to have a good time with that one...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2007, 02:15:00 pm
Does GM now mean "Green Motors"? (http://www.news.com/Does-GM-now-mean-green-motors/2100-11389_3-6222853.html?tag=nl.e703)
 
 LOS ANGELES--General Motors is already developing a slew of cars that will run on alternative fuels such as electricity, hydrogen, or green liquids like ethanol. But don't count on an all-electric car anytime soon from the auto giant.
 
 ---------------------------
 
 Is it too little too late to compete with Japan, or did I just post this so Venerable can remind me how much Ethanol fuel really costs the American consumer?  Probably both....either way, I'm driving an Equinox over the holidays and will report back.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 17, 2007, 03:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  france high court  rules (http://www.nytimes.com/idg/IDG_002570DE00740E18002573AF005B04A4.html?ex=1355202000&en=65a283e4514b2abd&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss#) that amazon can't offer free shipping.
Oh, Brussels is going to have a good time with that one... [/b]
looks like brussels has bigger  issues (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071217/od_afp/belgiumpoliticspeopleoffbeat;_ylt=ApSz7CEnAhAW5NL4eHiELw.s0NUE).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2007, 03:28:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  looks like brussels has bigger  issues (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071217/od_afp/belgiumpoliticspeopleoffbeat;_ylt=ApSz7CEnAhAW5NL4eHiELw.s0NUE).
That's not the Brussels I was reffering to (the EU part, not the Belgian part), but, the one thing they do care about in Belgium - the language.
 
 Why does Belgium even exist?  It was created as an independent country simply to keep the French, Dutch and Germans from fighting over the land.  They've gone nearly 200 days without a government and the sole reason why is because the Flemish majority want to end bi-lingual rights in mostly northern Dutch neighborhoods for French Speakers (in clear violation of a pact).  But here's the best part - nobody cares that they have no government!
 
 Everybody (except maybe the King) would be happier if the Dutch portion were given to the Netherlands, the small German portion to Germany, the French portion to France and Brussels and the Hague made into international protectorates and head States of Europe.
 
 That being said, when I get around to writing my manifesto, there's no doubt I'm doing it in a drunken binge in the Grand Place. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Place)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on December 17, 2007, 03:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  france high court  rules (http://www.nytimes.com/idg/IDG_002570DE00740E18002573AF005B04A4.html?ex=1355202000&en=65a283e4514b2abd&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss#) that amazon can't offer free shipping.
Oh, Brussels is going to have a good time with that one... [/b]
looks like brussels has bigger  issues (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071217/od_afp/belgiumpoliticspeopleoffbeat;_ylt=ApSz7CEnAhAW5NL4eHiELw.s0NUE). [/b]
If that's the best looking chick in Belgium, then they definitely have a big problem.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2007, 04:07:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  There's really never going to be much progress in the Islamic World until there can be better understanding of Shar'ia Law and it's inability to adapt to modern basic freedoms:
 
 Saudi's Sentence Gang Rape Victim to 200 lashes, 6 months in Jail (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7098480.stm)
An update: King Abdullah pardon's Rape Victim (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/18/world/middleeast/18saudi.html?ex=1355634000&en=9d77839cd6e54bf1&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)
 
 Now, if someone can get to her brother before he makes a horrible mistake (and when he does, if someone will punish him a great deal).  Otherwise, no gain made in this decision.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 17, 2007, 07:52:00 pm
a thing sweetcell thinks smackie might want to know: guess who's got WiMAX?!? (http://www.wateen.com/HomeUsers.aspx?HomeTreeID=16)  apparently certain people hiding out in caves in the tribal areas couldn't get copper wire to their front door, so...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2007, 08:17:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  a thing sweetcell thinks smackie might want to know: guess who's got WiMAX?!? (http://www.wateen.com/HomeUsers.aspx?HomeTreeID=16)  apparently certain people hiding out in caves in the tribal areas couldn't get copper wire to their front door, so...
Nice - Pakistan can do it but America can't find enough "interest" - it's clear the terrorists have already won.  And we don't even want to catch up.
 
 Thanks for sharing.  Now I won't be able to sleep tonight, however, knowing that on my phone I get 700kbps anywhere I get coverage, my laptop's got 1MBps within 100 feet of my router, my non-mobile desktop about the for as long as my wires can go, but Al Qaeda's got 2mbps on any device within 2.5 miles of their f'in cave.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 18, 2007, 02:35:00 pm
First, I think this is a hoax, but seriously, dad, anything but Guitar Hero III!!!!
 
 
 Dad Sells Child's video game after he catches child smoking Pot
 
 http://www.news.com/Dad%27s-sale-of-pot-smoking-son%27s-game-sparks-Web-debate/2100-1038_3-6223270.html?tag=fd_nbs_ent&tag=nl.e703 (http://www.news.com/Dad%27s-sale-of-pot-smoking-son%27s-game-sparks-Web-debate/2100-1038_3-6223270.html?tag=fd_nbs_ent&tag=nl.e703)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 18, 2007, 02:44:00 pm
$100 off the purchase of a Sony HDTV if you turn an old TV...
 
 Sony Announces TV Trade-Up Offer and Electronics Recycling Program (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644532352)
 
 They give you $250 off a laptop too. (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644487782)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 18, 2007, 10:20:00 pm
OK MAGAZINE IS REPORTING THAT JAMIE LYNN SPEARS IS KNOCKED UP AT AGE 16.  THE APPLES DON'T FALL TOO FAR FROM THE TREE IN THAT HOUSEHOLD.
 
 SHE HAS ALSO STATED THAT SHE'S GOING TO RAISE THE BABY IN LOUISIANA SO THAT IT CAN HAVE A "NORMAL" CHILDHOOD.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on December 18, 2007, 11:11:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  OK MAGAZINE IS REPORTING THAT JAMIE LYNN SPEARS IS KNOCKED UP AT AGE 16.  THE APPLES DON'T FALL TOO FAR FROM THE TREE IN THAT HOUSEHOLD.
 
 SHE HAS ALSO STATED THAT SHE'S GOING TO RAISE THE BABY IN LOUISIANA SO THAT IT CAN HAVE A "NORMAL" CHILDHOOD.
I would just like to request that everyone respect Jamie's and my privacy during this emotional time. A bad situation will only be made worse for everyone if people continue to hound us about our mistakes.
 
 Thanks, Julian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on December 19, 2007, 10:42:00 am
Thanks for posting that. I don't know how I would have heard about it otherwise.   ;)  
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  OK MAGAZINE IS REPORTING THAT JAMIE LYNN SPEARS IS KNOCKED UP AT AGE 16.  THE APPLES DON'T FALL TOO FAR FROM THE TREE IN THAT HOUSEHOLD.
 
 SHE HAS ALSO STATED THAT SHE'S GOING TO RAISE THE BABY IN LOUISIANA SO THAT IT CAN HAVE A "NORMAL" CHILDHOOD.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 19, 2007, 02:39:00 pm
My immediate reaction was: HOLY SHIT!
 
 TIME Magazine unveiled its Person of the Year live Wednesday on the TODAY Show, Russian President Vladimir Putin.
 
  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22323855/from/ET/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22323855/from/ET/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 19, 2007, 02:50:00 pm
yeah, i've been depressed about this all morning.  i fear that putin will take this as vincation for his policies (aka kleptocracy and cronyism).  i doubt that anyone in his entourage will point out that hitler was also once chosen as Time's man of the year.  sigh.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 19, 2007, 02:58:00 pm
Very little doubt the "media" in Russia will play this up but the actual text of the article will not be spread around or discussed, save for opposition papers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 19, 2007, 03:03:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
   i doubt that anyone in his entourage will point out that hitler was also once chosen as Time's man of the year.  sigh.
well, stalin was chosen twice, so putin has a goal.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 19, 2007, 03:08:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  well, stalin was chosen twice, so putin has a goal.
Once for a bad decision and then for for a good decision, so there's hope yet.  But I doubt it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 19, 2007, 03:14:00 pm
i saw that this morning and my first thought was 'i wonder if smackies head exploded'
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on December 19, 2007, 03:21:00 pm
My wife thinks Putin is hot, though that's not a reflection of her thoughts on his politics.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 19, 2007, 03:29:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i saw that this morning and my first thought was 'i wonder if smackies head exploded'
It was pointed out to me that I've talked so much about Putin this year that I should be the last person surprised by this decision, to which I replied, "touchĂ©."  Then I threw up in my mouth.  And not a little.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 19, 2007, 04:00:00 pm
to be fair, alot has been said about putin in the mainstream media as well
 
 all borderline horrifying
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 19, 2007, 04:44:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Damn.  I was a fan.
 
 Emily Sander's, aka Zoey Zane, Body Found (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22030368/)
Man Wanted In College Student's Death Arrested In Mexico (http://www.kctv5.com/news/14890456/detail.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 19, 2007, 05:50:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  OK MAGAZINE IS REPORTING THAT JAMIE LYNN SPEARS IS KNOCKED UP AT AGE 16.
colateral damage:  mom's book deal with a christian book publisher (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071219/ap_en_ot/people_lynne_spears)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 19, 2007, 10:30:00 pm
The boy in front who challenges the 180 lb. man to throw the ball as hard as he can and then deftly gets out of the way is my nephew.
 
 The little girl behind him is my niece.
 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm1Nb4_Z1k0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm1Nb4_Z1k0)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 20, 2007, 01:14:00 pm
Consumer spending:
 
 For every $100 spent in an independent/locally owned retailer, $64 is reinvested in the local economy.
 
 For every $100 spent in a national chain store, $42 is reinvested in the local economy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 20, 2007, 01:32:00 pm
Consumer spending:
 
 For every $100 spent in an independent/locally owned retailer, $64 is reinvested in the local economy.
 
 For every $100 spent in a national chain store, $42 is reinvested in the local economy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 21, 2007, 04:03:00 pm
<img src="http://www.economist.com/images/20071222/20071222issuecovUS400.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 21, 2007, 06:43:00 pm
One last thing that was most likely not talked about by the US media (or at least I haven't seen it).  Turns out a US air craft carrier was denied by China to spend port in Honk Kong for Thanksgiving. (http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10268121)  Seems to be a bit of a misunderstanding from Beijing...except that the carrier decided to set sail through the Taiwan Strait on its way back to Japan (a major no no and a bit of an F U from the US).  But other than that, things seem to be fine between the two super powers.  Gulp.
 
 Have a good holiday everybody....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 31, 2007, 06:08:00 pm
http://vansmack.spaces.live.com (http://vansmack.spaces.live.com)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 03, 2008, 07:26:00 pm
Make room in the Pantheon of Video Game Greatness: ROCK BAND (http://vansmack.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!CC1B51FC5694D55B!650.entry)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 04, 2008, 03:22:00 pm
Oh the Audacity...for once I didn't ignore the Iowa Caucus. (http://vansmack.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!CC1B51FC5694D55B!653.entry)  Well, not until the turnout numbers started pouring in anyway.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 04, 2008, 07:42:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Make room in the Pantheon of Video Game Greatness: ROCK BAND (http://vansmack.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!CC1B51FC5694D55B!650.entry)
Conan O'Brien likes his Rock Band. (http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/01/03/conan-obrien-hijacks-rock-band-session-to-attempt-radiohead-beastie-boys-covers/?utm_source=weekly-newsletter&utm_medium=email)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 04, 2008, 08:25:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Tech Prediction #2:
 
 2008 will not be the year that the HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray Debate gets solved, however, HD-DVD will take a substantial lead ...
 
 I'm waiting for one/two triggers to happen to get me to buy an HD-DVD player:
 
 (2) If any of the "Blu-Ray only" movie studios switch to the "we'll offer both" formats camp.  Right now, Warner's switch has kept Blu-Ray solidly in the mix.  
Well, I'm back in the waiting pond.....
 
 Warner Bros. Entertainment to Release its High-Definition DVD Titles Exclusively in the Blu-Ray Disc Format Beginning Later This Year (http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1700383,00.html)
 
 This is getting beyond ridiculous.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 04, 2008, 08:39:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Well, I'm back in the waiting pond.....
 
 Warner Bros. Entertainment to Release its High-Definition DVD Titles Exclusively in the Blu-Ray Disc Format Beginning Later This Year (http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1700383,00.html)
 
 This is getting beyond ridiculous.
heh, and i just bought the xbox hd-dvd a week ago, figures
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2008, 05:16:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  heh, and i just bought the xbox hd-dvd a week ago, figures
Well, Warner broke their Blu-ray only agreement just long enough to get their back catalog out on HD-DVD so I wouldn't worry too much about it.
 
 But how is the X-Box HD-DVD player?  Huge jump in quality?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 05, 2008, 08:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 Well, Warner broke their Blu-ray only agreement just long enough to get their back catalog out on HD-DVD so I wouldn't worry too much about it.
 
 But how is the X-Box HD-DVD player?  Huge jump in quality?
I returned it this morning while I still could   :D  
 
 The jump in quality really wasnt that amazing to me, I will probably end up buying a blu ray eventually, but will wait a while now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2008, 01:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Warner Bros. Entertainment to Release its High-Definition DVD Titles Exclusively in the Blu-Ray Disc Format Beginning Later This Year (http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1700383,00.html)
 
 This is getting beyond ridiculous.
Toshiba's Comment on Announcement from Warner Bros. Entertainment of its Exclusive Support for Blu-ray Disc Format (http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2008_01/pr0501.htm)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2008, 01:54:00 pm
And if this turns out to be true, I'm going to be pissed.  Why can't they just come to a consensus?
 
 
Quote
According to a trusted source that was close to the negotiations, Warner and FOX were working on a deal to go Exclusive to HD DVD as recent as last week. Our source tells us that Warner was only willing to go to HD DVD if FOX would go with them. Their thinking was if they just went to HD DVD by themselves, it would not end the format war. Early this week FOX was paid an undisclosed amount to remain exclusive to Blu-ray. With the FOX deal falling through, Warner had no choice but to accept the BDAâ??s $500 Million offer to go Blu-ray exclusive. We do wonder if FOX was just playing the HD DVD side, while having no intentions of ever switching.
http://www.n4g.com/tech/News-97189.aspx (http://www.n4g.com/tech/News-97189.aspx)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2008, 02:55:00 pm
At least the US Consumer isn't confused:
 
 Toyota Outsells Ford in the US Market (http://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2008/01/toyota_zips_pas.html)
 
 This is what happens when you fail to realize that the the price of gas has been absurdly subsidized for too long.  Even the US consumer is smarter than that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2008, 04:24:00 pm
Be wary of early polls suggesting McCain and Obama are looking at big victories in New Hampshire.  New Hampshire allows independents to vote in either the Republican Primary or the Democratic Primary, but, obviously, not both.  So when a poll shows a large lead for either candiate, consider the question and how many independents were surveyed.  If the question asked an independent voter who she would choose between Clinton and Obama, the majority of independents would choose Obama.  A similar question regarding the Republican candidates would yield the same result for McCain.  But what would an independent voter do when faced with a question regarding Obama or McCain?  
 
 And that's what I'm excited to see tomorrow.  If either candidate does exceptionally well tomorrow, that could mean huge gains for either Mitt Romney or Hillary Clinton.  If they split the independent vote, will that be enough for them to put the other candidates at a huge disadvantage?  We shall see.
 
 For the record, an Independent in the Union's largest state, California, is only allowed to vote in the Democratic Primay.  This will be a HUGE boost for Barack Obama.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2008, 08:44:00 pm
This is not your Daddy's "Pole Tax" (http://vansmack.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!CC1B51FC5694D55B!661.entry)
 
 And here I thought the Poll Tax was unconstitutional. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poll_tax)
 
 Leave it to Texas to prove me wrong.  Starting January 1, strip clubs in Texas will have a mandatory $5 surcharge per visitor, the proceeds of which go to a special fund to support victims of sexual assault. (http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10431696)   This new "Pole Tax" is said to raise an additional $40 Million of revenue (wait a minute, 8 million people a year visit strip clubs in Texas?).  Like me, most are used to paying a cover charge to see the entertainment, so some will feel better knowing that $5 of there cover goes to something good.  The rest think this a weak attempt to link strip club visitors and sexual assault - Louche behaviour, after all, is not a crime.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on January 07, 2008, 10:09:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  8 million people a year visit strip clubs in Texas?
It's more likely that a quarter of a million perverts each go 30+ times.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 08, 2008, 06:42:00 pm
Rather than dig up the original thread where I discussed my theory on WiMax, I'm pleased to report that DC will be getting wimax soon. (http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/01/07/daily12.html?f=et87&ana=e_du)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2008, 01:19:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Be wary of early polls suggesting McCain and Obama are looking at big victories in New Hampshire.  New Hampshire allows independents to vote in either the Republican Primary or the Democratic Primary, but, obviously, not both...But what would an independent voter do when faced with a question regarding Obama or McCain?  
Far be it for me to pat myself on the back, but this was a pretty damn good call on my part.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 09, 2008, 02:29:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Be wary of early polls suggesting McCain and Obama are looking at big victories in New Hampshire.  New Hampshire allows independents to vote in either the Republican Primary or the Democratic Primary, but, obviously, not both...But what would an independent voter do when faced with a question regarding Obama or McCain?  
Far be it for me to pat myself on the back, but this was a pretty damn good call on my part. [/b]
I suppose we could have a more drawn discussion elsewhere, but this is now being brought up-
 
 A Theory (http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZDM0MDY2YjE2YTA0ODc4MTM2NTQ1YjVmODJhZmZiZTk=) about Independents in NH...   [Rich Lowry]
 
 ...a couple of people have mentioned to me: Could it be possible that independents figured, with the press coverage, that Obama was going to win no matter what, so they decided if they were going to have any effect they should vote in the Republican primary? Therefore Obama suffered the effect that everyone thought McCain was going to suffer of independents going to the other guy? Just a theory with no data to support it.  
 
 and
 
 A question (http://blog.brendanloy.com/2008/01/a-question.html)
 
 Did New Hampshire's independents outsmart themselves, believing that McCain needed them more than Obama did, and thus deciding to vote Republican in greater-than-expected numbers... producing a McCain landslide and a Clinton-Obama squeaker?  
 
 personally, i'm more interested in the polling issues (http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenumbers/2008/01/new-hampshires.html) leading up to today, or is that a function of independents polling both ways, but only voting one way?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 09, 2008, 10:24:00 am
My theory regardind Obama's loss...
 
 I blame Edwards for staying in the race. If Edwards wasn't in the race, I think most of his votes would go to Obama.
 
 Just like when Nader handed the election to Bush in 2000, Edwards is going to hand it to Clinton.
 
 Obama's loss  in NH is all Edwards' fault.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2008, 02:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  I blame Edwards for staying in the race. If Edwards wasn't in the race, I think most of his votes would go to Obama.
Well, I'm not as convinced that a large enough majority of Edwards votes will go to Obama, after all Clinton is seen as less centrist that Obama and Edwards is father left than any of the three.  Of course, that assumes voters actaully care about the issues and don't have an anti-Clinton sentiment.
 
 However, Edwards was going to stick it out until South Carolina from the very beginning, and when he gets waxed there, he'll bow out and endorse....????  The guy still wants to be VP - a last gasp at a failing politcal career - I'm not sure he'll endorse anyone out as he bows out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 09, 2008, 03:05:00 pm
Obama a centrist? But the great political commentator Mankie called his a socialist.
 
 I've been thinking your Edwards wanting the veep theory for awhile. I see him throwing his support to Obama in exchange for veep honors. Though if he though it was better for him to go with Clinton, he'd probably go her way.
 
 I like Edwards' message, I just don't trust the guy delivering it.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  I blame Edwards for staying in the race. If Edwards wasn't in the race, I think most of his votes would go to Obama.
Well, I'm not as convinced that a large enough majority of Edwards votes will go to Obama, after all Clinton is seen as less centrist that Obama and Edwards is father left than any of the three.  Of course, that assumes voters actaully care about the issues and don't have an anti-Clinton sentiment.
 
 However, Edwards was going to stick it out until South Carolina from the very beginning, and when he gets waxed there, he'll bow out and endorse....????  The guy still wants to be VP - a last gasp at a failing politcal career - I'm not sure he'll endorse anyone out as he bows out. [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: BookerT on January 09, 2008, 03:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  My theory regardind Obama's loss...
 
 I blame Edwards for staying in the race. If Edwards wasn't in the race, I think most of his votes would go to Obama.
 
 Just like when Nader handed the election to Bush in 2000, Edwards is going to hand it to Clinton.
 
 Obama's loss  in NH is all Edwards' fault.
i'd blame the media before i blame edwards. new hampshire people like to set the agenda, not have it set for them. everyone wants to anoint obama? not if they have something to say about it. they are fickle. also, caucusing and voting are pretty different. with a bunch of people around it's easy to get swept up in all obamania. but when it's just you and a voting machine, not as easy.
 
 i'm kinda happy, i'd like to see obama earn it if he's gonna get it. he's like a zombie lately, "WE ... WANT ... CHAAAAAAAAANGE!"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2008, 03:16:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Obama a centrist? But the great political commentator Mankie called his a socialist.
He also called him a Muslim a few months ago....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2008, 03:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  I've been thinking your Edwards wanting the veep theory for awhile. I see him throwing his support to Obama in exchange for veep honors. Though if he though it was better for him to go with Clinton, he'd probably go her way.
 
 I like Edwards' message, I just don't trust the guy delivering it.
 
Edwards is in big trouble.  I don't see either of the front runner candidates embracing him for VP.  After the Iowa Caucaus I called his political career over and I'm going to stand by that, despite his youth.  His message is one of revitalizing the liberal agenda of 1968 and that message no longer resonates with todays youthful voters, half of which were born after 1968.  Clinton's message is similar, but not as strongly worded as the 1968 agenda.  
 
 If Obama wins, he'll need to choose a VP candidate that is seen as having executive experience or a long track record - someone like Richardson or Biden (although I think Biden, with a little work on his Diplomacy, would make a good Secretary of State).
 
 If Clinton wins, she will need to ask Obama to be her VP, but that is not going to be easy.  A lot of that will depend on how they campaign against each other for Super Tuesday and onward, and who the Republican candidate is.  He may turn her down or she may not have the guts to do it.  A second choice would be Richardson.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on January 09, 2008, 03:46:00 pm
Edwards is a slimeball.
 
 His "Two Americas" message is contradicted by his establishment of a sham non-profit organization for the eradication of poverty, the proceeds of which he used for his ongoing personal political campaigning.  Best of all, the donors could give whatever amount they wanted and could also remain anonymous.
  http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/us/politics/22edwards.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/us/politics/22edwards.html)
 
 His big talk about the evils of predatory lending is contradicted by his own personal investments in sub-prime mortgages.  He claims he was unaware of these investments, which is beyond the pale of believability since he was a senior advisor to the firm at the time they were making those investments and the fact that he has since given the firm more than half of his vast personal fortune to manage on his behalf.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/10/AR2007051002277_pf.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/10/AR2007051002277_pf.html)
 
 Mankie's right - he's a televangelist:  Preach one thing while practicing the opposite.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Mobius on January 09, 2008, 04:02:00 pm
I can't imagine Obama would ever agree to run with Hilary.  Obama has emerged has his own force, and its too late to subjugate that force - especially to someone who does not share his philosophical spirit.  It would be infinitely disappointing to see Obama join forces with Clinton.
 
 Edwards and Richardson are losers.  No one even knows why they are in the race.  The only explanation is they have strong finance teams.  I doubt either Obama or Hilary respect either enough to pick them.
 
 Picking a VP candidate is like making a good boxing match.  Styles and personalities make fights.  When Clinton picked Gore in 92 it was like "oh yeah, nice move."  The ticket worked.  When Gore picked Lieberman it was like "Um, no." You wouldn't buy that card on PPV.
 
 I'm looking forward to a slugfest b/w Obama and Hilary.  Obama's got phenomenal swag right now and Clinton's got the machinery, desire and cash to make it a battle for the ages.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 09, 2008, 04:14:00 pm
So who do you see Hillary picking for her veep?
 
 Who do you see Obama picking as his veep?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Mobius:
  I can't imagine Obama would ever agree to run with Hilary.  Obama has emerged has his own force, and its too late to subjugate that force - especially to someone who does not share his philosophical spirit.  It would be infinitely disappointing to see Obama join forces with Clinton.
 
 Edwards and Richardson are losers.  No one even knows why they are in the race.  The only explanation is they have strong finance teams.  I doubt either Obama or Hilary respect either enough to pick them.
 
 Picking a VP candidate is like making a good boxing match.  Styles and personalities make fights.  When Clinton picked Gore in 92 it was like "oh yeah, nice move."  The ticket worked.  When Gore picked Lieberman it was like "Um, no." You wouldn't buy that card on PPV.
 
 I'm looking forward to a slugfest b/w Obama and Hilary.  Obama's got phenomenal swag right now and Clinton's got the machinery, desire and cash to make it a battle for the ages.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 09, 2008, 04:16:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Mobius:
 
 Edwards and Richardson are losers.  No one even knows why they are in the race.  The only explanation is they have strong finance teams.  I doubt either Obama or Hilary respect either enough to pick them.
 
oh, edwards is easy enough to figure out- if the union's want him in the race, he'll stay in the race. . .once the union's get satisfied with obama (as it appears they may be), then edwards' funding dries up (and since he took federal matching funds, he can't use his own money).  
 
 as for richardson. . .i think it's simply to become VP. . .he's been a rep, governor, ambassador and sec. of energy. . .short of becoming sec. of state or defense (which i doubt would happen), the vp is what's left for him.  oh, and the skirts.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on January 09, 2008, 06:22:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  So who do you see Hillary picking for her veep?
 
 Who do you see Obama picking as his veep?
 
   
I don't know but next to the Electoral College, the number one thing that irritates me most about presidential politics is the role of the vice-president.  A ticket should run as a TEAM.  Two people working together to get things done.  Like Batman and Robin.  Or Hall & Oates.  Not Peyton Manning and Jim Sorgi.  I mean, can you imagine if Al Gore had done half of the stuff he said he WOULD have done when he was veep?  President of the United States is a huge enough job as it is.  The vice-president should be working on seperate policies and initiatives (that still have the tacit approval of the Prez.)  Not just being "the backup."
 
 I don't know about the Dems but for the Republicans, if McCain gets the nod (which I think he will) he MAY go with Huckabee to appeal to the base (although, outside of religion/cultural, Huckabee really ISN'T a "base" conservative) but I think he may go with Guiliani.  Sure, that would be an ego hit for Mr. 9/11 but it could set things up well with succession.  Even if there isn't a major terrorist incident between now and Nov. 4th, I think a lot of voters are going to go hawkish.
 
 Would Bloomberg consider being a veep?
 
 Brian
 
 P.S.  I'm wondering why "How Vansmack's wife allows him to go to strip clubs" hasn't been convered in "Things Smackie Thinks You Need To Know."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Mobius on January 09, 2008, 06:28:00 pm
really don't know who the dem veep should be.  but obama/hilary doesn't feel right.  maybe its a personal bias b/c i'd see it as mcmurtry getting the lobotomy in cuckoo's nest or something.  or maybe when it all shakes out they will end up being a powerful combination - but one that still doesn't appeal to much of america.
 
 reality aside (since i have no idea who outside the prez candidates are possibilities) hilary/rendell would be interesting - although maybe just in the realm of 'eastern democratic boomer superstars'.  hilary/tipper gore would be a bold move.
 
 i'd like to see obama paired with another sharp progressive thinker. the gore to his clinton (i.e. someone of similar background who solidifies him rather than counterbalances him - i.e. the cheney/bush approach).  but maybe he'd be best served finding a counterbalance - an lbj (experienced shrewd politician, better yet from a big state and of background more traditionally electable background) to his jfk. i don't know who in the democratic party fits that (either) bill. that's why i don't get a thread.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2008, 06:33:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  P.S.  I'm wondering why "How Vansmack's wife allows him to go to strip clubs" hasn't been convered in "Things Smackie Thinks You Need To Know."
First off, your use of the word "allow" does not compute in our household.  And that's a two way road.
 
 Secondly, Smackette will never participate in this board because she, rightly so, thinks we're mostly retarded.
 
 Thirdly, I will ask her to reveal her thoughts on the issue, but I may or may not post it, for fear that you will all find her much more entertaining than me, and unlike the Sports Guy, my ego could not handle that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 09, 2008, 06:49:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 Thirdly, I will ask her to reveal her thoughts on the issue, but I may or may not post it, for fear that you will all find her much more entertaining than me, and unlike the Sports Guy, my ego could not handle that.
too late.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on January 09, 2008, 06:56:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  Would Bloomberg consider being a veep?
 
[rhetorical]Would Jeff George consider being a backup QB?[/rhetorical]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2008, 07:44:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  For the record, an Independent in the Union's largest state, California, is only allowed to vote in the Democratic Primay.  This will be a HUGE boost for Barack Obama.
The Sac Bee has finally caught on to my theory, (http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/620748.html) so I expect the other rags to catch up by Friday.  There are 3 Million independent voters in CA (compared to 6.6 Million Dems and 5.1 Millions Republicans) who are not being polled, but can only participate in the Democratic Primary.  Do you really think Clinton still has a double digit lead (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=14&entry_id=23324) if you're not polling independents?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on January 09, 2008, 09:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 Thirdly, I will ask her to reveal her thoughts on the issue, but I may or may not post it, for fear that you will all find her much more entertaining than me, and unlike the Sports Guy, my ego could not handle that.
And just like the Sports Gal is better at picking football games than her husband, I'm sure smackette has better musical taste than you, too.
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on January 09, 2008, 09:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?˘:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  Would Bloomberg consider being a veep?
 
[rhetorical]Would Jeff George consider being a backup QB?[/rhetorical] [/b]
Ah, touche.  I  love Jeff George.  You're right.  Why be a veep when you can be Lord of New York?
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 10, 2008, 01:04:00 pm
Drunk History vol. 1 - Featuring Michael Cera (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V_DsL1x1uY)
 
 The fact that Michael Cera still makes home videos with his buddies is great.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 10, 2008, 01:08:00 pm
Trent Reznor favors an ISP 'tax on music' (http://www.news.com/Trent-Reznor-favors-an-ISP-tax-on-music/8301-10784_3-9847788-7.html?part=dht&tag=nl.e703)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 10, 2008, 04:41:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  P.S.  I'm wondering why "How Vansmack's wife allows him to go to strip clubs" hasn't been convered in "Things Smackie Thinks You Need To Know."
So says Smackette:
 
 
Quote
So I think with men you just have to pick your battles. You can only squeeze so much out of them so you really have to decide what is important to you. They can only handle so much nagging, so you must ration it wisely! So if he decides that he wants to waste his money being teased by women he can never sleep with who have a smaller rack and larger waist then myself....then go for it. Honestly, I would rather spend time fighting for a clean bathroom.
 
 And besides, any night that either starts with or ends with [Vansmack] at a strip club always yeilds a good story.... and I do love a good [Vansmack] story. Sweetie, did you tell them about the time you and I went to a strip club in Mexico?? Now THAT was a good story.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on January 10, 2008, 08:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  So says Smackette:
 
   
Quote
So I think with men you just have to pick your battles. You can only squeeze so much out of them so you really have to decide what is important to you. They can only handle so much nagging, so you must ration it wisely! So if he decides that he wants to waste his money being teased by women he can never sleep with who have a smaller rack and larger waist then myself....then go for it. Honestly, I would rather spend time fighting for a clean bathroom.
 
 And besides, any night that either starts with or ends with [Vansmack] at a strip club always yeilds a good story.... and I do love a good [Vansmack] story. Sweetie, did you tell them about the time you and I went to a strip club in Mexico?? Now THAT was a good story.
[/b]
pwned.
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2008, 01:03:00 pm
But if I go outside, I might offend the Smokers (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22559988?gt1=10755)
 
 St. Louis councilmember seeks to ban swearing in bars, along with table-dancing, drinking contests and profane music.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on January 11, 2008, 01:09:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Sweetie, did you tell them about the time you and I went to a strip club in Mexico?? Now THAT was a good story.
We're waiting.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2008, 01:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?˘:
  We're waiting.....
OK, but let me get China and Pakistan off my chest before I tell the Mexico story.
 
 I think Bloomberg is missing the mark here in comparing the effects of the US Economic slowdown (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aAJWhzXp3.HI&refer=home) with the Chinese slowdown. (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&refer=home&sid=a45snfs9i9.U)
 
 China has become much less dependent on exports in the last 10 years, and much more interested in investment.  If you take exports further, they are much less dependent on cheap exports today then they were 10 years ago (opting for electronics over toys) and much less dependent on the US today than they ever have been (Asia and the Middle East accounted for more than 40% of China's export growth in the first ten months of 2007, North America for less than 10%).  Approximately 5% of China's GDP is dependent on net exports, where 40% of China's GDP is dependent on investment.  Sure, exports effect the ability to invest, but a weak dollar and a slow economy make the US a better place to buy low.  
 
 Anyhow, the US effect on China may be a boon for China's over-heating economy and not a sign that Chinese market has reached it's peak. (http://www.economist.com/finance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10429271)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2008, 03:14:00 pm
So I've been thinking about Pakistan, but was waiting until I could fully process the assassination of Benazir Bhutto before sharing my thoughts.  
 
 While most of the media focused the first couple of weeks after her assassination on who killed her and how she died, I've decided that I don't care (well, it's not that I don't care, it's more that I don't think it's the most important angle).  Originally, the interesting stories to me were (1) the lack of succession in Pakistani poltical parties, (2) the effects of moving the election to February, and (3) the overall effect on Pakistan.  But lately I've become more intrigued about (4) the effects it has globally, because after all, the only reason we're more concerned about this particular Muslim country and it's problems over other Muslim countries is one thing:  they possess a nuclear weapon.
 
 (1) Succession: Pakistani's, even the well educated ones, can't get past their tribal allegiances.  That is the simple answer for why everyone is looking to the Bhutto family to take over the PPP, even if that means a crook (Bhutto's husband, Asif Ali Zardari) or a 19 year old kid (Bhutto's son, Bilawal).  It's a shame really because after the lawyers took to the streets to defy Musharraf, not one of them is seen as capable of running the PPP simply because his last name is not Bhutto.  Zardari is blamed for Bhutto's corruption charges and isn't well liked, while Bilawal is still in college.  Things are not looking good for the PPP for the next ten years.
 
 (2) Elections:  Despite the (shocking) calls from the west(ern media) to postpone the elections, both opposition parties (Bhutto's PPP and Sharif's PML) were opposed to changing the date.  I wish I could say that they, like me, feel that democracy is bigger than any one person and the elections must go on.  But no.  They know that any more time given to Musharraf would allow him to put the security forces in place to rig an election.  Postponing the election was not a good move.  
 
 (3) Pakistan's Future: More riots.  Simply put, no matter who loses the election, they will take to the streets.  Depsite a small precentage of Islamic extremists, they are quite effective in keeping Pakistan from becoming a true democracy.  Add to that a Military dictatorship with a well entrenched military-intelligence program, and the likelihood of free elections creating a consensus of Pakistani's feeling like the government is one they can trust with a military that will protect them from the extremists is all but gone with the death of Bhutto.
 
 (4) Global effects: This one matters most in my eyes.  The death of Bhutto stopped two key strategic advances.  One, she was going to rat Musharraf out to the American Congress ahead of the election so that election monitors would no what to look for ahead the (then) January election. And second, and perhpas more important, she had promised to turn over Abdul Qadeer Khan, the former head of Pakistan's nuclear program who has been selling nuclear secrets to China, Libya, Iran, North Korea, the Taliban in Afghanistan and, perhaps, Al-qaeda.  I am looking forward to reading "The Nuclear Jihadist (http://www.amazon.com/Nuclear-Jihadist-Dangerous-Secrets-Stopped/dp/0446199575/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200078645&sr=8-1)," a fascinating tale about the Man Who Sold the World's Most Dangerous Secrets...And How We Could Have Stopped Him (http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10424283).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 11, 2008, 03:20:00 pm
Vansmack, I just have to ask. And don't take this the wrong way. After all, I myself am the guy who has 15K posts or something like that. But mine are mostly one line gibbersish comments fired off while I'm awaiting the results of a program I wrote, or something like that.
 
 But do you have a job where you actually do work? Or is writing well conceived analyses about just about any topic under the sun part of your daily workload?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on January 11, 2008, 03:45:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Vansmack, I just have to ask. And don't take this the wrong way. After all, I myself am the guy who has 15K posts or something like that. But mine are mostly one line gibbersish comments fired off while I'm awaiting the results of a program I wrote, or something like that.
 
 But do you have a job where you actually do work? Or is writing well conceived analyses about just about any topic under the sun part of your daily workload?
He lives in San Francisco and his wife (who allows him to go to strip clubs) is the main breadwinner.  They don't let you into San Francisco with being able to "write well conceived analyses about just about any topic under the sun."  They're not as tolerant as you think.
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2008, 03:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  his wife is the main breadwinner.
Not yet, and not for 4 more years actually.  Residents don't get paid that much.  But someday...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 11, 2008, 04:03:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Vansmack, I just have to ask. And don't take this the wrong way. After all, I myself am the guy who has 15K posts or something like that. But mine are mostly one line gibbersish comments fired off while I'm awaiting the results of a program I wrote, or something like that.
 
 But do you have a job where you actually do work? Or is writing well conceived analyses about just about any topic under the sun part of your daily workload?
He lives in San Francisco and his wife (who allows him to go to strip clubs) is the main breadwinner.  They don't let you into San Francisco with being able to "write well conceived analyses about just about any topic under the sun."  They're not as tolerant as you think.
 [/b]
heh, you should see my analysis of bert blyleven's hall of fame voting progress and the liklihood of his induction over the next 4 years.  which preceded a lengthly analysis of san francisco's Proposition A.  
 
 if only the local politburo had known what they let in. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2008, 05:00:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  But do you have a job where you actually do work? Or is writing well conceived analyses about just about any topic under the sun part of your daily workload?
The answer is both, actually.  I am the consummate multi-tasker.  I wrote the Pakistan piece last night, but really have been working on it in my head since Dec 27.  I spent about 5 minutes on it this morning cleaning up the email I sent myself, but not much else (which is why it has typos).  The China thing I developed this morning while loading up on the morning news.  I spend the first 30-60 minutes of my day gathering news (my job), and then spent about 2 minutes writing that little blip on China.  
 
 While I would normally throw out putting folks into categories, I am known in my dept as a "lower right quadrant" guy.  We all took this test as part of a staff retreat, and if you're familiar with the work of David A. Kolb (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_A._Kolb) (the educator, not the philosopher), I would be what is described as more of an abstract conceptualizationist mixed with reflective observation.  3%-5% of Americans would fit into this category.  (I should put that test together for folks on the board to see where you fall in this analysis as I feel it's been one of the best descriptors of me ever.)
 
 Anyhow, big words aside, this means that I love details, learn by thinking through ideas, absorb information, am driven by intellect, etc., etc.  In practice, this means I don't talk much at meetings, process everything in the room (both the information, where it's coming from and who it's being said to - sometimes down to body language - always watch the eyes!), reflect on it for a while with other information I've gathered, then report my analysis to my team, usually accompanied with a big idea.
 
 Not unlike this board, rarely will a day go buy that I don't send my education coworkers an email about something they think is not related to education (my most recent example is hydrogen fueling plants) and then a week or two later when we gather for a staff meeting I'll have some big idea for curriculum or practical idea about how we can tie a shortage of hydrogen fueling stations in the Bay Area into our work here at the university.  Usually, I hadn't thought it out yet, but I knew it was important when I saw it.
 
 Posts on politics, well, that's my job.  I handle Government Relations for a university.  If we're ahead of the nation, state and city, our job is a lot easier.  Usually the stuff you see here on politics is similar to emails I've sent my colleagues (so it's cut and paste).
   
 The foreign policy bent is obviously a hold over from my previous job (I'm also an occasional guest lecturer in our International Relations dept.).  While not officially part of my job, I was once asked to share a lecture I gave to students, and that has turned into an email I send out with my thoughts on the hot topics in the rest of the world to our dept.  Some of those I simply reprint here.    
 
 My posts on tech, well, I'm a self admitted tech dork.  I'm always asked to fix something or recommend a new something by friends and colleagues, so I keep up on that stuff.
 
 So yes, I have a job where I do actual work, the majority of which I spend thinking and analyzing higher ed policy and politics, and go off topic often.  My employer tolerates it because I'm well known to send my ideas in the middle of the night (I never stop thinking really, with at least one side of my brain).
 
 One question I have yet to answer (but have been thinking about) is why I chose this particular venue to share the majority of my thoughts despite having a blog of my own.  I don't know - perhaps I enjoy the diversity of the audience here.  Perhaps I just feel comfortable with all the people.  I might never know.  Part of it is surely the fact that this web site is not picked up by search engines.  I enjoy (virtual) anonymity.
 
 (by the way, I wrote this while eating my lunch)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on January 11, 2008, 05:10:00 pm
All of that and you still have to ask your wife's permission to go to a strip club.
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2008, 05:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  All of that and you still have to ask your wife's permission to go to a strip club.
 
 Brian
Which part of "allow does not compute in our household" do you struggle with?  You still have this idea of all of your self-described miserable married redneck friends from PA.  Not all marraiges are that way.  Many are based on mutual respect, a concept I no doubt understand that you struggle with.  
 
 I need permission to do one thing from my wife:  drink whiskey.
 
 She's tired of cleaning up the mess I leave behind when I imbibe the brown alcohol.  Even I don't like "Whiskey Vansmack" as my friends have taken to calling me.  He's a bigger asshole than the sober one that posts here.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 11, 2008, 05:35:00 pm
Don't you think you're disrespecting your wife when you're ogling other women? I'm sure she thinks she's being hip, cool, and progressive by putting up with it with a cutesy smile on her face. But what woman really enjoys sharing the affections of her man with others?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  All of that and you still have to ask your wife's permission to go to a strip club.
 
 Brian
Which part of "allow does not compute in our household" do you struggle with?  You still have this idea of all of your self-described miserable married redneck friends from PA.  Not all marraiges are that way.  Many are based on mutual respect, a concept I no doubt understand that you struggle with.  
 
 I need permission to do one thing from my wife:  drink whiskey.
 
 She's tired of cleaning up the mess I leave behind when I imbibe the brown alcohol.  Even I don't like "Whiskey Vansmack" as my friends have taken to calling me.  He's a bigger asshole than the sober one that posts here. [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2008, 05:46:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Don't you think you're disrespecting your wife when you're ogling other women?  
No, but you have clearly stated that you do.
 
 Thankfully, I'm not married to you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 11, 2008, 05:49:00 pm
quit working so hard and post more about the prem
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2008, 07:28:00 pm
â??U2 3Dâ?ť Premieres at New York Screening; Everybody Besides Jay-Z Impressed (http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/01/07/u2-3d-premieres-at-new-york-screening-everybody-besides-jay-z-impressed/?utm_source=daily-newsletter&utm_medium=email)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: eros on January 11, 2008, 09:53:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  â??U2 3Dâ?ť Premieres at New York Screening; Everybody Besides Jay-Z Impressed (http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/01/07/u2-3d-premieres-at-new-york-screening-everybody-besides-jay-z-impressed/?utm_source=daily-newsletter&utm_medium=email)
Seeing this on the 25th.  Can't wait.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on January 12, 2008, 12:05:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Not all marraiges are that way.  Many are based on mutual respect, a concept I no doubt understand that you struggle with.  
 
My prediction is....August 2011.  Your marriage?  R.I.P.  By that time, she'll be a full-fledged doctor and won't have to put up with your pompous, long-winded bullshit.  Your cuteness will have well worn off by then but you may be able to snag some naive grad student.
 
 If I'm wrong and you're still together by then, I'll buy you a copy of "McSweeney's" and a triple skim, latte, blah, blah, whatever you drink.
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 14, 2008, 01:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  My prediction is....August 2011.  Your marriage?  R.I.P.  By that time, she'll be a full-fledged doctor and won't have to put up with your pompous, long-winded bullshit.  Your cuteness will have well worn off by then but you may be able to snag some naive grad student.
 
 If I'm wrong and you're still together by then, I'll buy you a copy of "McSweeney's" and a triple skim, latte, blah, blah, whatever you drink.
 
 Brian
For the record, I already get McSweeney's and I don't drink coffee, but you're on for a Playboy and a Mountain Dew.
 
 If Smackette does tire of my "pompous longwinded...cuteness", so be it.  I will at least have had 5 years of pure joy, something I know you'll never have.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on January 14, 2008, 01:12:00 pm
Less arguing, more Mexico story-telling.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 For the record, I already get McSweeney's and I don't drink coffee, but you're on for a Playboy and a Mountain Dew.
 
 If Smackette does tire of my "pompous longwinded...cuteness", so be it.  I will at least have had 5 years of pure joy, something I know you'll never have.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 14, 2008, 01:41:00 pm
Toyota Makes a 2010 Pledge for plug-in Hybrid (http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8U5OSGO0.htm)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 14, 2008, 01:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by nkotb:
  Less arguing, more Mexico story-telling.
 
I'm almost done and should be able to finish it up at lunch.  I must say, all the hype means this story is bound to flop.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 14, 2008, 02:11:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Toyota Makes a 2010 Pledge for plug-in Hybrid (http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8U5OSGO0.htm)
Green is the theme at the Detroit Auto Show (http://www.news.com/2300-13833_3-6225801-1.html?tag=ne.gall.pg)
 
 And GM Announces a Deal with Coskata (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-mon_garbage_0114jan14,0,5744268.story?coll=sns-travel-headlines), a start-up that makes Ethanol from garbage.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 14, 2008, 07:39:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?˘:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Sweetie, did you tell them about the time you and I went to a strip club in Mexico?? Now THAT was a good story.
We're waiting..... [/b]
Alright, I canâ??t believe I havenâ??t told you guys this story â?? Iâ??ve probably alluded to it but never told the full version.
 
 So while Smackette and I were awaiting all of our worldly possessions to be transported from DC to SF (July 03), we took a week long vacation in Mexico with my family.  On our way to dinner one night in Puerto Nuevo, we noticed a new strip club had opened up by the house we stay at.  After dinner, my sister and her husband and Mmackette and I all decided that we MUST check this out.  We were pretty sure it was going to be the most disgusting place weâ??d ever been, but the curiosity got the best of us.
 
 Apparently we had gotten there a little before the crowd arrives as there was only one other group in the joint, and no ladies working the crowd.  Mind you, it was about 10pm on a Friday night.  We ordered a pitcher of margaritas and waited for the show to start, but no one was on stage.  A little bit of a broo-ha-ha started between the manager and the female bartender and she reluctantly went up on stage and stripped.  In my little ability to speak spanish, she was upset and apparently had taken the bartender job so she could stop stripping.  That and she was pissed that whomever was supposed to be there was late.  For the record, she probably should have stopped stripping years ago.  
 
 So we had been there for about 45 minutes and a second Latina gets on stage.  While slightly better looking than the first (which isnâ??t saying much), she was as disinterested as the first stripper.  The place was a little more crowded now (weâ??re the only Americans), but still not much going on as far as the entertainment.  At this point, my sister decided to take matters into her own hands and walks up to the manager and asks the manager if she can go on stage.  There was bit of a language barrier at first, but she walked over to the stage and motioned that she wanted to get up there.  He asked her to wait a second.  At some point while my sister was negotiating with the manager, a small group of young 20-something American guys walked in, most clearly after a long day of surfing.  They sat down at the table next to ours.  Finally, the manager came back out with the rest of the male staff from the back, and then motioned that now was the appropriate time for her to get on stage.
 
 So my sister gets up on stage and proceeds to strip for the crowd.   To say that this was the most awkward moment in my life would not be an understatement.  Between her on stage and the realization that she was all too comfortable on the pole for this to be her first time were enlightening moments for me.  At first I didnâ??t think she would go through with it â?? dancing and spinning around are one thing, but would she really take her clothes off?  Well, the short answer is yes.  As soon as she started undoing her bathing suit top, I stopped watching.  As Smackette reports, she was up there with nothing on but her panties for at least a song and a half, strutting her stuff around the stage.  
 
 After her show, she put her clothes back on, collected her money and came back over to our table.  While we joked about what just happened, the guys at the table next to us asked my sister if they could buy her a drink.  She said, â??I donâ??t know, youâ??ll have to ask my husband.â?ť  The guy had a puzzled look on his face and apologized saying he didnâ??t realize....  
 
 My brother in law, to his credit, said â??Donâ??t apologize to me â?? thatâ??s her brother over thereâ?ť motioning towards me.  Now, Iâ??ve seen a lot of faces in the Pantheon of Great Faces before, but if I could have a picture of the look on that guys face when I gave him the â??whatâ??s upâ?ť nod, I would have the greatest avatar in the history of avatars.  He went back to his table and tried to explain the situation to his buddies.  They eventually bought us a pitcher of margaritas and joined us at our table for a while as we waited for the entertainment, which was sporadic at best for the rest of the night.  We ended up surfing with them the next day where we told them about the rumors of the donkey bar in Tijuana.  They set out for the Donkey Bar that evening and weâ??ve never heard from them since.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 14, 2008, 07:53:00 pm
thats just wrong
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 14, 2008, 11:54:00 pm
another great vansamck story
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 So my sister gets up on stage and proceeds to strip for the crowd.   To say that this was the most awkward moment in my life would not be an understatement.
i can only imagine... but, as hard as this might be for you to believe, i think that i have a story from a latin american strip club that is equally if not more cringe-inducing.  maybe i'll stumble home drunk one night and decide that it's a good idea to share.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on January 15, 2008, 09:35:00 am
That's totally f'ed up.  I mean, once you realized your sister was stripping, you could have left, right?  Wasn't the place you were staying at right next door?  They didn't lock the doors did they?  I know you didn't look but you DID willingly stay in a strip club where your sister was stripping, no?  No wonder you're the way you are.
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 15, 2008, 09:50:00 am
35 is the new 20.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  another great vansamck story
 
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 So my sister gets up on stage and proceeds to strip for the crowd.   To say that this was the most awkward moment in my life would not be an understatement.
i can only imagine... but, as hard as this might be for you to believe, i think that i have a story from a latin american strip club that is equally if not more cringe-inducing.  maybe i'll stumble home drunk one night and decide that it's a good idea to share. [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on January 15, 2008, 10:57:00 am
Story would be better with pictures.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?˘:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Sweetie, did you tell them about the time you and I went to a strip club in Mexico?? Now THAT was a good story.
We're waiting..... [/b]
Alright, I canâ??t believe I havenâ??t told you guys this story â?? Iâ??ve probably alluded to it but never told the full version.
 
 So while Smackette and I were awaiting all of our worldly possessions to be transported from DC to SF (July 03), we took a week long vacation in Mexico with my family.  On our way to dinner one night in Puerto Nuevo, we noticed a new strip club had opened up by the house we stay at.  After dinner, my sister and her husband and Mmackette and I all decided that we MUST check this out.  We were pretty sure it was going to be the most disgusting place weâ??d ever been, but the curiosity got the best of us.
 
 Apparently we had gotten there a little before the crowd arrives as there was only one other group in the joint, and no ladies working the crowd.  Mind you, it was about 10pm on a Friday night.  We ordered a pitcher of margaritas and waited for the show to start, but no one was on stage.  A little bit of a broo-ha-ha started between the manager and the female bartender and she reluctantly went up on stage and stripped.  In my little ability to speak spanish, she was upset and apparently had taken the bartender job so she could stop stripping.  That and she was pissed that whomever was supposed to be there was late.  For the record, she probably should have stopped stripping years ago.  
 
 So we had been there for about 45 minutes and a second Latina gets on stage.  While slightly better looking than the first (which isnâ??t saying much), she was as disinterested as the first stripper.  The place was a little more crowded now (weâ??re the only Americans), but still not much going on as far as the entertainment.  At this point, my sister decided to take matters into her own hands and walks up to the manager and asks the manager if she can go on stage.  There was bit of a language barrier at first, but she walked over to the stage and motioned that she wanted to get up there.  He asked her to wait a second.  At some point while my sister was negotiating with the manager, a small group of young 20-something American guys walked in, most clearly after a long day of surfing.  They sat down at the table next to ours.  Finally, the manager came back out with the rest of the male staff from the back, and then motioned that now was the appropriate time for her to get on stage.
 
 So my sister gets up on stage and proceeds to strip for the crowd.   To say that this was the most awkward moment in my life would not be an understatement.  Between her on stage and the realization that she was all too comfortable on the pole for this to be her first time were enlightening moments for me.  At first I didnâ??t think she would go through with it â?? dancing and spinning around are one thing, but would she really take her clothes off?  Well, the short answer is yes.  As soon as she started undoing her bathing suit top, I stopped watching.  As Smackette reports, she was up there with nothing on but her panties for at least a song and a half, strutting her stuff around the stage.  
 
 After her show, she put her clothes back on, collected her money and came back over to our table.  While we joked about what just happened, the guys at the table next to us asked my sister if they could buy her a drink.  She said, â??I donâ??t know, youâ??ll have to ask my husband.â?ť  The guy had a puzzled look on his face and apologized saying he didnâ??t realize....  
 
 My brother in law, to his credit, said â??Donâ??t apologize to me â?? thatâ??s her brother over thereâ?ť motioning towards me.  Now, Iâ??ve seen a lot of faces in the Pantheon of Great Faces before, but if I could have a picture of the look on that guys face when I gave him the â??whatâ??s upâ?ť nod, I would have the greatest avatar in the history of avatars.  He went back to his table and tried to explain the situation to his buddies.  They eventually bought us a pitcher of margaritas and joined us at our table for a while as we waited for the entertainment, which was sporadic at best for the rest of the night.  We ended up surfing with them the next day where we told them about the rumors of the donkey bar in Tijuana.  They set out for the Donkey Bar that evening and weâ??ve never heard from them since. [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 15, 2008, 01:31:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  That's totally f'ed up.  I mean, once you realized your sister was stripping, you could have left, right?
Yes, but why?  There was half a pitcher of margaritas to be drinkin'...
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  Wasn't the place you were staying at right next door?
No.  I would have had to take the car, and I was in no shape to do so.  But walking out never entered my mind.  I'm always looking for a good time, and since I'm the one that's known for making people feel uncomfortable, it was a liberating experience to have the shoe on the other foot.
 
 My sister and I had been to many a strip club before and she loves to sit on the rail and flirt with the ladies, but this is the first time I had seen her get on stage.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 15, 2008, 03:53:00 pm
I miss Markie on days like this...
 
 Jobs at MacWorld (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/live-from-macworld-expo/index.html?ex=1358139600&en=90afa50f8d00bca7&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)
 
 I'm super intrigued by the MacBook Air.  I'm heading down to MacWorld tomorrow morning to see one (I can't deal with the Mac obsessors on day one).
 
 As for the Apple TV Take II - they implemented a lot of the changes I recommended a year ago when it first came out (and mostly to compete with the Xbox 360).  If the model for this can change and be similar to the Netflix/Blockbuster rental model (even at say $20 a month), I would be all over this and would stop worrying about the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray war.  I would go all download.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 15, 2008, 03:57:00 pm
Mail it to him.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I miss Markie on days like this...
 
 Jobs at MacWorld (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/live-from-macworld-expo/index.html?ex=1358139600&en=90afa50f8d00bca7&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)
 
 I'm super intrigued by the MacBook Air.  I'm heading down to MacWorld tomorrow morning to see one (I can't deal with the Mac obsessors on day one).
 
 As for the Apple TV Take II - they implemented a lot of the changes I recommended a year ago when it first came out (and mostly to compete with the Xbox 360).  If the model for this can change and be similar to the Netflix/Blockbuster rental model (even at say $20 a month), I would be all over this and would stop worrying about the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray war.  I would go all download.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on January 15, 2008, 04:01:00 pm
Markie is a pussy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 15, 2008, 04:30:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I'm super intrigued by the MacBook Air.  I'm heading down to MacWorld tomorrow morning to see one (I can't deal with the Mac obsessors on day one).
 
wow
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 15, 2008, 04:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I'm super intrigued by the MacBook Air.  I'm heading down to MacWorld tomorrow morning to see one (I can't deal with the Mac obsessors on day one).
 
wow [/b]
Yeah - here's some more data: (http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=1155)
 
 The dimensions of the MacBook Air are unbelievable - 0.16-0.76 inch (0.4-1.94 cm) high by 12.8 inches (32.5 cm) by 8.94 inches (22.7 cm) and the whole package comes in at 3.0 pounds (1.36 kg).  Despite the small size, the MacBook Air is equipped with a 13.3-inch widescreen TFT panel capable of 1280 by 800 native resolution, and a full-size keyboard (which is backlit) with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys
 
 I love the fact that it doesn't come with an optical drive, but can instead access a networked optical drive (although I can't imagine the wireless data transmissions being acceptable for a DVD over a G network) and no ethernet port. Could you imagine installing software wirelessly over a networked optical drive?  Reliabalility and speed would be difficult.
 
 Of course only one USB port could be problematic as well, especially when making up for wireless only transmission and no optical drive.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 15, 2008, 05:11:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 As for the Apple TV Take II - they implemented a lot of the changes I recommended a year ago when it first came out (and mostly to compete with the Xbox 360).
Actually, they didn't implement the most important change I recommended.  Apple TV's HD still has a maximum video resolution of only 720p.  Ridiculous for such a device (and at such a cost).  They basically took the original Apple TV and added a movie rental feature.  Welcome to Microsoft's Xbox 2006 without being able to do 1080 resolution (or play games!).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 15, 2008, 05:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I'm super intrigued by the MacBook Air.  I'm heading down to MacWorld tomorrow morning to see one (I can't deal with the Mac obsessors on day one).
 
wow [/b]
the  popular mechanics (http://www.popularmechanics.com/macworld2008) are at it again
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 15, 2008, 05:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  the  popular mechanics (http://www.popularmechanics.com/macworld2008) are at it again
Any article that asks this question Could Apple TV 2.0 End the High-Def Format War? (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/technology_news/4244896.html?series=48) and fails to mention that Apple 2.0 is 720p where Blu-Ray and HD-DVD are 1080p is a useless article.
 
 I expect more from Popular Mechanics (I'm interested to see if they post my comments).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 15, 2008, 07:09:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  another great vansamck story... but, as hard as this might be for you to believe, i think that i have a story from a latin american strip club that is equally if not more cringe-inducing.  maybe i'll stumble home drunk one night and decide that it's a good idea to share.
I've stopped competing with this guy for the most cringe-inducing strip club story...
 
 Pacman Acussed of Punching a Woman in a Strip Club (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3197653)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 15, 2008, 08:57:00 pm
Are you sure? She is Vansmack's sister.   :eek:  
 
   
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?˘:
  Story would be better with pictures.
 
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
     
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?˘:
     
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Sweetie, did you tell them about the time you and I went to a strip club in Mexico?? Now THAT was a good story.
We're waiting..... [/b]
Alright, I canâ??t believe I havenâ??t told you guys this story â?? Iâ??ve probably alluded to it but never told the full version.
 
 So while Smackette and I were awaiting all of our worldly possessions to be transported from DC to SF (July 03), we took a week long vacation in Mexico with my family.  On our way to dinner one night in Puerto Nuevo, we noticed a new strip club had opened up by the house we stay at.  After dinner, my sister and her husband and Mmackette and I all decided that we MUST check this out.  We were pretty sure it was going to be the most disgusting place weâ??d ever been, but the curiosity got the best of us.
 
 Apparently we had gotten there a little before the crowd arrives as there was only one other group in the joint, and no ladies working the crowd.  Mind you, it was about 10pm on a Friday night.  We ordered a pitcher of margaritas and waited for the show to start, but no one was on stage.  A little bit of a broo-ha-ha started between the manager and the female bartender and she reluctantly went up on stage and stripped.  In my little ability to speak spanish, she was upset and apparently had taken the bartender job so she could stop stripping.  That and she was pissed that whomever was supposed to be there was late.  For the record, she probably should have stopped stripping years ago.  
 
 So we had been there for about 45 minutes and a second Latina gets on stage.  While slightly better looking than the first (which isnâ??t saying much), she was as disinterested as the first stripper.  The place was a little more crowded now (weâ??re the only Americans), but still not much going on as far as the entertainment.  At this point, my sister decided to take matters into her own hands and walks up to the manager and asks the manager if she can go on stage.  There was bit of a language barrier at first, but she walked over to the stage and motioned that she wanted to get up there.  He asked her to wait a second.  At some point while my sister was negotiating with the manager, a small group of young 20-something American guys walked in, most clearly after a long day of surfing.  They sat down at the table next to ours.  Finally, the manager came back out with the rest of the male staff from the back, and then motioned that now was the appropriate time for her to get on stage.
 
 So my sister gets up on stage and proceeds to strip for the crowd.   To say that this was the most awkward moment in my life would not be an understatement.  Between her on stage and the realization that she was all too comfortable on the pole for this to be her first time were enlightening moments for me.  At first I didnâ??t think she would go through with it â?? dancing and spinning around are one thing, but would she really take her clothes off?  Well, the short answer is yes.  As soon as she started undoing her bathing suit top, I stopped watching.  As Smackette reports, she was up there with nothing on but her panties for at least a song and a half, strutting her stuff around the stage.  
 
 After her show, she put her clothes back on, collected her money and came back over to our table.  While we joked about what just happened, the guys at the table next to us asked my sister if they could buy her a drink.  She said, â??I donâ??t know, youâ??ll have to ask my husband.â?ť  The guy had a puzzled look on his face and apologized saying he didnâ??t realize....  
 
 My brother in law, to his credit, said â??Donâ??t apologize to me â?? thatâ??s her brother over thereâ?ť motioning towards me.  Now, Iâ??ve seen a lot of faces in the Pantheon of Great Faces before, but if I could have a picture of the look on that guys face when I gave him the â??whatâ??s upâ?ť nod, I would have the greatest avatar in the history of avatars.  He went back to his table and tried to explain the situation to his buddies.  They eventually bought us a pitcher of margaritas and joined us at our table for a while as we waited for the entertainment, which was sporadic at best for the rest of the night.  We ended up surfing with them the next day where we told them about the rumors of the donkey bar in Tijuana.  They set out for the Donkey Bar that evening and weâ??ve never heard from them since. [/b]
[/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 18, 2008, 03:01:00 pm
The music industry
 
 From major to minor (http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10498664)
 Jan 10th 2008
 From The Economist print edition
 
 Last year was terrible for the recorded-music majors. The next few years are likely to be even worse
 
 IN 2006 EMI, the world's fourth-biggest recorded-music company, invited some teenagers into its headquarters in London to talk to its top managers about their listening habits. At the end of the session the EMI bosses thanked them for their comments and told them to help themselves to a big pile of CDs sitting on a table. But none of the teens took any of the CDs, even though they were free. â??That was the moment we realised the game was completely up,â?ť says a person who was there. (http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10498664)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 18, 2008, 03:20:00 pm
The industry could always try to make some money this way....
 
 http://www.news.com/MTV%3A-%27Rock-Band%27-sells-2.5-million-songs/2100-1043_3-6226743.html?tag=fd_nbs_ent&tag=nl.e703 (http://www.news.com/MTV%3A-%27Rock-Band%27-sells-2.5-million-songs/2100-1043_3-6226743.html?tag=fd_nbs_ent&tag=nl.e703)
 
 MTV: 'Rock Band' sells 2.5 million songs
 
 I'm so buying my first songs this weekend.  An Oasis pack is also scheduled for release on Jan 22.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 22, 2008, 11:17:00 am
i have a (nonprem) question: where is my travel channel hd?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on January 22, 2008, 11:22:00 am
And what's the word on Rock Band coming out for the Wii?  Ever gonna happen?  I'm working on deciding which new system I should pick up, and the Wii is the likely front-runner.  Still, without Rock Band, I feel empty   :(
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 22, 2008, 12:11:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  The industry could always try to make some money this way....
 
  http://www.news.com/MTV%3A-%27Rock-Band%27-sells-2.5-million-songs/2100-1043_3-6226743.html?tag=fd_nbs_ent&tag=nl.e703 (http://www.news.com/MTV%3A-%27Rock-Band%27-sells-2.5-million-songs/2100-1043_3-6226743.html?tag=fd_nbs_ent&tag=nl.e703)
 
 MTV: 'Rock Band' sells 2.5 million songs
 
 I'm so buying my first songs this weekend.  An Oasis pack is also scheduled for release on Jan 22.
you finally get an xbox 360 and all you have played is Guitar Hero 3, Rock Band, and Call of Duty 3? something is missing there, and why COD3 and not COD4
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 22, 2008, 01:25:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  you finally get an xbox 360 and all you have played is Guitar Hero 3, Rock Band, and Call of Duty 3? something is missing there, and why COD3 and not COD4
To be fair, I've played GHIII for about 6 hours.  COD 3 for about 3 hours and Rock Band for approximately 1 Million hours!  I simply can't quit it.  The best party game out there.
 
 As for Halo 3 - I only have one controller still (but 2 guitars and a drum kit!).
 
 As for COD 3 and not COD 4, I like to go in order, and I won't play 4 until I beat 3.  I have COD 4 on my shelf right now (with Halo 3, Bioshock, Gears of War and something else I'm forgetting) and it was tempting me all weekend - so much so that I went out and rented COD 3 yesterday.  I've got about a 2 hours left before COD 4.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 22, 2008, 01:26:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  The industry could always try to make some money this way....
 
  http://www.news.com/MTV%3A-%27Rock-Band%27-sells-2.5-million-songs/2100-1043_3-6226743.html?tag=fd_nbs_ent&tag=nl.e703 (http://www.news.com/MTV%3A-%27Rock-Band%27-sells-2.5-million-songs/2100-1043_3-6226743.html?tag=fd_nbs_ent&tag=nl.e703)
 
 MTV: 'Rock Band' sells 2.5 million songs
 
Quote
The game's impact on song sales for participating artists, however, remains unclear. While not providing exact sales figures, MTV did say that the Metallica three-pack of "Ride the Lightning," "Blackened" and "And Justice for All" is the best-selling "Rock Band" download.
 
 According to Nielsen SoundScan data, those same songs saw digital download sales spikes of 31 percent, 39 percent and 48 percent, respectively, for the month after they were featured as a "Rock Band" download, over the previous month.
 
 But those increased sales numbered only in the hundreds, while the "Rock Band" downloads numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Still, label executives are thrilled with the results.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22757091/?GT1=10755 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22757091/?GT1=10755)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 22, 2008, 01:33:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by nkotb:
  And what's the word on Rock Band coming out for the Wii?  Ever gonna happen?  I'm working on deciding which new system I should pick up, and the Wii is the likely front-runner.  Still, without Rock Band, I feel empty    :(  
"Absolutely" was the only answer I've ever heard with no timelime or official announcement ever made.  I know Harmonix was first worried about downloadable content, but they fixed that with GHIII.  
 
 I've only played the wii and not taken a close look at it - does it use USB for additional controllers?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 22, 2008, 05:42:00 pm
Sierra Club proposes â??couch potatoâ?? tax on videogames and TVs (http://kob.com/article/stories/S320743.shtml?cat=500)
 
 Alternatively, Smackie propses a one-hundred percent beat down of stupid ideas.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 22, 2008, 05:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by nkotb:
  I'm working on deciding which new system I should pick up, and the Wii is the likely front-runner.  Still, without Rock Band, I feel empty     :(  
Just so you know, I was on the fence about wii vs 360 for a long time.  Around August I was nearly 99% decided that it was going to be the wii.  Then I started thinking about all of the cool non-video game features of the 360 - downloadable content, HD output, HD-DVD capabilities, rentable movies, external hard drives, Media Server etc - and coupled that with the list of games that were available between the two and was back to deciding which camp to be in.   After playing Rock Band over Xmas in So Cal, I bought both the 360 and Rock Band on the way back to SF.
 
 I think it's a matter of time before the wii controller aspects make their way to other consoles.  For the wii to catchup to the 360, it's a lot more than a firmware upgrade.  It's an entire hardware upgrade or entirely new model altogether.
 
 That's just my two cents.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 01:45:00 pm
Our bad.  Did we say 44%? We really meant a number closer to 15%.  Silly math we should have learned in college.
 
 MPAA admits it overstated the effects of college student piracy on the industry. (http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/movie-industry-admits-it-overstated-piracy-on-campus/index.html?hp)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 01:53:00 pm
Motorola's profits dropped 84% last quarter (http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/business/AP-Earns-Motorola.html?_r=1&oref=slogin), but this article makes no mention of the iPhone when discussing why the #3 cell phone maker in the world is continuing to struggle.  Amazing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 23, 2008, 02:29:00 pm
excerpt from "The Untold Story: How the iPhone Blew Up the Wireless Industry"   (http://www.wired.com/gadgets/wireless/magazine/16-02/ff_iphone)
 
 Six months later, on June 29, 2007, the iPhone went on sale. At press time, analysts were speculating that customers would snap up about 3 million units by the end of 2007, making it the fastest-selling smartphone of all time. It is also arguably Apple's most profitable device. The company nets an estimated $80 for every $399 iPhone it sells, and that's not counting the $240 it makes from every two-year AT&T contract an iPhone customer signs. Meanwhile, about 40 percent of iPhone buyers are new to AT&T's rolls, and the iPhone has tripled the carrier's volume of data traffic in cities like New York and San Francisco.
 
 But as important as the iPhone has been to the fortunes of Apple and AT&T, its real impact is on the structure of the $11 billion-a-year US mobile phone industry. For decades, wireless carriers have treated manufacturers like serfs, using access to their networks as leverage to dictate what phones will get made, how much they will cost, and what features will be available on them. Handsets were viewed largely as cheap, disposable lures, massively subsidized to snare subscribers and lock them into using the carriers' proprietary services. But the iPhone upsets that balance of power. Carriers are learning that the right phone â?? even a pricey one â?? can win customers and bring in revenue. Now, in the pursuit of an Apple-like contract, every manufacturer is racing to create a phone that consumers will love, instead of one that the carriers approve of. "The iPhone is already changing the way carriers and manufacturers behave," says Michael Olson, a securities analyst at Piper Jaffray.
 
 (...)
 
 So that summer (2004), while he publicly denied he would build an Apple phone, Jobs was working on his entry into the mobile phone industry. In an effort to bypass the carriers, he approached Motorola. It seemed like an easy fix: The handset maker had released the wildly popular RAZR, and Jobs knew Ed Zander, Motorola's CEO at the time, from Zander's days as an executive at Sun Microsystems. A deal would allow Apple to concentrate on developing the music software, while Motorola and the carrier, Cingular, could hash out the complicated hardware details.
 
 Of course, Jobs' plan assumed that Motorola would produce a successor worthy of the RAZR, but it soon became clear that wasn't going to happen. The three companies dickered over pretty much everything â?? how songs would get into the phone, how much music could be stored there, even how each company's name would be displayed. And when the first prototypes showed up at the end of 2004, there was another problem: The gadget itself was ugly.
 
 Jobs unveiled the ROKR in September 2005 with his characteristic aplomb, describing it as "an iPod shuffle on your phone." But Jobs likely knew he had a dud on his hands; consumers, for their part, hated it. The ROKR â?? which couldn't download music directly and held only 100 songs â?? quickly came to represent everything that was wrong with the US wireless industry, the spawn of a mess of conflicting interests for whom the consumer was an afterthought. Wired summarized the disappointment on its November 2005 cover: "YOU CALL THIS THE PHONE OF THE FUTURE?"
 
 Even as the ROKR went into production, Jobs was realizing he'd have to build his own phone. In February 2005, he got together with Cingular to discuss a Motorola-free partnership.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 02:46:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  excerpt from "The Untold Story: How the iPhone Blew Up the Wireless Industry"   (http://www.wired.com/gadgets/wireless/magazine/16-02/ff_iphone)
 
 
Yeah.  I read that a couple weeks ago and thought - which part of that is the untold story?
 
 It's just amazing to me that an AP writer would write about the troubles at Motorola and not even mention the iPhone?  Everybody knows that Motorola relied too heavily on the RAZR and thought it best to leave it alone while the market advanced around it.  It's a no brainer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 03:04:00 pm
This is another interesting decision.
 
 AT&T's Broadband Customers Get Unlimited Wi-Fi (http://www.informationweek.com/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=205917206), but those of you on our crappy 80kbps cellular network, uh, we can't help ya.  
 
 Heaven forbid you see what an iPhone can do on a real network, you'll probably demand more from us.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on January 23, 2008, 03:16:00 pm
Playing catchup... I was really hoping that Apple would finally come out with something I really wanted to buy... There were rumours of a headless computer that fell somewhere between a mac mini and mac pro which would have suited me nicely. i have no interest in getting an iMac and kosmette just got a macbook... instead we get an overhyped appletv upgrade, no HD drive option, and still nothing that resembles what a proper media center/home theater machine would have...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 04:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  #1 - 2008 will be the year that internet access at your seat will finally be available on airplanes, starting with longer flights and working its way to the commuter flights (which is backwards, but at least its coming).
BetaBlue doesn't count, but it's a start:
 
 BetaBlue: It's one small step for in-flight Wi-Fi (http://www.news.com/8301-13577_3-9832562-36.html?part=dht&tag=nl.e703) [/b]
Inching closer...Southwest plans high-speed Internet trials (http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9856388-1.html).  The big difference here is that it will use satellites instead of ground signals - this will make broad deployment much easier.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 04:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  Playing catchup... I was really hoping that Apple would finally come out with something I really wanted to buy...
You're spot on Kosmo.  MacWorld was a bit of a disappointment this year.  Although, today they finally released the pink Nano smackette has been waiting for since her pink mini died some time ago...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 05:06:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i have a (nonprem) question: where is my travel channel hd?
I really thought it was going to be today, but alas, not yet.  Soon though.
 
 The 101 was in HD this morning, which is good.  I watched Peter, Bjorn and John last night and was thinking it was odd that The 101 was not in HD.  Well, it is now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 23, 2008, 05:46:00 pm
i demand anthony bordain in hd
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 23, 2008, 06:03:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  Playing catchup... I was really hoping that Apple would finally come out with something I really wanted to buy... There were rumours of a headless computer that fell somewhere between a mac mini and mac pro which would have suited me nicely. i have no interest in getting an iMac and kosmette just got a macbook... instead we get an overhyped appletv upgrade, no HD drive option, and still nothing that resembles what a proper media center/home theater machine would have...
http://scobleizer.com/2007/12/27/the-macmini-hdtv-revolution/ (http://scobleizer.com/2007/12/27/the-macmini-hdtv-revolution/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 23, 2008, 06:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i demand anthony bordain in hd
heh, funny... i can't help you with the HD, but in two weeks i'll be responsible for transcoding and delivering burdain's show to iTunes.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 06:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
    http://scobleizer.com/2007/12/27/the-macmini-hdtv-revolution/ (http://scobleizer.com/2007/12/27/the-macmini-hdtv-revolution/)  
Help me out with how using a Mac Mini and an HDTV is revolutionary?  Won't this work with any computer with a video switch ($10) and long cable ($5)?
 
 I hooked my computer up to my HDTV the day I bought the TV (sometime back in April 2006).  With a wireless mouse and keyboard, I sit on my couch and web browse, stream TV shows off of network web sites, etc.  Did I mention it's just an ugly old PC that has never been graced by Steve Jobs?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on January 23, 2008, 06:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 I hooked my computer up to my HDTV the day I bought the TV (sometime back in April 2006).  With a wireless mouse and keyboard, I sit on my couch and web browse, stream TV shows off of network web sites, etc.  Did I mention it's just an ugly old PC that has never been graced by Steve Jobs?
I've had my laptop hooked up to my TV for 3 years. That article is the most ridiculous techno-ejaculation I've ever read.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 06:44:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  I was really hoping that Apple would finally come out with something I really wanted to buy...
I really thought that Apple could do for the internet what they did for the Mp3.  Make it usably portable.  
 
 What I really want is a ~$300-$500 wireless internet-only device the size of an ultraportable laptop with longer battery life.  It should be flashed based with limited storage no thicker than an inch, touch mouse and full qwerty keyboard.  It doesn't need an expensive processor or much RAM as it's only going to do one thing - surf the net.  No fancy game graphics driver because it only has to deal with streaming quality video. I don't need any drives, no gadgets or goodies, no extra software other than reader plug ins.
 
 It would stream all media but not allow for on-device storage (other than simple OS and browser plugins).  That's what the one USB port would be for - flash drives for file storage.
 
 If all of this can be packaged in a device the size of the iPod Touch, why can't I get one the size of the ultra-portable laptop?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 23, 2008, 07:05:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Help me out with how using a Mac Mini and an HDTV is revolutionary?  Won't this work with any computer with a video switch ($10) and long cable ($5)?
it isnt, it was just addressing what many people use as their apple version of a media center, I replaced my old imac with a macmini 6 months ago and have it hooked up to the hdtv via hdmi and to my receiver with the digital out, but not because it is revolutionary, but because that is what I manage all my music on
 
 You are aware of how ridiculous Robert Scoble is right, what would you expect from a former Microsoft evangelist
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 07:11:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
 
 You are aware of how ridiculous Robert Scoble is right, what would you expect from a former Microsoft evangelist
Strange, but I have never heard of him, actually (and surprisingly don't even remember the Economist article cited on his wiki page).  I bet he is the sole author of his wiki page too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 07:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  makes me question your "tech predictions", smacks, if you don't even know what browsers are being used     :p  
Why anybody would use a Microsoft product that is no longer being updated for security patches is beyond me... [/b]
Sweetcell, this one's only for you....
 
 IE 7 Coming at you (whether you want it or not) (http://www.news.com/8301-10789_3-9856700-57.html?tag=newsmap)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on January 23, 2008, 07:21:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Julian, good manners AFICIONADO:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 I hooked my computer up to my HDTV the day I bought the TV (sometime back in April 2006).  With a wireless mouse and keyboard, I sit on my couch and web browse, stream TV shows off of network web sites, etc.  Did I mention it's just an ugly old PC that has never been graced by Steve Jobs?
I've had my laptop hooked up to my TV for 3 years. That article is the most ridiculous techno-ejaculation I've ever read. [/b]
Yeah being able to view Flickr on an HDTV is so revolutionary....
 
 Bottom line is that I doubt we'll ever see a product that isn't heavily tied into iTMS for content.  Because heaven forbid someone install Bootcamp on a mac and watch Netflix's streaming content.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 07:30:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
   Because heaven forbid someone install Bootcamp on a mac and watch Netflix's streaming content.
[sarcasm]Come on, you mean you're not enamored enough with AppleTV to give up your Netflix subscription Kosmo?[/sarcasm]
 
 Par for the (Apple) course.  Advancing technology through consumer choice has never been as important as advancing Apple Technology by limiting consumer choice.
 
 Now that the iPod market appears to be fully saturated, everybody who wanted an iPhone bought an iPhone, the DRM-free music market is ready to be a viable competitor and the 2008 products introduced at MacWorld were far from overwhelming, a tough year is ahead for Apple. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/technology/23apple.html?ref=technology)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2008, 07:33:00 pm
And I know some folks were betatesting this, but it's ready for public release:
 
 01.23.2008   LAST.FM LAUNCHES LARGEST GLOBAL FREE-ON-DEMAND MUSIC PLATFORM (http://www.cbscorporation.com/news/prdetails.php?id=2943)
 
 Free streaming music from all the majors, 3 listen limit per track, per user.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 23, 2008, 07:36:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Strange, but I have never heard of him, actually (and surprisingly don't even remember the Economist article cited on his wiki page).  I bet he is the sole author of his wiki page too.
I am surprised you have not heard of him, he is really famous in tech circles for no particular reason.  He does post his cell number on his blog and probably lives near you if you would like to tell him how non revolutionary mac minis and hdtvs are.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 23, 2008, 07:41:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  Because heaven forbid someone install Bootcamp on a mac and watch Netflix's streaming content.
I think I am missing your point here, Netflix should be making their movies available to Mac users without having to use bootcamp, parallels, VMWare, etc.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 23, 2008, 07:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  everybody who wanted an iPhone bought an iPhone
I highly doubt that, I know plenty of people waiting out their contracts and waiting for further features
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on January 23, 2008, 07:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
   
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  Because heaven forbid someone install Bootcamp on a mac and watch Netflix's streaming content.
I think I am missing your point here, Netflix should be making their movies available to Mac users without having to use bootcamp, parallels, VMWare, etc. [/b]
and isn't part of the reason why netflix can't offer  movies is that apple has their own propriety drm?
 
 my point was instead of upgrading a closed setbox in order to provide fabulous yet dumb downed HD content, they could have upgraded the mini mac with a Blu-Ray drive, HDMI output, etc.  or offered a headless pc with an open slot so that people can add their own graphics card.  i keep holding off on buying a replacement for the six year old G4 tower, which still a perfectly good machine for most of what i use it for, it does however pause when loading the increasing complex websites out there.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 23, 2008, 08:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
 and isn't part of the reason why netflix can't offer  movies is that apple has their own propriety drm?
right you are, I am officially pwned, I had assumed it was a choice of technology issue
 
 
Quote
In the meantime, here's a little more regarding Mac and Firefox. While Boot Camp and virtualization programs work great for watching movies instantly on an Intel Mac, I know that's not the solution we all want (ps - I've been a Mac user since the days of the 128K Mac, and many of us at Netflix use them at work and at home.) So here's the deal:
 
 A key issue for delivering movies online is that the studios require use of DRM (Digital Rights Management) to protect titles. And that's our holdup for the Mac - there's not yet a studio-sanctioned, publicly-available Mac DRM solution (Apple doesn't license theirs). I can promise you that, when an approved solution becomes available for the Mac, we'll be there. I'll also say that Silverlight 1.1 looks like a promising candidate - but that its DRM isn't likely to be fully available until 2008.
http://blog.netflix.com/2007/08/instant-watching-on-mac-firefox-and.html (http://blog.netflix.com/2007/08/instant-watching-on-mac-firefox-and.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2008, 01:39:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  And I know some folks were betatesting this, but it's ready for public release:
 
 01.23.2008   LAST.FM LAUNCHES LARGEST GLOBAL FREE-ON-DEMAND MUSIC PLATFORM (http://www.cbscorporation.com/news/prdetails.php?id=2943)
 
 Free streaming music from all the majors, 3 listen limit per track, per user.
Here's a pretty good take on this:
 
 Is Last.FM the copyright compromise we seek? (http://blogs.zdnet.com/open-source/?p=1930)
 
 This might need it's own thread, in case some folks have given up on seeing what Smackie thinks you need to know.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 24, 2008, 02:28:00 pm
Hey Vansmack, what was that website you posted awhile ago that had a vast collection of live shows you could watch? I have no idea what thread you posted it in, or what the website was.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2008, 03:52:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Hey Vansmack, what was that website you posted awhile ago that had a vast collection of live shows you could watch?
http://www.fabchannel.com (http://www.fabchannel.com)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2008, 04:42:00 pm
I love an election year.
 
 What are you going to spend your ~$300 on? (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/24/washington/24cnd-econ.html?_r=1&ex=1358917200&en=147d667c3caf3d0a&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin)
 
 Since Seth isn't going to get a rebate (although now would be a good time for him to make capital improvements to his venues), I think you should all spend more money on shows at the 9:30 Club.
 
 Except those with kids.  Don't spend your kids $300 at the 9:30 Club.  Put it away for college.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 24, 2008, 05:40:00 pm
money market account
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 24, 2008, 05:59:00 pm
meth
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on January 24, 2008, 06:01:00 pm
I've heard conflicting reports on this thing. So, I don't have to do anything other then file my taxes, as I usually would, and the government is going to send me a check automatically sometime before June for somewhere between $400 and $600? (I'm single and have no kids.)
 
 If so, I'm going to put it in my MMA or take out a CD. Screw that economic stimulus thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: beetsnotbeats on January 24, 2008, 06:05:00 pm
Nothing's in stone yet but I think the deal so far is $300 to those who were paid more than $3K but didn't pay any federal taxes, $600 for those who were paid up to $75K, between $600 and zero for those who were paid between $75K and $87K, and goose egg for over $87K. Double those amounts for married couples; $300 more for each dependent kid.
 
 Lessee: car repair, TV (25-32") or Macbook.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on January 24, 2008, 06:07:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by beetsnotbeats:
  Nothing's in stone yet but I think the deal so far is $300 to those who were paid more than $3K but didn't pay any federal taxes, $600 for those who were paid up to $75K, between $600 and zero for those who were paid between $75K and $87K, and goose egg for over $87K. Double those amounts for married couples; $300 more for each dependent kid.
Thanks for the info. Just so I'm clear: I don't have to fill out a form or request or anything -- this is just going to pop up in my mailbox someday, right?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2008, 06:09:00 pm
While normally I would say that sticking that money in a savings account would have the exact opposite affect the government was looking for, but given the status of the banking industry, they could use the influx.
 
 And yes, the check will just be mailed to you, just like last time Bush did this.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 24, 2008, 06:14:00 pm
i never got that one. and i have never forgiven dub
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2008, 06:16:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i never got that one. and i have never forgiven dub
Really?  You didn't qualify or the address on your tax form didn't match or something like that?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 24, 2008, 06:25:00 pm
i moved like 3 times in a year and the mail didnt catch up to me. i called the irs and they told me to check whatever box on my taxes. when i got my refund check, they shorted me $300 anyway, saying that i got the check. which i didnt
 
 of course i was dead broke at the time
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on January 24, 2008, 06:26:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  While normally I would say that sticking that money in a savings account would have the exact opposite affect the government was looking for, but given the status of the banking industry, they could use the influx.
It's not my job to bail out Bush's economy. If he wants to bail out the economy, he can start regulating industries, raising taxes, and implementing government works programs in conjunction with a single-payer health care system.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2008, 06:32:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Julian, good manners AFICIONADO:
  It's not my job to bail out Bush's economy. If he wants to bail out the economy, he can start regulating industries, raising taxes, and implementing government works programs in conjunction with a single-payer health care system.
So Julian is leading by example and challenges everyone esle to give their money to charity.
 
 I for one, am proud of you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on January 24, 2008, 06:47:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 So Julian is leading by example and challenges everyone esle to give their money to charity.
 
 I for one, am proud of you.
I gave 15+% of my income last year to charity. Seriously.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 24, 2008, 06:57:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Julian, good manners AFICIONADO:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  While normally I would say that sticking that money in a savings account would have the exact opposite affect the government was looking for, but given the status of the banking industry, they could use the influx.
It's not my job to bail out Bush's economy. If he wants to bail out the economy, he can start regulating industries, raising taxes, and implementing government works programs in conjunction with a single-payer health care system. [/b]
how would raising taxes help people that can barely afford to stay where they live or businesses to keep people employed?  
 
 "The government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2008, 08:38:00 pm
I'm telling you, this is some exciting stuff.  Got some left over garbage - how 'bout fueling your car? Sign me up!
 
 Startup Says It Can Make Ethanol for $1 a Gallon, and Without Corn (http://www.wired.com/cars/energy/news/2008/01/ethanol23)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 24, 2008, 09:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  how would raising taxes help people that can barely afford to stay where they live or businesses to keep people employed?
you raise taxes on the people that can afford it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on January 25, 2008, 12:57:00 pm
So as not to clutter up the last.fm thread with a discussion of websites that offer personal radio or playlist creation... Last night I found in  Jango (http://jango.com), a site currently in beta, something that could be more useful than last.fm in the creation of "personal internet station"
 
 In fact one can tune into this station and hear what a nice chunk of my collection would sound like if it were randomly streamed out on the internet.
 
  Melodic Tunes with Rockin Guitars and A Little Bit O' Soul (http://www.jango.com/stations/4080413;tunein?u=0&index=172)
 
 The catalog is nicely populated, even has Gloria Jones doing the original version of "Tainted Love".  Hopefully not to many of the recommended artists I should have said never to play on my station will pop up.  
 
 And you know the people behind this are serious when they say they are fully licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SoundExchange....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on January 25, 2008, 01:32:00 pm
Sorry for hijacking your thread Smackie with this public service announcement but I didn't feel like creating my own vanity thread.
 
 He's Not as Smart as He Thinks (http://www.newsweek.com/id/101079?GT1=10755)
 
 Now back to your regularly scheduled Smackisms.
 
 
 *You know I still love you Smackie.    ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on January 25, 2008, 02:07:00 pm
Vansmack should have been telling us about this, Sudhir Venkatesh of Freakonomics fame is watching The Wire each week with a group of current and former gang members and blogging about it, great stuff
 
 http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/what-do-real-thugs-think-of-the-wire/ (http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/what-do-real-thugs-think-of-the-wire/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 25, 2008, 05:34:00 pm
Jag, that message is Smackie approved, Smackette is WAY smarter than I am.  She might even be smarter than I pretend to be.
 
 Pollard, Sports Guy beat me to that in his links so I passed on it, but you're right, some things should be passed along regardless.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 27, 2008, 08:30:00 pm
An argument for Barack Obama:
 
 A President Like My Father (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/opinion/27kennedy.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin), By Caroline Kennedy
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 27, 2008, 08:41:00 pm
For Econo...
 
 Uncovering the origin of syphilis (http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10530768)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 27, 2008, 08:44:00 pm
And this one's for Mr. Wallace:
 
 According to the research, married, extroverted optimists are happier than single, pessimistic introverts, and Republicans are happier than Democrats...it helps to be religious, sexually active and a college graduate with a short commute to work. (http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10529960)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on January 28, 2008, 09:22:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Julian, good manners AFICIONADO:
 I gave 15+% of my income last year to charity. Seriously. [/QB]
Considering how awful and disappointing the entire "Zeitgeist" campaign was, I'd agree that all the money you spent on the Smashing Pumpkins last year was "charity."  Seriously.
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 28, 2008, 10:31:00 am
The $300 directly related to my daughter will go into her college account.
 
 The rest toward our vacation in France.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I love an election year.
 
 What are you going to spend your ~$300 on? (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/24/washington/24cnd-econ.html?_r=1&ex=1358917200&en=147d667c3caf3d0a&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin)
 
 Since Seth isn't going to get a rebate (although now would be a good time for him to make capital improvements to his venues), I think you should all spend more money on shows at the 9:30 Club.
 
 Except those with kids.  Don't spend your kids $300 at the 9:30 Club.  Put it away for college.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 29, 2008, 09:19:00 pm
Has there ever been a worse campaign strategy than what we've just witnessed from the Rudy Giuliani camp?  I don't want to be the campaign strategist that floated that idea - he'll never work again.
 
 From #1 to never ran in a matter of months.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 29, 2008, 11:31:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  The $300 directly related to my daughter will go into her college account.
 
 The rest toward our vacation in France.
spending your economic stimulus package on the french - that's *exactly* what the hawks on the hill had in mind.
 
 rhett, you're brilliant.  now i'm tempted to do this.  maybe i'll splurge and order myself a case or two of chateuneuf du pape.  or maybe i should remit my money to some random family in yemen.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 01, 2008, 01:45:00 pm
If you're a Democrat, that was the perfect debate last night.  Taken right out of the Republican mantra, I might add.
 
 (1) Acknowledge your opponents position as being similar to yours.
 
 (2) Point out small differences between the two.
 
 (3) Point out huge differences between the current administrations position.
 
 (4) Occassionaly point out differences between the opposing front runners position.
 
 (5) Make it a lovefest maintaining an us against them mentality.
 
 If the Dems aren't going to snatch defeat from the clutches of victory, Obama and Clinton are going to have to keep the party unified like last night.
 
 Now what to do about Bill?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 01, 2008, 02:43:00 pm
new from the other side:
 
 Coulter wants Clinton over McCain: Coulter said she is prepared to campaign on Clinton's behalf should McCain win the party's nomination.  linky (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/01/coulter-wants-clinton-over-mccain/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 01, 2008, 02:57:00 pm
This whole notion that John McCain is somehow divding the Republican Party is nothing short of ridiculous.  
 
 George Bush destroyed the party by alienating EVERYONE in the coalition Reagan built (coalition of anti-tax conservatives, social conservatives, and hawk conservatives).  He energized the base, ignored the center and then betrayed everyone by entering a war without properly funding it (creating one of the most free spending governments without any fiscal responsibility).  His narrowmindedness (or simple over trust in Cheney) then cost him the trust of the base.  
 
 John McCain is the only chance for the Republican Party to not fall into a 40 year slumber.  If they don't see that, then far be it for me to point it out.
 
 Of course, this could all be politicking on Ann's part because she would rather not see Clinton get the nomination, but I doubt she's that smart.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 01, 2008, 03:02:00 pm
Russia Slams OSCE Election Monitors (http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-7275330,00.html)
 
 Oh yeah, there's still an "election" to be had in Russia.  What a farce.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: slappy on February 03, 2008, 04:25:00 am
I'm digging the return of  Fundrace (http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com/)  2008.
 Stripper's dollar bills are currently going to Ron Paul.
 Custodians are also cleaning up for Ron Paul.
 Models are looking good for Clinton.
 
 And the all important Village People money watch.
 Construction workers - John McCain
 Sailors - Ron Paul
 Indians, none in occupation, but one guy works for 'Indians' - He gave to Rudy
 Police - Ron Paul
 Cowboys, none, but Bill Richardson was getting the most cash from 'Ranchers' and 'Rodeo'
 No leather or biker occupations have yet given to the reportable level.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2008, 08:37:00 pm
An American Parliamentary Presidency? (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22997564/)
 Candidates may have to run from within Congress, not away from it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2008, 09:20:00 pm
I'm not sure which is worse, the song or the video?
 
 Heidi Montag Debut's Her First Video (http://peoplefalltv.wordpress.com/2008/02/04/heidi-montags-video-debut-rate-it/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2008, 02:03:00 pm
Yes We Can by will.i.am (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fZHou18Cdk)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2008, 05:38:00 pm
What the hell year is this?  Why not just skip it and go to wimax?
 
 AT&T to Expand 3g Wireless (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9866005-7.html)
 
 Of course none of this will matter because the vast majority of at&t phones (read: iPhone) don't work on the 3G network.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on February 06, 2008, 05:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  What the hell year is this?  Why not just skip it and go to wimax?
 
 AT&T to Expand 3g Wireless (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9866005-7.html)
 
 Of course none of this will matter because the vast majority of at&t phones (read: iPhone) don't work on the 3G network.
the 3G iphone will be out this year, which is what I am waiting for
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: tigersscareme on February 06, 2008, 06:15:00 pm
ugh. heidi.
 
 isn't that kinda the same video that paris hilton did 2 years ago?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2008, 07:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by tigers scare me:
  isn't that kinda the same video that paris hilton did 2 years ago?
Good call. The Stars are Blind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L8IDX8DM_g) video.  Except I kind of like the Paris song.  Heidi's song is terrible.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 08, 2008, 03:45:00 pm
There are 3 new Mountain Dew flavors...
 
  http://www.dewmocracy.com/ (http://www.dewmocracy.com/)
 
 SuperNova (strawberry)
 Voltage (Rasberry)
 Revolution (Wild Berry)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 08, 2008, 04:02:00 pm
The term "Superdelegate" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superdelegate) is going to be the "Hanging Chad" of this election.
 
 After the Super Tuesday that was in fact super, but not the deciding event it had been hyped, there is a decent chance that no Democratic candidate will emerge from the primaries leaving the decision up to the Superdelegates.  There's a great chance that each candidate will have around 1350 pleged delegates in by Mar 4 and 1600 each by June.  So that leaves the 800 or so superdelegates as the deciding factor.  If it comes to this, it really might just be a race between who owes the Clinton's and who feels wronged by a bridge the Clinton's burned.  Fun stuff to figure out, huh?
 
 So who makes up these superdelegates?  Here you go:
 
 Democratic members of the United States Congress, Democratic governors, various additional elected officials, members of the Democratic National Committee, as well as "all former Democratic Presidents, all former Democratic Vice Presidents, all former Democratic Leaders of the U.S. Senate, all former Democratic Speakers of the U.S. House of Representatives and Democratic Minority Leaders, and all former Chairs of the Democratic National Committee
 
 Start your research now....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: amnesiac on February 08, 2008, 04:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 Start your research now....
Endoresement list  here (http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegate-list.html).
 
 Gore's endorsement could make things very interesting, if and when he decides to back a candidate...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Mobius on February 08, 2008, 04:45:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by tigers scare me:
  isn't that kinda the same video that paris hilton did 2 years ago?
Good call. The Stars are Blind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L8IDX8DM_g) video.  Except I kind of like the Paris song.  Heidi's song is terrible. [/b]
Stars are Blind sounds like it would have been a decent Gwen Stefani song.  Minus the dealbreaking "you show me yours" line imo.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 08, 2008, 06:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by amnesiac:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 Start your research now....
Endoresement list  here (http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegate-list.html).
 
 [/b]
Nice.  Just one thing to add is that Superdelegates can change their vote at anytime right up until the convention.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2008, 01:38:00 pm
Broke the drum pedal on my Rock Band kit yesterday.  Well, Venerable did most of the work, I just had the final stomp.  Anyone else break equipment yet?
 
 EA had a pretty slick return policy - very few quetions asked (must be happening a lot).  They ship it out and if you send your broken equipment back in 28 days - it's free.
 
 It looks a lot like this:
  <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/5c/RB_Pedal_Broken.JPG/200px-RB_Pedal_Broken.JPG" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2008, 01:47:00 pm
Netflix Picks Blu-Ray In High-Def Video Format Battle (http://www.informationweek.com/hardware/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=206401661&cid=RSSfeed_IWK_News)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2008, 02:18:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by nkotb:
  And what's the word on Rock Band coming out for the Wii?  Ever gonna happen?  I'm working on deciding which new system I should pick up, and the Wii is the likely front-runner.  Still, without Rock Band, I feel empty    :(  
It's Official: Rock Band for the wii (http://wii.ign.com/articles/848/848996p1.html).  Still no release date, however.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Vas Deferens on February 11, 2008, 02:20:00 pm
Are ya hitting Noise Pop?
 
 I'm seeing Cursive, 2 nights of Magnetic Fields, British Sea Power, She & Him, Blitzen Trapper, and Taken By Trees (not a Noise Pop show)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2008, 05:42:00 pm
Republicans face an 'epidemic' of U.S. House dropouts (http://www.miamiherald.com/top_stories/story/414410.html)
 
 With 25 GOP retirements or resignations from the U.S. House already announced, the Republican Party has a political problem.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2008, 05:45:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by wanderlust j. marshmallow:
  Are ya hitting Noise Pop?
 
Smackette wants to see Stellastarr and I'm hoping to hit one of those Mountain Goats shows...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: beetsnotbeats on February 11, 2008, 05:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Republicans face an 'epidemic' of U.S. House dropouts (http://www.miamiherald.com/top_stories/story/414410.html)
 
 With 25 GOP retirements or resignations from the U.S. House already announced, the Republican Party has a political problem.
This has been chronicled for over a year at  Daily Kos (http://www.dailykos.com/).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2008, 05:57:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by beetsnotbeats:
  This has been chronicled for over a year at  Daily Kos (http://www.dailykos.com/).
Yeah, I'm a casual reader fo the Kos (I find some contributors much stronger than others).  But I was taken back by the fact that the Repubs are at 25 and we're still 4 months from the primary.  Shocking.
 
 This is why I think you won't see the outpouring of support or glorification of GW like you did with Reagan in the late 90's and early 2000's.  At some point the party will have to put the blame on him.  Of course, if McCain gets drubbed in November, he will be their scapegoat.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2008, 06:10:00 pm
The wheels are really starting to fall off my prediction that HD-DVD will make substantial in roads on Blu-Ray in 2008.
 
 Best Buy to Recommend Blu-Ray high definition Format (http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-31887520080211)
 
 Of course, if a Best Buy sales person recommends anything to me, I tend to do the exact opposite.
 
 I'm still holding out for an all download HD model via my 360 with a Netflix style rental model.  That's what I really want - then I won't have to worry about this format war at all.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2008, 06:15:00 pm
This one made smackette's day:
 
 Cheaper Access to wi-fi at Starbucks (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/cheaper-wi-fi-access-at-starbucks-and-beyond/index.html?ex=1360472400&en=cb29a4b031666845&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)
 
 According to a Starbucks' Press Release (http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=827), 2 free hours per day for customers who use their prepaid Starbucks card once a month.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 13, 2008, 08:21:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I love an election year.
 
 What are you going to spend your ~$300 on? (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/24/washington/24cnd-econ.html?_r=1&ex=1358917200&en=147d667c3caf3d0a&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin)
So it's official now:
 
 Bush Signs Economic Stimulus Package (http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Economy-Stimulus.html?_r=1&ex=1360645200&en=9d82992091bff900&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin)
 
 $600 per person/$1200 per couple
 
 $300 per child (with a cap)
 
 Minimum single income $3000 (except for seniors and veterans) maximum income for full payment is $75000 (with gradual phaseouts up to $87000)
 
 Minimum couples income $6000 (except for seniors and veterans) maximum of $150000 (with gradual phaseount up to $174000)
 
 You must fill out a 2007 tax return and have a valid SSN.  Depending on how you requested a refund will determine how you get paid (either direct deposit or mailed check).  Payments to begin in late spring and continue through the summer.
 
 Spend away!  I recommend a video game console and Rock Band with your $600.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 13, 2008, 08:31:00 pm
In the middle of last night, I was lying awake in bed trying to figure out which I was more excited about:
 
 Pitchers and Catchers report tomorrow or
 
 The Daytona 500 is Sunday.
 
 Sadly, I still haven't reached a conclusion and will probably wake again tonight and debate the same thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on February 13, 2008, 09:02:00 pm
I'm equally excited for the start of baseball and racing. I'll take watching Daytona over watching pitchers and cathers do wind sprints though.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  In the middle of last night, I was lying awake in bed trying to figure out which I was more excited about:
 
 Pitchers and Catchers report tomorrow or
 
 The Daytona 500 is Sunday.
 
 Sadly, I still haven't reached a conclusion and will probably wake again tonight and debate the same thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on February 13, 2008, 09:05:00 pm
Watching pitchers and catchers do windsprints is perhaps the second dullest thing on earth to watch. NASCAR would be #1 though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on February 13, 2008, 09:12:00 pm
fuck baseball and nascar, its still hockey season
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on February 13, 2008, 09:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  fuck baseball and nascar, its still hockey season
Now this is a sentiment I can get behind!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2008, 02:26:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  fuck baseball and nascar, its still hockey season
Thank you for reminding me.  Now that Teemu and Scotty are back, the defense of Lord Stanley's Cup officially begins.
 
 And if you watched Sundays game at Detroit, you know what I'm talking about.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2008, 02:32:00 am
Josiah Leming.  The odds on favorite to be the first American Idol contestant to take his own life.
 
 But not until he gets a deal from Subpop or Capitol.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 14, 2008, 09:31:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 [qb]
 
 Minimum single income $3000 (except for seniors and veterans) maximum income for full payment is $75000 (with gradual phaseouts up to $87000)
 
 Minimum couples income $6000 (except for seniors and veterans) maximum of $150000 (with gradual phaseount up to $174000)
 
  [/b]
pre or post tax
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 14, 2008, 10:53:00 am
Adjusted Gross Income.  i.e. pre-tax
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 [qb]
 
 Minimum single income $3000 (except for seniors and veterans) maximum income for full payment is $75000 (with gradual phaseouts up to $87000)
 
 Minimum couples income $6000 (except for seniors and veterans) maximum of $150000 (with gradual phaseount up to $174000)
 
  [/b]
pre or post tax [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 14, 2008, 11:03:00 am
interesting
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 14, 2008, 11:17:00 am
DC/b'more wimax trial going forward, rest of the country maybe not so much:
 
  Sprint's Limited WiMAX Launch Imminent (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142475-pg,1/article.html)
 A Sprint official acknowledges, however, that the carrier's full-scale deployment still awaits budget approval by new management.
 
 time to move to pakistan.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2008, 01:06:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  time to move to pakistan.
For me maybe, but for the rest of you, an alternative to waiting for FiOS deployment.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 14, 2008, 01:11:00 pm
pakistan, or baltimore... tough choice.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2008, 01:24:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  pakistan, or baltimore... tough choice.
Karachi is a little over crowded for me, but did enjoy Islamabad.  The lack of a large body of water near the city is a huge deterrent though.  I like my ocean boundaries.  Makes me feel safe.
 
 Truthfully, ClearWire will go forward out here with or without Sprint so I won't have to move.  It would sure make my life easier if Sprint would just do it, however.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 14, 2008, 01:27:00 pm
speaking of sprint, how much do they charge their wireless users for blackberry service. i went to get a blackberry at an at&t store, and its $30 a month for data
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2008, 01:30:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  speaking of sprint, how much do they charge their wireless users for blackberry service. i went to get a blackberry at an at&t store, and its $30 a month for data
It's about the same.
 
 Data without a blackberry is much cheaper.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 14, 2008, 01:33:00 pm
well hell. i might as well get the iphone for that. its $20 a month
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2008, 01:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  well hell. i might as well get the iphone for that. its $20 a month
I pay $5 a month for unlimited data on my non-blackberry Sprint phone.
 
 My office pays $30 a month for unlimited data on my Verizon Moto Q.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 14, 2008, 01:39:00 pm
i pay something like that for my regular old phone. really i just want the organizer features, but i might as well just get a stand alone pda. $30 a month is nuts
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2008, 01:59:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i pay something like that for my regular old phone. really i just want the organizer features, but i might as well just get a stand alone pda. $30 a month is nuts
You could get a non-blackberry PDA.  That would only cost $5 a month for unlimited data on Sprint.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 14, 2008, 02:08:00 pm
oh there's a difference? sprint has treos, but for at&t i dismissed their other pdas because i'm against windows mobile
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2008, 02:22:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  oh there's a difference? sprint has treos, but for at&t i dismissed their other pdas because i'm against windows mobile
I don't know about at&t, but for Sprint there's a Blackberry data price (~$30) and a Smartphone data price (starting at $5).  Smackette's Treo 750w costs me $5 a month for unlimited data.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 14, 2008, 02:33:00 pm
looks like it is the same price for pda. i swear i can never get through more than 1 contract without switching providers
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on February 14, 2008, 02:34:00 pm
keep in mind
 
   
Quote
 Reports that Apple is cutting production orders on current iPhone models support rumors that a 3G version of the cutting-edge device is in the works for midyear, analysts say.
http://www.cio-today.com/news/Apple-Expected-to-Offer-3G-iPhone/story.xhtml?story_id=031002C3YJGO (http://www.cio-today.com/news/Apple-Expected-to-Offer-3G-iPhone/story.xhtml?story_id=031002C3YJGO)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2008, 02:39:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  keep in mind
 
     
Quote
 Reports that Apple is cutting production orders on current iPhone models support rumors that a 3G version of the cutting-edge device is in the works for midyear, analysts say.
[/b]
I will be shocked if you have both a 3G network and a 3G iPhone by October.  I wish you the best though.
 
 And for me: no slingbox, no phone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 14, 2008, 02:42:00 pm
ok, another crazy question:
 can i put my at&t sim card in a nextel blackberry and have it work
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 14, 2008, 02:53:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 You could get a non-blackberry PDA.  That would only cost $5 a month for unlimited data on Sprint.
unlimited data costs me $15/month on my sprint phone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2008, 04:47:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  ok, another crazy question:
 can i put my at&t sim card in a nextel blackberry and have it work
I'm not an expert on Nextel (or blackberry for that matter), but if it's a GSM phone and you have a GSM chip, you should be able to move it to another carrier (although some proprietary functions could be blocked).
 
 You can check blackberryforums.com to see if your particular model is locked down to a particular manufacturer and/or if there is a hack to unlock.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2008, 01:33:00 pm
OK - it's time for a smackie election prediction.
 
 No, not the US election, that one's too easy because there are rules and procedures and monitors and a formidable constitution.
 
 I'm talking about the big election in Pakistan on Monday.
 
 So here are the early Polls:
 
  </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">
 Well, that's a clear cut victory for the PPP, right?  Not so much.  Depsite slipping approval ratings (currently at about 15%), the longer this election took to happen, the more time President Musharraf had to rig the election.  So much effort was put into rigging this election that the largest group that monitors the election has pulled out citing a prohibition Musharraf put on exit polling and a fear for their safety.
 
 What is needed is a two-thirds majority for PPP and PLM-N to overturn all the Constitutional changes Musharraf made to maintain power, and all the polls indicate this will happen.
 
 But the reality is it won't happen.  There will be violence on Monday, and that will be cited for "discrepancies" in the election process.  The turnout will officially be declared lower than what the PPP and PLM-N will argue were the actual numbers, and Musharraf will delcare himself the winner (with the help of his spies, of course).
 
 If you think the election upheval in Kenya is bad - wait until Tuesday morning.  I'd love to be wrong on this one, but Democracy in Pakistan is still a pipe dream.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2008, 03:13:00 pm
Is MySpace Good for Society? A Freakonomics Quorum (http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/15/is-myspace-good-for-society-a-freakonomics-quorum/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 15, 2008, 03:25:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 If you think the election upheval in Kenya is bad - wait until Tuesday morning.  I'd love to be wrong on this one, but Democracy in Pakistan is still a pipe dream.
At least the Pakistanis dress well when they riot
 
  <img src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2007/0711/wpakistan_1119.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
  <img src="http://www.foxnews.com/photoessay/photoessay_1514_images/0312071051_M_031207_pakistan.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2008, 03:49:00 pm
This is quickly becoming Smackie's worst prediction.  Ever.
 
 Wal-Mart to only sell Blu-ray DVDs (http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSWEN397220080215)
 Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:22pm EST
 
 NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc on Friday said it plans to exclusively back the Blu-ray high definition movie format, the latest blow to the rival HD DVD camp backed by Toshiba Corp.
 
 In a statement on it Web site, Wal-Mart said that over the next few months it will phase out sales of HD DVD systems and discs, and by June will sell only Blu-ray products.
 
 The decision marks the third retailer this week to turn its back on HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray, which was developed by Sony Corp.
 
 (Reporting by Franklin Paul; editing by Phil Berlowitz)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: beetsnotbeats on February 15, 2008, 04:01:00 pm
Don't feel so bad. After all, this is the first time Sony's ever won a format war.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2008, 06:33:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
 
  Sprint's Limited WiMAX Launch Imminent (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142475-pg,1/article.html)
 
Intel to rescue my secret plan?
 
 Report: Intel will put $2B in Sprint-Clearwire WiMax effort (http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/02/11/daily53.html?f=et87&ana=e_du)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2008, 08:57:00 pm
Dear Gov. Huckabee:
 
 It has come to my attention that your campaignâ??s use of my song More Than a Feeling (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AlzsP4jN1E) and my bandâ??s name BOSTON has resulted in a great deal of false information, which it now appears may exist permanently on the Internet.
 
 While Iâ??m flattered that you are fond of my song, Iâ??m shocked that you would use it and the name BOSTON to promote yourself without my consent.
 
 Your campaignâ??s use of More Than a Feeling, coupled with the representation of one of your supporters as a member â??of BOSTONâ?ť clearly implies that the band BOSTON, and specifically one of its members, has endorsed your candidacy, neither of which is true.
 
 I wrote and arranged More Than a Feeling, engineered and produced the recording, and actually played all the guitars on that BOSTON hit as well as most of BOSTONâ??s songs, not the person holding a guitar in your promotion who identified himself as being â??of BOSTON.â?ť Your claim that this was â??the guy who originally did itâ?ť is a bit mystifying since he never played on that recording, nor has he been â??of BOSTONâ?ť since he left my band over a quarter century ago, after performing with us for only three years.
 
 BOSTON has never endorsed a political candidate, and with all due respect, would not start by endorsing a candidate who is the polar opposite of most everything BOSTON stands for. In fact, although Iâ??m impressed you learned my bass guitar part on More Than a Feeling, I am an Obama supporter.
 
 While this may seem like a little thing to you, BOSTON has been my lifeâ??s work. I hold the trademark to the name and my reputation is inexorably tied to it.
 
 By using my song, and my bandâ??s name BOSTON, you have taken something of mine and used it to promote ideas to which I am opposed. In other words, I think Iâ??ve been ripped off, dude!
 
 The unfortunate misconceptions caused by your campaign now live indefinitely on Internet news sites and blog archives.
 
 As the â??straight talk candidate,â?ť I hope you will help undo the damage still being caused by this misleading use of BOSTON and More Than a Feeling.
 
 Still evolving,
 Tom Scholz for BOSTON
 
 Smackie doesn't make this stuff up. (http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/02/14/more-than-a-feeling-writer-says-mike-huckabee-has-caused-him-damage/?utm_source=weekly-newsletter&utm_medium=email)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on February 16, 2008, 11:58:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  BOSTON has never endorsed a political candidate, and with all due respect, would not start by endorsing a candidate who is the polar opposite of most everything BOSTON stands for. In fact, although Iâ??m impressed you learned my bass guitar part on More Than a Feeling, I am an Obama supporter.
 
What? "BOSTON" stands for empty platitudes, vague promises and being endorsed by Oprah?
 
 Brian
 
 P.S.  Pluys everyone know's "More Than A Feeling" rips off "Smells Like Teen Spirit."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 17, 2008, 03:03:00 am
next segment in "things sweetcell thinks smackie should know" -  Enough Spice? (http://www.pollstar.com/news/viewnews.pl?NewsID=9411)
 "Papers including the Sunday Mirror and the Daily Mail said sales in China, Australia, South Africa and Argentina are so poor that it's not worth playing those territories."
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
 P.S.  Pluys everyone know's "More Than A Feeling" rips off "Smells Like Teen Spirit."
indeed!  that, and rock n roll was born yesterday.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on February 17, 2008, 04:49:00 pm
Toshiba considering stopping HD-DVD (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/02/16/international/i211106S87.DTL)
 
 Report: Toshiba May End HD DVD Format
 
 Saturday, February 16, 2008
 
 (02-16) 21:29 PST TOKYO, Japan (AP) --
 
 Japanese electronics maker Toshiba might withdraw its HD DVD next-generation video format, Kyodo News agency reported Saturday.
 
 The report cited unidentified individuals from the industry as saying Toshiba Corp. is reviewing its operations, with the timing of the withdrawal to be decided later, depending on U.S. demand for its HD DVD products and other factors.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 18, 2008, 02:22:00 pm
There'a a new country today:  welcome Kosovo to the world. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/world/europe/19kosovo.html?ex=1361077200&en=1f8c01df722125a1&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)
 
 I'm happy to announce that I'm partially responsible for this during my tenure in DC.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 18, 2008, 02:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  Toshiba considering stopping HD-DVD (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/02/16/international/i211106S87.DTL)  
That didn't shock me as much as this one:
 
 Microsoft Readying Blu-Ray Player for 360? (http://blogs.pcworld.com/gameon/archives/006503.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 18, 2008, 03:40:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  But the reality is it won't happen.  There will be violence on Monday, and that will be cited for "discrepancies" in the election process.  The turnout will officially be declared lower than what the PPP and PLM-N will argue were the actual numbers, and Musharraf will delcare himself the winner (with the help of his spies, of course).
Maybe I should stick to predicting Foreign Elections:
 
 Winners Uncertain as Violence Pakistani Vote (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/world/asia/19pstan.html?ex=1361077200&en=0969be922ea4a9b9&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 19, 2008, 11:50:00 am
beating smackie to the punch, which isn't really fair since he's probably not awake yet:
 
 Castro resigns as president, state-run paper reports (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/02/19/castro/index.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: beetsnotbeats on February 19, 2008, 11:59:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  beating smackie to the punch, which isn't really fair since he's probably not awake yet:
 
 Castro resigns as president, state-run paper reports (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/02/19/castro/index.html)
How long before Dubya takes credit?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 19, 2008, 12:10:00 pm
I think vansmack is probably busy with this (http://media.nymag.com/fashion/08/spring/44247/).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on February 19, 2008, 12:46:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?˘:
  I think vansmack is probably busy with this (http://media.nymag.com/fashion/08/spring/44247/).
Hey!  NSFW!  But they are real, and they are spectacular!
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 19, 2008, 12:48:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  Hey!  NSFW!
Sorry.  I didn't actually watch the slideshow.  I assumed they were all merely "suggestive" like the one in the main article.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 19, 2008, 01:06:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?˘:
  I think vansmack is probably busy with this (http://media.nymag.com/fashion/08/spring/44247/).
My head nearly exploded this morning!
 
 When I saw that on E! News, Castro resigning, and Musharraf agreeing to abide by the election, I thought for the sure the world was coming to an end!  Add to that the First Knock out Round of the Champions League and it's like Christmas in February!
 
 This is going to take a lot of breaking down.  Where do I start?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 19, 2008, 01:12:00 pm
the nipples
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on February 19, 2008, 01:33:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?˘:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  Hey!  NSFW!
Sorry.  I didn't actually watch the slideshow.[/b]
you were just clicking on it for the article, right?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 19, 2008, 03:33:00 pm
Loving ESPN's Spring Training Blog (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=spring_training).
 
 This story was my favorite so far.  A "friend" huh?  I think I know what really happened....
 
 FREAK INJURY FOR PENCE (10:52 a.m. ET)
  Right fielder Hunter Pence crashed through a sliding glass door in the bathroom of his spring training home, leaving him with multiple cuts that will sideline him for a week.
 
 Pence spent the night in an emergency room after the incident Monday evening. He arrived at camp Tuesday with a gash on his right index finger and a brace on his left knee.
 
 "It's pretty silly that this kind of a freak accident happened," Pence said.
 
 Pence said he was in a hot tub at the home where he's staying and got out to use the bathroom. He had left the door open, but didn't noticed that a friend had just closed it. He hit it with his shoulder, leg and head and it shattered.
 
 "Having seen him run and hit two days ago, I don't anticipate that missing a week in February is going to affect him at all come March 31st in San Diego," general manager Ed Wade told ESPN.com.
 -- The Associated Press and ESPN.com's Jayson Stark
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 19, 2008, 03:36:00 pm
Though we saw this coming within days of my prediction, I am officially 0-1 on Tech Predictions for 2008.
 
 Toshiba Surrenders in High-Def DVD Format Wars (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9874199-7.html?tag=nefd.lede)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 25, 2008, 01:24:00 pm
Even though Broken Hearted Fixer Hoover Sucker Guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK1Et9Gh2XE) should have been the nominee, I'm super happy for Glen!  And way cool of the Academy Awards to let Marketa back on stage to say thanks.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 25, 2008, 02:07:00 pm
Blaming Pakistan is becoming so passe....
 
 YouTube blames Pakistan network for 2-hour outage (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9877614-7.html?part=dht&tag=nl.e703)
 
 This made it exceptionally difficult for Smackette to look for the photos of Eduardo's broken leg and Zednik's sliced artery.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 25, 2008, 04:40:00 pm
Some people accuse me of being obsessed with Pakistan (it's not true, I'm obsessed with Turkey, actually), but this is an insult to Pakistan in the worst way.  I wouldn't call my worst enemy Alabama....
 
 February 25, 2008,  1:03 pm
 Media Blackout Update: Pakistan and Alabama? (http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/media-blackout-update-pakistan-and-alabama/index.html?ex=1361595600&en=4139a18d8f84867f&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)
 By Mike Nizza
 
 Governments that try to keep a firm grip on information flow in their countries, like the Kremlin, have used â??technical problemsâ?ť as an excuse to shut out unwelcome content on the Web and television. But could it have happened in the United States?
 
 A controversy has been brewing on the Web since a â??60 Minutesâ?ť segment failed to appear on a CBS affiliated TV station in Alabama last night. The report covered a bitter flashpoint between Democrats and the Bush administration: the case of Don Siegelman, a former Democratic governor of Alabama who was jailed for corruption last June.
 
 As always, there's more, but this time, it's little more juicy... (http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/media-blackout-update-pakistan-and-alabama/index.html?ex=1361595600&en=4139a18d8f84867f&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 26, 2008, 06:42:00 pm
in case smacks needed a reason to break out the champagne:
 
 Daydream Nation, Soon to Be a Teen Comedy Movie Starring That Girl From "Heroes" (http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/48568-idaydream-nationi-soon-to-be-a-teen-comedy-movie-starring-that-girl-from-heroes)  
  <img src="http://assets3.pitchforkmedia.com/images/image/44767.haydreamnationsm.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 26, 2008, 10:29:00 pm
i'm fairly positive that smackie wants everyone to know about  this (http://www.dateacougar.com/).  generally safe fer work, unless you can't look at the front page of a dating site... not sure about what's behind the front page, tho.  best line on that page: "All models were 18 or older at the time the photos or videos were taken".  i should hope so, and by a safe margin.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 27, 2008, 01:23:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  A quick Russia update before I go back to wokring on my last tech prediction...
 
 By now you've likely heard that Vladmir Putin has chosen the next President of Russia, Dmitri Nedvedev (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/world/europe/11russia.html).  And just today Dmitri returned the favor by announcing that Putin would be named Nedvedev's Premiere (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/world/europe/12russia.html?hp).  
 
 Nedvedev is a weak leader and it can be assumed that Putin will still be calling the shots.  One thing that's underscored in his credentials is his Chairmanship of Gazprom (appointed there by Putin) - Gazprom calls the shots for Russian energy policy, the main source of Russia's recent resurgence.  Putin has been calling the shots for Nedvedev in Gazprom for some time now.  I expect little will be different in Russia between the Premiere and the President.
 
 Expect one of two things to happen in the first half of 2008:
 
 (1) That Putin, as Premiere will begin to assume the roles of President by changes in the Constitution, most notably the Defense and Intelligence units.  Or...
 
 (2) Nevedev gets drafted by the Red Wings, leaves his post as President, and a non-elected Putin assumes the role, circumventing the Constitution.  While the Red Wings thing is obviously a joke, I'm not ruling this scenario out.
Smackie thinks that both Democratic candidates need to start paying more attention to this thread.
 
 Embarrassing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 27, 2008, 01:25:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  i'm fairly positive that smackie wants everyone to know about  this (http://www.dateacougar.com/).  
100% Smackie Approved.  I've been really busy this week but I appreciate sweetcell looking out for my constant readers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 27, 2008, 01:52:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  A quick Russia update before I go back to wokring on my last tech prediction...
 
 By now you've likely heard that Vladmir Putin has chosen the next President of Russia, Dmitri Nedvedev (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/world/europe/11russia.html).  And just today Dmitri returned the favor by announcing that Putin would be named Nedvedev's Premiere (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/world/europe/12russia.html?hp).  
 
 Nedvedev is a weak leader and it can be assumed that Putin will still be calling the shots.  One thing that's underscored in his credentials is his Chairmanship of Gazprom (appointed there by Putin) - Gazprom calls the shots for Russian energy policy, the main source of Russia's recent resurgence.  Putin has been calling the shots for Nedvedev in Gazprom for some time now.  I expect little will be different in Russia between the Premiere and the President.
 
 Expect one of two things to happen in the first half of 2008:
 
 (1) That Putin, as Premiere will begin to assume the roles of President by changes in the Constitution, most notably the Defense and Intelligence units.  Or...
 
 (2) Nevedev gets drafted by the Red Wings, leaves his post as President, and a non-elected Putin assumes the role, circumventing the Constitution.  While the Red Wings thing is obviously a joke, I'm not ruling this scenario out.
Smackie thinks that both Democratic candidates need to start paying more attention to this thread.
 
 Embarrassing. [/b]
What was embarassing was Hillary's George W. Bush-like mangling of his name; followed by an oh-so-presidential exclamation of "whatever..."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 27, 2008, 05:12:00 pm
This is one of the best discussions about Hollywood's reluctance and excitement about the internet.
 
 The internet could be a boon for Hollywoodâ??but only if it can conquer its fears (http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10723360)[/url]
 Feb 21st 2008
 From The Economist print edition
 
 It was my first exposure to the Movie Key flash based kiosk model (http://www.movie-key.com/index.htm) (although I remember seeing them in an airport and thought it could be interesting), but I still think the online distribution model is the way to go.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 28, 2008, 06:07:00 pm
I had nothing to do with this (but I wish I had):
 
 San Francisco Law School Comes to Aid of Students Accused of Copyright Infringement (http://chronicle.com/wiredcampus/index.php?id=2783&utm_source=wc&utm_medium=en)
 
 Another law school clinic is assisting college students who have been accused of swapping music files online in violation of copyright law. Students taking part in an intellectual-property project of the University of San Francisco School of Law are counseling some students at the university and at San Francisco State University on how to respond to letters they have received from the Recording Industry Association of America, accusing them of copyright infringement.
 
 The law students, under the tutelage of Robert E. Talbot, a law professor, are explaining to the accused college students their rights, and whether they can bring an effective defense against the recording-industry group, according to an article (http://www.usfca.edu/law/news/stories/riaa.html) published last week by the law school. The law students also are helping Ray Beckerman (http://www.vanfeliu.com/attorneyProfile-Beckerman.htm), a New York lawyer and blogger, defend people sued by the industry group throughout the country.
 
 â??The RIAA is using heavy-handed tactics that some of the law students feel border on extortion,â?ť Mr. Talbot says in the article.
 
 Law students with the University of Maineâ??s Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic have gone a step further, actually representing students who are singled out by the Recording Industry Association of America.â??-Andrea L. Foster
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 29, 2008, 08:11:00 pm
Artists to music labels: Where's our Napster money? (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9882624-7.html?part=dht&tag=nl.e703)
 
 So what happened to all the settlement money ($370 Million) that Napster and Kazaa were forced to pay the record labels?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 03, 2008, 02:30:00 pm
The reality is that this is likely a huge test for Sarkozy (I don't think Bush can help him here, and I don't see a strong South American leader who can step in), but this is not good news for the region.  It could put democracy so far back in the region...
 
 Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia seek support in crisis (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/03/AR2008030301300.html)
 
 By Jorge Silva
 Reuters
 Monday, March 3, 2008; 11:36 AM
 
 SAN ANTONIO, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia all sought international backing on Monday in a crisis that raised the specter of war after Venezuela and Ecuador deployed troops to the Colombian border.
 
 The crisis erupted after Colombia bombed and sent troops inside Ecuador in a weekend raid that killed a Colombian rebel leader in his jungle camp in a major blow to Latin America's oldest guerrilla insurgency.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 03, 2008, 11:11:00 pm
smakie - HELP!  i'm told that, for music lovers like us, the following picture has a very pertinent message:
 
   <img src="http://b3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00963/30/23/963413203_l.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 but i have NO idea what it is.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 03, 2008, 11:20:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  smakie - HELP!  i'm told that, for music lovers like us, the following picture has a very pertinent message:
 
 but i have NO idea what it is.
I don't know, it's just so hard to focus on the hidden message....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 04, 2008, 01:01:00 am
i think the secret is to stare long enough.  so far, nothing.  but i'll keep at it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 06, 2008, 03:12:00 pm
AT&Ts 3G network won't be enough, but if this part comes to fruition with the 3G network, I think it's game over in the wireless world.
 
 Apple takes iPhone corporate in a big way (http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=8179)
 
 Seriously?  Exchange support?  Now all I need is a slingbox player for the 3G network iPhone and they've met all of my concerns about the iPhone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 06, 2008, 04:44:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Artists to music labels: Where's our Napster money? (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9882624-7.html?part=dht&tag=nl.e703)
 
 So what happened to all the settlement money ($370 Million) that Napster and Kazaa were forced to pay the record labels?
A continuation...
 
 Artists to music lables: Where's our YouTube money? (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9887167-7.html?part=dht&tag=nl.e703)
 
 Some top music managers have told CNET News.com that their clients haven't seen any money from the licensing deals the four largest music labels have signed with YouTube over the past 18 months. According to a statement from Google-owned YouTube, the Web site is banking ad dollars generated by the artist's music and is sharing that money with the record labels. What the managers want to know is why little or nothing has trickled down to the artists.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 06, 2008, 11:28:00 pm
if pakistan can do it... so can india.  USA need not apply.
 
  India Gets WiMax (http://www.forbes.com/2008/03/04/india-wimax-mobile-tech-wire-cx_ew_0304india.html)
   
Quote
(...)
 
 Access will cost about $25 a month, which Prasad says is on par with wireline service.
 
 (...)
 
 Being first to market with a robust WiMax network could put an Indian stamp on the technology, says Sharma. He compares it to the support Europe and the U.S. have given to the cellular technologies GSM and CDMA. "India will take the lead in establishing WiMax as an Indian standard and a disruptive technology," he says.
 
 Problems besetting Sprint Nextel, WiMax's main champion in the U.S., mean Americans will have to wait to see a similar network. Says Ayvazian, "I'm not sure the U.S. will get anything significant out of [the Tata project] other than seeing how to rapidly deploy it in multiple cities."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 10, 2008, 06:09:00 pm
March Madness on Demand is 75% full (http://ncaasports.com/mmod/welcome)
 
 I'd sign up now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 11, 2008, 12:28:00 pm
The Democrats: "Wine-track vs. "Beer-Track" (http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10808693)
 
 The contenders are battling over the soul of the Democratic Party

 
 A famous political distinction exists between â??wine-trackâ?ť and â??beer-trackâ?ť Democrats. Wine-track Democrats have traditionally supported reform-minded liberals such as Gary Hart and Paul Tsongas. Beer-track Democrats have preferred more practical-minded pols.
 
 Part of Bill Clinton's genius was to bring the wine-drinkers and beer-drinkers together. This was, after all, a man who went to Yale and Oxford but who grew up the child of a widow in the backwoods of Arkansas. Yet this year's Democratic primaries have burst the party asunder once again.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 11, 2008, 12:45:00 pm
heh, i like both beer and wine, but no hard alcohol
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 11, 2008, 12:53:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  heh, i like both beer and wine, but no hard alcohol
Lately, I've begun to drink equal amounts beer and wine, but the hard alcohol ban still exists for past sins.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 11, 2008, 12:58:00 pm
i miss scotch a bit, but i suppose its for the best
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 11, 2008, 02:03:00 pm
really?  not even cognac?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on March 11, 2008, 02:06:00 pm
I drink only from a very select list of spirits (available upon request), none of which are beer. So, I guess, I'm a wine-track guy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 11, 2008, 02:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i miss scotch a bit, but i suppose its for the best
The fact that that was post #500 in the things I think you all need to know it absolutely appropriate.  Better yet that is wasn't from me.
 
 And yes sweetcell, the ban applies to cognac too.  I can usually get special dispensation for cognac, but why waste it?  When I can have the 12 year old Tullamore, I drink the Dew.
 
 Believe us when we say it's for the best.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on March 11, 2008, 02:14:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 Believe us when we say it's for the best.
false!  it's totally awesome walking down the middle of the street at 2 in the morning. . .at least the cable cars had stopped running, that would have been a problem.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 12, 2008, 12:29:00 pm
TVs reinforced for those smashing Wii games (http://technology.newscientist.com/article/mg19726465.800-tvs-reinforced-for-those-smashing-wii-games.html)
 
 "Wii have a problem but we have a solution," jokes the Panasonic engineer. The problem is that gamers using the Nintendo Wii are smashing plasma TV screens if the remote slips from their grasp mid-game. The company's answer is to reinforce the screens by applying old-style TV tube-making technology.
 
 Old-fashioned cathode-ray tubes contain a vacuum, so they have to be made from a thick toughened glass to ensure they don't implode. Modern plasma and LCD screens have only a thin glass faceplate because although the cells inside the screen have to be protected from the air, they do not need a vacuum. So gamers using the motion-sensitive Wii remote to play tennis or golf games can crack the screen and ruin an expensive TV if they lose their grip.
 
 The Solution... (http://technology.newscientist.com/article/mg19726465.800-tvs-reinforced-for-those-smashing-wii-games.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 12, 2008, 12:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  false!  it's totally awesome walking down the middle of the street at 2 in the morning. . .at least the cable cars had stopped running, that would have been a problem.
Remaining safe and getting home are not the problem.  It's the Sternal Rub (http://randomreality.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2005/9/20/1242909.html)!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 12, 2008, 12:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  TVs reinforced for those smashing Wii games (http://technology.newscientist.com/article/mg19726465.800-tvs-reinforced-for-those-smashing-wii-games.html)
 
 "Wii have a problem but we have a solution," jokes the Panasonic engineer. The problem is that gamers using the Nintendo Wii are smashing plasma TV screens if the remote slips from their grasp mid-game. The company's answer is to reinforce the screens by applying old-style TV tube-making technology.
 
 Old-fashioned cathode-ray tubes contain a vacuum, so they have to be made from a thick toughened glass to ensure they don't implode. Modern plasma and LCD screens have only a thin glass faceplate because although the cells inside the screen have to be protected from the air, they do not need a vacuum. So gamers using the motion-sensitive Wii remote to play tennis or golf games can crack the screen and ruin an expensive TV if they lose their grip.
 
 The Solution... (http://technology.newscientist.com/article/mg19726465.800-tvs-reinforced-for-those-smashing-wii-games.html)
this is my greatest fear. glad my 52 inch lcd made it through my scottish cup run unscathed. i had issues with rangers and celtic
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 13, 2008, 02:50:00 pm
If this is true (and I don't beleive that it is) this would be a brilliant move on their part and could propel the HD download model to the forefront, far faster than Apple TV's 720 box.  I would be oh so happy!  
 
 Microsoft Not Discussing Blu-ray On Xbox 360 (http://www.informationweek.com/hardware/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=206903522)
 
 Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) is not in talks to add Blu-ray high-definition technology in the Xbox 360, an executive with the software maker told a British news agency on Wednesday.
 
 The comments of Aaron Greenberg, group product manager for the videogame console, to Reuters put a damper on reports that Microsoft would turn to Sony-backed Blu-ray following the demise of the rival format HD DVD.
 
 "Xbox is not currently in talks with Sony or the Blu-ray Association to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience," Greenberg told Reuters in a Wednesday interview.
 
 There's more... (http://www.informationweek.com/hardware/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=206903522)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 18, 2008, 01:57:00 pm
I'm spending the day at an entertainment industry conference and the speaker is talking about the market share of Walmart in DVD sales and the role they played in the HD-DVD/Blu-Ray format war.
 
 Then it occured to me that the same argument can be made about Apple and its market share for digital downloads.  It's no wonder that hollywood hasn't embraced the digital download model for its movies - who wants to be beholden to Apple (read: Jobs) when it comes to digital distribution?  The music industry has well documented the history of its struggles with Apple and it's proprietray DRM and hollywood likely wants no part of it.  Apple only has deals with Disney, where Jobs is coincidentally the largest shareholder.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 18, 2008, 03:06:00 pm
I'm taking a bow here.  
 
 This conference just had people stand up if they played video games.  I was the only one standing after the question "who plays video games more than 6 hours a week?" was asked.  I was prepared to stand a lot longer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on March 18, 2008, 03:27:00 pm
How does that conference tie in with your work at a university?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I'm spending the day at an entertainment industry conference and the speaker is talking about the market share of Walmart in DVD sales and the role they played in the HD-DVD/Blu-Ray format war.
 
 Then it occured to me that the same argument can be made about Apple and its market share for digital downloads.  It's no wonder that hollywood hasn't embraced the digital download model for its movies - who wants to be beholden to Apple (read: Jobs) when it comes to digital distribution?  The music industry has well documented the history of its struggles with Apple and it's proprietray DRM and hollywood likely wants no part of it.  Apple only has deals with Disney, where Jobs is coincidentally the largest shareholder.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 19, 2008, 01:16:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  How does that conference tie in with your work at a university?
Workforce Development.  We actually sponsored the conference to hear from Digital Media companies about how we can better prepare our graduates for the future workforce.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on March 19, 2008, 01:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I'm taking a bow here.  
 
 This conference just had people stand up if they played video games.  I was the only one standing after the question "who plays video games more than 6 hours a week?" was asked.  I was prepared to stand a lot longer.
I'd be so ashamed if I were you.  But hey, if you want to act like an extra in "Make Love, Not Warcraft" go right ahead.  That's pathetic.  You're an adult and you play more than six hours a week of video games?!?!?!  Your wife's a doctor and she stays with you?  I haven't played six hours of video games in my LIFE.
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 19, 2008, 03:16:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
 I haven't played six hours of video games in my LIFE.
not surprising.  between complaining and re-hasing your over-used "hate anything pre-2002, love MCR" routine, i can't see how you could have done anything for more than 6 hours in your life - exception made for sleeping,  and annoying/boring people.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on March 19, 2008, 03:19:00 pm
I'll bet the 50,000 times he's masturbated in his life would add up to 6 hours or so.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
 I haven't played six hours of video games in my LIFE.
not surprising.  other than complaining and calling on your over-used "hate anything pre-2002, love MCR" routine, i'd be shocked if you've done anything for more than 6 hours (other than sleep and annoy or bore people). [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 19, 2008, 03:36:00 pm
6 hours = 21600 seconds... for 50k wack-offs.
 
 forget being a minute-man - our walalce is a sub-second man!  but it's less embarrassing than playing video games, right brian?
 
 add that to his delightful disposition and the numerous different topics of conversation he seems so versed in, and we have a real winner with the ladies.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 19, 2008, 04:31:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  I'd be so ashamed if I were you.  
First off, you're not capable of being me.
 
 But here's a little suggested reading nonetheless:
 
   <img src="http://interactive.usc.edu/members/mtuters/everything.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on March 20, 2008, 08:01:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
  I'd be so ashamed if I were you.  
First off, you're not capable of being me.
 
 But here's a little suggested reading nonetheless:
 
    <img src="http://interactive.usc.edu/members/mtuters/everything.jpg" alt=" - " /> [/b]
Jesus, if you believe that "playing video games makes us smarter" crap, then I think you're even MORE pathetic.  Anything to justify playing "Call of War" or whatever, huh?  Doesn't it ever get boring?  Doesn't it bother you that you vicariously control people doing things in a video game that you can't do in real life?  Most men used to play football.  Then most men started just  watching football.  Then, (era of video games) most "men" (really 12 year-olds, despite the real age) started "playing" simulated versions of football.  And now, we have people watching others play simulated versions  of football ("Madden Nation.)  No wonder your wife lets you go to strip clubs.  You not a real big  participant in life are you, vansmack?  You prefer to just watch and offer commentary.
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on March 20, 2008, 12:09:00 pm
i seriously hope this make BW's head explode... (hint it also means that i too often play video games more than six hours a week and just got the replacement Guitar Hero III disc in the mail)
 
 but I routinely will play a nintendo DS games while also watching TV...  there is nothing like battling lego stormtroppers while watching the daily show on the dvr...
 
 (another hint, i'm not looking for anything more than a little escapism, fun, etc when playing video games)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 20, 2008, 12:20:00 pm
brian, you should hang out with slappy.  you could both be miserable and lash out at the world together.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on March 20, 2008, 12:26:00 pm
don't be so harsh on slappy, he's at least been able to liven up the board of late and IMHO most of his shtick is tongue and cheek... BW just wants me watch even more VH1 celebreality shows and continue to destroy the fabric of society.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on March 20, 2008, 01:40:00 pm
What are you escaping from?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  i seriously hope this make BW's head explode... (hint it also means that i too often play video games more than six hours a week and just got the replacement Guitar Hero III disc in the mail)
 
 but I routinely will play a nintendo DS games while also watching TV...  there is nothing like battling lego stormtroppers while watching the daily show on the dvr...
 
 (another hint, i'm not looking for anything more than a little escapism, fun, etc when playing video games)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on March 20, 2008, 01:41:00 pm
You think being a 9:30 BBS moderator is easy work????
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  What are you escaping from?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on March 20, 2008, 03:31:00 pm
Occasionally I like to escape to a land where I can rescue a princess....
 
 And for anyone of you who have even played a Zelda game, this Robot Chicken parody is sure to make you laugh!
 
 http://kotaku.com/gaming/truth-hurts/robot-chicken-questions-links-chivalry-298176.php (http://kotaku.com/gaming/truth-hurts/robot-chicken-questions-links-chivalry-298176.php)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2008, 12:07:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
    You not a real big  participant in life are you, vansmack?
Well, what would be your gauge?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2008, 12:20:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  Occasionally I like to escape to a land where I can rescue a princess....
 
 And for anyone of you who have even played a Zelda game, this Robot Chicken parody is sure to make you laugh!
 
  http://kotaku.com/gaming/truth-hurts/robot-chicken-questions-links-chivalry-298176.php (http://kotaku.com/gaming/truth-hurts/robot-chicken-questions-links-chivalry-298176.php)
Ha.  Nice.
 
 My favorite comment: "Plus I think it's bs that Link's still a virgin. You know he was kickin' it with Saria in the Lost Woods from Ocarina."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2008, 03:26:00 pm
If this has been discussed on the board, my apologies.
 
 If it hasn't, it should be.
 
 http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/ (http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 21, 2008, 03:39:00 pm
i've been called out on this one
 http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/80-the-idea-of-soccer/ (http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/80-the-idea-of-soccer/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: beetsnotbeats on March 21, 2008, 03:46:00 pm
Boffins stretch Wi-Fi signals to 100km (http://www.techworld.com/news/index.cfm?RSS&NewsID=11774)
 
 By John E. Dunn, Techworld
 
 Intelâ??s researchers have come up with a way to send Wi-Fi signals up to 60 miles (100km), while maintaining a usable throughput of up to 6.5Mbits/s.
 
 According to MITâ??s Technology Review, the system is known as the 'rural connectivity platform' (RCP) for the way it can, at relatively low cost, connect towns to out-of-the-way locations otherwise bypassed by new communication technologies.
 
 This is to be more than a lab engineerâ??s daydream and has been field tested in India, Panama, Vietnam and South Africa.

 
 cont.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2008, 03:56:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by beetsnotbeats:
  Boffins stretch Wi-Fi signals to 100km (http://www.techworld.com/news/index.cfm?RSS&NewsID=11774)
 
 
Good lord, if I could get wi-fi of 6.5Mbits/s in my apt I'd be stoked, let alone over 100km.
 
 But truthfully, if they're working on wi-fi at that range they're wasting their time.  Wi-Max is reaching speeds of nearly a Gig at equal or further distances.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2008, 03:57:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i've been called out on this one
  http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/80-the-idea-of-soccer/ (http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/80-the-idea-of-soccer/)
I have never once set foot in Manchester.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 21, 2008, 04:14:00 pm
i've never been tyneside. i just liked that they had england's captain and an awesome beer on their shirt
 
 and i think my cable bill speaks for itself. but, if anyone calls me out again, i'll give them a five minute speach about charles n'zogbia's proper position
 
 (its not left back)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 21, 2008, 04:17:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i've been called out on this one
   http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/80-the-idea-of-soccer/ (http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/80-the-idea-of-soccer/)  
I have never once set foot in Manchester. [/b]
wait, youve been like everywhere in the world
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 21, 2008, 04:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 Good lord, if I could get wi-fi of 6.5Mbits/s in my apt I'd be stoked, let alone over 100km.
i'm sure you're aware that you are getting 6.5 if not more - between your computer and the router (even 802.11b peaks at 11 Mbit/s).  the bottleneck is from router to the intertubes.  so rural folks probably won't be getting 6.5 connection to the outside world, only 6.5 to the connection point.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2008, 04:26:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  wait, youve been like everywhere in the world
I, too, see the irony.  
 
 I've even been to Liverpool but wasn't able to make it over to Manchester.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2008, 04:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  i'm sure you're aware that you are getting 6.5 if not more -
Actually, I misread it in my haste this afternoon and thought it was 6.5MB's (bytes, not bits).
 
 Thanks for catching that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 22, 2008, 01:02:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  Occasionally I like to escape to a land where I can rescue a princess....
in which case you need to  check this out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uZr3JWYdy8).  c'mon, you know you want to...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 23, 2008, 02:15:00 pm
I'm going to save everybody from my annual thread praising the Original London Concept of Jesus Christ Superstar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ_Superstar#Music).  Murray Head, Ian Gillian, Gary Glitter, Yvonne Elliman....the movie pales in comparison to this version.
 
 Happy Easter.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 24, 2008, 04:40:00 pm
Just in time for my new car...
 
 Sirius Purchase of Rival XM Approved by Justice Dept. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/24/business/24radio-web.html?ex=1364097600&en=1bd64b38305057c6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)
 
 Honestly, I thought this would take a lot longer...now what will the FCC do???
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on March 24, 2008, 06:39:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Just in time for my new car...
 
 Sirius Purchase of Rival XM Approved by Justice Dept. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/24/business/24radio-web.html?ex=1364097600&en=1bd64b38305057c6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)
 
 Honestly, I thought this would take a lot longer...now what will the FCC do???
Well that answers that then. I won't be getting sattelite radio at all now..up go the fees and down go the commercial free channels.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on March 24, 2008, 06:45:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  wait, youve been like everywhere in the world
I, too, see the irony.  
 
 I've even been to Liverpool but wasn't able to make it over to Manchester. [/b]
Wait - you went to Liverpool before you went to Manchester!!!   :eek:  What the fuck!!!  :eek:  and you call yourself a United fan....  :eek:
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 24, 2008, 07:22:00 pm
Australian Company Calls WiMax a Disaster
 
 Disaster. Miserable failure. Mired in opportunistic hype. Those were just a few of the descriptors Garth Freeman, the CEO of Australian company Buzz Broadband, recently used to characterize the next-generation wireless technology, WiMax.
 
 Based on a report from Commsday, an Australian telecom publication, things have not gone smoothly for the (former) WiMax operator since it first embraced the technology a little more than a year ago. Freeman made this fact abundantly clear to the international audience that assembled at a recent WiMAX conference in Bangkok.
 
  continued... (http://blog.wired.com/business/2008/03/australian-comp.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 25, 2008, 11:52:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  Australian Company Calls WiMax a Disaster
Those sound like many of the same criticisms AT&T made about 3G when it first came out (save for "who's going to use their phone to surf the internet?").  I have hope and faith that they'll work it out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 25, 2008, 11:56:00 am
Caught this at the newsstand yesterday.  Quite a fair read worthy of some debate:
 
 How Apple Got Everything Right By Doing Everything Wrong (http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/magazine/16-04/bz_apple#)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 25, 2008, 06:20:00 pm
Indian Blackberry network given 15 days to allow government snooping or shut down (http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/indian-blackberry-network-given-15-days-to-allow-government-snoo/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 25, 2008, 06:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  Indian Blackberry network given 15 days to allow government snooping or shut down (http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/indian-blackberry-network-given-15-days-to-allow-government-snoo/)
Sure would like to see RIM draw a line in the sand on this one, but can they really afford to miss out on such an emerging market?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 26, 2008, 12:23:00 pm
Somebody pinch me.  The Cable companies are doing something smart for once!
 
 Comcast and Time Warner to bankroll WiMax joint venture (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9903411-7.html?tag=nl.e703)
 
 How do the cable companies compete with 1 Gig Fiber to the home?  This is exactly how.  Smart move.  Can it deliver TV?  I'm not so sure, but it can certainly provide superfast internet to the home and guess where else?  Anywhere else in the city (or coverage area) I use my laptop/iPhone/super slick internet only computer for smackie that no one has built yet.  Fiber can't do that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 26, 2008, 03:30:00 pm
Spot On.  Other than iTunes (and I have plans to move that to a server based solution) my desktop is not used for anything that isn't browser based.
 
 Microsoft, Apple, and the death of the desktop (http://blogs.zdnet.com/Burnette/?p=555&tag=nl.e550)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 26, 2008, 07:18:00 pm
Oops.
 
 March 17 - LA Times: An attack on Tupac Shakur launched a hip-hop war (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-naw-quad17mar17,1,2767750.story[/url)
 
 March 26 - The Smoking Gun: BIG PHAT LIAR:
 How a federal inmate duped the Los Angeles Times, fabricated FBI reports, and linked Sean "Diddy" Combs to 1994 ambush of Tupac Shakur (http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0325081sabatino1.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on March 31, 2008, 08:19:00 pm
Will this be a dark day for Smackie?
 
 So does post Live Nation cease to exist?
 
  U2 signs deal with Live Nation (http://blog.wired.com/music/2008/03/u2-signs-deal-w.html)
 
 Although the band will still distribute its physical recordings through Universal Music Group, the band is letting the rapidly-diversifying concert promoter Live Nation handle its digital distribution, merchandise, and "branding rights" for the next 12 years.
 
 U2's move represents both a break from and embrace of the 360-degree deal concept. At a time when the labels and Live Nation are trying to sign artists to 360-degree deals that give companies a piece of just about every revenue stream leading to an artist, U2 has decided that it makes sense to let someone handle the distribution of T-shirts, lunchboxes, legos and digital files -- so long as that is not the same company that sells the band's CDs.
 
 Bono told BBC News that U2 has been in business with Live Nation for decades, an arrangement formalized by the deal. "We've been dating for over 20 years now. It's about time we tied the knot."
 
 ***
 
 No early april fools joke
 
 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7322106.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7322106.stm)
 http://www.nme.com/news/u2/35540 (http://www.nme.com/news/u2/35540)
 
 ***
 
 so will live nation make an effort to protect those digital distribution rights?  i.e. look deeper into torrent sites..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 01, 2008, 05:36:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  Will this be a dark day for Smackie?
 
 
I'll be stealing the next album.  Not sure I can skip a tour though, but we'll see.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 01, 2008, 05:39:00 pm
Smackie also wanted to let Shoeshine and Mankie know that he's not clicking on the Footie thread because he's about 30 minutes behind on the United match...will join the conversation shortly.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 01, 2008, 07:07:00 pm
you mean ManU's 2-0 victory over Roma?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 01, 2008, 07:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  you mean ManU's 2-0 victory over Roma?
I've killed men for less.  Just thought you should know that.
 
 Remember flawd and his ruining of Harry Potter 6?  Ever wonder why we haven't heard from him since before the release of Harry Potter 7?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 01, 2008, 07:20:00 pm
april fools!
 
 <hides>
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 02, 2008, 11:52:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
    I haven't played six hours of video games in my LIFE.
 
Point-Counterpoint
 
 Video games: I'll never buy one (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article3663097.ece)
 
 What video game haters don't want you to know (http://www.cnet.com/8301-13506_1-9909064-17.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 02, 2008, 12:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Smackie also wanted to let Shoeshine and Mankie know that he's not clicking on the Footie thread because he's about 30 minutes behind on the United match...will join the conversation shortly.
i had the first goal of a newcastle match spoiled for me a few weeks back by mank, and i didnt even click on the thread.   :o
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 03, 2008, 08:36:00 am
for long-time concert-goers with hearing damage: New Therapies Fight Phantom Noises of Tinnitus  (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/health/research/01tinn.html)
 
 (an alternative: wear  protection (http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx))
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 03, 2008, 12:05:00 pm
Actually, Smackie never wears ear protection to concerts.  To me, it's akin to going to a fine arts museum and wearing sunglasses.
 
 As a wise boardie once said, ear plugs are for the weak.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 03, 2008, 12:09:00 pm
For anybody who's ever lived in LA, or even visited for a while, this an enjoyably frustrating read....
 
 There can be few cities the size of Los Angeles where the prospect of a nine-storey office complex would cause such a fuss. But this one comes with a weighty expectation. At least some people are expected to get to it by public transport, or even on foot. (http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10924156)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 03, 2008, 12:11:00 pm
i wore ear plugs once to a dinosaur jr show
 
 it was the most deaf i've ever been after a show
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 03, 2008, 12:18:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 ear plugs are for the weak
... and the non-deaf  :)
 
 along with the risk of tinnitus, repeated exposure to loud music accelerated the rate at which you lose to the ability to hear high-frequency sounds.  a friend who works in recording studios has a t-shirt that reads "don't trust anyone who can't hear over 15 kHz".  that's pretty much everyone who doesn't wear ear protection at concerts.
 
 foam earplugs are indeed horrible, but etymotics do a good job of providing flat attenuation.  and at some shows (re: stooges), protection made the show bearable, from a ear-pain perspective.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 03, 2008, 12:26:00 pm
I'm not saying it's the right choice, but then again, I'm not known for always making the right choice.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 04, 2008, 04:23:00 pm
I always assumed this, but I never thought it was so drastic in SF.  The numbers in Baltimore and DC were surprising as well.
 
 Renting a Home is Cheaper than Buying it (http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/bythenumbers/011611.html)
 
 Although owning a home is the middle-class dream, it's probably cheaper to rent than to own a home in major California cities, even with the recent decline in the housing market.
 
 That's the conclusion of a new study on differentials between ownership and rental costs in 20 American cities -- including Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco -- that found ownership to be comparable to renting in just one, Houston. And that's true, the study found, even when the equity gains from home ownership are placed into the equation.
 
 The full report can be found Here (http://www.cepr.net/documents/publications/ownrent_2008_04.pdf). (PDF)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 04, 2008, 04:27:00 pm
what kind of place can you get in dc for $1185? our temporary place in reston was more than that
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on April 04, 2008, 04:28:00 pm
I dunno, I'd be hard pressed to find a four bedroom home in the burbs where the rental price would be less than my mortgage+property tax payment of my house in the burbs. And I've gotta think the net increase in rental rates will be  more in the next 26 years of payments than the net increase in property taxes.
 
  Sure, there's the cost of upkeep, but they seems a pretty cheap price for the equity gained.
 
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I always assumed this, but I never thought it was so drastic in SF.  The numbers in Baltimore and DC were surprising as well.
 
 Renting a Home is Cheaper than Buying it (http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/bythenumbers/011611.html)
 
 Although owning a home is the middle-class dream, it's probably cheaper to rent than to own a home in major California cities, even with the recent decline in the housing market.
 
 That's the conclusion of a new study on differentials between ownership and rental costs in 20 American cities -- including Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco -- that found ownership to be comparable to renting in just one, Houston. And that's true, the study found, even when the equity gains from home ownership are placed into the equation.
 
 The full report can be found Here (http://www.cepr.net/documents/publications/ownrent_2008_04.pdf). (PDF)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 07, 2008, 02:00:00 pm
CA Plan would tax music downloads (http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_8837145?nclick_check=1)
 
 STATE LAWMAKER MEETS CRITICISM IN EFFORT TO INCREASE REVENUE
 
 By Edwin Garcia
 Mercury News Sacramento Bureau
 Article Launched: 04/07/2008 01:30:50 AM PDT
 
 Apr 7:
 
 SACRAMENTO - Don't get too used to those 99-cent downloads from iTunes.
 
 A Los Angeles-area lawmaker trying to help raise money to delete the state government's $8 billion shortfall thinks consumers should pay sales tax when buying from online music stores.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 07, 2008, 03:14:00 pm
Pro-Tibet protesters climb Golden Gate Bridge tower (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/07/MN6L101A0U.DTL)
 Three people climb the suspension cables of the Golden Gate Bridge on Monday, April 7, 2008, in a protest aimed at drawing attention to Chinese human rights violations in Tibet. Chronicle photo by Frederic Larson
 
  <img src="http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2008/04/08/ba_protest_ggbridge_0150a_frl.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
  <img src="http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2008/04/07/ba_webcamprotestggbridge_040708kpix.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on April 07, 2008, 03:17:00 pm
There are lots of reasons to dislike China's government but the Tibet thing is such a ridiculous argument. Countries become part of other countries -- it happens. It's like going "FREE SOUTH VIETNAM".
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 09, 2008, 01:36:00 pm
This is an embarrassing read.  It makes me feel really old...it also helps explain Social D's Another State of Mind.  A bit anyway.
 
 My mate Joe Nelson on "The OC Sloth Crew (http://doublecrosswebzine.blogspot.com/2008/04/joe-nelson-on-oc-sloth-crew.html)"
 
 Our resident west coast connection, Joe Nelson, will continually appear here at Double Cross delivering more great stories and memories from the hardcore reality. Since most of his material will be Orange County related, what better way to get acquanited with his colorful cast of characters than by getting a thorough history on The Crew: The O.C. Sloth Crew. -DCXX
 
 More at DoubleCross (http://doublecrosswebzine.blogspot.com/2008/04/joe-nelson-on-oc-sloth-crew.html).
 
 PS - Yes it's that Zach De La Rocha, and usual Jim Rome listeners might recognize "Silk" - yes, it's that Silk.  The rest of the names I been known to deny knowing depending on who's asking.  I never miss that poker game when I go home, mostly because it's an easy way to pay for the trip.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 14, 2008, 06:34:00 pm
Smackie spent the weekend in Vegas for a couple 21 year olds birthday parties, and while their sorority sisters are nice, it was the Miss America Pageant that really made my weekend.  Miss Missouri (who couldn't have been sweeter) was robbed.
 
  (http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/images/gallery/candice-crawford.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 15, 2008, 11:58:00 am
No, Smackie did not write this article, as he was accused this morning.  But he very well could have.  What other rag would do such a good job comparing the US H1B policy to the most neglected movie in recent time, "Idiocracy"?
 
 HELP NOT WANTED (http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11016270)[/url]
 Apr 10th 2008
 From The Economist print edition
 
 Congress is doing its best to lose the global talent war
 
 ONE of the most unjustly neglected films of the past few years is Mike Judge's â??Idiocracyâ?ť. Mr Judge is the genius behind Beavis and Butt-Head, two of the most disgusting creatures on television, and Hank Hill, one of the wisest. In â??Idiocracyâ?ť he turns his talents to futurologyâ??and to the troubling question of the long-term impact of dysgenic breeding, junk food and grunge culture on America's collective IQ.
 
 The premise is simple. Two typical citizensâ??the army's â??most averageâ?ť soldier and a street prostituteâ??find themselves transported 500 years into the future. They soon discover that they are towering geniuses compared with the knuckle-draggers who inhabit the America of 2505. The country's best university is run by Costco. People are named after brands such as Frito and Mountain Dew. Starbucks has become a chain of brothels. The president is a former porn star and wrestling champion.
 
 One might imagine that America's politicians would do all that they could to prevent Mr Judge's dystopia from materialising. But when it comes to immigration they are doing exactly the oppositeâ??trying their best to keep the world's best and brightest from darkening America's doors.
 
 As always, there's more... (http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11016270)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 15, 2008, 12:05:00 pm
go away, 'batin
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 16, 2008, 03:26:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  go away, 'batin
Nice.
 
 Sure you're not just playin' with your XPhone? (http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=8492&tag=nl.e550)
 
  <img src="http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/images/xphonezd.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 21, 2008, 04:19:00 pm
"High heels are the new smokes"
 
 In Vegas two weeks ago, I noticed less and less chicks smoking by the pool, and more and more chicks wearing high heels to the pool.  
 
 After hours spent meticulously people watching at the MGM Grand, I discovered that chicks wearing high heels to the pool are the new chicks looking to have a good time, a welcome addition to the once great smackie corollary "Chicks that smoke, poke."
 
 And if you see this corollary on Lewis Black's new show, have no fear.  He's using it with permission (he had the cabana next to me and we exchanged a few thoughts).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 21, 2008, 05:36:00 pm
In an attempt to one up my Epic Vegas weekend from two weekend's ago, I headed to Orange County for a sports weekend with the Ducks, Angels and the Long Beach Grand Prix all in town at the same time.
 
 But it was the Pennywise show where the Riot Police showed up (http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_8994037) that made my weekend.
 
 For the record, the OC weekend failed to trump my Vegas weekend.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 21, 2008, 07:00:00 pm
Venerable just informed me that after the Judas Priest album "Screaming for Vengance (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screaming_for_Vengeance)" is released for Rock Band tomorrow, the next album will be The Cars s/t debut.
 
 That means Quickie 'n the Bushes will be filming their first virtual video for youtube only release.  We've chosen "Moving in Stereo" and are now casting for the role of Phoebe Cates.  All interested parties should send me an email that includes a photo.
 
  <img src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_-W2hU1N3qo0/RpsqYGgc0rI/AAAAAAAAAA8/6byQwW-oxhg/s400/300px-Phoebe_Cates_Fast_Times.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 25, 2008, 12:45:00 pm
a while back i did this online survey wherein you were asked to rate ladies' attractiveness, and were given an assessment of your taste.  this quiz had some amount of seriousness behind it, as there was a lot of stats involved and it was based on a big sample size.  upon completion i was informed that i should be a casting agent, as my definition of female beauty appeals to a large percentage of the population (i.e. women that i find attractive are very likely to be considered attractive by the general population).  my taste in women is even more mainstream than my taste in music   :p  
 
 the following story bears this out, as i'm on record here stating that the aptly-named megan fox is the hottest thing that i've laid on eyes on since, oh, meeting my girfriend (hopefully that last bit will keep me out of the dog house).
   
Quote
FHM names world's sexiest woman (http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/24/people.meganfox.ap/index.html)
 
 LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Megan Fox is the sexiest woman in the world -- at least according to FHM magazine.
 
  The "Transformers" co-star tops FHM's annual 100 Sexiest Women in the World poll of FHM readers.
 
 The 21-year-old model-actress beat out the likes of Angelina Jolie (No. 12), Rihanna (No. 14), Kim Kardashian (No. 17), Paris Hilton (No. 77) and last year's champion, Jessica Alba (No. 3).
 
 Fox debuted on the annual list in 2006 at No. 68 and ranked at No. 65 in 2007. Joining her in the top 10 this year are -- in descending order -- Jessica Biel, Alba, Elisha Cuthbert, Scarlett Johansson, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Hilary Duff, Tricia Helfer, Blake Lively and Kate Beckinsale. Britney Spears came in at No. 100.
 
 The women from MTV's "The Hills" duke it out on the list with Heidi Montag (No. 44) beating out Audrina Patridge (No. 80) and Lauren Conrad (No. 95).
 
 Current "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Shannon Elizabeth (No. 46) returned to the ranking after being absent last year, joining professional dancers Cheryl Burke (No. 40) and Karina Smirnoff (No. 78).
 
 FHM said nearly 9 million votes were cast for the 14th edition of the annual poll.
<img src="http://www.fhm.com/images/media/image/meganbig8.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
   http://www.fhm.com/100sexiestwinner08/ (http://www.fhm.com/100sexiestwinner08/)  
 
 smackie, apologies for invading your thread.  seemed to be the most appropriate place to post this important information.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 25, 2008, 01:16:00 pm
Totally approved.  Except for saying your girlfriend is hotter than Megan Fox.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on April 25, 2008, 01:30:00 pm
Have a link to the survey?
 
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  a while back i did this online survey wherein you were asked to rate ladies' attractiveness, and were given an assessment of your taste.  this quiz had some amount of seriousness behind it, as there was a lot of stats involved and it was based on a big sample size.  upon completion i was informed that i should be a casting agent, as my definition of female beauty appeals to a large percentage of the population (i.e. women that i find attractive are very likely to be considered attractive by the general population).  my taste in women is even more mainstream than my taste in music    :p  
 
 the following story bears this out, as i'm on record here stating that the aptly-named megan fox is the hottest thing that i've laid on eyes on since, oh, meeting my girfriend (hopefully that last bit will keep me out of the dog house).
     
Quote
FHM names world's sexiest woman (http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/24/people.meganfox.ap/index.html)
 
 LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Megan Fox is the sexiest woman in the world -- at least according to FHM magazine.
 
  The "Transformers" co-star tops FHM's annual 100 Sexiest Women in the World poll of FHM readers.
 
 The 21-year-old model-actress beat out the likes of Angelina Jolie (No. 12), Rihanna (No. 14), Kim Kardashian (No. 17), Paris Hilton (No. 77) and last year's champion, Jessica Alba (No. 3).
 
 Fox debuted on the annual list in 2006 at No. 68 and ranked at No. 65 in 2007. Joining her in the top 10 this year are -- in descending order -- Jessica Biel, Alba, Elisha Cuthbert, Scarlett Johansson, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Hilary Duff, Tricia Helfer, Blake Lively and Kate Beckinsale. Britney Spears came in at No. 100.
 
 The women from MTV's "The Hills" duke it out on the list with Heidi Montag (No. 44) beating out Audrina Patridge (No. 80) and Lauren Conrad (No. 95).
 
 Current "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Shannon Elizabeth (No. 46) returned to the ranking after being absent last year, joining professional dancers Cheryl Burke (No. 40) and Karina Smirnoff (No. 78).
 
 FHM said nearly 9 million votes were cast for the 14th edition of the annual poll.
<img src="http://www.fhm.com/images/media/image/meganbig8.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
    http://www.fhm.com/100sexiestwinner08/ (http://www.fhm.com/100sexiestwinner08/)  
 
 smackie, apologies for invading your thread.  seemed to be the most appropriate place to post this important information. [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on April 25, 2008, 01:35:00 pm
<img src="http://www.fhm.com/images/media/image/meganbig8.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 She's got a lot of bad tattoos.  Like a big Latin one, trying to be the next Angelina Jolie.  Yet, she WAS "Brianna Wallace"
 
 So you're bragging now that you can "spot beauty?"  Jesus.  Between vansmack's Top Ten list of "Guys I want to have sex with" and Jule's general douchieness, I can't tell which male is more insecure and feels the need to puff themselves out the most.  It's mind-boggling how self-satisfied yet insecure y'all are.
 
 What humans perceive as beautiful is perfect averageness.  Anyone who's studied Aesthetics (or math) knows that.
 
 Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 25, 2008, 01:53:00 pm
You sure do have a lot to say about things Jules and I discuss.  
 
 Me thinks you're developing a bit of a man crush.  How cute.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 25, 2008, 03:01:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
   I can't tell which male is more insecure and feels the need to puff themselves out the most.  
<img src="http://www.choiceshirts.com/images/A6/64/A6640F-md.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on April 25, 2008, 03:06:00 pm
If they could only find 76 women hotter than Paris Hilton, they weren't looking very hard.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 25, 2008, 07:22:00 pm
An Enduring Legacy (http://presidentialmemorial.wordpress.com/)
 
 As we near the end of George W Bushâ??s (http://www.whitehouse.gov/) presidency, we think it is important to select a fitting monument (http://www.nps.gov/linc/) to this presidentâ??s work. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Ghraib_torture_and_prisoner_abuse) On matters ranging from foreign relations (http://icasualties.org/oif/default.aspx) to fiscal (http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/) and environmental stewardship (http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=cvx), no other president in American history has accomplished so much in such a short time.
 
 To honor George W Bush for his eight years of honorable public service, the Presidential Memorial Commission of San Francisco is sponsoring a ballot initiative this November.
 
 It readsâ?¦
 
 Should The City And County of San Francsico Rename The Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant the George W Bush Sewage Plant?[/i]
 
 
 We believe this is an appropriate honor for a truly unique president. If you think so too, join this grassroots movement (http://localpolitics.meetup.com/187/) to rename this important and iconic landmark in his honor
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on April 25, 2008, 07:43:00 pm
where's the anicent gif? I heard about this weeks, maybe months ago. And i don't even live in SF!
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  An Enduring Legacy (http://presidentialmemorial.wordpress.com/)
 
 As we near the end of George W Bushâ??s (http://www.whitehouse.gov/) presidency, we think it is important to select a fitting monument (http://www.nps.gov/linc/) to this presidentâ??s work. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Ghraib_torture_and_prisoner_abuse) On matters ranging from foreign relations (http://icasualties.org/oif/default.aspx) to fiscal (http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/) and environmental stewardship (http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=cvx), no other president in American history has accomplished so much in such a short time.
 
 To honor George W Bush for his eight years of honorable public service, the Presidential Memorial Commission of San Francisco is sponsoring a ballot initiative this November.
 
 It readsâ?¦
 
 Should The City And County of San Francsico Rename The Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant the George W Bush Sewage Plant?[/i]
 
 
 We believe this is an appropriate honor for a truly unique president. If you think so too, join this grassroots movement (http://localpolitics.meetup.com/187/) to rename this important and iconic landmark in his honor
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on April 26, 2008, 10:27:00 am
I feel terrible let down by this forum, not only does Hermione turn 18 but she flashed her hoohah and I have to find out about it on Best Week Ever.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 26, 2008, 03:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Totally approved.  Except for saying your girlfriend is hotter than Megan Fox.
well, the missus is damn pretty (still trying to figure out what the hell she's doing with me, waaaay outta my league).  and i actually get to touch her - which is hotter in my books than admiring a jpeg.  but i'll happily reinstate megan as soon as she lets me put my paws on her.  if you could line that up for me, smacks, i'd be most grateful.
 
 further fueling the myth: not only does ms. fox hit the weed, she's just a regular girl from tennessee:
 
  <img src="http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2008/04/Megan%20t%20shirt.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
   
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Have a link to the survey?
can't seem to find it at the moment, might have it on my other machine.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 29, 2008, 01:53:00 pm
I'm at the airport playing one of my favorite travel games: which fat person is going to sit next to me on the plane.   The passengers on Virgin America flights not to LA or Vegas are not nearly as attractive, and I just have a sense that I'm not going to enjoy this flight.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on April 29, 2008, 08:50:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I'm at the airport playing one of my favorite travel games: which fat person is going to sit next to me on the plane.   The passengers on Virgin America flights not to LA or Vegas are not nearly as attractive, and I just have a sense that I'm not going to enjoy this flight.
Rhett, how did you get Smackie's password?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on April 29, 2008, 08:52:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  I feel terrible let down by this forum, not only does Hermione turn 18 but she flashed her hoohah and I have to find out about it on Best Week Ever.
Hannah Montana got caught  kanoodling in a bra with her goofy looking boyfriend. Photos at 11 (http://www.dotspotter.com/news/835661_Miley_Cyrus_Racy_Photos_With_Boyfriend_11_Photos). Consider yourself informed, fearless moderator!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on April 30, 2008, 07:37:00 am
well there racy then there's vanity fare racy... there is a "naked" picture of amy winehouse floating about on interweb somewhere, but quite frankly i'm to scared to search it out...
 
 this artist rendition of the picture will suffice for now   drawings r' us (http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2008/03/nude-amy-winehouse-naked-picture.php)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on April 30, 2008, 07:58:00 am
speaking of radar magazine which is the source of the artist's rendition of ms. winehouse "naked"... I'm really enjoying this magazine as it reminds me of the old Spy magazine.  anyways, for some reason i find in the most recent issue of Radar, the pictorial of the US Olympic Synchronized Swimming team in bathing costumes and heels cavorting in the water smoking hot. results among other males with a eye for the female form may vary...
 
 an official preview of the team
   <img src="http://www.usasynchro.org/athletes/National/2007/Gallery/Team_Poolside_4%20copy.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 and which one of these is not like the others
 
 The US Junior National Team
   <img src="http://www.usasynchro.org/athletes/athlete_pics/Jr_07/JrNationalTeam%20copy.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on April 30, 2008, 09:14:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  well there racy then there's vanity fare racy... there is a "naked" picture of amy winehouse floating about on interweb somewhere, but quite frankly i'm to scared to search it out...
No, it's a great picture.  It's very artistic and quite sexy.  They must have airbrushed out the scabs and track marks.  It's my screensaver, actually.  She's not naked.  Her guitar covers down south and she has the classic black tape over the nips.  Sort of like Amy Smart in Crank 2...
 
 Brian
 
 P.S.  I love Radar, too.  So there.  There's something I don't hate.  Radar magazine.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on April 30, 2008, 09:25:00 am
Mentioning "sexy" and "Amy Winehouse naked" in the same post:  Definitive proof that Brian is fucking crazy.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
   
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  there is a "naked" picture of amy winehouse floating about on interweb somewhere, but quite frankly i'm to scared to search it out...
No, it's a great picture.  It's very artistic and quite sexy.[/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thirsty moore on April 30, 2008, 09:29:00 am
All he wanted was a pepsi.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by nkotb:
  Mentioning "sexy" and "Amy Winehouse naked" in the same post:  Definitive proof that Brian is fucking crazy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 02, 2008, 01:07:00 pm
I now know The Director without his shades on.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 02, 2008, 01:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I now know The Director without his shades on.
thanks for letting us know you were in town... i got a flurry of drunk text messages last night, by all accounts you guys had a rip'roaring time.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 02, 2008, 01:47:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  thanks for letting us know you were in town... i got a flurry of drunk text messages last night, by all accounts you guys had a rip'roaring time.
Yeah, I kind of fucked that up.  I wasn't planning on having much spare time for this trip and couldn't convince Smackette to travel out for an extended weekend.  She's been out of the country for a month and really wanted us to be home for a weekend.  Hard to argue with that.
 
 But after 36 hours in Virginia I HAD to get into the city and The Director was available for what turned out to be a 7 hour lunch.  In my defense, I pulled him out of the club but he "mysteriously" left his bag there and had to go back after I got in my cab to the airport.  Hmmm...
 
 Where I really blew it was not doing a Tokyo Police Club roll call.  I sent a few PMs and didn't get much interest.  I obviously asked the wrong people.
 
 Smackie owes you all his presence at a Forum gathering.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 02, 2008, 02:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 In my defense, I pulled him out of the club but he "mysteriously" left his bag there and had to go back after I got in my cab to the airport.  Hmmm...
such style - 100% Pure TheDirector&trade;
 
 given the smackie + director combo, no bonus points for guessing what kind of a club it was.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 02, 2008, 03:29:00 pm
Venerable and I have a friend who works for Lucas Arts and told us about this a while ago.  Looks like it's finally coming to fruition.
 
 The Force Unleashed for the Wii (http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/previews/21570/XPlay_Exclusive_Star_Wars_The_Force_Unleashed_for_Wii.html)
 
 nkotb, you should sit down before clicking that link.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on May 02, 2008, 04:51:00 pm
Wowzers.  I'm STOKED for that.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Venerable and I have a friend who works for Lucas Arts and told us about this a while ago.  Looks like it's finally coming to fruition.
 
 The Force Unleashed for the Wii (http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/previews/21570/XPlay_Exclusive_Star_Wars_The_Force_Unleashed_for_Wii.html)
 
 nkotb, you should sit down before clicking that link.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 02, 2008, 06:59:00 pm
Smackie has missed you Thomas Friedman.  It's good to have you back...
 
 Dumb as we Wanna Be (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/30/opinion/30friedman.html)
 By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
 Published: April 30, 2008
 
 It is great to see that we finally have some national unity on energy policy. Unfortunately, the unifying idea is so ridiculous, so unworthy of the people aspiring to lead our nation, it takes your breath away. Hillary Clinton has decided to line up with John McCain in pushing to suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline, 18.4 cents a gallon, for this summerâ??s travel season. This is not an energy policy. This is money laundering: we borrow money from China and ship it to Saudi Arabia and take a little cut for ourselves as it goes through our gas tanks. What a way to build our country.
 
 When the summer is over, we will have increased our debt to China, increased our transfer of wealth to Saudi Arabia and increased our contribution to global warming for our kids to inherit.
 
 As always, there's more... (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/30/opinion/30friedman.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Celeste on May 02, 2008, 09:00:00 pm
Brilliant as usual.
 
 (Friedman, not smackie  ;)  )
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 05, 2008, 12:33:00 pm
Shocker.
 
 Orange County: It's not like what you see on TV (http://realestate.msn.com/Buying/Article_busweek.aspx?cp-documentid=7042488&GT1=35000)
 
 The reality of a real-estate industry in the tank, job losses, foreclosed homes and empty office space is a far cry from the glitz and fantasy of popular TV shows set in the California county.
 
 By Christopher Palmeri, BusinessWeek
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on May 05, 2008, 03:00:00 pm
As you're in the area, you may want to check this out (or not)
 
 Hey.
 
 We'll be holding a special listening party for our new record, ...Earth To The Dandy Warhols..., this Monday, May 5, at 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco. We;ll ahve food, drinks, Zia will be spinning tunes, and you'll be among the first to hear our new tunes. Party starts at five. Hope you can make it.
 
 ...Earth To The Dandy Warhols... Listening Party
 111 Minna Gallery
 111 Minna Street @ 2nd Street
 San Francisco, CA 94105
 May 5, 2008 5-10pm
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 05, 2008, 03:16:00 pm
Thanks.  That's going to be tough to get to, but I'll see what I can do.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 06, 2008, 02:39:00 pm
Washingtonpost.com Disparages People Who Leave Stupid Comments (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9936794-7.html?tag=nl.e703)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 06, 2008, 02:47:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Shocker.
 
 Orange County: It's not like what you see on TV (http://realestate.msn.com/Buying/Article_busweek.aspx?cp-documentid=7042488&GT1=35000)
 
 The reality of a real-estate industry in the tank, job losses, foreclosed homes and empty office space is a far cry from the glitz and fantasy of popular TV shows set in the California county.
 
 By Christopher Palmeri, BusinessWeek
lies
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 06, 2008, 02:55:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  lies
Sometimes, people from the OC write articles like that to pretend that they're just like everybody else in this country.
 
 We all know the truth though.  It's right there on the screen.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 07, 2008, 01:44:00 pm
Sprint Nextel to spin off WiMax network (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9937513-7.html?tag=nl.e703)
 
 I think this is good as both a Sprint Customer and some one who wants WiMax.  Even better if the Cable Co.'s invest to pick up the loss of some Sprint funding.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: beetsnotbeats on May 07, 2008, 03:19:00 pm
University of Maryland Gets Only U.S. Lab for WiMAX Next Generation Wireless Applications (http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/scitech/release.cfm?ArticleID=1652)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on May 07, 2008, 06:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by beetsnotbeats:
  University of Maryland Gets Only U.S. Lab for WiMAX Next Generation Wireless Applications (http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/scitech/release.cfm?ArticleID=1652)
hmmm, i wonder what are the odds that pepco will consider wimax for any upgrades in their utility meters/distribution system (california utilities considered wimax too expensive for their meter communication platform).  i think bags may be the only person who knows what that sentence means.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 07, 2008, 06:57:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
   i think bags may be the only person who knows what that sentence means.
Disparage me in my own thread do you?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 08, 2008, 02:52:00 pm
The board is full of douchebaggery today, so I'm going to tell a story about yesterday.
 
 I'm minding my own business at my desk when I receive a text message from my Token Black Friend.
 
   
Quote
So I just *happened* to be in the Farragut area 4 work & I just *happened* to walk into [the club].  [The Bartender]'s body is crazy too.  I'm weak.;-)  
After insulting my good friend for being somewhere I wished to be at, I aksed him to tell her I said hello.
 
   
Quote
Sure will.  Cues up Mental iPod Pink Floyd's "Wish you were here"
After advising him to not play that in the club, I wished him well and to enjoy himself.
 
 Sometime (the exact amount is not to be expressed here) passes, and I receive a picture mail text.  Now, I know my friend knows the rules so he must have gotten permission, but if your last text was from your buddy at a club and then you get a picture mail, naturally smackie gets a little excited.
 
 Open the message and sure enough, it's a picture of my friend with the smokin hot bartender outside the club.  
 
 Being the classy guy that I am, I tell my friend how much I hate him.  Then how much I think he's the man.
 
   
Quote
Oh no.  YOU are the man. I am just..wait for it..The Director.  
Beaming with glee all day at my friend's accomplishment, I take smackette to dinner and fill her on the story over a High Life.  Upon showing her the picture, she smiles and says "how cute, they even have their 'Jungle Fever' hands together"  I'm not one to waste The High Life, but even I spit out a little there.
 
 I'm pretty sure The Director is still laughing at that comment.  Jungle Fever Hands.  Classic.  
 
 So, that begs the question.  The bartender in a gentelemans club is either the hottest girl in the club or the oldest and usually a retired performer.  Ignoring the old one, is the bartender at a gentlemans club the hottest because:
 
  </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">
 I pose that to the group to discuss.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on May 08, 2008, 02:55:00 pm
Story would be better if you included said picture.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  The board is full of douchebaggery today, so I'm going to tell a story about yesterday.
 
 I'm minding my own business at my desk when I receive a text message from my Token Black Friend.
 
   
Quote
So I just *happened* to be in the Farragut area 4 work & I just *happened* to walk into [the club].  [The Bartender]'s body is crazy too.  I'm weak.;-)  
After insulting my good friend for being somewhere I wished to be at, I aksed him to tell her I said hello.
 
   
Quote
Sure will.  Cues up Mental iPod Pink Floyd's "Wish you were here"
After advising him to not play that in the club, I wished him well and to enjoy himself.
 
 Sometime (the exact amount is not to be expressed here) passes, and I receive a picture mail text.  Now, I know my friend knows the rules so he must have gotten permission, but if your last text was from your buddy at a club and then you get a picture mail, naturally smackie gets a little excited.
 
 Open the message and sure enough, it's a picture of my friend with the smokin hot bartender outside the club.  
 
 Being the classy guy that I am, I tell my friend how much I hate him.  Then how much I think he's the man.
 
   
Quote
Oh no.  YOU are the man. I am just..wait for it..The Director.  
Beaming with glee all day at my friend's accomplishment, I take smackette to dinner and fill her on the story over a High Life.  Upon showing her the picture, she smiles and says "how cute, they even have their 'Jungle Fever' hands together"  I'm not one to waste The High Life, but even I spit out a little there.
 
 I'm pretty sure The Director is still laughing at that comment.  Jungle Fever Hands.  Classic.  
 
 So, that begs the question.  The bartender in a gentelemans club is either the hottest girl in the club or the oldest and usually a retired performer.  Ignoring the old one, is the bartender at a gentlemans club the hottest because:
 
  </font>
  • <font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">she's the only one with something left to the imagination</font></li>
  • <font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">her morals are slightly corrupted in that she works at a strip joint but not corrupted enough to be a stripper</font></li>
  • <font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">or something else brilliant that Smackie's not thinking about</font></li>
<font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">
  I pose that to the group to discuss. [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 08, 2008, 03:02:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?˘:
  Story would be better if you included said picture.
 
   
My bad.
 
  <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2476774292_ceda0e29fe.jpg?v=0" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 08, 2008, 03:08:00 pm
:D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 08, 2008, 03:23:00 pm
oh and shes the hottest because she is the giver of the high lifes
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on May 08, 2008, 03:38:00 pm
Anybody is going to appear hot next to his ugly mug. And she does, barely.   ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 08, 2008, 03:45:00 pm
last year, it was the BBcode martini glass. this year's POTY: see above.
 
 congrats, it's only may and you pretty much have this one wrapped up.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 08, 2008, 07:30:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
   the BBcode martini glass.  
I had nearly forgetten about that. (http://www.930.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=015789)
 
 Unfortunately, the UBB software no longer considers me logged in consistently (despite being able to post).  The downside to this is that I can no longer preview new posts.  There will be no smackie interpretation of electronic origami this year.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 09, 2008, 12:42:00 pm
One too many visits to Sacramento this year arguing with the legislature.
 
 They've plotted their revenge:
 
 California tax proposals target beer-loving, pornography-watching yacht owners (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-taxes9-2008may09,0,3130909.story)
 
 Strip clubs, six-packs, grocery bags and iTunes downloads are all in their sights as alternatives to broad income or sales tax hikes.
 
 It's on like Donkey Kong now!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on May 09, 2008, 12:49:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Anybody is going to appear hot next to his ugly mug. And she does, barely.    ;)  
at least my boy's eyebrows look real.
 
   I have the opposite view on bartenders at strip clubs...
 
 see, since strippers lack "natural beauty"  who wants a girl that looks like a stripper yet doesnt even take her clothes off...isnt that really their only redeeming quality????
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 09, 2008, 01:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Erinaceous Sonickus:
 
   I have the opposite view on bartenders at strip clubs...
 
 see, since strippers lack "natural beauty"  who wants a girl that looks like a stripper yet doesnt even take her clothes off...isnt that really their only redeeming quality????
Interesting.  I like to talk to people, which is strange, because in general, I hate people, but I find strippers some of the most fascinating people to talk to.  After you get through the whole "My name's Cinnamon and I live in Newport Beach" crap, there's a lot more meat behind there than you give them credit for.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 12, 2008, 12:58:00 pm
At some point consumers will realize that these exclusive deals are bad for them...
 
 RIM introduces first new Blackberry in over a year (http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D90K66E80.htm)
 
 Shares of Research In Motion Ltd. rose to a new all-time high Monday as the smart-phone maker unveiled the Bold, which is its first major new BlackBerry model in more than a year.
 
 RIM said Monday that the Bold, which has twice the screen resolution of the company's current Curve device, dual-band Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, will be available from carriers this summer.
 
 AT&T Inc. said Monday that it will be the exclusive carrier for the Bold in the U.S.; its 3G network is the only one stateside that is compatible with the first model of the handset.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2008, 06:39:00 pm
Today's  Rock Band Downloadable tracks have me just giddy....
 
 Hanging on the Telephone - Blondie
 Train in Vain - The Clash
 And this little Sonic Youth Ditty.... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=4l6hpV4NrR0&feature=related)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thirsty moore on May 13, 2008, 07:26:00 pm
Are you going to liberate those strippers from male white corporate oppression?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 And this little Sonic Youth Ditty.... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=4l6hpV4NrR0&feature=related)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 14, 2008, 12:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by econo:
  Are you going to liberate those strippers from male white corporate oppression?
 
 
Every. Chance. I. Get.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 14, 2008, 01:59:00 pm
Now here's a sweet solution...
 
 If you're like me and your home entertainment system is hooked to the interwebs, you've likely got a long cable cable running from your router across the room (or maybe in a different room) to your home theater system.  My particular set up is a wireless router connected via a 50 foot cable to a 4 port switch, which then hooks up to my DVR, an Xbox 360, a slingbox, and a wireless media sharing device that I really should sell because I never use it.
 
 Anyhow, I've wanted to go all wireless for a long time but the wireless adapters are still around $80 each and I'd need four of them, not to mention that I have not been happy with G speeds for gaming anyway.  $320 is not worth the price to get rid of one long cable that smackette hates.  Even she agrees.  But now that's changed.
 
 D-Link released today a 4 port wireless N Bridge (http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=663) for your home entertainment system.  One product, $119, that hooks up four of your devices to your wireless network, at N speeds.  
 
 Brilliant.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on May 14, 2008, 02:32:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Now here's a sweet solution...
 
 If you're like me and your home entertainment system is hooked to the interwebs, you've likely got a long cable cable running from your router across the room (or maybe in a different room) to your home theater system.  My particular set up is a wireless router connected via a 50 foot cable to a 4 port switch, which then hooks up to my DVR, an Xbox 360, a slingbox, and a wireless media sharing device that I really should sell because I never use it.
 
 Anyhow, I've wanted to go all wireless for a long time but the wireless adapters are still around $80 each and I'd need four of them, not to mention that I have not been happy with G speeds for gaming anyway.  $320 is not worth the price to get rid of one long cable that smackette hates.  Even she agrees.  But now that's changed.
 
 D-Link released today a 4 port wireless N Bridge (http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=663) for your home entertainment system.  One product, $119, that hooks up four of your devices to your wireless network, at N speeds.  
 
 Brilliant.
I recently moved and got Verizon FIOS who give you a wireless router with the internet service, so I installed third party firmware on my old router and made it a wireless ethernet bridge, basically the same thing I guess, except at G speeds.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 14, 2008, 02:36:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  I recently moved and got Verizon FIOS who give you a wireless router with the internet service, so I installed third party software on my old router and made it a wireless ethernet bridge, basically the same thing I guess, except at G speeds.
Qwest must be crapping themselves.
 
 Nice work - any problem gaming on G speeds?  I had one of the first G adapters years ago and didn't like the performance.  Are they improved?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on May 14, 2008, 02:39:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Qwest must be crapping themselves.
 
 Nice work - any problem gaming on G speeds.  I had one of the first G adapters years ago and didn't like the performance.  Are they improved?
Qwest still dominates in the city, but I moved to the suburbs.  I havent played much online with it yet, have only had it setup for two days now, but will let you know.  Only problem so far is that my wireless rear channel speakers are conflicting with my wireless network.  Which kind of blows.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 14, 2008, 03:11:00 pm
I met with folks from Portland who were inquiring about a very interesting model for the city.
 
 The idea was for the City to invest in the cost of laying the fiber, and then letting the Internet Service Providers compete over who provides the service over that fiber, not offering an exclusive contract to any one provider.  Qwest was trhe roadblock last I heard.  I should find out where that's at.  Sounds like a huge bonus for both the provider (no up front infrastructure costs) and the consumer (competition drives the price down) if it happens.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 16, 2008, 02:06:00 pm
Best headline I've seen yet...
 
 Happy Gays are Here Again (http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11393818&fsrc=nwl)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 16, 2008, 06:27:00 pm
My ongoing obsession with Virgin America just got better:
 
  <img src="http://www.virginamerica.com/images/email/20080507/clubhouse.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 ACCESS GRANTED:
 WELCOME TO THE CLUBHOUSE AT SFO
(http://www.virginamerica.com/va/newsMoreAction.do?method=showNewsMore&pageName=)
 
 We are now pleased to offer Elevate Members the opportunity to enjoy the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at San Francisco Airport. Lounge in this sleek modern retreat with gorgeous bay views and a full bar. Sip fresh coffee or a martini while surfing wireless internet or take a shower and freshen up.
 
 To get more details and pick up your pass, stop by the Virgin America check-in counter.
   
 
 The Clubhouse is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on May 16, 2008, 06:46:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Best headline I've seen yet...
 
 Happy Gays are Here Again (http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11393818&fsrc=nwl)
i love the fact that gay people want to ruin the union of marriage as well.  did they read the heterosexual twenty first century handbook?  morals are out, diversity is in.  the divorce rates among gays will be triple what it is for those other straight things that walk around.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 23, 2008, 02:26:00 pm
Sweet.
 
 Anaheim Awarded 2010 All Star Game (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3409221)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 23, 2008, 02:42:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Sweet.
 
 Anaheim Awarded 2010 All Star Game (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3409221)
i'm fairly certain this falls under "things only smackie cares about".  let's stay on topic here, please.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 23, 2008, 04:50:00 pm
Fair point, sweetcell.  
 
 It baffles me that President Bush would rather go to Saudi Arabia twice in four months and beg the Saudi king for an oil price break than ask the American people to drive 55 miles an hour, buy more fuel-efficient cars or accept a carbon tax or gasoline tax that might actually help free us from what he called our â??addiction to oil.â?ť (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/opinion/21friedman.html)
 
 There is no doubt that Thomas Friedman is at my table of five for my dream dinner with folks who are alive.  But who else would be there?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: beetsnotbeats on May 23, 2008, 04:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  There is no doubt that Thomas Friedman is at my table of five for my dream dinner with folks who are alive.  But who else would be there?
My guests would probably be Naomi Klein, Noam Chomsky, Markos Moulitsas and Glenn Greenwald. Friedman would be the waiter whose previous job was outsourced to India.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 23, 2008, 05:09:00 pm
I had some very interesting conversation with the ladies last night.  
 
 Brooke, who was from New Hampshire, and I agreed that while she was sitting on my lap it was better for both of us that she had her "clothes" on and I had a beer instead of her being naked and me drinking an orange juice.
 
 Frankie relented that she wasn't "from around here" after she said "tawk" and "hawt" but that she had been here for a while and she learned the accent from her dad, who was from Baltimore.  Because she announced every syllable in Bal ti More I know that was false too.  Classic Jersey girl.
 
 Heaven and I agreed that that wasn't her real name, but that she probably was from Dublin.  California.
 
 Brooke tried to entice me into the champagne room because "it's more laid back, you get more dances, and you can touch.  It's not cheating, you know."  I politely declined and disagreed with her that it was not cheating.  I wish I had said, "Well, let's call it cheating and go back to your place where you get touched and I save $100" but I didn't have the quick wit with me at that moment.  Distracted by the nakedness.
 
 I'm sure there was more but I just can't remember them right now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on May 23, 2008, 05:14:00 pm
Somebody's been hitting the bottle a little early today.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thirsty moore on May 23, 2008, 05:21:00 pm
You mean penicillin right?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Somebody's been hitting the bottle a little early today.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 23, 2008, 05:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by econo:
  You mean penicillin right?
 
The only gentlemans club I've ever seen somebody get bitten at was Minxx in Vegas.  That place is not for the weak.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 12:54:00 pm
I'm working on a new online library idea and need to get earn some capital before embarking on it (that's code for Smackette won't let me spend any more money on the project).
 
 Therefore, I'm selling the VAST majority of my 800+ CD collection, but before I do I wanted to offer them to my music afficienado friends here on the board.  I have only cataloged A-L but will do the rest tonight or tomorrow.
 
 Flat Rate: $5 for ANY CD (unless noted otherwise), $8 for most two disc sets plus shipping (I can do a variety of shipping means). Box sets cannot be broken up.
 
 email me at vansmack@msn.com or PM me with questions or requests.
 
 First come first served.  I would prefer paypal transactions, but can work out other solutions.  
 Mods if this is some sort of violation, let me know and I will delete them, but I figured since this was not a public sale (board only) it would be cool.
 
 Here we go....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 12:55:00 pm
!!! - Louden Up Now
 22-20s - 22-20s
 
 A
 
 ABBA - Gold (Greatest Hits)
 AC/DC - Highway to Hell
 AC/DC - Live (Single Disc Version)
 Ryan Adams - Love is Hell Part 1
 Aerosmith - Greatest Hits
 Aerosmith - Pump
 Allman Brothers - Eat a Peach
 Ambulance Ltd. - 5 song EP
 Toris Amos - Under the Pink
 Tori Amos - Little Earthquakes
 Tori Amos - To Venus and Back (Disc One Only)
 Tori Amos - Hey Jupiter
 Fionna Apple - When the Pawnâ?¦.
 Arrested Development - 3 Years, 5 Monthsâ?¦
 Art Brut - It's a Bit Complicated (Advance Copy)
 Ash - Free All Angels
 Ash - 1977
 Avril Lavigne - Sk8er Boi (single)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 12:56:00 pm
B
 
 Bad Company - 10 from 6
 Bad Religion - Stranger than Fiction
 Badly Drawn Boy - About a Boy Soundtrack
 Badly Drawn Boy - Have you Fed the Fish?
 Barenaked Ladies - Stunt
 Bauhaus - Crackle
 The Beach Boys - 20 Good Vibrations - The Greatest Hits
 Beastie Boys - License to Ill
 Beastie Boys - Pauls Boutique
 Beastie Boys - Check Your Head
 Beastie Boys - Ill Communication
 Beastie Boys - Root Down EP
 Beastie Boys - Hello Nasty
 Beatles - Hard Days Night
 Beatles - Rubber Soul
 Beatles - Revolver
 Beatles - Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
 Beatles - Magical Mystery Tour
 Beatles - Abbey Road
 Beatles - Let it Be
 Beatles - White Album
 Beatles - Past Masters Vol 1
 Beatles - Past Masters Vol 2
 Beatles - 1
 Beatles - Anthology 1
 Beatles- Anthology 2
 Beatles- Anthology 3
 Beck - Mellow Gold
 Beck- Odelay
 Beck - Midnight Vultures
 Belle and Sebastian - Lazy Painter Jane (3 CD EP Collection) $15
 Belle and Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress
 Beulah - The Coast is Never Clear
 Big Audio Dynamite II - The Globe
 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
 Big City Rock - S/t
 The Black Crowes - Shake Your Money Maker
 The Black Crowes - Southern Harmonyâ?¦.
 Black 47 - Home of the Brave
 Black Sabbath - Paranoid
 Blind Faith - S/t
 Blink 182 - Cheshire Cat
 Bloc Party - E.P.
 Blondie - The Best of Blondie
 Bloodhound Gang - One Firece Beer Coaster
 Blues Traveler - four
 Blur - The Best of (2 CD Set)
 Born on the 4th of July - original s/t
 Boston - s/t
 David Bowie - Changes
 Bravery - s/t
 Breeders - Last Splash
 Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians - Shooting Rubber Bandsâ?¦
 Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
 Sarah Brightman - Eden
 British Sea Power - The Decline ofâ?¦
 Britney Spears - Greatest Hits - My Prerogative (2 disc set)
 Jeff Buckley - Grace
 Bumblebeez 81 - The Printz
 Bush - Sixteen Stone
 Bush - Razorblade Suitcase
 Kate Bush - The Sensual World
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 12:56:00 pm
C
 
 Cake - Fashion Nugget
 Cake - Prolonging the Magic
 Candlebox - s/t
 Candlebox - Last Great Seattle Band (boot)
 The Cars - Greatest Hits
 Cartel - Safety in Numbers
 Johnny Cash - American IV
 Cedars - Another Season
 Tracy Chapman - s/t
 Chemical Brothers - Push the Button (Advance Copy)
 Cinerama - Torino
 Eric Clapton - 24 Nights (2 disc set)
 Eric Clapton - Cream of Clapton
 Eric Clapton - the Best of Clapton
 Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - s/t
 The Clash - The Singles
 The Clash - From Here to Eternity (Live)
 Marc Cohn - s/t
 Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
 Coldplay - X & Y
 The Coral s/t
 The Corrs - In Blue
 The Corrs - Live in Dublin (Vh1)
 Cornershop - When I was Born for the 7th Time
 Elvis Costello - The Very Best of EC and the Attractions
 Counting Crows - August and Everything After
 Counting Crows - Rcovering the Satellites
 Counting Crows - This Desert Life
 Couting Crows - Live Across a Wire (2 disc set)
 Cowboy Junkies - the Trinity Sessions
 Cowboy Junkies - Black Eyed Man
 Cowboy Junkies - Live EP
 Cowboy Junkies - Crescent Moon
 Cowboy Junkies - 200 More Miles (2 CD Set)
 Cracker - Kerosene Hat
 Cranberries - Everyone Else is Doing itâ?¦
 Cranberries - No Need to Argue
 Cranberries - To the Faithful Departed
 Crash Test Dummies - God Shuffled his Feet
 Creedence Clearwater Revival - Chronicle
 The Crow - Original s/t
 Cypress Hill - Insane in the Brain (sinlge)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 12:57:00 pm
D
 
 DGC Rarities Vol 2
 D'Angelo - Brown Sugar
 D'Angelo - Voodoo
 Dandy Warhols - Welcome to the Monkey House
 Jesse Dayton - Live in Las Vegas
 Jesse Dayton and Brennen Leigh - Holdin our own
 Dazed and Confused - original s/t
 Death Cab for Cutie - The Photo Album
 Death Cab for Cutie - Transaltanticism
 Decemberists - The Crane Wife
 Decemberists - Picaresque
 De Novo Dahl - Cats and Kittens
 Deep Purple - When we Rock, we rockâ?¦.
 Depeche Mode - Catching up With
 Depeche Mode - People are People
 Depeche Mode - Violator
 Depeche Mode - Exciter
 Various Artists for the Masses - Covers of D Mode
 Dido - No Angel
 Dido  Life for Rent
 Ani DiFranco - So Much Shouting, so Much Laughter (2 disc set)
 Ani DiFranco - Dilate
 Ani DiFranco - Up, Up, Up
 Ani DiFranco - To the Teeth
 Ani DiFranco - Revelling
 Ani DiFranco - Evolve
 Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy - Hypocrisy is the Greatest Luxury
 Doves - the Last Broadcast
 Dramarama - Cinema Virite
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 12:58:00 pm
E
 
 Eagles - Hell Freezes Over
 Elastica - s/t
 Elbow - Cast of Thousands (2 disc set)
 Elbow - Asleep in the Back
 Elefant - Sunlight makes me Paranoid
 Elefant - The Black Magic Show
 English Beat - What is Beat?
 Enland the Album 2006 (world cup songs)
 Enya - A Day Without Rain
 Erasure - Pop
 Everclear - Sparkle and Fade
 Eve's Plumb - Envy
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 12:58:00 pm
F
 
 Fatboy Slim - You've Come a Long Way Baby
 Fenians - Live at the Harp
 Fenians - Have Fun or Get Out
 Fenians - Every Day's a Hooley
 Fenians - Band of Rogues
 Fiction Plane - Everything Will Never be Ok
 Filter - Short Bus
 Filter - Hey Man Nice Shot (single)
 Fleetwood Mac - s/t
 Fleetwood Mac - Rumors
 Fleetwood Mac - Live (2 Disc set)
 Fleetwood Mac Greatest Hits
 Fleetwood Mac - Tour 97
 Foreigner - Records
 Forest Gump - s/t
 Frames - The Roads Outgrown
 Frames - Setlist - Live in Dubin
 Frames - Burn the Maps
 Franz Ferdinand - s/t
 Frente - Marvin the Album
 Fugees - The Score
 Fun Lovin Criminals - Come Find Yourself
 Nelly Furtado - Whoa, Nelly
 Futureheads - s/t
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 12:59:00 pm
G
 
 Peter Gabriel - So
 Peter Gabriel - Shaking the Trees
 Gang of Four - Entertainment
 Garbage - s/t
 Marvin Gaye - Every Great Motown Hit
 General Public - All the Rage
 David Gray - A new day at Midnight
 Green Day - Dookie
 Guided By Voices - Human Amusement at Hourly Rates (The Best of)
 Gwen Stefani - Sweet Escape
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 12:59:00 pm
H
 
 PJ Harvey - To Bring You My Love
 Heart - Greatest Hits
 Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland
 Jimi Hendrix Experience - Live at Winterland
 Jimi Hendrix - Ultimate Experience
 High Strung - These are Good Times
 Hootie and the Blowfish - Cracked Rearview
 Hootie and the Blowfish - Old Man and Me (single)
 Hope of the States - Lost Riot
 House of Pain - s/t
 Hot Hot Heat - Make up the breakdown
 Hum - You'd Prefer an Astronaut
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 01:00:00 pm
I
 
 Idlewild - 100 Broken Windows
 In the Name of the Father - s/t
 Interpol - Turn on the Bright ights
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 01:00:00 pm
J
 
 James Gang - 16 Greatest Hits
 Janes Addiciton - s/t (triple XXX records)
 Janes Addiction - Nothing's Shocking
 Janes Addiction - Ritual De Lo Habitual
 Janes Addiction - Been Caught Stealing (single)
 Jealous Sound - Kill Them with Kindness
 Jesus and Mary Chain - Automatic
 Jesus Jones - Right Here right now (single)
 Jethro Tull - Original Masters
 Jethro Tull - A Little Light Music
 Jewel - Spirit
 Elton John - Greatest Hits
 Janis Joplins Greatest Hits
 Journey Greatest Hit
 Joy Division - Substance
 JT - Future Sex Love Sounds
 Judgement Night - Original s/t
 Juno - Original s/t
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 01:01:00 pm
K
 
 KC and the Sunshine Band - Get Down Live
 Keane - Hopes and Fears
 Keane - Under the Sea
 Killers - Hot Fuss
 Killers - Sams Town
 Kiss - MTV Unplugged
 Kids - Original s/t
 Kinks - Come Dancing
 Korn - Follow the leader
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2008, 01:02:00 pm
L
 
 L7 - Hungry for Stink
 L7 - Pretend We're Dead (single)
 LCD Soundsystem - s/t (2disc)
 Leaves - Breathe
 Led Zeppelin - I
 Led Zeppelin - Four Disc Box Set in original packaging ($20)
 Legends - Up Against
 Lemonheads - It's a Shame About ray
 Le Tigre - This Island
 John Lennon - Shaved Fish
 Libertines - Up the Bracket
 Live - Four Songs
 Live - Throwing Copper
 Live Secret Smadhi
 Live - The Distance to Here
 Live - V
 Loggins and Messina - Sittin in
 Long-View - Mercury
 Longwave - The Strangest Things
 Louis XIV - Illegal Tender
 Lovemakers - Times of Romance
 Love and Rockets - Express
 Love and Rockets - Seventh Dream of teenage Heaven
 Love Spit Love - s/t
 Lynyrd Skynyrd 3CD Box set in orginal packaging ($15)
 Lynyrd Skynyrd - Skynyrds Innyrds
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:22:00 am
M
 
 M83 - Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts (Advance)
 Magnolia - Original s/t
 Maps - We Can Create
 Bob Marley and the Wailers - Legend
 Matchbox Twenty - Yourself or someone like you
 Matchbox Twenty - Mad Season
 Dave Matthews Band - Remember Two Things
 Dave Matthews Band - Recently
 Dave Matthews Band - Under the Table and Dreaming
 Dave Matthews Band - Too Much (Single)
 Dave Matthews Band - Crash
 Dave Matthews Band - Live at Red Rocks (2 Disc)
 Dave Matthews Band - Before these Crowded Street
 Dave Mathews Band - Busted Stuff
 Dave Matthews Band - Some Devil (two Disc Set)
 John Mayer - Room for Squares
 John Mayer - Heavier Things
 Mazzy Star - So Tonight that we might See
 Paul McCartney - All the Best
 Sarah McLachlan - Mirrorball
 Sarah McLachlan - Afterglow
 Jerry McGuire - Original s/t
 Meat Puppets - Too High to Die
 Midnight Oil - Forgotten Years (single)
 Natalie Merchant - Tigerlily
 Natalie Merchant - Ophelia
 Natalie Merchant - Live in Concert
 Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Let's Face it
 Steve Miller Band - 1974-1978
 Moby - Play
 Modest Mouse - The Moon and Antarctica
 Modest Mouse - Good News for People who Like Bad News
 Mooney Suzuki - Alive and Amplified
 Christy Moore - The Christie Moore Collection 81-91 (import)
 Christy Moore - At the Point Live (import)
 Morcheeba - Big Calm
 Van Morrison - the Best of
 Van Morrison - Moon Dance
 Mother Love Bone - s/t
 Mountain - Best of
 Mountain Goats - Get Lonely
 Music - s/t
 Music - Welcome to the North
 Muse - Absolution
 Muse - Black Holes and Revelations
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:23:00 am
N
 
 Natural - Original s/t
 Nelly - Country Grammar
 Mike Ness - Under the Influences
 New Order - The Best Of
 Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine
 Nine Inch Nails - Head Like a Hole (10 Track CD Single)
 Nine Inch Nails - Broken
 Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral
 Nirvana - In Utero
 No Doubt - Tragic Kingdom
 Nouvelle Vague - Bande A Part (limited Edition with bonus tracks)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:24:00 am
O
 
 Oasis - Definitely Maybe
 Oasis - What's the Storyâ?¦.
 Oasis - Be Here Now
 Oasis - Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
 Oasis - The Masterplan
 Sinead O'Connor - The Emperors New Clothes (single)
 Offspring - Smash
 Oingo Boingo - Best of Boingo
 Once - Original s/t
 Oranges Band - All Around
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:24:00 am
P
 
 Pearl Jam - 10
 Pearl Jam - Even Flow (import single)
 Pearl Jam - Jeremy (import single)
 Pearl Jam - Vs.
 Pearl Jam - Daughter (import single)
 Pearl Jam - Go (single)
 Pearl Jam - Spin the Balck Circle (single)
 Pearl Jam - Vitalogy
 Pearl Jam - No Code
 Perfect Day 97 - BBC Charity Single (import)
 Pet Shop Boys - Discography
 Tom Petty - Full Moon Fever
 Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Echo
 Phaser - Sway
 Pink - MissUnderstood
 Pink - Can't take me Home
 Placebo - Without you I'm nothing
 Pleased - Don't Make Things
 Police - Every Breath You Take The Classics
 Police - Message in a Box 3 CD Box Set (original packaging) $20
 Postal Service - Give Up
 Elvis Presley - 30 #1 Hits
 Pretenders - The Singles
 Pretty in Pink - Original s/t
 Primus - Pork Soda
 Psychedelic Furs - All of this and Nothing
 Public Enemy - Apocalypse 91
 Pulp - Countdown 1992-1983
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:25:00 am
Q
 
 Queen - Live Killers
 Queen - Rick Rubin remixes We Will Rock You
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:25:00 am
R
 
 Radiohead - Kid A
 Radiohead - OK Computer
 Radiohead - Amnesiac
 Rage Against the Machine - s/t
 Rage Against the Machine - Evil Empire
 Ramones - Mania
 Ready to Wear - Original s/t
 Red Hot Chili Peppers - What Hits
 Joshua Redman - Freedom in the Groove
 Lou Reed - Walk on the Wild Side Best of
 REM - Best of (IRS)
 REM - Dead Letter Office
 REM - Green
 REM - Out of Time
 REM - Automatic for the People
 REM - Monster
 Rolling Stones - Hot Rocks (2 CD set)
 Romeo and Juliet - Original s/t (1998)
 Rooney - s/t
 Rooney - Geffen 2002 Promo 3 track cd
 Roots - Do you want more?
 Rush - Chronicles (2 CD set)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:26:00 am
S
 
 Santana - Supernatural
 Schindlers List - Original s/t
 Secret Machines - No Here is Nowhere
 Sex Pistols - Never mind the Bollocks
 Shins - Chutes to Narrow
 Shaggy - Hotshot
 Sights - Got What we want
 Simon and Garfunkel - Best of
 Simon and Garfunkel - Concet in Central Park
 Frank Sinatra - Classic Sinatra
 Singles - Original s/t
 Siouxsie and the Banshees - Twice upon a time/the singles
 Smashing Pumpkins - Lull
 Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream
 Smashing Pumpkins - Today (single)
 Smashing Pumpkins - Pisces Iscariot
 Samshing Pumpkins - Mellon Collieâ?¦.
 Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist
 Smashmouth - Fush You Mang
 Smile - Maquee
 Smiths - Queen is Dead
 Smiths - Singles
 Snow Patrol - Final Straw
 Social Distortion - s/t
 Social Distortion - Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell
 Social Distortion - Sex Love and Rock and Roll
 Some Kind of Wonderful - original s/t
 Soundgarden - A-Sides
 Chris Cornell - Euphoria Morning
 Soup Dragons - Freedom
 Specials - Singles Collection
 Specials - Today's Specials
 Spice Girls - Spiceworld
 Spin Doctors - Pocket Full of Kryptonite
 Stellastarr* - s/t
 Stellastarr* - Harmonies for the Haunted
 Steppenwolf - 16 Greatest Hits
 Rod Stewart - Sing it Again Rod
 Rod Stewart - The Very Best of
 Stills - Logic Will Break your Heart
 Sting - Very Best of
 Sting - Brand New Day
 Streets - A Grand don't come for free
 STP - Plush (import single)
 STP - No. 4
 Sublime - s/t
 Sublime - Second Hand Smoke
 Sundays - Reading Writing and arithmetic
 Supergrass - s/t
 Supergrass - Life on Other Planets
 Matthew Sweet - 100% Fun
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:27:00 am
T
 
 James Taylor - Greatest Hits
 Teenage Fan Club - Four Thousand seven hundredâ?¦.
 Teenage Fan Club - Sampler (promo for Songs for Nothern Britain
 Tegan and Sara - The Con
 Temple of the Dog
 Train - s/t
 Train - Drops of Jupiter
 Trainspotting - original s/t
 Travis - the Man Who
 Tyde - Twice
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:27:00 am
U
 
 U2 - Boy
 U2 - October
 U2 - War
 U2 - Unforgettable Fire
 U2 - Joshua Tree
 U2 - Best of 1980-1990
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:28:00 am
V
 
 Van Halen - s/t
 Van Halen - II
 Van Halen - Diver Down
 Van Halen - Women and Children First
 Van Halen - 1984
 Van Halen - OU812
 Van Halen - FUCK
 Van Halen - Right Here Right Now Live
 Van Halen- Balance
 Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble - The Sky is Crying
 Vertical Horizon - Everything you Want
 Vertical Horizon - There and Back Again
 Verve Pipe - Villains
 Verve - Urban Hymms
 Richard Ashcroft - C'Mon People (single)
 VHS or Beta - Night on Fire
 Vines - Highly Evolved
 Violent Femmes - Add it Up (1981-1993)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:29:00 am
W
 
 Wallflowers - Bringing Down the Horse
 Washington Social Scene - Catching Looks
 Wedding Present - 2,3 Go (single)
 Wedding Present - John Peel Sessions
 Weezer - Maladroit
 Paul Westerberg - 14 songs
 Whale - Hobo Humpin Slobo Babe (single)
 White Zombie - La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Vol 1
 Who - Who's Better Who's Best
 Who - Live at Leeds
 Wicker Park - Original s/t
 Wilco - Yankee Foxtrot Hotel
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:29:00 am
Y
 
 Yes - Classic Yes
 Thom Yorke - The Eraser
 Pete Yorn - Musicforthemorningafter
 Pete Yorn Day I fogot
 Pete Yorn - Live from New Jersey
 Pete Yorn - Nightcrawler
 Neil Young - Decade (2 Dics Set)
 Neil Young - Weld (2 Disc Set)
 Neil Young - Mirror Ball
 Neil Young - Sleeps with Angels
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 12:30:00 am
Z
 
 Zutons - Who Killedâ?¦.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 01:12:00 pm
Back to your regularly scheduled programming...
 
 reckless initiatives like the Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep offer to subsidize gasoline for three years for people who buy its gas guzzlers are the moral equivalent of tobacco companies offering discounted cigarettes to teenagers. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/28/opinion/28friedman.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin)
 
 Close to what I said when I first saw the commercial: "Why don't you just give away free cigarettes while you're at it."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 28, 2008, 02:04:00 pm
interesting - but wouldn't tobacco companies putting a cap on how much smokers spend on chemotherapy be a more apt comparison?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on May 28, 2008, 02:43:00 pm
Did you stop listening to new music 10 years ago, or are you just selling off the cd's that are 10 years old or older????
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 02:47:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Did you stop listening to new music 10 years ago, or are you just selling off the cd's that are 10 years old or older????
I would say that I stopped buying CD's to keep about 8 years ago and did heavy trading at Amoeba for the last 5 years, so I didn't keep a CD around for much longer than a few weeks.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on May 28, 2008, 02:53:00 pm
ah, i see. that makes sense.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 02:57:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  ah, i see. that makes sense.
Any CD I kept would have been at Smackette's request, but she has now come around to the completely digital world in the last few months, hence the ability to sell them all off.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on May 28, 2008, 03:05:00 pm
Yeah, sure blame the Candlebox on the wife.
 
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  ah, i see. that makes sense.
Any CD I kept would have been at Smackette's request, but she has now come around to the completely digital world in the last few months, hence the ability to sell them all off. [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 03:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Yeah, sure blame the Candlebox on the wife.
 
 
   
My bad.  Any CD kept in the last 5 or 6 years would have been at Smackette's request.  Any CD before that which is not Ani DiFranco or D'Angleo was all my doing.  I'm the last person to put my musical tastes onto someone else.  Including Eve's Plum, which I listened to when I pulled it off the shelf on Monday.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thirsty moore on May 28, 2008, 03:15:00 pm
I'm betting that Vansmack saw Candlebox open for Rush some time in the mid 90's?  Maybe that's how he got into them?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on May 28, 2008, 03:18:00 pm
I'm betting that Vansmack joined one of those clubs where you get 10 cd's for a penny.
 
 And he did it like fifty times.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 03:21:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by econo:
  I'm betting that Vansmack saw Candlebox open for Rush some time in the mid 90's?  Maybe that's how he got into them?
April 1994.  The Pond in Anaheim AND the Great Western Forum in LA.  Awesome shows, but I still prefer Rush outdoors.
 
 I didn't list the Candlebox Bootlegs I bought from that tour.  I actually liked Candlebox before that show...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 03:22:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  I'm betting that Vansmack joined one of those clubs where you get 10 cd's for a penny.
 
 And he did it like fifty times.
No comment.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2008, 03:29:00 pm
For the kids in the audience who have no idea what we're talking about, we debating the merits of which Candlebox song is better:
 
 Far Behind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSp-cSJNGdQ)
 
 You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72-rhhD0a6U&feature=related)
 
 Change (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F9RX9k1E2E&feature=related)
 
 The necessary in the 90's acoustic ballad Cover Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4EPn1FacaQ&feature=related).
 
 I've never seen Blossom (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuBgT729k9o&feature=related) this way, but I like it more now.
 
 I'm going with the Letterman live performace of Far Behind on VHS... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KjtZFT8TBQ&feature=related)dude looks like Jay of Silent Bob fame with a mic.  Awesome.  You can't fake passion like that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 28, 2008, 03:40:00 pm
now maybe
 i didnt mean to treat you oh so bad
 but i diiiid it anyway
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thirsty moore on May 28, 2008, 03:56:00 pm
I saw the same tour but on the East Coast at the Caps Center.  
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 April 1994.  The Pond in Anaheim AND the Great Western Forum in LA.  Awesome shows, but I still prefer Rush outdoors.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 29, 2008, 12:55:00 pm
Alright, after a long discussion with my current DSL internet service provider that ended in me cancelling the service, I'm seeking a new ISP solution.    
 
 Is there anybody out there not using a DSL or cable modem solution?  Unfortunately I can't get fiber yet, a cable modem is difficult with DirecTV and the Board of Supervisors blocked the free google wi-fi.  With wimax not being supported yet, I'm tired of being behind third world countries in internet access.  Is anybody trying anything cool?
 
 I'm looking at EVDO routers and the like.  I'm up for anything!  What are you guys doing?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 30, 2008, 03:42:00 pm
i'm posting this here because smacks loves guitar hero, and i don't feel like starting another thread.
 
  guitar hero on the DS: when marketing goes wrong (http://www.5min.com/Video/How-Guitar-Hero-Works-on-the-DS-23324544)
 
 so embarrassing. i believe the singer in the video goes by the name "nrketch".
 
 (and sorry that i can't help you with your previous question about ISP alternatives... currently my ISP is the university, can't complain)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 30, 2008, 04:05:00 pm
Wow.  That's um...somebody should lose their job for that.
 
 As for my ISP, I'm testing Sprint's EVDO network (Rev A - 3.0Mbps) USB Modem (http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/compass_597.aspx) which I will eventually plug into an EVDO wireless router, (http://www.cradlepoint.com/mbr1000/mbr1000.php) that is being sent to me.  It's a fairly flexible solution in that we can unplug the USB modem and take it with us anywhere we are with a laptop that has cell phone coverage, and share it at the apt when we're home via router.  It also helps that there's a Spint tower near our apt.  
 
 This will be a precursor to switching to Sprint/Clearwire's WiMax when it's available in my area.
 
 For others that may be interested in this solution, Verizon has a 5 GB download limit per month, and Sprint will be introducing a similar limit on June 20.  However, I was informed that they would be grandfathering customers in who have an unlimited package ($59 a month) prior to June 20, so I went ahead and did it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 03, 2008, 03:16:00 pm
So which would have to happen first for Americans to embrace trains?
 
 (1) The price of trains would have to be equal or less than airfare, or
 
 (2) The travel times of trains must improve greatly to rival planes, or
 
 (3) Both.
 
 Plane versus train: a one-sided contest (http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2008/06/plane_versus_train_a_onesided.cfm)
 
 FLYING is becoming more expensive, but a new comparison of American journeys made by plane, train and automobile makes the skies look relatively friendly. CSA Travel Protection, a San Diego-based insurance company, examined the costs and travel times of different modes of travel on selected routes. Some of their findings:
 
 Phoenix to San Diego
 Â·  Plane: $124, 2.5 hours
 Â·  Train: $300, 33 hours
 Â·  Auto: $106 (712 miles), 11 hours
 
 Cincinnati to Washington, DC
 Â·  Plane: $467, 3 hours
 Â·  Train: $148, 28.5 hours
 Â·  Auto: $155 (1,044 miles), 17 hours
 
 Grand Rapids to New York
 Â·  Plane: $401, 4.5 hours
 Â·  Train: $286, 48 hours
 Â·  Auto: $221 (1,494 miles), 23.5 hours
 
 The calculations assume a solo traveller using the most direct route and round-trip tickets where applicable. For trainsâ??shown at a particular disadvantage in this study as the selected cities are not on direct routesâ??the time includes waits between transfers.
 
 Apart from the alarming possibility of travelling for 48 hours and staying in the same country, the most depressing observation provoked by this study is that in many circumstances airlines really do have us over a barrel. While thereâ??s a lot to be said for the road trip and the dining car, the prospect of journey times over ten hours means most travellers won't be giving up flying any time soon, no matter what surcharges and fare increases are thrown their way.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 03, 2008, 06:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 For trainsâ??shown at a particular disadvantage in this study as the selected cities are not on direct routesâ??the time includes waits between transfers.
heh, that's the crux - they went out of their way to make trains look bad by picking train-unfriendly routes.  for travel from NYC to major cities on the northeast coast, for example, trains are definitely the way to go.  it's both cheaper and faster for me to take the train than a flight.
 
 these numbers include the assumption that airports add only an hour of time (getting there, checking in, security, etc...). depending how far away you live from the airport and the time of day, that can be a pretty big assumption.  my workmates who fly in every week leave the office about 2 hours before their flight (and no, they're not bailing on work to go drink at the airport lounge        :)       ). train stations tend to have better, more centralized location.  
 
 and let's not forget how comfortable economy class  has become nowadays... i totally heart amtrak with its bigger seats that recline farther, wider aisles, bigger bathrooms, dinner car, electricity plug-ins at every seat, etc.
 
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  So which would have to happen first for Americans to embrace trains?
 
 (1) The price of trains would have to be equal or less than airfare, or
 
 (2) The travel times of trains must improve greatly to rival planes, or
 
 (3) Both.
for two of the three cases cited above, trains are notably cheaper... so there's half the equation.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 03, 2008, 06:49:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  heh, that's the crux - they went out of their way to make trains look bad by picking train-unfriendly routes.  for travel from NYC to major cities on the northeast coast, for example, trains are definitely the way to go.
Really?  I'm pretty sure that trains from Boston to DC are the ONLY place in the US where trains are working.
 
 I'm not sure if it's the crux, but I'm pretty sure your counter example is just as guilty of being an extreme example.
 
 DC to Pittsbugh for example?  Should not be nearly as difficult as it is.
 
 To show one of their examples that I didn't think was extreme, San Diego to Phoenix? Should not be nearly as difficult as it is.  33 Hours?
 
 San Francisco to LA?  Not possible without taking a bus.  No excuse for that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 03, 2008, 06:56:00 pm
i remember when i first moved here i looked into a dc to nyc train and it cost 3x as much as a plane
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 03, 2008, 07:33:00 pm
BTW, am I the only one that wants to see Joba pitch a gem for 7 innings and then have the Yankees blow it in the 8th inning in each one of his starts this season?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on June 03, 2008, 07:43:00 pm
Portland-Seattle is a nice train route, cheap and drops you off in downtown pdx or downtown seattle right outside qwest field and near safeco
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on June 03, 2008, 07:47:00 pm
it's like some speak easy coffee shop in here.  where are the hash brownies?  behind the counter?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 03, 2008, 08:08:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by walkonby:
  it's like some speak easy coffee shop in here.  where are the hash brownies?  behind the counter?
I keep those in the freezer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 03, 2008, 08:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  Portland-Seattle is a nice train route, cheap and drops you off in downtown pdx or downtown seattle right outside qwest field and near safeco
True and good point.  3 Hours for $30 and a really pretty ride at that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Herr Professor Doktor Doom on June 03, 2008, 11:16:00 pm
The problem with trains is that we've let Republicans, Libertarians, and other stupid people get away for years with claiming that trains need to make a "profit" in order to be worthwhile.  
 
 Nobody makes that argument about highways.  They receive public funds because they are a public good.  Trains should be treated the same way, and receive the level of public funding necessary to upgrade them to the level of service and speed they have in Japan and other modern countries.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 04, 2008, 09:20:00 am
holy eff, doomey... never thought of that.  excellent point.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on June 04, 2008, 01:45:00 pm
another problem with passenger trains is they now share in many instances the same tracks as unscheduled freight trains which have the right away... so the next time your delayed getting to NYC on Amtrak you can thank that CSX train for getting in your way.
 
 did anyone read that City Paper story about the guy who try to get NYC via train without Amtrak? shame about that 30 miles between Perryville and Wilmington were he had to rely on spotty public bus transportation to make the connection between MARC and SEPTA
 
 http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/printerpage.php?id=35550 (http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/printerpage.php?id=35550)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on June 04, 2008, 01:57:00 pm
and funnily enough... kosmette, who is riding MARC to Baltimore these days, says that the train she takes daily went from almost empty to pretty much full very recently.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 04, 2008, 03:30:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by They call me Doctor Doom.:
  The problem with trains is that we've let Republicans, Libertarians, and other stupid people get away for years with claiming that trains need to make a "profit" in order to be worthwhile.  
 
 Nobody makes that argument about highways.  They receive public funds because they are a public good.  Trains should be treated the same way, and receive the level of public funding necessary to upgrade them to the level of service and speed they have in Japan and other modern countries.
actually, i would argue that republicans and libertarians would prefer amtrak privatized rather than be subject to federal funding.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 04, 2008, 04:41:00 pm
and roads as well?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 04, 2008, 08:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  and roads as well?
i think that answer would depend on how strict a libertarian that person is.  for me, i see roads as a public good- just about everyone uses them and everyone pays for them (unlike amtrak, which survives on federal subsidies to make up for what their fares don't cover).  plus one of the original purposes of the interstate highway system was for national defense, and national defense is a duty given to the federal government by the constitution.
 
 that being said. . .if federal roads and highways were to become privatized, i would fully expect federal gas taxes to go down as well, since those taxes are one of the main sources of funding for highway maintenance and construction.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 05, 2008, 12:27:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
 plus one of the original purposes of the interstate highway system was for national defense, and national defense is a duty given to the federal government by the constitution.
same for the train system... in time of war, trains are commandeered for troop and equipment transport.  
 
 if amtrak received as many subsidies are the highway system, it would be faster and cheaper = more people would use it, making it easier to defend as a public good.  catch-22.  
 
 the american value of individualism will ensure that roads > trains... driving a car is a god-given right.  will be interesting to see how this "right" evolves with higher gas prices.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: SPARX on June 05, 2008, 12:49:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by econo:
  I'm betting that Vansmack saw Candlebox open for Rush some time in the mid 90's?  Maybe that's how he got into them?
I saw Candlebox headline over the Flaming Lips @ The Patriot Centre. Talk about a travesty. I'd go with Far Behind, if I had to pick one. I did not see Candlebox finish their set that night, we ducked out early and I have no regrets with that.
 They're just one more reason I wish Pearl Jam had never existed(ducks for cover)
 
 Rush should have called it quits after 2112 IMHO. Gotta give props to Rutsey and the 1st release. The 2nd, Fly by Night was their highlight as far as I'm concerned though. Peart,what an addition!
 They sure caught a break there.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 05, 2008, 01:57:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
 plus one of the original purposes of the interstate highway system was for national defense, and national defense is a duty given to the federal government by the constitution.
same for the train system... in time of war, trains are commandeered for troop and equipment transport.  
 
 if amtrak received as many subsidies are the highway system, it would be faster and cheaper = more people would use it, making it easier to defend as a public good.  catch-22.  
 
 the american value of individualism will ensure that roads > trains... driving a car is a god-given right.  will be interesting to see how this "right" evolves with higher gas prices. [/b]
i don't think that the government (either federal or state) built the railroad infrastructure, or at least controls it anymore.  the government has built interstates, highways and other roads.  just today union pacific railroad told supporters of the bullet train out here in california that they will not let new tracks for the bullet train cross onto their right-of-way....anyway, in a time of war, the military can do lots of things.
 
 there is a significant difference between railroad infrastructure and highway infrastructure.  i also think there is a difference in how highways are maintained and how amtrak is funded- taxes on gasoline help fund construction and maintenance of highways. . .amtrak is supposed to be a self-financed entity, but is unable to meet that goal, so it relies on federal subsidies to make it whole.
 
 as for gas, well, if the cost of gasoline keeps rising, then people will logically seek out lower cost alternatives. . .of which trains may be one of them.  that's the way the market works.  amtrak simply cannot compete against the price of gasoline, unless gas keeps increasing, for both cars and airplanes.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on June 05, 2008, 04:35:00 pm
http://dcist.com/2008/06/05/transit_on_thur_34.php (http://dcist.com/2008/06/05/transit_on_thur_34.php)
 
   
Quote
Let's start with Barack Obama. Sen. Obama has been quietly hailed as the candidate with the most forward positions on mass transportation. Of course, this really shouldn't come as any surprise, as the Illinois lawmaker has been interested in the topic for years - he petitioned for more efficient transit through low-income areas of Chicago in 2003, and mentioned in May of this year that he's had interest in copying the efficiency of the Northeast Corridor system in the Midwest: "One of the things I have been talking bout for awhile is high speed rail connecting all of these Midwest cities -- Indianapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, St. Louis." Speaking of Amtrak, Obama is a big supporter. He was a backer of the Lautenberg-Lott Amtrak bill in 2007, which would provide about $11.6 billion to Amtrak over the next six years. Obama's energy and climate stance includes promises to "reform the tax code to make benefits for driving and public transit or ridesharing equal," and to change the "transportation funding process to ensure that smart growth considerations are taken into account." Obama also opposes a federal gas tax holiday - instead, he believes that high prices of gasoline should "give individuals much more of an incentive to look at trains and mass transit as an alternative."
 
 Of course, most of the recent Obama love from transit-types has come from his remarks in Portland, Oregon:
 
 "Itâ??s time that the entire country learn from whatâ??s happening right here in Portland with mass transit and bicycle lanes and funding alternative means of transportation. Thatâ??s the kind of solution that we need for America. Thatâ??s the kind of truth telling that we are going to do in this campaign and when I am President of the United States of America. We donâ??t need gimmicks.â?ť
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 05, 2008, 04:38:00 pm
lies, i see nothing about hopechange
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 06, 2008, 10:16:00 am
RE: the planes vs. trains article (http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2008/06/plane_versus_train_a_onesided.cfm)
 
 just for the fun of it, i took a position equally ridiculous as the one of the above author: i hunted down routes that are stacked in favor of trains.  some findings:
 
 Savannah to Jacksonville:
 Plane: $475, 4h 15m
 Train: $45, 2h 21m
 
 Savannah to Orlando:
 Plane: $374, 4h 01m
 Train: $54, 5h 43m
 
 Raleigh to Charlotte:
 Plane, cheapest: $451, 4h 47m
 Plane, fastest: $604, 2h 1m
 Train: $25, 3h 9m
 
 Greensboro, NC to Washington, DC
 Plane, cheapest: $533, 5h 1m
 Plane, fastest: $631, 2h 12m
 Train: $109, 6h 12m (or $56, 7h 47m)
 
 and with rising fuel costs, trains' price advantage will only improve.
 
 i used the author's "plane time = actual flight time + 1 hour" formula, although i think it's wrong - i would add 2 hours (hello, dulles or BWI).  so plane times look better than they should, IMO.
 
 so saying...
   
Quote
(1) The price of trains would have to be equal or less than airfare, or
 
 (2) The travel times of trains must improve greatly to rival planes, or
 
 (3) Both.
... doesn't make a lot of sense to me, since the vast majority of the time #1 is already the case, and #2 cannot happen - and certainly not for the routes chosen in the original article.  
 
 a respectable speed for a high-speed train is 150 mph (NYC-DC in 1.5 hours!).  airplanes clock in at around 600 mph.  so even if trains (1) didn't stop more often,  (2) didn't have their max allowable speeds limited by local regulations, and (3) traveled in lines as straight as planes, it would take four times as long to cover the same distance.  but with those factors, having a trip take 5 or 6 times still wouldn't be bad (not that we're near that currently).  
 
 trains are under-subsidized, our rail network sucks and it is cargo-centric.  but trains will never be as fast as planes, except for regional travel.  i feel that the original article was being disingenuous.  the improvement of the train system is a valid debate to have, but the article that started this debate has the question framed wrong.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on June 06, 2008, 10:24:00 am
Did you do this on your own time (GEEK alert!) or on your employers time? And if the latter, do you work for the Department of Transportation?
 
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  RE: the planes vs. trains article (http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2008/06/plane_versus_train_a_onesided.cfm)
 
 just for the fun of it, i took a position equally ridiculous as the one of the above author: i hunted down routes that are stacked in favor of trains.  some findings:
 
 Savannah to Jacksonville:
 Plane: $475, 4h 15m
 Train: $45, 2h 21m
 
 Savannah to Orlando:
 Plane: $374, 4h 01m
 Train: $54, 5h 43m
 
 Raleigh to Charlotte:
 Plane, cheapest: $451, 4h 47m
 Plane, fastest: $604, 2h 1m
 Train: $25, 3h 9m
 
 Greensboro, NC to Washington, DC
 Plane, cheapest: $533, 5h 1m
 Plane, fastest: $631, 2h 12m
 Train: $109, 6h 12m (or $56, 7h 47m)
 
 and with rising fuel costs, trains' price advantage will only improve.
 
 i used the author's "plane time = actual flight time + 1 hour" formula, although i think it's wrong - i would add 2 hours (hello, dulles or BWI).  so plane times look better than they should, IMO.
 
 so saying...
   
Quote
(1) The price of trains would have to be equal or less than airfare, or
 
 (2) The travel times of trains must improve greatly to rival planes, or
 
 (3) Both.
... doesn't make a lot of sense to me, since the vast majority of the time #1 is already the case, and #2 cannot happen - and certainly not for the routes chosen in the original article.  
 
 a respectable speed for a high-speed train is 150 mph (NYC-DC in 1.5 hours!).  airplanes clock in at around 600 mph.  so even if trains (1) didn't stop more often,  (2) didn't have their max allowable speeds limited by local regulations, and (3) traveled in lines as straight as planes, it would take four times as long to cover the same distance.  but with those factors, having a trip take 5 or 6 times still wouldn't be bad (not that we're near that currently).  
 
 trains are under-subsidized, our rail network sucks and it is cargo-centric.  but trains will never be as fast as planes, except for regional travel.  i feel that the original article was being disingenuous.  the improvement of the train system is a valid debate to have, but the article that started this debate has the question framed wrong. [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on June 06, 2008, 10:26:00 am
I have friends in Raleigh and in Charlotte, and none of them would take either the plane or train to see each other. That's a ridiculous example.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 06, 2008, 10:35:00 am
all of those are ridiculous. those flights are all connectors primarily. maybe dc to greensboro
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 06, 2008, 10:36:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Did you do this on your own time (GEEK alert!) or on your employers time? And if the latter, do you work for the Department of Transportation?
that's a geek alert you're hearing in the background.  couldn't find anything good on TV late last night.  took me about 15 minutes.  bonus feature: i used the
  ITA Software meta search engine (http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/prego/calendar) to find airfares.  highly recommended when looking for cheap fares.  when browsing results, the "Choose flights (graphical)" feature is really useful.
 
       
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  I have friends in Raleigh and in Charlotte, and none of them would take either the plane or train to see each other. That's a ridiculous example.
absolutely agreed, but that was my point - to be as ridiculous as the original author.
 
     
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  all of those are ridiculous. those flights are all connectors primarily. maybe dc to greensboro
but that's exactly what the original author did - he chose only indirect train route that required connections, i.e. he stacked his choices in favor of planes (he wrote: For trainsâ??shown at a particular disadvantage in this study as the selected cities are not on direct routesâ??the time includes waits between transfers).  i did the opposite: compared indirect flights to direct trains.  and yes, the greensboro-DC "fastest" route was direct, all others were connections.  i always chose the faster/shortest connection.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 06, 2008, 04:19:00 pm
more on amtrak from  the atlantic (http://meganmcardle.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/06/railroaded.php)
 
 Moreover, if oil prices stay high, the math changes substantially for passenger rail, making new routes more profitable. People will probably never take the train en masse from New York to Los Angeles, but a direct train from New York to Chicago could start looking good, particularly when you factor in the drive to out-of-the way airports, delays, and time spent removing your shoes in security lines.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 06, 2008, 08:34:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
 a respectable speed for a high-speed train is 150 mph (NYC-DC in 1.5 hours!).  airplanes clock in at around 600 mph.  so even if trains (1) didn't stop more often,  (2) didn't have their max allowable speeds limited by local regulations, and (3) traveled in lines as straight as planes, it would take four times as long to cover the same distance.  
CA is shooting for 220 MPH (http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/) and is looking for SF to LA in under 3 hours.  Door to door would be about the same time as going to and from both airports for me to get from my apt to my folks house in Anaheim.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 10, 2008, 03:52:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I'm working on a new online library idea and need to get/earn some capital before embarking on it (that's code for Smackette won't let me spend any more money on the project).  
So remember when I was talking about this?  
 
 My project this summer is to build this for myself (http://www.homeserverhacks.com/2008/04/build-green-400-windows-home-server_2871.html) (it's been a while since I built myself a machine and its much cheaper than the HP device (http://www.amazon.com/EX475-MediaSmart-Server-Windows-Drive/dp/B000UXZUZC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1213127498&sr=8-2) I was looking at).
 
 But for those that have a Mac Mini lying around... (http://www.homeserverhacks.com/2008/06/big-news-from-apples-wwdc-ihomeserver.html)I was going to do this myself, but it's a bit of a waste for the video components.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 10, 2008, 07:26:00 pm
AT&T's iPhone 3G subsidy will cost 'em (http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9963999-7.html)
 
 So starting this summer, the new iPhone will cost $199 (8GB) or $299 (16GB) with a 2 year contract (at&t now subisdizes the total cost by taking a loss), but you'll pay at least $10 more a month for data (or $240 over the duration of the contract).  
 
 AT&Ts logic is that more people will buy them (total #) and either switch to at&t or existing customers will switch from voice only plans to  add a data plan, and thus they will make money.  Wow.  
 
 The only sure winner here is Apple, as usual.  And anyone who waited to buy the second generation iPhone that works on the 3G network.  That's not going to confuse anyone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 12, 2008, 09:26:00 am
amtrak and DC metro get funding - cool.
 
 House approves Amtrak funding (http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/11/amtrak.congress.ap/)
 
 WASHINGTON (AP) -- A nearly $15 billion Amtrak bill passed the House on Wednesday as lawmakers rallied around an alternative for travelers saddled with soaring gas prices.
 
 The bipartisan bill, which passed by a veto-proof margin of 311-104, would authorize funding for the national passenger railroad over the next five years. Some of the money would go to a program of matching grants to help states set up or expand rail service.
 
 Besides the $14.9 billion provided for Amtrak and intercity rail, an amendment to the bill would authorize $1.5 billion for Washington's Metro transit system over the next 10 years.
 
 The White House has threatened a veto, saying the bill doesn't hold Amtrak accountable for its spending. But similar legislation has passed the Senate, also with enough support to override a veto.
 
 "Nothing could be more fitting to bring before the Congress today, on a day when gasoline has reached $4.05 a gallon across the United States on average," said Rep. John Mica, R-Florida, a longtime Amtrak critic who teamed up with Transportation Committee Chairman James Oberstar, D-Minnesota, on the legislation.
 
 Amtrak's previous authorization expired in 2002. The railroad's supporters say that a new authorization will allow Amtrak to make long-range plans and take advantage of what they say is a growing appetite for passenger rail.
 
 Unlike the Senate version, the House bill includes a requirement for the Department of Transportation to seek proposals from private companies to create a high-speed service that would take travelers from Washington to New York in two hours or less. The idea has long been championed by Mica, who says the United States must catch up with European and Asian countries on high-speed rail travel.
 
 Critics say the proposal would undermine Amtrak by peeling off its most valuable asset: the Northeast Corridor.
 
 Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania said provisions that open the door to private investment should help ease the concerns of fellow Republicans who have balked at supporting Amtrak.
 
 But those provisions could complicate things when the House tries to work out a compromise bill with the Senate.
 
 Amtrak said it was pleased that both the House and the Senate had acted.
 
 "This reflects strong support for intercity passenger rail service, and we look forward to working with Congress as they move forward to reconcile a final authorization bill," spokesman Cliff Black said.
 
 The Bush administration and other Amtrak critics want to see the company move toward self-sufficiency, but Amtrak supporters say passenger railroads around the globe require government subsidies and point to the large sums of federal money spent on highways.
 
 A bid by Rep. Geoff Davis, R-Kentucky, to send the bill back to committee to add an alternative fuel study was rejected.
 
 "In the areas where American budgets are being hardest hit by gas prices, consuming 16 percent of gross incomes, they have very little access to Amtrak," Davis said. "How does this bill help those Americans deal with our energy crisis?"
 
 Amtrak's boosters say the high cost of driving has made people eager for more and better rail service.
 
 A record 25.8 million passengers took Amtrak in the last fiscal year. The railroad expects ridership to approach 28 million this year, Black said.
 
 May was the biggest month in Amtrak's 37-year history, with total ridership up 12 percent over last year and ticket revenue up 16 percent over last year. Black said Amtrak's marketing research indicates that about half the increase can be attributed to gas prices
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on June 12, 2008, 02:12:00 pm
Hottest threesome possibilities in TV history (http://www.bestweekever.tv/2008/06/11/the-20-hottest-possible-threesomes-in-tv-history/#more-24012)
 
 20. Mary Ann and Ginger (Gilliganâ??s Island)
 
 Hotness: 5. Or Gilligan & The Skipperâ?¦ laaaadies??
 
 Notoriety: 5. A bit on the selfish side, given that thereâ??s only three women on the island and one of them is in her sixties (but loaded).
 
 Overall: 10. If they remade this show nowadays, this would definitely be the pilot episode. And all subsequent episodes.
 
  <img src="http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2008/06/Gilligans.JPG" alt=" - " />
 
 ...
 
 + 19 more.
 
 lulz @ no. 5
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2008, 03:07:00 pm
Now I love you.  See how easy I am?
 
 OK, so I was scrolling down, slowly of course to savor it all and let my imagination do most of the work.  I was a bit disappointed to see Kelly and Jill at #4 (they were the first ones to come into my mind when I read the headline and reminded me of when I first thought about these things), but I can't argue with Kelly and Jesse having now upped Jesse's cred since the release of Showgirls.  Before that she was clearly dragging down that pairing.
 
 I am thoroughly disappointed in myself for not ranking Marissa and Summer as my initial #1 - I would absolutely make them my number 1 right now.  And for eternity.  I just don't see Blair and Serena passing them.
 
 I disagree with their number one choice for two reasons - Janet never did it for me and I always preferred Terry to Chrissy. Not to mention that was the whole premise of the show.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2008, 03:15:00 pm
A few notable misses:
 
 The Olson Twins
 
 Winnie Cooper and Becky Slater
 (or any of Kevins other rebounds - Madelline, Cara, shit, I'd even add Debbie Pfieffer for 10 minutes with Winnie)
 
 Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera from the Mickey Mouse CLub
 
 Jo and Blair.  
 
 I need to go to lunch.  I could do this all day.
 
 Abby and Robyn from How I met your mother
 
 You're making my head explode.  Both of them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 12, 2008, 03:22:00 pm
joey & jen, definitely
 
 id say torres and 7 of 9 would be on my list :nerd:
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2008, 03:28:00 pm
Claire Bennet and Niki Sanders
 
 Hello!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2008, 03:32:00 pm
Lyla Garrity and Tyra Collette
 
 It's official, I'm getting nothing done today.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2008, 03:36:00 pm
Kim Bauer and just about any one of the other girls on the show not named Chloe or Sherry...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 12, 2008, 03:42:00 pm
kate and claire
 
 that might be my #1
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on June 12, 2008, 03:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 It's official, I'm getting nothing done today.
lolol. i knew you'd appreciate this.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2008, 03:44:00 pm
That's it.  I'm officially making my own list.
 
 And I've decided to combine the Kelly's from #13 (Taylor) and #3 (Kapowski), only I have to call the second Kelly "Valerie" wait for it..."Malone. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt8Xn9EdaSE)"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 13, 2008, 12:22:00 am
thoughts on Velma and Daphne?
 
  <img src="http://www.dan-dare.org/Dan%20FRD/FredAndVelmaAndDaphne.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Now I love you.  See how easy I am?
why can't i meet any girls who'll tell me that?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 13, 2008, 12:28:00 pm
I certainly wouldn't want to be Irish today.  There will be retribution in Europe for sure - it's not a good time to be asking for any favors from your neighbors.
 
 Irish Voters Appear to Reject Treaty on Europe (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/world/europe/14ireland.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin)
 
 It's absolutely ridiculous that (1) such a decision on governmental efficiency is left to the voters and (2) that it requires unanimous approval of 27 member countries.  Nothing will ever get done if those two requirements exist.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 13, 2008, 12:31:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  why can't i meet any girls who'll tell me that?
You can, but where they rank on the hot/crazy scale (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYrZSjpiIK4) is not desirable.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 13, 2008, 12:34:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  thoughts on Velma and Daphne?
 
 
This has been what's been plaguing me as I put together my list.  Well two things actually.
 
 The first is how low will I go to include someone not hot (Velma) to include someone super hot (Daphne).  You have to take some hits to hit what you want, but it's a slippery slope.
 
 The second is how do I really consider animated figures.  I was ready to throw them out all together until I remembered Jessica Rabbit.  I'd hit that for sure.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 13, 2008, 12:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I certainly wouldn't want to be Irish today.  There will be retribution in Europe for sure - it's not a good time to be asking for any favors from your neighbors.
 
 Irish Voters Appear to Reject Treaty on Europe (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/world/europe/14ireland.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin)
 
 It's absolutely ridiculous that (1) such a decision on governmental efficiency is left to the voters and (2) that it requires unanimous approval of 27 member countries.  Nothing will ever get done if those two requirements exist.
will it be ok to be irish in a week? or an american visiting ireland more specifically
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 13, 2008, 12:50:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I certainly wouldn't want to be Irish today.  There will be retribution in Europe for sure - it's not a good time to be asking for any favors from your neighbors.
 
 Irish Voters Appear to Reject Treaty on Europe (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/world/europe/14ireland.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin)
 
 It's absolutely ridiculous that (1) such a decision on governmental efficiency is left to the voters and (2) that it requires unanimous approval of 27 member countries.  Nothing will ever get done if those two requirements exist.
the eu needs to be slapped around every so often to be reminded that brussels is not the end all-be all of power.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 13, 2008, 12:56:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  the eu needs to be slapped around every so often to be reminded that brussels is not the end all-be all of power.
That's what happened in 2005.  Why do it again in 2008?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 13, 2008, 12:59:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  will it be ok to be an american visiting ireland more specifically
No.  But mostly because I'm jealous, not because of any foreign policy implications.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on June 13, 2008, 01:00:00 pm
sheesh - talk about embarassing and talk about biting the hand that feeds  :o  
 
 although as a Man U friend of mine just pointed out, "Cmon, this is a country who chose Mick McCarthy over Roy Keane, what do you expect"!!
 
 the gubmint failed to properly articulate their case, the center stayed home and a rainbow coalition of the usual crackpot leftys, loonies, papists and libertarians did the rest
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I certainly wouldn't want to be Irish today.  There will be retribution in Europe for sure - it's not a good time to be asking for any favors from your neighbors.
 
 Irish Voters Appear to Reject Treaty on Europe (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/world/europe/14ireland.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin)
 
 It's absolutely ridiculous that (1) such a decision on governmental efficiency is left to the voters and (2) that it requires unanimous approval of 27 member countries.  Nothing will ever get done if those two requirements exist.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 13, 2008, 01:00:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  the eu needs to be slapped around every so often to be reminded that brussels is not the end all-be all of power.
That's what happened in 2005.  Why do it again in 2008? [/b]
i guess they didn't learn. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 13, 2008, 01:06:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by brennser:
 
 the gubmint failed to properly articulate their case, the center stayed home and a rainbow coalition of the usual crackpot leftys, loonies, papists and libertarians did the rest
 
i guess it doesn't help when the pm who supports the measure can't even explain it himself.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 13, 2008, 01:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  i guess they didn't learn. . .
Only you would argue that less than 1% of the population of Europe should have the power to impose it's will on the other 26 members.  
 
 Come to think of it, that doesn't sound like you at all.
 
 Just what are you arguing?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on June 13, 2008, 01:12:00 pm
hes new - still learning how to do the job   :D  
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
   
Quote
Originally posted by brennser:
 
 the gubmint failed to properly articulate their case, the center stayed home and a rainbow coalition of the usual crackpot leftys, loonies, papists and libertarians did the rest
 
i guess it doesn't help when the pm who supports the measure can't even explain it himself. [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 13, 2008, 01:15:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  i guess they didn't learn. . .
Only you would argue that less than 1% of the population of Europe should have the power to impose it's will on the other 26 members.  
 
 Come to think of it, that doesn't sound like you at all.
 
 Just what are you arguing? [/b]
i just don't like the eu and its insane bureaucracy. . .so, any chance that it gets embarrassed (coupled with france taking over the "rotating" presidency and having to deal with this) makes me smile.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 13, 2008, 01:17:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  i just don't like the eu and its insane bureaucracy. . .
The whole point of the treaty was to eliminate much of the bureaucracy, so you're not making sense (other than to make life hard for France, that makes perfect sense to me).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 13, 2008, 01:29:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  i just don't like the eu and its insane bureaucracy. . .
The whole point of the treaty was to eliminate much of the bureaucracy, so you're not making sense (other than to make life hard for France, that makes perfect sense to me). [/b]
but it just makes it more difficult for the eu. . .if this treaty made that much sense, it should have been easier to defend....i think i agree, in general, with a point you made earlier- a 287 page treaty should never have been put up for a general vote in the first place. . .either simplify it (ironically, since it's supposed to simplify the eu to begin with) for a public vote, or ram it through the various parliaments so the public doesn't have a chance to reject it.  the irish rules on this weren't just made up for this treaty- the negotiators knew that it would have to go before the voters, and in their smugness assumed that the people would just go along.
 
 anyway. . .whatever benefits the treaty entailed, having the eu have to scramble to figure out how to get out of this mess is enjoyable, to me, and having it be left to the french to do that makes it doubly so.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 13, 2008, 01:32:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  whatever benefits the treaty entailed, having the eu have to scramble to figure out how to get out of this mess is enjoyable, to me
Even if that means throwing Ireland out of the EU?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 13, 2008, 01:48:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  whatever benefits the treaty entailed, having the eu have to scramble to figure out how to get out of this mess is enjoyable, to me
Even if that means throwing Ireland out of the EU? [/b]
ehhh, they'll figure something out.
 
 btw, what is england doing with it???
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 13, 2008, 01:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  btw, what is england doing with it???
The usual.
 
 The Torries want a referendum (because they're not in power), Labor says there's no need (because they are in power), the general population says they'd like to vote for it but it doesn't rank very high on their priority list.  Fixing the National Team ranks higher.
 
 If England were smart (and by smart I mean do they really want Tony Blair to be the first President of Europe?), Parliament would vote on it and not put it up for referendum.  That's the only way Blair has a shot, seeing as how they already snubbed the currency.
 
 After seeing what Ireland did, I doubt you see a referendum.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 13, 2008, 02:01:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  btw, what is england doing with it???
The usual.
 
 The Torries want a referendum (because they're not in power), Labor says there's no need (because they are in power), the general population says they'd like to vote for it but it doesn't rank very high on their priority list.  Fixing the National Team ranks higher.
 
 If England were smart (and by smart I mean do they really want Tony Blair to be the first President of Europe?), Parliament would vote on it and not put it up for referendum.  That's the only way Blair has a shot, seeing as how they already snubbed the currency.
 
 After seeing what Ireland did, I doubt you see a referendum. [/b]
i agree, after all, labour is gonna lose the next election anyway, so what do they have to lose?  plus, labour knows that if it's put up for a vote, it's not going to pass.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 13, 2008, 02:04:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  [and by smart I mean do they really want Tony Blair to be the first President of Europe?
worlds most famous toon supporter? they should make him president of earth. sting for veep
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 13, 2008, 02:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  after all, labour is gonna lose the next election anyway, so what do they have to lose?  plus, labour knows that if it's put up for a vote, it's not going to pass.
I disagree with both of your contentions, which is nothing new for us.
 
 While Labour has to deal with Gordon Brown's image problem, David Cameron is not doing that much to make himself stand out.  After all, Labour gets to call the next election and can time it right.
 
 As to point 2, it won't go to a vote but if it did, the English would like nothing better than to show how intellectually superior they are to the Irish, whether they are or not.  It would pass, and they would say that did because they were capable of understanding it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 17, 2008, 02:35:00 pm
I don't usually pimp my friends like this, but Melissa had me laughing on this one.
 
 And so, I give you my "Top 10 Things Overheard At The City Hall Gay Marriage Gathering": (http://www.thesweetmelissa.com/)
 
 10. On the (rather attractive) SFPD minding the event: "I can't tell if those are real cops or gay men dressed as police."  
 
 9. To the middle-aged woman yelling, "God hates homosexuals!!": "Ugh, you need a fag hairdresser."
 
 8. To same woman: "Get some moisturizer."
 
 7. From the man holding the "Homo Sex is Sin" sign to a young lady engaging him in conversation: "You don't know the first thing about respect!!!"
 
 6. "His name is Hater Smith." To a reporter who had just asked for the name of #7 (above).  
 
 5. "Gavin, will you marry me?" on a sign. Love the play on words, pal. But you'll have to get in line behind Beth.
 
 4. To the anti-gay protesters: A rousing sing-along of "We Are The Champions."
 
 3. To the woman holding a small rainbow-sweater-clad Chihuahua: "That may be the gayest  thing here."  
 
 2. Brian Devine on the anti-gay protesters wearing hard hats with the words "Trust Jesus" on them: "If they trust Jesus, why do they need hard hats?"
 
 1.  "You need to amend your sign."  Woman to  protester  holding a "Gays Can't Marry" sign.
 
 --Melissa (http://www.thesweetmelissa.com/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 17, 2008, 04:54:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 "Top 10 Things Overheard At The City Hall Gay Marriage Gathering"
how could she have missed this one: Takai, after applying for the license: "may equality live long and prosper" (http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/06/17/takai.marriage.ap/index.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 17, 2008, 05:43:00 pm
Not to point out the obvious, but she was in San Francisco and George was in West Hollywood.  But I do like George's quote.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 18, 2008, 12:48:00 am
uhm... yeah.  convenient change of topic: smacks, any thoughts on the development of competition in the digital music biz?  i'm sure some here will poo-poo the choice of band to kick this off, but looks like the push for variable pricing is gaining steam.  gotta love those one-day specials   :)  
 
 Amazon cuts Coldplay album prices to bring in the crowds (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2008/06/amazon-and-mp3.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 18, 2008, 12:03:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  uhm... yeah.  convenient change of topic: smacks, any thoughts on the development of competition in the digital music biz?  
Well, first off, I'm going to get me the Brothers and Sister EP for $.99!  Thanks for the link.
 
 Yes, competition like this is good, but as usual, despite an inferior product (DRM and lower quality), Apple already won by having far superior marketing (I think they've had a commercial or two on about the new album).  Count me in as one of the millions that pre-ordered Viva La Vida on iTunes to get the single.
 
 Two things specifically about this move: It's the wrong marketing ploy for Amazon and ill timed.
 
 They should have lowered the price before the album went on sale.  Most Coldplay fans bought the album off of iTunes when you could get the early release single.  That now famous Coldplay commercial advertised the album, and the single being exclusively released on iTunes (clever play of words there, it was just the single).
 
 Amazon should have run their own series of adds countering iTunes and touting two things:
 
 (1) It's cheaper, and
 (2) It's DRM free.
 
 What Amazon should do in the future, is adopt a policy that all new releases will be $8.99 and that the top 50 albums will also be $8.99.  If nothing else, that will force Apple to lower there price and competition like that is good for the marketplace.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on June 18, 2008, 12:08:00 pm
that brother & sister ep is over at emusic
 
 http://www.emusic.com/album/Brothers-And-Sisters-Brothers-And-Sisters-MP3-Download/10834267.html (http://www.emusic.com/album/Brothers-And-Sisters-Brothers-And-Sisters-MP3-Download/10834267.html)
 
 and lala.com is selling the new coldplay for $7.49 256VBR mp3s
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 18, 2008, 12:11:00 pm
you'll dig this more than anyone: http://euro2008girls.com/ (http://euro2008girls.com/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 18, 2008, 12:14:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  that brother & sister ep is over at emusic
 
  http://www.emusic.com/album/Brothers-And-Sisters-Brothers-And-Sisters-MP3-Download/10834267.html (http://www.emusic.com/album/Brothers-And-Sisters-Brothers-And-Sisters-MP3-Download/10834267.html)
 
 and lala.com is selling the new coldplay for $7.49 256VBR mp3s
Thanks for the ehads up on Lala.  They, too, need a better marketing plan.
 
 As for eMusic, it's just a point of frustration for me.  I put my account on hold back in Dec or Jan when I had accumulated over a hundred download credits (even on the $10 a month plan).  I have yet to find 100+ downloads to justify turning it back on just to simply turn it off when I've completed the downloads.  They didn't grow quite as quickly as I thought they would.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 18, 2008, 12:51:00 pm
Kid Rock Boycotts iTunes, Champions P2P (http://blog.wired.com/music/2008/06/kid-rock-boycot.html)
 
 The digital music revolution has been compromised, according to Kid Rock, because digital music stores and record labels still manage to hoard the lion's share of music revenue.
 
 He advises fans to download his music for free from P2P services, although he himself doesn't have to. "I don't steal things," he told the BBC. "I'm rich." As for everyone else, he says, "Download it illegally, I don't care. I want you to hear my music so I can play live."
 
 His tirade was apparently precipitated by a request from his record label, Warner Music Group's Atlantic Records, that he publicly denounce file sharing. His response: "Wait a second, you've been stealing from the artists for years. Now you want me to stand up for you?"Ouch. (http://blog.wired.com/music/2008/06/kid-rock-boycot.html).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on June 18, 2008, 01:17:00 pm
what i find so amusing about these rants is that the likes of Kid Rock, NIN and Radiohead wouldn't be where they are today were it not for Record Companies...  
 
 this only fuels the fire for those that say all music should be given away free and artists should expect to make all their money from performing live, merchandise sales and licensing.  however, this model wont work for all genres of music, wont work for the artists that can't afford their own PR folks, doesn't help songwriters, etc, etc...
 
 how is an artist going to gain any income from a fan who lives in North Dakota who isn't likely to be getting the chance to see his favorite band live anytime soon...
 
 and you can tell me that a band schlepping around the country playing to crowds of less than 100 people on any given night is going to making much more than gas money at any given gig.
 
 and of course as artists start to only depend on concert revenues for income, then ticket prices start going up, meaning fans may have to cut back on the number of bands they see live...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 18, 2008, 01:22:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  you'll dig this more than anyone:   http://euro2008girls.com/ (http://euro2008girls.com/)  
even better? Streaking to victory in topless match (http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN16224920080616)
 
 gotta love that euro DIY spirit   :)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 18, 2008, 01:44:00 pm
nwop
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 18, 2008, 02:08:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  nwop
North West Operational Programme? Network of People? National Works on Paper? Neighborhood Watch On Patrol?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 18, 2008, 02:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  you'll dig this more than anyone:   http://euro2008girls.com/ (http://euro2008girls.com/)  
Clearly, some of those photos are holdover from WC2006.  But that doesn't bother me.
 
 It is always been amazing to me that Eastern Europe can produce such amazingly beautiful women (Croatia, Czech's, Hungarians just to name a few) but such hideous men.  Spain, Italy, Portugal - those make sense as a breed.  But I'm shocked at how the disgusting male has not killed off the gorgeous female after years of procreation.
 
 And it's too bad all those German girls are going to grow up and have kankles.  It's unavoidable.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 18, 2008, 02:20:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
   
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  nwop
North West Operational Programme? Network of People? National Works on Paper? Neighborhood Watch On Patrol? [/b]
nothing with out pics
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 18, 2008, 02:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
 nothing with out pics
duh... i feel like such a n00b.
 
 agreed, i was going to include a request for pix or vids but was afraid of being labeled a bitch.
 
 edit: found some pix (http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4585754a19724.html) - NSFW, predictably enough
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 18, 2008, 03:11:00 pm
thats what i'm talking about
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on June 18, 2008, 03:14:00 pm
Yep, that reaffirmed that I like seeing boobs.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
   
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
 nothing with out pics
duh... i feel like such a n00b.
 
 agreed, i was going to include a request for pix or vids but was afraid of being labeled a bitch.
 
 edit: found some pix (http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4585754a19724.html) - NSFW, predictably enough [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 18, 2008, 03:20:00 pm
100% Smackie approved.  I would have paid twice as much for that as I did for the Lingerie Bowl!
 
 I love the fact that none of the guys are watching the footie.  They've all just got their cameras out.  I'm quite certain that I'd get bored after about 10 minutes and start coaching the ladies.
 
 That's a fierce shot in pic number 2.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 18, 2008, 04:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 I'm quite certain that I'd get bored after about 10 minutes and start coaching the ladies.
not to mention that your camera's memory cards would be full after 10 minutes anyways   :p
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 18, 2008, 05:20:00 pm
Everybody but Julian (who clearly not over it yet) should read this great article on The Fall of the House of Clinton (http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11496736).  There will be many books written about this, but why read the book when you have such a good Cliff Note?
 
 Tough to argue with these three points:
 
 (1) She ran "the establishment choice" campaign in a year of change.
 
 (2) She ran a 1990's campaign in the 21st century.
 
 (3) Like the failed campaign of Rudy Giullianni, you can't run a campaign focusing on only the big states and all but ignoring the small states.
 
 I think the real book in this going to be the story about the severe disagreements between Mark Penn and Harold Ickes and how much of a distraction that turned out to be when the rug was being pulled out from beneath them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 18, 2008, 07:42:00 pm
You be the judge.
 
 Coldplay vs. Creaky Boards (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUhFLiw6h6s)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 19, 2008, 01:02:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Everybody but Julian (who clearly not over it yet) should read this great article on The Fall of the House of Clinton (http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11496736).  There will be many books written about this, but why read the book when you have such a good Cliff Note?
 
 Tough to argue with these three points:
 
 (1) She ran "the establishment choice" campaign in a year of change.
 
 (2) She ran a 1990's campaign in the 21st century.
 
 (3) Like the failed campaign of Rudy Giullianni, you can't run a campaign focusing on only the big states and all but ignoring the small states.
 
 I think the real book in this going to be the story about the severe disagreements between Mark Penn and Harold Ickes and how much of a distraction that turned out to be when the rug was being pulled out from beneath them.
so i was going to buy a copy of the economist to read on the plane tomorrow, except they didnt have it at target nor wegmans. in fact, no atlantic monthly, no us news and world report, and no time like 30 feet from aol hq. so i guess i'll just print this and read it for free. america: fuck yeah
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 19, 2008, 01:35:00 pm
you expect target to have the economist?
 
 looking for love in all the wrong places.
 
 you'll find it at the airport no probs, in the book/mag shops.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 19, 2008, 01:38:00 pm
target not so much, but i was already there
 
 wegmans yes
 
 and its not so much the economist specifically, but no news mags at all was just weird
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thirsty moore on June 19, 2008, 03:07:00 pm
Can we get back to euro2008 gals please?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 19, 2008, 04:00:00 pm
by all means.  got any links to propose?  i'm fresh out.
 
 edit: i lied.
  http://flickr-babes-tgp-girls.blogspot.com/2008/06/euro-2008-babes-and-chics-forget.html (http://flickr-babes-tgp-girls.blogspot.com/2008/06/euro-2008-babes-and-chics-forget.html)
  http://flickr.com/photos/euro2008babes/ (http://flickr.com/photos/euro2008babes/)
  http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_soccerblog/2008/06/post.html (http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_soccerblog/2008/06/post.html)
  http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1312020.ece (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1312020.ece)
  http://danielfranklingomez.com/blog/ (http://danielfranklingomez.com/blog/)  (lots of links, more on second page)
 
 this one takes the cake: a iranian news site (i think)  http://www.iranianuk.com/article.php?id=28733 (http://www.iranianuk.com/article.php?id=28733)
 
 btw, http://euro2008girls.com/ (http://euro2008girls.com/) is down... crashed by 930 boardees?!?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 20, 2008, 02:14:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  and its not so much the economist specifically, but no news mags at all was just weird
You should have hit me up sooner.  I would have given you the audible edition so you could listen to the nice the British lady read it to you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 20, 2008, 05:22:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  AT&T's iPhone 3G subsidy will cost 'em (http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9963999-7.html)
Somebody finally did the math for me...
 
 AT&T Paying High Price For iPhone 3G (http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/iphone/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=208800005)
 
 AT&T may be paying Apple $325 per unit for right of carriage, Oppenheimer financial analyst Yair Reimer wrote in a report.
 
 Additionally, Reimer said AT&T will pay another $100 for subscribers signed up in Apple stores. When you add these figures to the retail price of the handset, AT&T could be paying as much as $624 for the 8-GB iPhone 3G, and $724 for the 16-GB version.
 
 Apple will receive an average of $466 per iPhone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 23, 2008, 01:54:00 pm
Sad, sad, day today. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7469636.stm)  And since weâ??re on summer break and Iâ??m not going to get called into any foreign relations classes on campus, youâ??ll have to indulge me.  Or ignore me, if you see fit.
 
 You see, Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew his opposition candidacy for President of Zimbabwe over the weekend because he could not ask his supporters to cast a vote for him, when doing so could very well cost them their lives.  Robert Mugabe, the ruler for the past 30 years, has led a vicious and violent attack on members of Tsvangiraiâ??s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Party since the earlier primary, which MDC claimed to have won outright.   This all but assures Robert Mugabe five more years of brutal rule, and the people of Zimbabwe will continue their slide from one of the wealthiest countries in Africa to one of the poorest countries on Earth (inflation, for example, is currently â??sittingâ?ť around 150,000%).
 
 While I feel for the people of Zimbabwe, thatâ??s not the most compelling nor disappointing part of this story.  That the election would not be fair was predictable, to say the least.  Whatâ??s sad is that the one country that had a chance to make a difference in Zimbabwe let the rest of the Continent down â?? South Africa.    
 
 The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), a group of 14 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa of which both Zimbabwe and South Africa are members, chose South Africaâ??s Thabo Mbeki to be the chief negotiator between the two rival parties.  Mbeki failed to hold Mugabe to the fire (or even force to do anything), even to the point where Mbeki was ready to allow a shipment of guns (from China) into South Africa that were to be transported to Mugabeâ??s people in Zimbabwe.  It wasn't until the pro-union dock workers of South Africa refused to unload the boat, and the Chinese, to stave off international embarrassment before the Olympics, told the boat to turn around that the arms were kept from the hands of those who intended to use them to force the outcome of an election.
 
 Mbeki has even gone out of his way to block talks on the UN floor about the situation in Zimbabwe.  There are other leaders in Africa that have taken to the pulpit against Mbeki, such as Zambiaâ??s president, Levy Mwanawasa, however, none of them have a seat on the UN Council, like South Africa.  This was a huge opportunity missed for South Africa to take a leading role in shaping the continent.  The SADC should now replace Mbeki as the negotiator (and let Kofi Annan do it), not recognize the result of this weekâ??s election, and not allow Zimbabwe at seat the SADC table until they hold a proper and fair election.  
 
 And, as punishment for the accomplice role South Africa played, FIFA should strip South Africa as the first African host of the World Cup as they have shown that they are not fit to truly represent a Democratic Africa, but thatâ??s for later.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 23, 2008, 02:10:00 pm
no offense, and i like reading/chatting about this stuff, but why don't you blog (even pseudonymously?)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 23, 2008, 02:15:00 pm
an aside ... do you RSS?  what's your favorite straight-news feed?
 
 i've been using huffington post's "full news" feed for a couple of months and it does a good job of pulling from a lot of different sources, but can be a little too gossipy
 
 i generally like to keep a single feed for breaking news / aggregating other sources, in addition to my other newspaper feeds
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 23, 2008, 02:17:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
  no offense, and i like reading/chatting about this stuff, but why don't you blog (even pseudonymously?)
Thanks.  
 
 Nothing is anonymous, so even a pseudonym doesn't help (only being behind a cgi-bin has kept me out of potential hand-slapping).  The good news is I'm close to getting permission to write about foreign policy/affairs.  Of course, I've felt I've been close before...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 23, 2008, 02:20:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
  an aside ... do you RSS?  what's your favorite straight-news feed?
 
 i generally like to keep a single feed for breaking news / aggregating other sources, in addition to my other newspaper feeds
I use my google toolbar with the following widgets:
 
 Google Desktop News (favorite)
 NYT
 Economist (which is awful, but I get A LOT of email from them)
 ESPN
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 23, 2008, 02:26:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Google Desktop News (favorite)
is that just a straight "top stories" google news feed?  i used that for a while but it felt like over-kill and i was getting way too many local stories
 
 i'm on the hunt for something that aggregates like google news but has a little more of a human touch
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 23, 2008, 02:31:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
  is that just a straight "top stories" google news feed?  i used that for a while but it felt like over-kill and i was getting way too many local stories
Yes, but I turn off personalization so I get very few local stories.  I rely on MSN Messenger Alerts for local news updates (SF, DC, & OC).  For example, the top 3 stories right now are from The Observer, Forbes, and FT.
 
 I am not interested in the human touch.  I like the facts and then put my own human touch on them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on June 23, 2008, 02:41:00 pm
would you buy the soon to come out, non-human woman, i think from japan but could be wrong, for your dislike of the human touch, if you were not married, of course?  i believe i have heard it can do everything a real woman can do sexually (but better?) and even some are getting excited about the fact it will not talk. not sure about the actual release; it is still in planning.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 23, 2008, 02:47:00 pm
No yellow fever for me.
 
 Instead, I simply pretend like I care...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 23, 2008, 03:06:00 pm
Seriously?  I can't wait to hear the Libertarian slant on this...
 
 FCC wants no-porn, free broadband wireless auction (http://news.zdnet.com/2424-1035_22-207721.html?tag=nl.e550)
 
 WASHINGTON--The Federal Communications Commission on Friday said it wants to auction a section of wireless airwaves to buyers willing to provide free broadband Internet service without pornography.
 
 The agency asked for public comment on its plan to auction an unused portion of the wireless spectrum with the condition that the winning bidder offer free Internet access and filter out obscene content on part of those airwaves.
 
 Successful bidders for the spectrum would also be required to provide coverage to at least half of the United States within four years, and to at least 95 percent of the U.S. population by the end of the 10-year license, the FCC said.
 
 "Additional obligations associated with the licensee's free broadband service would include a requirement to provide a network-based filtering mechanism for the free Internet service in order to protect children and families, and a requirement that the network allow for the use of open devices," the agency said.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 23, 2008, 03:20:00 pm
And just because I know Beetsnotbeats would never stumble on to this himself...
 
 [a real President] wouldnâ??t be using his last days in office to threaten Congressional Democrats that if they donâ??t approve offshore drilling by the Fourth of July recess, they will be blamed for $4-a-gallon gas. That is so lame. That is an energy policy so unworthy of our Independence Day. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/22/opinion/22friedman.html?em&ex=1214366400&en=1d288dfdedd325e6&ei=5087%0A)
 
 The energy policy debate is going to be great this political season, mostly because there are serious flaws in both candidates positions.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 23, 2008, 04:30:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Nothing is anonymous, so even a pseudonym doesn't help (only being behind a cgi-bin has kept me out of potential hand-slapping).
i don't mean to begrudge your decision, but in the interest of playing this thought out....
 
 if one was concerned about one's employer or grandparent or something following one's blog and objecting to provocative content, i would think pseudonymity would provide enough of a cover (a) to have whoever one wants not to find it not find it (unless they were really persistent), and (b) that if they did find it, tell them that they needn't worry about the content because your name isn't attached to it (most employers seem to really just care about embarrassment from having their employee's name associated with objectionable material)
 
 you're right that it would never really be "anonymous" unless one went to some extreme measures, but if the above paragraph holds true then anonymity would only prove necessary if one were posting some really weird/illegal shit
 
 i'm guessing bay area people are much more in tune with the perils of blogging / social-networking, right?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 23, 2008, 05:53:00 pm
It has little to do with my current employer, who has been prodding me to blog about higher education policy for some time now.  And they don't care what I do at my desk, however, I'm guessing if (1) they knew how much time I spent here, they'd ask me not to and (2) if they really wanted to know, they could.  We have academic freedom on campus, and I think they respect that.
 
 Nor does it have to do with my family, who find my musings on pop culture a sign that I may never grow up, yet some how appear so professional when they see me in action.
 
 It has to do with a previous employer and an agreement I signed upon leaving.  I've been working with them to get the OK to blog about foreign policy/affairs for some time now.  I have a blog (http://vansmack.spaces.live.com/), it took forever to get approval, and was supposed to be only about soccer.  I (foolishly) posted the Pakistan piece I shared on here and they notified me within 48 hours that I was in violation of my departure agreement.  They are a small nonprofit shop, but are primarily funded by a larger government entity, so they must be getting help in keeping an eye on my commentary.  
 
 So I post here, where you have to be a member to read, and it won't be picked up by the usual spiders and search engines and I have not heard from them once.  You're either the beneficiaries or the victims, depending on how you look at it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 24, 2008, 09:55:00 am
NYT today on google news: At Google, Slow Growth in News Site (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/technology/24google.html)
 
 last paragraph:
 
 
Quote
 â??There is only so far you can go with an algorithm,â?ť said Mark Glaser, editor at PBS MediaShift, a site about online media. â??In the long run, people want a human touch.â?ť
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 24, 2008, 12:25:00 pm
Sometime ago I posted about a web site called FabChannel (http://www.fabchannel.com) that archives live perfromances from The Paradiso in Amsterdam.
 
 Tomorrow, they will be broadcasting a live performance from Elbow.
 
 Tune into the live video webcast of Elbow concert at the Paradiso - Main Hall on 25 Jun 08, 2:30 PM ET (http://www.fabchannel.com/elbow_concert/)
 
 If you can't watch it live, it will always be archived.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 24, 2008, 03:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Sad, sad, day today. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7469636.stm)  And since weâ??re on summer break and Iâ??m not going to get called into any foreign relations classes on campus, youâ??ll have to indulge me.  Or ignore me, if you see fit.
 
btw, i'm in full agreement with you. . .also, i would call out the u.n. a bit more (who, amongst other things, allows mugabe to violate all sorts of e.u. sanctions against him, in addition to allowing mbeki to dictate the conversation), but that's probably expected of me. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 24, 2008, 04:31:00 pm
I would only allow you, my friend, to go from "disband the UN, they're useless" to "it's their fault, they're not doing enough."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 24, 2008, 05:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I would only allow you, my friend, to go from "disband the UN, they're useless" to "it's their fault, they're not doing enough."
i don't see a contradiction. . .  point b simply supports the more general point a, just another example of its irrelevancy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 24, 2008, 05:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I would only allow you, my friend, to go from "disband the UN, they're useless" to "it's their fault, they're not doing enough."
i don't see a contradiction. . .  point b simply supports the more general point a, just another example of its irrelevancy. [/b]
not doing enough is reason to disband an org?  
 
 governments don't do enough.  armies don't do enough.  churches don't do enough.  neighborhood associations don't do enough.  the police don't do enough.  businesses can be said to "do enough", since the only thing they need to do is earn money.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on June 24, 2008, 05:44:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
     
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I would only allow you, my friend, to go from "disband the UN, they're useless" to "it's their fault, they're not doing enough."
i don't see a contradiction. . .  point b simply supports the more general point a, just another example of its irrelevancy. [/b]
not doing enough is reason to disband an org?  
 
 governments don't do enough.  armies don't do enough.  churches don't do enough.  neighborhood associations don't do enough.  the police don't do enough.  businesses can be said to "do enough", since the only thing they need to do is earn money. [/b]
oh no. . i would argue that the u.n. has utterly failed at its task, and does nothing it was originally supposed to do.  instead it allows governments to continue to suppress its people, but cover those same leaders to attend food supply conventions or puts those leaders on human rights committees.
 
 i certainly hope fifa has more balls than the olympic committee when china promised it would do more for human rights for its citizens and become a more open society- that's worked out well.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 24, 2008, 06:30:00 pm
See, this is a team Pronger can play for...
 
 NHL suspends Ducks owner Samueli indefinitely day after guilty plea (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3459300&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 24, 2008, 06:41:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  businesses can be said to "do enough", since the only thing they need to do is earn money.
pssst... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_social_responsibility)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 25, 2008, 03:02:00 pm
I know it seems like I like to point out the flaws of the iPhone/at&t deal a lot, so I'm going to show that I'm not totally biased and pick on my own provider and how short sighted they can be.
 
 So I have Sprint, have had them for over 10 years and love them.  I have very few bad experiences with them (unlike a lot of others) and they allow me to test their new products often.
 
 I wasn't selected to test their new Instinct (http://nowisgood.com/), but I'm assuming it's because I'll be first in line for their WiMax.  
 
 Anyhow, the Instinct is the best iPhone competitor I have seen yet, and by far the closest thing I could get to the iPhone on my network, so I was willing to buy one relatively soon.  It's already 3G, is Exchange server friendly, has expandable storage rather than flat/finite storage, GPS, and is video recording capable.  With some of the slick touch capabilites and rotating screen that the iPhone made famous, it's not bad deal at under $200.
 
 I cruised into the store and used the phone for about 20 minutes.  I liked it.  I REALLY liked it.  Great form factor, nice big screen, etc.  The browser is not as slick as the iPhone's, but was manageable.  So I asked the guy, how much?  $179.  Sounds good.  But here's the catch: You do not have to renew your contract (which is nice), but you do have to switch to a Sprint Everything Plan.
 
 I had heard about those - $99 a month catch all unlimited voice/data/text/picture mail for one lump fee.  Good idea in my eyes, especially for the mid 20's generation.
 
 So I asked, how much is the family version of the Sprint Everything Plan?  Doesn't exist.  What do you mean it doesn't exist?  Nope, you have to get an Everything Plan for both parties or one of the cheap plans PLUS an Everything Plan to buy Sprint's new iPhone competitor (no less than $200 a month for our current situation).
 
 Smackette and I share a plan for around $120.  Some limited number of minutes that we never reach for $70, plus $10 for the extra phone ($80) plus $15 each for unlimited data ($110), plus taxes.
 
 Anyhow, I said to the guy, why would I increase my bill that much to get your snazzy new phone.  "Because it's sweet."  
 
 "But I could get the iPhone 3G for the same price, and keep my bill at the same level with at&t, which I can do in 2 months."  I could even get Smackette an iPhone and keep my bill the same (or maybe $10 more, but still not $80).  
 
 Chirp, Chirp.  Chirp, Chirp.
 
 Hey Sprint, way to take the first good thing to stop the bleeding from the iPhone generation and totally blow it.  This stems from decisions being made by people who don't actually face the situation in the real world.  My contract is up in Sept.  I'll let you know what I do.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on June 25, 2008, 06:17:00 pm
wow... thats pretty stoopid on Sprint's part
 
 it would really suck if they try to use the same stupidity with the Google powered phones that supposedly headed our way.  i read this story and decided i wanted one even if it did end up stinking  :D
 
 http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/magazine/16-07/ff_android (http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/magazine/16-07/ff_android)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 25, 2008, 06:25:00 pm
I have been on the waiting list to beta that phone too.  I'm told by a friend who works on the project that I shouldn't expect to be contacted until the fall at the earliest.
 
 If they're not beta testing until the fall...I wouldn't expect to see the phone by Christmas, but we can always cross our fingers.
 
 Oh and yes.  I was giggling with delight when I read that Wired piece.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on June 25, 2008, 10:57:00 pm
looking for a new airline when traveling in europe?
  http://consumerist.com/tag/free-oral-sex/?i=5019706&t=ryanair-to-provide-free-oral-sex-to-business-class-passengers (http://consumerist.com/tag/free-oral-sex/?i=5019706&t=ryanair-to-provide-free-oral-sex-to-business-class-passengers)
 
 While American discount airlines like Spirit Air and Southwest alternate between running sophomoric promotions and enforcing their prudish dress codes on passengers, European counterpart Ryanair has trumped them all with its CEO's announcement that transcontinental business class passengers will receive free "beds and blowjobs."
 
 In a press conference, CEO Michael O'Leary discussed Ryanair's new transcontinental service, which will offer extremely cheap economy fares, as well as luxurious business class seats that include amenities like "white seats," beds, and oral sex.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 25, 2008, 11:30:00 pm
OMG - i'd never fly another airline.
 
 but does paying for it tarnish one's membership in the mile-high club?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on June 25, 2008, 11:39:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  OMG - i'd never fly another airline.
Yeah, because your girlfriend would kill you!
 
 Didn't bother with the link but I'm wondering if they will provide males for women travelers or the desirable partner for our Gay friends? Or is this just another straight male perk?   :roll:
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 26, 2008, 01:20:00 am
Awesome.
 
 And I'm pretty sure it's slobbenzhenobben.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on June 26, 2008, 01:27:00 pm
smackie... sweetie...
 
 will we have fantasy football this year? plz. plz.
 my new office is lame and i don't think i'll have anyone to play with if we don't do one here.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 26, 2008, 01:31:00 pm
I don't actually run the board's fantasy football league because nobody on this board wants to play for money.  Oh wait, you weren't callling me sweetie...nevermind.
 
 I will absolutely run the Survival Pool though.  And if you're the one guy who hasn't paid me yet, don't think for a second that I've forgotten about you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 26, 2008, 02:39:00 pm
i'll be happy to commish another fantasy football league, if people will have me as their commish.  
 
 and fyi, smacks, we did play for money - buy-in was $20.  might even up it this year.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2008, 12:37:00 pm
A friend turned me on to...poor choice of words...told me about La Pequeña (http://www.dlisted.com/taxonomy/term/247), describing her/he/it as "a disabled tranny dancing around to random music, sometimes as Hilary Clinton or Amy Winehouse, other times, she/he's totally random." (http://bethspotswood.blogspot.com/)
 
 It's totally safe for work, but you will definitely feel llike a shower when it's done.  And then you'll click the next.  And the next one...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on June 27, 2008, 03:13:00 pm
Smackie - thought you might wanna catch this.
  coldplay on the today show (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540...09438#25409438)
 
 Coldplay played an awesome set this morning at the Today show. their soundcheck at 6:30 in the morning was pretty cool, but theres no footage of it (at least not that i found yet). charming as always. cant wait till october.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2008, 03:18:00 pm
I think telling me yesterday would have been more efficient....  ;)  
 
 I did DVR the Today Show this morning for smackette who was already at work when this was on.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 27, 2008, 03:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I think telling me yesterday would have been more efficient....   ;)  
 
 I did DVR the Today Show this morning for smackette who was already at work when this was on.
video availabe here (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25370017/): click on "launch" in the right-hand side.
 
 damn chris was fucking up alot... his vocals on "viva la vida" are atrocious.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2008, 03:41:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  video availabe here (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25370017/): click on "launch" in the right-hand side.
 
 damn chris was fucking up alot... his vocals on "viva la vida" are atrocious.
She meant the sound check was not available - she knew the show was available.
 
 And yes, Chris Martin sounds like shit at 7 AM.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 27, 2008, 04:24:00 pm
my reply wasn't directed to xNWx... it was just a general "vid available here".
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2008, 05:00:00 pm
Righto.  My bad.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on June 27, 2008, 05:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I think telling me yesterday would have been more efficient....   ;)  
 
 I did DVR the Today Show this morning for smackette who was already at work when this was on.
it was my birthday yesterday! i wasnt around and i was so damn excited i had VIP tix for coldplay that well .... i didnt post about it. sorry!
 
 and yes - they were really fucking up at 6;30 in the morning. all the songs were messed up but it was pretty amusing at points. i still have viva la vida in my head. and lost and 42... oohhhh man i might become a guy (berryman) junkie   :eek:
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 30, 2008, 09:22:00 am
in ireland i saw maybe 2 "yes" to lisbon signs and "no" to lisbon signs and stickers quite frequently, especially in the cities
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 30, 2008, 08:02:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack on January 23rd:
  What I really want is a ~$300-$500 wireless internet-only device the size of an ultraportable laptop with longer battery life.  It should be flashed based with limited storage no thicker than an inch, touch mouse and full qwerty keyboard.  It doesn't need an expensive processor or much RAM as it's only going to do one thing - surf the net.  No fancy game graphics driver because it only has to deal with streaming quality video. I don't need any drives, no gadgets or goodies, no extra software other than reader plug ins.
 
 It would stream all media but not allow for on-device storage (other than simple OS and browser plugins).  That's what the one USB port would be for - flash drives for file storage.
 
 If all of this can be packaged in a device the size of the iPod Touch, why can't I get one the size of the ultra-portable laptop?
Bam.  Just like that it hits you!
 
 The Eee PC. (http://event.asus.com/eeepc/microsites/en/index.htm)  Starting at $298.
 
 Store everything on my Home Server or on an web drive.  Beautiful.  Only took 5 months to get there...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2008, 12:46:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Sad, sad, day today. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7469636.stm)  
Zimbabwe and the African Union
 
 Getting away with murder (http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displayStory.cfm?story_id=11653310&source=features_box_main)
 Jul 1st 2008 | JOHANNESBURG
 From Economist.com
 
 To their shame, African leaders fail to act against Zimbabweâ??s Robert Mugabe
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on July 01, 2008, 01:03:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 
 The Eee PC. (http://event.asus.com/eeepc/microsites/en/index.htm)  Starting at $298.
 
 Store everything on my Home Server or on an web drive.  Beautiful.  Only took 5 months to get there... [/QB]
Too bad it doesn't have bluetooth so you could use with a mobile phone with bluetooth modem capabilities.  There are going to be times with wlan isn't available but mobile phone service is.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2008, 01:29:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  Too bad it doesn't have bluetooth so you could use with a mobile phone with bluetooth modem capabilities.  There are going to be times with wlan isn't available but mobile phone service is.
True, but I use my USB cble for EVDO modem access anyway.  I'd imagine a bluetooth connection can't be good for battery life either.
 
 I have not had very good experience with Bluetooth Modem connections, but could always try a Bluetooth USB Dongle for that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2008, 02:00:00 pm
Just a quick endorsement to the folks at Newegg.com.  I used them to buy the parts for my home server, and in the process of dropping $350, the one thing that didn't work was a silly 2 GB USB Flash drive ($8), which was fine. Of all the things that could have gone wrong, if it's just the USB drive I got off easy.
 
 I decided it wasn't worth my time or money to send it back (it would have cost me two bucks and taken a week but I needed the drive last night), so I didn't send it back.
 
 I did however, post a review of the bad drive, and more importantly in my eyes how bad the manufacturer support was for the drive (pqi.com.tw had a program to re-format the drive that couldn't have been any less user friendly).  I recommended that folks not buy buy the drive because if it's bad, the money you tried to save would be spent on seeking a replacement.
 
 Got an email from newegg.com today telling me that a new drive with the same specs from a different manufacturer is on it's way gratis and that I can discard the other one.  Now that's customer service!  And I will be shopping there again and again.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 01, 2008, 02:46:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Just a quick endorsement to the folks at Newegg.com.
yup.  once you shop newegg, you never go back.  best prices, ultra-fast shipping for cheap, and i too have had only great experiences with their customer service dept.  truly a superior retailer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 02, 2008, 12:54:00 pm
Should have happened 2 years ago, but better late than never....
 
 Fiber Access Gains on Cable for Broadband Access (http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/147842/fiber_access_gains_on_cable_for_broadband_access.html)
 
 For the first time, fiber-based broadband access is expanding faster than cable: 4.2 million compared to 2.5 million subscribers were added during the first quarter, according to the analysts at Point Topic.
 
 "It's a significant milestone for fiber-optic broadband; where it is available consumers will take fiber over other broadband technologies," said Oliver Johnson, CEO at Point Topic.
 
 .....The cost for fiber can get as low as US$0.50 per megabit per month, compared to US$20 for DSL and US$12 for cable, taking global averages.
 
 __________________________
 
 The key to that is "global averages."  Internet connections are a lot cheaper in many other countries (especially in Asia and Scandanavia) than they are here in the US, but bit for bit, Fiber is still cheaper than cable or DSL in the US.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 02, 2008, 02:31:00 pm
Honestly, what took them so long?  The Open License way has been the only way to go...
 
 Microsoft to sell Office, security software subscription for $70 a year (http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/software/2008-07-02-microsoft-office-onecare_N.htm?csp=34)
 
 Of course, the $70 price tag means they're bundling One Care, which is useless.  Should have been $50.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 02, 2008, 04:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  Too bad it doesn't have bluetooth so you could use with a mobile phone with bluetooth modem capabilities.  There are going to be times with wlan isn't available but mobile phone service is.
In following up on my reaserch, the higher end models (900 & 1000) have built in Bluetooth.  They sell for around $549.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 02, 2008, 07:42:00 pm
So I mentioned a while ago that I was going to share my experiences with secondspin.com (http://www.secondspin.com), a web site that will give you a quote on your CDs and buy them from you.
 
 So I entered all the UPCs for the CDs I listed on this site a few pages ago.  They offered me about $1000 for the set.  They break it down by disc so you can see how much per disc.  I agreed with some of their prices but thought that others were off, so I decided I would only send them some of the CDs I wanted to sell and get a quote from Amoeba as well.
 
 I put three packages together and here's why:  secondspin will reimburse you for shipping, but only at a fraction of what it will cost you to actually ship them, and the increases in reimbursement stop at 25 CDs.  For example, I sent a package of 25 cds to them and they reimburse for ~$5 (the supposed rate for 25 or more CDs shipped media mail).  Well, the media mail price for that package was over $11.  The Flat Rate priority was only ~$9 so I went with that.  I figured when your dealing with items that you're getting a $1 or so for, losing $4 in shipping is a pretty big loss.
 
 Anyway, so I sent three packages to secondspin as a test run.  All three were approximately 25 Cds and each was quoted between $90 and $125 dollars.  All three were in priority boxes, taped and clearly labeled.  I sent one with insurance (arrived) and one with a return reciept (arrived) and one with nothing extra other than priority shipping.
 
 I received confirmation of the first two packages within a matter of days.  They sent me a message of which CDs they were rejecting (they don't except advance CDs and I intentionally sent them 2 just to see) and said a check was in the mail for the rest.  About three days later I had two checks in my mailbox for about $200.  A week after that they sent me back my Advance CDs (which they said they wouldn't do on the web site, so that was cool).  Amoeba gave me $4 for each of those CDs....
 
 Anyhow, so what of the third package?  No idea.  Secondspin claims to have never recieved it (though I have 30 days for it turn up).  Guess which one has apparently not arrived?  Yep, the one that I didn't insure or ask for return reciept.
 
 You see the things I test for you guys?   So 2 out of 3 and I'm out about $110 right now.  That's a FAIL in my book. I couldn't recommend secondspin.com right now unless you are really willing to lose on shipping.  Their quotes aren't that much more than taking your CDs to your local shop.  As a matter of fact I took about 50 Cds into Amoeba on Saturday and walked out 20 minutes later with $220 bucks.  Lesson learned.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Vas Deferens on July 02, 2008, 10:21:00 pm
ARE YOU IN?
 
 I might fly for this, vansmaaackk
 
 http://www.downloadfestival.com/lineup/san-francisco/ (http://www.downloadfestival.com/lineup/san-francisco/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 03, 2008, 12:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by wanderlust j. marshmallow:
  ARE YOU IN?
 
 I might fly for this, vansmaaackk
 
  http://www.downloadfestival.com/lineup/san-francisco/ (http://www.downloadfestival.com/lineup/san-francisco/)
Fuck.  Can't the Gang of Four and J&MC play a gig at the Fillmore instead or something?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 03, 2008, 03:52:00 pm
smackie, ready for some more going-out-of-business shopping for electronics?
 
   Is Circuit City Headed for a Blowout? (http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/jul2008/db2008072_040726.htm)
 Blockbuster's decision not to buy the retailer sent the stock tumbling. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing may be in the offing

 
 Will Circuit City (CC) join the long list of electronics retailers, like Tweeter Home Entertainment and Harvey Electronics, that have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the past year? Given that shares of the Richmond (Va.) company are trading at just over 2, Wall Street is betting that could be a possibility. "Circuit City is in very serious trouble, and any scenario is possible today," says Nick McCoy, senior consultant at TNS Retail Forward, a research firm.  
 
 continued (http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/jul2008/db2008072_040726.htm)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: BookerT on July 03, 2008, 03:54:00 pm
thanks for the second spin story, very good to know.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 05, 2008, 01:15:00 pm
no Zep for Guitar Hero, Rock Band, etc (http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/07/led-zeppelin-un.html)
 
  :(
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 06, 2008, 01:25:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  smackie, ready for some more going-out-of-business shopping for electronics?
 
   
I was holding out for a gig switch, but finally caved and bought one with a rebate last week.  
 
 I may do a full N wireless rebuild if they do go out of business, though.
 
 Come on chapter 11!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 06, 2008, 01:28:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  no Zep for Guitar Hero, Rock Band, etc (http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/07/led-zeppelin-un.html)
 
    :(  
While a bit of a bummer, I'm glad the gaming co's are holding out for Master Recordings.  I've been burned by a couple of really bad covers.
 
 But seriously, no Bonzo's Monstreaux?  Would have been epic.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 07, 2008, 12:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  In following up on my reaserch, the higher end models (900 & 1000) have built in Bluetooth.  They sell for around $549.
Hey kosmo and others who are interested in the subnotebooks/ultra-micro pc's, I checked out the Eee PC (8G) (http://www.amazon.com/Asus-Celeron-Processor-Solid-State-Preloaded/dp/B000ZLO3D4) over the weekend:
 
  </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">
  I'm going to pass on the 2G, 4G and 8G models.  I don't like the price point of the 900 and 1000 models, but I think they'll come down in a few months as the competition heats up.  That's when I think I'll make a move.
 
 I was tipped off on the new MSI Wind Laptop (http://www.amazon.com/MSI-Laptop-Intel-Processor-Drive/dp/B001AS1VOA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1215449899&sr=1-2) (US release is supposed to be today).  It has a 10inch screen, 6 hour battery life and the linux model comes in at $399 (can be upgraded to run WinXP - the OEM XP model sells for $549).  The downside is it uses a regular old 80gig HDD.  I really want to go Solid State Drive (or SSD Flash) so I can boot it up in under 20 seconds.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 07, 2008, 02:18:00 pm
I don't remember what thread it was where we were talking about the two candidates energy policies and I mentioned both candiates have severe holes, but here is an example of where McCain has it right and Obama has it wrong.  Contrast this with drilling for oil off the coast and you'll see that neither canidadate is going to lead this country to a proper energy solution as long as one is sucking up to the oil companies and one is sucking up to the US corn based ethanol lobby....
 
 Biofuels in Brazil (http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11632886)[/url]
 Lean, green and not mean
 
 The United States may drop a tariff on Brazilian ethanol. But the industry is still the victim of much misplaced criticism
 
 
 WHEN John McCain laid out his plans for reducing Americaâ??s dependence on oil to an audience in California on June 23rd, the candidateâ??s keenest listeners were 6,000 miles away in SĂŁo Paulo. Mr McCain argued that the tariff on imported ethanol of 54 cents per gallon should be scrapped. Others in the Senate (though not Barack Obama) are pushing for it to be reduced. Either way, the case against the tariff has been strengthened by high oil prices and by the June floods that damaged the mid-western corn (maize) crop. That sent corn prices soaring and made subsidising corn to produce ethanol look like an even worse idea than it did before, given the greener, cheaper ethanol that the United States could buy from Brazil instead.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 07, 2008, 02:39:00 pm
hunh, the wash post energy op ed yesterday mentioned the ethanol tariff as well. maybe a real issue this time?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 07, 2008, 02:58:00 pm
i like how people think mccain and obama are different.  they are the same, will be the same in office, and come out rich like reagan, bush sr., clinton, bush jr., ect.........
 
 lobbyists will control them, like they do the senate, and the house, and you.  religion will scare you, life will swallow your mind as you tvo, taxes will take from you and give to people leeching off the system as you go see shows, and freedom will taste like sweet destruction as you finally give in to walmart's low prices.  the president of every country that has oil will somehow be connected or once worked for a major oil company (like afganistan).  people will bitch about who they voted for one to two years after the fact, hate people who don't vote, and then go ahead and vote another idiot in.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 07, 2008, 04:42:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  hunh, the wash post energy op ed yesterday mentioned the ethanol tariff as well. maybe a real issue this time?
Yeah, like the farm bill was...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 07, 2008, 08:12:00 pm
gotta love this:  the us goes to war with iraq because they have wmds.  then they have no wmds.  then 5 years later the us attempts to "secretly" ship out 500 tons of yellow cake uranium out of iraq (dating back to saddam, though no one has heard or knew about this until now) and sell it to canada.  can this war and country and government get anymore shady?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 07, 2008, 08:31:00 pm
http://www.gaywired.com/Article.cfm?ID=19526 (http://www.gaywired.com/Article.cfm?ID=19526)
 
 god . . . you fucked women over since eden and this religious thing was invented by men.  way to go, fake jesus.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 07, 2008, 08:45:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  hunh, the wash post energy op ed yesterday mentioned the ethanol tariff as well. maybe a real issue this time?
Yeah, like the farm bill was... [/b]
true, but the farm bill wont let us keep our h2's
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2008, 12:24:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  true, but the farm bill wont let us keep our h2's
Actually, with all the subsidies for corn based ethanol, it might be your best hope (assuming they make a flex fuel H2 someday).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2008, 12:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by walkonby:
  http://www.gaywired.com/Article.cfm?ID=19526 (http://www.gaywired.com/Article.cfm?ID=19526)
 
 god . . . you fucked women over since eden and this religious thing was invented by men.  way to go, fake jesus.
Yep, we've covered this topic in this thread (http://www.930.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=016423;p=3) before and it's going to keep coming up until brave Muslim leaders in free countries step up.  
 
 Put him on trial for murder, convict him, and don't give into the Muslim pressures of tradition.  Then the brave Muslim leaders in this and other free countries must publicly support the decisions of the courts.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 08, 2008, 12:40:00 pm
science - 1, false idol religion that has controlled humans for far too long - 0.
 
 way to go, vision of gabriel.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Relaxer on July 08, 2008, 01:08:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by walkonby:
  i like how people think mccain and obama are different.  they are the same, will be the same in office, and come out rich like reagan, bush sr., clinton, bush jr., ect.........
 
(edited)
 Originally had a question for Walkonby, but then I realized, he has nothing interesting or intelligent to say about... much of anything, but likes to dress up his comments in non-sequiter space-case random-for-the-hell-of-it language to make himself look soooooo deep. So fuck it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 08, 2008, 01:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  true, but the farm bill wont let us keep our h2's
Actually, with all the subsidies for corn based ethanol, it might be your best hope (assuming they make a flex fuel H2 someday). [/b]
can i change my flip remark to 'yes, but brazil is my new favorite country to obsess over'
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2008, 01:41:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  can i change my flip remark to 'yes, but brazil is my new favorite country to obsess over'
Sure.  You can obsess over Brazil and I'll continue to obsess over Turkey.  I think you're winning this one.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2008, 02:15:00 pm
Kosmo's post about htpc's (home theater personal Computers) has inspired me to start talking about...
 
 SMACKIE'S DIGITAL REVOLUTION 2008
 
 Around December 2007/Jaunary 2008 Smackette told me what it would be like to be married to a Doctor in their first year of residency.  Basically, it was "I'm not going to be around so get a hobby and think of some big projects.  I can't have you going to the bar every night I'm not around, and I'd rather you spend that money on something useful."  
 
 She probably meant paint the apartment (which I sort of did), but I took it upon myself to reorganize my home entertainment this year.
 
 I took stock of current inventory, decided what needed to be replaced, what needed to be better utilized, and set some ground rules:
 
 (1) No copper wires. Think Faye Dunaway playing Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest.  If the technology existed 150 years ago and was barely improved upon, it doesn't work in my revolution.
 
 (2) $400 price point for any new devices.  Desktops are dead, laptops are overpriced and under-utilized and I already own an HDTV, so $400 seems like the proper price point for any new devices (feel free to disregard this rule if you don't own an HDTV).  We're not wealthy by any means, and a $400 price point, spread out across the year meants that I had checks on my spending and forced me to be creative.
 
 (3) Think catch-up, but plan for next year.  It wouldn't have done me any good to simply set out to get everything working today, just so I would have to change it all in the fall.  Sometimes this wasn't possible, but other times I went out on a limb.
 
 (4) Lastly and most importantly, plan in such a way that a non-techie person can run it.  They may not be able to build it, but if Smackette wants to listen to music, watch a movie, see her photos, etc., she should be able to do it with reding a guide or following 15 steps.
 
 I would also point out here that I beta test for Sprint, Microsoft, TiVo and DirecTV so if it looks like I favor those companies, it's because I do.  And sometimes I'm an apologist for these companies, but it is what it is.  I took long, hard looks at a lot of companies over the years and these are the ones I work with.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 08, 2008, 02:17:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  can i change my flip remark to 'yes, but brazil is my new favorite country to obsess over'
Sure.  You can obsess over Brazil and I'll continue to obsess over Turkey.  I think you're winning this one. [/b]
not that turkey isnt facinating, but i now want to start a construction/irrigation startup in mato grosso. i mean, a good portion of the best construction workers around here are from bolivia, anyway
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2008, 02:53:00 pm
First upâ?¦Internet Connectivity
 
 I had been waiting patiently for Google to roll out their Free Wifi for San Francisco, but it was held up by our Board of Supervisors for so long that both Earthlink and Google gave up on the project.  Major Bummer.  Had they offered 300kbps for free and a pay service for even 1MB, I would have been all over the pay service.  But alasâ?¦
 
 So I was left with the Cable vs. DSL.  Itâ??s amazing that the majority of the US is still deciding between only these two options â?? if you can even get both.  Those of you in Verizonâ??s FiOS area should consider yourself very luckyâ?¦
 
 My local providers are Comcast and at&t. Comcast is blocking at&t from rolling out U-verse, so I have no Fiber option, yet I live 30 minutes from Silicon Valley.  Yes, I see the irony.
 
 We used to have at&t DSL, but their service was spotty at best and we would experience frequent outages.  They claimed that the buildingâ??s wiring must be too old and there was little they could do about it.  So we switched to Earthlink, but we suffered the same problems.  Iâ??m still not sure if at&t is right, because as it turns out Earthlink simply leases at&tâ??s wires.    
 
 In looking at DSL, youâ??re paying less than cable for internet service, however, you canâ??t have DSL without a working phone line, so itâ??s not really cheaper than a cable modem.  If you live in the 21st century, what do you need a land line for, other than international long distance calls?  So no land line, no DSL.  That ruled out at&t and Earthlink.  This led to me the no copper wires rule.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2008, 02:58:00 pm
Internet Connectivity (cont.)
 
 So, Comcastâ?¦.Iâ??m not sure if Iâ??m still banned from Comcast.  After all, that was over 5 years ago and on the other side of the country..but Iâ??d had a few run-ins with Comcast in DC.  Look, donâ??t get mad at me because I know about your technology than your customer service reps, and the supervisor, and some of the tech support specialists.  So we didnâ??t rule them out, just in case theyâ??d forgotten who I was.
 
 But in order to get an affordable cable modem solution, you have to bundle with their other services.  Hereâ??s my problem with bundling â?? I donâ??t write a check any more as it is.  NOT ONE.  If everything is autopay or online banking, how much easier is â??bundlingâ?ť really?  One bill.  Whoopdy doo.  Nobody snail mails me a bill any more either.  This is a scam folks.  And one that many people are buying into.
 
 Iâ??m going to have the Satellite TV vs. Cable TV discussion at another time, but letâ??s just say that youâ??re going to have to pry DirecTV out of my cold, dead hands.  With Comcast not being an option for TV and us having absolutely no need for VoIP, the $60 a month for cable seemed steep, but was the early leader.  Ouch.
 
 My disdain for Comcast led me to start searching for other options.  What do the folks in the sticks do?  Most of them live to far away from the switch to use DSL and Cable wonâ??t pay the price to lay wires to their place.  Turns out, they use either their cell phone companyâ??s data plan or satellite internet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2008, 03:21:00 pm
Internet Connectivity (last post)
 
 Satellite internet has a huge latency problem (think delay between clicks) that is impossible for a gamer, let alone anyone who want to stream something.  Itâ??s also really expensive.
 
 So I looked at Verizon and Sprint, at the time the only Wireless providers with a 3G network in my neighborhood.  Verizon has a 5GB download limit so I immediately threw them out.   I download way more than 5GB a month with all of my gaming and trial software for various companies.
 
 Sprint offered unlimited download for the same price as cable modem service, so I talked to the folks at Sprint.  Unfortunately, WiMAX is still months off, but they said there would be upgrades available to existing Sprint data users.  They also said that they would be ending the unlimited download in July, but that they would be grandfathering existing users.  Hmmmâ?¦      
 
 Switching to a Cell provider for home internet has its downsides.  One, your existing routers wonâ??t work with a cell phone modem without extra equipment and two, the speeds arenâ??t the same as Cable or DSL.  At first we were going to use our cell phones, hooked up to each computer, but this wasnâ??t efficient for two reasons: (1) each phone has to pay for broadband access (adds up) and (2) you canâ??t receive incoming calls when youâ??re using your phone as a modem.  
 
 Sprint gave us a 30 day trial of one of their USB modems, (http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/compass_597.aspx) and we liked it.  It offered about 1MB speeds and was fairly reliable.  It was also very portable â?? we could take it anywhere we get cell phone service and have DSL speed internet connection.  We make frequent trips between SF and LA and the service is very strong.
 
 In order to share it with other computers, I bought a Cradlepoint CTR-350 EVDO router (http://www.cradlepoint.com/ctr350/ctr350.php) off E-bay for $100, which is also very portable (about the size of a deck of cards.  As ridiculous as this sounds, with the car charger, we can plug the router and modem in to the cigarette lighter and have wifi access for all laptops in the car.  You can set up a mini-network anywhere you want basically â?? coffee shops, conference rooms, hotel rooms, the beach, the park, you name it.
 
 Once WiMax comes out, and speeds rival Cable modems, I canâ??t wait for the opportunities.
     
 So I sacrificed speed for portability, and bucked the at&t/Comcast duopoly.  Almost three months later, I still feel pretty good about it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2008, 06:32:00 pm
DIGITAL REVOLUTION: Media Centers
 
 Alright, so I bored you with my ISP decision making.  Sorry about that, but it will all come back together in the end.
 
 At the beginning of the year, I made a heart breaking decision.  I had to get rid of the last TiVo in the house.  As most of you know, I was an early TiVo adopter and quickly joined their beta team.  They were doing some great things with DirecTV (dual tuner recording was on directv almost a decade ago now),  and ever better things in their stand alone models, but neither Directv nor TiVo really wanted to play along.  TiVo wanted Directv to open up their TiVo boxes for media features, DirecTV refused to pay the price and started building their own box.  TiVo then decided to jump on the cable bandwagon and ditch DirecTV all together.  This left me in a quandary.  I REALLY liked both companies, but I couldnâ??t keep both.
 
 DirecTV finally won out by providing a ridiculous amount of HDTV, exclusive sports and by inviting me to help build the next TiVo-esque box for DirecTV with Media Share and a whole host of other features.  More on that in a minute.
 
 Way back in 2007, after I expelled my last Stand Alone TiVo from the arsenal, I had my computer hooked up to both my stereo and my HDTV.  We could have â??youtube offsâ?ť after a drunken night or play the music collection via the stereo to our hearts content.  I could download HD broadcasts of pay-per-view soccer matches and watch them on the big screen...you get the point.  Smackette hated the computer in the front room, and frankly, I was over the desktop too, but it was too useful to get rid of.
 
 Conveniently for Xmas, Smackette gave me an Xbox 360.  Sweet â?? Halo, Rock Band, WWII games.  I was in heaven.  What I failed to properly assess was the Media Extender built into the 360.  The Xbox recognized the other computers on the network and allowed me to play the music files on the desktop or smacketteâ??s laptop, stream the movie files on the desktop, view pictures, you name it.  I used to be able to do that with the Stand Alone TiVo, but now I can put the desktop in any room in the apt and play my media out here.  Sweet.  Sure, there are many other music players out there that stream, but they all have their limitations.  Some only do music, some canâ??t do video, some do photos, but no music at the same time, etc.  But why buy an entirely new device if I already own a device that has these features built in?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2008, 06:36:00 pm
Media Centers (cont.)
 
 DirecTV and others (http://gizmodo.com/5022574/the-future-of-tv-according-to-att)  have tried desperately to build the same functionality into their DVRâ??s a la TiVo from a few years ago.  Some are working with TiVo, some are working with Microsoft and some are building their own.  Oddly, nobody is working with Apple, which sounds strange until you think about who Apple has worked with in the past â?? that would be nobody.  Anyway, all are based on a similar model â?? choose the computer you want to work with, choose the storage folder, and scroll through a list of songs/artists/albums/playlists.  As a first go around, it wasnâ??t a bad deal.  Smackette, however, wouldnâ??t touch it because the interface was very limited, so it was back to the drawing board.
 
 Then I discovered that Smacketteâ??s laptop was a Windows XP Media Center PC. (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/mediacenter/default.mspx)  Now that, is a slick interface when connected to any device that supports Media Center Extensions. (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/mediacenter/features/extender.mspx)  Connect a Media Center enabled device to the 360 (or any other media center extender) and youâ??ve got something the general public will use.  Problem is, the only computer in the place that had the Media Center on it, was the machine that is in the apt least often.  It also had the smallest hard drive.  Argh.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2008, 07:24:00 pm
Why not just build a home theater PC (HTPC)?
 
 I was on this path for a long time, until I realized that this solution is a long way off due to lack of processing power.
 
 The easy answer would have been theyâ??re way too expensive, but thereâ??s many more limitations than simply the price.
 
 Iâ??m not willing to give up something I can do now, just to make the whole package more convenient.  For example, I can record two HD streams and play back a third on my current DVR.  There is no PC in the world under $1500 that can do that and provide uninterrupted playback. Itâ??s too much computing not to mention two HD capable capture cards (expensive and resource hogs).   And my current DVR cost me nothing.  Why would I pay $1500 for that?  Considering I still need a source for the HD content (most often cable or satellite) and theyâ??ll provide me an inexpensive device, why bother?
 
 But letâ??s assume the cards are not capture cards, but instead a cable card reader or a satellite card reader with coaxial attachments provided by your television service provider at a reduced cost.  While that will free up resources, itâ??s still not conducive to multi-tasking.  Assume, youâ??re recording two shows to watch after your guests leave, but while youâ??re entertaining, youâ??re listening to your Cocktail Party playlist.  What are the chances you can do all three of those things at the same time with one processor, even a duo core?  Not good.
 
 Without getting too technical, all HTPCâ??s work on MPEG-2 codecs provided by your DVD player installed in the PC.  An MPEG-2 signal however, is a resource hog.  MPEG-4 solutions are a much better way to go, but to capture in MPEG-4 is ridiculously expensive.  Again, unless my service provider gives me an MPEG-4 card (and I know some that have), this is an expensive solution.
 
 Storage space used to be a problem, but I think weâ??re past that now.  What weâ??re not past is backup solutions.  Unless youâ??re a techie, there are not easy mirroring solutions for on the go hardware failure.  I consider myself a techie, but even I wouldnâ??t take on mirroring an HTPC and the resources that would require.  Iâ??m willing to take some chances with TV shows, but not my Music.  I need a solid backup solution.
 
 So instead, I rely on three processors at the moment: one in the DVR, one in the Xbox 360, and one in the Home Server (next post).  It would be nice if the DVR could do all that the 360 can do to eliminate one, but I donâ??t see that right round the corner.  Either way, for ripping, storage and backing up, it wonâ??t be one processor for a long time in my opinion.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 08, 2008, 08:20:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Relaxer:
   
Quote
Originally posted by walkonby:
  i like how people think mccain and obama are different.  they are the same, will be the same in office, and come out rich like reagan, bush sr., clinton, bush jr., ect.........
 
(edited)
 Originally had a question for Walkonby, but then I realized, he has nothing interesting or intelligent to say about... much of anything, but likes to dress up his comments in non-sequiter space-case random-for-the-hell-of-it language to make himself look soooooo deep. So fuck it. [/b]
thank you.  from sweetcell, i would take offence, but from you . . . i'm in love.    :o
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 09, 2008, 12:28:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Why not just build a home theater PC (HTPC)?
 
 The easy answer would have been theyâ??re way too expensive, but thereâ??s many more limitations than simply the price.
To further illustrate my point, Engadget is discussing Sony's two new "entry-level" HTPCs. (http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/25/sony-unloads-two-new-vgx-tp1-media-center-pcs/)  Neither has an HD Tuner card, let alone two (entry level, remember?) and they sell for $1400 and $1900 respectively.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 09, 2008, 01:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by walkonby:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Relaxer:
  (edited)
 Originally had a question for Walkonby, but then I realized, he has nothing interesting or intelligent to say about... much of anything, but likes to dress up his comments in non-sequiter space-case random-for-the-hell-of-it language to make himself look soooooo deep. So fuck it.
thank you.  from sweetcell, i would take offence, but from you . . . i'm in love.     :o  [/b]
that's completely unfair.  i actually take the time and effort to show the glaring holes in your nonsensical ramblings, and i'm hated.  relaxer dismisses you out of hand, and you're in love.  humph.
 
 bitch.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 09, 2008, 01:24:00 pm
none of that matters anymore.  this thing with iran is getting pretty scary.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 09, 2008, 01:27:00 pm
i actually liked the isp posts. i keep holding on to comcast hoping and praying the fios i was promised 18 months ago shows up
 
 speaking of fios, is there anyway to network dtv boxes together? being able to watch recorded programs on my other sets would make me very happy (ala the fios commercials with kg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 09, 2008, 05:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  speaking of fios, is there anyway to network dtv boxes together? being able to watch recorded programs on my other sets would make me very happy (ala the fios commercials with kg)
No comment.
 
 Oh wait, this isn't a Directv board and you won't rat me out.  
 
 You (the collective DirecTV subscribers with an HD DVR) are getting new software starting today and Muli-room viewing is not part of that package.  You are getting Media Share (the media extenders as explained above) and some other nice features that I can share later, but should pop up on your DVR when you turn it on next.
 
 Multi-room viewing (MRV), the ability to watch your DVR on any computer in your house, widgets (think Vista or Google Desktop or whatever Mac calls it) and other features are still in testing.  MRV is not going to happen any time soon (2-3 months) however.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 09, 2008, 06:16:00 pm
vansmack, one question.  how in the hell do you know all this stuff, and why hasn't your head exploded yet?
 
 <waiting to be attacked . . . take a number>
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 09, 2008, 06:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by walkonby:
  vansmack, one question.  how in the hell do you know all this stuff, and why hasn't your head exploded yet?
 
I don't sleep much and I don't sit by in idle time - always something out there to be learned.
 
 And many people are wondering when my head will explode.  I'm sure there's pool out there that you can join if you'd like to make a wager.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on July 09, 2008, 07:15:00 pm
you can have multi room viewing on your FIOS dvr if you pay for it, basically if you dont pay for it you see the option in your menu but it does nothing when you choose it
 
 as a current FIOS customer and former comcast customer, I am not blown away, mostly I dont like their dvr interface (probably just used to the comcast one), I dont like that you cant have your phone also ring on your cell phone and that you cant be emailed your voicemail (like vonage), and I dont think the internet connection is all that fast
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 09, 2008, 07:34:00 pm
my issue with streaming music around my house is that i need my main iTunes library to recognize when i've played / how many times i've played songs in order for my smart playlists to work ... i'm sure i can get this somehow by making a home media server, but i haven't put in the energy yet
 
 having my desktop hooked up to my receiver/speakers is the easiest way for now ... having an ipod dock in a another room works great as well, once you sync your ipod back up iTunes recognizes what was played
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 09, 2008, 07:59:00 pm
DIGITAL REVOLUTION: Shut up about the Home Server, already!
 
 I wonâ??t.  Be lucky you donâ??t live near me because everyday Iâ??ve discovered something new that I feel the need to tell you about it.  Even the stupid stuff.
 
 So itâ??s about April/May in the Smackie Digital Revolution 2008 and the desktop is on its way out of the living room (along with the desk and in comes a new paint job and curtains â?? see, I told you smackette didnâ??t mean gadgets).   Iâ??ve got the 360 hooked up to the stereo (optically, I might add, which is important because I donâ??t want to always have the TV on when all I want to do is listen to music), but I have three different databases of music, photos and video files.  I also tried to wirelessly stream an HD version of the FA Cup semi-finals to my front room which was a major failure (802.11g secured, for those interested).  Couple that with my music collection at the office and Iâ??m in total disarray.  I want to listen to this, but itâ??s on that computer.  Mom wants that picture but itâ??s at home.  Weâ??ve all been there.
 
 Ever since I saw the demo of the Windows Home Server (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx), Iâ??ve wanted one.   Donâ??t be scared off by the server part â?? this is super friendly and very easy to use.  While my favorite aspect of the server was to have one shared storage location for all my media (175 GB of music) that all of the other computers could access, itâ??s been the rest of the features that makes the jump worth it.  
 
  </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">
       Problem is, I implemented the $400 gadget rule.  There are a few out-of-the-box options that are recommended for the super-novice user.  HP has two Media Smart Servers (http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/447351-0-0-225-121.html?jumpid=ex_r602_go/mediasmartserver) available that sell for about $549-$749.  They add some really slick features, especially for iTunes that arenâ??t available on Do-it-Yourself models.  Iâ??ve waited since October for the price to come down to but by June 1, I moved on to a different solution, but that will be for tomorrow.  "Closer to the Heart" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDRPtg0kmJU) came out on Rock Band last night and I'm getting the band together...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 09, 2008, 08:01:00 pm
One more thought...
 
 Would Wi-Fi Push You to Public Transport? (http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/blogs/fleishman_on_hardware/148044/would_wifi_push_you_to_public_transport.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 12:21:00 pm
I love it when we have a discussion here, and then the next weeks issue of the Economist is dedicated to the same topic.  My favorite part was when they referred to the G8 as the "G7 Democracies plus Russia"
 
 From the Briefing Section (for those not familiar with the Economist, the briefing section is research and background):
 
 Who runs the world? (http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11664289)
 
 Wrestling for influence
 Jul 3rd 2008
 From The Economist print edition
 
 The post-war global institutions have largely worked well. But rising countries and growing threats are challenging their pre-eminence
 
 THE powerful, like the victorious, do not just write history. They grab the seats at the top tables, from the United Nations Security Council to the boards of the big international economic and financial institutions. They collude behind closed doors. They decide who can join their cosy clubs and expect the rest of the world to obey the instructions they hand down.
 
 That is how many outsiders, not just in the poor world, will see the summit that takes place from July 7th to 9th of the G8, the closest the world has to an informal (ie, self-appointed) steering group. Leaders of seven of the worldâ??s richest democracies, plus oil-and gas-fired Russia, gather this year in Toyako, on Hokkaido in northern Japan, to ruminate on climate change, rising food and energy prices, and the best way to combat global scourges from disease to nuclear proliferation.
 
 
 From the Leaders section (think opinion):
 
 What a way to run the world (http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11670305)
 
 Global institutions are an outdated muddle; the rise of Asia makes their reform a priority for the West
 
 CLUBS are all too often full of people prattling on about things they no longer know about. On July 7th the leaders of the group that allegedly runs the worldâ??the G7 democracies plus Russiaâ??gather in Japan to review the world economy. But what is the point of their discussing the oil price without Saudi Arabia, the worldâ??s biggest producer? Or waffling about the dollar without China, which holds so many American Treasury bills? Or slapping sanctions on Robert Mugabe, with no African present? Or talking about global warming, AIDS or inflation without anybody from the emerging world? Cigar smoke and ignorance are in the air.
 
 The G8 is not the only global club that looks old and impotent (see article). The UN Security Council has told Iran to stop enriching uranium, without much effect. The nuclear non-proliferation regime is in tatters. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the fireman in previous financial crises, has been a bystander during the credit crunch. The World Trade Organisationâ??s Doha round is stuck. Of course, some bodies, such as the venerable Bank for International Settlements (see article), still do a fine job. But as global problems proliferate and information whips round the world ever faster, the organisational response looks ever shabbier, slower and feebler. The worldâ??s governing bodies need to change.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 12:44:00 pm
So those that know me know that I either have a Mountain Dew or a beer in my hand (and occasionally on weekends when Iâ??m taking myself too seriously, a glass of wine) at all times.  My Dew addiction is so bad, that Smackette gave me one of her Starbuck coffee mugs to pour the Dew into because she was convinced that people would take me more seriously if I didnâ??t look like I was always drinking a soda.  As usual, she was right, although I still maintain growing the permanent 5 Oâ??clock shadow has helped as well.
 
 This summer Mountain Dew released three new flavors designed by Dew drinkers â?? however, only one will survive after the voting at dewmocracy.com.  After launching a successful international campaign to get â??Live Wireâ?ť to be a permanent fixture, I was going to sit this one out.  But luckily for me, the liquor store I stop at to pick up a sandwich on my way to the beach for lunch (donâ??t hate me because I eat lunch at the beach 2-3 times a week, hate me because Iâ??m beautiful) had all three new flavors in stock.
 
    <img src="http://www.dewmocracy.com/images/image_overview-default_bott.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 First up for Review:  REVOLUTION
 
 â??Dew Infused with Wild Berry Fruit Flavor and Ginsengâ?ť
 
 One of my biggest fears of these new flavors was that they were going to be too sweet.  One was raspberry, one was strawberry, and this was the wild berry variety.  I must say, this one is very tame.  Iâ??ve noticed that the most recent Dew varietals have come with a bit of an aftertaste that is not present on the original masterpiece, so eloquently encapsulated in the Mountain Dew Rock by Beck (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fD1_UmmdoI).  This one is the same â?? it must be the Ginseng (which is a cop out for I have no fâ??in clue why it has the after taste).  The light taste combined with the fizzy start make it taste more like a berry flavored seltzer water than a Mountain Dew.  I rather enjoyed it this morning.
 
 Itâ??s going to be tough for the other ones to beat this one out.  Itâ??s better than Code Red, but is still behind Live Wire and the original.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on July 10, 2008, 03:01:00 pm
so smackie will you have the Do Not Disturb sign out on the 22nd when the U2 remastered CDs with bonus tracks come out?
 
 and no i'm not ignoring your white papers just been a bit preoccupied this week...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 03:11:00 pm
Oh, iTunes 7.7 just came out!  That can mean only one thing!!!
 
 Oh, a new phone.  Nevermind.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 03:15:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
  so smackie will you have the Do Not Disturb sign out on the 22nd when the U2 remastered CDs with bonus tracks come out?
Well, I no longer buy CDs, but I still took the day off.  I'll figure something out.  
 
 I'm thinking me and the Director should meet half way, take over the DJ booth at a gentleman's club see what happens with the remasters....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 10, 2008, 03:26:00 pm
i like how 'where the streets have no name' is basically the entire republic of ireland
 
 i did get to see the crazy u2 street with all the graffiti though
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 05:14:00 pm
DIGITAL REVOLUTION: Tell me more about the Home Server, already!
 
 Ok, so now Iâ??ve been waiting 6+ months for the price of a home server to come down.  Why do I feel like a home server should be around $400?  Well, itâ??s simple really.  It doesnâ??t do much besides store files.
 
 Thereâ??s no mouse or keyboard.  Thereâ??s no video card for graphics or sound card for high audio.  Itâ??s a basically a 500GB external drive ($100) with an operating system ($150) hooked up to a CPU ($65) with RAM ($30) and a network card ($15).  Thatâ??s $370 in my book, and Iâ??ll throw in $30 for putting it all together.  $400.
 
 So in my ongoing quest to fully understand the OS before I buy my HP Media Smart server, I stumbled onto instructions to build your own $400 Home Server. (http://www.homeserverhacks.com/2008/04/build-green-400-windows-home-server_2871.html)  PERFECT!  Iâ??ve built computers before, but Donavan West did an amazing job of step by step instructions that any monkey can follow.  So I went about collecting my parts that Donavan recommended.  At this point I feel the need to point out that I have many hookups at Microsoft and that I didnâ??t pay the $150 for the OS (more like $30 in exchange for building one for her after I get it all worked out â?? seemed like a deal to me).  So instead, I reinvested in my server by doubling the RAM (2GB) and adding dual eSATA HDDs (1TB total).
 
 One quick thing.  As Sonick pointed out in a different thread, Iâ??m a bit of an enviro.  I recycle and drive a Prius, but Iâ??m not crazy.  I donâ??t climb trees about to be cut down and I wonâ??t make too many performance sacrifices for my entertainment unit.  But I did try to go green where I could.  I bought a CPU that is the size of a toaster that uses 1/3 less power (http://us.shuttle.com/barebone/Models/K45.html) than most CPUs.  I bought Western Digital Green drives (http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/greenpower/index.asp) that remove the heads (needles) from the drives when not in use, saving energy.  I needed to go to a gig switch rather than the usual 10/100 for HD content, but I did so by buying a D-link green switch (http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=494) that parks the ports when the computer is not turned on.  Generally, these things cost a little more, but Iâ??ll get the money back in my saved electricity bills (or so the hope goes).  The whole concept of the server is to not only have one storage location, but to also save power by not needing to power on multiple computers/laptops/monitors etc. all the time.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on July 10, 2008, 05:30:00 pm
Prius huh....were are you going to dump that huge battery in a few years?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on July 10, 2008, 05:32:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   But I did try to go green where I could. Generally, these things cost a little more, but Iâ??ll get the money back in my saved electricity bills (or so the hope goes).  
ha ha. . .i'll see what i can do about that. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 05:34:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by 47 YEAR OLD VIRGIN:
  Prius huh....were are you going to dump that huge battery in a few years?
In one of the many caverns created beneath the North Sea that is empty now that all the oil is gone.
 
 I'll put it right next to your carbon.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 05:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  ha ha. . .i'll see what i can do about that. . .
No matter what you do (and I'm afraid you'll do a lot), it won't change the fact that if I use less wattage, I'll be charged less money.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on July 10, 2008, 05:41:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  ha ha. . .i'll see what i can do about that. . .
No matter what you do (and I'm afraid you'll do a lot), it won't change the fact that if I use less wattage, I'll be charged less money. [/b]
depending on when you use it (and what's the generating source).  bwah ha ha hah
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 05:43:00 pm
DIGITAL REVOLUTION: Get that damn thing off the dinner table!
 
 So now I have the server, what do I do with it.  Unlike the concept of a server that should be stuffed in the closet, I put mine front and center in my entertainment center.  Itâ??s just over 6 inches high and 6 inches wide, no more than 14 inches deep.  It also has a lovely clear plastic cover that one can put a nice photo in so itâ??s not ugly.  I put the Gig (10/100/1000) switch behind my entertainment unit with a cable running to my router, my Server, my Xbox 360, my DVR and my Slingbox.  Only two devices in my system have gig network cards, but theyâ??re the most important â?? the 360 and the server â?? the only two devices that would send HD content between them.
   
 From the wireless router I have two laptops and a desktop hooked up.  So with no keyboard, mouse or monitor, how do I connect to the server?  Remotely of course.  WHS comes with a connector disk that installs a program that connects between the server and all of the computers on the network.  From any of these computers, I can log in and make changes to the server.  Each client also has a folder on the desktop that links  to shared folders on the server: Music, Photos, Videos, Software, Public (misc), and a personal folder for each user that is not shared.  You can also create your own shared folders.
 
 Once a computer is recognized by the server, the server takes care of the rest.  The HP model will even go out to every computer and copy all of the music/photos/videos on each computer and copy them to the server â?? and NOT make duplicates.  Thatâ??s pretty slick.  As I mentioned the server will automatically back up each machine overnight, provide access to shared folders, etc.
 
 From each computer you can also install programs that run on the server.  For example, I have a program installed called Whiist (http://www.andrewgrant.org/whiist) that turns my personal server into a web server where we share my photos with our family and friends.  I have a couple other programs that handle sharing my music and movies that I will discuss at length later.
 
 Another program that I run is a bit torrent add-in.  From any of my machines, I send a bit torrent address to the server and the server runs the torrent for me.  I turn the computers off and the server takes care of the rest.  I can do that from home or work or your home, if I wanted.
 
 In addition, I have remote access to my server from just about any computer on the internet.  I can log in, upload files, download files, fix the computers on my home network from my office.  I also have access to all of my music...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 06:03:00 pm
Hey, Smackie this is a music site, shut up already!
 
 Remember when I set out to solve my music problem?  Yeah, me too.  So hereâ??s what I did with the server.
 
 Windows Media Player automatically recognizes all the music the server stores, but who in the hell uses that? I run three FREE programs on the server to provide access to my music, one inside my LAN and two outside:
 
 I joined the FireFly   Media Server project (http://www.fireflymediaserver.org/) which ties in Appleâ??s Bonjour software and the WHS.  Once installed, every iTunes on my network recognized the server and provided streaming access to the music stored on the server.  It has its limitations though.  If youâ??re like Hoya and like Smartplaylists this is not for you.  In addition, while itâ??s an iTunes solution, it does not work with iPods unless you Map a Network drive (a solution is a work in progress).
 
 In addition, I added WebGuide (http://www.asciiexpress.com/webguide/)   which provides me streaming access to my entire music collection through the web.  I log into my web site and have my collection organized by artist or album and stream the music to my itunes, through Windows Media Player or through the built in player.
 
 One last really dorky addition is LobsterTunes. (http://lobstertunes.com/)    It allows me to stream my music collection through my Windows Mobile Phone (in my case, Motorola Q).  Basically, I canâ??t escape my music collection as long as I am awake.
 
 But, because itâ??s a Microsoft product, itâ??s not without its faults and bugs.  Unlike Apple, where everything ties into one goal, one thing was clear with the WHS.  They werenâ??t talking to the Media Center folks, who werenâ??t talking to the Media Extender folks who werenâ??t talking to any server folksâ?¦
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on July 10, 2008, 06:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by 47 YEAR OLD VIRGIN:
  Prius huh....were are you going to dump that huge battery in a few years?
In one of the many caverns created beneath the North Sea that is empty now that all the oil is gone.
 
 I'll put it right next to your carbon. [/b]
So it's a case of polute now or polute later then.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 10, 2008, 06:57:00 pm
i'm planning a similar home networking project this fall ... my problem is that i know little-to-nothing about networking, can you recommend a book/website that will help me with basics?  will my iTunes smart playlist issue be a big problem with a server?
 
 by the way, lifehacker had an interesting post  (http://lifehacker.com/398203/mininova-adds-remote-bittorrent-downloads) about adding mininova torrents to an RSS feed and having a remote bittorrent client start downloading them automatically ... pretty nifty, but it seems like you already have a solution for that
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 07:06:00 pm
MS..why have though foresaken me? Again!?
 
 So Microsoft has an uncanny ability to develop really great products and not tell anyone about them â?? including their own developers.  Thereâ??s no one common goal to meet one great strategy like Apple does.  I made a joke earlier today about Apple releasing new iTunes software in conjunction with their new phone.  If it were Microsoft and they had a new phone that only worked with WMP 12, they wouldnâ??t talk to WMP12 to see when it was done before releasing the phone.
 
 I mentioned earlier that the Xbox 360 can see computers on the network and play their files.  If those computers are media center computers, the experience is much better (one that even Smackette will use).  Well, the server experience leaves much to be desired.
   
 For example.  MS uses a program called Media Connect to connect your computer to a media extender.  A computer that includes Media Center is essentially an overlay to improve the Media Connect experience as illustrated below:
 
 Media Connect w/out Media Center
    <img src="http://www.winsupersite.com/images/reviews/xbox360_dm_11.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 Media Center XP
    <img src="http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/3B424750-1210-4129-9819-B995D7C38547/0/MyMusicLibrary001.jpg" alt=" - " />  
 
 Media Center Vista
    <img src="http://www.gadgets-reviews.com/uimg_new/microsoft-debuts-extenders-for-windows-media-center-adds-divx-and-xvid.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 The Media Center experience is obviously much easier and more friendly to use, simply because it uses metadata (and the search function is really nice).
 
 Media Connect has been through many iterations.  The original is obsolete and was replaced by 2.0 with WMP9.  If you install Windows Media Player 11 on XP, it comes with Media Connect 3.0.  If you install WMP 11 on Vista, you get Media Connect 4.0.  Fear not, Iâ??m shaking my head with you.
 
 Guess which version comes on the Home Server?  2.0!  Why?  The WHS was built on the Windows 2003 server platform and there is no windows media player beyond 9.0 built for the server.  That means no upgrades for Media Connect because itâ??s built around WMP.
 
 In addition, the Media Center Overlay (the fancy user experience) is not available as an add-in.  It only comes with the purchase of an operating system that has hardware that supports certain elements â?? whether you use them or not.  You cannot purchase it separately, even if you own an Xbox 360 that does have the hardware support!
 
 So what does this mean for your experience?  Well, it all depends on what you use.  If you only have iTunes or Winamp or WMP and no extender, absolutely nothing.  If you hook your computer up directly to your TV?  Again, nothing.  
 
 If you have an extender that has a very nice built in overlay, the only problem may be file support (MC 2.0 does not support Xvid and DivX for example, but perhaps your extender does).
 
 If you have an Xbox 360 (built by MS) and a WHS (built buy MS) then youâ??re totally bummed.  Letâ??s start at the most basic: want to find â??The Beatlesâ?ť â?? better head to the â??Tâ?ťs, cause you ainâ??t gonna find them in the â??Bâ?ťs.  MC 2.0 canâ??t strip â??theâ?ť from the database!  I know, it's 2008.  It's disgusting.
 
 File types are just as ridiculous.  I canâ??t play, for example, WMP11 (or even 10) videos on my 360 using an XP machine or the WHS.  Thereâ??s absolutely no excuse for this.  Xvid and DivX?  Forget about it.  Crazily enough, if I copy the Xvid or divX movie to a USB flash drive and plug it in the 360, the 360 can play it.  At this point I hope youâ??re not shaking your head but pounding it on your desk like I am.  
 
 This is why Apple will continue to kick MSâ??s ass.  Even if MS can beat Apple to the market with a home server, Apple has 6-12 months to release a perfect product while MS gets beaten up on the blogs - and deservedly so.  One hand does not talk to the other - it's as if they don't use any of their products in the real world!
 
 Now, thereâ??s big hype about MSâ??s  â??Fijiâ?ť project. (http://arstechnica.com/journals/microsoft.ars/2008/06/02/windows-fiji-screenshots-leak-final-name-revealed)  The details have been very tight lipped, but letâ??s hope that by the end of the summer, they get a lot of these absurdities fixed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 07:24:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
   will my iTunes smart playlist issue be a big problem with a server?
Not if you map a network drive (ie, give your \\homeserver\shared\music folder a drive letter on your computer).  The problem is, iTunes chooses where it stores your iTunes Db for you, so you can't have two computers map to the same network folder as two computers can't share the same iTunes Db without causing lots of problems (chaz, if you've found a work around, please share!).
 
 In my house, we map one laptop to the shared folder and use that for the iPods and ripping songs to the server (and I suppose you could use that for your Smartplaylists).
 
 The other laptop uses the FireFly Media server so I can stream the collection (and perhaps your playlists as they are visible).  The problem for you would be your streamed content to a second computer or a media extender would not register in your smart playlists nor will your Last.fm (.m3u's don't register in play counts).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 07:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
  i'm planning a similar home networking project this fall ... my problem is that i know little-to-nothing about networking, can you recommend a book/website that will help me with basics?  
There's plenty, but most networking is handled automatically these days.  Talk to me after your exam and your vacation.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2008, 07:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
 
 by the way, lifehacker had an interesting post  (http://lifehacker.com/398203/mininova-adds-remote-bittorrent-downloads) about adding mininova torrents to an RSS feed and having a remote bittorrent client start downloading them automatically ...
uTorrent for the Home Server (http://forums.microsoft.com/WindowsHomeServer/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1717779&SiteID=50) works very similarly, except rather than leave the home computer(s) on, the server is always on, unlike, say a laptop that might be at the coffee shop with the Mrs.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on July 10, 2008, 07:45:00 pm
has anybody tried streaming netflix on demand movies through their xbox?  You need a plugin and Media Center Vista, I tried to get it working but I only have Vista Ultimate running virtually in VMWare Fusion on my macbook pro, no success so far, cant get the xbox and the virtual Vista to communicate
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: raebyddet on July 11, 2008, 12:49:00 pm
Ok, smackie so here is the deal. With the release of the iPhone 2.0 software I have decided that the Remote function is really cool. I want to hear my iTunes stuff on my Stereo, and use the phone as a remote. Currently I can listen to my itunes music through two options, Tivo and xBox 360 (through connect 360) obviously the huge draw back is that you cannot listen to any songs purchased through the Apple Music Store (this is the key to making the whole thing work), and you cannot use the new remote option.
 
 So I did some looking around and I think these are my options:
 
 1. I currently have an airport express (its not by the stereo) it functions as a network extender and the wireless print server. I could, connect the printer directly to the mac that sits on the desk (its a powerbook 12", but it never leaves the desk). I would then be able to move the airport express to the stereo, be able to use airtunes, and still be able to share the printer through the powerbook. This option lets me use the remote but audio only.
 
 2. Just buy another airport express ($79 refurb), and hook it up to the stereo.
 
 3. Buy the a/v cables that allow me to plug in an ipod/iphone to the stereo and TV. This option gives me the ability to do Video as well as audio, but I have to use the ipod to do this, not the computer, which has a much larger library than the ipod and or iphone can handle. I also have no remote control option here.
 
 4. Buy an Apple TV. Gives me video, audio, and more.
 
 5. Buy a Mac Mini. Solves all issues, and its a computer.
 
 I'm not sure any of the third party products out there will give me the ability to play the Apple Music Store purchased music.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2008, 01:01:00 pm
Just a second....
 
 How come my morning commute is never this good:
 
 Stripper arrested for subway pole dances (http://in.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idINN1138246820080711)
 
 SANTIAGO (Reuters) - A stripper who danced on the poles of Santiago subway trains to challenge the prudishness of Chilean society was arrested on Thursday during one of her lightning performances.
 
 Monserrat Morilles, 26, surprised subway riders all week stripping to skimpy underwear, but she refused tips.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2008, 01:06:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by raebyddet:
  songs purchased through the Apple Music Store (this is the key to making the whole thing work
Let's start at the basics and see if we can use what you already have.
 
 How many protected AAC songs are we talking about?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: raebyddet on July 11, 2008, 01:08:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
     
Quote
Originally posted by raebyddet:
  songs purchased through the Apple Music Store (this is the key to making the whole thing work
Let's start at the basics and see if we can use what you already have.
 
 How many protected AAC songs are we talking about? [/b]
At this point, not a lot. Under 100 I would say. But its the newer stuff that I actually want to listen to right now. I would also guess, that as time goes on this will only grow, I never seem to buy CDs anymore. ITMS seems to be the only place I am getting music from these days.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2008, 01:21:00 pm
I don't use many Apple products (I will defer to Pollard on this one), but it sounds like moving the printer to the computer or purcahsing a new AirPort is the way to go for you.  Unless you're willing to convert the songs to a non-protected format and refuse to purchase DRM music in the future, neither the TiVo nor the 360 will work for you.
 
 The iPhone remote is really nice for one thing basically - controlling your music when you're not in the line of sight with your devices (since it works on wi-fi and not IR).  Otherwise, I programmed my Harmony to do just about everything else it does (note: I don't use iTunes but to rip/organize and for iPods).
 
 One downside to the AirPort is that you may lose the digital quality of your sound if you go 3.5mm stereo to RCA jacks.  If you go this route and your stereo has digital sound capability, I'd pick up a cheap TOSLINK/Coaxial Digital adapter and make sure your sound is as clear as you can get it.
 
 If you're bold and have some spare cash, I like the Mac Mini server idea that Pollard employs, especially for video.  I think the Mac Mini grows where Apple TV, in its current form, will be surpassed in a couple years (lack of 1080 output).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: raebyddet on July 11, 2008, 01:28:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I don't use many Apple products (I will defer to Pollard on this one), but it sounds like moving the printer to the computer or purcahsing a new AirPort is the way to go for you.  Unless you're willing to convert the songs to a non-protected format and refuse to purchase DRM music in the future, neither the TiVo nor the 360 will work for you.
 
 The iPhone remote is really nice for one thing basically - controlling your music when you're not in the line of sight with your devices (since it works on wi-fi and not IR).  Otherwise, I programmed my Harmony to do just about everything else it does (note: I don't use iTunes but to rip/organize and for iPods).
 
 One downside to the AirPort is that you may lose the digital quality of your sound if you go 3.5mm stereo to RCA jacks.  If you go this route and your stereo has digital sound capability, I'd pick up a cheap TOSLINK/Coaxial Digital adapter and make sure your sound is as clear as you can get it.
 
 If you're bold and have some spare cash, I like the Mac Mini server idea that Pollard employs.
Yeah, I shouldn't be willing to accept DRM but, at this point I just do. I know I shouldn't.
 
 I think I am just stuck with my options for now. This is one of those areas that will just keep changing.
 
 I really want Pollard's Mac Mini server plan. I think that is what I really need to do, but for now I think its a bit out of the budget. The Apple TV would be more reasonable, but I have such a hard time justifying the cost of that when for almost double the price you can get a full fledged computer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: raebyddet on July 11, 2008, 01:32:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 One downside to the AirPort is that you may lose the digital quality of your sound if you go 3.5mm stereo to RCA jacks.  If you go this route and your stereo has digital sound capability, I'd pick up a cheap TOSLINK/Coaxial Digital adapter and make sure your sound is as clear as you can get it.
I didn't know about the TOSLINK thing until this pastweekend. I guess all the newish macbooks, and the airport express have standard headphone jacks, and that is all I ever thought they were. Then someone at the store told me about the TOSLINK thing. I had no idea you could use that port for an optical connection. I think that is pretty cool.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2008, 01:36:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by raebyddet:
   Then someone at the store told me about the TOSLINK thing. I had no idea you could use that port for an optical connection. I think that is pretty cool.
As long as your stereo supports it:
 
 3.5 Stereo connector to TOSLINK adapter (http://www.amazon.com/Stereo-Digital-Optical-Toslink-Adaptor/dp/B000I97H68)
 
 One of the main reasons why I use the 360 is TOSLINK to TOSLINK.  I rip my DVDs in 5.1 Dolby and the 360 plays them beautifully.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: raebyddet on July 11, 2008, 01:40:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by raebyddet:
   Then someone at the store told me about the TOSLINK thing. I had no idea you could use that port for an optical connection. I think that is pretty cool.
As long as your stereo supports it:
 
 3.5 Stereo connector to TOSLINK adapter (http://www.amazon.com/Stereo-Digital-Optical-Toslink-Adaptor/dp/B000I97H68)
 
 One of the main reasons why I use the 360 is TOSLINK to TOSLINK.  I rip my DVDs in 5.1 Dolby and the 360 plays them beautifully. [/b]
Yeah my 360 is connected that way as well. I just use the 360 for playing dvd's now, no need for an additional player.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2008, 01:41:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  has anybody tried streaming netflix on demand movies through their xbox?
This may surprise you, but I don't have a Vista Machine at home.  It's not because I think it's inferior, but I've tried to spread out my processing power and have started to purchase less powerful computers in an attempt to utilize my other more powerful devices.  
 
 As soon as I can stream Netflix to the 360 without having to run an extra computer, I'm all for it.
 
 But Microsoft thinking that I have to turn on a computer to stream to the 360 is a complete waste of resources.  The 360 is more than powerful enough to decode the Netflix movie file on it's own.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on July 11, 2008, 01:42:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by raebyddet:
 I didn't know about the TOSLINK thing until this pastweekend. I guess all the newish macbooks, and the airport express have standard headphone jacks, and that is all I ever thought they were. Then someone at the store told me about the TOSLINK thing. I had no idea you could use that port for an optical connection. I think that is pretty cool.
the TOSLINK is what I use to get audio from the mac mini to my stereo, the adapters are super cheap, I am sure you have a spare optical cable laying around
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: raebyddet on July 11, 2008, 01:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  has anybody tried streaming netflix on demand movies through their xbox?
This may surprise you, but I don't have a Vista Machine at home.  It's not because I think it's inferior, but I've tried to spread out my processing power and have started to purchase less powerful computers in an attempt to utilize my other more powerful devices.  
 
 As soon as I can stream Netflix to the 360 without having to run an extra computer, I'm all for it.
 
 But Microsoft thinking that I have to turn on a computer to stream to the 360 is a complete waste of resources.  The 360 is more than powerful enough to decode the Netflix movie file on it's own. [/b]
I keep waiting for this. I don't really want to spend $100 on the roku player if the xbox is going to do this, there really is no reason that it can't.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: raebyddet on July 11, 2008, 01:59:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
   
Quote
Originally posted by raebyddet:
 I didn't know about the TOSLINK thing until this pastweekend. I guess all the newish macbooks, and the airport express have standard headphone jacks, and that is all I ever thought they were. Then someone at the store told me about the TOSLINK thing. I had no idea you could use that port for an optical connection. I think that is pretty cool.
the TOSLINK is what I use to get audio from the mac mini to my stereo, the adapters are super cheap, I am sure you have a spare optical cable laying around [/b]
I think I do have an extra optical cable around. I will have to check this weekend.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2008, 02:37:00 pm
DIGITAL REVOLUTION: No way I could ever work all that!
 
 Hey Smackie, youâ??ve thoroughly confused me, bored the hell out of me, but you promised one thing â?? that Smackette would be able to use it, and I just donâ??t see how.
 
 Thatâ??s where the Harmony Remote (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/harmony_truth_2008/4238&cl=us,en?ci_tag=ht2008_logi-promo-small&WT.ac=ps|4256) comes in.  One of the dorky tech web sites I belong to has a thread dedicated to Amazonâ??s gadget sales.  I rarely check it, but one day there was a lot of action.  Curiosity got the best of me.  
 
 Amazon was selling the Harmony 767 (http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Universal-Remote-Control/dp/B0003QER7S) for $50.  $50 for a remote, you must be crazy!  Well, it normally sells for $149, and I was at my wits end.  
 
 When you get married, after that pile of dirty clothes next to your bed, the second thing to go is your collection of remotes on the coffee table.  I had tried everything to get a good inexpensive universal remote.  Jp1, learning remotes, all of it.  Well, nothing ever did all of it.  Until I bought a Harmony.  I knew I was going to take some shit for it, but when it arrived, I promised Smackette â?? if this doesnâ??t replace all of our remotes and make our system more than usable, Iâ??ll get us a house cleaner.  Deal.  She lost.
 
 Itâ??s not that it controls all of your devices (it does), but the strength of the Harmony is the one touch button to perform functions in your system.  Want to watch a DVD?  Smackette presses the DVD button and (1) the TV turns on (2) goes to the proper input and (3) the DVD player turns on (I even set it to eject the tray).  The buttons on the remote control the DVD player and the volume controls the TV, without hitting any extra buttons.  Want to watch a DVD in stereo, thereâ??s a button for that.  Same as above except the stereo turns on as well, goes to the proper input and the volume buttons now controls the stereo.  Sheâ??s even made her own requests â?? I want the iPod dock to be the music button since we donâ??t use CDs any more â?? no prob.  It has iPod, Media Center, Xbox, DVR functionality â?? hell you can dim the lights and turn off the fan with it.  The web interface makes all of these macros easy to set up and it remembers everything.  I have nearly a dozen different functions pre-programmed for one button functionality.
 
 Keep your eye out for another sale.  Youâ??ll love yourself for it, but so will everyone else in the household.
 
 This revolution is as much about simple storage as it is about finding a simple interface.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on July 11, 2008, 02:42:00 pm
I have the harmony 520 and love it, just wish it had Blu Ray so it could work with the Wii and the PS3 as well.   What extra features does yours have over mine?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 11, 2008, 02:44:00 pm
are you a human being . . . or rather like one of those typing robots with detachable fingers, from "ghost in the shell"?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: raebyddet on July 11, 2008, 03:05:00 pm
I have the Harmony 688, I couldn't use my setup with out it. I don't think they make this version any longer. I think I got this right before or right after Logitech purchased Harmony. It was one of the remotes that was designed to work with Tivo. Its great.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on July 11, 2008, 03:14:00 pm
there was a buzz in feb that netflix was going to start streaming via xbox360 and ps3.  there was a bit of teaser provided by netflix in one of their online surveys.
 
 personally, with amazon, lala, rhapsody, emusic and many other selling DRM free better quality and often checker MP3s... why anyone would use iTMS as their primary source for digital content.  most of them even provide downloader software that will place the files directly into the iTunes library.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: raebyddet on July 11, 2008, 03:24:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
 personally, with amazon, lala, rhapsody, emusic and many other selling DRM free better quality and often checker MP3s... why anyone would use iTMS as their primary source for digital content.  most of them even provide downloader software that will place the files directly into the iTunes library.
Isn't amazon the only one that you don't have to have a subscription to though?
 
 I'm not a fan of subscription services, I only want to pay for what I use and I only want to pay when I want it.
 
 And yes Amazon does sell DRM free songs, and to a lesser extent Apple does as well (although I am not sure how true that is anymore, I know Apple started the DRM free thing as well, I'm just not sure how the two compare these days).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on July 11, 2008, 03:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  I have the harmony 520 and love it, just wish it had Blu Ray so it could work with the Wii and the PS3 as well.   What extra features does yours have over mine?
Can someone explain to me how much better Blue Ray is than a regular DVD player using a HDTV? Keep in mind I'm no movie buff but watch one now and again on a Sunday evening if there's nothing better to do.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on July 11, 2008, 03:39:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by raebyddet:
   
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo:
 personally, with amazon, lala, rhapsody, emusic and many other selling DRM free better quality and often checker MP3s... why anyone would use iTMS as their primary source for digital content.  most of them even provide downloader software that will place the files directly into the iTunes library.
Isn't amazon the only one that you don't have to have a subscription to though?
 
 I'm not a fan of subscription services, I only want to pay for what I use and I only want to pay when I want it.
 
 And yes Amazon does sell DRM free songs, and to a lesser extent Apple does as well (although I am not sure how true that is anymore, I know Apple started the DRM free thing as well, I'm just not sure how the two compare these days). [/b]
of those mentioned eMusic is  the only subscription based model for the purchase of MP3s...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on July 11, 2008, 03:42:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Ever Circling Skeletal Family:
 Can someone explain to me how much better Blue Ray is than a regular DVD player using a HDTV? Keep in mind I'm no movie buff but watch one now and again on a Sunday evening if there's nothing better to do.
what I actually meant to say was one with Blue Tooth, not Blue Ray, as for Blue Ray vs DVD I dont think the difference is that great
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on July 11, 2008, 03:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Ever Circling Skeletal Family:
 Can someone explain to me how much better Blue Ray is than a regular DVD player using a HDTV? Keep in mind I'm no movie buff but watch one now and again on a Sunday evening if there's nothing better to do.
what I actually meant to say was one with Blue Tooth, not Blue Ray, as for Blue Ray vs DVD I dont think the difference is that great [/b]
Thank you....I'll keep my money in my wallet then.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2008, 04:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  I have the harmony 520... What extra features does yours have over mine?
Doesn't look like much except for colored one touch activity buttons across the top dedicated to "Watch TV", "Watch Movie", and "Listen to Music" in addition to the screen that you would use to the same.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2008, 04:26:00 pm
DIGITAL REVOLUTION: If only money fell from treesâ?¦
 
 Easy for you to build, Smackie, but Iâ??m still working my up the management structure of that non-profit I work for.  I wonâ??t give up my beliefs just to join your Digital Revolution!
 
 Good for you and neither did I.  
 
 Iâ??ll even assume I didnâ??t get the 360 as a giftâ?¦
 
 HOME SERVER: $400
 
 But that was a bit of a stretch to build my own, so letâ??s say $550 for the HP Pre-Build model.
 
 XBOX 360: $350
 
 Since I use it in this case primarily as a media extender, here are other more inexpensive options for non-gamers:
     </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">
  GIGABIT SWITCH: DLink DGS-2208 - $20
 
 If you want to go wireless, you can get a combined Gig Switch and N router for ~$50.
 
 REMOTE: Harmony 767 - $50
 
 Buy all your cables and adapters from monoprice, (http://www.monoprice.com) no more than $30.
 
 So what are we talking about?  I spent $470 ($625 really if you count my ISP change, but most wonâ??t have to do that) to organize all of my music, photos and movies in one location, provide solid backup of my collection, have access to it in any room in the house from a range of devices, provide a personal web site where I can access it at work, on the road, on vacation, anywhere I want, and made it easy for Smackette to use (if only MS would play along I could make it REALLY easy for Smackette to use), but starting from nothing, you could do the same for about $900.
 
 Now look at that CD collection over there collecting dust.  When was the last time you took something off the shelf to listen to?  Sure Iâ??ve put lots of CDs on top of the pile, but I hadnâ??t pulled a CD off in months.  I sold off a large portion of my CD collection for $1100, mostly 90â??s crap that I rarely listened to (hell, you saw that list (http://www.930.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=016423;p=17)) and still have money to play with (remember that Flash based mini-laptop I wantâ?¦just waiting.  It will be perfect to log into the server).  And when I done ripping the DVD collection, thatâ??s next to be sold off.  I wonder what Iâ??ll buy with that?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2008, 06:03:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
 also, i would call out the u.n. a bit more (who, amongst other things, allows mugabe to violate all sorts of e.u. sanctions against him, in addition to allowing mbeki to dictate the conversation), but that's probably expected of me. . .
Do you call out the UN on this or do you simply blame China and Russia?
 
 U. N. Resolution on Zimbabwe Fails In Security Council (http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-zimbabwe-crisis-un.html)
 
 By REUTERS
 Published: July 11, 2008Filed at 5:28 p.m. ET
 
 UNITED NATIONS, July 11 (Reuters) - A U.N. resolution to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe for holding a violent June 27 presidential poll boycotted by the opposition candidate was vetoed in the Security Council on Friday by Russia and China.
 
 The resolution would have imposed an arms embargo on the southern African country and financial and travel restrictions on President Robert Mugabe and 13 other officials. It would also have called for a U.N. special envoy for Zimbabwe to be appointed.
 
 Nine countries voted for the resolution, five -- including veto-holding Russia and China -- opposed it and one abstained.
 
 (the others were Libya, Vietnam and.....you guessed it: South Africa)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 11, 2008, 06:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 Now look at that CD collection over there collecting dust.  When was the last time you took something off the shelf to listen to?  Sure Iâ??ve put lots of CDs on top of the pile, but I hadnâ??t pulled a CD off in months.  I sold off a large portion of my CD collection for $1100, mostly 90â??s crap that I rarely listened to (hell, you saw that list (http://www.930.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=016423;p=17)) and still have money to play with (remember that Flash based mini-laptop I wantâ?¦just waiting.  It will be perfect to log into the server).  And when I done ripping the DVD collection, thatâ??s next to be sold off.  I wonder what Iâ??ll buy with that?
i gotta admit, selling all my CDs was scary, but oddly liberating
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2008, 06:22:00 pm
Anybody else recently check their purchased list in Itunes and find stuff you don't remember?
 
 Mine has a very long list of songs I don't remember purchasing, but apparently have played.  I went to check my purcahse history and they're not listed so they must be free.
 
 Their definitely on my computer (protected .aac).
 
 I wonder if I signed up for some free DL of the week or something and it's been happening automatically?
 
 Here's the first half of my purchased list (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10573454@N06/2659811068/) that I don't recognize.  Apparently they vast majority have been there since 11/13/2006 so I'm not very observant (I love combining music colletions...).  I must have agreed to something that day.
 
 For the record, most of it is crap.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2008, 07:33:00 pm
<img src="http://www.dewmocracy.com/images/image_overview-default_bott.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 The second installment in everybody's least favorite ongoing smackie diatribe - it's so hard to choose these days with all of my rambling...
 
 VOLTAGE
 
 â??Dew Infused with Raspberry Cirtus Fruit Flavor and Ginsengâ?ť
 
 First, I'm not an expert but I don't think a Raspberry is a Citrus Fruit, but I'm happy to be corrected.  
 
 Anyhow, this one is definitely sweeter than Revolution, but not as sweet as I feared.  I think I put too much emphasis in the fact that all three come in bright, nearly flourescent colors.  Something about the color screams childish too me (yes, I see the irony in not noticing the bright green bottle that comes with the original).  Like other new Dew varietals,  the same aftertaste is in Voltage.  Weird.  This taste isn't as light as the Revolution was, and combined with the fact that I don't really care for Raspberries, this one could disappear and I would miss it.  I'm not saying I spittooned it, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get one, and it wouldn't be hard to pull something off the shelf that was more appealing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2008, 01:31:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by raebyddet:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
 
 But Microsoft thinking that I have to turn on a computer to stream to the 360 is a complete waste of resources.  The 360 is more than powerful enough to decode the Netflix movie file on it's own.
I keep waiting for this. I don't really want to spend $100 on the roku player if the xbox is going to do this, there really is no reason that it can't. [/b]
This is supposed to be announced today or tomorrow at E3.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2008, 02:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Eee PC (8G) (http://www.amazon.com/Asus-Celeron-Processor-Solid-State-Preloaded/dp/B000ZLO3D4) over the weekend:
 
   I don't like the price point of the 900 and 1000 models, but I think they'll come down in a few months as the competition heats up.  That's when I think I'll make a move.
 
 
So this weekend I noticed ASUS was offering $100 off the 900 series laptops (http://gizmodo.com/5023003/asus-offering-100-rebate-on-eee-900) as the 901s were about to be released.  The 900 series now sells for $400 and $449, as I suspected.  The $400 model is a new one, with only one 16GB SSD drive, rather than the other 12GB and 20GB models that have a split drive (4GB soldered to the motherboard, 12GB or 8GB extra card stuck in the slot).
 
 While it seems better to have one drive, most folks are saying the performance on the single drive that is NOT soldered on the board is terrible for running the OS (linux or Xp), so they suggest the split model and store the OS on the 4GB drive and put the programs on the second drive.
 
 The 901 features an Intel Atom chip which uses less power dramatcially extending the battery life to 5-6 hours vs 2-3 on the 900 (Intel Celeron mobile).  Supposedly the 901 also has a graphics chip that will support Vista.
 
 I think I'm getting closer to grabbing a 900 with the dual drives.  It's either that or wait until September.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2008, 02:32:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  This is supposed to be announced today or tomorrow at E3.
It was today:
 
 Update 11:15 a.m.: (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-9990517-52.html?hhTest=1) Xbox Live head John Schappert has come out on stage and announced that Xbox Live is getting a full re-design this fall.
 
 Schappert said the new Xbox Live will be tantamount to giving Xbox a full update, all via software. This will be, he explained, based on the new My Xbox channel, which will have a new look and feel and tabs for photos, videos, music and games.
 
 ...
 
 Schappert also said that Xbox Live will also have a new partnership with Netflix, allowing users to access movies and TV shows from their Netflix queues via Xbox Live. Further, users will be able to share those shows and movies with their Xbox Live partners.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2008, 02:40:00 pm
With this news I will move away from blockbuster and back to netflix if two things happen:
 
 (1) The quality is good (does anybody know if the stream is Dolby 5.1, for example?).
 
 and
 
 (2) The library is solid.
 
 Great move by netflix.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: raebyddet on July 14, 2008, 02:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  With this news I will move away from blockbuster and back to netflix if two things happen:
 
 (1) The quality is good (does anybody know if the stream is Dolby 5.1, for example?).
 
 and
 
 (2) The library is solid.
 
 Great move by netflix.
(1) The video quality supposedly depends on your internet connection, they say if you have 3.0mbps or better its dvd quality.
 
 "Video quality depends on your Internet connection speed: The faster your connection, the better the quality. Slower connections are comparable to watching a VHS tape, while faster connections can provide DVD-quality playback."
 
 Re 5.1:
 "The Netflix Player by Roku outputs standard stereo audio on the red and white composite audio cables or 5.1 channel surround sound using the HDMI or optical audio cables. Keep in the mind that the movie or show must also contain 5.1 channel audio for surround sound to work."
 
 I would be willing to be that if 5.1 works in the roku box it will work on the xBox.
 
 (2) The movies available for instant watching are generally older back titles, there really aren't any new releases available for on demand. There are  TV shows however (i.e. Weeds Season 2 is avilable for instant view.)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on July 14, 2008, 02:59:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 Schappert also said that Xbox Live will also have a new partnership with Netflix, allowing users to access movies and TV shows from their Netflix queues via Xbox Live. Further, users will be able to share those shows and movies with their Xbox Live partners.
grumble grumble grumble... i had hoped this one would have been heading the way of the ps3, which i am still considering getting.  didn't really want to  load XP on the MacBook in order to watch stuff via Netflix.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on July 14, 2008, 03:03:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
 also, i would call out the u.n. a bit more (who, amongst other things, allows mugabe to violate all sorts of e.u. sanctions against him, in addition to allowing mbeki to dictate the conversation), but that's probably expected of me. . .
Do you call out the UN on this or do you simply blame China and Russia?
 
 U. N. Resolution on Zimbabwe Fails In Security Council (http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-zimbabwe-crisis-un.html)
 
 By REUTERS
 Published: July 11, 2008Filed at 5:28 p.m. ET
 
 UNITED NATIONS, July 11 (Reuters) - A U.N. resolution to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe for holding a violent June 27 presidential poll boycotted by the opposition candidate was vetoed in the Security Council on Friday by Russia and China.
 
 The resolution would have imposed an arms embargo on the southern African country and financial and travel restrictions on President Robert Mugabe and 13 other officials. It would also have called for a U.N. special envoy for Zimbabwe to be appointed.
 
 Nine countries voted for the resolution, five -- including veto-holding Russia and China -- opposed it and one abstained.
 
 (the others were Libya, Vietnam and.....you guessed it: South Africa) [/b]
the u.n., where despots and dictators  go for protection (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080714/ap_on_re_af/un_darfur)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2008, 03:08:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  the u.n., where despots and dictators  go for protection (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080714/ap_on_re_af/un_darfur)
Change go to "seek" because I don't think he's going to get it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2008, 03:14:00 pm
@ raebyddet:  That's going to be a bummer for me for a little while.  In my haste to throw the finger to Comcast and at&t I sacrificed the possiblity of 3.0Mbps.  Maybe when WiMax comes out, because there's no way I'm going back to VHS quality.
 
 It's a bummer they can't do a buffer like DirecTV does with their IPTV OnDemand.  They even do HD.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: raebyddet on July 14, 2008, 03:28:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  @ raebyddet:  That's going to be a bummer for me for a little while.  In my haste to throw the finger to Comcast and at&t I sacrificed the possiblity of 3.0Mbps.  Maybe when WiMax comes out, because there's no way I'm going back to VHS quality.
 
 It's a bummer they can't do a buffer like DirecTV does with their IPTV OnDemand.  They even do HD.
There is a buffer of some sorts, I just think it does a connection analysis first and streams different video qualities based on your connection.
 
 This is what it says specifically:
 "You need at least 1.5 Mbps to watch movies instantly on The Netflix Player by Roku. The faster your connection, the better the quality. For high quality video and audio, a connection of least 4.0 Mbps is recommended."
 
 Yeah I am not sure about this, its been one of my concerns as well. I currently have Speakeasy for DSL, and I only have 1.5Mbps, and I pay way too much for it. I haven't heard any reports of the video quality at this speed, most people seem to have much higher speed internet these days, I feel like I have dialup in comparison.
 
 I am seriously considering moving to Verizon DSL, its cheaper and double the speed. Unfortunately with the building we live in DSL is our only option. We have DirectTV only for our "cable" option in our building, and it sucks, we can't even get HD, because they haven't upgraded the equipment for the building.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2008, 06:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by raebyddet:
  There is a buffer of some sorts, I just think it does a connection analysis first and streams different video qualities based on your connection.
I would rather they just say "would you like to start this movie now?" and give me VHS quality, or have them say "would you like to wait (5/10/15/30) minutes and watch this movie in higher quality?".  I'd do that in a heart beat and just treat it like I wasn't paying attention to the previews that Samckette always makes me watch.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 15, 2008, 12:29:00 pm
For some, strange reason, since last night sometime, I've had the overwhelming desire to watch that South Park episode from season seven called "Raisins" - you know, the one where Wendy breaks up with Stan and the boys take him to "Raisins" which is supposed to resemble Hooters, and Butters falls in love with the waitress who is overly friendly to him and he leaves her a $69 tip...
 
 Episode 714 - Raisins (http://www.southparkzone.com/episode.php?vid=714)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on July 15, 2008, 12:46:00 pm
Smackie - I'm not the biggest Dew fan - I'm a Dr. Pepper girl.
 
 But I'm intrigued by your Dew breakdown. But the third review, I may have to go sample them.
 
 I remember Code Red being awful awful awful. But for some reason I really liked the special Taco Bell flavor of Dew - Baja Blast? I think is is/was. Thoughts?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 15, 2008, 01:00:00 pm
It's become quite clear to me that I don't know my readers very well...
 
   <img src="http://www.dewmocracy.com/images/image_overview-default_bott.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 The third and final installment in the reviews that only Miss P is following (although I suspect that Venerable is secretly reading as well)...
 
 SUPERNOVA
 
 â??Dew Infused with Strawberry Melon Flavor and Ginsengâ?ť
 
 Like the Fallout Boy Song: Dead. On.  Arrival.
 
 I'm a pretty sensitive guy, but there is no way Smackie could walk around town with a pink drink in his hand.  No way.  The violet colored one was questionable enough but the pink drink is why I don't order foo foo cocktails at a bar.  I've got balls.  It's not my fault, that's just the way I came out.    
 
 But, in the quiet serenitiy of my own apartment this weekend, I nursed a hangover with the last installment of the three new Dew flavors.  It is by far the sweetest flavored of the group, and nearly every bit as sweet as I suspected the new flavors would be.  The color notwithstanding, it was way too sweet for me.  Like other new Dew varietals,  the same aftertaste is in this one too.  It's not nearly as light as Revolution was, and combined with the fact that (1) it's pink and (2) it's too sweet, I will never have another Supernova.
 
 So, Revolution has my vote.  But even this morning as I stopped off to buy a drink to watch the dolphins swim south off the coast (I told you I was sensitive), I grabbed a Live Wire and not a Revolution from the refrigerator.
 
 Thus my Dew List:
 
 (1) Live Wire
 (2) Original
 (3) Revolution
 (4) Baja Blast
 (5) Voltage
 
 Never again:
 
 That Dark one that I'll forget ever happened
 Supernova
 Code Red (which is somehow still around yey I don't know anybody who likes it)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 15, 2008, 01:03:00 pm
you can only get original in diet, right?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on July 15, 2008, 01:21:00 pm
I actually prefer the diet to the normal original Dew, but will go with the Baja when possible.
 
 Also, I forgot about the dark one... wasn't it like really dark purple? I never tried it. I was too scared.
 
 I appreciate your prose in the case of Mountain Dew. One of my favorite pops, however, is the uber regional Ale 8. So unless you've lived in or passed through in Southeastern Ohio or Kentucky, I doubt anyone here has ever had it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on July 15, 2008, 01:32:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 The third and final installment in the reviews that only Miss P is following (although I suspect that Venerable is secretly reading as well)...
 
 
 Never again:
 
 That Dark one that I'll forget ever happened
 Supernova
 Code Red (which is somehow still around yey I don't know anybody who likes it)
which dark one?  i thought they did two different ones in back to back years.  
 
 i remember trying one of those on my way to charlottesville to stay in a spooky house in a gated community on a golf course over halloween.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on July 15, 2008, 01:36:00 pm
I didn't realize Code Red was Dew's attempt at recreating Big Red? At least that is what teh Wiki sayz. Big Red is another thing I miss being able to get readily, although it's best from a fountain.
 
  <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/Big_Red_bottle.JPG/100px-Big_Red_bottle.JPG" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on July 15, 2008, 01:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by miss pretentious:
  I didn't realize Code Red was Dew's attempt at recreating Big Red? At least that is what teh Wiki sayz. Big Red is another thing I miss being able to get readily, although it's best from a fountain.
 
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/Big_Red_bottle.JPG/100px-Big_Red_bottle.JPG" alt=" - " />
mmmm, i love me some big red. . .made in the same town where i went to college.  i found a store across the street from my work that carries it. . .
 
 big peach was pretty good too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 15, 2008, 01:46:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by miss pretentious:
 One of my favorite pops, however, is the uber regional Ale 8. So unless you've lived in or passed through in Southeastern Ohio or Kentucky, I doubt anyone here has ever had it.
i've had it - thanks to the missus, who's from the bluegrass state.  last thanksgiving we went to a wedding where they included some ale-8 in the guests' gift bags.  i kid you not.
 
 while i appreciate tasting such local specialties, can't say that i would seek out this drink.  too sweet for me.
 
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b6/Ale8longnecks.jpg/200px-Ale8longnecks.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
   
Quote
Ale-8 is available in bottles or cans. It is widely preferred that the beverage be drunk from a glass bottle, rather than cans or plastic bottles.
 
 Ale-8 traditionalists are even known to refuse to drink Ale-8 from the newer glass bottles. Instead, they prefer the older "returnable" glass bottles (so-named because they can be returned to certain stores for approximately 30 cents each). The "returnable" bottles are often referred to as long-necks, while the more modern design as short-necks.
 
 Some Kentuckians are fond of mixing Ale-8-One with one of the state's many bourbons, such as Maker's Mark or Wild Turkey. This has been named the "Kentucky Classic".
 
 Ale-8 is also often mixed with vodka, with the resulting concoction known as a Tender Lovin'.
 
 Seagram's Seven and Ale-8 are mixed to produce Kentucky Beer. (from wikipedia)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 15, 2008, 01:47:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by miss pretentious:
  I actually prefer the diet to the normal original Dew, but will go with the Baja when possible.  
i used to go to quiznos for lunch, just because they had diet dew
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 15, 2008, 03:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  which dark one?  i thought they did two different ones in back to back years.  
 
They've both been bad.  The first "Pitch Black" was black grape with a sour bite and "Pitch Black II" was black grape with a sour aftertaste.  You can still get the most recent dark one at a safeway south of San Francisco.
 
 And yes, only the original comes in diet, but Smackie's never been one to need to watch his figure.
 
 I've had big red once, but totally forgot about it.  Never had Ale-8, but will keep an eye out for it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 15, 2008, 07:10:00 pm
Smackie Ranks the God-like bands that "suck" according to 9:30 Boardies: (http://www.930.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=017598)
 
 U2
 The Clash
 The Beatles
 Janeâ??s Addiction
 Pearl Jam
 Led Zeppelin
 Oasis
 The Police
 Bob Dylan
 The Smiths
 REM
 Coldplay
 Ramones
 Smashing Pumpkins
 The Rolling Stones
 Jimi Hendrix
 AC/DC
 The Velvet Underground
 Nirvana
 Eric Clapton
 Death Cab for Cutie
 Bruce Springsteen
 Pink Floyd
 The Stooges
 Sonic Youth
 Radiohead
 Modest Mouse
 Elvis Costello
 Duran Duran
 Wilco
 Paul Simon
 Justin Timberlake
 Chemical Brothers
 Paul Okenfeld
 The Doors
 Spoon
 Dave Matthews Band
 Metallica
 Jay-Z
 Grateful Dead
 Red Hot Chili Peppers
 Pavement / Malkmus
 Joe Cocker
 Joan Baez
 Daft Punk
 Aerosmith
 Abba
 Village People
 Jack Johnson
 Guns n Roses
 Neutral Milk Hotel
 Q and Not U
 Bjork
 Primus/Claypool
 Hanson
 Bon Jovi
 John Cougar Mellancamp
 Phish
 OAR
 Fall Out Boy
 Josh Groban
 Barbara Streisand
 Enuf Znuff
 Limp Bizkit
 Jimmy Buffet
 
 It's no wonder you all seem so angry all the time.  You hate some pretty entertaining bands.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on July 16, 2008, 03:20:00 pm
a song only vansmack could love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6okDq7_rawk)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 16, 2008, 03:29:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  a song only vansmack could love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6okDq7_rawk)
Be back in 3:35....
 
 OK. Seacrest played a clip on E yesterday, and I didn't care much for it.  Definitely Paris Hilton flashbacks.  But, like the Paris Hilton song, it was much better when accompanied by the video.
 
 Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 16, 2008, 04:58:00 pm
For those that are willing to Beta Test some new software, the Windows Live Mesh (http://www.mesh.com) program has gone to a small public beta.  
 
 If you are interested in synchronizing files across many desktops/laptops inside and outside of your local area network, then now is your chance.
 
 I use Live Mesh to put stuff in a folder that I would normally take home with me on a flash drive or on my iPod.   When I power up my computer at home, the files are atuomatically delivered the sync folder on my home machine.
 
 Eventually it will be spread to your mobile devices, servers and Mac support,but right now it only works between XP and Vista machines.
 
 More info on the wiki page. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Mesh)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2008, 12:28:00 pm
On my way to work this morning, the Oscar Mayer Wiener mobile drove past me, and I'm not going to lie, I craved a hot dog at that moment.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on July 17, 2008, 01:38:00 pm
remastered U2 streaming (http://www.imeem.com/u2music)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2008, 01:45:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  remastered U2 streaming (http://www.imeem.com/u2music)
Not that's it's going to preclude me from clicking that link, but doesn't internet streaming "remastered" tracks defeat the purpose of remastering?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on July 17, 2008, 01:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  remastered U2 streaming (http://www.imeem.com/u2music)
Not that's it's going to preclude me from clicking that link, but doesn't internet streaming "remastered" tracks defeat the purpose of remastering? [/b]
well, you get to listen to the extra tracks. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2008, 01:54:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  well, you get to listen to the extra tracks. . .
Hey, I clicked (and thank you) but it just seems a little misdirected.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2008, 02:08:00 pm
I forgot how much I love the remixes of "Two Hearts Beat as One" - I only have it on vinyl and haven't heard them in quite a while.
 
 I know somewhere The Director is smiling right now!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2008, 02:25:00 pm
Whatever happened to Pete the Chop?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2008, 02:36:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  remastered U2 streaming (http://www.imeem.com/u2music)
My boss would like to see you.
 
 She want's to know why I'm screaming and bouncing around my office.  I told her it was because you started a landslide in my ego.
 
 Kosmo was right - I am much more happy about these then I thought I would be.  Here I was all geared up for Coldplay tomorrow, but there's no way it can compare to this!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on July 17, 2008, 02:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I forgot how much I love the remixes of "Two Hearts Beat as One" - I only have it on vinyl and haven't heard them in quite a while.
 
 I know somewhere The Director is smiling right now!
Both Kosmette and I own the vinyl copies of that 12" and they are really good remixes, I happened upon a used CD single with them last year and gleefully snapped it up.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on July 17, 2008, 02:46:00 pm
I was reading over the details for Rock Band 2 and wow would this be a handy feature to have, guess it was the right decision to hold off on getting RB1 for the Wii.
 
 "The guitar itself now features a woodgrain-looking neck to help maintain the illusion of actually rocking, while a new auto-calibration feature flashes a light in time with your TV screen to measure the delay and adjust accordingly."
 
 http://kotaku.com/5025868/rock-band-2-perfecting-the-game (http://kotaku.com/5025868/rock-band-2-perfecting-the-game)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2008, 02:54:00 pm
I'm super concerned that the guitar only comes in wireless.  The wired version is the only thing that keeps me from running around the room and jumping off of furniture.  I've knocked a lot of stuff over, but have yet to break something.  Yet was the key word there.
 
 As far as the light, that's a cool feature, but I'm not sure how it's going to work now I've taken to playing most solos with the guitar behind my head or laying on the floor waiting for the flames to erupt!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 17, 2008, 04:16:00 pm
smacks, start clearing the furniture from your TV room:
 
  Live shots of Mad Catz's full-size Rock Band 2 Fender Stratocaster and Precision Bass controllers (http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/live-shots-of-mad-catzs-full-size-rock-band-2-fender-stratocast/)
 
 you knew this was coming... no more whimpy plastic geetar.  
 
 the first comment: "A great way to perpetuate the idea that playing (Rock Band/Guitar Hero) is actually playing an instrument."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2008, 04:52:00 pm
Sadly, when I bought my first Strat in 1980-something, I don't think I paid $199 for it - it was more like $150 from some dude who needed the cash for no good.
 
 But even then, I would never gut it to make a controller out of it.  I don't think.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2008, 07:24:00 pm
For some reason I thought this had already happened..
 
 YouTube brought to Tivo (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-9993173-93.html)
 
 Digital video recorder TiVo is set to release a software upgrade that will let users access YouTube videos on their televisions, the company announced Thursday. The deal with the Google video-sharing site, originally announced in March, is scheduled to start rolling out in a few weeks.
 
 TiVo owners will need a Series 3 or TiVo HD box to be eligible for the software upgrade, which will be further extended in the near future to allow them to log into their own YouTube accounts to access playlists and the like.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: beetsnotbeats on July 17, 2008, 10:52:00 pm
(catching up)
 
 I for one love Code Red and liked Pitch Black. The Taco Bell flavor is okay. Haven't tried any of the others, including Live Wire. Anyone remember Dr. Pepper Red Fusion? That tasted like cough medicine.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 18, 2008, 11:14:00 am
not a new story per se, but looks like it's gaining steam: it's on the november ballot.  love the witty pun at the end   :roll:  
 
   Voters to decide on naming sewage plant for Bush (http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/17/presidential.putdown.ap/index.html)
 
  SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- A measure seeking to commemorate President Bush's years in office by slapping his name on a San Francisco sewage plant has qualified for the November ballot.
 
 The measure certified Thursday would rename the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant the George W. Bush Sewage Plant.
 
 Supporters say the idea is to commemorate the mess they claim Bush has left behind by actions such as the war in Iraq.
 
 Local Republicans say the plan stinks and they will oppose it.
 ________________________________________________
 
 personally i think this is a bit much... the man will go down as the worse president ever.  not sure such theatrics are necessary.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 18, 2008, 12:34:00 pm
good way to turn a sewer treatment plant in to a tourist attraction, i suppose
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 18, 2008, 04:15:00 pm
I drive past that sewage plant every day (it's between the beach and my workplace) and I don't think it stinks enough to be renamed the GWB Sewage plant.  It actually does a pretty good job of cleaning things up, not making messes.
 
 All jokes aside, I won't support that.  Unecessary and beyond disrespectful.  It leaves me more shaking my head than laughing.  We have real problems in this city that we can focus on - like PG&E's attempt to install fancy new meters!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 18, 2008, 04:19:00 pm
<img src="http://www.evilkumquat.com/images/michael_jackson_joker.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 18, 2008, 04:20:00 pm
it kind of reminds me of that guy that spends all of his time getting things named after reagan
 
 in other words, nothing good can come from this
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 18, 2008, 04:26:00 pm
"the george w. bush convention center"
 
 tonight - the dixie chicks
 
 tomorrow - pearl jam
 
 next month - coldplay
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 18, 2008, 04:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by walkonby:
 
 
 next month - coldplay
Next month?!!?  I'm like t-minus 7 hours and counting!  Woohoo!
 
 Oh that's right, I don't live in DC anymore.  Yeah, next month for you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 18, 2008, 05:27:00 pm
This one's for the ladies, however, I doubt they'd be as excited as I would be had it been the other way around. They're classy and all...
 
 Passenger Strips; American Airlines Boston-LA Flight Diverted (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25740859/)
 
 updated 7:00 a.m. PT, Fri., July. 18, 2008
 LOS ANGELES - American Airlines Flight 725, scheduled to fly nonstop from Boston to Los Angeles on Friday, was diverted to Oklahoma City after a disruptive passenger took his clothes off and had to be subdued.
 
 American Airlines told KNBC that as the passenger stripped his clothes off, he was restrained at first by other passengers. After being forced to put his clothes back on, flight attendants subdued him with a flexible handcuff.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 18, 2008, 07:16:00 pm
I love it when the plot thickens..
 
 The "mid-air stripper" was subdued by members of the New England Revolution (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25740859/) (they're a US Soccer team).  And they did an emergency landing at Will Rogers World Airport.  That alone made me laugh.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 18, 2008, 08:01:00 pm
revolution ruins his fun like they ruined taylor twellman's fun
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 19, 2008, 12:22:00 pm
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2682843294_ef81002a2c.jpg?v=0" alt=" - " />
 
 Note: they couldn't get a guitar to work properly so they replaced Don't Panic with an acoustic version of The Hardest Part. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ4STMLqWgA)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 19, 2008, 01:27:00 pm
good setlist.
 
 what did you think of the show?  i heard the band has really big balls...
 
 i'm seeing them this friday in philly.  stoked.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 19, 2008, 05:32:00 pm
It was a great show.  The tempo was great - plenty of speed ups and slow downs, a lot of entertaining banter (a lot of self-depricating humor), and a good crowd.
 
 The set was simple and so was the lighting.  There were a few lasers and yes, big balls that were very well used (as seen in that video above).
 
 It was very heavy with Viva (all but Cemeteries of London, I think) and the new stuff sounded great. Lost was the highlight of the new stuff for me. The only song I could have done without was Chinese Sleep Chant which seemed forced to me and didn't play well live.  It did lead into a dark version of God Put a Smile upon your Face, which was nice.
 
 We were lucky to have the electric version of Yellow, which I hadn't heard since I first saw them years ago (the last couple of times was the acoustic version).  Politik was another added bonus with fantastic lighting.
 
 Unlike the LA show, the piano was out for Chris (they used some pre-recorded tracks in LA).  He's quirky enough with the piano and I see him being a disaster without it.  He's definitely going to fall off the cat-walk before this tour is over.  The show is about 90 minutes long and smackette is convinced that Chris is not capable of staying focused any longer than that.  He did completely goof up two outros of new songs when it was just him, so I think she's on to something.
 
 The little letters next to some songs on the setlist are alternate stages, but I won't ruin any surprises for you.  We were thoroughly entertained by both alternate stages.
 
 After a little Bill O'Reilly clip, I was hoping we'd get a clip of Fix You as used in the OC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOBChYSiut0) (shout out to Fico, where are you man?), but no.  Alas, don't think for a second that it's disappearance stopped me and smackette from acting it out in our seats.
 
 They did a great job in the Arena, which good for them but bad for the fan - there's no going back now.  We'd definitely see them in a big venue again.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on July 20, 2008, 01:14:00 am
nice review smackie. i was waiting to hear what you had to say about the show, so i asked sweetcell if he had heard anything when i saw him earlier. alas - he was waiting too  :)  
 
 anyway - i think you got me wanting to rent the OC  :)  im addicted after seeing that clip LOL.
 
 sweetcell - if youre reading this i hope you made it   in time for the last train and hope that you were able to see APTBS as i know shows over there can run late. and now i must get some sleep in preparation for another hot one tomorrow. im beat!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 20, 2008, 11:25:00 am
Digging that clip up made me really miss The OC as well.  I ended up watching a ton of clips the rest of the afternoon, feeling very nostalgic.
 
 If you do, FF through season 3, but don't skip season 4!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on July 20, 2008, 12:03:00 pm
i was just going to get them through netflix and jus t watch it as i had time  :)  ill make sure i dont spent much time with season 3  :)  thanks!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 21, 2008, 02:07:00 pm
The Dropkick Murphy's played with the Bosstones at the OC Fair last night.
 
 "What's up Angel fans?  We were going to play Tessie tonight but since the Angels swept the Red Sox this weekend, we're not gonna do it!"
 
 I would have played it anyway and said until the Angels win a game against Boston in October, we'll play Tessie.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 22, 2008, 01:42:00 pm
Servers in the home remain scarce (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-9995868-56.html)
 
 With its first update to Windows Home Server, Microsoft has fixed a critical bug that threatened to undermine the product's main utility--securely and reliably backing up computer files.
 
 But the software maker still has to find an answer to the bigger problem--many consumers have no idea what a server is and fewer still have any reason to think they would want one in their home.
 
 Microsoft knew it would face this challenge even before Bill Gates announced the product at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show. It even tried to make light of the issue, penning a fake children's book dubbed "Mommy, Why is There a Server in the House?"
 
 Unfortunately, the child's question is still a prescient one. For many who need to back up their files, network-attached hard drives offer a less costly and intricate answer to installing even a simplified Windows Server. As a result, the product has proved to be a tough sell.
 
 "This is a very difficult product category to be selling," said Forrester Research analyst J.P. Gownder. "Consumers, generally speaking, don't know what a home server is."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 22, 2008, 02:12:00 pm
My new jukebox theme for the Home Server.  We don't hide ours, instead making it an integral part of our system.  As it's headless, it doesn't need a whole lot of space...
 
  <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2692671207_590581ee5c.jpg?v=0" alt=" - " />
 
  <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2693478462_80665b2c7a.jpg?v=0" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 22, 2008, 04:11:00 pm
Question for you Smackie:
 
 OK...here's the situation:
 
 Video camera died many many months ago and have been putting off the replacement.  Now that I have a NAS with plenty of storage (for now at least) i'm thinking of ditching a tape based camera and going flash or hd based and storing it all on the network.  Now the obvious next step is getting the video/audio from my pc to my home theater.  Running cables is no biggie, crawlspace is easily accessible in this room so no issue there.  What's the best method of delivery here?  Get a video card with hdmi and dvi, run the hdmi to my home theater, set up the card so the displays are cloned?
 
 Next issue is audio....just get a better sound card and run that (presumably toslink or digital coax)to my receiver?  Or is there something snazzy that i'm overlooking that will deliver HD content from my pc to the home theater?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 22, 2008, 04:33:00 pm
Moving from tape to disk storage is the way to go.  The only donwside is when travelling for long periods of time, you may fill the disk.  If you do this, you've probably filmed too much.  But nonetheless, you can combat that transferring to a laptop or multiple disks.
 
 What's already in your system?  I think you had a media extender - is it audio only?
 
 Any gaming devices to speak of?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 22, 2008, 05:19:00 pm
I went back and looked - you've got a squeezebox, and if memory serves, that's audio only.
 
 So, absent any gaming devices, the cheapest solution is to pick up an HDMI Video card and run an HDMI cable from the computer to the HDTV.  With the right card, youâ??ll get both digital audio and digital video over one HDMI cable (ie, no need for a TOSLINK).  There are rumors that quality fades over HDMI cables that are over 50 feet long, but I havenâ??t tested this (and many say this isnâ??t true).  Thatâ??s something to consider when setting it up.  Total cost here could be as low as $60, but youâ??re probably looking at around $100.
   
 With a DVI card it can get a little more complicated, but I know you can get an ATI DVI card and their HDMI converter will do both.
 
 The other option if distance is a factor for the HDMI cable is to get a media extender (or maybe youâ??ve already got one in a gaming machine or DVR).  Friends of mine who have a NAS storage system swear by their Popcorn Hour. (http://www.popcornhour.com)  This will usually just require running a network cable to the device for HD video.  If you choose this route, you will likely have to format your home videos to a format your extender can play, if theyâ??re not already (although the Popcorn Hour can play a lot of stuff).  I would also say that a gigabit network set up will greatly improve HD video quality in this environment, when possible.
 
 There are other wireless extender options, but I would highly recommend a wireless N network for HD quality.  An unsecure G might be alright, but any security on the network and your streams will be pretty slow for HD.
 
 If cash isnâ??t a problem, Iâ??d drop $179 (it may cost a little more on eBAy - they're hard to find) on the popcorn hour and add it to your network.  The popcorn hour is not 10/100/1000 so wait on the gigabit network.  Otherwise, add a decent HDMI video card and run an HDMI cable to your TV for $80-$100.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 23, 2008, 12:48:00 pm
Home Servers May Render CD Racks Obsolete
  (http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/technology/tech-servers.html?pagewanted=1&_r=3)
 
 DENVER (Billboard) - Converting to a fully digitized entertainment library is a good way to cut down on clutter in the house. So what replaces the CD rack once you do?
 
 The 500 GB hard drive that comes standard on most home computers today? Soon, even that won't be big enough to store and organize the massive amount of digital music, video and photography that consumers are accumulating as part of the emerging "terabyte lifestyle."
 
 That opens the door to a new market, one that for now remains a niche afterthought to most people: home servers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 23, 2008, 03:42:00 pm
instead of starting a new thread, i'll just ask the forum master.
 
 1.  i want to get a telescope.  a good one.  but i know nothing about them, really.  like where to research models, prices, where to buy, ect.
 
 2.  is there a place where can one buy their old highschool yearbook?  i have searched everywhere online (ebay, amazon, everywhere)  or is it just a wait game crapshoot of searching.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on July 23, 2008, 05:18:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by walkonby:
  instead of starting a new thread, i'll just ask the forum master.
 
 1.  i want to get a telescope.  a good one.  but i know nothing about them, really.  like where to research models, prices, where to buy, ect.
 
 2.  is there a place where can one buy their old highschool yearbook?  i have searched everywhere online (ebay, amazon, everywhere)  or is it just a wait game crapshoot of searching.
so basically you are stalking somebody you went to high school with?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 23, 2008, 05:25:00 pm
I'm not an atronomer, but I know a good one.  He's in Seattle right now but gets back on Saturday - I'll be sure to ask him.  I haven't used a telescope since I was 10.
 
 Have you contacted the school?  They may still have some copies or put you in touch with the publisher who can make another one for you (if you're a recent grad) for a ridiculously large amount of money.
 
 And pollard - excellent work!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 23, 2008, 06:38:00 pm
For those still interested in the Home Theater PC, the guys over at We Got Served have done a pretty good job breaking it all down for you:
 
 The Beginnerâ??s Guide to Windows Media Center
 
 Part 1: Introduction (http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2008/07/16/the-beginners-guide-to-windows-media-center-part-1/)
 
 Part 2: The Total Microsoft Package (http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2008/07/20/the-beginners-guide-to-windows-media-center-part-2/)
 
 Part 3: The Hardware (http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2008/07/22/the-beginners-guide-to-windows-media-center-part-3/)
 
 Part 4: Competition (coming soon)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 23, 2008, 07:42:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
   
Quote
Originally posted by walkonby:
  instead of starting a new thread, i'll just ask the forum master.
 
 1.  i want to get a telescope.  a good one.  but i know nothing about them, really.  like where to research models, prices, where to buy, ect.
 
 2.  is there a place where can one buy their old highschool yearbook?  i have searched everywhere online (ebay, amazon, everywhere)  or is it just a wait game crapshoot of searching.
so basically you are stalking somebody you went to high school with? [/b]
1. the telescope is because of jupiter being so close to the earth right now.  it got me excited again about space and seeing into the great beyond.
 
 2.  the yearbook is because when i gaze into the past, i am transported via a consciousness/sub-consciousness breakdown that makes the world of frozen time morph into an actual reality.  truly frightening yet intimidatingly beautiful, too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 24, 2008, 12:47:00 pm
This had me laughing. I was not part of this test because I said in the survey that I have nothing against Vista, but that I'm going in a different direction with my computing.
 
 Microsoft looks to 'Mojave' to revive Vista's image (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-9998336-56.html?tag=nl.e703)
 
 REDMOND, Wash.--After months of searching for ways to defend its oft-maligned Windows operating system, Microsoft may just have found its best weapon: Vista's skeptics.
 
 Spurred by an e-mail from someone deep in the marketing ranks, Microsoft last week traveled to San Francisco, rounding up Windows XP users who had negative impressions of Vista. The subjects were put on video, asked about their Vista impressions, and then shown a "new" operating system, code-named Mojave. More than 90 percent gave positive feedback on what they saw. Then they were told that "Mojave" was actually Windows Vista.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on July 24, 2008, 05:02:00 pm
would you like to see a two girls one cup...cake? figured i'd ask before i posted it...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 24, 2008, 05:07:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by miss pretentious:
  would you like to see a two girls one cup...cake? figured i'd ask before i posted it...
Did somebody get that for your for your birthday?  'Cause that would be awesome.
 
  <img src="http://s.buzzfeed.com/static/imagebuzz/2008/6/5/10/3576a906c4272a395d64d3da9000ad4b.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on July 24, 2008, 05:14:00 pm
i wish.... but no
 
  <img src="http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2008/07/TASTELESS%20CAKE%2011.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 24, 2008, 05:16:00 pm
Your's is better.
 
 Mr. P, I demand that this happen for Miss P.  You can send me the bill!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 26, 2008, 04:01:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  It was a great show.  The tempo was great - plenty of speed ups and slow downs, a lot of entertaining banter (a lot of self-depricating humor), and a good crowd.
 
 The set was simple and so was the lighting.  There were a few lasers and yes, big balls that were very well used (as seen in that video above).
 
 It was very heavy with Viva (all but Cemeteries of London, I think) and the new stuff sounded great. Lost was the highlight of the new stuff for me.
caught coldplay last night in philly - really good show.  agreed with all of the above, except the "simple lighting".  did you guys have the giant screen behind the band?  pretty impressive, they did some fun stuff with it (see pix, linked below).
 
 the new stuff sounded better than i expected, "lost" was indeed a highlight.  i really liked the version of "fix you" they played (a little more up-tempo), and we got an acoustic version of "the scientist" at the end of the show on the second stage - fun.
 
 the philly crowd was good for coldplay, but dead for santogold who put on a great opening set.  people seemed generally indifferent to her, despite several tentative reminders that philadelphia was her hometown (mild response at best).  only exception were the two HOTTIES five rows ahead of me who stood up and started shaking to the beats,  god bless 'em (actually, He already had).
     
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 The little letters next to some songs on the setlist are alternate stages, but I won't ruin any surprises for you.  We were thoroughly entertained by both alternate stages.
spoiler alert: folks wishing to keep the surprise should not check out my pix.
 
     
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 They did a great job in the Arena, which good for them but bad for the fan - there's no going back now.  We'd definitely see them in a big venue again.
coldplay are the cotton candy of arena rock - fluffy, lacking in nutritional value, but fun.  hate them if you want but they put on a good show.
 
 too many pix (http://picasaweb.google.com/sweetcell/ColdplayPhiladelphiaJuly2008)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on July 26, 2008, 06:44:00 pm
has your astronomer friend shared his brain yet?
 
 and i think i have a lock on the yearbook.  now i can rule the past with my time machine.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 27, 2008, 11:16:00 pm
1111110100
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 28, 2008, 01:12:00 pm

 Five ways to make digital music sing (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9998990-1.html?tag=nl.e703)
 
 Neil Young says the tech industry doesn't care as much about music quality as it should.
 
 Perhaps that's because the average iPod-toting iTunes customer doesn't give a second thought to whether the digital file of the latest single they just bought is uncompressed or lossless.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 28, 2008, 01:58:00 pm
A lot of people understand my beef with Comcast, but many people ask me what my beef with at&t is (and I'm not talking about wireless).  I mean, the copper phone service has been pretty good for decades.  It stupid shit like this that makes me hate at&t.  Congratulations, WiMax, you've finally made it!
 
 AT&T Tries to Kill WiMax (http://gizmodo.com/5029947/att-tries-to-kill-wimax)
 
 Would you kick a crippled person just as they were standing on their feet, about to walk for the first time in years? AT&T would! Against all odds, WiMax just might make it, pending the merger of Sprint and Clearwire's WiMax divisions. So AT&T filed with a petition with the FCC to block it.
 
 The rationale behind AT&T's petition is basically that the deal requires more scrutiny. Their official statement on the matter, sent to us by an AT&T spokesman, is that, "While AT&T does not fundamentally oppose the underlying transaction, Sprint and Clearwire should be required to demonstrate that its merger serves the public interest just like any other providers would have to do." Specifically, a significant chunk of the 2.5GHz spectrum their network will run on is actually leased from the schools and non-profits (which use it for the Educational Broadband Service).
 
 According to Ars, AT&T is arguing that if you count the spectrum holdings Sprint and Clearwire lease from the EBS license holders, they pass the threshold requiring a "competitive analysis" of what the spectrum landscape would look like post-merger, which they don't have in their merger filings. Even though, as Ars points out, when AT&T bought Dobson Communications last year, they said EBS spectrum didn't really count.
 
 So, it has to be askedâ??is AT&T finally scared of WiMax?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 28, 2008, 02:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  1111110100
help?  i don't get it.  1012?  isn't ascii.....
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 Five ways to make digital music sing (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9998990-1.html?tag=nl.e703)
only a so-so article/blog posting, but the last paragraph pointed out something that never occurred to me:
   
Quote
Listen to it live. If the other options still aren't getting it done, you can always go see your favorite act in person. But Rule No. 1 still applies: Actually listen. A lot of people "talk because they're used to music being in the background, they don't just shut up and listen to it."
too true.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 28, 2008, 05:30:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  only a so-so article/blog posting, but the last paragraph pointed out something that never occurred to me:  
Congratulations on making it to the end.  I thought that same thing as I read that, but I loved the last point.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 28, 2008, 05:54:00 pm
I frequent a lot of communities like this, although I tend not to participate as heavily elsewhere as I do here.  A lot of great stuff can come out of these forums, despite what most folks think/say.
 
 So one particular case happened this weekend regarding my quest for the perfect sub-$400 laptop to plug into my Home Server based network.
 
 Acer released a good looking new SSD (solid-state-drive [think Flash]) based laptop with Linux pre-installed, called the AcerOne. (http://www.acer.com/aspireone/)
 
 With a lot of these inexpensive models, folks are buy them with Linux preinstalled and installing XP on their own to save costs (~$100).  A fair number of users were reporting more problems than usual with the upgrade.  Acer was virtually useless in helping solve the problem (they claimed that XP drivers weren't out for the SSD, which is a myth as drivers don't run the SSD) until a group of users broke it down for the rest of us.
 
 Turns out that by sharing information amongst the forum, it was discovered that Acer used two different SSDs - one from Intel and and one from Samsung -  in their first run models.  Well, the Intel choice reads and writes at about half the speed of the Samsung model and virtually cripples the machine.  They broke it down even further from where the machines were purchased and what SSDs they got.
 
 Not surprisingly, the vast majority of the US models (purcahsed mostly from Newegg) have the Intel chip and Newegg has started sending them back to Acer for the Samsung models.  So, if you're looking for the Acer One, I'd wait a little while.  I suspect the Dell UMPC will be out in a matter of weeks anyway which should drive the market price down even further.  Here's to hoping they used Samsung chips!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 29, 2008, 04:11:00 pm
I'm pretty sure Houston couldn't look any more retarded in this article:
 
 Houston Resists Recycling, and Independent Streak Is Cited (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/us/29recycle.html?_r=2&hp=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1217361635-wSz0lYSyuSaUqi/90UgxpA)
 
 A few gems as to why Houston chooses not to recycle.
 
  </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">
  Meanwhile, their recyle rate is 2.6%, not 70% as would be allowed by that contract.
 
 LA, twice the land size of Houston, recycles at a rate of 62%.
 
 The effort to separate?  What year is it that this is considered difficult?
 
 Trendy or hyped up?  Maybe in 1990...but in 2008, I'm pretty sure it's proven effective.
 
 Re-tar-ded.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 29, 2008, 06:36:00 pm
Angels Get Tiexera from Braves for Kotchman (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3510042)
 
 I can only assume that the Angels believe they can resign Tex, otherwise this deal makes no sense in the long run.  Kotchman will be a great first basemen.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on July 29, 2008, 07:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Angels Get Tiexera from Braves for Kotchman (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3510042)
 
 I can only assume that the Angels believe they can resign Tex, otherwise this deal makes no sense in the long run.  Kotchman will be a great first basemen.
they're gonna have to raise beer prices.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 29, 2008, 07:39:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  they're gonna have to raise beer prices.
Are they free in Oakland yet, or not until Huston Street gets dealt?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on July 29, 2008, 07:48:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  they're gonna have to raise beer prices.
Are they free in Oakland yet, or not until Huston Street gets dealt? [/b]
no, but tomorrow is $2 root beer floats. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 31, 2008, 05:01:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  The Dropkick Murphy's played with the Bosstones at the OC Fair last night.
 
 "What's up Angel fans?  We were going to play Tessie tonight but since the Angels swept the Red Sox this weekend, we're not gonna do it!"
 
 I would have played it anyway and said until the Angels win a game against Boston in October, we'll play Tessie.
Just wondering if they're ever going to play it....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 31, 2008, 05:49:00 pm
Is anybody as excited as I am to see Manny Ramirez along side Andrew Jones in the outfiled in Chavez Ravine?
 
 Awesome!  
 
 That ball is going to roll and roll and roll....
 
 Oh, and Jay Bay just went from favorite Bucco to hated status in a matter of minutes, but boy am I going to enjoy his fantasy numbers in Boston.  And to think I tried to deal him for Teix yesterday and was rejected.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 31, 2008, 06:45:00 pm
Sprint early termination fees are illegal, judge rules (http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10039461?source=most_viewed)
 
 COURT: CALIFORNIA LAW FORBIDS EARLY TERMINATION CHARGES
 
 I have so many thoughts on this I don't even know where to start...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 01, 2008, 03:32:00 pm
i've been partial to jack wilson myself, but hopefully they can move him too
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 01, 2008, 03:45:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i've been partial to jack wilson myself, but hopefully they can move him too
I thought he would go to LA.  Did they put him on the waiver list?
 
 If Man-Ram works out, I can see LA picking up Wilson's deal for the remainder of the year.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 01, 2008, 03:47:00 pm
This is great news...
 
 FCC slaps Comcastâ??s wrist over network neutrality; Sets precedent (http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=9530&tag=nl.e589)
 
 
 The Federal Communications Commission on Friday ruled 3-2 that Comcast overstepped its network management authority by blocking BitTorrent peer to peer traffic, but stopped short of fining the cable company. The move clarifies the boundaries a bit for other carriers and sends the message that the FCC enforces network neutrality principles.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 01, 2008, 03:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i've been partial to jack wilson myself, but hopefully they can move him too
I thought he would go to LA.  Did they put him on the waiver list?
 
 If Man-Ram works out, I can see LA picking up Wilson's deal for the remainder of the year. [/b]
i havent read anything that says they have for sure, but the word (or maybe hope) is he is on the waiver list
 
 cause really, the team is worth blowing up and if youre going to blow it up, blow it up right
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 01, 2008, 03:55:00 pm
I hear you.
 
 I also heard that Manny won't be in the lineup tonight for the Dodgers because the Blue Doo-Rags were banned in the early ninties because of gang wars and Manny won't play without one.
 
 I suggested they contact Alyssa Milano.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2008, 01:00:00 pm
JetBlue to charge $7 for pillow, blanket kit (http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10092988?nclick_check=1)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 04, 2008, 01:09:00 pm
i dont think any company ever has turned me off so much as air tran did the last time i flew
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on August 04, 2008, 01:13:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i dont think any company ever has turned me off so much as air tran did the last time i flew
I flew AirTran two weekends ago without incident. What was your gripe?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2008, 01:17:00 pm
I'm thinking of invoking a new rule:
 
 I only fly where Virgin America will take me.
 
 LA
 NY
 DC
 Vegas
 SD
 SEA
 SF
 
 They really need to add Austin to their arsenal.  And arguably Chicago, and then I'd be fine Domestically.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 04, 2008, 01:18:00 pm
it was one thing to have my flight cancelled, and get home 28 hours late, but its another to take 2 hours for the baggage claim guys (of all people) to pass out hotel vouchers. not only were we stuck in vermont for a night and missed work the next day, but we were in a smoking hotel room because it took so long to get there
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on August 04, 2008, 03:10:00 pm
hey forumdome masterblaster, i am looking for a pair of headless earphones . . . i mean wireless headphones for my pc.  so i can work around in my office and not be tied up.  the only one i see are those earmuff, straight out of the seventy looking things.  i grew up in a world of earbud, small headphones.  is there such a thing?
 
 and good lord, subways kick rock ass.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2008, 03:11:00 pm
Which reminds me...
 
 Meade.
 
 That's the brand of telescope you want.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2008, 03:18:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by walkonby:
  hey forumdome masterblaster, i am looking for a pair of headless earphones . . . i mean wireless headphones for my pc.  so i can work around in my office and not be tied up.  the only one i see are those earmuff, straight out of the seventy looking things.  i grew up in a world of earbud, small headphones.  is there such a thing?
 
The problem is powering them.  Everybody agrees that wireless ear buds would be bitchen, but how do you power them for longer than 2 hours?
 
 Motorola makes a bluetooth pair of earbuds that still have a thin bar to each bud with small battery pack that rests on the back of your neck.  That's the smallest I've seen and because it's bluetooth, I'm not certain of the range.
 
 Why hasn't somebody made a wireless reciever/battery pack the size of the iPod shuffle with wired earbuds that clips on a shirt or something?  People want wireless to not be attached to their desk - this would do that same thing.  Something like this, only not bluetooth (http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-Bluetooth-Wireless-Headphones/dp/B000W4WEF8/ref=sr_1_91?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1217877487&sr=1-91) and with a smaller controller.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on August 04, 2008, 03:18:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Which reminds me...
 
 Meade.
 
 That's the brand of telescope you want.
thank you, mighty master.  i will seek it out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2008, 03:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by walkonby:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Which reminds me...
 
 Meade.
 
 That's the brand of telescope you want.
thank you, mighty master.  i will seek it out. [/b]
He said that you can spend as little as $100 and as much as $10,000 with Meade and either way you'd get a great product.  Then we did some shots of tequila to celebrate his team finding water on Mars and that's all I remember.  
 
 He also said something about Jupiter being so close that you could use a good pair of binoculars and see it, but that a telescope allows you to set it, walk away and Jupiter might still be there when you get back.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2008, 06:08:00 pm
The Snozzberries taste like Snozzberries (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26014198/)
 
   <img src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z167/badrobot96/super-troopers-snozzberries.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2008, 06:27:00 pm
And I don't remember if I brought this up or not...
 
 Mother of God! (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0859635/)
 
  <img src="http://www.myconfinedspace.com/watermark.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2007/04/mother-of-god-super-troopers.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on August 04, 2008, 09:14:00 pm
in this age of every film being from a book or a sequel or a remake, this shocks you.  i wait for gremlins three, ghostbusters three, monty python and the holy grail two, the shining two (even shinier).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 05, 2008, 01:01:00 pm
15 of the Top 25 Notebooks sold on Amazon are Netbooks. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/pc/565108/ref=pd_ts_pc_nav)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 05, 2008, 01:54:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  #1 - 2008 will be the year that internet access at your seat will finally be available on airplanes, starting with longer flights and working its way to the commuter flights (which is backwards, but at least its coming).
American Airlines and Virgin already did it, and Jetblue has been beta testing it for months now, but lets throw Delta in the ring:
 
 Delta Adds Wi-Fi to Entire Domestic Airline Fleet (http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/149413/delta_adds_wifi_to_entire_domestic_airline_fleet.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 05, 2008, 01:57:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Tech Prediction #2:
 
 2008 will not be the year that the HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray Debate gets solved, however, HD-DVD will take a substantial lead because it's way below Blu-ray in cost to consumer.  Will it be insurmountable?  Not as long as the Playstation 3 is going to continue to reduce its price.  
 
 I'm waiting for one/two triggers to happen to get me to buy an HD-DVD player:
 
 (1) If Blockbuster waivers from it's Blu-Ray in stores only policy, I'm all over an HD-DVD player (you can already get HD-DVD from thier online stores).
 
 (2) If any of the "Blu-Ray only" movie studios switch to the "we'll offer both" formats camp.  Right now, Warner's switch has kept Blu-Ray solidly in the mix.  
 
 And one trigger point that would make me wait on both for a while - if Blu-Ray decides to lower the hardware costs to that of HD-DVD, then all bets are off, but waiting until after the holidays to do this I think might be the start of HD-DVD dominance.
I decided to go back and do a mid-year look at the rest of my predictions.
 
 I completely missed this one.  Couldn't be more wrong about how quickly this ended.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 05, 2008, 02:01:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  With that, I will reveal my Tech Prediction #3:
 
 This is the year that a broadcast network will run a TV program on the internet at the same time as an Over-the-Air broadcast - and just maybe one genius network will run an episode on-line before it airs over-the-air.  And a really smart network would run an HD episode (sponsored by some HD TV maker) because most people can see HD quality on their computer monitors - just not on their TVs.
 
 So yes Hoya, IP TV is the future - but how far in the future is up to the IP industry, and they've throttled every attempt to expand for the past 10 years.
This hasn't happened yet, but this fall there's a good chance.  You can already see NBC doing this with their Olympic coverage.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 05, 2008, 02:11:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Which brings me to Tech Prediction #4:
 
 2008 will be the long anticipated year of REAL HD Revolution
 
 ....
 
 When Comedy Central goes HD in 2008, you'll know I was on to something here.
This one has been interesting because Comedy Central is filming in HD (you can download the HD versions on Xbox Live for example or watch them online), but they're not broadcasting in HD (and no, I'm not counting this for prediction #3).  
 
 Another anamoly is VH1 and MTV.  They've had HD signals for months now, record in HD, but have yet to broadcast a single HD show.  Take Vh1 Rock Honors: The Who.  I was bummed that wasn't in HD when I recorded it from VH1, but then I recorded it on MHD, and it was in HD.  Not sure what Viacom's doing here.  
 
 Regardless, I think we've seen a huge increase in the HD content so far this year.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 05, 2008, 02:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Tech Prediction #5:  
 
 2008 will really be the year of the Death of the Desktop

 
 (1) Home Servers will take off.  
 (2) Wireless streaming to entertainment devices.  
 (3) And this last one is the most important -  with the massive advance in the market of Mobile Internet Devices (or ultra mobile PCs) with WiFi capability, like the iPhone, the iTouch, Samsungs Q1, mini-tablets and the "smaller than laptops but much better battery life" devices coming between $400 and $700 - very few people are going to fork out the cash for a oversized desktop at that price when they can have something sleek and portable that does 95% of what most folks use their desktop for today.
Sweetcell might still disagree, but I think I nailed this one.  
 
 Sure Microsoft released a shitty version of the Home Server software that cost them 6 months of market penetration, but it's just a matter of time.  NAS devices are hot as well.
 
 Apple updated Apple TV, Xbox is going to update the 360, PS3 now streams, D-link, HP, and and every other network now has a media extender...
 
 And the netbook is taking over the laptop market at exactly the price I guessed (maybe even cheaper).  And do you know what the next hot Laptop type is?  The gaming laptop - they're all over the place.  The desktop is dead at home (although I really like my new Dell Studio Hybrid at the office).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 05, 2008, 02:31:00 pm
after the trips ive taken this year, i really have been thinking about an itouch. even the crappy b&b we stayed at in vermont had wifi
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 05, 2008, 02:41:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  after the trips ive taken this year, i really have been thinking about an itouch. even the crappy b&b we stayed at in vermont had wifi
Well, clearly you should wait because Sept is about the right time for a new iTouch.
 
 But I've got to ask....for $300 starting price, why not get a Netbook?  The 8.9 inch version will fit in a pocket of your cargo pants.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 05, 2008, 03:00:00 pm
cargo pants? what is this 1997
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 05, 2008, 03:06:00 pm
in all honesty, i wanted the itouch for the calendar/task managment fuction as much as the net. i have to play with one to be sure, and they never have any at best buy
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 05, 2008, 03:46:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  cargo pants? what is this 1997
What else are you going to wear with your GBV shirts?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 05, 2008, 03:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  in all honesty, i wanted the itouch for the calendar/task managment fuction as much as the net. i have to play with one to be sure, and they never have any at best buy
There's got to be 8 eight Apple Stores within 50 miles of DC...
 
 Anyhow, I picked my next phone over the weekend (assuming Sprint doesn't tie it to the "Everything Plan" like they did with the Instinct) and I never thought to think if it had wifi because I use Sprints EVDO network, but it does have wifi eliminating any need for Touch.
 
 Well, eliminating the need for a Touch from Apple at least. (http://www.htc.com/www/product.aspx?id=46278)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 05, 2008, 03:51:00 pm
white belts
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 05, 2008, 03:54:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  in all honesty, i wanted the itouch for the calendar/task managment fuction as much as the net. i have to play with one to be sure, and they never have any at best buy
There's got to be 8 eight Apple Stores within 50 miles of DC...
 
 Anyhow, I picked my next phone over the weekend (assuming Sprint does tie it to the "Everything Plan" like they did with the Instinct) and I never thought to think if it had wifi because I use Sprints EVDO network, but it does have wifi eliminating any need for Touch.
 
 Well, eliminating the need for a Touch from Apple at least. (http://www.htc.com/www/product.aspx?id=46278) [/b]
honestly, i havent made a special trip, but we were going to best buys for wii fit for awhile there. my whole thing about iphone/pda phones is i go through phones like once a year. i just know i'd break it. that and the extra $30 a month
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 05, 2008, 03:55:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  white belts
Awesome.
 
 I was thinking about getting a new belt, but then I felt that I would be missing a little something in my life.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 07, 2008, 02:59:00 pm
speaking of....
 
 from the comments section of the brooklyn vegan's discussion of the APW schedule (http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2008/08/all_points_west_6.html):
Quote
Take your white belt and wrap it around your neck pussy
i fear that the image of the white belt has escaped your control, smax.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 07, 2008, 03:26:00 pm
It would have been better if the poster had said H&M scarf, but I fear you're right.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 07, 2008, 04:28:00 pm
David Pogue's Gadget list of 2008 (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/07/technology/personaltech/07pogue-email.html?_r=1&8cir&emc=cira1&oref=slogin)
 
 Camera: Nikon D80
 Camcorder: Canon HV30
 Cellphone: LG8700
 Computer (laptop): MacBook Air
 Computer (desktop): Dell Inspiron 530s
 Mobile Internet: Sierra Compass 597
 Movies: Vudu box
 Car: Toyota Prius
 DVR: TiVo Series 3
 
 And to compare and contrast...
 
 Smackie's Gadget list of 2008
 
 Camera: We have two, Canon Powershot S5 and the Sony DsC-H50.  Smackette is the photographer of the family, and I simply guided her into what she was looking for.
 
 Camcorder: No kids = no camcorder.
 
 Cellphone: I have two: A (still) working Motorola RAZR on it's original battery and a Motorola Q.  Hopefully it will be replaced by an HTC Diamond Touch next month or a complete switch from Sprint by Oct 1 (iPhone 3g?).  
 
 Computer (laptop): I use Smackette's Toshiba A105 since I burned my VAIO to the ground.  I will be replacing it with a netbook in a matter of weeks (probably the Dell E-Series).  I do envy David's MacBook Air, but I don't like the price point for the reduction in power.  Call me silly, but if I get less, I want to pay less.
 
 Computer (desktop): Well, since the desktop is dead, all we have is a Windows Home Server.  I do love my Dell Studio Hybrid at the office though.  Small, power saving, but powerful.
 
 Mobile Internet:  I'm going to strike "mobile" and just say internet because the Sierra Compass 597 is all we have (of course I was smart enough to add a router CTR-350 by Counterpoint), and like David I love it.  Come on WiMax!
 
 Movies: Windows Home Server again through the Xbox 360.  Ripped all the DVDs to the Server, stream them through the 360.
 
 Car: Also a Toyota Prius, and also before the waiting list, but just barely.
 
 DVR: DirecTV HR20-700.  I miss my TiVo sometimes, but not as much as I'd miss having over 100 HD channels, MLB Package, Sunday Ticket, Setanta and XM radio all in one box.
 
 What are other folks using these days?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: mr. pretentious on August 07, 2008, 04:35:00 pm
This has nothing to do with this thread, and perhaps someone might have already mentioned this (I wasn't going to read through 3846 pages of replies,) but...
 
 ...every time I read the post's title, I immediately think of Mitch Hedberg and laugh to myself.
 
 "Smackie the Frog...."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 07, 2008, 04:44:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by mr. pretentious:
 
 
 "Smackie the Frog...."
You sir, are the first.
 
 Well done.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on August 07, 2008, 05:02:00 pm
Camera: Canon something or other, nothing fancy
 Camcorder: none
 Cellphone: LG VX9900 (enV orange)
 Computer (laptop): MacBook Pro, Dell Inspiron B130, and an old dell inspiron for ie6 testing
 Computer (desktop): Old Dell Dimension 2350, Mac Mini (desktop? more like tv side)
 Mobile Internet: nada 3000
 Movies: have moved some to an external harddrive that I watch via the mac mini, but mostly blu ray on the ps3
 Car: 1999 Toyota Camry
 DVR: Fios multiroom hd dvr
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 08, 2008, 01:57:00 pm
Only Russia would start a war on the opening day of the Olympics, when no one else is watching.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 10, 2008, 02:05:00 pm
This very well might be the greatest thing I've ever seen.  I want one.
 
 Moving LEGO Donkey Kong, People.  Donkey F'ing Kong (http://gizmodo.com/5035196/moving-lego-donkey-kong-people-lego-donkey-fcking-kong)
 
 I could probably come up with stuff like this if I had friends like GGW.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 12, 2008, 12:41:00 pm
iPhone 3G users...help CNET troubleshoot reception issues. (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10014633-37.html?tag=nl.e703)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 12, 2008, 02:15:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Only Russia would start a war on the opening day of the Olympics, when no one else is watching.
Alright, so what do you need to need to know about Russia and Georgia to entertain at a cocktail party?
 
 First, donâ??t be that guest at a cocktail party.  Second, Georgiaâ??s President Mikheil Saakashvili was monumentally stupid for doing what he did, but weâ??ll get to that.
 
 So Georgia and Russia havenâ??t liked each other for nearly 100 years, probably more, but itâ??s an interesting dislike as prominent Russian leaders have come from Georgia.  All the experts would have predicted that the initial flare up between the two would have happened in a different separatist province of Georgia known as Abkhazia.  Abkhazia was originally a Soviet Republic under the Bolsheviks, but Stalin was Georgian and upon taking power he gave Abkhazia to Georgia in the early 30â??s.  Theyâ??ve been bickering ever since.
 
 Abkhazia composes about half of the Georgian coastline on the Red Sea and is very important to Georgia.  Itâ??s also very strategic for Russia â?? Georgia is the last remaining western-friendly (at the moment) country on the Black Sea (the status of Turkey being currently in flux) â?? a main East-West route for oil and gas pipelines.
 
  <img src="http://www.maria.trombly.com/articles/abkhazia.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 So what the hell does South Ossetia have to do with anything?  Ossetia, like Abkhazia, has never really felt part of Georgia.  They speak their own language, used to be independent, and were only added to the Georgian Republic arbitrarily (and reluctantly) in the early 20â??s as the Soviet Union was being â??built.â?ť  Upon the demise of the Union, tensions started immediately and have gone on to this day.  Russia currently arms the separatists and props up their economy via the black market, much to the chagrin of the Georgians.
 
 So why now? This is where Saakashvili was incredibly stupid.  Georgia has been trying to join the EU and NATO for quite some time.  This is perceived as disastrous by Russia, who tried to get a pro-Russia candidate elected back in May.  After Saakashvili was re-elected, it signaled trouble for Russiaâ??s hopes of oil and gas dominance of Europe.  If the west can bypass Russiaâ??s dominance of the Caspian Sea by going through Georgia, it negates Russiaâ??s bargaining power.  After failed negotiations, NATO and the EU agreed to discuss joining the union in December â?? a timetable that was apparently too late for Saakashvili.
 
 Russia has had tanks on both the border along Abkhazia and Ossetia for some time, waiting for a moment to move in, and Saakashvili provided them that moment.  He began to shell Ossetia as the Olympics began â?? perhaps at a moment when Western Leaders were with Putin or at a time when the rest of the world is focused on relations.  Russia immediately responded in both Ossetia and Abkhazia, and then went on to attempt to embarrass Saakashvili amongst his constituents by pummeling him elsewhere in Georgia.
 
 So what can the west do?  Nothing other than help negotiate peace.  With no official diplomatic ties to Georgia, NATO canâ??t help them and the EU wonâ??t help them.  Georgiaâ??s location provides them with no clear EU neighbors and virtually no military presence to help them.  Russia (cleverly, I might add) has cited Kosovo as justification for doing what theyâ??re doing in Ossetia (never mind the fact that Russia has failed recognize Kosovo as an independent nation) - of course this paints them into a box if Ossetia continues their desire to secede from Georgia just about forcing them to recognize Kosovoâ??s independence.  Russia would surely block any move by the UN to come to the aid of Georgia, so you can count them out leaving Georgia virtually on their own (and totally overmatched).
 
 So where does that leave us?   As long as Russia does not continue into Georgia further than Ossetia, weâ??re probably right where we started in August with an embarrassed Saakashvili and nervous other Caucus countries who now fear Russiaâ??s military power (and clear imperialist ambitions).  Russia probably gains a tremendous amount of influence over Abkhazia and Ossetia and there is no way Georgia will be allowed to join the EU or NATO anytime soon for fear of provoking Russia.  If Russia does continue to Tbilisi (the capital of Georgia), weâ??re facing a nervous Europe who may have to reluctantly go to war with Russia.
 
 Either way, the west is pretty unhappy with both Saakashvili and Putin/Medveydev and the stability of the region might be at its worst since the wall fall.  Good times.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 14, 2008, 02:08:00 pm
Hey!  When is the last time we had a new smackie corollary?
 
 Look, I'm not getting any younger, so I'm already planning my demise.  And when I turn 50, a friend and I have a new plan.
 
 The 100 Rule.
 
 The combined age of me and anybody I sleep with cannot exceed 100.  As I get older, they have to get younger.
 
 Can't wait.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 14, 2008, 02:56:00 pm
I love it when Xmas comes in August....
 
  <img src="http://www.economist.com/images/20080816/20080816issuecovUS400.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 Don't bother me this weekend.  I'm geeking.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on August 14, 2008, 03:00:00 pm
How will Smackette get younger?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Hey!  When is the last time we had a new smackie corollary?
 
 Look, I'm not getting any younger, so I'm already planning my demise.  And when I turn 50, a friend and I have a new plan.
 
 The 100 Rule.
 
 The combined age of me and anybody I sleep with cannot exceed 100.  As I get older, they have to get younger.
 
 Can't wait.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 14, 2008, 03:04:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  How will Smackette get younger?
She's been put on notice.
 
 But the reality is I doubt she keeps me around that long anyway....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on August 14, 2008, 03:14:00 pm
Do you have a savings fund going that will enable you to pull off the 100 rule when it comes time to put the rule into play? Or will you just charm them out of their pants with your U2 records and video game prowess alone?   :D  
 
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  How will Smackette get younger?
She's been put on notice.
 
 But the reality is I doubt she keeps me around that long anyway.... [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 14, 2008, 03:44:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Do you have a savings fund going that will enable you to pull off the 100 rule when it comes time to put the rule into play? Or will you just charm them out of their pants with your U2 records and video game prowess alone?    :D  
 
I was kind of hoping I could just buy them beer and wine coolers.  Does that trick still work?
 
 Otherwise I'll just have to rely on dads who didn't give their daughters enough hugs.  I don't think that will change anytime soon...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on August 14, 2008, 03:48:00 pm
Dude, let's hope you die before you're 82.  Otherwise, you'll have zombie Chris Hansen after you...
 
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Do you have a savings fund going that will enable you to pull off the 100 rule when it comes time to put the rule into play? Or will you just charm them out of their pants with your U2 records and video game prowess alone?      :D    
 
I was kind of hoping I could just buy them beer and wine coolers.  Does that trick still work?
 
 Otherwise I'll just have to rely on dads who didn't give their daughters enough hugs.  I don't think that will change anytime soon... [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 14, 2008, 05:19:00 pm
These two argued about the specifics of the deal for almost 2 years, and now magicaly they get the deal done today?  Hmmmm...I don't think Russia intended this when they rolled into Georgia.
 
 U.S. and Poland Agree to Missile Defense Deal (http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Poland-US-Missile-Defense.html?hp)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on August 14, 2008, 08:15:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  These two argued about the specifics of the deal for almost 2 years, and now magicaly they get the deal done today?  Hmmmm...I don't think Russia intended this when they rolled into Georgia.
 
 U.S. and Poland Agree to Missile Defense Deal (http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Poland-US-Missile-Defense.html?hp)
<img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/zx86li.jpg" alt=" - " />
 I laughed so hard until I realized that this could be some latchkey 8 year old in Atlanta who's scared out of her mind. Then I kind felt really sad for a while.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 15, 2008, 09:46:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 Alright, so what do you need to need to know about Russia to entertain at a cocktail party?
<img src="http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/political-pictures-george-bush-vladimir-putin-monkey-see-do.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on August 15, 2008, 09:59:00 am
I've heard from a friend who has lived in Georgia (the nation) that the Georgian president is a "madman". Is this not true?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 15, 2008, 10:11:00 am
starting a war with a country around 30 times bigger than you does not point to an even keel
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 18, 2008, 02:02:00 pm
I'll get to those important questions in a minute, but first...
 
 Bono blamed for unreleased U2 songs on Internet (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10018810-93.html?tag=nl.e703)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 19, 2008, 01:41:00 pm
I have yet to test it, but I'm all over it when I get home this evening...
 
 PlayOn (http://www.themediamall.com/playon)
 
 PlayOn enables consumers who own a PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, or HP MediaSmart TV to watch Internet video from sites including Hulu, CBS, YouTube, ESPN and more on their television. We have just released PlayOn Beta. Netflix support is just down the road, and the fully featured release will be coming shortly!
 
 We will also be adding support for Nintendo Wii by the end of 2008. Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 21, 2008, 05:15:00 pm
Sure, after I finally ditch the Fairplay DRM model they wisen up?  We'll see.  
 
 Apple finally ready for iTunes subscriptions? (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10021716-37.html?tag=nl.e703)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on August 21, 2008, 06:14:00 pm
so i'm looking for a break-down of prices and features of leading media extenders ... leaning towards a PS3 or xbox360 because of their gaming capabilities, but am open to pretty much anything
 
 i've been googling for reviews that line up different systems next to each other, but can't find anything up-to-date ... any advice?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 21, 2008, 06:36:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
  so i'm looking for a break-down of prices and features of leading media extenders ... leaning towards a PS3 or xbox360 because of their gaming capabilities, but am open to pretty much anything
 
 i've been googling for reviews that line up different systems next to each other, but can't find anything up-to-date ... any advice?
If I wasn't a gamer and didn't have a 360, I'd buy a Popcorn Hour A-110. (http://www.popcornhour.com)
 
 As far as the two gaming devices, I think Pollard might have both devices so maybe he could shed a light on the major differences between the two (Blu-Ray on Sony notwithstanding). I'm hoping to get a beta release of the new 360 interface before the end of the month, which I think will make great strides in making the 360 a true media center (eg, no longer using the antiquated blades).
 
 If your main storage device is a PC with Media Center, I think the 360 wins out.  If you're using the 360 blades only, I think PS3 might have the slicker interface for now, but perhaps someone who has more PS3 knowledge could help out.
 
 Otherwise, the best source for non-gaming extenders is TheGreenButton. (http://www.thegreenbutton.com)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on August 21, 2008, 07:10:00 pm
Since I mainly use my mac mini for all media, I cant really say much about the PS3 vs. 360 as media extender.  But if I had to choose one right now I would go with the 360, I dont think Blu Ray is all that and I just think the 360 is a better experience all around.  But I have never been a Sony fan so take that for what its worth.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 21, 2008, 07:32:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  But I have never been a Sony fan so take that for what its worth.
Didn't realize you were a Microsoft fan though...  ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on August 21, 2008, 07:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Didn't realize you were a Microsoft fan though...   ;)  
NEVER!
   :p  
 
 I actually just feel like the xbox and 360 continue the line of Genesis/Dreamcast which I always preferred to the playstation line. Dreamcast was the bomb! (in more ways than one)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 22, 2008, 02:20:00 am
Assuming you're being told the truth, which in this case I have every reason to believe you are being told the truth, as a male (or a chick I suppose) what's your initial reaction to being rejected by a hot chick with "I'm sorry, I'm a lesbian..." as opposed to "I'm sorry, I have a boyfriend..."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on August 22, 2008, 10:58:00 am
sparks .. now in red .. and with 8 percent alcohol.
 http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=785178 (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=785178)
 
 smackie - you can use this in entice the 20 somethings you're after during the age fucking game.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 22, 2008, 11:00:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by miss pretentious:
 
 
 smackie - you can use this in entice the 20 somethings you're after during the age fucking game.
When you put it that way, it sounds so trashy....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on August 22, 2008, 11:09:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by miss pretentious:
 
 
 smackie - you can use this in entice the 20 somethings you're after during the age fucking game.
When you put it that way, it sounds so trashy.... [/b]
just calling it as i see it  :)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 22, 2008, 01:25:00 pm
for smax: Guitar Hero saving rock music? (http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/20/am.wynter.guitar.hero.cnn)         :roll:      
 
 for nkotb: New Star Wars Videogame Unleashes the Force in You (http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/multimedia/2008/08/ff_starwarscanon_gallery)
 
 for pdx pollard (if i remember correctly):
 
        <img src="http://graphjam.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/webdev.png" alt=" - " />
 
 bonus: Nonprofit Distributes File Sharing Propaganda to 50,000 U.S. Students: (http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/08/nonprofit-distr.html)
 
     <img src="http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/images/2008/08/21/nana1.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on August 22, 2008, 02:26:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  <img src="http://graphjam.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/webdev.png" alt=" - " />
true and awesome
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on August 24, 2008, 06:00:00 pm
what's your take on extended service plans (like the type best buy bullies you into getting)?
 
 i've heard wildly diverging opinions on this from techy people whom i trust
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 25, 2008, 03:05:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
  what's your take on extended service plans (like the type best buy bullies you into getting)?
 
 i've heard wildly diverging opinions on this from techy people whom i trust
I have never purchased one, and rarely do I recommend them.  I do look at manufacturer's warranties for just about anything I buy and rarely purchase anything with less than a 1 year warranty (anything with a 90 day warranty tells me that it's crap).  
 
 A couple of exceptions - I did the protection plan for smackette's Treo as she was prone to losing them, of course she didn't in this case, and I always cancel them after one year when the technology is old and the discount for a new phone is cheaper than the replacement phone.
 
 For smaller items that are prone to being lost or stolen, if the warranty doesn't cover loss/stolen, then I don't bother with it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 25, 2008, 03:14:00 pm
One of my most favorite Gizmodo pictures in a long time....
 
  <img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/4/2008/08/att.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 I would have probably purchased a 3G iPhone by now if it were available outside of the at&t network.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 25, 2008, 03:51:00 pm
i've never had sprint, but i've had the rest and at&t is the best out of all of them in my opinion
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 25, 2008, 04:11:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i've never had sprint, but i've had the rest and at&t is the best out of all of them in my opinion
Most opinions on cell companies come down to two things:
 
 (1) Who has the best service where I use my phone most (usually at my house or work).
 and
 (2) Who had that one really bad customer service experience (this led to my disdain of Comcast).
 
 That's why you'll hear the same complaints about every provider depending on who you talk to and where they live.  When somebody asks me what company they should use, I never tell them to use my preferred choice, instead I ask them two questions:
 
 (1) Are you a heavy data user?  If yes, it used to be Verizon and Sprint were your only good choices.
 
 (2) Who offers the best reception at your home?  Because in reality, this is what makes a user most happy - consistent service when they need it most.
 
 Otherwise, they're all the same, really.
 
 My opinion on at&t is solely based on who invests more in their data network.  I have great phone service at my apt with both Verizon (work) and Sprint (personal), but I'm sure at&t and t-mobile are probably fine at my apt too because I live in a top floor apt in a large metropolitan area less than a mile from the cities major cell tower.  Not everyone is as lucky.
 
 What I couldn't get from at&t and t-mobile anywhere in America was 3G speeds until a few months ago.  I've been averaging nearly 1Mbps data on my Verizon and Sprint phones for well over 3 years now and since I'm sending and recieving emails and texts as well as surfing the web much more often than I am making phone calls, I have been a proponent of Sprint (and only slightly less so Verizon).  There is a huge difference between 1Mbps and 80kbps, and one I would never tolerate.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 25, 2008, 04:28:00 pm
yeah, verizon had the worst customer service i ever experienced. their phones didnt work either. i had about 3 different ones, and they would just stop working on me at a time when not only did i only have a cell phone, but i lived in a high rise where the front desk had to call to let guests up
 
 i saw no better service from them in the spotty dc area either. so yeah, i guess i would call them comcastic
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on August 26, 2008, 04:02:00 pm
A friend and I were having a discussion about the youngest age that we could date. He lives by the 1/2 your age + 7. The question soon arose: does the same rule apply to women?
 
 He's convinced I should go out with the 19year old that I met at The Mercury - it doesnt hurt that hes from London and has a great accent and is also incredibly nice and friendly.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 26, 2008, 04:15:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by xneverwherex:
  A friend and I were having a discussion about the youngest age that we could date. He lives by the 1/2 your age + 7. The question soon arose: does the same rule apply to women?
 
 He's convinced I should go out with the 19year old that I met at The Mercury - it doesnt hurt that hes from London and has a great accent and is also incredibly nice and friendly.
First off, you should date your friend.
 
 That obvious answer notwithstanding, since it is clear that nothing serious can come of dating a 19 year who's clearly only here for a limited time, I think it's fine.  The real danger in dating a woman who is less than half your age +7 is the emotional attachment younger women seem to make with older men (not enough hugs from daddy), and since that is not possible here, I see no reason other than the "he can't drink" problem, but my name doesn't have "X's" on both sides of it.
 
 If anything for you, the Cougar in training corrollary applies.  Plus it will make your friend jealous.  Smackie approved.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on August 26, 2008, 04:30:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by xneverwherex:
  A friend and I were having a discussion about the youngest age that we could date. He lives by the 1/2 your age + 7. The question soon arose: does the same rule apply to women?
 
 He's convinced I should go out with the 19year old that I met at The Mercury - it doesnt hurt that hes from London and has a great accent and is also incredibly nice and friendly.
First off, you should date your friend.
 
 That obvious answer notwithstanding, since it is clear that nothing serious can come of dating a 19 year who's clearly only here for a limited time, I think it's fine.  The real danger in dating a woman who is less than half your age +7 is the emotional attachment younger women seem to make with older men (not enough hugs from daddy), and since that is not possible here, I see no reason other than the "he can't drink" problem, but my name doesn't have "X's" on both sides of it.
 
 If anything for you, the Cougar in training corrollary applies.  Plus it will make your friend jealous.  Smackie approved. [/b]
hahah the x's. classic. he managed his way around the drinking issue (21+ issue) as the merc is 21+ (naturally i assumed he was at least 21 - until he mentioned he was on a 7 month holiday celebrating his graduating college (not uni which i assumed incorrectly)). i choked on my beer when he said he was 19.
 
 as far as my friend and i dating - will never happen. but he might be ridiculously jealous.
 
 sweet the whole cougar in training corollary. my thoughts exactly!
 
 glad to know this is smackie approved.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 27, 2008, 06:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   <img src="http://www.dewmocracy.com/images/image_overview-default_bott.jpg" alt=" - " />
It is with a heavy heart that I report Voltage, and not my favorite, Revolution, was the winner of the Dewmocracy showdown. (http://www.dewmocracy.com/?sssdmh=dm24.140547&or=md.162)
 
 You'd be wrong to think that I'm not going to drive around town snatching up all the Revolution I can find.  It really grew on me...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 28, 2008, 05:27:00 pm
Hehe.  Yes, we bought a car that is super environmentally friendly, maybe even paid more, and don't drive it much.  
 
 The Bottom Line of the Eco Balance Sheet
  (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/28/technology/personaltech/28pogue-email.html?_r=1&8cir&emc=cira1&oref=slogin)
 
 From the Desk of David Pogue
 By DAVID POGUE
 It's not easy being green.
 
 The first time that realization hit me was when I first heard someone answer the age-old eco-awareness question, "Paper or plastic?"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 29, 2008, 01:02:00 pm
I went to sleep last night and woke up in a horrible daze: Tina Fay is John McCain's running mate.  I'm going to try to sleep this off.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 29, 2008, 01:34:00 pm
Only NKOTB would appreciate this as much as I do...
 
 Full size drivable Landspeeder. (http://web.mac.com/danieldeutsch/landspeeder/Landspeeder.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on August 29, 2008, 02:00:00 pm
I've never felt shame tooling around town in my Lexus* until now...   :(  
 
 * Actually it's a CRV, but who's counting?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Only NKOTB would appreciate this as much as I do...
 
 Full size drivable Landspeeder. (http://web.mac.com/danieldeutsch/landspeeder/Landspeeder.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Relaxer on August 29, 2008, 02:12:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I went to sleep last night and woke up in a horrible daze: Tina Fay is John McCain's running mate.  I'm going to try to sleep this off.
VPILF
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 29, 2008, 02:48:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I went to sleep last night and woke up in a horrible daze: Tina Fay is John McCain's running mate.  I'm going to try to sleep this off.
smackie, what are thoughts on this
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 29, 2008, 03:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  smackie, what are thoughts on this
It's high risk-high reward.  My guess is that the Republican campaign folks ran the numbers state by state and decided that Senator McCain couldn't win unless he really shook things up.  And he did.  I was so interested (read: stunned) in the choice that I stayed home this morning to watch the announcement.  I don't know if anybody else saw Pat Buchanan as the rumors broke, but he was certain it was a false rumor saying "there's no way he could do that."  
 
 Not knowing the political reason why he did it, I'll just go reason by reason why he might have done it:
 
 (1) To Appeal to the Hillary Voters.  After the Biden pick, they immediately ran a commercial attacking Senator Obama for not picking Hillary - there's a huge segment out there that is undecided.  The sad part is, it's a huge mistake to think that women were voting for Hillary ONLY because she is a woman, and if this is the reason for the pick, I think they walked right into a trap.  The majority of women Hillary supporters voted for Hillary because of her stance on issues women find important, and you're not going to attract them with Palin.
 
 (2) Make the campaign look younger and more fresh.  It's no doubt that Obama is destroying the McCain camp among younger voters.  Picking someone young does not fix that problem - finding new ways to deliver your message to young does that (and without putting yourself at such risk).
 
 (3) The Executive thing.  Until today, none of the three candidates had executive experience.  McCain touted her "executive experience" in the first 3 minutes of his intro of Palin.  But 1.5 years in Alaska is a bit of a stretch when it comes to demonstrating executive experience (and in this case at a very dangerous cost - it weakens the strongest argument The Republican's had going for them - Obama's experience).  I don't think the American public was concerned about Executive experience in this race more than they were concerned about Obama's overall experience, and McCain's camp took a lot of bite out of that by picking someone with even less experience.
 
 (4) Energy.  This is where I am most intrigued.  If McCain makes this election about energy, Palin can be very useful.  However - he has to shape the argument about energy security, because Alaska is much of the same old energy policy - oil and natural gas.  Alaska is not about renewables, not about getting the US off oil dependence (foreign or domestic), and I don't think the drilling issue is big enough to win a national election.  It has to be about energy in terms of national security.
 
 (5) Take the wind out of the sails.  The Dems had an amazing four days with Teddy, The Clintons, and then Obama's speech last night.  I haven't heard a word about Obama's speech today because Palin is all the buzz.  It was such a shocking choice that it effectively killed all the momentum coming out of Denver, but it opened up a lot of cans of worms that may cause distractions in Minnesota.
   
 One other thing I've been thinking of is that it's such a stunning choice that they're baiting the Dems into making a huge mistake some where along the campaign trail.  I think even the least astute person would guess that any large mistake is going to come from Joe Biden and this makes the VP debate a huge opportunity for Biden to say something so crazy sexist, that it keeps the Hillary folks away.
 
 I've got to be honest - I think John McCain just did one of two things: he either gave himself his only chance to win or just gave the election away, and after hearing her speak on his 72nd birthday, I'm leaning towards the latter.  Obama's first criteria for Biden was "can he be President if need be" and I would start repeating that over and over again.
 
 As much as I'm going to regret saying this, I'm looking forward to Julian and other Hillary supporters take on this choice.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on August 29, 2008, 03:41:00 pm
It's going to be awesome having a woman as Vice President. She's bat-shit crazy and as ultra right as it gets, but I'm not voting for Carter II: Electric Boogaloo.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 29, 2008, 03:57:00 pm
just bush 2: wrath of mckhan
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 29, 2008, 04:00:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  As much as I'm going to regret saying this, I'm looking forward to Julian and other Hillary supporters take on this choice.
something like 'well she doesnt agree with me on many issues but hey i dont see any vaginas on joe biden'
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on August 29, 2008, 04:06:00 pm
If the next four years are going to be a failed Presidency (which is an inevitability with either McCain or Obama), I'd rather the Republicans be the ones to eat it.
 
 The last time an ill-equipped, under-prepared Democrat was elected in an untenable position, Carter flunked and we got 8 years of Reagen which irreparably screwed this country. Obama would be that all over again. If McCain gets in and screws up (with Democrats controlling the House and Senate), in 2012 Hillary would be swept into office with such a mandate she'd have complete autonomy to bring about such changes it'd rock our world.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 29, 2008, 04:12:00 pm
if obama loses this election, hillary and her supporters will take so much of the blame the rest of the party will not stand for her nomination in 2012
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on August 29, 2008, 04:54:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Julian, certified WEBLEBRITY:
  If the next four years are going to be a failed Presidency (which is an inevitability with either McCain or Obama), I'd rather the Republicans be the ones to eat it.
 
 The last time an ill-equipped, under-prepared Democrat was elected in an untenable position, Carter flunked and we got 8 years of Reagen which irreparably screwed this country. Obama would be that all over again. If McCain gets in and screws up (with Democrats controlling the House and Senate), in 2012 Hillary would be swept into office with such a mandate she'd have complete autonomy to bring about such changes it'd rock our world.
this is some hilarious stuff
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on August 29, 2008, 05:44:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  this is some hilarious stuff
It's also spot on. Carter gets rapped for bad economic stats, while everyone conveniently seems to forget things were 90% as bad when he took over from the Nixon/Ford years.
 
 There is no easy economic fix to the problems were in as a country. Obama cannot give a speech and get the economy to rebound. It's not going to happen. If someone's going to get blamed for the 8 years of financial mismanagement by Bush, why not a Republican instead of a Democrat. Let McCain be a lameduck, ineffective President from day one with a firmly Democratic House and Senate and in 2012 whatever Democrat runs will get 60% of the popular vote and a virtual blank check to do whatever they want. Socialized health-care will get passed off as an economic stimulus since employers won't have to pay for it, and it'll create jobs and we'll walk into a new American Golden Age.
 
 Or we elect Obama, watch him be over his head and unable to make serious inroads fixing Bush's problems, and the Neocons will rally and we'll get 8 years of Huckabee or some Reagen-clone. But hey, "HopeChange" makes us feel good. Like heroin.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 29, 2008, 06:16:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Julian, certified WEBLEBRITY:
   
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  this is some hilarious stuff
It's also spot on. [/b]
Only in Julian's America...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on August 29, 2008, 06:23:00 pm
Interesting that you say heroin.  Because what I think you are saying is that the best way for a heroin abuser to turn their life around is to use a whole lot more heroin, so then he will really feel like they need to quit heroin.
 
 I agree that no president will have it easy over the next 4 years. Hillary wouldnt have had it easy either, but I think its a mistake to think that McCain fucking up would mean he would lose.  Presidential elections are more about the personalities involved.  McCain could decide not to run and they would find somebody better.
 
 I am just amazed at your confidence that Obama will fail more so than other, based solely on a slogan.  Apparently you think he will surround himself with incompetence, but that doesnt seem to be the case in his past.  I really don't want to get in to a long debate about this on here though as it always devolves into a mess.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 02, 2008, 02:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
 
  Apparently you think he will surround himself with incompetence, but that doesnt seem to be the case in his past.  
uhh, Obama blames his uh, staff, uh, again. . . . (http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=14C1FE2D-18FE-70B2-A86C1F7E6F83041C)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 02, 2008, 02:51:00 pm
does that mean you will be voting obama so he gets the ill fated term?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on September 02, 2008, 05:06:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  uhh, Obama blames his uh, staff, uh, again. . . . (http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=14C1FE2D-18FE-70B2-A86C1F7E6F83041C)
yeah, because his staff said a few things he preferred they didnt means he will choose just a horrible cabinet, nice try but a bit of a reach
 
 he chose people who took him from having no chance to be president to being pretty close to president, some pretty good choices
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 02, 2008, 05:15:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  uhh, Obama blames his uh, staff, uh, again. . . . (http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=14C1FE2D-18FE-70B2-A86C1F7E6F83041C)
yeah, because his staff said a few things he preferred they didnt means he will choose just a horrible cabinet, nice try but a bit of a reach
 
 he chose people who took him from having no chance to be president to being pretty close to president, some pretty good choices [/b]
you mean,  like these people? (http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/06/27/grim_proving_ground_for_obamas_housing_policy/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 02, 2008, 05:17:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
   
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  uhh, Obama blames his uh, staff, uh, again. . . . (http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=14C1FE2D-18FE-70B2-A86C1F7E6F83041C)
yeah, because his staff said a few things he preferred they didnt means he will choose just a horrible cabinet, nice try but a bit of a reach
 
 he chose people who took him from having no chance to be president to being pretty close to president, some pretty good choices [/b]
you mean,  like these people? (http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/06/27/grim_proving_ground_for_obamas_housing_policy/) [/b]
and that's all without mentioning austen goolsbee, wesley clark, samantha power, and tony mcpeak
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on September 02, 2008, 06:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
 and that's all without mentioning austen goolsbee, wesley clark, samantha power, and tony mcpeak
so this is about people who say what they are thinking and are deemed wrong because of the political climate rather than because of what they are saying? then totally, samantha power is an idiot, you win
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 02, 2008, 06:53:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
 and that's all without mentioning austen goolsbee, wesley clark, samantha power, and tony mcpeak
so this is about people who say what they are thinking and are deemed wrong because of the political climate rather than because of what they are saying? then totally, samantha power is an idiot, you win [/b]
no, this is about people that obama has relied on for advice and are out there "speaking on his behalf," and who then say something controversial (goolsbee on nafta, power on israel, clark on mccain, mcpeak on iraq, among other things), then obama has to come out and say they aren't speaking for him, and then they get shuffled away.  in other words, there is in fact a clear history of obama having staffers and other surrogates go out there and then have to have obama come out and distance himself from them.  while these people may not be "incompetent," their viewpoints can surely be questioned, especially with the number of instances where obama has had to backtrack.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on September 02, 2008, 08:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
 no, this is about people that obama has relied on for advice and are out there "speaking on his behalf," and who then say something controversial (goolsbee on nafta, power on israel, clark on mccain, mcpeak on iraq, among other things), then obama has to come out and say they aren't speaking for him, and then they get shuffled away.  in other words, there is in fact a clear history of obama having staffers and other surrogates go out there and then have to have obama come out and distance himself from them.  while these people may not be "incompetent," their viewpoints can surely be questioned, especially with the number of instances where obama has had to backtrack.
i think its more about the stupid feigned outrage people have over every comment made, there was absolutely nothing wrong with what Wesley Clark said, the reaction made it wrong, its the same reason McCain thinks POW excuses everything
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 02, 2008, 08:31:00 pm
Since I'm in LA for my fantasy football draft, I'm going to ignore the political conversation for a day and share a travel story...
 
 So I'm getting on my flight and I walk past the emergency aisle that I elected not to spend the extra $15 on for a seat.  Sure enough there's a hot Euro chick sitting in the seat next to the seat I pased up.  Damn it!
 
 So as I walk to my seat and check the amount of cash i have to try to buy the seat, two smoking hot blondes are walking towards my row.  What are the chances?  It was certainly my lucky day as Sarah and Lindsay took up the other two seats in my row and were heading to LA for a performance.  They're dancers.  Legitimate dancers, that is.   And we had some bubbly to celebrate their upcoming breakout performance. Good luck ladies - smackie's rooting for you, even if the amount of bubbly jeopardizes his fantasy prowess.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 03, 2008, 02:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  i think its more about the stupid feigned outrage people have over every comment made, there was absolutely nothing wrong with what Wesley Clark said, the reaction made it wrong, its the same reason McCain thinks POW excuses everything
then perhaps obama should be more supportive of their positions, instead of throwing them under the bus and saying they don't speak for me. . .it just seems to me again and again that surrogates and staffers do something, people react, and obama comes in and says they messed up and/or they don't speak for me.  he may well rely on some very competent people, but he doesn't do a very good job of supporting them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on September 03, 2008, 02:45:00 pm
and McCain does do a good job of supporting his people who go "off message"?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
   
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  i think its more about the stupid feigned outrage people have over every comment made, there was absolutely nothing wrong with what Wesley Clark said, the reaction made it wrong, its the same reason McCain thinks POW excuses everything
then perhaps obama should be more supportive of their positions, instead of throwing them under the bus and saying they don't speak for me. . .it just seems to me again and again that surrogates and staffers do something, people react, and obama comes in and says they messed up and/or they don't speak for me.  he may well rely on some very competent people, but he doesn't do a very good job of supporting them. [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 03, 2008, 03:10:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by brennser:
  and McCain does do a good job of supporting his people who go "off message"?
 
i don't know.  i'm simply questioning pollard's statement about obama hiring competent people.
 
 are there policy questions that should have a reasonable discussion- yes.  And to pollard's other point about the reaction, i agree with that.  but, obama appears to have a tendency to blame others (either by "misrepresenting" him or not speaking for him) and not himself for hiring them in the first place.  after all, they must have something in common with obama for him to have even been listening to them in the first place, right?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on September 03, 2008, 03:48:00 pm
thats some pretty convoluted logic on your part - to take 3 or 4 isolated examples and use it to say he hasn't hired competent people
 
 first off I think pollard is referring to the fact that reps and dems alike are pretty impressed with the campaign apparatus he has put together, few leaks, stays on message etc etc - compare and contrast with the campaign machinations of the just about anyone else in this years race, McCain, Clinton, Thompson, Giulani
 
 this stuff doesn't happen by accident, it all starts at the top and so I think Obama deserves a lot of credit for both running a tight ship and hiring competent people
 
 In such a huge campaign you're always going to have verbal gaffes, people thinking they are off the record etc etc and fuck-ups are inevitable.....those fuck-ups are then inevitably blown way out of proportion by a salivating 24 hour news cycle - ok so samantha power called hill the pill a monster - is that really as bad or even worse than McCain chuckling with glee as someone referred to Hillary as a bitch?
 
 McCain did prety much the exact same thing with Phil Gramm and the whiners comment and John Goodman and the "we have no uninsured because there are ERs" comment
 
 how many campaign managers and other senior has mccain hired and fired over the last 18 months? Versus Obama? what does that say about their relative tendency to blame others?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
   
Quote
Originally posted by brennser:
  and McCain does do a good job of supporting his people who go "off message"?
 
i don't know.  i'm simply questioning pollard's statement about obama hiring competent people.
 
 are there policy questions that should have a reasonable discussion- yes.  And to pollard's other point about the reaction, i agree with that.  but, obama appears to have a tendency to blame others (either by "misrepresenting" him or not speaking for him) and not himself for hiring them in the first place.  after all, they must have something in common with obama for him to have even been listening to them in the first place, right? [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 03, 2008, 03:53:00 pm
September 3, 2008
 Op-Ed Columnist
 And Then There Was One (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/03/opinion/03friedman.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin)
 By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
 
 
 As we emerge from Labor Day, college students are gathering back on campuses not only to start the fall semester, but also, in some cases, to vote for the first time in a presidential election. There is no bigger issue on campuses these days than environment/energy. Going into this election, I thought that â?? for the first time â?? we would have a choice between two â??greenâ?ť candidates. That view is no longer operative â?? and college students (and everyone else) need to understand that.
 
 With his choice of Sarah Palin â?? the Alaska governor who has advocated drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and does not believe mankind is playing any role in climate change â?? for vice president, John McCain has completed his makeover from the greenest Republican to run for president to just another representative of big oil.
 
 Given the fact that Senator McCain deliberately avoided voting on all eight attempts to pass a bill extending the vital tax credits and production subsidies to expand our wind and solar industries, and given his support for lowering the gasoline tax in a reckless giveaway that would only promote more gasoline consumption and intensify our addiction to oil, and given his desire to make more oil-drilling, not innovation around renewable energy, the centerpiece of his energy policy â?? in an effort to mislead voters that support for drilling today would translate into lower prices at the pump today â?? McCain has forfeited any claim to be a green candidate.
 
 So please, students, when McCain comes to your campus and flashes a few posters of wind turbines and solar panels, ask him why he has been AWOL when it came to Congress supporting these new technologies.
 
 â??Back in June, the Republican Party had a round-up,â?ť said Carl Pope, the executive director of the Sierra Club. â??One of the unbranded cattle â?? a wizened old maverick name John McCain â?? finally got roped. Then they branded him with a big â??Lazy Oâ?? â?? George Bushâ??s brand, where the O stands for oil. No more maverick.
 
 â??One of McCainâ??s last independent policies putting him at odds with Bush was his opposition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,â?ť added Pope, â??yet he has now picked a running mate who has opposed holding big oil accountable and been dismissive of alternative energy while focusing her work on more oil drilling in a wildlife refuge and off of our coasts. While the northern edge of her state literally falls into the rising Arctic Ocean, Sarah Palin says, â??The jury is still out on global warming.â?? Sheâ??s the one hanging the jury â?? and John McCain is going to let her.â?ť
 
 Indeed, Palinâ??s much ballyhooed confrontations with the oil industry have all been about who should get more of the windfall profits, not how to end our addiction.
 
 Barack Obama should be doing more to promote his green agenda, but at least he had the courage, in the heat of a Democratic primary, not to pander to voters by calling for a lifting of the gasoline tax. And while he has come out for a limited expansion of offshore drilling, he has refrained from misleading voters that this is in any way a solution to our energy problems.
 
 I am not against a limited expansion of off-shore drilling now. But it is a complete sideshow. By constantly pounding into voters that his energy focus is to â??drill, drill, drill,â?ť McCain is diverting attention from what should be one of the central issues in this election: who has the better plan to promote massive innovation around clean power technologies and energy efficiency.
 
 Why? Because renewable energy technologies â?? what I call â??E.T.â?ť â?? are going to constitute the next great global industry. They will rival and probably surpass â??I.T.â?ť â?? information technology. The country that spawns the most E.T. companies will enjoy more economic power, strategic advantage and rising standards of living. We need to make sure that is America. Big oil and OPEC want to make sure it is not.
 
 Palinâ??s nomination for vice president and her desire to allow drilling in the Alaskan wilderness â??reminded me of a lunch I had three and half years ago with one of the Russian trade attachĂ©s,â?ť global trade consultant Edward Goldberg said to me. â??After much wine, this gentleman told me that his country was very pleased that the Bush administration wanted to drill in the Alaskan wilderness. In his opinion, the amount of product one could actually derive from there was negligible in terms of needs. However, it signified that the Bush administration was not planning to do anything to create alternative energy, which of course would threaten the economic growth of Russia.â?ť
 
 So, college students, donâ??t let anyone tell you that on the issue of green, this election is not important. It is vitally important, and the alternatives could not be more black and white.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 03, 2008, 04:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by brennser:
  thats some pretty convoluted logic on your part - to take 3 or 4 isolated examples and use it to say he hasn't hired competent people
 
 first off I think pollard is referring to the fact that reps and dems alike are pretty impressed with the campaign apparatus he has put together, few leaks, stays on message etc etc - compare and contrast with the campaign machinations of the just about anyone else in this years race, McCain, Clinton, Thompson, Giulani
 
 this stuff doesn't happen by accident, it all starts at the top and so I think Obama deserves a lot of credit for both running a tight ship and hiring competent people
 
 In such a huge campaign you're always going to have verbal gaffes, people thinking they are off the record etc etc and fuck-ups are inevitable.....those fuck-ups are then inevitably blown way out of proportion by a salivating 24 hour news cycle - ok so samantha power called hill the pill a monster - is that really as bad or even worse than McCain chuckling with glee as someone referred to Hillary as a bitch?
 
 McCain did prety much the exact same thing with Phil Gramm and the whiners comment and John Goodman and the "we have no uninsured because there are ERs" comment
 
no, i and the politico article listed a few more than 4 or 5. . .at some point a trend starts to develop.  the boston globe article noted a few more.  and these aren't primarily the off-the-record type of events and verbal gaffes.  these are people that he has aligned himself with, people he has hired to inform his campaign, people that he has relied on, and when they become a problem he all of sudden ejects them.  let's not forget what he did to his grandmother and jeremiah wright.  when they become policially inexpedient, he dumps them.
 
 of course, that's what happens during a campaign.  you try to control the narrative, and you give a speech saying how they don't speak for you and whatnot, and people move on.  what i'm getting at is this ultimately shows that the obama campaign is fundamentally no different than any other campaign, despite the media and his supporters' best efforts.  he is not a different type of politician- he's just another politician trying to get your vote.
 
 btw, phil gramm was right- we are a nation of whiners.  much like the much beloved obama advisors, the reaction is what got him fired, not the statement.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 04, 2008, 08:06:00 am
When the Vansmack's and the Venerable's go wine tasting in Napa or Sonoma, Smackie likes to play a game called count the minorities.  The rules are simple: count every minority you see who is not working (ie, no limo drivers and no harvesters).  In many 8 hour trips, the highest I've gotten to is 4.  After three+ hours of the 20K people at the RNC last night, I got to 3, not counting Lynn Swann, whom I've never really thought of as black. Or Republican.
 
 For all the charges of Elitism thrown in the direction of the Dems, how an Ivy League education or community organizer became a punchline is beyond me.
 
 When watching a convention, you anticipate a lot of digs of the other party and their candidate.  Unlike Smackette who walked out occassionally, I actually enjoyed most of them.  But the one chant that had me banging my head against the coffee table last night was the "Drill, Baby, Drill" chant. For every conservative who's quick to point out that there's not enough farm land in America to produce enough ethanol to meet America's fuel demand, how they so blatantly ignore the fact that there's not enough American oil to meet America's fuel demand either continues to baffle me.  The idea that America can one day no longer be reliant on Foreign oil is a misnomer.  The only way this would be possible is for America to no longer be dependent on oil at all.  I'm all for states deciding on their own to allow for drilling off their coasts - if CA wants to be smart enough to say no because it only puts off the inevitable, they should have that right.  If FL wants to reap in taxes from oil companies to shore up their economic woes, fine.  But the real chant should be pump, baby, pump, not drill, baby, drill.  If you want to make an impact now, you have to pump now because the new drilling won't have any effect on supply (or price) for 10 years.  Any new drilling should be contingent on a portion of the proftis being used to find alternatives, lest we put our selves right back in this position 10 years from now with no new drilling opportunities. At a minimum, the drilling should be contingent on renewing the tax subsidies for investing in renewable energies like wind and solar powers.  The Republican's are putting too much emphasis on drilling, ignoring the real problem of overall dependence on oil, and it would be a shame for America if it were a winning argument in this election.
 
 I thought Governor Palin did an excellent job with her prepared remarks.  Even her attacks were done with quite a bit of charm and I see that working quite well against Biden.  While I disagreed with much of the content on energy, it was delivered with such confidence that you can tell she has command of the subject.  That was in stark contrast to her delivery of remarks on Foreign Policy. They were delivered in a much different tone and demeanor, way too clearly being read, and seemed forced.  It will be interesting to see how she does on her feet against the press corps on the campaign trail and in a debate when she's not reading from a teleprompter.  Her grabbing Trig at the first chance she could for the photo op reassured my theory that they had hoped to keep Bristol's bump quiet a little longer then they were able to - remember at the announcement of Palin as the VP choice, Trig never left Bristol's arms (nor did the odd blanket leave her chest), which I thought odd because it missed a great chance for a photo opp.  Well, we found out why...
 
 Nonetheless, the Republican's had to be pleased with last night - right up until McCain walked out with the mic and said maybe two words before akwardly standing out there with the mic not knowing what to do with millions of people watching.  How about you tell people how excited you are and that you'll be back tomorrow night?  Aamzing...
 
 Was I the only one who kept thinking any minute now she's going to say "Live, from New York, it's Saturday Night!" ?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 04, 2008, 12:23:00 pm
BTW - the new Dell Netbook came out today at $349.
 
 Meet the Inspiron Mini 9 (http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop-inspiron-9?cs=19&s=dhs&ref=homepg)
 
 Mine is currently configured at $409.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 04, 2008, 12:29:00 pm
still with the xp?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 04, 2008, 01:41:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  still with the xp?
Which machine?  I'm ordering my netbook with Linux and doing my own XP install, saving $50.  I put that $50 into more RAM and the bigger SSD.  I'm still debating bluetooth for syncing my HTC Touch Diamond, whenever that comes out.   You won't find a netbook powerful enugh to run Vista (putting all the Vista recommended hardware into the machine would put it well above nebook prices).  The rest of my computers at home are XP or Windows Home Server.
 
 I suppose if I wanted a ultra-portable vista based laptop I'd go with the Latitude E4200, but I suspect when it gets released it will be over $1000.
 
 My desktop at work is now Vista (Dell Studio Hybrid), and I'm liking it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 04, 2008, 01:46:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  When the Vansmack's and the Venerable's go wine tasting in Napa or Sonoma, Smackie likes to play a game called count the minorities.  The rules are simple: count every minority you see who is not working (ie, no limo drivers and no harvesters).  In many 8 hour trips, the highest I've gotten to is 4.  After three+ hours of the 20K people at the RNC last night, I got to 3, not counting Lynn Swann, whom I've never really thought of as black. Or Republican.
 
wife got to 8. . .cnn had 4 on their various panels though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 04, 2008, 01:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  still with the xp?
Which machine?  I'm ordering my netbook with Linux and doing my own XP install, saving $50.  I put that $50 into more RAM and the bigger SSD.  I'm still debating bluetooth for syncing my HTC Touch Diamond, whenever that comes out.   You won't find a netbook powerful enugh to run Vista (putting all the Vista recommended hardware into the machine would put it well above nebook prices).  The rest of my computers at home are XP or Windows Home Server.
 
 I suppose if I wanted a ultra-portable vista based laptop I'd go with the Latitude E4200, but I suspect when it gets released it will be over $1000.
 
 My desktop at work is now Vista (Dell Studio Hybrid), and I'm liking it. [/b]
the 'larger hard drive' model i guess.
 
 i am waiting for a full smackie review on this with some interest, truth be told
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 04, 2008, 01:55:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  wife got to 8. . .cnn had 4 on their various panels though.
There were a lot of repeats, but I will admit to not paying much attention to the screen while Rudy was delivering his stand up act - what an odd speech that was.
 
 I'm surprised you weren't watching the Fox News telecast.  Wanted to  see the "hot chick" in HD?  Speaking of which, if a Dem had that button on, he surely would be accused of being sexist.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 04, 2008, 02:01:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  wife got to 8. . .cnn had 4 on their various panels though.
There were a lot of repeats, but I will admit to not paying much attention to the screen while Rudy was delivering his stand up act - what an odd speech that was.
 [/b]
wife paid attention and noted that the same black guy and asian guy came up quite often.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 04, 2008, 02:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  wife paid attention and noted that the same black guy and asian guy came up quite often.
Yes, I referred to them as token and to-kin.
 
 Were you counting the classes?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 04, 2008, 02:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  the 'larger hard drive' model i guess.
 
 i am waiting for a full smackie review on this with some interest, truth be told
So what you're saying is that, for the good of the board, I should go for the $424 XP model and get it this week instead of waiting for Sept 16?
 
 Or should I hold out for the Linux model, use it for a day, review it, then put XP on it after the 16th?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 04, 2008, 02:35:00 pm
i am more interested in the linux model   :D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 04, 2008, 04:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i am more interested in the linux model    :D  
When I worked through my order for the Linux model, I was given an estimated ship date of October 9.  Given that I have an excessive amount of travel slated for October, I may not be able to wait that long, but I'll call Dell and find out what the hang up is.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 04, 2008, 04:40:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  There were a lot of repeats, but I will admit to not paying much attention to the screen while Rudy was delivering his stand up act - what an odd speech that was.
 
btw, i also didn't quite get rudy's speech.  i thought some of it was good, but most of it was just ok.  i thought huckabee's speech was excellent, and forced me to remind myself that he's so wrong on a lot of stuff that i would never vote for him.  
 
 btw, i think cnn got some memo yesterday because during huckabee's speech about the veterans, they stayed focused on one veteran who started crying during that part, and, inexplicably, wolf blitzer asked everyone to stand during the gretchen wilson, cowboy troy, john rich version of the national anthem.
 
 and i saw both kinds of class- middle and upper.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 04, 2008, 04:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  and i saw both kinds of class- middle and upper.
You know there's a third, right?  Nevermind...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 04, 2008, 07:40:00 pm
I doubt any of you care, but I have a family member blogging from the RNC for the Orange County Register.  Check it out if you've got nothing else to do (or need further proof that my whole family is long winded like smackie):
 
 Pin the Tale on the Elephant (http://totalbuzz.freedomblogging.com/category/presidential-election/aitken-at-rnc/)
 
 You'll get some gems like this...
 
 
Quote
Each speaker spoke to the vast experience of Palin, which created a dilemma for the convention planners since it caused the program to end 2 hours sooner than planned. Letâ??s be perfectly clear, she is over 35, she was born in the United States and is a US citizen, so pursuant to the constitution she is qualified. Throw in that she was a mayor of town of less than 10k people and you are on a real roll. Lets face it, the real victim in this whole situation is Curt Pringle [Mayor of Anaheim], who was passed over for VP, presumably on the basis that as a mayor of a city of over 300 thousand people he is patently overqualified.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 08, 2008, 04:35:00 pm
This is one of those "now how in the hell did I not think of that" idea's....
 
 Mad Catz Shipd first ever Rock Band bass guitar (http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080908005227&newsLang=en)
 
 That's not the important part.  How about a split strum bar for fast repeating bass notes?  F'in brilliant!
 
 Pictures here. (http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/08/mad-catz-intros-fender-precision-bass-for-rock-band/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 09, 2008, 05:04:00 pm
Because my biggest complaint about the old iPod Touch was that it was too thick....
 
 Anyhow, they're cashing out on the old ones - if you don't need to add Nike+ and aren't alarmed at the thickness:
 
 
 16GB for $240
 32GB for $320
  (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?sf=wHF2F2PHCCCX72KDY&nclm=Certified)
 
 Otherwise, get the new one for:
 
 8GB $229
 16GB $299
 32GB $399
 I was going to review iTunes 8 but this Genius stuff has completely halted my machine.  I recommend running it over night.  I was pleased to see they added the Grid View - that's one thing I missed about WMP.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 09, 2008, 05:07:00 pm
is there any reason that yahoo fantasy football stat tracker would not work on the itouch? its not flash right?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 09, 2008, 05:17:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  is there any reason that yahoo fantasy football stat tracker would not work on the itouch? its not flash right?
It is Flash (7).  And that's your answer.  If I remember correctly, you can switch player changes to JAVA and that will work, but the stat-tracker moved to Flash last year (for both football and baseball).  Last year you could use either JAVA or Flash, but not any more.
 
 It does work on my WinMo 6.1 though. Hehe.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 09, 2008, 05:22:00 pm
SHIT. doubt i'm getting a itouch then
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 10, 2008, 02:40:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  September 3, 2008
 Op-Ed Columnist
 And Then There Was One (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/03/opinion/03friedman.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin)
 By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
 
no friedman this  week (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/10/opinion/10friedman.html)?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2008, 02:55:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  no friedman this  week (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/10/opinion/10friedman.html)?
I hadn't read it yet this morning, but thank you.  As usual, I agree and disagree with Tom (we're on that level now, BTW).  
 
 The first thing Obama needs to do is hire some really smart and energetic people to be his local representatives amd start mobilizing that energy that carried through the primary victory.  The lull of the primary victory is over, and it's time to finish this off.  But be careful - this election is not won in early Sept - it's won in early October.  I like the strategy of letting the Repubs have their moment now.  I like the strategy of pointing out that we still don't know who Sarah Palin is.  I like the strategy of attacking the Republican spin machine without apology.  Put the emphasis on them while they've got the spotlight.
 
 That being said, I really liked his energy in the comments this morning.  I'm starting to see that fire again.  That's not good news for the Repubs, because we all saw McCain's speech...the fire did not come off as genuine because he doesn't know how to use a teleprompter.  The debates might actually matter this year, and I like my chances in a debate.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2008, 09:14:00 pm
Just a quick shout out to the 2008 AL West Champion Angels.  Yep, it's September 10.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 11, 2008, 11:51:00 am
<img src="http://www.harmony-central.com/ProductImages/Medium/000044861.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 I'm thinking group purchase for the board....
 
 ION announces that it is now shipping its LP 2 FLASH turntable (http://news.harmony-central.com/Newp/2008/Ion-LP-2-FLASH-Turntable-Now-Shipping-.html), which records vinyl records directly to USB thumb drives, SD cards and computers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 11, 2008, 12:47:00 pm
price?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 11, 2008, 01:17:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  price?
ÂŁ130 ($228), but I'm not certain it's available stateside.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 11, 2008, 01:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Just a quick shout out to the 2008 AL West Champion Angels.  Yep, it's September 10.
given how weak their division was, i'm surprised it took them this long.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 11, 2008, 02:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  given how weak their division was, i'm surprised it took them this long.
Geez, tough crowd.  Fastest in AL West history and 5th fastest in the history of Baseball's 162 game season and the first reply is "what took you so long?"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on September 11, 2008, 09:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  price?
ÂŁ130 ($228), but I'm not certain it's available stateside. [/b]
Oh, man! Just what I need.
 
 Of course, we'd also need compatible electrical converters.
 
 If anyone gets one, please let us know how it is. I'm concerned about the needle and what all it might pick up besides the intended audio.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 12, 2008, 02:58:00 pm
Xenia, Ohio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenia,_Ohio)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 12, 2008, 03:03:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Xenia, Ohio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenia,_Ohio)
i hear they've got a great burger king there.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 12, 2008, 03:28:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  i hear they've got a great burger king there.
Is that all we hear?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2008, 12:03:00 pm
Whoa!  Even I didn't see this one coming...
 
 Best Buy to Aquire Napster for $121 Million (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122148359646535989.html?mod=yahoo_hs&ru=yahoo)
 By AJA CARMICHAEL
 September 15, 2008 9:12 a.m.
 
 
 Best Buy Inc. has agreed to buy Napster Inc. for $121 million, a deal that the consumer-electronics giant said it will use to reach new customers.
 
 The deal, which includes $67 million of cash and short-term investments on Napster's books, values the provider of digital music at $2.65 a share, nearly double Friday's closing price of $1.36.
 
 The acquisition, which is set to close in the fourth quarter, includes Napster's 700,000 digital entertainment subscribers, Web-based customer-service platform and mobile capabilities.
 
 "Best Buy intends to use Napster's capabilities and digital subscriber base to reach new customers with an enhanced experience for exploring and selecting music and other digital entertainment products over an increasing array of devices," said Best Buy President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Dunn.
 
 Best Buy has been expanding its wireless products and services, rolling out cellphone departments to all of its U.S. stores. In May, the consumer electronics retailer paid $2.1 billion to form a joint venture with U.K.-based Carphone Warehouse Group PLC.
 
 Napster said Chief Executive Chris Gorog and the company's senior executives will remain in their posts. The company does not plan to relocate its Los Angeles headquarters.
 
 In late May, Napster began selling songs in the unrestricted MP3 format, a move the company hoped would bolster its position against Apple Inc.'s iTunes and Amazon.com Inc.'s online store. Napster also continued selling restricted tracks via its subscription service.
 
 Shares of Best Buy fell 3.3% to $43.01 in premarket trading amid broad weakness caused by the weekend's unprecedented developments in the financial sector.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2008, 02:18:00 pm
So The Director and I are currently marvelling at how amazing the Video for ZZ Tops "Legs" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNvOPN1LoQ4) has held up over time.  It should be a crappy 80's video, but has remarkably stood the test of time, despite clearly being filmed in a Jersey strip mall.
 
 It's also a little known fact that the guy who plays the cook and hero in the blue hooded vest is, in fact, GGW.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2008, 05:04:00 pm
Venerable was kind enough to share this with me, and it's a really good article (despite my personal feelings about Mr. Hitchens).  
 
 My only point of contention is how he spins this as a potential problem for liberals and Obama at the end.  This is exactly what those familiar with Foreign Policy and National Security but opposed to the Iraq war have been warning against from day one, and that's exactly how I would sell it.  
 
 We could have avoided the upcoming Pakistan-Afghanistan war if we had stayed the course and not been distracted by the Iraq war - which has proved fruitless on the war on terror and keeping the price of oil down.  It's not more war necessarily, it's further war that could have been unecessary but for the neo-con strategy to weaken the attack on Al Qaeda and invade Iraq, where Al Qaeda was not present until after the invasion.
 
 Pakistan Is the Problem (http://www.slate.com/id/2200134/)
 And Barack Obama seems to be the only candidate willing to face it.
 By Christopher Hitchens
 Posted Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, at 12:04 PM ET
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 16, 2008, 04:59:00 pm
a thing sweetcell is fairly certain smackie will want to know (http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/16/people.megan.fox.ap/index.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 16, 2008, 06:00:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  a thing sweetcell is fairly certain smackie will want to know (http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/16/people.megan.fox.ap/index.html)
Please, who hasn't been in love with a stripper at one time or another.  I want to know what you did with that love.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 18, 2008, 04:22:00 pm
slightly disappointing news about the HTC Dream: same price as iPhone (http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN1749326420080918).  despite its potentially better features and software, it'll be hard to catch up to the iPhone's first-mover advantage.  a lower price would have helped.  i'm not convinced that the pricing on T-Mobile's data packages is going to be that much better than AT&T's.
 
     
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 Please, who hasn't been in love with a stripper at one time or another.  I want to know what you did with that love.
according to the article, she did quite a bit... persued her, had a relationship with her.  i'm not sure my brain can handle the full details.  might explode.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 18, 2008, 04:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  a thing sweetcell is fairly certain smackie will want to know (http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/16/people.megan.fox.ap/index.html)
Please, who hasn't been in love with a stripper at one time or another.  I want to know what you did with that love. [/b]
but what is one of smackie's rules about strippers?  stay away from the russians.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 18, 2008, 05:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  slightly disappointing news about the HTC Dream: same price as iPhone (http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN1749326420080918).  despite its potentially better features and software, it'll be hard to catch up to the iPhone's first-mover advantage.  a lower price would have helped.  i'm not convinced that the pricing on T-Mobile's data packages is going to be that much better than AT&T's.
I've had my HTC Touch Diamond (http://www.htc.com/www/product.aspx?id=46278) for less than 24 hours but I'm already really impressed - without a doubt the best WinMo I've ever used.  I decided to not be part of first release software of Android as I'm now down to just one phone.  Tough to debug when it's your only means of communication.
 
 I couldn't hold out for the HTC Touch HD, (http://www.htc.com/www/product.aspx?id=64790) but I'm quite certain that will be the next phone for Smackette.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 19, 2008, 03:33:00 pm
Casual readers,
 
 I have clearly been derelict of my duties to update and inform on all that is important in the world today.   There have been incredible developments in Pakistan that I just havenâ??t found time to write aboutâ?¦
 
 Time I would normally have spent putting my thoughts together for lectures or publications that I share here has been spent on the upcoming election, but I will no longer be spending my spare time on the election.  I will spend every waking moment on the election.
 
 Starting next week, I have been asked to join the Obama campaign full time and will soon take a 6 week leave from my job to work in Ohio.  I wonâ??t be posting here during that time, but I look forward to sharing a lot of my experiences when I return November 6.  If you wish to contact me to see how you can help out or get my thoughts on something, you can send me an email vansmack@msn.com.
 
 And Most importantly â?? vote on Nov 4.  Itâ??s none of my business who you vote for, but please take the time to research the issues and make an informed decision about who youâ??d like to have lead this country for the next 4 years.  Weâ??re never going to all agree on the solutions, but if we all take the time to understand the issues and compare each candidates policies, weâ??ll find a lot more unity than we think.
 
 Go Angels!
 
 Smackie
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 19, 2008, 03:38:00 pm
woah good luck.
 
 what part of ohio?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on September 19, 2008, 04:08:00 pm
thats awesome smackie!! congrats - should we expect to see you as sec of education when Barry wins?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on September 19, 2008, 04:13:00 pm
This is half a step above spending 6 weeks of your life rallying the Hitler Youth Army. I'm so glad I live in a "swing" state and you idiots don't.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 19, 2008, 04:17:00 pm
i live in the same state as you
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on September 19, 2008, 04:19:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  i live in the same state as you
Yeah, but since you're an Obama supporter, I'm sure you'll be distracted by the November 3rd kegger and too hung over to vote. Or alternately, write in "Colbert/Stewart 08."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 19, 2008, 04:23:00 pm
being so close to hunting season, wont all of you mccain supporters be distracted as well
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 20, 2008, 01:07:00 pm
are most mccain supporters literate enough to check the right box?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on September 20, 2008, 01:10:00 pm
They're intelligent enough not to vote for a guy whose entire experience in national politics consists of showing up for approximately 140 days of Senate service and 550+ days of campaigning for office.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 20, 2008, 03:32:00 pm
right then, now that the mud has been flung, can we get back to focusing on how cool it is that smackie is actually doing something to move democracy forward instead of just talking about it, like we are here on this bboard?
 
 hope you have a good time, smax, and let's hope that ohio goes blue!  can't wait to hear of your tales from the front lines.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on September 20, 2008, 03:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  can we get back to focusing on how cool it is that smackie is actually doing something to move democracy forward
Trying to elect an unqualified celebrity who will ruin our nation and the Democratic Party isn't going to move democracy forward. In fact, its the greatest abuse to democracy a society can take part in. No one should be proud of him.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on September 21, 2008, 09:56:00 am
I sometimes wonder whether Julian's period is in-sync with Hillary's.
 
 Either way, have fun smackie!
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Julian, certified WEBLEBRITY:
   
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  can we get back to focusing on how cool it is that smackie is actually doing something to move democracy forward
Trying to elect an unqualified celebrity who will ruin our nation and the Democratic Party isn't going to move democracy forward. In fact, its the greatest abuse to democracy a society can take part in. No one should be proud of him. [/b]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 22, 2008, 08:43:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Julian, certified WEBLEBRITY:
  Trying to elect an unqualified celebrity who will ruin our nation and the Democratic Party isn't going to move democracy forward. In fact, its the greatest abuse to democracy a society can take part in. No one should be proud of him.
you mean palin? i think shes a girl, mr weblebrity
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on September 24, 2008, 10:55:00 am
smackie--
 
 so i'm looking into more home networking / media extender stuff, although i don't think i'm ready yet for the network-attached storage option that you've gone with
 
 here's my basic setup:
 
 in an upstairs den i have a desktop with vista home premium (windows media center-capable) and 19" and 22" widescreen monitors (the 22" will also be hooked up to an HD directv receiver) ... i also just bought this d-link wireless-n/gigabit router  (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127215) to sit in that den
 
 so in the living room downstairs i'll have my DLP and home theater system hooked up to a directv HD-DVR, and i'd like to be able to stream video/music/photos/etc to this system from my desktop upstairs ... i haven't looked that much into the directv DVR capabilities, but it doesn't look like it will handle everything i need (specifically video)
 
 i know you've recommmended the   popcorn hour (http://www.popcornhour.com/onlinestore/index.php?pluginoption=catalog&task=info&item_id=6&main_id=0&category_id=) and xbox360 ... my friend is giving me a really hard sell on PS3, says that using it as a media extender with a program like tversity (http://tversity.com/) is just as good as the xbox experience
 
 it's going to come down for me to getting the most bang for my buck ... it seems like basic media extenders like popcorn hour and others are in the $200-300 range, while i can get an xbox360 for $299 and a PS3 for $399 ... while i'm not a hardcore gamer, i have ~20 old PS2 games and i tool around on PC games sometimes, i'd definitely make use of a gaming system ... so i'd probably end up getting an xbox360 or ps3 over a dedicated media extender
 
 one big question i have about xbox360 is its lack of wireless connectivity ... i may end up going with a wired connection with my desktop anyway to better stream HD content, but i'm a bit put off that i would have to buy an $80 wireless adapter for the xbox ... are there cheaper xbox wireless options?  could i add a gigabit card to the xbox?
 
 the main thing holding me back from the PS3 is price ($100 more than xbox), and concern that the media extender experience may not be as smooth as the xbox ... do you or anyone else have any experience with using the PS3 as a media extender?
 
 one thing that i do like about xbox v. ps3 is that you can play your own music in-game on the xbox, not so with ps3 ... but you obviously get blu-ray with PS3 ... i'm not totally sold yet on blu-ray, but it will be nice to have going forward
 
 not apropos to the networking issue ... i'm also thinking about selling the 22" upstairs and getting this 28" beast (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254026) (it's amazing how much the cost of big monitors has come down), but i'll probably wait until x-mas sales to do something drastic like that
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2008, 12:39:00 pm
Hoya, I'll get to your's in a little while.
 
 For those of you in Baltimore:
 
  <img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/09/9-24-08-baltimore-wimax.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 http://www.xohm.com/xohm_signup.html (http://www.xohm.com/xohm_signup.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2008, 02:14:00 pm
Hoya,
 
 Welcome back to DirecTV.  Before you buy anything, test your HR20. Improvements are being made weekly and it also works with Tversity.  If you'd like to be part of the community improving tversity on the HR20, send me a PM/email.  The interface is not very slick, but it might meet your needs.  For the record, I don't use my HR20 but for beta-testing for DirecTV, and not because of limitations - it's just not as user friendly or as slick as the 360.  All the music we listen to in our main room is now from the server and it has to be user-friendly for smackette...
 
 I have yet to have a good experience with wireless HD, so if that's the hang up, I'd be more concerned about your network then your media device.  If you are unable to hookup your home theater system to a wired network, expect a decent amount of headache.  How far from the router is your system?  Even an N router one room over can be trouble - it sounds like yours is upstairs/downstairs so music should be fine, but HD movies are going to be tough.  Now, when I say HD, it all depneds on your source and if your source files are small (for example, most bit torrent under 4 GB is not full HD), then the G vs. N won't matter much.
 
 The Xbox vs. Ps3 debate is really a preference of games - nothing more, nothing less.  There are pros and cons to both systems, but I'll tell you my thoughts on both.
 
 First, the wireless in the PS3 is G and I don't recommend it for streaming HD, though it should be fine for most video content.  But for $70 you can get a wireless N and still pay less for a wireless 360 than the PS3.  The user interfaces for both are about to be updated, so I wouldn't pay much attention to that right now - wait a month if you can and see what they come up with.  I can tell you this, the current Vista Media Center PC on the 360 is the best I've seen though (even smackette likes to use it, and she's not much of a techie at all).  If your source computer for most of your media is going to be a Vista MC PC, you should do yourself a favor and at least look at the Vista MC experience on the 360.  Who knows what they'll do to it next...
 
 I've discounted all tangible media in my equations, so I won't pay a premium for Blu-Ray (or HD-DVD).  I haven't purchased a DVD or CD in over a year, maybe two, relying solely on rental models and downloads.  The first company to allow for a $20 license for unlimited downloadable movies that expire (a Netflix meets Xbox Live Marketplace model) has my allegiance for the next 5 years...I agree with Sony, Blu-Ray's dead in 5 years.  It's already dead to me.  
 
 You cannot add a gigabit card to the 360, but I stream HD to the 360 from my server and it's fine with the 10/100 card (althoguh strangely, adding a gig router made a huge improvement).  Yes, I'd like the gig card for faster reading of large Db's (like 40K songs), but it's been fine without.
 
 As for the monitor, sweet.  Monitors are getting cheaper because TV's with tuners are now accepting PC's creating competition (and touch screens are the future in the 2009 Operating Systems so the price of non-touch monitors will continue to plummet).  It's nice, and as long as you have a digital source like cable or satellite, those are the way to go.  It should meet my $400 threashold shortly which means HD for the bedroom (I'm also holding out for Multi-room viewing with DirecTV before going HD in the bedroom).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on September 24, 2008, 03:18:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 Welcome back to DirecTV.  Before you buy anything, test your HR20. Improvements are being made weekly and it also works with Tversity.  If you'd like to be part of the community improving tversity on the HR20, send me a PM/email.  The interface is not very slick, but it might meet your needs.  For the record, I don't use my HR20 but for beta-testing for DirecTV, and not because of limitations - it's just not as user friendly or as slick as the 360.  All the music we listen to in our main room is now from the server and it has to be user-friendly for smackette...
interesting ... so i may be able to use the directv DVR to stream video from my vista desktop?  that would change everything (and open up some of my tech budget for that monitor...)
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 I have yet to have a good experience with wireless HD, so if that's the hang up, I'd be more concerned about your network then your media device.  If you are unable to hookup your home theater system to a wired network, expect a decent amount of headache.  How far from the router is your system?  Even an N router one room over can be trouble - it sounds like yours is upstairs/downstairs so music should be fine, but HD movies are going to be tough.  Now, when I say HD, it all depneds on your source and if your source files are small (for example, most bit torrent under 4 GB is not full HD), then the G vs. N won't matter much.
yeah it's an upstairs/downstairs setup, but the rooms are right on top of each other and each has windows, so it might be pretty easy to drop a cable down the side of the house
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 The Xbox vs. Ps3 debate is really a preference of games - nothing more, nothing less.  There are pros and cons to both systems, but I'll tell you my thoughts on both.
so everything the 360 can do in terms of media extender capabilities the PS3 can also handle?  it all just comes down to how slick the interfaces are?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 As for the monitor, sweet.  Monitors are getting cheaper because TV's with tuners are now accepting PC's creating competition (and touch screens are the future in the 2009 Operating Systems so the price of non-touch monitors will continue to plummet).  It's nice, and as long as you have a digital source like cable or satellite, those are the way to go.  It should meet my $400 threashold shortly which means HD for the bedroom (I'm also holding out for Multi-room viewing with DirecTV before going HD in the bedroom).
i use my 22" widescreen monitor right now as a bedroom TV (hooked up to a comcast HD-DVR) and i absolutely love it ... you can get one for ~$170 right now, which is pretty ridiculous ... 22" is a little small, but it works fine for the bedroom
 
 i don't see the benefit of buying a TV under 32" when you can get a monitor for similar prices ... seems like most TVs can't handle the resolution from PC input that monitors can (the 28" i linked to is 1900x1200, while most TVs give you 1366x768) ... if you ever want to hook a PC up to the TV/monitor and you have a cable/satellite box, why would you ever go with a sub-32" TV rather than a monitor?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2008, 04:23:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
  interesting ... so i may be able to use the directv DVR to stream video from my vista desktop?  
Yes, although the codecs can be limited. I've ripped all of my movies to file types that both the 360 and the HR20 can play.  But some downloaded movies can be problematic in terms of not being able to play certain codecs - it's trial and error really.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2008, 04:26:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
  yeah it's an upstairs/downstairs setup, but the rooms are right on top of each other and each has windows, so it might be pretty easy to drop a cable down the side of the house
Try the wireless solution and see if it meets your needs.  The Linksys-N gaming adapter can be used by both the 360 and the HR20 so you can try it on both.  If it's too slow, do a cable drop and sell the adapter - they're fairly popular.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2008, 04:31:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
  so everything the 360 can do in terms of media extender capabilities the PS3 can also handle?  it all just comes down to how slick the interfaces are?
Not necessarily.  A lot of it depends on your media server software (WMP 11, tversity, media tomb, etc) and each machine varies on which codecs it supports vs. which codecs your software supports.
 
 For example, a WMP11 movie served up by Windows XP Media Center cannot be played on my 360, however, if I copy the movie to a flash drive and plug it directly into the 360, it plays without a hitch.  You're going to run into this a lot with whichever media server software and media center hardware you get.  After you figure out what combinations work, though, and you start ripping to strictly those combinations, then it only comes down to interface.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2008, 04:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
 
 i don't see the benefit of buying a TV under 32" when you can get a monitor for similar prices ... seems like most TVs can't handle the resolution from PC input that monitors can (the 28" i linked to is 1900x1200, while most TVs give you 1366x768) ... if you ever want to hook a PC up to the TV/monitor and you have a cable/satellite box, why would you ever go with a sub-32" TV rather than a monitor?
Because some people still require a TV tuner.  We are fortunate enough to live in big metro areas where we are served with all our local channels in HD (except PBS).  But if you lived in rural Kansas, DirecTV or your cable company may not provide you with all of your local channels in HD.  
 
 In SF, our PBS is broadcast in HD, though HD is not available from DirecTV.  Comcast offers it in HD, but not the subchannels.  So with my TV with a tuner and an antenna I get our local PBS in HD and all the subchannels, which I don't get through DirecTV.  It's nice to have in the front room for the occasional Austin City Limits in HD, but probably not necessary in the bed room, where I would use a monitor.
 
 Some in high risk weather areas also use them if their signal goes out, though I've never had to.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 24, 2008, 04:50:00 pm
we dont get pbs in hd in dc, but we get like 3 of them in sd on dtv
 
 i think ive completely lost the signal once or twice, but the local hd channels go out a little more often
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on September 24, 2008, 04:59:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  we dont get pbs in hd in dc, but we get like 3 of them in sd on dtv
we get it on comcast ... channel 220 i think ... i love looking at jim lehrer's mug in HD every night ...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 24, 2008, 05:35:00 pm
on dtv in dc i meant. too many appreviations starting with d
 
 id love to see globe trekker in hd though
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2008, 05:47:00 pm
Is GT even shot in HD?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on September 24, 2008, 08:09:00 pm
Off topic a bit, but Verizon finally rolled out about 25 new HD channels in DC Metro, with more to come soon.
 
 I'm about 3 months into my 2nd go-round with Fios and extremely happy so far.  No plans to ditch.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on September 25, 2008, 10:47:00 am
22" monitor with TV tuner for $230 (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13845_3-10050776-58.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=TheCheapskate)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 25, 2008, 12:08:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by chaz:
  Off topic a bit, but Verizon finally rolled out about 25 new HD channels in DC Metro, with more to come soon.
 
 I'm about 3 months into my 2nd go-round with Fios and extremely happy so far.  No plans to ditch.
Verizon will NEVER be in my neighborhood - Market share is going to be an ongoing problem for them.  It's a repeat of the cable model all over again.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 25, 2008, 12:18:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Is GT even shot in HD?
who knows. it would be cool, though
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 25, 2008, 01:04:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  (3) And this last one is the most important -  with the massive advance in the market of Mobile Internet Devices (or ultra mobile PCs) with WiFi capability, like the iPhone, the iTouch, Samsungs Q1, mini-tablets and the "smaller than laptops but much better battery life" devices coming between $400 and $700 - very few people are going to fork out the cash for a oversized desktop at that price when they can have something sleek and portable that does 95% of what most folks use their desktop for today.
Nailed this...  And since my Dell Mini arrives this weekend (sorry shoeshine, but I had to get mine before I leave so it will be XP), I'd like to point out that 9 of the top 10 laptops sold on Amazon are netbooks and nearly all are around or under $400...
 
  <img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/09/age-of-netbooks.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 25, 2008, 01:08:00 pm
thats cool, still curious
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 27, 2008, 05:25:00 pm
Help us NKOTB, you're our only hope! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfqDVP_0O0c)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Vas Deferens on September 27, 2008, 06:09:00 pm
Nerds.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Help us NKOTB, you're our only hope! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfqDVP_0O0c)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 07, 2008, 09:56:00 am
Fuck.  The squeeze was the right call, it was simply poorly executed.  The funny part was Scioscia called the squeeze because the Halo's weren't hitting for shit with runners in scoring position all series, and couldn't execute their bread and butter either...painful to swallow. Horrible defense, 5000 runners left on base, 2 losses in the 9th and one extra inning win.  The 100 win season will mean nothing now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on October 07, 2008, 10:05:00 am
Wow, that's awesome!
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Help us NKOTB, you're our only hope! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfqDVP_0O0c)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on October 07, 2008, 10:23:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Fuck.  The squeeze was the right call, it was simply poorly executed.  The funny part was Scioscia called the squeeze because the Halo's weren't hitting for shit with runners in scoring position all series, and couldn't execute their bread and butter either...painful to swallow. Horrible defense, 5000 runners left on base, 2 losses in the 9th and one extra inning win.  The 100 win season will mean nothing now.
I honestly thought you were going to definitely score there and did not like the chances of going back to Anaheim. This year was definitely closer than 04 and 07.
   
   can we have K-Rod next year?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on October 07, 2008, 10:37:00 am
so, what hd, laptop, wifi media ready receiver do we use when all electricity is gone because our country is broke and has become a giant desert?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 07, 2008, 05:58:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 I couldn't hold out for the HTC Touch HD, (http://www.htc.com/www/product.aspx?id=64790) but I'm quite certain that will be the next phone for Smackette.
on the positive side, smax, you made the right decision.
 
 on the downsite... uh, you sitting down for this? HTC not bringing Touch HD to the States (http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/htc-not-bringing-touch-hd-to-the-states/).  idiots.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 07, 2008, 11:35:00 pm
BlackBerry's Storm Aims to Blow the iPhone Away (http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1847791,00.html)
 
 yes, i'm shopping for a new phone these days.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 08, 2008, 10:21:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  on the positive side, smax, you made the right decision.
 
 on the downsite... uh, you sitting down for this? HTC not bringing Touch HD to the States (http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/htc-not-bringing-touch-hd-to-the-states/).  idiots.
I expect that to change, but I doubt they will make a CDMA (Sprint/Verizon) version.  GSM only.
 
 I LOVE my Diamond, and most for all the reasons I probably wouldn't like the HD Touch - form factor.  The size is perfect for a male who keeps his phone in his pocket, but has every feature a phone should have.  If I was a chick and had a purse, I could see the HD Touch blowing the Diamond out of the water, but given how on the go I am, I'm loving the Diamond.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 08, 2008, 10:23:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by very sonick:
  can we have K-Rod next year?
Take him.  I don't believe in overpaying for saves.  I'd rather we spend the money on Teixiera and move Shields or Arredondo to closer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 30, 2008, 10:33:00 am
It's Time. (http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12516666&source=features_box1)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on October 30, 2008, 10:56:00 am
unsurprising giving their recent tone
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 30, 2008, 11:15:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 I LOVE my Diamond, and most for all the reasons I probably wouldn't like the HD Touch - form factor.  The size is perfect for a male who keeps his phone in his pocket, but has every feature a phone should have.  If I was a chick and had a purse, I could see the HD Touch blowing the Diamond out of the water, but given how on the go I am, I'm loving the Diamond.
i just got myself the "regular" HTC Touch and i'm loving it.  agreed that the size is just right - big enough for a decent screen, small enough for the pocket.
 
 couldn't justify spending $300+ on the diamond when i only have 10 months to go on my current sprint contract.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 30, 2008, 05:08:00 pm
you know smackie is one busy lad when there is no mention of The Beatles being added to the Rock Band series... i hope a cool hofner bass is under consideration
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 04, 2008, 11:05:00 pm
Yes we did.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 04, 2008, 11:07:00 pm
congrats on the all the hard work... having seen some of those eye opening videos from those early palin OH events, it must have been a tough assignment....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 05, 2008, 12:11:00 am
smax: tonight would not have been possible without volunteers like yourself.  i did a victory lap around my hotel room when i saw the ohio projection come up on the screen.  yes you did.
 
 smackie, on behalf of thedirector and myself, we extend to you our most heartfelt thanks and congratulations.  i'm not en emotional type, fam, but i'm wiping a tear right now.  this is historical.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on November 05, 2008, 12:16:00 am
we did indeed! you did more than most - just think the only thing that could  have made today better would have been a Liverpool loss  :)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on November 05, 2008, 12:21:00 am
group hug
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 06, 2008, 06:01:00 pm
now we know what smackie has been doing with all his loose change
 
   "Don't Stop Believing" top selling digital song - 2millon downloads (http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2008/11/the-top-selling.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 06, 2008, 11:24:00 pm
Thanks for all your well wishes.
 
 So I'm going to sleep for a little while then I'll be as open as I can about my experiences in Hamilton County, Ohio, which voted Blue for the first time since Kennedy - it really was the time of my life.  If you have any questions about the campaign feel free to ask them.
 
 I'm going to avoid the other political thread because, frankly, I'm tired of the discussion. We did what we set out to do and now it's time to focus on the future.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 07, 2008, 10:17:00 am
thats awesome
 
 now maybe we can get some footie discussion going
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on November 07, 2008, 10:49:00 am
ohhh., so thats where you were. I was wondering where you went the last couple weeks. Apparently i dont read this thread enough!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 07, 2008, 11:10:00 am
footie can come later, first i want to hear what it was like helping the campaign in OH.  what was a typical day like?  come across any dirty politicking?  how did the locals feel about getting all this outside attention?  what was the mood like inside the campaign office before nov 4, and on nov 4?  how hard did y'all party once OH went blue, and the outcome became apparent?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 07, 2008, 11:47:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by sweetcell:
  footie can come later
you take that back
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 07, 2008, 11:53:00 am
fine.
 
 footie can come much later.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 07, 2008, 12:17:00 pm
youre going anger smackie more than me
 
 and you better thank your canadian god mank isnt here
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 07, 2008, 12:53:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  youre going anger smackie more than me
 
 and you better thank your canadian god mank isnt here
uh oh, i'm in serious trouble then - based on the number of mistakes in your first sentence, i take it that you're livid and can hardly think straight   :p    seriously tho, i said that to get a rise out of you.  i'm not as big a footie fan as you lot, but i definitely like the beautiful game.  i played soccer competitively until i was 16.
 
 and FYI, we canadians are godless (and anti-capitalist, to boot.  why do you think all our hockey teams are broke?!?)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 07, 2008, 01:21:00 pm
hahaha...i wrote that while on the phone
 
 i really wanted to just zong you for being canadian cause its funny
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 07, 2008, 02:00:00 pm
David Brooks nailed this...with apologies to the leftists, but he's spot on.
 -----------------------------------
 
 Change I Can Believe In (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/opinion/07brooks.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin)
 By DAVID BROOKS
 Published: November 7, 2008
 
 I have dreams. I may seem like a boring pundit whose most exotic fantasies involve G.A.O. reports, but deep down, I have dreams. And right now Iâ??m dreaming of the successful presidency this country needs. Iâ??m dreaming of an administration led by Barack Obama, but which stretches beyond the normal Democratic base. It makes time for moderate voters, suburban voters, rural voters and even people who voted for the other guy.
 
 The administration of my dreams understands where the country is today. Its members know that, as Andrew Kohut of the Pew Research Center put it on â??The NewsHour,â?ť â??This was an election where the middle asserted itself.â?ť There was â??no signâ?ť of a â??movement to the left.â?ť
 
 Only 17 percent of Americans trust the government to do the right thing most or all of the time, according to an October New York Times/CBS News poll. So the members of my dream Obama administration understand that they cannot impose an ideological program the country does not accept. New presidents in 1932 and 1964 could presuppose a basic level of trust in government. But today, as Bill Galston of the Brookings Institution observes, the new president is going to have to build that trust deliberately and step by step.
 
 Walking into the Obama White House of my dreams will be like walking into the Gates Foundation. The people there will be ostentatiously pragmatic and data-driven. Theyâ??ll hunt good ideas like venture capitalists. Theyâ??ll have no faith in all-powerful bureaucrats issuing edicts from the center. Instead, theyâ??ll use that language of decentralized networks, bottom-up reform and scalable innovation.
 
 They will actually believe in that stuff Obama says about postpartisan politics. That means there wonâ??t just be a few token liberal Republicans in marginal jobs. There will be people like Robert Gates at Defense and Ray LaHood, Stuart Butler, Diane Ravitch, Douglas Holtz-Eakin and Jim Talent at other important jobs.
 
 The Obama administration of my dreams will insist that Congressional Democrats reinstate bipartisan conference committees. Theyâ??ll invite G.O.P. leaders to the White House for real meetings and then re-invite them, even if they give hostile press conferences on the White House driveway.
 
 Theyâ??ll do things conservatives disagree with, but theyâ??ll also show that theyâ??re not toadies of the liberal interest groups. Theyâ??ll insist on merit pay and preserving No Child Left Behindâ??s accountability standards, no matter what the teachersâ?? unions say. Theyâ??ll postpone contentious fights on things like card check legislation.
 
 Most of all, theyâ??ll take significant action on the problems facing the country without causing a mass freak-out among voters to the right of Nancy Pelosi.
 
 Theyâ??ll do this by explaining to the American people that there are two stages to their domestic policy thinking, the short-term and the long-term.
 
 The short-term strategy will have two goals: to mitigate the pain of the recession and the change the culture of Washington. The first step will be to complete the round of stimulus packages that are sure to come.
 
 Then theyâ??ll take up two ideas that already have bipartisan support: middle-class tax relief and an energy package. The current economic and energy crisis is an opportunity to do what was not done in similar circumstances in 1974 â?? transform this countryâ??s energy supply. A comprehensive bill â?? encompassing everything from off-shore drilling to green technologies â?? would stimulate the economy and nurture new political coalitions.
 
 When the recession shows signs of bottoming out, then my dream administration would begin phase two. The long-term strategy would be about restoring fiscal balances and reforming fundamental institutions.
 
 By this time, the budget deficit could be zooming past $1.5 trillion a year. The U.S. will be borrowing oceans of money from abroad. My dream administration will show that it understands that the remedy for a culture of debt is not more long-term debt. It will side with those who worry that long-term deficits could lead to ruinous interest-rate hikes.
 
 My dream administration will announce a Budget Rebalancing Initiative. Somebody like Representative Jim Cooper would go through the budget and take out the programs and tax expenditures that donâ??t work. â??If we have no spending cuts, then weâ??re saying government is perfect. Nobody believes that,â?ť Cooper says.
 
 Having built bipartisan relationships, having shown some fiscal toughness, having seen the economy through the tough times, my dream administration will then be in a position to take up health care reform, tax reform, education reform and a long-range infrastructure initiative. These reforms may have to start slow and on the cheap. But real reform would be imaginable since politics as we know it would be transformed.
 
 Is it all just a dream? I hope not. In any case, please be quiet and let me have my moment.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on November 07, 2008, 02:08:00 pm
does this dream have John Kerry as Secretary of State?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on November 07, 2008, 02:14:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  David Brooks nailed this...with apologies to the leftists, but he's spot on.
oh christ, not you too, its amazing how fast conventional wisdom forms
 
 center-right! center-right!
 
 I am all for a pragmatic, professional approach to governing based on data and expertise over politics, but most of this shit is conservatives trying to neuter any kind of Obama mandate.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 07, 2008, 02:22:00 pm
i like this dream  the Keep It Simple Stupid approach is what is needed right now...Obama's straight forward approach health care proposal appealed to me, McCain's just seemed like one huge gimmick
 
 i'm encourage by this
 
 "Walking into the Obama White House of my dreams will be like walking into the Gates Foundation. The people there will be ostentatiously pragmatic and data-driven. Theyâ??ll hunt good ideas like venture capitalists. Theyâ??ll have no faith in all-powerful bureaucrats issuing edicts from the center. Instead, theyâ??ll use that language of decentralized networks, bottom-up reform and scalable innovation."
 
 i had this wacky idea yesterday that wouldn't it make sense to pair Council of Arts funding for musicians like they have in Scotland and Canada to the American Service initiative... so in exchange for getting support to pursue a career as a musician they would be expected to do community outreach in the form up teaching students in schools...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 07, 2008, 02:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  oh christ, not you too, its amazing how fast conventional wisdom forms
I disagree, and I've always considered myself a moderate as it were - socially liberal, fiscally conservative.
 
 It will be fine to be center-left (and yes, it does exist), but to think that a 364 Electoral College vote would be a mandate is the wrong approach.  It was narrow margins in the swing states, and President Obama should approach it that way, especially with the current state of the economy.
 
 Middle Class Tax Relief and a comprehensive energy plan are priority number one.  responsible withdrawl from Iraq and increased presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan number two.
 
 He's asking for the return of Clinton minus any prospective onslaught from the right (it took 14 years, but Congress has recovered from the Contract with America).  I don't see much wrong with that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on November 07, 2008, 02:28:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo vinyl:
 
 i had this wacky idea yesterday that wouldn't it make sense to pair Council of Arts funding for musicians like they have in Scotland and Canada to the American Service initiative... so in exchange for getting support to pursue a career as a musician they would be expected to do community outreach in the form up teaching students in schools...
While that seems harmless, it would be ridiculed in the world David Brooks lives in.  I just find it frustrating that anytime Dems get any power they trip over themselves to give some of it away, or are so afraid of being criticized that they end up looking useless.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 07, 2008, 02:32:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by very sonick:
  does this dream have John Kerry as Secretary of State?
Absolutely not.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 07, 2008, 02:33:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  While that seems harmless, it would be ridiculed in the world David Brooks lives in.  I just find it frustrating that anytime Dems get any power they trip over themselves to give some of it away, or are so afraid of being criticized that they end up looking useless.
You would rather we take the Bush approach?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on November 07, 2008, 02:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
 [qb]but to think that a 364 Electoral College vote would be a mandate is the wrong approach[/b]
I wouldnt say its a strong mandate, but by recent standards its a pretty good mandate.  I don't want to have to start compromising on the socially liberal stuff as much as Clinton did right from the start, and the groundwork for that happening is being laid before Obama is even inaugurated.  There is plenty of evidence that there is a lot of progress still to be made in this country (see prop 8 and other state measures), and I think it would be nice if the president was a leader in making that progress.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 07, 2008, 02:37:00 pm
i clearly need to steer clear of any policy discussions as i just don't follow it closely enough ... which is why i'll soon be stop reading of liberal bloggers, as it seems to me they are already acting like a bunch of spoiled children
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on November 07, 2008, 02:38:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  You would rather we take the Bush approach?
There is a world of difference between what I am talking about and the Bush approach.  Do you really think there is nobody in the Dem party who can serve on National Security issues?  Yet everybody is throwing Republican names around.  I am all for hiring the best person for the job, but don't eliminate half the candidates before starting in the interest of appearing bipartisan.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 07, 2008, 02:47:00 pm
See - now why does it have to be the extreme? Why is it that if one person is suggested, your response is that I think there's no Dem who can serve on National Security issues?  You're asking a guy who joined State because of Madeleine Albright and then quit because he felt let down by Colin Powell (of all people) if he thinks there are no Dems that can handle National Security issues.  Ridiculous.
 
 David Brooks is not asking for all of them, but he's asking for a couple, and there's nothing wrong with that.
 
 The Gates one is an easy one - ask him if he supports and can accomplish a calculated troop withdrawl and if he agrees, let him do it.  When he's done, replace him.  It's actually, the most efficient way to get the job done and would probably save 6 months time.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on November 07, 2008, 02:51:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  See - now why does it have to be the extreme? Why is it that if one person is suggested, your response is that I think there's no Dem who can serve on National Security issues?  
Sorry that wasnt meant to be "you dont personally think there are any dems".  It is a reaction the the fact that Republicans are who get talked about most when it comes to national security jobs.  I just wish it wasnt the first reaction for so many people.  I guess I would just like "liberal" to stop being a bad word, and it is going to take a leader who isn't afraid of it to make that happen.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 07, 2008, 03:08:00 pm
wait i thought obama was going to make bill ayers secretary of education and louis farakahn secretary of religion. with rev wright as secretary of state
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 07, 2008, 03:13:00 pm
and oprah will be in charge of the treasury, seeing as she is already well adapt at the redistribution of wealth
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 07, 2008, 03:17:00 pm
i was thinking billy bragg
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 07, 2008, 03:20:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
   
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  See - now why does it have to be the extreme? Why is it that if one person is suggested, your response is that I think there's no Dem who can serve on National Security issues?  
Sorry that wasnt meant to be "you dont personally think there are any dems".  It is a reaction the the fact that Republicans are who get talked about most when it comes to national security jobs.  I just wish it wasnt the first reaction for so many people.  I guess I would just like "liberal" to stop being a bad word, and it is going to take a leader who isn't afraid of it to make that happen. [/b]
i agree that it sure would be nice if liberal would be less demonized..  and while it shouldn't be a priority now, there should be given some consideration on how to bring into the fold some of the people who identify themselves as moderate republicans especially since the finger pointing has already begun within the republican party...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on November 07, 2008, 03:27:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by kosmo vinyl:
   especially since the finger pointing has already begun within the republican party...
serious finger pointing
 http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2008_11/015558.php (http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2008_11/015558.php)
 
 
Quote
RedState is pleased to announce it is engaging in a special project: Operation Leper.
 
 We're tracking down all the people from the McCain campaign now whispering smears against Governor Palin to Carl Cameron and others. Michelle Malkin has the details.
 
 We intend to constantly remind the base about these people, monitor who they are working for, and, when 2012 rolls around, see which candidates hire them. Naturally then, you'll see us go to war against those candidates.
 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 07, 2008, 03:29:00 pm
shakes head
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 07, 2008, 03:48:00 pm
as 'tired once so wisely stated, lol
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on November 07, 2008, 04:21:00 pm
here are some techo head questions, that i would love to have answered.
 
 1. i live in the country.  there is no cable offered.  i have internet access.  it comes from the phone line into a modem where a dsl broadband line comes out of it into my computer.  100 mps speed i think.  can i have a wireless router so i can enjoi wireless things around my house?  or is it impossible to do with such internet access capability.
 
 2. at the office i have wireless and broadband, and the wireless is horrible, so my partner and i want to split the connection of one dsl line for two computers.  are there such broadband splitters, and is one better than another?
 
 huggs and kisses
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 07, 2008, 04:32:00 pm
yes to both... what you need in the first case is a wireless router which is compatible with your dsl modem and most are... instead of plugging your computer to the dsl modem, you instead connect the wireless router which serves as the access point to your modem.  most wireless routers also include wired connections as well.. beyond that you'll need to have computer with wireless network capability.. there are plenty of wireless routers vendors and technologies, i can't say if one is better than the other.
 
 same deal applies to the work setup, you could get away with just using non wireless router, but there isn' much price difference to go wireless..
 
 especially at work make sure that you have security setup on the router
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 07, 2008, 04:39:00 pm
walkonby:
 
 1.  yes you can haz wireless.  wireless can be used to redistribute any internet connection, even dial-up (although it would be predictably slow).  the only thing you need is a wireless router.  they're pretty easy to set up.
 
 2. any multi-port router will allow you to do this.  to the internet, routers make it look like you have only one IP address, i.e. looks like only device is attached.  but behind the router, you can have several devices.  you already have broadband in the office - if it's fast enough, just split that with a router.  routers have become commodities, not real diff between them.  i'd recommend the linksys brand b/c they're easy to set up and their instructions are relatively clear.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on November 07, 2008, 05:38:00 pm
3.  should i buy dark knight on blu ray, or wait for a year or so when you just know they'll attempt to release all the films in a box set mousetrap (in time to promote the next film, i'm sure)?
 
 i watched iron man blu ray, and wow . . . wow.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 07, 2008, 05:50:00 pm
a uber fancy boxset being released at some point is almost guaranteed these days with any kinda of movie franchise... my suggestion would be to either rent it, pick it up used, or wait until it drops in price which most dvds seem to do these day... then again it's possible they have milked the extras for the film in it's current dvd release... wait now thats just crazy talk.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 10, 2008, 03:17:00 pm
smackie, would you generally agree with  greg mankiw (http://gregmankiw.blogspot.com/2008/11/memo-to-potus-elect.html)?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 10, 2008, 03:46:00 pm
DELL MINI 9 (http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop-inspiron-9?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs) - the official Smackie review
 
 Thereâ??s no doubt that this Netbook craze is going to take over the market for laptops in no time (I suspect this will be THE xmas gift for techies), so let me tell you about my first couple weeks with the Dell Mini 9.
 
 I love my new Dell.  Itâ??s tiny (you really wonâ??t believe how tiny it is until you see it), but for comparison purposes, Iâ??ll assume you all bought the hard back version of Thomas Friedmanâ??s new book, Hot, Flat and Crowded.  If I set the laptop on top of that book, itâ??s about the same size length wise and width wise, but itâ??s about a third as thick.  The laptop also weighs a lot less than the book (around 2 lbs).  It fits nicely in a Timbuktu Metro bag (only 10 inches wide), which was the standard I was keeping.  In my paperless world, I wanted a bag where I COULD NOT bring a folder home from the office so I bought the smallest Timbuktu bag that wouldnâ??t hold and 8.5x11 piece of paper to force me to live paperless.
 
 My specs: I didnâ??t care about the color, although mine is black and a fingerprint magnet, I wanted an Atom Processor for power and energy savings, 1 gig of RAM (soon to be cheaply upgraded to 2 Gigs, so I would order it/buy it with 512mb and buy a 2 Gig chip for $30), I wanted an SSD because I carry this thing everywhere so I opted for the biggest, affordable SSD which in my eyes was 16 GB, at least 3 hours battery life so a 4 cell battery, wireless g w/ bluetooth, Win XP SP3 and no camera.  It was slightly over my $400 threshold, but you can get new ones in the outlet store for under $400 (more on that later).  If I would have been patient, I could have ordered the Ubuntu (Linux) version and been under the threshold.
 
 From the get go, youâ??ll be impressed by the tiny size of everything, but the tiny keyboard will be the hardest thing to get used to.  If youâ??ve got chubby fingers this is not the netbook for you.  Iâ??ve gotten used to everything on the keyboard except the location of the apostrophe, which really breaks my flow of writing.  On the other hand, when taken into consideration of my longer battery life (almost 4 hours) and the ease of transport, it more than makes up for any delay in my writing.  I used it on a plane and had the Mini 9, my iPod, a glass of wine and a snack all on the tray and it never felt cramped.
 
 Performance on the machine has been great â?? but not right out of the box.  Dell left a few things checked in the standard Win XP that should never be checked when using a solid state disk (like file indexing) that slow performance, but with a few small and easy tweaks, you can really get this thing humming.  For those that donâ??t know, a Solid State Disk (SSD) is essentially a flash memory card that is large enough to use instead of a hard disk drive (HDD).  The iPhone, the iPod Touch and the Nano use versions of this memory, for example, and the iPod classic uses an HDD, which is why you shouldnâ??t run with those (and will never see Nike+ on those either).  In some tests, the performance of an SSD will beat an HDD and in others it wonâ??t.  For the most basic computer needs though (web, email, word docs) the SSD should be comparable if not better than an HDD.  The real advantage to the SSD is that there are no moving parts on an SSD so the risk of banging your laptop around and ruining a hard drive is lost.  The give and take though, is that SSDâ??s storage capacity is currently as large as an HDD (16GB is about the affordable max right now).  With no moving parts, my Dell Mini 9 is as quiet a computer I have ever used â?? no disk drive spinning and no fan needed to keep it cool.  You donâ??t even know itâ??s on really.
 
 The screen is bright and not too small.  Dell is about to release a 12 inch version and there are many 10 inch versions out there from other manufacturers, but I have been fine with the 9 inch screen.  Again, these are gadgets with a specific purpose, so if itâ??s your only machine, the 9 inch may not be the best choice.  Netbooks have no CD/DVD drive, arenâ??t really for gaming, and have limited storage, so it wonâ??t be your primary computer.  But if you like to surf the web, check your email and do some occasional writing away from home, these are the thing for you.  Heavy travelers should also take note.
 
 My biggest problems with the Mini 9 were actually getting one (Dell delayed my computer for well over a month to the point that we are no longer on speaking terms) and the placement of the apostrophe on the keyboard, otherwise I have no regrets.  I canâ??t use this thing anywhere without being asked about it.  If I were to do it again, however, I would probably get the HP Mini 1000 (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&series_name=mini1000_series) for approximately the same price.  They offer a 10 inch version of their netbook with a 92% size keyboard (about 20% larger than the Dell Mini 9) which Iâ??m sure most folks would barely notice the difference between the HP keyboard and their regular computer.  Itâ??s a little heavier and the battery life is a little shorter, but I think it would be worth it to the non-gadget crazed or Dell lover.  The 12 inch Dell is slightly over-priced right now in my opinion.    
 
 Now, Dellâ??s shipping problems caused a lot of folks to cancel their order (there was also a software licensing problem for those that ordered Sept 12-14, like me, that I wonâ??t get into, but a lot of folks who ordered then simply ordered another one to see which would show up sooner). Therefore, there were a lot of new Dell Mini 9â??s in the Dell Outlet (http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventorySearch?c=us&cs=22&l=en&lob=INSP&MODEL_DESC=Inspiron%20Mini%209%20-%20910&s=dfh) that could save you at least $50, maybe more.  If youâ??re looking for a portable laptop, Iâ??d keep an eye out there, hit HP and see how long until a Mini 1000 is available (Nov 26 is what Iâ??m hearing), and then, lastly, build your own Dell.  You wonâ??t be disappointed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 10, 2008, 03:59:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  smackie, would you generally agree with  greg mankiw (http://gregmankiw.blogspot.com/2008/11/memo-to-potus-elect.html)?
Only on point one: Listen to your Economists.
 
 Point two no longer exists as Republican's are no lnoger the party of ideas.  Listen to sensible idea's?  Sure, but let's no longer call them Republican.  And the Health Care example he cites is the worst one to use.  I won't bog this discussion down with health care, but I can DESTROY McCain's health care plan, regardless of who's idea it was originally.
 
 On point three, I would tell the President elect to be patient, but not to renege.  And I most certainly won't have someone who first told me to embrace Republican ideas and then recommends that we issue fiscal restraint after the money wasted in the last 8 years.
 
 And point four is simply to make the author feel better about himself.  Think he feels better getting that off his chest?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 10, 2008, 05:55:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  smackie, would you generally agree with  greg mankiw (http://gregmankiw.blogspot.com/2008/11/memo-to-potus-elect.html)?
Only on point one: Listen to your Economists.
 
 Point two no longer exists as Republican's are no lnoger the party of ideas.  Listen to sensible idea's?  Sure, but let's no longer call them Republican.  And the Health Care example he cites is the worst one to use.  I won't bog this discussion down with health care, but I can DESTROY McCain's health care plan, regardless of who's idea it was originally. [/b]
funny thing about the health care- it's not even a republican idea. . .i think someone in mccain's campaign got a hold of furman's plan and read a bunch of jason furman's stuff and thought, hey, that's a great idea, even if i don't understand or could even possibly explain it to anyone.  even if republican's had control of congress and mccain won, no way that policy would be implemented.  i think mankiw just liked to bring up the irony of it all. ....
 
 as for free trade. . .i will not let that go. . .everyone here knows that.  i suspect that as long as larry summers or bob rubin (and austan goolsbee, who has been retrieved from under the bus) are around, there will be some people around arguing for the overall benefits of free trade agreements- it's when he starts listening to congress and unions (and greenies) that i will get worried.  i suspect, however, that the one union he's prepared to take on is the teachers union. . .finally, someone in the democratic party will, hopefully, stand up to their nonsense.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 10, 2008, 06:46:00 pm
If I were you, I would expect trade that is about as free trade as our market is a free market.  The reality is all things are not equal, thus nothing will be absolutely free.  Seems everybody but Libertarians get this, which is why they will always be a third party without someone really looking out for their interests.  Is he going to repeal NAFTA?  No.  Is NAFTA going to be modified to make it more fair to the American worker?  You betcha (and yes I winked when I typed that).
 
 In all seriousness, is free trade what you should really be worried about, or is it this:
 
 
Quote

 The last New England Republican in the House lost, as did a moderate Republican senator in Oregon, Gordon Smith, who had even run a television advert associating himself with Mr Obama. Some conservatives even cheered these losses, hoping that the party could be cleared of insufficiently zealous dead wood and begin anew.
 
 Doubts now exist about the make-up of the party. The broad Republican coalition made sense in the Reagan era, and was held together in part by the threat of communism. Stitching together religious moralists, low-tax business types, leave-me-alone libertarians and â??national greatnessâ?ť conservatives is now much harder to do. Nor is any of the groupings, alone, large enough to form a solid base for the party as a whole.
 
 Lost in the Wilderness (http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12585033&source=features_box_main)
I know I should be nicer about this, especially with you, but I worked my ass off to help make it happen and damn it, I'm going to enjoy it for a while before I start taking hits on what the President Elect should and shouldn't be doing in the second week of November.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 10, 2008, 08:39:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  If I were you, I would expect trade that is about as free trade as our market is a free market.  The reality is all things are not equal, thus nothing will be absolutely free.  Seems everybody but Libertarians get this, which is why they will always be a third party without someone really looking out for their interests.  Is he going to repeal NAFTA?  No.  Is NAFTA going to be modified to make it more fair to the American worker?  You betcha (and yes I winked when I typed that).
 
 In all seriousness, is free trade what you should really be worried about, or is it this:
 
   
Quote

 The last New England Republican in the House lost, as did a moderate Republican senator in Oregon, Gordon Smith, who had even run a television advert associating himself with Mr Obama. Some conservatives even cheered these losses, hoping that the party could be cleared of insufficiently zealous dead wood and begin anew.
 
 Doubts now exist about the make-up of the party. The broad Republican coalition made sense in the Reagan era, and was held together in part by the threat of communism. Stitching together religious moralists, low-tax business types, leave-me-alone libertarians and â??national greatnessâ?ť conservatives is now much harder to do. Nor is any of the groupings, alone, large enough to form a solid base for the party as a whole.
 
 Lost in the Wilderness (http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12585033&source=features_box_main)
I know I should be nicer about this, especially with you, but I worked my ass off to help make it happen and damn it, I'm going to enjoy it for a while before I start taking hits on what the President Elect should and shouldn't be doing in the second week of November. [/b]
re-negotiating nafta will be a huge mistake if obama goes through with it. . .and you need to re-read your friedman- the american consumer is a huge beneficiary of free trade agreements, like nafta, because it keeps prices low....canada and mexico are ready to take away their energy if the u.s. wants to re-negotiate....and american consumers will be the worse off if nafta gets re-negotiated.
 
 as for the future of the gop. . .i have two thoughts- 1) smith and shays (and chaffee in 06) lost, not because of their individual policies or politics, they lost simply because there's an R next to their name.  the individual politician has become lost in this modern political play, to the detriment of us all.  2) the libertarian still has no home in either party. . .while the libertarian may find comfort with the democrats on social issues, they are repulsed by the democrats belief in government, government, government; for the republicans, it's the exact opposite.  since nixon, social policies were able to be contained in favor of economic programs and foreign policy.  when bush the elder lost to clinton, the social conservates went crazy at the thought that a philandering, hippy, draft-dodger could become president, and vowed to moralize him out of existence.  however, the economy prospered as government stepped aside, and the old bargain began to give way. . .the libertarian, content that with 20+ years of experience that government should stay out of the economy, moved to social issues and limited government. . .which the republicans have blown.  
 
 that's where the country sits- economically conservative/socially moderate to liberal. . .i place a higher value on the free markets and government out of my way, others place a higher value on social issues and government stepping in to help others along.  as george will told colbert earlier this year- â??Conservatives tend to favor freedom and are willing to accept inequalities of outcome from the free market, liberals are for equality of outcome and are willing to sacrifice and circumscribe freedom in order to get it.â?ť
 
 i have no doubt that quick wits amongst thee will note that the current make-up of the republican party, in the guise of pres. bush and the corresponding 6 years of republican control of congress showed no linkage to small government conservatism. . .all true.  yet, for all that i may agree with liberals on social issues, albeit for different reasons, the democratic party holds no place for me.  i do believe that free trade is an important piece for republicans in moving on, especially if in the next 2 years congress begins to hinder free trade in favor of populist and protectionist policies.  i still believe that the 10 most dangerous words in the english language are "hi, i'm from the government, and i'm here to help."  and i still believe that "as government expands, liberty contracts."  the party needs a messenger, and while i have simply used old reagan quotes, the party needs to find not simply another reagan, but their next bringer of good news.  
 
 ok, that sounded way more religious than i meant it to be.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 10, 2008, 09:04:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  canada and mexico are ready to take away their energy if the u.s. wants to re-negotiate....and american consumers will be the worse off if nafta gets re-negotiated.
Bluffs.   And I'd call them on it too.  Oil at $74 a barrel means Canada's shale oil is too expensive (the right price for them STARTS at $90 a barrel). I'm not even going to discuss how much Mexico relies on our market more than we rely on their oil.
 
 And I'm pretty sure the American consumer without a job could care less about how little something costs, but that's just me.  
 
 He's not talking about wholesale changes, but yes, there is some parity required in NAFTA.
 
 Lastly, be careful not to confuse the President Elects stance on NAFTA and mine.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 10, 2008, 09:09:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  1) smith and shays (and chaffee in 06) lost, not because of their individual policies or politics, they lost simply because there's an R next to their name.  the individual politician has become lost in this modern political play, to the detriment of us all.  
That's not what should worry you.  It's the fact that elements of the right cheered their loss.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 11, 2008, 03:59:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Bluffs.   And I'd call them on it too.  Oil at $74 a barrel means Canada's shale oil is too expensive (the right price for them STARTS at $90 a barrel). I'm not even going to discuss how much Mexico relies on our market more than we rely on their oil.
 
 And I'm pretty sure the American consumer without a job could care less about how little something costs, but that's just me.  
 
 He's not talking about wholesale changes, but yes, there is some parity required in NAFTA.
 
 Lastly, be careful not to confuse the President Elects stance on NAFTA and mine.
au contraire, they have even more incentive for prices to be low in order to further their dollar.  what american's have a job, will have a harder time purchasing goods, increasing the threat of inflation.  requiring unneeded restrictions in countries that desperately need access to our markets, and new markets where our goods would have greater access, especially in economic times like these, hurts both american competitiveness and the american consumer.
 
 i would suggest not to underestimate the desire of canada to take on the u.s. on renegotiating nafta. . .canada is not the writers union, although it did make an amusing allegory in south park.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 11, 2008, 09:35:00 am
oh you two
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 12, 2008, 07:53:00 pm
Damn...I wish I had thought of this.
 
 Meet Martin Eisenstadt, fake McCain advisor and fake fellow at a fake institute. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/arts/television/13hoax.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 18, 2008, 02:12:00 pm
Sorry, I just can't stop giggling with glee...
 
 Ship of Fools (http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12599247)
 
 Among the gems:
 
 
Quote

 JOHN STUART MILL once dismissed the British Conservative Party as the stupid party. Today the Conservative Party is run by Oxford-educated high-fliers who have been busy reinventing conservatism for a new era. As Lexington sees it, the title of the â??stupid partyâ?ť now belongs to the Toriesâ?? transatlantic cousins, the Republicans.
 
 Republicanismâ??s anti-intellectual turn is devastating for its future.....The partyâ??s loss of brains leaves it rudderless, without a compelling agenda.
 
 The movement has little to say about todayâ??s pressing problems, such as global warming and the debacle in Iraq, and expends too much of its energy on xenophobia, homophobia and opposing stem-cell research.
 
 Richard Weaver, one of the founders of modern conservatism, once wrote a book entitled â??Ideas have Consequencesâ?ť; unfortunately, too many Republicans are still refusing to acknowledge that idiocy has consequences, too.
The whole thing really is worth a read, Mr. manimtired.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 18, 2008, 02:20:00 pm
that reminds me, i still havent got last weeks issue in the mail  :mad:
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 18, 2008, 02:22:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
  that reminds me, i still havent got last weeks issue in the mail   :mad:  
http://www.economist.com/audioedition/ (http://www.economist.com/audioedition/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 18, 2008, 02:29:00 pm
i keep forgetting about that, thanks
 
 however, i cant stare at evo morales' jacket via audio
  <img src="http://media.economist.com/images/20081108/4508AM2.jpg" alt=" - " />
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 18, 2008, 03:06:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Sorry, I just can't stop giggling with glee...
 
 Ship of Fools (http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12599247)
 
 The whole thing really is worth a read, Mr. manimtired.
here, let me reply for him: "LOL".
 
 manimtired is symbolic of the reason why any party (including the dems) occasionally feel like they don't need ideas: the base that will vote for them regardless.  i'm hopeful that this election proves that the base isn't enough and ones needs a thought-out platform, but maybe this is just a temporary situation.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 18, 2008, 06:33:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 
 The movement has little to say about todayâ??s pressing problems, such as global warming and
what's global warming?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 18, 2008, 06:36:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  what's global warming?
It's 40 years of the Democrat's in power.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 18, 2008, 06:46:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  what's global warming?
It's 40 years of the Democrat's in power. [/b]
yeah, this country already did that. . .i don't think we need to experience that again.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 18, 2008, 07:44:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  yeah, this country already did that. . .i don't think we need to experience that again.
Then I probably wouldn't have pissed away, in such a grand fashion, the 6 years I had if I were a Republican...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 19, 2008, 09:52:00 am
what's idiocy
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2008, 01:03:00 pm
As I got all excited to switch back to Netflix today with the unveiling of the new Xbox 360 interface, SONY goes and pees on the party....
 
 NXE Netflix streaming loses Sony's Columbia Pictures movies (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/nxe-netflix-streaming-queues-suddenly-gimped/)
 
 Our Netflix streaming queues just got considerably shorter on the eve of the NXE launch. Acting on a tip, we popped into our Netflix account and sure enough, our "Instant Queue" had a new "Notes" column with an oft-repeated, red (nobody likes red!) notice: "Not available on Xbox." Logging onto Xbox Live (with an NXE account) confirmed that these titles were no longer available for streaming on Xbox 360.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2008, 03:55:00 pm
I tried to get a free trial of Netflix yesterday to test out the "Watch Instantly" stuff on the new Xbox 360 addin but they wouldn't let me because I was a previous customer (albeit, over 5 years ago, so remind me to point out the idiocy of that).  Anyhow, so I signed up for the cheapest subscription I could just to check it out.
 
 The selection is crap, but you netflix subscribers probably already knew that.  The quality was alright, but with the ultra-limited selection, I'm not even close to giving up my Blockbuster subscription.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on November 20, 2008, 04:03:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I tried to get a free trial of Netflix yesterday to test out the "Watch Instantly" stuff on the new Xbox 360 addin but they wouldn't let me because I was a previous customer (albeit, over 5 years ago, so remind me to point out the idiocy of that).  Anyhow, so I signed up for the cheapest subscription I could just to check it out.
 
 The selection is crap, but you netflix subscribers probably already knew that.  The quality was alright, but with the ultra-limited selection, I'm not even close to giving up my Blockbuster subscription.
10 of the items in my queue of 40 items were available, maybe that says more about me, but I think thats pretty decent selection.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2008, 04:28:00 pm
That would have worked for me, but even with Smackette's learned tastes which far out pace my pop culture tastes, we had one on our current queue of around 30.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 20, 2008, 06:01:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  I tried to get a free trial of Netflix yesterday to test out the "Watch Instantly" stuff on the new Xbox 360 addin but they wouldn't let me because I was a previous customer (albeit, over 5 years ago, so remind me to point out the idiocy of that).  Anyhow, so I signed up for the cheapest subscription I could just to check it out.
 
btw, the new xbox experience was thoroughly bewildering to me. . .at least they had a polo shirt for my avatar.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2008, 06:08:00 pm
Short a white belt too, but they did have my felt jacket, just in the wrong color.
 
 Overall, I liked the concept, but they didn't do a damn thing to the music/movies interface for playing them from your computer.  It's still as linear (read boring) as hell and are relying on machines with Media Center to spruce it up.  Since every other media extender has a slick new interface for playing songs/movies from your computer regardless of media center's inclusion, why revamp the entire Xbox experience EXCEPT for the music/movie interface?  Simply retarded.  And I haven't even touched on CODECS yet.
 
 [This is a condensed/cleaned up version of the feedback I sent to Microsoft as part of their beta team]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ratioci nation on November 20, 2008, 07:33:00 pm
By the way, for anybody with a Mac looking to use access their media from xbox or PS3, I can vouch for these products: http://www.nullriver.com/products (http://www.nullriver.com/products)
 
 Tried both the Medialink (PS3) and Connect360 (xbox)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 20, 2008, 09:33:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by pdx pollard:
  By the way, for anybody with a Mac looking to use access their media from xbox or PS3, I can vouch for these products:  http://www.nullriver.com/products (http://www.nullriver.com/products)
 
 Tried both the Medialink (PS3) and Connect360 (xbox)
i've used connect360 for the music part, i just have to pay to have my whole library accessible, in which case i might as well just connect my 160MB ipod directly and by-pass the whole thing completely (come christmas time, it may be beneficial, or i could just use XM Holly from directv).... unfortunately i couldn't figure out how to play a video i downloaded from itunes.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2008, 01:10:00 pm
You'll have to hook your iPod up directly to your TV (not through your 360) to play itunes video.  
 
 Google "DRM" and "fairplay".
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2008, 01:17:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   Therefore, there were a lot of new Dell Mini 9â??s in the Dell Outlet (http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventorySearch?c=us&cs=22&l=en&lob=INSP&MODEL_DESC=Inspiron%20Mini%209%20-%20910&s=dfh) that could save you at least $50, maybe more..
Here's a 15% off code for those interested in a Mini from the outlet:
 
 11HFRWXZHDLSBC
 
 Expires 11/26
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on November 21, 2008, 02:25:00 pm
anyone have any thoughts on the new Flip Mino HD? I'm thinking it might make a nice Xmas gift for the wife....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2008, 02:37:00 pm
My friend has an original flip and she won't put it away.  It becomes terribly annoying, but the pictures are incredible.
 
 The knock I hear repeatedly on the HD version is that you can't hook it to your TV via an HD source - you have to have some way of watching HD video from your computer on your big screen.  If you've got that, it's probably an incredible little gadget.
 
 EDIT: don't take my word for it, David Pogue had the same problems... (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/technology/personaltech/20pogue.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&em)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2008, 07:07:00 pm
My latest greatest idea....
 
 An "I'm feeling Lucky" button on eBay!
 
 Got $20 left in your paypal account?  Let it ride on eBay with the I'm feeling lucky button.
 
 Who wouldn't do this at least once?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 22, 2008, 12:08:00 pm
i wouldn't.  i'd afraid of getting a vintage pez dispenser, or a hand-made neon quilt, or any other possibilities for complete crap that i really don't want.
 
 (by your use of the expressions "let it ride", i'm assuming you mean that after you click your "i'm feeling lucky" button it automatically finds something and buys it for you, without the possibility of saying no to the purchase... correct me if i'm wrong).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 24, 2008, 01:05:00 pm
That is correct.  It's like an eBay grab bag!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 24, 2008, 01:10:00 pm
i'll take the pez
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on November 24, 2008, 01:51:00 pm
i'll run that by my wife (who works for ebay) and see if we can get something working!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 24, 2008, 01:56:00 pm
Last week Microsoft asked me to start working on Windows 7 for them, which I started to do this weekend.  It's a little ironic, because it means I'll be basically skipping Vista in my home setup all together, but I'm willing to do that.
 
 It's a pretty seamless install (might have been the fastest Windows install I've ever done) and the casual user wouldn't notice much difference graphically from Vista but for more transparency in borders.  But it certainly isn't as bloated as Vista - the install is a lot smaller and everything seems to work much faster than with Vista (especially copying files).  I had a few problems with IE8 and some JAVA incompatibility with some web sites that were frustrating, but all in all it's a huge improvement.  
 
 But where I was really impressed (and what this web site might care about) was the new Media Center experience with my music files on the Xbox 360.  It's similar to how Vista handled finding an album (that was copied and added to iTunes) however those with huge libraries will appreciate it's faster user experience.  What was most impressive to me was the wall of album covers it created while playing a song.  Check out the screen shots below from another users experience: (http://blog.retrosight.com/WindowsMediaCenterInThePDCBuildOfWindows7.aspx)
 
 Find an album to listen to:
 
   <img src="http://blog.retrosight.com/content/images/WindowsMediaCenterWindows7Build6801/SmallMusicGalleryMissingCoverArt.png" alt=" - " />    
 
 The Now playing screen (the album cover wall scrolls):
 
   <img src="http://blog.retrosight.com/content/images/WindowsMediaCenterWindows7Build6801/SmallMusicNowPlaying.png" alt=" - " />
 
 Use my Xbox controller or my Logitech remote to rate songs:
 
   <img src="http://blog.retrosight.com/content/images/WindowsMediaCenterWindows7Build6801/SmallMusicRatings.png" alt=" - " />
 
 Have a couple thousand albums to scroll through?  They have a feature for that...
 
   <img src="http://blog.retrosight.com/content/images/WindowsMediaCenterWindows7Build6801/SmallMusicLibraryTurboScroll.png" alt=" - " />
 
 All on my big screen and through my stereo.  Super slick.  There's more about the pictures and video experience as well. (http://blog.retrosight.com/WindowsMediaCenterInThePDCBuildOfWindows7.aspx)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 24, 2008, 08:20:00 pm
This was an interesting read....
 
 Why Apple and Google need to get into the netbook business... (http://blogs.zdnet.com/perlow/?p=9333&tag=nl.e550)
 
 Maybe I should tell him that with Apple now using intel chips, you can install OSx on just about any netbook out there?  Nah, why bother...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 24, 2008, 08:35:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by very sonick:
  i'll run that by my wife (who works for ebay) and see if we can get something working!!!
Seriously? That would be awesome.  And I want no residuals except to be able to say this "I was bored one day and asked my friend who knows someone at eBay to build it for me.  And she did."
 
 Oh, and I want to go first on the public release of the "I'm Feeling Lucky" ride!
 
 I'm so giddy right now with excitement! I hope I win LEGOs!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 24, 2008, 09:09:00 pm
and at some point Kosmo and I will discuss the pro's and cons of this new venture:
 
 Why the new Zune Pass should be irresistible (http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=604&tag=nl.e550)
 
 The music industry has been stumbling and bumbling with subscription-based music services for years, and Iâ??ve been experimenting with them since the very beginning.
 
 This week, Microsoft announced a sweeping change to its Zune Pass music service. The $15 monthly price tag is unchanged, as is the basic outline of the service, which gives you the right to download any album from the Zune Marketplace (an impressive collection, to be sure) and play it on any of three PCs or three Zune devices. Whatâ??s new is 10 free song credits per month, which allow you to turn a subscription-only track into a purchase. At the going rate of 99 cents per track, those 10 credits effectively lower the subscription portion of the service to 5 bucks a month. A 14-day free trial is available.
 
 ------------------
 
 Considering 1/3 of the Zune collection is DRM free, I see this being my replacement for emusic.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on November 26, 2008, 10:26:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
   
Quote
Originally posted by very sonick:
  i'll run that by my wife (who works for ebay) and see if we can get something working!!!
Seriously? That would be awesome.  And I want no residuals except to be able to say this "I was bored one day and asked my friend who knows someone at eBay to build it for me.  And she did."
 
 Oh, and I want to go first on the public release of the "I'm Feeling Lucky" ride!
 
 I'm so giddy right now with excitement! I hope I win LEGOs! [/b]
Ok, so we have run into a snag here temporarily. See, as you are surely aware, Google and Ebay are competitors, pretty fierce competitors too.  Asking Ebay to adopt something directly from the Google site is .... risky at best.  We're looking into the fact that there may even be legal issues with having a button saying "I'm feeling Lucky" because that may be copyrighted.
 
  Perhaps it can say something other than, I'm Feeling Lucky?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 26, 2008, 10:40:00 am
"surprise me"
 "i have money to burn"
 "smack me"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on November 26, 2008, 10:43:00 am
i like "smack me"  although that may no make sense to everyone!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 26, 2008, 01:32:00 pm
Yes, that was the first ting I got back from my friend who's a lawyer for another major tech company. I think her exact quote was:
 
 
Quote
aside from the trademark that Google will hold on the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button notes the [COMPANY] attorney...I like the idea.  You could go with "Smack Me" but I feel your ego would make it more unbearable than the "Bo Knows" campaign of the 80's...  :)
So "Smack Me" definitely needs to be the Project's code name but we need something for the final public launch.  I like the Grab Bag or Potpourri concept, but that not be hip enough.  Gambling theme? "Let it Ride"?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Bombay Chutney on November 26, 2008, 01:35:00 pm
I like "Gimme!"     It kind of says it all.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 26, 2008, 02:37:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Yes, that was the first ting I got back from my friend who's a lawyer for another major tech company. I think her exact quote was:
 
   
Quote
aside from the trademark that Google will hold on the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button notes the [COMPANY] attorney...I like the idea.  You could go with "Smack Me" but I feel your ego would make it more unbearable than the "Bo Knows" campaign of the 80's...   :)  
So "Smack Me" definitely needs to be the Project's code name but we need something for the final public launch.  I like the Grab Bag or Potpourri concept, but that not be hip enough.  Gambling theme? "Let it Ride"? [/b]
thats awesome
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 26, 2008, 06:01:00 pm
I was going to head home an hour ago to start my weekend, but I got caught up reading Michael Lewis' essay on Portfolio:
 
 The end of Wall Street's Boom (http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/national-news/portfolio/2008/11/11/The-End-of-Wall-Streets-Boom)
 
 It'll take about an hour, and I'd wait until Friday lest yee ruin your Thanksgiving, but it's incredible.  I had to shut my door so people weren't bothered by me openly exclaiming "Holy Shit!"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 02, 2008, 07:13:11 pm
Quote
Dec 1, World AIDS Day, MSN is celebrating the launch of (RED)WIRE (http://www.redwire.com), (RED)'s new digital music magazine designed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Some of the greatest artists on earth have contributed amazing songs to (RED)WIRE. Enjoy these world premieres throughout the day and sign up for (RED)WIRE for so much more.

If you're looking for samples of the songs, you can check them out here. (http://red.msn.com/)

GREAT MUSIC - Get Exclusive music from the world's greatest artists...
DELIVERED WEEKLY - Every Wednesday, receive your new music automatically on your computer via your (RED)WIRE player.
SAVES LIVES - Join (RED)WIRE by paying $5 per month - half your fee goes to buy medicine to keep people living with HIV in Africa alive.

WHAT YOU GET
Each week's issue of (RED)WIRE contains...
EXCLUSIVE- An exclusive song from a major artist.
SHOWCASE - A song by an artist we want everyone to hear.
EXTRA - A fun or inspiring piece that's not music - a short video of someone telling a story, a slideshow of great photography, someone reading something they love.
IMPACT - Frequent updates from Africa - a window into the culture of the people receiving the medicine.

All your (RED)WIRE music is yours to keep - they are unprotected digital files. Play them as you'd like, burn them to a CD...enjoy.

HOW YOU GET IT.
Download the (RED)WIRE player which sits right on your desktop and alerts you every Wednesday to let you know your new issue is ready. The player lets you experience each issue of (RED)WIRE in an immersive, visual, magazine-like way. You'll have to see it to know what we mean.

PLAYED HERE. FELT IN AFRICA.
Half of your $5 monthly membership fee goes directly to The Global Fund to help buy and administer medicine to people in Africa living with HIV. It costs just $12 per month to provide someone the two pills a day they need to stay alive. So every five (RED)WIRE members generate enough money, every month, to help keep one person living with HIV in Africa alive. Simple. Powerful.
So think of it this way - you and four friends could do something amazing together.

SIGN UP FOR (RED)WIRE NOW! (http://www.redwire.com/)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2008, 01:32:48 pm
With less than 30 days to go, I get another prediction correct (what the hell took so long?!?!):

Gogo Inflight Internet Launches Commercially on Virgin America (http://gogo.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=11)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2008, 01:35:02 pm
And I'm sure only Sweetcell cares about this, but now that this has gone public I can talk about it.  Friends of mine work for One and Co. and that's how I knew how sweet the Diamond would be:

HTC Aquires SF based One and Co. (http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=14653)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 03, 2008, 02:02:33 pm
shweet.  i have another 7 months to go on my sprint contract, and once upon a time it was going to be a no-brainer: dump sprint and switch to at&t so i could get an iphone.  but if HTC keeps producing such nice devices, switching might not be such an easy decision after all.  TBD.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2008, 05:30:02 pm
Look, I'm not saying I'm a genius or anything, but Netbooks Dominate Cyber Monday Sales. (http://blogs.zdnet.com/gadgetreviews/?p=577&tag=nl.e550)

Netbooks FTW!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2008, 06:02:41 pm
Now that Venerable is going to be a dad, he feels awkward about sharing this kind of trash with the general public.  Good thing I don't - update your rental queue's...


Mr. Skin Reveals the Top 20 Celebrity Nude Scenes of 2008

Last update: 6:07 a.m. EST Dec. 1, 2008
CHICAGO, Dec 01, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Mr. Skin of MrSkin.com--the world's #1 resource for celebrity nudity news--has announced the Top 20 Celebrity Nude Scenes of 2008.
Mr. Skin has narrowed this year's bare bounty to 20 nude scenes from films that received their first official release in 2008, either theatrically or on DVD.

In addition, Mr. Skin has also picked the 10 Best TV Nude Scenes of 2008, in honor of his new site--MrSkin.TV--which features original Mr. Skin videos.

"Naked celebrities made 2008 great," proclaims Mr. Skin, "from nubile nudecomers like Sophie Monk to veteran vixens like Angelina Jolie. And all the nudity on TV this year finally made good on the term 'boob tube!'"

The Top 20 Celebrity Nude Scenes of 2008:
1. Mischa Barton - Closing the Ring
2. Sophie Monk - Sex and Death 101
3. Heather Graham - Adrift in Manhattan
4. Asia Argento - The Last Mistress
5. Neve Campbell - I Really Hate My Job
6. Anna Faris - The House Bunny
7. Amy Smart - Mirrors
8. Mena Suvari - Stuck
9. Laura Ramsey - The Ruins
10. Angelina Jolie - Wanted
11. Penelope Cruz - Elegy
12. Jessica Morris - Role Models
13. Willa Ford - Impulse
14. Carly Pope - YPF
15. Jenna Jameson - Zombie Strippers
16. Jess Weixler - Teeth
17 Moran Atias - Mother of Tears
18. Vera Farmiga - Never Forever
19. Maria Bello - Downloading Nancy
20. Amy Adams - Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

The Top 10 TV Nude Scenes of 2008:
1. Lizzy Caplan - True Blood (HBO)
2. Mary Louise Parker - Weeds (Showtime)
3. Anna Paquin - True Blood (HBO)
4. Arlene Tur - Crash (Starz)
5. Jenaveve Jolie - Entourage (HBO)
6. Caprice Benedetti - Brotherhood (Showtime)
7. Hayley Marie Norman - Crash (Starz)
8. Cerina Vincent - Manchild (Showtime)
9. Alicia Leigh Willis, Katherine Moennig - The L Word (Showtime)
10. Carla Gallo - Californication (Showtime)
 
For the complete skinny on Mr. Skin's Best Nude Scenes of 2008, visit MrSkin.com.

MrSkin.com is the Internet's number one online resource for nude celebrities, including the latest entertainment news and celebrity gossip. The website contains a comprehensive listing of many actresses and TV stars with clips, nude celebrity pictures, reviews, and ratings. MrSkin.com attracts more than 6.7 million unique visitors per month.
To interview Mr. Skin, contact Pete McMurray
SOURCE: Mr. Skin
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2008, 05:25:05 pm
It's official, I'm voting for Jack Black for Governor. (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Darth Ed on December 05, 2008, 12:46:04 am
It's official, I'm voting for Jack Black for Governor. (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones)
That's awesome! Thanks for the link.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 05, 2008, 07:50:48 pm
Let this be a warning to you:  do not fuck with me during my "Total Eclipse of the Heart (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIRiZsDObrU&feature=related)" rendition.

Karaoke Rage Claims Another (http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/05/karaoke-killing/?partner=rss&emc=rss)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 08, 2008, 03:04:34 pm
The Beta has gone public so I guess I can share it now:

http://beta.sling.com/

Kind of like Hulu, combined with a Slingplayer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 09, 2008, 05:52:07 pm
Ahh, the winter meetings.

This deal makes sense for one team and one team only.  The Mets.

K-rod to the Mets for 3-years, $37Million (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3756383)

He brings back end and more importantly, confidence to a team that desperately needs it.

As for the Angels, I like letting him go.  I want Teixiera so badly it hurts.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2008, 04:41:48 pm
I was going to head home an hour ago to start my weekend, but I got caught up reading Michael Lewis' essay on Portfolio:
 
 The end of Wall Street's Boom (http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/national-news/portfolio/2008/11/11/The-End-of-Wall-Streets-Boom)
 
 It'll take about an hour, and I'd wait until Friday lest yee ruin your Thanksgiving, but it's incredible.  I had to shut my door so people weren't bothered by me openly exclaiming "Holy Shit!"


Since I'm sure you all took the time to read that brilliant article above, I thought I'd share a little more.  I'm helping a friend write some articles for the lay person about the bailout and the crisis and I stumbled on these brilliant videos from MarketPlace explaining some of the how and the why using very simple examples.  Enjoy.

Crisis Explained (or what exactly is a CDO (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFBRQatmp0o&feature=channel_page)

Why "Fallout" for the Financial Crisis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mRubvt2GTI&feature=channel_page)

Untangling Credit Default Swaps (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhI5qy-L4cc&feature=channel_page)

Leveraging and Deleveraging (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKp-HGfT1SQ)

How Credit Cards become Asset-Backed Securities (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owPYO1D4d_A&feature=channel_page)

Getting Naked in Short Selling (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wdg9__Oq9w&feature=channel_page)

Margin Calls and the Financial Markets Decline (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYQCGgFMrEo&feature=channel_page)

Over the Counter, over the top (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE-1EhghNQw&feature=channel_page)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 10, 2008, 05:08:36 pm

Since I'm sure you all took the time to read that brilliant article above, I thought I'd share a little more.  I'm helping a friend write some articles for the lay person about the bailout and the crisis and I stumbled on these brilliant videos from MarketPlace explaining some of the how and the why using very simple examples.  Enjoy.

should i be prepared to be appalled by the article?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2008, 05:25:10 pm
should i be prepared to be appalled by the article?

I think everybody should be appalled by the conduct they read about in the article.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 10, 2008, 05:31:35 pm
should i be prepared to be appalled by the article?

I think everybody should be appalled by the conduct they read about in the article.
i'm more appalled by the government reaction, predictably. . .and will be even moreso if the auto bailout gets passed, especially without language on labor.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2008, 05:49:36 pm
i'm more appalled by the government reaction

I'm so bored of this. 

Mods, can we extend the length of the signature line so Venerable can just put that in his signature instead of typing it every other post.  We'd only have to keep it that long for 20 years when the Libertarians (READ: Republicans who are to embarrassed to admit their own social policy shortcomings) produce a viable candidate.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 10, 2008, 05:58:44 pm
my uncle recently became really into libertarianism

he's now really appalled by everything

of course he also justified not voting for kerry by using a hunter s thompson quote
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 10, 2008, 05:59:22 pm
Ahh, the winter meetings.

This deal makes sense for one team and one team only.  The Mets.

K-rod to the Mets for 3-years, $37Million (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3756383)

He brings back end and more importantly, confidence to a team that desperately needs it.

apparently he also got a vested 4th year option for $14 million. . .insane.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2008, 06:38:26 pm
apparently he also got a vested 4th year option for $14 million. . .insane.

Really?  You'd think the Mets would have learned from their cross-town rivals after the Mo deal.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 10, 2008, 07:19:46 pm
smax, have you read RS's "The New Trough (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/24012700/the_new_trough)"?  gawd i hope those are simply the rantings of a left-wing bush-hater - because if what he writes is actually true, uh, i wouldn't even know where to begin.  orwell couldn't have written something more sinister.  impeachment wouldn't even start to cover it... i say lynch 'em all.

and how hard is it to read that link i have above?!?  can we PLEASE change the stylesheet to have links in a lighter color?!?  please?!?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on December 11, 2008, 01:45:49 am
smax, have you read RS's "The New Trough (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/24012700/the_new_trough)"?  gawd i hope those are simply the rantings of a left-wing bush-hater - because if what he writes is actually true, uh, i wouldn't even know where to begin.  orwell couldn't have written something more sinister.  impeachment wouldn't even start to cover it... i say lynch 'em all.

and how hard is it to read that link i have above?!?  can we PLEASE change the stylesheet to have links in a lighter color?!?  please?!?

Agreed. Something like this (The New Trough (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/24012700/the_new_trough)) or this (The New Trough (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/24012700/the_new_trough)) makes it so much easier to read. I'm constantly having to tilt my laptop in order to read the links, names and titles. The current color is just not at all user friendly.



Regarding the article, that's exactly why I absolutely refused to vote for either Barry (Obama) or McCrook.  Both are completely owned and controlled by the war-mongering banksters. Same thieving eungenists who own and control the Bushwackers and Clinton mobster crime families. For me, it's not a right or a left thing. It's more like get me out of this mind-fuck of an illussion!!! Welcome to the Nu-Fascism! I'll stop now... or I won't. I applaud Rolling Stone for having the guts to publish this.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 15, 2008, 06:55:20 pm
As if getting 13 No Doubt songs last week wasn't enough......


PEARL JAM SIGNS WITH MTV GAMES AND HARMONIX TO BRING BAND?S DEBUT ALBUM, TEN, TO ROCK BAND

Full Album to be Released as Rock Band DLC Day and Date with the Re-issue of ?Ten?:

Four Special Edition Packages in Stores on March 24, 2009

NEW YORK, NY ? December 15, 2008 ? Harmonix, the world?s premier music video game development company, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom?s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today confirmed that Ten, the debut album that sold 12 million copies and introduced the world to Pearl Jam (http://www.pearljam.com) in 1991, will be offered for download in the Rock Band Music Store day-and-date with the re-issue of the album in stores on March 24, 2009.


Paul DeGooyer, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games and Music for MTV Networks Music / Logo Group, added, ?Just hearing the first few notes of Jeremy or Alive brings back all the raw emotion of this incredible, hugely important album. We are honored to be working with Pearl Jam to deliver Ten as it is re-issued.?



In addition to the track ?Alive? that is already available on the Rock Band 2 game disc, the Pearl Jam Ten download pack will include the additional 10 songs from the album:



1. Once
2. Even Flow
3. Why Go
4. Black
5. Jeremy
6. Oceans
7. Porch
8. Garden
9. Deep
10. Release

Pearl Jam released Ten on August 27, 1991. The album reached #2 on the Billboard 200 chart, sold over 12 million copies and became one of the cultural touchstones of the 1990s. Songs such as ?Alive,? ?Black,? ?Even Flow? and Jeremy became staples of rock radio, and still make frequent appearances on the band?s ever-changing concert setlists. The album was produced by Rick Parasher. Pearl Jam?s 1991 lineup was Jeff Ament (bass), Stone Gossard (guitar), Dave Krusen (drums), Mike McCready (guitar) and Eddie Vedder (vocals).

Rock Band 2 features the largest music catalogue of any music-based videogame to date including over 100 songs[1] on the Rock Band 2 soundtrack with an unrivaled blend of classic and new artists including AC/DC, Guns ?N Roses, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, Motorhead and more! The Rock Band online music store recently surpassed 30 million paid downloads since the game?s launch in late November 2007. With more than 500 tracks available to date via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at http://www.rockband.com/dlc), the addition of complete and immediate backwards compatibility for songs purchased from Rock Band?s ever-expanding online music store and the ability to export most songs from the original Rock Band disc, Rock Band continues to deliver the largest library of music ever for a video game.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2008, 08:15:06 pm
I'm going to go out on a limb and say the first time I crowd surf is after a brownie or two and I sing Release.

By the way, Ace got a makeover:

(http://www.rockband.com/uploads/user-generated-content/200521/Quickie_n_the_Bushes-422x281_avatar_420.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2008, 08:59:15 pm
Only two books made the NY Times Top Ten (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/books/review/10Best-t.html?ex=1244523600&en=860db33a2882ed4f&ei=5087&WT.mc_id=NYT-E-I-NYT-E-AT-1210-L1) and the Ecomonist Top Books of 2008 (http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12719711), so I will be reading those this holiday season:

The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals. (http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11837595)
By Jane Mayer.
Doubleday; 400 pages; $27.50 and Ł22.85

A comprehensive and compelling examination of how a handful of officials, working in extreme secrecy, even from their colleagues, prosecuted the war on terror, undermining America?s civil liberties.

And:

The World Is What It Is: The Authorised Biography of V.S. Naipaul. (http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10952306)
By Patrick French.
Knopf; 576 pages; $30. Picador; Ł20

An elegant and insightful study of the Trinidad-born Nobel laureate who made his name as a novelist and chronicler of India and the Islamic world. A singular example of how good authorised biographies can, and should, be.


There were many more crossovers from the NY Times Notable 100 (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/books/review/100Notable-t.html) and the Economist's list for those interested.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2008, 03:07:40 pm
I'm feeling really badly about the Angels chances to re-sign Teixiera.  If Boston's offer is identical to Anaheim's, then he will head East.  I don't think the Orioles have the revenue to do the 8-year deal, even if he's willing to sign for less to head back home.

If I were Anaheim, I'd start working a Peavy-Adrian Gonzalez package deal from the AAA team in San Diego.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on December 16, 2008, 03:16:35 pm
Why are baseball players so goddamn greedy? I'm making up these numbers, but is there really that big of a difference between the 140 million the O's would pay him and the 160 million the Sox would pay him? When you're talking that kind of money, it's like Monopoly money anyway.

That being said, who wouldn't prefer playing for the BoSox (or the Angels) over Baltimore?


I'm feeling really badly about the Angels chances to re-sign Teixiera.  If Boston's offer is identical to Anaheim's, then he will head East.  I don't think the Orioles have the revenue to do the 8-year deal, even if he's willing to sign for less to head back home.

If I were Anaheim, I'd start working a Peavy-Adrian Gonzalez package deal from the AAA team in San Diego.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2008, 03:22:52 pm
is there really that big of a difference between the 140 million the O's would pay him and the 160 million the Sox would pay him?


You're actually not making up those numbers.  The difference is 7 years vs 8 years at $20m per year (avg).  But there is a lot of pressure from the Unions to take both the longest and the biggest deal you can get so it trickles down to everybody else.  Combine that with agents that get a percentage of the contract, and there's a lot of pressure on the players to sign the biggest deal possible.

While I agree that numbers are ridiculous, it's not only the fault of the players.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 16, 2008, 03:42:33 pm
what is that in Ł/week
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2008, 04:06:20 pm
what is that in Ł/week

Ł250,000 a week, assuming they pay over 52 weeks and not just during the season.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 16, 2008, 04:09:39 pm
is there really that big of a difference between the 140 million the O's would pay him and the 160 million the Sox would pay him?


You're actually not making up those numbers.  The difference is 7 years vs 8 years at $20m per year (avg).  But there is a lot of pressure from the Unions to take both the longest and the biggest deal you can get so it trickles down to everybody else.  Combine that with agents that get a percentage of the contract, and there's a lot of pressure on the players to sign the biggest deal possible.

While I agree that numbers are ridiculous, it's not only the fault of the players.
for example, the union wouldn't let arod re-negotiate a lower salary to play for the red sox. . .instead, the yankees were able to take on the salary, and arod was traded to the yankees.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 16, 2008, 04:11:27 pm
what is that in Ł/week

Ł250,000 a week, assuming they pay over 52 weeks and not just during the season.


so hes roughly worth a world cup winning keeper
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2008, 04:25:00 pm
so hes roughly worth a world cup winning keeper

No.  C Ronaldo only makes Ł120,000 a week.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 16, 2008, 04:43:17 pm
oh you know im makin fun
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2008, 06:54:00 pm
Last week Microsoft asked me to start working on Windows 7 for them, which I started to do this weekend.  It's a little ironic, because it means I'll be basically skipping Vista in my home setup all together, but I'm willing to do that.

I must say, I'm super impressed so far.  I agree with most of the benchmarks that I've seen.  Originally this author did Win7 vs Vista (http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=3182), but was prodded to add XP SP3 later (http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=3187&tag=nl.e550).

It's not even the final product, but if this is any indication, MS is finally headed in the right direction with their OS.

Windows 7 is working a lot faster than even XP on my netbook, although I did have to VLite the install as the regualr installation of Win7 takes up 10GB and I wasn't willing to give up that much space with my smaller SSD.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2008, 08:46:06 pm
The newest version of Last.Fm scrobbler (version 1.5.2.38918) finally displays files streamed from my Home Server via iTunes, so after a 3 month hiatus, it's good to be back on last.fm.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on December 16, 2008, 10:17:37 pm
The newest version of Last.Fm scrobbler (version 1.5.2.38918) finally displays files streamed from my Home Server via iTunes, so after a 3 month hiatus, it's good to be back on last.fm.

Except that CBS bought them out, are laying off about 25% of their London staff and as of today, they are trashing up their pages with gigantic ads. Won't be long now that Last.FM will be the corporate suckage that MySpace has become. Enjoy it while you can.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2008, 01:31:30 pm

Except that CBS bought them out, are laying off about 25% of their London staff and as of today, they are trashing up their pages with gigantic ads. Won't be long now that Last.FM will be the corporate suckage that MySpace has become. Enjoy it while you can.

If ads keep the service free, I'm totally fine with it.  If I had to pay for the service, then I'd probably stop using it.  The job losses suck though, but I suspect that's happening everywhere.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2008, 01:45:03 pm
French Competition Council: Orange-iPhone Deal Breaches Rules (http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200812170557DOWJONESDJONLINE000441_FORTUNE5.htm)

PARIS -(Dow Jones)- France's competition authority Wednesday temporarily barred an exclusive distribution deal between the country's dominant telecommunications group France Telecom SA (FTE.FR) and Apple Inc. (AAPL) over the blockbuster iPhone mobile phone.

The watchdog said the exclusive rights to iPhone held by France Telecom's Orange mobile telephony unit "by nature introduces a new factor of rigidity in a sector that already lacks competition."

It said any operator can now sell the iPhone.

France Telecom wasn't immediately available to comment.

The measures are in force while the council probes more deeply in to the case.

The original complaint against the Orange-Apple pact was filed by French telecoms operator Bouygues Telecoms, a unit of French diversified construction group Bouygues SA (12050.FR).

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 17, 2008, 02:01:36 pm
france vs apple? its a fight within the smackie rogues gallery
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2008, 02:55:30 pm
france vs apple? its a fight within the smackie rogues gallery

Haha, yes, an odd fight in my lexicon.  I'm rooting for the consumer and hoping that it spreads competition throughout the land.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2008, 02:58:13 pm
Alright experts.  Now that Boston has effectively said they won't be going to a 10 year deal after getting burned by Manny - if you're Anaheim, do you go 10 years and lock Teixiera up or do you take your chances that he'll pick you in the 8-year sweepstakes?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 19, 2008, 04:58:35 pm
I had it on pretty good authority last night that the Red Sox knew exactly what they were doing when they announced that they were out of the Teixiera negotiations because the bidding was too high.  They wanted to get a message loud and clear to Boras that he was bluffing, but that was the only way to make certain his client would hear it too.

He'll be a holding a Red Sox uniform by the end of the weekend - that's my prediction.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 23, 2008, 05:07:26 pm
Yankees said to Reach Deal with Teixeira (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/24/sports/baseball/24yankees.html?hp)

Xmas is ruined.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 23, 2008, 06:21:22 pm
is it true they dont pay the luxury tax this year?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 23, 2008, 06:40:43 pm
is it true they dont pay the luxury tax this year?

2008 or 2009?  Either way I'm pretty sure the answer is no.  The limit for 2008 was $155 Million and they have been asked top pay $26 Million tax on that.   Next year (2009) the limit will be $162 Million, and even before the Teixeira signing, they were over it.   I have not heard of any exemptions available to them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on December 23, 2008, 06:44:23 pm
is it true they dont pay the luxury tax this year?

2008 or 2009?  Either way I'm pretty sure the answer is no.  The limit for 2008 was $155 Million and they have been asked top pay $26 Million tax on that.   Next year (2009) the limit will be $162 Million, and even before the Teixeira signing, they were over it.   I have not heard of any exemptions available to them.

merry christmas you 'ole softy.   ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 24, 2008, 09:39:39 am
is it true they dont pay the luxury tax this year?

2008 or 2009?  Either way I'm pretty sure the answer is no.  The limit for 2008 was $155 Million and they have been asked top pay $26 Million tax on that.   Next year (2009) the limit will be $162 Million, and even before the Teixeira signing, they were over it.   I have not heard of any exemptions available to them.
i am sorry. revenue sharing was what i was told and i related back wrong
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on December 24, 2008, 01:34:16 pm
Yankees said to Reach Deal with Teixeira (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/24/sports/baseball/24yankees.html?hp)

Xmas is ruined.

  Just wait til they sign Ramirez  too! (cause who else will sign him?)

  Its ok, they havent won in 9 years since all this spending. The Yankees spent years dominating a weak division (yes, the Red Sox blew in the late 90s) and they have been trying desperately to find a way to match the surging Sox , Rays and even Jays.

  so what do they do? take their players and sign free agents.  Teixera couldnt hit an extra base hit against Boston in the ALDS last year and Sabathia got lit up like a christmas tree in 2007 ALCS.

  The Angels did fine without Tex for most of last year.  If anything this just gives more reason to laugh when the Yankees cant win a World Series with the 4 largest contracts in baseball!


 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2009, 01:45:38 pm
Pirates push for salary cap

Pirates president Frank Coonelly told the Pittsburgh Post Gazette he would back commissioner Bud Selig should the sport pursue a salary cap in its next labor negotiations in 2011.

"Having studied the issue for years while working at the commissioner's office, I continue to believe a salary cap is an economic system that works for a sports league as a whole, the individual clubs and, because of the growth it can promote for the league, the players," Coonelly said. "As a result, yes, the Pirates would support an effort by the commissioner's office to secure a salary cap in collective bargaining."

Coonelly worked for a decade in the commissioner's office before taking his current post two years ago.

Brewers' president Mark Attanasio and Astros owner Drayton McLane also have come out in favor of a salary cap in recent weeks
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 05, 2009, 01:54:41 pm
wait there are baseball teams besides the yankees and red sox?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2009, 01:55:12 pm
I must say, I'm super impressed so far.  I agree with most of the benchmarks that I've seen.  Originally this author did Win7 vs Vista (http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=3182), but was prodded to add XP SP3 later (http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=3187&tag=nl.e550).

It's not even the final product, but if this is any indication, MS is finally headed in the right direction with their OS.

Windows 7 is working a lot faster than even XP on my netbook, although I did have to VLite the install as the regualr installation of Win7 takes up 10GB and I wasn't willing to give up that much space with my smaller SSD.

I feel I should share this too.  Don't use a leaked copy on your music collection.  MS has confirmed that the bug will not exist in the final Public Beta:

Windows Media Player 12 has a Serious Bug (http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=3244&tag=nl.e589)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2009, 02:04:46 pm
wait there are baseball teams besides the yankees and red sox?

Hey, smackie loves the little guys...but only smackie.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2009, 03:08:12 pm
How on earth am I supposd to focus on work with CES and MacWorld underway...

First piece of advice: Don't get suckered into these:

 LG Introduces Broadband HDTV's - Streaming Netflix Directly to your TV (http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11371672)

And here's why:

(1) They are about $200-$300 more than the current HDTV, when the set-top boxes that do the same are around $100 now and falling quickly (not to mention that the software has already been added to existing set-top boxes like the Xbox 360), and...

(2) The technology to stream Video is moving so fast right now (as is network capability) that they have about a 2.5 year life cycle. You can only do so many firmware upgrades before you need a new chip to keep up with existing technology.  Had they done this two years ago, you'd have gotten a ViiV chip and wireless G network speeds.  Think of where you'd be today with that, let alone two years from now?  You'll replace the set-top box long before you replace the TV...

So Smackie's advice, buy the less expensive HDTV, use the money you saved on a set-top box that does the same and 3 years from now, upgrade the box to the newest and greatest thing I recommend with the rest of the money you saved.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2009, 03:39:16 pm
Panetta for CIA Chief?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 05, 2009, 04:51:16 pm
Panetta for CIA Chief?
geez, how many old clinton staffers can one democratic administration hold?  even betty currie got re-hired.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 05, 2009, 05:43:25 pm
obama's team is still leagues better than W's - now THAT was a blast from the past.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2009, 06:05:49 pm
geez, how many old clinton staffers can one democratic administration hold? 

As many as we want....

(http://lc.fdots.com/cc/lc/4c/4cc1cab645c38c2bb6b4e1805d3ba80b.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 05, 2009, 06:09:31 pm
geez, how many old clinton staffers can one democratic administration hold? 

As many as we want....
that's some change. . . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 05, 2009, 06:48:24 pm
Panetta for CIA Chief?
i think he would be a better pick for other agencies, based on his experience. . .and seems too much of an overtly political pick for the cia....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 06, 2009, 01:50:11 pm
iPhoto...iMovie...I'mBored.  Show me something already.

Hmm..Garage Band with lessons on how to play songs taught by the artists themselves at $5 a pop.  Interesting.  It's like the anti-Rock Band.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 06, 2009, 02:12:14 pm
Panetta for CIA Chief?
"they've got to put him somewhere" (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/01/obama-panetta.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 06, 2009, 02:12:23 pm
17-inch MacBook Pro, because what the world needs is less portable laptops as we get rid of our desktops...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 06, 2009, 02:23:48 pm
17-inch MacBook Pro, because what the world needs is less portable laptops as we get rid of our desktops...

*COUGH*$2800!!!*COUGH*
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 06, 2009, 02:30:01 pm
Haha!  iTunes is finally DRM free?  sort of.

Are you willing to pay for DRM free music?

69 Cents for DRM, $1.29 for DRM free on iTunes (speculation on my part).

No thanks, I'll use one of the many other services that provide DRM free music for 99 cents.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 06, 2009, 02:41:47 pm
Panetta for CIA Chief?
"they've got to put him somewhere" (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/01/obama-panetta.html)
the l.a. times, feinstein and rockfeller dont like appointment, does that mean you have to like it?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 06, 2009, 03:47:03 pm
Panetta for CIA Chief?
"they've got to put him somewhere" (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/01/obama-panetta.html)
the l.a. times, feinstein and rockfeller dont like appointment, does that mean you have to like it?
hey, i like feinstein and i even voted for her. . .plus, she kicked all the black people out of san francisco. . . .and jello biafra does a funny impression of her when he ran against her for mayor.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 06, 2009, 03:59:36 pm
Haha!  iTunes is finally DRM free?  sort of.

Are you willing to pay for DRM free music?

69 Cents for DRM, $1.29 for DRM free on iTunes (speculation on my part).

No thanks, I'll use one of the many other services that provide DRM free music for 99 cents.
this is a concession?

Apple's top marketing executive, Philip Schiller, said iTunes songs would come in three pricing tiers: 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29. Record companies will choose the prices, which marks a significant change, since Apple previously made all songs sell for 99 cents.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 06, 2009, 04:54:57 pm
hey, i like feinstein and i even voted for her. . .plus, she kicked all the black people out of san francisco. . . .

Comments like this belong in threads started by others on this board.  Kindly keep them out of mine.  Interesting comment by someone who "only sees class"....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 06, 2009, 04:57:23 pm
this is a concession?

Apple's top marketing executive, Philip Schiller, said iTunes songs would come in three pricing tiers: 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29. Record companies will choose the prices, which marks a significant change, since Apple previously made all songs sell for 99 cents.

I would call it more like keeping up with the competition (Amazon, eMusic, Zune) then I would call it a concession.  It wasn't the majority of the record industry that was pushing for this (although at least one major company was).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 06, 2009, 05:02:45 pm
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/01/upgrade-itunes-1.jpg)

BTW - these are still AAC songs, not MP3, so for some conversion will still be necessary.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 06, 2009, 07:11:43 pm
i think he would be a better pick for other agencies, based on his experience. . .and seems too much of an overtly political pick for the cia....

Is this about Panetta or George HW Bush?

At least in this instance Blair is actually in charge of intelligence and Panetta is in charge of cleaning up processes - something few would argue he's not capable of.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 06, 2009, 07:25:21 pm
i think he would be a better pick for other agencies, based on his experience. . .and seems too much of an overtly political pick for the cia....

Is this about Panetta or George HW Bush?

At least in this instance Blair is actually in charge of intelligence and Panetta is in charge of cleaning up processes - something few would argue he's not capable of.
glad to see you've caught up on the talking points. . . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 06, 2009, 07:42:56 pm
glad to see you've caught up on the talking points. . . .

You know I'm limited in what I can say on the issue...I was just going to link to the Economist article (http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12882709&source=features_box_main), but thought better of it.  I think you're right, I'm not going to like this new searchable forum.

The Bush joke was my first thought though.  His appoinment was the most obviously political we've ever seen.  Nixon and Ford, if they were still alive, would still be paying him back for giving up that House seat in his failed Senate bid.   First UN Ambassador, then the China gig and lastly the CIA.  Hell, they may even have persuaded Reagan for the VP slot.

And on DiFi - she's just bitter she wasn't contacted first.  Get used to it, or dare I say, have some better intelligence folks.  You are in charge of the intelligence committee after all.

I really do think Obama feels the need to clean up the CIA and chose Panetta to do just that, perhaps get them back in the good graces of the legislature after a series of failures and Panetta is the man for that.  Do I think it's an odd choice?  Absolutely.  But this is not the same agency as it was pre-911.  It doesn't have the same clout, nor does it have the respect it had before George Tenet.   [sarcasm]Maybe Dick Clarke turned him down?[/sarcasm]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 06, 2009, 08:38:26 pm
glad to see you've caught up on the talking points. . . .

You know I'm limited in what I can say on the issue...I was just going to link to the Economist article (http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12882709&source=features_box_main), but thought better of it.  I think you're right, I'm not going to like this new searchable forum.

I really do think Obama feels the need to clean up the CIA and chose Panetta to do just that, perhaps get them back in the good graces of the legislature after a series of failures and Panetta is the man for that.  Do I think it's an odd choice?  Absolutely.  But this is not the same agency as it was pre-911.  It doesn't have the same clout, nor does it have the respect it had before George Tenet. 

an excellent, for the most part, response. . .i think the economist story gets to the larger issue about finding a new cia director- since the latter stages of the clinton adminstration, some form of torture has been implicitly allowed, and bush made that even more explicit.  the problem is that you are dealing with at least 10 years of experience that needs to be thrown out the window and obama, at least initially bowing to pressure (see- John Brannan (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/25/brennan-pulls-out-of-runn_n_146419.html)), is basically ignoring anyone associated with the cia over that past decade.  if obama has decided that his first step with the cia is to clean-house and not, you know, focus on spying, then i suppose panetta is just as good a pick as anyone. . .and obama needs to put him somewhere.  still, i'm surprised that panetta is willing to leave the lucrative leon and sylvia panetta institute of public policy at lovely cal state-monterey bay. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 06, 2009, 08:52:18 pm
He's 70 years old, from my contact with him I'm frankly shocked he took the job (I don't think he pressured the administration for a job, and certainly not this one) and I think it's a short term gig, kind of like the Iraq Group job (and I disagree with the LAT assessment that they wrong, but we've been through that).

And you're damn right I'm throwing my name in the hat to keep his seat warm at Moterrey Bay while he's gone.  Prime gig.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2009, 03:58:20 pm
One of my favorite series since the Election has been The Economists series called "Barack Obama's Blackberry."  They've sent a series of recommendations to the President-Elect's Blackberry before he loses it for security reasons:


Guantanamo (http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12638668)
Health Care (http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12689787)
Israel-Palestine (http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12725132) (this one probably needs to be re-written)
The Environment (http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12775538)
Iran (http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12814726)


This weeks was on Wall Street, and when you've got the Economist calling for a new regulatory scheme, you know things have gotten bad.


Wall Street (http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12865117)


?FIRST the good news. While the recession is getting worse, the financial crisis that started it has been contained?for now. The government has had to bail out only one big financial institution in the past six weeks.

The bad news is that the Bush administration and the Fed had nothing resembling a consistent strategy. They crushed Fannie?s and Freddie?s stock holders. They saved Citigroup?s. Ad-hockery is costly: it keeps private capital on the sidelines for fear of being wiped out in the next Sunday night rescue. And the government is now on the hook for perhaps trillions of dollars of guarantees and new capital, in return for which it got no extra power to protect the system and the taxpayer in the future.

What we need, and soon, is a ?resolution regime?, governing how the government may take over any big financial institution and sell, nationalise or close it. We do have such a regime for deposit-taking banks, but it?s flawed in two respects. First, huge amounts of money are sloshing around outside the banks. Second, the biggest banks have long since become so thoroughly intertwined with the financial system that they cannot be neatly closed down as our laws once envisioned.

Designing such a regime is going to be a lot harder than just saying we need one. How are we going to decide which institutions are so important that they must come under it? And any institution we do agree to cover will be seen as ?too big to fail?, obtaining an unfair advantage over its competitors in their cost of borrowing.

Whatever we come up with, voters have a right to be sure that we never get into this kind of mess again. The inability of the Republicans to forestall or fix the crisis was the main reason you won (after your charm and brains, naturally).

At a minimum, we will need much tighter federal oversight of the non-banks, and that is going to be hugely unpopular with Wall Street (though a bit of squealing from them is no bad thing for voters to hear). This ought to be part of a broader overhaul of a financial regulatory system that everyone knows is a mess: we have seven agencies overseeing banking, securities and futures and they still allowed the banks to behave like lunatics and failed to spot Bernie Madoff?s Ponzi scheme. It took four years to pass the last overhaul. We don?t have that much time: the crisis could claim its next victim at any moment. We have to figure out, right now, how we will respond.?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 07, 2009, 05:06:27 pm
He's 70 years old, from my contact with him I'm frankly shocked he took the job (I don't think he pressured the administration for a job, and certainly not this one) and I think it's a short term gig, kind of like the Iraq Group job (and I disagree with the LAT assessment that they wrong, but we've been through that).

And you're damn right I'm throwing my name in the hat to keep his seat warm at Moterrey Bay while he's gone.  Prime gig.
i agree that this is probably a short term job, panetta will last just long enough to outlast the demands of the progressives who demand their people get jobs.  after that, someone like brennan will show back up.  but it also probably means that blair will have most of the power. . .

and feinstein won't be bullied (unlike boxer now). . .you should know that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2009, 07:18:40 pm
Is this the new Bachelor Party Jersey?

Teixeira's wife calls the shots (http://playground.nesn.com/blogs/nesn_newswire/archive/2009/01/07/3651721.aspx)
 
On Tuesday, Mark Teixeira officially became a Yankee by cramming his big fat head into the dreaded blue cap and smiling nicely for the cameras.  But perhaps the most interesting news to come out of the dog and pony show in New York was the revelation that Teixeira was never that into playing for the Red Sox.

Because his wife wanted him to be a Yankee.

"Two weeks before Christmas, I talked to [wife] Leigh about it again, and we kind of decided that, hey, the Yankees are where we want to be. [W]hen I asked her during the process, 'Where should I go, where should I go?' she'd always say, 'I just want you to be happy.'

"Finally she said, 'I want you to be a Yankee,' and it was a done deal. Once we got the contract figured out, it was a no-brainer for me."

To borrow a line from Saturday Night Live: Really, Mark?  Really?  Your wife chooses where you play ball?  Yeah, the Yankees offered you a big contract, but living expenses are so much higher in Manhattan than they are in Boston.  You could have had a gorgeous condo at the Mandarin, just steps from one of Boston?s classiest restaurants.  Imagine all the great date nights you could have had there.

But, no.  Instead, you chose the bright lights of New York because your Charlotte from Sex in the City look-alike wife told you that the Bronx would be a good idea.  Hope you enjoy the even more raucous booing from the Fenway faithful when the pinstripes roll into the Hub.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 07, 2009, 08:18:31 pm
apparently, teixeira was also a yankees fan (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Yankees-can-thank-Leigh-Teixeira-for-their-new-f?urn=mlb,132549) growing up in maryland.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on January 08, 2009, 11:20:15 am
thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you . . . . GOD!!!!!!!!!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/08/microsoft.ballmer/index.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 08, 2009, 01:48:51 pm
thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you . . . . GOD!!!!!!!!!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/08/microsoft.ballmer/index.html

I can confirm this. After one month of use, Win7 is by far the best version of Windows yet.  The leaked version had a little MP3 hiccup, but tomorrows public version won't have this problem (I recommend waiting until tomorrow to DL it).  MS just sent me a full version of Vista Ultimate to install on a new test machine and I sent it back and said, no thanks, I'm running 7 on everything - even in beta.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on January 08, 2009, 01:54:39 pm
apparently, teixeira was also a yankees fan (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Yankees-can-thank-Leigh-Teixeira-for-their-new-f?urn=mlb,132549) growing up in maryland.

  Heres hoping Teixeira's career takes a  Johnny Damon turn after signing with the Yankees.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 08, 2009, 01:59:53 pm
  Heres hoping Teixeira's career takes a  Johnny Damon turn after signing with the Yankees.

That's just it - I don't think it's going to happen.  The kid's legit, he's young, consistent, works hard, and LOVES to play baseball.  Damon was 32 when he signed that yankee deal - Teix will be halfway through his new Yankee contract when he reaches the age of Damon's first contract year with the yankees.

I'm telling you - I wish I had never seen him in an Angel uniform....it wouldn't hurt this badly if I hadn't.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 08, 2009, 02:49:09 pm
kind of like the Iraq Group job (and I disagree with the LAT assessment that they wrong, but we've been through that).

to quote mickey kaus (http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/kausfiles/archive/2009/01/06/this-is-not-the-tick-tock-we-were-promised.aspx)- "I must have missed the part of the blueprint where the Iraq Study Group called for the Petraeus "surge" strategy."

 :)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 08, 2009, 03:02:15 pm
"I must have missed the part of the blueprint where the Iraq Study Group called for the Petraeus "surge" strategy."

I'm not revisiting this...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 08, 2009, 03:03:40 pm
"I must have missed the part of the blueprint where the Iraq Study Group called for the Petraeus "surge" strategy."

I'm not revisiting this...
i was gonna post something about teixiera not really helping the angels last year, but neyer wasn't as helpful as i thought he was. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 08, 2009, 03:05:03 pm
i was gonna post something about teixiera not really helping the angels last year, but neyer wasn't as helpful as i thought he was. 

I know, heaven forbid you actually come up with an original thought that's your own and not someone else's blog post...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 08, 2009, 03:14:50 pm
i was gonna post something about teixiera not really helping the angels last year, but neyer wasn't as helpful as i thought he was. 

I know, heaven forbid you actually come up with an original thought that's your own and not someone else's blog post...
SMACK!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2009, 02:24:32 pm
The Official Win7 Beta is available for those daring (the servers are really busy right now though):

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx#
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2009, 10:37:55 pm
As if United/Chelsea and the Steelers playoff game weren't enough on Sunday...may head may officially explode on Sunday.

Bono to write Op-Ed column for New York Times
Jan. 9, 2009, 3:00 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) -- Can he type with those shades on? Bono will write an Op-Ed column for The New York Times.

The paper announced that his first column will appear Sunday, for which he will also do a podcast. His column will appear occasionally.

Bono called the gig "an honor," and joked that he's "never been great with the full stops or commas."

The Times said the column will cover a broad range of topics.

The 48-year-old U2 rocker has been an advocate in the fight against AIDS and poverty in Africa.

Times editorial page editor, Andrew Rosenthal, said Bono "is an extraordinary man who thinks deeply about his art and the major issues confronting the world."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 12, 2009, 01:24:03 pm
For those that are interested, I have become totally addicted to ESPNs Streak for The Cash (http://streak.espn.go.com/) game (pick 27 games in a row and win $1 Million (http://streak.espn.go.com/story?pageName=streak\howtoplay)).  So much so I created a group.  Feel free to join.

GROUP NAME: The Degenerates
PASSWORD: gamblers

In order to join my group, you must first sign up for the game, make a pick and then click the Join a Group link.  Search for The Degenerates and enter the password.  There is no charge to play.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 14, 2009, 01:26:55 pm
Even I thought this was already over, but what a waste of $3.5 Million...

Updated: January 14, 2009, 8:46 AM ET

Anaheim ends court fight vs. Angels (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3831813)
Associated Press

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The city of Anaheim is dropping its legal challenges to the name of the Angels.

Mayor Curt Pringle says the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to give up its battle to restore the team's name to the Anaheim Angels.

The city had argued that team owner Arte Moreno violated the city-owned stadium lease agreement when he changed the name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005.

A California appeals court ruled against the city last month, and an Orange County Superior court jury sided with the team in 2006.

Pringle says city leaders believe the wrong court decision was made twice, but says "it's in everybody's best interest to take no further action."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 14, 2009, 03:09:18 pm
Even I thought this was already over, but what a waste of $3.5 Million...

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The city of Anaheim is dropping its legal challenges to the name of the Angels.
at least you have a jersey. . .to me, they're still the california angels. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on January 14, 2009, 03:15:37 pm
(http://img.listal.com/image/products/200/B0006VXFKK/dvds/-angels-outfield-60738.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 14, 2009, 08:00:53 pm
at least you have a jersey. . .to me, they're still the california angels. . .

Don't worry, I'll buy you a Fremont t-shirt...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 15, 2009, 03:57:50 pm
What the hell are the Dodgers thinking?
 
 Dodgers Sign Andruw Jones: 2 Years, $36 Million (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3143653)

Yep - a no brainer as the Dodgers are set to release Jones. (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090114&content_id=3744576&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp)  Shocked they couldn't trade him with that contract.

In my next life I'm gonna be a GM.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 15, 2009, 04:59:36 pm
I tend to drink more wine in November and December, plus I'm off whiskey probation between Thanksgiving and Xmas, so I'm partially responsible.  But rest assured Miller, I'm back on the High Life...


Beer sales falling with economy (http://www.newsweek.com/id/179670)
SABMiller's beer shipments down during economic slowdown; Carlsberg makes cuts
EMILY FREDRIX AP Food Industry Writer

Even the brewing industry is starting to go flat in the worldwide economic slump.

SABMiller PLC, the London-based brewer of Grolsch, Miller Genuine Draft and Peroni Nastro Azzurro lagers, said on Thursday its beer shipments fell unexpectedly in the third quarter as consumers pulled back on their demand.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on January 15, 2009, 05:10:09 pm
i like how the local beer lady at the local fine beer shoppe i frequent, is telling me to buy these mucho pricey beers at 30 $ a four pack and the such, and to store them like wines.  "storing beers for six to eight years before drinking them is a the new thing."  very interesting.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 16, 2009, 04:00:59 pm
because i'm not sure where else to post this:

 
Quote
Circuit City to liquidate remaining US stores (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/16/america/Circuit-City-Bankruptcy.php)

Bankrupt Circuit City Stores Inc., the nation's second-biggest consumer electronics retailer, said Friday it failed to find a buyer and will liquidate its 567 U.S. stores. The closures could send another 30,000 people into the ranks of the unemployed.

a while back, i used to look forward to these liquidation sales.  maybe it was because i took it as the end result of managerial incompetence or hubris.  but now they strike me as sad and a tad unfair.  yes, i know that CC had it coming for a while.  still, it's hard to rejoince in a liquidation sale these days.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 16, 2009, 04:04:20 pm
That's hilarious.  I was on the circuity city web page making my wish list when I saw the notice that somebody posted in this thread.

There's some good stuff to be had...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on January 16, 2009, 04:08:52 pm
gizmodo is saying that the liquidation sale is all BS... any experience with one?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 16, 2009, 04:18:51 pm
gizmodo is saying that the liquidation sale is all BS... any experience with one?

I got some great shit at CompUSA's liquidation sale.

It's a total bluffers game, btw, much like the tower records liquidation.  If you get there early, you'll have the best selection.  But if you're patient, you have a chance at a really good bargain.  But if you wait too long, they sell out.

I made a priority list and set a spending cap.  I found parts were much easier to be patient on, but built systems went pretty quickly.  Most of the markdowns happened on Friday - and it would stay that way for about a week.  For example, I picked up a few OEM hard drives - one when it was 40% off and a second when it was 60% off.  I used the liquidation to replace stuff (going to a full G wireless network, bigger harddrives, more RAM, etc.) - I may do the same with circuit city except that I just bought a new TV for the bedroom, dammit.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 16, 2009, 04:42:56 pm
Hey Mac guys....

I'm setting up an Airport Express this weekend for a guy who wants his music collection through his stereo.  Somebody, I think it was raebyddet, was asking about the Digital aspect of the express (I think you could go from a stereo 3.5 plug to an optical plug).  Did anybody ever do this and what was the end result?

In addition, I'd like to do both an analog setup and a digital setup - can this be done with one airport express or do I need two?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 16, 2009, 04:56:20 pm

In addition, I'd like to do both an analog setup and a digital setup - can this be done with one airport express or do I need two?

Allow me to expand on this...

He has a Denon 2 Zone reciever.  Zone 1 can handle a digital or analog signal, so I would like to use an Optical connection.  Zone 2 can only handle an analog signal and would require me to use RCA jacks.  Therefore, what I would like to do is split the 3.5mm plug and use one plug for a 3.5mm to RCA connection, and use the other for the 3.5 to Optical connection.

Can this be done?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 16, 2009, 05:46:11 pm
what I would like to do is split the 3.5mm plug and use one plug for a 3.5mm to RCA connection, and use the other for the 3.5 to Optical connection.

Can this be done?

i don't think it can.  the express' spec page (http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/specs.html) sez "3.5-mm audio minijack for analog or optical digital sound" - note the "or".  both analog and optical plug in to the same jack/port, so the express outputs only one format depending on what is plugged in.  i've never heard of an 3.5"/optical all-in-one splitter... it would have to be pretty slick: suck the optical light pulses down its center, while the outside casing connected to the analog.

methinks that you'll need some sort of an external contraption to output the signal from the express and then split it in two (search for "toslink splitter", send one output to something that can convert it analog maybe?).  but i say this based solely on my understanding of that webpage.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 16, 2009, 05:58:38 pm
i like how the local beer lady at the local fine beer shoppe i frequent, is telling me to buy these mucho pricey beers at 30 $ a four pack and the such, and to store them like wines.  "storing beers for six to eight years before drinking them is a the new thing."  very interesting.
i think some of the hardy and samuel smith's can stand up for that long. . .the sam adams triple bock could probably also age. . .i had read an article about ageing beer, but can't remember where i might have read it (egullet possibly).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 16, 2009, 06:05:43 pm
i don't think it can. 

I see what you're saying.  The first person I talked too at the Apple Store looked at me like I was crazy - no idea what I was talking about.

The second person thought it was worth a shot, but didn't know what to expect. 

I have all the parts so I may as well try.  I think as long as the output is Stereo, it will work (depending on the splitter of course, and I have about 10 different 3.5mm splitters).  If the output is stereo and the splitter or the RCA jacks convert the signal to analog then it's the end point that should matter not the statting point.  I don't know the engineering of RCA jacks though.

But you're right, if the output is determined by the type of plug (or signal request) then I'm definitely hosed.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 16, 2009, 06:27:46 pm
Nevermind.  I just found a couple of forum posts that said it will definitely not work.  Sweetcell's prediction is correct - if you stick a 3.5mm stereo plug in the there, you get analog, if you put a mini to TOSLINK plug in there, you get digital.  You can't have both.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 16, 2009, 06:39:28 pm
<deleted: semi-pedantic explanation of 3.5 & rca plugs, and the need for conversion between analog and optical>

But you're right, if the output is determined by the type of plug (or signal request) then I'm definitely hosed.   

well, you wouldn't be completely hosed... you'd just need something to split the single output of the express into two.  an optical (toslink) splitter would allow you to send one optical signal straight to the optical in on zone 1, and send the second optical signal to some sort of optical-to-3.5 or optical-to-rca converter.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 16, 2009, 06:44:05 pm
gizmodo is saying that the liquidation sale is all BS... any experience with one?

learn fast, 'cause:

Liquidators will start arriving in our 567 stores across the U.S. over the weekend, and closing sales will start as early as Saturday, January 17.  Closing sales will run as long as it takes to sell existing inventory, but are expected to wrap up by the end of March.  When the liquidation sales are completed, the stores will be closed.

http://www.circuitcity.com/closed.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 16, 2009, 07:04:07 pm
learn fast, 'cause:

So here's what happens and how you can get ahead.  Everything is reset to MSRP, and then 30% is reduced from that price.

This means that every xbox 360 game will be either $42 (for $60 games) or $35 for ($50 games).  For new releases that's a pretty good deal.  Other things like Rock Band and game consoles that don't usually go on sale can also be had on the cheap.  I think some netbooks might be had on the cheap tomorrow too.

Things that are usually sold well below MSRP could very well be more expensive tomorrow then they are today (like HDTVs, Digital Camera's, most PCs).  Those things you will have to be patient on.

Every week or two that goes by, the items are further reduced.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 19, 2009, 01:50:23 pm
Im sitting outside circuity city right now (they open in ten minutes). if theres nything in particular you want me to check out for you, speak up.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 19, 2009, 04:05:47 pm
Not much too it really.

10% off most items (last advertised price, not MSRP), 20% off CDs and DVDs.

The best bargain I got was negotiating the price of open box items with the manager.  Of course, you're taking a huge risk here, but double check the manufacturers warranty and you should be ok.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on January 20, 2009, 10:47:25 pm
thoughts on the new U2 single Smackie??? some fairly crunchy guitar on there....definitely a bit of a surprise for them I'd say
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 21, 2009, 01:32:02 am
thoughts on the new U2 single Smackie??? some fairly crunchy guitar on there....definitely a bit of a surprise for them I'd say

Similar to you sentiment in the mall thread, I've been participating in a lot of interesting discussions with boardies off the board until the ridiculousness ends.  Sadly, I'm hearing your thoughts echoed more and more over email...

Anyhow, so me, the Director and few others were discussing the new single over email and we decided that Adam Clayton really shines in the new single and the "fuzzy" guitar is a welcome addition to the repertoire.  If this any indication of what to expect in the new album, we should expect some great stories from The Director as he travels the world with the lads.

It gets a thumbs up from Smackie - next time you DJ throw it on your set list and tell me if the kids start dancing.  Me thinks they will....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 21, 2009, 01:41:11 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  
 Sirius Purchase of Rival XM Approved by Justice Dept. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/24/business/24radio-web.html?ex=1364097600&en=1bd64b38305057c6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)
 
 Honestly, I thought this would take a lot longer...now what will the FCC do???
Well that answers that then. I won't be getting sattelite radio at all now..up go the fees and down go the commercial free channels.

Well, that only took a year:

Sirius XM Rate Increase For March 11th CONFIRMED (http://siriusbuzz.com/sirius-xm-rate-increase-for-march-11th-confirmed.php)

For those of you who may have heard the news about the ?potential? Sirius XM rate increase this afternoon, I can unequivocally confirm that this is in fact true. Customer support representatives are now confirming to the general public that the rates will go into effect on March 11th and they are encouraging current subscribers to lock in at their current and soon to be grandfathered rates for 3 years, before it is too late.

As suspected the will be a $2 increase for additional subscriptions and a $2.99 fee for the online internet radio service. The silver lining in all of this is that all internet subscriptions will now feature the 128k ?premium? feed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on January 21, 2009, 01:48:21 pm
  I am on my 3-month trial of XM Sirius (came with my new car), I havent decided whether i will keep it or not.  I like some of the channels (love that they added that Backspin channel) but i am not in my car all that much so i dont know.

 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 21, 2009, 01:53:30 pm
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/44.president/inauguration/themoment/

This is one of the coolest technologies for photos that I've seen in a while.  When I first heard about, I thought - when am I ever going to have that many pictures to use it.  Now that I see it's power with a community collection of pictures, I am in awe.

Photosynth is a Microsoft technology that creates 3D spaces from anyone's 2D photos. Hundreds of thousands of synths are viewable on photosynth.com, including the best inauguration synths. (http://photosynth.net/inauguration.aspx)

*Silverlight is required
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 21, 2009, 02:09:48 pm
  I am on my 3-month trial of XM Sirius (came with my new car), I havent decided whether i will keep it or not.  I like some of the channels (love that they added that Backspin channel) but i am not in my car all that much so i dont know.

We opted not to for similar reasons.  We rarely drive anywhere together and our commutes to work are barely 10 minutes at most. 

It's really only useful to us on trips to LA (which we take maybe twice a year) and for times when we're driving somewhere and there's sports on that we want to listen to.  We tend to DVR the game and watch it when we get home so we didn't find much use for it.

We've been much happier with an iPod/mp3 stereo and audiobooks.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 21, 2009, 02:10:53 pm
i like to listen to it on directv if i am doing things around the house, but would not pay extra either
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 21, 2009, 02:15:07 pm
Is your better half really into sports as much as you, and actually wants to listen to it on a drive, or are you just using "We" in the figurative sense?

  I am on my 3-month trial of XM Sirius (came with my new car), I havent decided whether i will keep it or not.  I like some of the channels (love that they added that Backspin channel) but i am not in my car all that much so i dont know.

We opted not to for similar reasons.  We rarely drive anywhere together and our commutes to work are barely 10 minutes at most. 

It's really only useful to us on trips to LA (which we take maybe twice a year) and for times when we're driving somewhere and there's sports on that we want to listen to.  We tend to DVR the game and watch it when we get home so we didn't find much use for it.

We've been much happier with an iPod/mp3 stereo and audiobooks.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 21, 2009, 02:40:01 pm
Not much too it really.

10% off most items (last advertised price, not MSRP), 20% off CDs and DVDs.

The best bargain I got was negotiating the price of open box items with the manager.  Of course, you're taking a huge risk here, but double check the manufacturers warranty and you should be ok.

Many irate Circuit City shoppers discovered the hard way this weekend that going-out-of-business sales don't always mean bargain-basement prices. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/la-fi-liquidation20-2009jan20,0,497931.story)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 21, 2009, 02:47:11 pm
Is your better half really into sports as much as you, and actually wants to listen to it on a drive, or are you just using "We" in the figurative sense?

It would be nearly impossible to be as big a sports fan as me, but Smackette is a pretty big sports fan for a chick (as is Mrs. Venerable, probably more so because she takes it very personally).  Smackette loves the Angels as much as I do (watched nearly as many games as I did when she was in school, much less now that she's in residency, but would definitely listen to them on the radio on long drives).

However we disagree on favorite teams in just about every other sport, so it makes listening difficult.  I like the Steelers, she likes the Rams.  When the Venerables come over nearly every Sunday for football, we have the picture in picture going with a collection of the Steelers, Rams, Chiefs (Venerable) and the Bears (Mrs. Venerable) games on.  We have spent Sundays driving from LA back to SF listening to the Rams or Steelers before.

Smackette loves the Lakers, I hate the NBA, but I have stomached listening to Laker games on the radio (I usually just gamble on the game so that I'm interested).  I love the Ducks, she's not into hockey on TV, but would go to any game (she does like the Stanley Cup playoffs though).  She also loves Kasey Kahne, I love Smoke, but we don't listen to NASCAR on the radio.

She loves the World Cup, but not so much Man U.  She's a Real fan, but no diehard.  When they play in the champions league, she'll watch it.  She doesn't mind a Sat or Sun morning watching the match and reading US Weekly though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 21, 2009, 02:51:26 pm

Many irate Circuit City shoppers discovered the hard way this weekend that going-out-of-business sales don't always mean bargain-basement prices. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/la-fi-liquidation20-2009jan20,0,497931.story)


What are they irate about?  People sure are strange.  I got 10% off a video game and a ridiculous amount off 2 Xbox rechargeable batteries with recharger (I think it was $8) and was completely fine with that.  They didn't promise anything more. 

"Customers who say 10% isn't enough for me, they're free to walk out and come back when the discounts are greater," he said. "If they're lucky, the merchandise will still be there."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on January 21, 2009, 03:27:04 pm
  I am slightly irritated that their website is down and it appears you must actually go to the store to see whats onsale.  That said, with a Best Buy downtown and no Circuit City.....for i dont even know where there is one.  I might hit it up sometime in late Feb to see if i can grab a deep discount.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 21, 2009, 03:44:40 pm
Nice that you have the in common, as much as you do!

Is your better half really into sports as much as you, and actually wants to listen to it on a drive, or are you just using "We" in the figurative sense?

It would be nearly impossible to be as big a sports fan as me, but Smackette is a pretty big sports fan for a chick (as is Mrs. Venerable, probably more so because she takes it very personally).  Smackette loves the Angels as much as I do (watched nearly as many games as I did when she was in school, much less now that she's in residency, but would definitely listen to them on the radio on long drives).

However we disagree on favorite teams in just about every other sport, so it makes listening difficult.  I like the Steelers, she likes the Rams.  When the Venerables come over nearly every Sunday for football, we have the picture in picture going with a collection of the Steelers, Rams, Chiefs (Venerable) and the Bears (Mrs. Venerable) games on.  We have spent Sundays driving from LA back to SF listening to the Rams or Steelers before.

Smackette loves the Lakers, I hate the NBA, but I have stomached listening to Laker games on the radio (I usually just gamble on the game so that I'm interested).  I love the Ducks, she's not into hockey on TV, but would go to any game (she does like the Stanley Cup playoffs though).  She also loves Kasey Kahne, I love Smoke, but we don't listen to NASCAR on the radio.

She loves the World Cup, but not so much Man U.  She's a Real fan, but no diehard.  When they play in the champions league, she'll watch it.  She doesn't mind a Sat or Sun morning watching the match and reading US Weekly though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 21, 2009, 03:45:58 pm
I went looking for a new ipod, and they weren't onsale at all. :(




Many irate Circuit City shoppers discovered the hard way this weekend that going-out-of-business sales don't always mean bargain-basement prices. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/la-fi-liquidation20-2009jan20,0,497931.story)


What are they irate about?  People sure are strange.  I got 10% off a video game and a ridiculous amount off 2 Xbox rechargeable batteries with recharger (I think it was $8) and was completely fine with that.  They didn't promise anything more. 

"Customers who say 10% isn't enough for me, they're free to walk out and come back when the discounts are greater," he said. "If they're lucky, the merchandise will still be there."

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 21, 2009, 03:48:27 pm
Nice that you have the in common, as much as you do!

Invaluable, sir.  I'm probably impossible to marry but for someone both enjoying sports and tolerating my overindulgences.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 21, 2009, 03:52:38 pm
I went looking for a new ipod, and they weren't onsale at all. :(

Apple sets the prices for those (and most Apple products).   Retailers have very little leeway in changing the prices of Apple products but for using gimmicks (free non-apple accessories is usually the hook).

All other MP3 players were 10% off though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on January 21, 2009, 04:20:46 pm
the Director


why doesnt he post here anymore? is he just lurking these days???
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 21, 2009, 04:24:29 pm
the Director


why doesnt he post here anymore? is he just lurking these days???

He's hanging out with Tom Waits, working on some new material.  I'm pretty sure, but can't be positive, that The Director is the inspiration for Tom's next project.  I'm not saying it's going to be the next Tommy, but I don't think Quadrophenia is out of the question.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on January 21, 2009, 04:26:23 pm
the Director


why doesnt he post here anymore? is he just lurking these days???

He's hanging out with Tom Waits, working on some new material.  I'm pretty sure, but can't be positive, that The Director is the inspiration for Tom's next project.  I'm not saying it's going to be the next Tommy, but I don't think Quadrophenia is out of the question.


  on the homepage, it says  he's online in this forum.......come out come out wherever you are!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 21, 2009, 04:28:20 pm
  on the homepage, it says  he's online in this forum.......come out come out wherever you are!!!

Nice.  How time consuming can this page (http://www.930.com/forum/index.php?action=who) be?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on January 21, 2009, 04:31:38 pm
  on the homepage, it says  he's online in this forum.......come out come out wherever you are!!!

Nice.  How time consuming can this page (http://www.930.com/forum/index.php?action=who) be?


ha. i never noticed it before.  creepers.

(http://www.brandweek.com/bw/photos/stylus/62691-Geico-Kash.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 21, 2009, 05:53:12 pm
Quote
  I've tried to spread out my processing power and have started to purchase less powerful computers in an attempt to utilize my other more powerful devices. 

The Economist has finally written an article that I should have written back in January or July.  It succinctly sums up my thoughts on the death of the desktop, spreading out processing power, and my newest adventures into virtualization.

Less is Moore (http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12932356)
Jan 15th 2009
From The Economist print edition

There is strong demand for technologies that do the same for less money, rather than more for the same price

"Suddenly there is much more interest in products that apply the flip side of Moore?s law: instead of providing ever-increasing performance at a particular price, they provide a particular level of performance at an ever-lower price" and the rise of "good enough" computing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 22, 2009, 02:26:30 pm
from the footie thread
i picked spurs precoffee this morning, completely forgetting that it was a second leg, after completely forgetting that the man u match yesterday was a second leg too

i was all set to go out on a limb and pick the wiz to win on the road too. watch them do it
it worked and i was right. awesome
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2009, 03:27:09 pm
I stumbled on these brilliant videos from MarketPlace explaining some of the how and the why using very simple examples.  Enjoy.

Crisis Explained (or what exactly is a CDO (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFBRQatmp0o&feature=channel_page) ; Why "Fallout" for the Financial Crisis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mRubvt2GTI&feature=channel_page) ; Untangling Credit Default Swaps (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhI5qy-L4cc&feature=channel_page) ; Leveraging and Deleveraging (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKp-HGfT1SQ) ; How Credit Cards become Asset-Backed Securities (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owPYO1D4d_A&feature=channel_page) ; Getting Naked in Short Selling (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wdg9__Oq9w&feature=channel_page) ; Margin Calls and the Financial Markets Decline (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYQCGgFMrEo&feature=channel_page) ; Over the Counter, over the top (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE-1EhghNQw&feature=channel_page)


Toxic Assets explained like bad wine... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06PwMyJY1vA&sdig=1)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 28, 2009, 03:28:06 pm
I've discounted all tangible media in my equations, so I won't pay a premium for Blu-Ray (or HD-DVD).  I haven't purchased a DVD or CD in over a year, maybe two, relying solely on rental models and downloads.  The first company to allow for a $20 license for unlimited downloadable movies that expire (a Netflix meets Xbox Live Marketplace model) has my allegiance for the next 5 years...I agree with Sony, Blu-Ray's dead in 5 years.  It's already dead to me. 

Streaming video cannibalizing DVD rentals, says Netflix (http://arstechnica.com/media/news/2009/01/streaming-video-cannibalizing-dvd-rentals-says-netflix.ars)

Netflix says that DVD rentals are down for subscribers who make use of the company's online streaming service. Though it doesn't hurt Netflix's bottom line, the trend certainly spells bad news for physical media, including Blu-ray.

"We are seeing early signs of less DVD usage with some subscribers who are also watching instantly as compared to subscribers who only receive DVDs," said Hastings. "Time will tell whether this substitution effect is an attribute of early adopters or a mainstream behavior."


As Smackie so eloquently pointed out - it will be mainstream behavior soon, so work to drop the DVD model, or at least create a cheap online only subscription model and put your resources behind increasing your online catalog.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 28, 2009, 03:34:21 pm
I'll stick with the dvd thanks.

The image on my pc sucks compared to what I get on my tc screen.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 28, 2009, 03:41:44 pm
I'll stick with the dvd thanks.

The image on my pc sucks compared to what I get on my tc screen.

Whatever floats your boat, Rhett, but just to be factually correct, the rest of us are watching the downloaded stuff on our TV's, not our PC screens and in better quality than a standard DVD (1080 or 720 vertical lines per screen as opposed to 480 lines, which is the limit of a typical DVD).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 28, 2009, 03:50:02 pm
That sounds like too much work.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 28, 2009, 03:50:52 pm
i think rhetts been drinking
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on January 28, 2009, 03:51:28 pm
That sounds like too much work.
What exactly sounded like too much work? Absolutely nothing could be simpler than HD OnDemand through any of the major cable/fios companies. I still buy DVDs and Blu-Rays too, because I like having a physical product, but come on, that argument is pathetic.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 28, 2009, 03:56:57 pm
No, tech isn't for everybody.  I get one or two free dinners a week by providing folks with tech support so Rhett's response isn't that uncommon.

It's probably not as hard as he thinks it is, but it's not as easy your reactions are making it either.

If he doesn't have an HDTV for example, then I would say the tangible DVD model is just fine for him.

But my point was that it's just a matter of time before everybody has the equipment to do the download model and Netflix's new statistics are proving that the DVD model will be replaced sooner than most people think.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 28, 2009, 04:10:21 pm
I'm actually more concerned with getting my puppy to stop being such a pest, figuring out where the source of the leak in our garage is (and potentially another one in the attic above our staircase), and teaching a 19 month old how to sit at the dinner table.

As far as tech matters go, i'd love to figure out how to remove the adware/spyware that's causing nonstop annoying popups on my pc.

It's just a matter of priorities and time limitations.

No, tech isn't for everybody.  I get one or two free dinners a week by providing folks with tech support so Rhett's response isn't that uncommon.

It's probably not as hard as he thinks it is, but it's not as easy your reactions are making it either.

If he doesn't have an HDTV for example, then I would say the tangible DVD model is just fine for him.

But my point was that it's just a matter of time before everybody has the equipment to do the download model and Netflix's new statistics are proving that the DVD model will be replaced sooner than most people think.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 28, 2009, 04:21:04 pm
Shoot the puppy.

Hire a fix it guy.

Put Celeste to work.

Then you can work on the tech stuff.  I'm a problem solver, see?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 28, 2009, 04:49:10 pm
seriously, call a plumber. sounds like your pipe fittings are leaking. could be the cold
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 28, 2009, 04:58:47 pm
As far as tech matters go, i'd love to figure out how to remove the adware/spyware that's causing nonstop annoying popups on my pc.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php - it's free and has successfully zapped every trojan that i've come across (including a nasty that Symantec couldn't get rid of).  reboot in safe mode (hit the F8 key repeatedly as soon as you turn on the PC, select "safe mode), fire up MBAM, select "full scan", and wait for it to clean things out.

you're welcome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on January 28, 2009, 05:09:50 pm
i have watched streamed from netflix and i only now buy movies on bd.  difference is larger than lisa lampanelli's (nevermind).  netflix has glitchy stream playback "offs" with sound and speed, not delivering my full frontal need to experience every dash of the damn film.  like when you play a video game and you just have to get every fricking item/open every damn chest/wield the best weapons.  i still love netflix stream option for watching televsion shows i don't get to see and specials on channels about crazy topics (usually about space and gay bars in l.a.)  but blu ray forces you to want it.  there are tiny agents in technology that make you interested in being a part of it.  plus the 5 disc box set of batman films '89-'97 due in march, and the epic manga masterpiece, akira due in feb, sure help.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 28, 2009, 05:55:26 pm
Good lord....

Putin-Dell at Davos (http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/28/news/companies/dell.davos.fortune/index.htm)

Micheal Dell, after praising Russia's technical and scientific prowess, then asked: "How can we help" you to expand IT in Russia.

Putin: "We don't need help. We are not invalids. We don't have limited mental capacity." The slapdown took many of the people in the audience by surprise. Putin then went on to outline some of the steps the Russian government has taken to wire up the country, including remote villages in Siberia.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your Russian leader, not the slightest bit bitter about the end of the Cold War.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 28, 2009, 08:35:58 pm
According to a post today on gamedaily.com Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter forecasts up to a million new Netflix subscribers will be signing up in '09 in part due to the streaming video functionality available via the Xbox 360. He even goes so far as to call the the Xbox LIVE Gold Membership, which is required to use the Netflix functionality on the 360, a "goldmine" for Netflix. This is based in part on the fact that Netflix saw its subscription rolls climb to nearly 10 million by the end of last year--with 26% year-over-year growth, that Microsoft sold millions of Xbox 360s in the US last year and expects to sell 5-6 million more in '09. The same post noted above states that bean counters somewhere have determined that about 35% of Xbox 360 owners opt for the Gold Membership, which means that, uh, maybe Pachter is right. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/post/PLNK1XGH91D91GAHT)

from the gamedaily article: "We believe that the Xbox Live Gold membership is a proverbial gold mine of potential members, and expect to see as many as 1 million join as Netflix members in the next year." (http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/xbox-live-is-proverbial-gold-mine-for-netflix-says-pachter/?biz=1)

finally, there's this: Netflix Inc.'s fourth-quarter profit climbed 45 percent to surpass analysts' estimates Monday, propelled by the widening appeal of its relatively inexpensive DVD rental and Internet streaming service during a budget-crimping recession. ....  "It's very clear streaming is energizing our growth," Hastings told analysts during a conference call. (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/01/26/financial/f131908S88.DTL)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 28, 2009, 09:06:40 pm
While I agree with the logic of moving the streaming to the 360 (or any device that already has heavy household penetration) rather than new standalone boxes (as we discussed in this thread back in July), I disagree with his assertion that the Xbox Gold Membership is a gold mine for Netflix.

Simply porting the software feature to a common device was enough to find that "goldmine" (do you hear me TiVo?), but if anything the Live Membership requirements are a hinderance to total subscription numbers.  Imagine how many casual gamers with Xbox's and no Gold Membership would also sign up for Netflix streaming, but can't or won't because of the Gold Membership requirement?

In truth, the converse is probably the reality.  Many folks who were on the fence about a Gold Membership or simply had a silver membership probably upgraded to Gold Memberships when they realized Netflix would be included (as it was in there pre-existing Netflix subscription).

Either way, it was a win-win for Netflix and Microsoft.  Count me is as one of the new subscribers (even though I canceled it after one month).  If blockbuster moves it's download model to its subscrption model (ie, not streaming, but an actual time restricted downloaded movie file) then I think that's going to be the real winner because the quality will be infinitely better than the Netflix stream.  That model is Blu-Ray's real competition.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 02, 2009, 01:13:48 pm
(1) Santonio Holmes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOfouSAAkZY&feature=related)
(2) Arnel Pineda (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vQSTs4S4EA)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 02, 2009, 01:30:53 pm
amazing
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 02, 2009, 06:44:15 pm
Also amazing...

(http://www.oxmonline.com/files/u17834/weta_alistairguns1.jpg)

There's video on the Xbox dashboard (or here (http://files.bungie.org/oxm_wetahog.mov) for those without 360's, but it's a large QT file)...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 03, 2009, 08:09:25 pm
And to continue or end the amazing run, I have no fond feelings for NY, but I do love my LEGOs....

I LEGO NY (http://niemann.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/i-lego-ny/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 04, 2009, 08:52:37 am
smax, here's a tech prediction you should add to yours (http://www.bitterwallet.com/exclusive-%e2%80%93-web-30-is-here-at-last/7014).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2009, 01:29:45 pm
smax, here's a tech prediction you should add to yours (http://www.bitterwallet.com/exclusive-%e2%80%93-web-30-is-here-at-last/7014).

Nicely done.  I am working on my tech predictions, but I'm trying to go a little deeper than the touchscreen revolution... 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 04, 2009, 05:22:34 pm
speaking of tech predictions, here's a story in line with this month's Wired cover:

Do you know where your kid is? Check Google's maps (http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090204/ap_on_hi_te/tec_google_people_tracker)

as with all things google: could be cool, could be scary...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2009, 05:28:22 pm
speaking of tech predictions, here's a story in line with this month's Wired cover:

Do you know where your kid is? Check Google's maps (http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090204/ap_on_hi_te/tec_google_people_tracker)

as with all things google: could be cool, could be scary...

Yep - T Mobile added Latitude to their Android phone...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2009, 07:06:45 pm
  I am slightly irritated that their website is down and it appears you must actually go to the store to see whats onsale.  That said, with a Best Buy downtown and no Circuit City.....for i dont even know where there is one.  I might hit it up sometime in late Feb to see if i can grab a deep discount.

Might be time to stop by again....


(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/02/twitpicbestbuy.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on February 04, 2009, 07:27:42 pm
speaking of tech predictions, here's a story in line with this month's Wired cover:

Do you know where your kid is? Check Google's maps (http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090204/ap_on_hi_te/tec_google_people_tracker)

as with all things google: could be cool, could be scary...
i'm gonna go with scary. . .let me just say that the number of people who are willing to volunteer away their privacy is kind of bewildering to me. . .and i think the wired editor who wrote about making himself available only scratches the surface of that (although it is amusing that one of the first people he talked with was looking for sex). . .google has even more areas that it's looking to take on.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2009, 07:29:03 pm
speaking of tech predictions, here's a story in line with this month's Wired cover:

Do you know where your kid is? Check Google's maps (http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090204/ap_on_hi_te/tec_google_people_tracker)

as with all things google: could be cool, could be scary...
i'm gonna go with scary. . .let me just say that the number of people who are willing to volunteer away their privacy is kind of bewildering to me. . .and i think the wired editor who wrote about making himself available only scratches the surface of that (although it is amusing that one of the first people he talked with was looking for sex). . .google has even more areas that it's looking to take on.

You sound like an old man who's about to have his first child...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on February 04, 2009, 07:41:14 pm
speaking of tech predictions, here's a story in line with this month's Wired cover:

Do you know where your kid is? Check Google's maps (http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090204/ap_on_hi_te/tec_google_people_tracker)

as with all things google: could be cool, could be scary...
i'm gonna go with scary. . .let me just say that the number of people who are willing to volunteer away their privacy is kind of bewildering to me. . .and i think the wired editor who wrote about making himself available only scratches the surface of that (although it is amusing that one of the first people he talked with was looking for sex). . .google has even more areas that it's looking to take on.

You sound like an old man who's about to have his first child...

ha ha ha. . .that may be true. . .but i'm still younger than you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2009, 07:49:04 pm


ha ha ha. . .that may be true. . .but i'm still younger than you.

But I'm not too old to be your 13 year old daughters first year 2022 technology equivalent to Latitude "friend," now am I?   

Oh wait, yes, I am which makes is even harder for you, doesn't it?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on February 04, 2009, 07:59:03 pm


ha ha ha. . .that may be true. . .but i'm still younger than you.

But I'm not too old to be your 13 year old daughters first year 2022 technology equivalent to Latitude "friend," now am I?   

Oh wait, yes, I am which makes is even harder for you, doesn't it?

uh-huh. . .keep telling yourself that. . .i think you'll be too busy building a moat around your 4 girls. . .

tell me, is this your dream or nightmare?

(http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/07/10/garden/10rec-600.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2009, 08:00:57 pm
I laugh every time I see that picture. I don't know why, but it makes me laugh.

You seem to forget - I, unlike you, am not having girls.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on February 06, 2009, 02:26:02 pm
I'd put this my flog, but suspect smackie gets better viewership ratings then I....

Hollywood, Mon Amour is the new project from the producer behind Nouvelle Vague, where this time they do reworked versions of music from 80's movies.  Several singers are on board for this one including Skye from Morcheeba doing a cool version of Blondie classic "Call Me".  Expect the album in March...

http://www.myspace.com/hollywoodmonamour
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2009, 02:29:54 pm
LOVE IT!!!!!!!  Eye of the Tiger!

And I read your posts every time.  I was even going to call people out for not going to see you buddy perform the other night as a show of support for all that you do for us.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2009, 02:44:26 pm
Kosmo, that might replace my current favorite song:

Soko - I'll Never Love You More (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfDvxCPjJBQ)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on February 06, 2009, 03:05:52 pm
**EMERGENCY IMPULSE BUY PAGE FOR SMACKIE**

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115508&CMP=AFC-C8Junction

thoughts?

i've been on the lookout for netbooks for a while, this seems too cheap to pass up... i can get a 7% corproate discount at dell, but it doesn't bring the mini down to this range
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on February 06, 2009, 03:08:29 pm
I think this is already out.

I'd put this my flog, but suspect smackie gets better viewership ratings then I....

Hollywood, Mon Amour is the new project from the producer behind Nouvelle Vague, where this time they do reworked versions of music from 80's movies.  Several singers are on board for this one including Skye from Morcheeba doing a cool version of Blondie classic "Call Me".  Expect the album in March...

http://www.myspace.com/hollywoodmonamour
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2009, 03:09:49 pm
$239?  Can't beat that.

Jump on that, buy a 2GB RAM chip to throw in there for $40 $20  (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231163) and you'll be styling.  If you need a USB flash drive to put Win or Mac OS, get one of those too (4GB).

You might also want to get a 4/8/16GB SDHC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211245) to keep all your personal files on and to transfer between your desktop to your netbook.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2009, 03:11:09 pm
I think this is already out.

Import only?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on February 06, 2009, 03:17:31 pm
$239?  Can't beat that.

Jump on that, buy a 2GB RAM chip to throw in there for $40 $20  (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231163) and you'll be styling.  If you need a USB flash drive to put Win or Mac OS, get one of those too (4GB).

You might also want to get a 4/8/16GB SDHC to keep all your personal files on and to transfer between your desktop to your netbook.

would it be easy to add XP to this if i wanted to?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2009, 03:18:59 pm
would it be easy to add XP to this if i wanted to?

Yes, I can help you with that.  Or Windows 7....

This is a good forum (http://www.aspireoneuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=4704) for you to peruse...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on February 06, 2009, 03:19:57 pm
I saw it out there on the internet somewhere. Thinking that it might not quite have been legal for me to download it, I decided not to.


I think this is already out.

Import only?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2009, 03:28:47 pm
Hoya, I should also tell you that a few colleagues of mine have that machine and love it.  They're coming out with a 10 inch version soon so the 9inch versions are coming down in price.  The only main difference between that and the dell is one hour of battery life and it's a little more difficult to upgrade the RAM, but that's a one time job...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on February 06, 2009, 03:40:22 pm
I saw it out there on the internet somewhere. Thinking that it might not quite have been legal for me to download it, I decided not to.


I think this is already out.

Import only?

Yup import at the moment.... In the US the release date is 3/3/09 per
http://worlds-fair.net/hollywood_mon_amour/

There some "promo" MP3s floating around at the moment...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on February 06, 2009, 04:06:15 pm
Hoya, I should also tell you that a few colleagues of mine have that machine and love it.  They're coming out with a 10 inch version soon so the 9inch versions are coming down in price.  The only main difference between that and the dell is one hour of battery life and it's a little more difficult to upgrade the RAM, but that's a one time job...

thanks to your encouragement, i just pulled the trigger.

tech purchase endorphin rush streaming into my brain.

need to lay down, rub gums.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2009, 04:10:38 pm
thanks to your encouragement, i just pulled the trigger.

I have probably convinced 20 people to get a netbook and not once has someone sent it back or sold it (and each one of them paid $100-$150 more than you paid). I would be shocked if you were the first to do so.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 10, 2009, 08:32:47 pm

Well, that only took a year:

Sirius XM Rate Increase For March 11th CONFIRMED (http://siriusbuzz.com/sirius-xm-rate-increase-for-march-11th-confirmed.php)



But this on the other hand surprised even me!  I knew Echostar bought XM's debt the other day, but I'm shocked they're forcing a takeover...

Sirius XM Prepares Bankruptcy Filing (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/technology/companies/11radio.html?_r=4&ref=technology)

February 11, 2009

By ZACHERY KOUWE

Sirius XM Satellite Radio has been working with advisers to prepare for a possible bankruptcy filing in a move that could put pressure on the satellite company EchoStar, which owns a substantial amount of the company?s debt.

Sirius has been working with the restructuring expert Joseph A. Bondi of Alvarez & Marsal and the bankruptcy lawyer Mark Thompson of Simpson, Thatcher & Bartlett to help prepare a Chapter 11 filing, people close to the company said. The documents and analysis are close to being completed and a filing could come within days, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Sirius, whose radio stars include the popular shock jock Howard Stern, has also been working with the investment bank Evercore Partners.

Charles Ergen, who controls a satellite-television empire including the Dish Network Corporation and EchoStar, recently acquired the majority of a $300 million tranche of Sirius debt that matures next Tuesday.

Since the news about the debt purchase has emerged, questions have surfaced over whether Mr. Ergen will make a bid to purchase Sirius. The threat of a possible bankruptcy filing could force Mr. Ergen to make a formal offer for the company now if he doesn?t want to go through an auction in bankruptcy court.

It could also compel Mr. Ergen to agree to convert his debt into an ownership stake in Sirius at a higher price than he originally considered.

With more than $5 billion in assets, Sirius would be second-largest company to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection so far this year, according to the research firm Capital IQ?s database. The Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, which had more than $7 billion in assets when it filed in late January, was the biggest so far.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2009, 03:30:59 pm
(http://thelastgasp.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/21.jpg?w=300&h=200)

New Order - Temptation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKJRynIkx1I&feature=related)

One of my favorite videos of all time, I was pleased to stumble across the back story the other day and thought I would share...

The Making of "The Temptation of Victoria" (http://www.kinoteca.net/Text/Temptation.htm)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 13, 2009, 03:11:48 am
Ladies and gentlemen, pitchers and catchers have reported.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on February 15, 2009, 02:03:01 pm
what about the hp mini 1000xp smackie/boardies?

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&series_name=mini1000xp_series&a1=Category&v1=Mini
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2009, 04:17:37 pm
what about the hp mini 1000xp smackie/boardies?

Love it.  My favorite netbook.  I needed a laptop for the campaign, so I went with the Dell because the HP wasn't out yet (plus I had other Dell incentives), but if I were to buy another netbook, I would buy the HP with the 10 inch screen and the 16GB SSD.  The only downside is the 3 hour battery compared to the Dell 4 hour battery, but the bigger keyboard and the bigger screen will be far more valuable in total then having 4 hour battery life (unless you fly a lot, I suppose).

One thing to note - if you want to save a few bucks, buy the 512MB RAM and then upgrade to 2GB RAM from Newegg for the same price HP charges for 1GB (Microsoft prohibits netbooks from having more than 1GB from the manufacturer).  Upgrading the RAM is a piece of cake.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 15, 2009, 04:45:37 pm
One thing to note - if you want to save a few bucks, buy the 512MB RAM and then upgrade to 2GB RAM from Newegg for the same price HP charges for 1GB (Microsoft prohibits netbooks from having more than 1GB from the manufacturer).  Upgrading the RAM is a piece of cake.

Hmmm....My notebook had 3GBs of RAM from the manufacturer. It's a Sony Vaio and I love it. Just wish I would have waited a few months to get the one with the bigger harddrive and better sound card. But I did manage to get it just before my monitor died on my desktop so I guess all worked out for me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2009, 07:16:27 pm
(Microsoft prohibits netbooks from having more than 1GB from the manufacturer)

Hmmm....My notebook had 3GBs of RAM from the manufacturer.

Jag, I said NETbook, not notebook.  There's a difference (netbooks are less powerful, but more portable).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 15, 2009, 07:59:40 pm
Okay, so I failed my nerd test.  ;D  I wouldn't want to go any smaller anyway. It gets a full thumbs up from me for anyone shopping in that category. It's quite a nice little notebook packed with a punch.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 16, 2009, 10:45:37 am
Quote
Microsoft previews Windows Mobile 6.5 (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13970_7-10164756-78.html)

(...)

Now, here's some bad news. Microsoft doesn't plan on releasing Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrades or devices until the second half of 2009. While there were a couple of handset announcements made in conjunction with the Windows Mobile 6.5 news (LG has committed to Windows Mobile as the primary operating system for its smartphones and will release a 6.5 device later this year, and HTC will offer Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrades for its new HTC Touch Pro2 and HTC Touch Diamond2 devices), you can bet that Microsoft's competition won't be sitting still during that time and will make gains in their own OS.

The new enhancements promise to improve the usability of the OS but they seem more like baby steps rather than giant leaps forward, so it will be interesting to see where Windows Mobile 6.5 will be in the game by the time it finally comes out.

booooooooo.  i'm due for a new phone this summer and i've been loving the HTC Touch, but if WinMo6.5 isn't available at that time i'm jumping to the iphone.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 16, 2009, 12:59:28 pm
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you are having problems with WinMo 6.1, 6.5 isn't going to help that very much.  WinMo 6.5 basically catches the rest of the phones up to what some manufacturers are already doing with WInMo 6.1 (like HTC with the TOchFlo3D and Samnsungs Omnia Interface).  It's an interface fix and little bit of stability, but not much more than that (the exclusion of Zune is just baffling).  You're better off hoping that manufacturers continue to update the interface at a pace faster than MS, otherwise no huge change will come until WinMo 7, which is a 2010 release. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on February 16, 2009, 09:58:37 pm
i just got into netflix streaming.  finally setup wireless in my house.  wii wireless is now my god with coins and old game downloads.  now i understand fully how streaming films is killing dvd.  the selection is uncomparable, unbeatable, and music to the ears of my after work laziness .  i just watched this indie documentary called dark days that made all the nonsense of life seem so trivial.  check it out.  that is all.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on February 17, 2009, 09:08:38 am
i just got into netflix streaming.  finally setup wireless in my house.  wii wireless is now my god with coins and old game downloads.  now i understand fully how streaming films is killing dvd.  the selection is uncomparable, unbeatable, and music to the ears of my after work laziness .  i just watched this indie documentary called dark days that made all the nonsense of life seem so trivial.  check it out.  that is all.
Walkonby I totally agree, that film Dark Days is truly astounding.  Maybe the greatest documentary I've ever seen.  People here if you have not seen, run, don't walk.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 17, 2009, 11:38:59 am
woa, this looks really intense... must check out

Dark Days official website (http://www.palmpictures.com/film/dark-days/)
Dark Days Wiki page (http://[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Days_(documentary))
Dark Days @ IMDB (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0235327/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on February 17, 2009, 10:10:39 pm
tip your maids in hotel stays.  even vansmack would have to agree on this one.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-25303242
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 18, 2009, 10:40:31 pm
My love for The Director grows by leaps and bounds on a weekly basis...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 18, 2009, 11:45:19 pm
back of the line, buddy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 18, 2009, 11:53:41 pm
I will overtake you faster than Hitler overtook Paris...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 19, 2009, 03:24:43 pm
OH YES YES OVERTAKE ME NOW MEIN KAPITAN!  OUI, JE SURRENDER!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on February 19, 2009, 04:49:39 pm
My love for The Director grows by leaps and bounds on a weekly basis...

care to elaborate?  i had an "interesting" encounter with him outside of lisa lamp's warner late night show.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on February 27, 2009, 05:37:08 pm
vansmack, i am not posting in your thread to be douchey . . . and i don't expect or ask for you to speak to me.  i just thought that this article and topic deserved to be in your thread. 

there seems to be a new religion out there; one for the records; one to replace scientology as the new hip, hip shit for the elite and the stars to latch onto.  it is call the "the singularity."  a man, brilliant as he may be, has devised an idea that by 2045, computers and humans will be become one, thereby shifting life as we know it and "awaking" the universe into a computer controlled living thing.  what a lovely thought, mister terminator.  this man, aka ray kurzweil, takes up to 150 pills a day just to live long enough to see this date happen and his new religion become the truth.  and why.  why does he want it to happen.  so we as humans can "back up our brains" like software, replicate our dna to live forever, and bring back those who should remain dead . . . such as the man's father.  all of this because his misses his father.  just what we need, a way to pollute our land with even more people.  real smart.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-talk-singularity-keilmanfeb23,0,4826021.story

just read a great article about it in rolling stone, as well.  very interesting.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 27, 2009, 10:59:37 pm
hey smax: Netflix To Offer 'Streaming Only" Plans (http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2009/02/reuters_us_netflix).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 03, 2009, 07:06:57 pm
what about the hp mini 1000xp smackie/boardies?

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&series_name=mini1000xp_series&a1=Category&v1=Mini


Did you ever buy the HP?  I'm thinking of getting one for our office here and wanted to see if you had any thoughts after a longer period of use...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 04, 2009, 02:07:06 am
No legs?  Drums on Rock Band/GH4 are no problem...

(http://benheck.com/Games/Xbox360/kicker/switch_hero.jpg)

Ben Heck, master hacker. (http://benheck.com/03-01-2009/air-pressure-kick-pedal-for-gh4)

Which reminded me of a story I heard this weekend.  My brother-in-law and his degenerate friends had a hockey tournament in Vegas this weekend where:

They hired a stripper for their locker room (if you scored a goal the other guys pitched in for a blow job - they generally don't score - in hockey either...)
 
Asked Smackette how to hookup their own IVs to recover from partying in time to play hockey (they're 0-9-1 in the history of the tourney and the draw was a duel forfeit because of a fight that they claim as a draw)

Took a hockey glove to the strip joint after a match and gave $20 to any girl who would put her nose in it for 30 seconds.

But the worst story was that it's NASCAR weekend every time they have the tourney.  While they're walking down the strip a guy in a souped up NASCAR style wheel chair straight out of a chop shop goes blowing past them, does a wheelie, and does a 360 at the street corner.  The worst of the degenerates (who's also a cop) screams out to the guy "You're still fucking handicapped, dude."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 04, 2009, 02:26:23 pm
booooooooo.  i'm due for a new phone this summer and i've been loving the HTC Touch, but if WinMo6.5 isn't available at that time i'm jumping to the iphone.

This is surely not going to make you any happier:

HTC'S RUMORED SCHEDULE FOR 2009 RELEASES


No word on Android phones by HTC and on which carriers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on March 04, 2009, 04:09:05 pm
we now move into the next generation of watching stuff.  there are these new glasses that can plug into your ipod, making it possible to watch movies on a "full screen" right in front of your eyes that nobody else can see.  weird and creepy.

http://www.myvu.com/Default.aspx
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 06, 2009, 02:12:52 am
Remember that time Micheal Jordan "took some time off to play baseball" after there were rumors that he had some gambling debts?

I think this A-Roid "torn labria" is in the same category of the MJ unofficial suspension.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 07, 2009, 04:52:23 am
I have no option but to publicly flog myself.  In the bar tonight full of young girls, I chose MIA's Paper Planes on the jukebox instead of teasing them all with The Clash's "Straight to Hell" only to watch them get excited and then let down, thus denying Venerable his chance to lecture them on history.

I'm sorry.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 12, 2009, 12:59:18 am
You know the economy is in the tank when Billy Corgan is selling his songs to VISA.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 12, 2009, 12:37:44 pm
Google Voice: A push to rewire your phone service (http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/12/google.voice/index.html)

assuming you're not already on board, smackie signing up in 3... 2...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 12, 2009, 01:24:04 pm
woa, this looks really intense... must check out

Dark Days official website (http://www.palmpictures.com/film/dark-days/)
Dark Days Wiki page (http://[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Days_(documentary))
Dark Days @ IMDB (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0235327/)

dark days is great... the soundtrack by DJ Shadow is fantastic...

if you're into documentaries, be sure to check out Harlan County U.S.A. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074605/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074605/), it's really stunning
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 12, 2009, 02:05:54 pm
Google Voice: A push to rewire your phone service (http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/12/google.voice/index.html)

assuming you're not already on board, smackie signing up in 3... 2...

I was in the beta test last year, but then I decided to get rid of my home land line and my work cell phone all together so essentially I only have one number to get a hold of me (my personal cell phone). 

The only line I could add to such an account would be my work line, but I don't want to answer my work phone when I'm not at work, so I passed. 

The idea of transcribing a voice message was something the beta group strongly suggested would be a really attractive feature, so I'm glad they added it.  I also have an assistant who takes messages and sends me emails and texts when I'm not in the office, but she's union so this feature could not replace her.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 13, 2009, 12:35:46 pm
I don't know who caught it last night, but that 'Cuse-UConn game was probably the greatest college hoops game I've ever seen, and I didn't have a dog in the fight.  Incredible.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 13, 2009, 04:00:11 pm
I just discovered that I would rather pay 50 cents for an oatmeal cookie (that I will likely not eat) from a friends organization, than pay nothing for a hug from a perfect stranger (this free hug movement needs to end).

I'm not sure what this says about me, but it definitely says something.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 13, 2009, 04:03:27 pm
i'm with you, but i'd eat the cookie

hey, maybe you could offer the cookie to someone that tries to give you a hug?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on March 13, 2009, 04:08:54 pm
hey, maybe you could offer the cookie to someone that tries to give you a hug?

That could backfire. They might want to give you an extra hug for giving them a cookie.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 13, 2009, 04:09:57 pm
hey, maybe you could offer the cookie to someone that tries to give you a hug?

It suspect by offering the cookie, I would only be encouraging more of that behavior...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 13, 2009, 04:10:43 pm
That could backfire.

Jag - I'm feeling you, baby!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 13, 2009, 04:12:13 pm
that true, i was really just thinking about the cookie
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on March 13, 2009, 04:16:08 pm
That could backfire.

Jag - I'm feeling you, baby!

Hey, no hugging!!!  :D

Shoeshine, I just ate 2 cookies. Shortbread.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 13, 2009, 05:29:00 pm
I also have an assistant who takes messages and sends me emails and texts when I'm not in the office, but she's union so this feature could not replace her.

having someone transcribe rambling 5 minute voice mails for you is seriously the coolest thing ever
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on March 13, 2009, 07:12:53 pm
that true, i was really just thinking about the cookie
i bet the smugness quotient was the same between the cookie and the hug.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on March 17, 2009, 03:03:49 pm
This is very valuable information in case someone is moving to San Francisco.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/fashion/15commune.html?em

March 15, 2009
The Pleasure Principle
By PATRICIA LEIGH BROWN and CAROL POGASH
SAN FRANCISCO

EVEN in a culture in which sex toys are a booming business and Oprah Winfrey discusses living your best life in the bedroom, a coed live-in commune dedicated to the female orgasm hovers at the extremes.

The founder of the One Taste Urban Retreat Center, Nicole Daedone, sees herself as leading ?the slow-sex movement,? one that places a near-exclusive emphasis on women?s pleasure ? in which love, romance and even flirtation are not required.

?In our culture, admitting our bodies matter is almost an admission of failure,? said Ms. Daedone, 41, who can quote the poet Mary Oliver and speak wryly on the intricacies of women?s anatomy with equal aplomb. ?I don?t think women will really experience freedom until they own their sexuality.?

A core of 38 men and women ? their average age the late 20s ? live full time in the retreat center, a shabby-chic loft building in the South of Market district. They prepare meals together, practice yoga and mindfulness meditation and lead workshops in communication for outside groups as large as 60.

But the heart of the group?s activity, listed cryptically on its Web site?s calendar as ?morning practice,? is closed to all but the residents.

At 7 a.m. each day, as the rest of America is eating Cheerios or trying to face gridlock without hyperventilating, about a dozen women, naked from the waist down, lie with eyes closed in a velvet-curtained room, while clothed men huddle over them, stroking them in a ritual known as orgasmic meditation ? ?OMing,? for short. The couples, who may or may not be romantically involved, call one another ?research partners.?

A commune dedicated to men and women publicly creating ?the orgasm that exists between them,? in the words of one resident, may sound like the ultimate California satire. But the Bay Area has a lively and venerable history of seekers constructing lives around sexual adventure.

San Francisco is proud of its libertine heritage, as Sean Penn recently demonstrated in ?Milk.? The search for personal transformation, including through sex, led to the oceanside hot tubs at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, cradle of the human potential movement, and in the 1960s, communes flourished in the city, many espousing free love.

One Taste is but the latest stop on this sexual underground, weaving together strands of radical individual freedom, Eastern spirituality and feminism.

..... (rest of story at link)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 17, 2009, 03:54:27 pm
Delivering this news on St. Pat's is pretty much guaranteeing my head will explode at some point today.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on March 17, 2009, 06:21:36 pm
you should try on mister mascis's album entilted "j and friends sing and chant for amma" regarding j.'s devotion to the "hugging saint".  it may not change your mind about huggers, especially that one guy who is still keeping the trucker hat alive, but atleast you'll have nice background music to listen to as you hate.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 19, 2009, 07:44:48 pm
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
 If you're like me and can't stand the white type on a dark background (I practically go into seziures)
things sweetcell thinks you ought to know:
 
 when putting together a PowerPoint presentation that is meant to be projected, white/light letters on a dark background looks better and is easier to read.

So I'm sitting in a classroom sharing the stage with a speaker giving a  presentation on the civic potential of video games. The classroom is full of windows and the sun is setting.  His white letters on the black screen are readable, but his yellows and reds completely unreadable, even with the shades pulled down.

I'm still on the side of white backgrounds because you never know your environment.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 20, 2009, 02:30:08 pm
So I'm not a saint, right?  You all know this by now.  But last night I may have angered a girl more than I ever have in my life, and I didn't even get to sleep with her. 

You see, Venerable and his Mrs had a baby on Sunday and last night his father in law and I took him out to celebrate.  We had a pretty good time, enough so that Smackette was a little mad at me this morning, but NOTHING compared to perhaps the greatest voice mail message I have ever been left, which of course I transcribed for you below (I'm really thinking of recording this because you really need to feel her tone):
 

"[Vansmack] it's [Mrs. Venerable] it's 2:45 in the morning just letting you know that [Venerable] will be on your doorstep as soon as he can get his ass up and walk to your house tomorrow morning and you can take care of him all day tomorrow because I've done the first shift.  I took care of him puking in our bed, all over our bedroom floor and nearly falling over and cracking his head open in our bathroom.  So you get shift two tomorrow, so just letting you know that he'll be there as soon as he can walk.  And thank you guys for officially completely ruining my first night home from the hospital  because I not only had to care for a newborn and myself but my drunk ass 35 year old husband tonight because you guys couldn't be responsible enough to manage your liquor intake. So have fun taking care of him tomorrow.  Thanks."


Ouch.  It's my fault your husband is a bad father...anyhow, me being the sensitive guy that I am, texted her in the morning:

ME:
Tonight, I'll have a talk with him about being a more responsible father.

MRS VENERABLE:

(actually, I can't in good conscience reprint this one, but it was full of all caps and foul language, and a threat of some sort)

Anybody want to join me for dinner at the Venerable's tonight?         
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 20, 2009, 03:27:39 pm
never go drinking with two irish dudes

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 25, 2009, 12:55:26 pm
smax, did you get around to recording that VM?  i'd be happy to edit out people's names before your make it public... sound like a keeper.  on a related note, venerable has been rather quiet here recently.  maybe he's e-grounded from anywhere associated with you?

and on an unrelated note, Blockbuster Will Team With TiVo In Video-Download Service (http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200903251136DOWJONESDJONLINE000574_FORTUNE5.htm).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on March 25, 2009, 01:18:29 pm
So I'm not a saint, right?  You all know this by now.  But last night I may have angered a girl more than I ever have in my life, and I didn't even get to sleep with her.    

 well, just think of the voicemail you would have gotten from Venerable if you HAD slept with her!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 25, 2009, 01:47:56 pm
on a related note, venerable has been rather quiet here recently.  maybe he's e-grounded from anywhere associated with you?

He took a week off for paternity leave and has been a rather attentive father (except for the one night I took him out).  He's back at work now and is catching up on things - I'm sure he'll be back soon.  We also have a ton of fantasy baseball draft we're preparing for...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 25, 2009, 02:02:58 pm
and on an unrelated note, Blockbuster Will Team With TiVo In Video-Download Service (http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200903251136DOWJONESDJONLINE000574_FORTUNE5.htm).

The model is still wrong.  Why would I pay $4 for a SD movie when I can $5 for an HD movie from cable/satellite provider via PPV?  That's a dollar well spent.  Notice I didn't even mention how badly the BB model pales in comparison to the Netflix model, even with the larger movie library.

I'm telling you - the first company to take the Netflix model to the DRM-DL (not streaming) model with a full library for a set monthly fee that's competitive with the mail model wins.   I would pay $20 a month for the following:

- Download, not streaming, a movie file (in HD when available) from the entire BB or Netflix library (not the limited library)
- Store up to two movies at a time
- Movies can be automatically deleted 24 hours after I start the movie (I'm ok with the DRM)
- As soon as I delete it or it's automatically deleted, it's replaced by the next movie in my queue

No mailing, I don't have to visit the store and I always have two movies at my ready.  The store doesn't have mailing costs, shortages of movies and limited overhead.  The industry takes a percentage of my rental fee for licensing.  Everybody wins here, except maybe the ISP who also provides TV and PPV options that nobody will use, but I've always argued that TV and ISPs should be separate anyway as part of anti-trust because I told you this was coming.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 25, 2009, 02:04:39 pm
well, just think of the voicemail you would have gotten from Venerable if you HAD slept with her!

Actually, I don't think Venerable's voice mail will top the voice mail message Mrs. Venerable will leave when I sleep with one of her younger sisters.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on March 25, 2009, 02:11:21 pm
I always love to share the stories of some of the men on this board with my wife, because they always dwarf my shortcomings and make me look good in comparison!

So I'm not a saint, right?  You all know this by now.  But last night I may have angered a girl more than I ever have in my life, and I didn't even get to sleep with her. 

You see, Venerable and his Mrs had a baby on Sunday and last night his father in law and I took him out to celebrate.  We had a pretty good time, enough so that Smackette was a little mad at me this morning, but NOTHING compared to perhaps the greatest voice mail message I have ever been left, which of course I transcribed for you below (I'm really thinking of recording this because you really need to feel her tone):
 

"[Vansmack] it's [Mrs. Venerable] it's 2:45 in the morning just letting you know that [Venerable] will be on your doorstep as soon as he can get his ass up and walk to your house tomorrow morning and you can take care of him all day tomorrow because I've done the first shift.  I took care of him puking in our bed, all over our bedroom floor and nearly falling over and cracking his head open in our bathroom.  So you get shift two tomorrow, so just letting you know that he'll be there as soon as he can walk.  And thank you guys for officially completely ruining my first night home from the hospital  because I not only had to care for a newborn and myself but my drunk ass 35 year old husband tonight because you guys couldn't be responsible enough to manage your liquor intake. So have fun taking care of him tomorrow.  Thanks."


Ouch.  It's my fault your husband is a bad father...anyhow, me being the sensitive guy that I am, texted her in the morning:

ME:
Tonight, I'll have a talk with him about being a more responsible father.

MRS VENERABLE:

(actually, I can't in good conscience reprint this one, but it was full of all caps and foul language, and a threat of some sort)

Anybody want to join me for dinner at the Venerable's tonight?         
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on March 25, 2009, 03:51:06 pm
never go drinking with two irish dudes


especially on an empty stomach....

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on March 25, 2009, 04:09:37 pm
i'm not sure if i understand this yet.  giving consoles a run for their money?  is that possible?  wi fi cannot change everything in my opinion.  but then again, i clearly thought ps3 would have destroyed wii by now.

http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/new-tech-could-make-consoles-obsolete/1299562
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 30, 2009, 02:59:20 pm
Sweetcell might have linked to this earlier, but I'm just now getting around to reading this article in RS ("The Big takeover" (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/26793903/the_big_takeover)).

This paragraph really stuck out in my eyes:

Quote
The best way to understand the financial crisis is to understand the meltdown at AIG. AIG is what happens when short, bald managers of otherwise boring financial bureaucracies start seeing Brad Pitt in the mirror. This is a company that built a giant fortune across more than a century by betting on safety-conscious policyholders ? people who wear seat belts and build houses on high ground ? and then blew it all in a year or two by turning their entire balance sheet over to a guy who acted like making huge bets with other people's money would make his dick bigger.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on March 30, 2009, 04:28:20 pm
but brad pitt doesn't have a big dick.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on March 31, 2009, 04:47:34 pm
somebody in here has got to know this.  how do you properly resolve this annoying blu screen of death on a pc running vista.  at first it was "every now and again" but now it happens quite frequently, especially when i go to shut down.  i think the message keeps saying something about about a bios in a forever loop, and the words (dead...dead).  or something like that.  i'm waiting for it to happen again so i can quickly wrrite it all down.  thank you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on March 31, 2009, 06:58:07 pm
somebody in here has got to know this.  how do you properly resolve this annoying blu screen of death on a pc running vista.  at first it was "every now and again" but now it happens quite frequently, especially when i go to shut down.  i think the message keeps saying something about about a bios in a forever loop, and the words (dead...dead).  or something like that.  i'm waiting for it to happen again so i can quickly wrrite it all down.  thank you.

Be sure to do a screen capture. Oh, wait....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 31, 2009, 07:45:25 pm
walkies - it's a long shot, but you might try updating your BIOS.  go to the website of your machine's (or motherboard's) manufacturer and see if there is a newer version.  follow the instructions there.

a blue screen is a general sigh that something is seriously wrong with your machine.  those error messages it flashes are only sometimes helpful, and at best point in the general direction of the error.  so short of taking your 'puter to a tech to get it analyzed, your main way forward is pretty much re-installing vista.  you might be able to do a repair-install (does vista let you do that?  i haven't played with it much, not ever had to support it) otherwise you're starting over from scratch.  even if you did get the exact wording of that error there are many things that could potentially cause it and few of the sources of the error could be analyzed and remedied remotely (ok, smart-asses, someone could log in to his machine via remote desktop and try their luck... but i'm not volunteering :))  knowing that your BIOS is stuck in a loop is only marginally useful, what you really want to know is what is causing the loop.

insert predictable MS-bashing here: ______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________



Be sure to do a screen capture. Oh, wait....

well, he could use a digital camera and take a picture of the BSOD - oh, wait, high shutter lag...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 01, 2009, 02:47:39 pm
How badly do I want a Streak for the Cash T-Shirt?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on April 01, 2009, 04:06:51 pm
How badly do I want a Streak for the Cash T-Shirt?

how do you get one of those?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 01, 2009, 04:10:58 pm
how do you get one of those?

New game started today - 13 in a row gets you a T.  I will wear that with pride every day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on April 02, 2009, 08:17:14 am
how do you get one of those?

New game started today - 13 in a row gets you a T.  I will wear that with pride every day.


oh werd.  I am so in for that T, hopefully its American Apparel.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: GrapeJ3llyJamz on April 02, 2009, 12:51:23 pm
i'm not sure if i understand this yet.  giving consoles a run for their money?  is that possible?  wi fi cannot change everything in my opinion.  but then again, i clearly thought ps3 would have destroyed wii by now.

http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/new-tech-could-make-consoles-obsolete/1299562

Wow, I would like to give this a try and see for myself... Crysis on a tv!!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 03, 2009, 01:30:04 pm
Ford Picks Opera as it's in Car Browser (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10211075-48.html?tag=nl.e703)

Smart move as I still maintain that Opera is the best mobile browser out there.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 08, 2009, 12:42:10 am
Adam Lambert is BY FAR the greatest American Idol contestant they've ever had.  And this is coming from a huge Kelly Clarkson fan.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 09, 2009, 11:46:36 am
Angels rookie starting pitcher, Nick Adenhart, was killed in a car crash last night.  He was 22.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on April 09, 2009, 12:37:14 pm
Angels rookie starting pitcher, Nick Adenhart, was killed in a car crash last night.  He was 22.
Damn shame.  He was from silver spring.  Just a few hours after pitching 6 scorless innings (the bullpen gave up 6 though so the anges lost) he gets slammed by some fucking drunk driver running a red light.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 09, 2009, 01:27:28 pm
I had forgotten he was from Silver Spring.  I can't tell you how bummed I am about this.

And just because I hate most baseball writers these days, factually you are correct that the bullpen blew the lead (which I'm sure is what you read), but in reality, the game hinged on Chone Figgins who, with runners on first and third, one out and a 4-0 lead in the eighth, decided to throw home with a slow roller instead of getting the sure out at first.  The runner was safe, it left the Angels with a 4-1 lead, runners on first and second and one out.  The next batter grounded out, which would have ended the inning and protected a 3 run lead, but instead, Figgins gave the A's 4 outs in the inning and Oakland capitalized on it.  It's amazing how much harder it is to get four outs than it is to get three.  Sure, Fuentes should have been able to protect a 4-3 lead, but he also should have had some cushion and protected a 4-1 lead.  The writers watched the same game I did (they most certainly had better seats, too), but how they consistently miss these types of things will annoy me until I die (or become a baseball writer).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sonickteam2 on April 09, 2009, 01:39:34 pm
some fucking drunk driver running a red light.


where was tony larussa last night? 

seriously, though. thats  a shame.  some people live too short, others live too long.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 09, 2009, 01:53:07 pm
The driver of the vehicle that ran the red that struck Nick's car was drunk, and driving on a suspended license for a previous DUI, according to Fullerton Police.

That will be a murder charge in California.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on April 09, 2009, 03:16:32 pm
MTV's "The Real World" is reportedly looking for staff in the nation's capital -- tipping off that the next series of the famed reality show will be set there. (http://www.nypost.com/seven/04082009/tv/dc_just_got_cooler_163471.htm) 

also of note: That comes on the heels of news earlier this week that a long-rumored DC-version of "The Hills" is airing this summer.

The show, provocatively titled "Blonde Charity Mafia," will air on The CW.

Cameras follow three 20-something socialites as they conquer the Washington social scene.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on April 09, 2009, 03:21:55 pm
I had forgotten he was from Silver Spring.  I can't tell you how bummed I am about this.

And just because I hate most baseball writers these days, factually you are correct that the bullpen blew the lead (which I'm sure is what you read), but in reality, the game hinged on Chone Figgins who, with runners on first and third, one out and a 4-0 lead in the eighth, decided to throw home with a slow roller instead of getting the sure out at first.  The runner was safe, it left the Angels with a 4-1 lead, runners on first and second and one out.  The next batter grounded out, which would have ended the inning and protected a 3 run lead, but instead, Figgins gave the A's 4 outs in the inning and Oakland capitalized on it.  It's amazing how much harder it is to get four outs than it is to get three.  Sure, Fuentes should have been able to protect a 4-3 lead, but he also should have had some cushion and protected a 4-1 lead.  The writers watched the same game I did (they most certainly had better seats, too), but how they consistently miss these types of things will annoy me until I die (or become a baseball writer).

Yeah it's just what I read on CNN or whatever I didn't see the game and am really only a casual baseball fan at best....but in the writer's defense it wasn't a piece about the game, but about the death of this poor kid.

Anyway, really sad stuff.  I fucking hate drunk drivers. 

Be safe, kids!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 09, 2009, 03:34:37 pm
The driver of the vehicle that ran the red that struck Nick's car was drunk, and driving on a suspended license for a previous DUI, according to Fullerton Police.

That will be a murder charge in California.

"The minivan's driver fled the scene and was later arrested, Brower said. Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of Riverside will face charges of manslaughter, felony driving under the influence and hit-and-run" [source (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/04/09/adenhart.killed/index.html)]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 09, 2009, 03:40:22 pm
I'm not here to argue, but you can believe a Sports Illustrated article written this morning or watch the Press Conference after the article was written where the investigating officer said that the Fullerton Police we working with the DA to seek a murder charge because of the previous history that was not known at the time of the accident or the writing of that article, which would be the fullest extent of the law in CA.

And by the way... the Angels must be the unluckiest franchise ever, and [Rob Neyer] doesn't know of another franchise that's even in the running (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sweetspot/0-1-22/Adenhart-gone-far-too-soon.html).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 09, 2009, 03:42:31 pm
MTV's "The Real World" is reportedly looking for staff in the nation's capital -- tipping off that the next series of the famed reality show will be set there. (http://www.nypost.com/seven/04082009/tv/dc_just_got_cooler_163471.htm) 

also of note: That comes on the heels of news earlier this week that a long-rumored DC-version of "The Hills" is airing this summer.

The show, provocatively titled "Blonde Charity Mafia," will air on The CW.

Cameras follow three 20-something socialites as they conquer the Washington social scene.
i cant tell you how much this has made my day
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 09, 2009, 03:46:04 pm
The woman who died in the crash was a 20-year old cheerleader at Cal State Fullerton, Courtney Stewart.  She was the driver.  The third person who died has not been identified.

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.tmz.com/media/2009/04/0409_courtney_stewart_ex2.jpg)

The fourth person in the car who survived is former Cal State Fullerton baseball player Jon Wilhite. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on April 09, 2009, 03:51:30 pm
thank god alcohol is legal so things like this can keep happening.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on April 09, 2009, 03:57:35 pm
thank god alcohol is legal so things like this can keep happening.
Are we to assume then that you are a prohibitionist?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on April 09, 2009, 04:10:30 pm
thank god alcohol is legal so things like this can keep happening.
Are we to assume then that you are a prohibitionist?

take away everybody's vices.  make them live like life means something.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 10, 2009, 09:45:25 pm
The driver of the vehicle that ran the red that struck Nick's car was drunk, and driving on a suspended license for a previous DUI, according to Fullerton Police.

That will be a murder charge in California.

"The minivan's driver fled the scene and was later arrested, Brower said. Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of Riverside will face charges of manslaughter, felony driving under the influence and hit-and-run" [source (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/04/09/adenhart.killed/index.html)]

Suspect in Adenhart Crash Charged with 3 Counts of Murder (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/04/orange-county-prosecutors-filedmurder-drunken-driving-and-other-charges-against-a-man-who-plowed-his-minivan-into-a-car-carr.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 16, 2009, 04:10:56 pm
this coulda been you, smax (http://www.usmagazine.com/photos/Can_You_Believe_the_Age_Difference?slideshow_id=626&o=9)

edit: ewwwwwww (http://www.usmagazine.com/photos/Can_You_Believe_the_Age_Difference?slideshow_id=626&o=13) (somehow i had missed this... sorry i caught up)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 16, 2009, 04:23:48 pm
this coulda been you, smax (http://www.usmagazine.com/photos/Can_You_Believe_the_Age_Difference?slideshow_id=626&o=9)

Sorry, but my list of Stephen Coletti exes is topped by LC.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on April 16, 2009, 04:41:17 pm
this coulda been you, smax (http://www.usmagazine.com/photos/Can_You_Believe_the_Age_Difference?slideshow_id=626&o=9)

how ryan reynolds got out of marrying alanis morrissette, then ended up with scarlett johansen is truly mind-boggling.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 16, 2009, 04:53:56 pm

how ryan reynolds got out of marrying alanis morrissette, then ended up with scarlett johansen is truly mind-boggling.

True.  That might deserve a thread of its own.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on April 20, 2009, 09:44:09 am
 Robbie Williams's big comeback record to be produced by Trevor Horn enough said
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 20, 2009, 12:15:08 pm
Robbie Williams's big comeback record to be produced by Trevor Horn enough said

Now that is how I like to start my day.  Thanks for the heads up Kosmo!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on April 20, 2009, 12:20:05 pm
this coulda been you, smax (http://www.usmagazine.com/photos/Can_You_Believe_the_Age_Difference?slideshow_id=626&o=9)

Sorry, but my list of Stephen Coletti exes is topped by LC.
Wise man.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 22, 2009, 01:02:47 pm
Not that anybody has any left, but if you do....

Trade in your HD DVDs for Blu-ray editions (http://www.dvdtown.com/news/trade-in-your-hd-dvds-for-blu-ray-editions/6572)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on April 22, 2009, 02:45:42 pm
Not that anybody has any left, but if you do....

Trade in your HD DVDs for Blu-ray editions (http://www.dvdtown.com/news/trade-in-your-hd-dvds-for-blu-ray-editions/6572)

i thought blu ray would be dead by now.  the whole thing, after owning it for about six months seems sort of gimmicky and in your face with , "you must buy into this because it is new."  i guess though if i had a killer sound system it would make all the difference.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 22, 2009, 03:02:16 pm
i have a blu ray, and i think it would be good if you are in to that sort of thing. i cant say i really watch too many dvds or blu rays
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 22, 2009, 03:09:50 pm
Tangible media is dead.  The disc itself is simply a delivery medium that is no longer needed.

As soon as business models for internet content delivery evolve into business models for disc content (I'm talking to you Blockbuster! Vansmack is offering you your only chance of survival FREE OF CHARGE), people will stop buying tangible media.

I'm probably the biggest gadget guy I know and have never seen the need for a Blu-Ray player, and probably never will. 


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 22, 2009, 03:11:49 pm
i am with you. mine was a gift
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on April 22, 2009, 03:32:08 pm
Not that anybody has any left, but if you do....

Trade in your HD DVDs for Blu-ray editions (http://www.dvdtown.com/news/trade-in-your-hd-dvds-for-blu-ray-editions/6572)

i thought blu ray would be dead by now.  the whole thing, after owning it for about six months seems sort of gimmicky and in your face with , "you must buy into this because it is new."  i guess though if i had a killer sound system it would make all the difference.
I?ve got a really nice sound system to go along with my really nice display ? the high-def audio codecs contained in Blu-ray discs make a huge difference to me?possibly more than the much improved picture over DVD?.depending on the film though
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 22, 2009, 03:47:52 pm
I?ve got a really nice sound system to go along with my really nice display ? the high-def audio codecs contained in Blu-ray discs make a huge difference to me?possibly more than the much improved picture over DVD?.depending on the film though

I'd agree with that.  But the 5.1 surround codec comes with the HD download as well.  I have yet to make the 7.1 jump yet as there is not enough on the market in my eyes to justify the jump, but I eventually will.  By the time I do, I'm sure the 7.1 codec will be in the download (if it's not already - I haven't checked in a while).

One of the main differences I've noticed with newer DVD/Blu-Ray players is when folks use an optical cable the player itself selects the correct audio out codec (Dolby D, Dolby EX, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS etc.) and your stereo adjusts accordingly.  That makes a huge difference in the sound quality, especially for those that don't take the time to fully understand their equipment.  The quality was probably always there, the user just didn't know it.  Now it's nearly fool proof.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 22, 2009, 04:32:59 pm
No sooner were we talking about this when Amazon and Tivo announce:

Amazon Video on Demand supports 5.1 surround on TiVo (http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/22/amazon-video-on-demand-supports-5-1-surround-on-tivo-plus-hands/)

So we were pretty bummed in our early testing of Amazon's newly HD-enabled Video On Demand service to find that it only streamed stereo audio instead of full 5.1 surround, but it looks like that's actually device-dependent -- we just tested it out on our TiVo HD, and movies play back in Dolby Digital 5.1. Yeah, that's still no Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD, but it's definitely a vast upgrade from the sad two channels we got off the Roku Video Player. So why the difference? The TiVo doesn't stream content like the Roku -- it actually downloads a video file and plays it locally from its hard drive. That means that in addition to surround audio, we also saw a pretty dramatic increase in picture quality -- not exactly Blu-ray, but at least on par with the Apple TV, which also downloads content locally first. Sure, downloading first means playback can be much slower to start, but we'll take the delay over a blocky image any day.

-------

What Engadget means by not exactly blu-ray but on par with Apple is that it was 720p and not 1080p.  DirecTV is allowing for 1080p downloads that match Blu-ray quality visually (and I think Dish Network is too), but I'm not sure if the DL's are DolbyHD.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on April 22, 2009, 05:40:15 pm
I?ve got a really nice sound system to go along with my really nice display ? the high-def audio codecs contained in Blu-ray discs make a huge difference to me?possibly more than the much improved picture over DVD?.depending on the film though

I'd agree with that.  But the 5.1 surround codec comes with the HD download as well.  I have yet to make the 7.1 jump yet as there is not enough on the market in my eyes to justify the jump, but I eventually will.  By the time I do, I'm sure the 7.1 codec will be in the download (if it's not already - I haven't checked in a while).

One of the main differences I've noticed with newer DVD/Blu-Ray players is when folks use an optical cable the player itself selects the correct audio out codec (Dolby D, Dolby EX, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS etc.) and your stereo adjusts accordingly.  That makes a huge difference in the sound quality, especially for those that don't take the time to fully understand their equipment.  The quality was probably always there, the user just didn't know it.  Now it's nearly fool proof.   
I don't use 7.1....very few releases have 7.1 soundracks to them as you said.  7.1 is usually achieved by the receiver or pre/pro overlaying some sort of addtional processing on top of the exitsting 5.1 stream. 

What i'm referring to are the Dolby Digital HD and DTS HD Master soundtracks that are included on most blu-ray disks.  These codecs can't be passed over digital toslink or digital coax connections - not enough bandwidth.  They must be travel via bitstream over HDMI to a reciever or pre/pro that can decode the codecs.  If the receiver or pre/pro can't decode the format your not dead yet.....but you'd need a blu ray play that can decode them natively and then (not all can) output them via PCM over HDMI, or even over 5.1 analog outs to the receiver or pre pro, but analog is not as good because then all bass management options must be set on the player and these options are very limited on most BR players.

If you haven't heard the new codecs on good equipment and you're into this stuff and have the $$ to make it happen, you won't be dissapointed ;D

*edit - saw your previous post after i posted this.  In short though, the quality i've come to enjoy via BR disk is not avialalble via yet from any download service.  Someday soon, but not yet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 22, 2009, 06:02:02 pm
*edit - saw your previous post after i posted this.  In short though, the quality i've come to enjoy via BR disk is not avialalble via yet from any download service.  Someday soon, but not yet.

This is absolutely correct.  Even the DirecTV 1080p movies are not Blu-Ray quality because the bit-rates are starved, but it's not enough to justify buying a BR player in my eyes because it's still a huge improvement over the current DVD standard (480i/p).  I was unaware of the the need for HDMI for the HD sound codecs though - thanks for the heads up.  I will definitely check that out.  What I am wondering now is if the DirecTV DVR or the X-Box 360 can natively decode them - I'm doubting it, but I will find out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 22, 2009, 06:06:03 pm
What I am wondering now is if the DirecTV DVR can natively decode them - I'm doubting it, but I will find out.

That didn't take long (I know people):

"They will never do 7.1 or any of the new HD audio formats as Dolby Digital 5.1 is the max the chipsets in the receivers can handle."


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 23, 2009, 08:04:53 pm
CHARLIE "CHALO" QUINTANA LEAVING SOCIAL D AFTER 10 YEARS

After ten amazing years behind the drum kit for Social Distortion, Charlie "Chalo" Quintana has announced he's moving on to explore other musical opportunities. Charlie had this to say about his departure, "Playing with Social D for ten years was a good time in my life. I was lucky to play on two Social D records and the second solo album, and I am proud to have been part of the band. We hit some spectacular heights which I will never forget - adios amigos!"

Filling Charlie's big shoes is none other than Atom Willard. You've probably seen Atom wailing on the skins with Rocket From The Crypt, The Offspring, or his most recent band Angels & Airwaves. We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome such a great talent and individual into the band. Atom's first show with Social D will be the Jay Thomas benefit on May 18 at the House Of Blues Anaheim.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 27, 2009, 01:19:27 pm
(http://www.usmagazine.com/files/hotpics/2009/04/26/heidi-spencer-wed_g.jpg)

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag smooched after tying the knot Saturday in in Pasadena, Calif.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 27, 2009, 01:20:40 pm
I loved the headline:

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag Married.  Again.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 27, 2009, 07:24:42 pm
I'm consulting on the installation of my first Kaleidescape system (http://www.kaleidescape.com/) and I'm completely blown away.

For those that don't know, it's a rack style media server for the uber-wealthy that will store DVD's, Blu-ray and music on detachable HDDs that plays back on individual players throughout your home.

It's a ridiculously expensive system (this complete A/V installation is almost $200K, of which almost $30K is on the Kaleidescape system alone) and as much as I've tried to emulate what the Kaleidescape does, I've never come close to the ease of use and robust power of this thing.  I still think it's way too expensive, but if I were ridiculously rich I would scrap my piecemeal approach and do this without hesitation.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 01, 2009, 04:21:12 pm
I don't know how I ever missed this movie coming out, but if my local Blockbuster has it, I will be reviewing it by the end of the weekend:

Tiptoes, starring Gary Oldman, Kate Beckinsale, Matthew McConaughey and Patricia Arquette.

Don't miss the Trailer (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/aa3a85442a/tiptoes).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 01, 2009, 04:54:52 pm
Tiptoes

Don't miss the Trailer (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/aa3a85442a/tiptoes).

I've already purchased 5 copies of "TipToes" and sent them to unsuspecting friends.   Copies are .99 cents used at Amazon.

I hope to make this the Rick Roll of 2009.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 02, 2009, 04:02:38 pm
Tiptoes

Don't miss the Trailer (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/aa3a85442a/tiptoes).

I've already purchased 5 copies of "TipToes" and sent them to unsuspecting friends.   Copies are .99 cents used at Amazon.

I hope to make this the Rick Roll of 2009.

this is absolute GOLD, people.  i'm soooooooo topping up any amazon orders i make for the next while with this nugget - especially useful if you're just a few dollars short of free shipping.

i seriously doubt i'll ever be able to sit through the whole thing, tho.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 04, 2009, 01:28:50 pm
dear smax,

just 'cause i know you're not sleeping well thanks to playoff hockey, i thought i'd re-kindle an old favorite topic of yours:

Pakistan deal with Taliban 'collapses' as convoy is attacked (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/5273455/Pakistan-deal-with-Taliban-collapses-as-convoy-is-attacked.html)

there ya go - now you have something to talk about to pass the sleepless hours... or another source of insomnia.  for me it's the latter.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 04, 2009, 01:54:10 pm
I did in fact wake up both yesterday and today in the middle of the night for a glass of water and silent reflection.  I'm sure the Stanley Cup is playing a part in that.

Unfortunately, now that this forum is searchable, I will  have to refrain from any further comment on foreign affairs as per an agreement with a previous employer.  That's why I have been silent on many issues in the new forum and my thread has become rather dull in my eyes.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 07, 2009, 12:45:14 am
Smackie always dreamed of the day Gwen Stefani would have a rack.  Smackie doesn't care if she's almost 40, she's as beautiful as she was when he saw her at 16. 

Smackie purchased tickets tonight for her tour, and upgraded from the lawn to the pit.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 09, 2009, 01:46:57 pm
i thought i'd re-kindle an old favorite topic of yours:

Pakistan deal with Taliban 'collapses' as convoy is attacked (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/5273455/Pakistan-deal-with-Taliban-collapses-as-convoy-is-attacked.html)

there ya go - now you have something to talk about to pass the sleepless hours... or another source of insomnia.  for me it's the latter.

Karzai and Zadari will be on Meet the Press tomorrow morning and I'm looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2009, 02:15:51 am
this is absolute GOLD, people.  i'm soooooooo topping up any amazon orders i make for the next while with this nugget - especially useful if you're just a few dollars short of free shipping.

i seriously doubt i'll ever be able to sit through the whole thing, tho.

Well, I sat through it with Smackette and the venerables.  I can assure you that the ladies did not appreciate it as much as me and venerable, but you have to sit through till the very end.  I don't want to ruin the ending, but let me just say the little guy gets the girl in the end.  Literally.

By far the best line in the movie was delivered by Kate Beckinsale's character to Matthew McConaughey:  "So you had a circle jerk with a bunch of little people? I would love to see that!"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 11, 2009, 03:05:12 pm
Poor Antonin....there's a great big world out there.  You should step out of your box and check it out sometime.



Justice Scalia Responds to Fordham Privacy Invasion (http://abovethelaw.com/2009/04/justice_scalia_responds_to_for.php)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:52 AM - By Kashmir Hill

Last week, we wrote about the Fordham law professor who assigned his information privacy law class to compile a dossier on Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. (http://abovethelaw.com/2009/04/fordham_law_compiling_a_dossie.php?show=comments)

The professor had chosen Scalia as the target for privacy invasion because of the Justice's remarks at a January conference organized by the Institute of American and Talmudic Law. Scalia's views on the privacy of personal information online are summed up (http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:AiEuNH25-sMJ:www.silive.com/newsflash/metro/index.ssf%3F/base/news-41/123319465956290.xml%26storylist%3Dsimetro+peltz+Scalia+speaks+on+digital+privacy+at+NYC+conference&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a) nicely by this quote:

Quote
"Every single datum about my life is private? That's silly," Scalia [said].

(And his views are summed up at greater length here (http://www.concurringopinions.com/archives/2009/01/justice_scalias_1.html) by privacy expert and GW Law Professor Dan Solove.)

Professor Joel Reidenberg and his class now have a 15-page dossier on Scalia, including his home address, the value of his home, his home phone number, the movies he likes, his food preferences, his wife's personal e-mail address, and "photos of his lovely grandchildren."

We checked in with the Justice to see how he felt about his online information being aggregated and mined by the professor and his 15 students.

Scalia was far from pleased (though we were pleased that a Supreme Court Justice would honor Above The Law with a response). Here is Justice Scalia's response, in all its scathing glory:

Quote
I stand by my remark at the Institute of American and Talmudic Law conference that it is silly to think that every single datum about my life is private. I was referring, of course, to whether every single datum about my life deserves privacy protection in law.

It is not a rare phenomenon that what is legal may also be quite irresponsible. That appears in the First Amendment context all the time. What can be said often should not be said. Prof. Reidenberg's exercise is an example of perfectly legal, abominably poor judgment. Since he was not teaching a course in judgment, I presume he felt no responsibility to display any.

Reidenberg may have terrible judgment, but it's fairly impressive he managed to get bench-slapped by One First Street from a classroom at Fordham Law School.

UPDATE: Dan Solove, who is one of the legal establishment's foremost thinkers about privacy issues, has penned a response to this post over at Concurring Opinions: Justice Scalia's Dossier: Interesting Issues about Privacy and Ethics. (http://www.concurringopinions.com/archives/2009/04/justice_scalias_2.html)



Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on May 12, 2009, 09:40:08 am
Are you currently stockpiling Mountain Dew Flashback?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 12, 2009, 11:59:19 am
Are you currently stockpiling Mountain Dew Flashback?

OK - here's the thing.  I went to Mexico for a week in February and weened myself off the Dew.  It's amazing what cerveza at 9 AM can do for you.

I haven't had a Mountain Dew since Feb. 20th.  Pepsi, obviously realizing the loss of my sales to their bottom line, has responded by tempting me with the original recipe - real sugar and no corn syrup!  How do I, on occasion a mere mortal, withstand such a move?

Venerable is currently holding a stash for me in case (to which he says "when") I change my mind.

I'm tempted to pick up this t-shirt, which I owned when I was like 10.

(http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:_xfvy1lyY_crWM:http://teenormous.com/images/t-shirts/static3.shopify.com/s-files-1-0009-5322-products-28784b.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on May 12, 2009, 03:44:25 pm
Are you currently stockpiling Mountain Dew Flashback?

Venerable is currently holding a stash for me in case (to which he says "when") I change my mind.


it's for scientific purposes. . .

i like it, i think i might go out and buy some more before pepsi stops selling them. . .although, if corn-based ethanol keeps getting subsidized, it may make sense for pepsi and coke to just go back to sugar anyway.  i still won't drink pepsi, but i'll buy mountain dew.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 12, 2009, 03:50:34 pm
corn on the cob = yummy
corn salsa = yummy
the corn lobby = not so yummy
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 12, 2009, 05:46:28 pm
There's never an egg timer around when you need one....

Sony CEO Howard Stringer on music: "If we had gone with open technology from the start, I think we probably would have beaten Apple" (http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/11/sony-ceo-howard-stringer-if-we-had-gone-with-open-technology-f/)


It's not like I didn't recommend that repeatedly Howard.  It was even in my cover letter when I applied for your job!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on May 13, 2009, 01:13:00 pm
Hey smackie how dirty does this make you feel  ;)

http://www.chickenfoot.us/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2009, 01:18:23 pm
What the hell is Michael Anthony thinking?  He is dead to me, and I've basically had to look the other way for 30 years as it is....

I listened to 45 seconds max of each track.  Pure crap.  Worst Van Halen cover band ever.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 14, 2009, 05:07:42 pm
Are you currently stockpiling Mountain Dew Flashback?

For the record, my abstention from The Dew is officially over.  Damn you Throwback and Hockey - a lethal combination.  It's amazing how quickly my body remembered the original taste, although I will admit the first sip was a bit of a shock.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 18, 2009, 01:08:05 pm
I still think the ZunePass @ $15 is a better deal because you can download the songs and take them with you on a non-iPod portable music player, but $5 for streaming their entire catalog plus 5 mp3 downloads per month is not bad for competition among the Win based music services:

Napster to Start $5 Music Service Tomorrow (http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/18/napster-relaunching-again-5-per-month-plus-five-to-download/#continued)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on May 28, 2009, 01:59:05 pm
MTV's "The Real World" is reportedly looking for staff in the nation's capital -- tipping off that the next series of the famed reality show will be set there. (http://www.nypost.com/seven/04082009/tv/dc_just_got_cooler_163471.htm) 

also of note: That comes on the heels of news earlier this week that a long-rumored DC-version of "The Hills" is airing this summer.

The show, provocatively titled "Blonde Charity Mafia," will air on The CW.

Cameras follow three 20-something socialites as they conquer the Washington social scene.

bravo developing "real housewives of d.c." (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/263751-Bravo_Developing_Real_Housewives_of_D_C_.php)

""We're tapping personalities who are among Washington D.C.'s influential players, cultural connoisseurs, fashion sophisticates and philanthropic leaders - the people who rub elbows with the most prominent people in the country and easily move in the city's diverse political and social circles," said Bravo Media executive VP and GM Frances Berwick."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 01, 2009, 01:54:34 pm
Anybody on here use or know anything about the new Napster service?

I use it (the $15 unlimited DRM with 10 DRM-free DL's a month).  I saw no need for the $5 streaming only with 5 DRM-free downloads.

What specifically would you like to know?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 01, 2009, 06:26:04 pm
X-box Live to offer 1080P video streaming/download (http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/xbox-live-gets-live-tv-streaming-netflix-browsing/)

And for Kosmo, thy're also adding Last.fm and Wii-esque motion controllers
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 02, 2009, 12:24:11 am
Kristin Cavallari is where reality shows go to die.  After The Hills fails, she will officially be the Ted McGinley of Reality TV.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 02, 2009, 09:01:15 am
i havent watched the finale of the hills yet, but i tend to agree. though i kind of liked her over lc during season one of laguna beach

like a total sucker i watched i'm a celebrity, get me out of here last night. spencer is AMAZING
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 02, 2009, 12:25:10 pm
I've already told Smackette that I won't watch next season, and this was before the preview for next season which follows the finale.

The thought of Kristin and Audrina following any plot line imaginable to stay relevant is beyond what I can stomach.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 02, 2009, 12:39:06 pm
i said that once they started spoiling the season i us weekly and yet ive seen every episode since

just think they would have been better off turning spencer against audrina or something
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 02, 2009, 12:40:44 pm
just think they would have been better off turning spencer against audrina or something

Give them time....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 02, 2009, 11:48:24 pm
like a total sucker i watched i'm a celebrity, get me out of here last night. spencer is AMAZING

I watched tonight's episode and I hate to admit it but, I think Spencer and I would be good friends if we ever met.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on June 06, 2009, 11:07:43 am
ok . . . i thought if i posted this question in here, either vansmack or someone else with the right on knowledge would help me.  here is my problem.

we have a strange house; very few phone jacks.  we first had high speed internet through the phone line into a dsl box into my computer.  not that long ago the phone company jacked up the speed of the connection big time, so i got wireless (and it works wonderful).  phone line into dsl router, dsl cord into wireless router.  i love technology!

i have a blu ray player that has a dsl port, so i can download extra features off the net and watch instant netflix and the such, but my player is downstairs while my routers (wireless/dsl) are upstairs.  there are no phone jack remotely close to where my tv/player setup is.

is there a way or some piece of hardware out there that will allow my blu ray player to receive wireless from its dsl port?  i know for computers there are those wireless (usb connection) things, but i need basically something that has a dsl cord connector that can go into my player that can catch wireless and allow my player to be hooked in.

i tried just hooking a dsl cord into my computer and the other end into the player while my computer was receiving wireless, thinking that the computer would act a "sort of dsl router" but it didn't seem to work.

i hope that made sense, and someone out there can help.  thanks!!

(sorry, no cat pictures included)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2009, 01:02:10 pm
Alright, now that I've had some time with it (and can now talk about it), I thought I'd give a brief review of the Palm Pre.

Bottom line - It's a very impressive phone, that on occasion left me with a little phone envy from my Touch Diamond.  Like all phones, it's not without it's faults, but given that it's a first stab, I'd say Palm gave themselves plenty of room to make this into the top 2-3 phones out there.

Light and sleek, the only downside to it's physical appearance is that it's a fingerprint magnet.  Otherwise, I love everything about it.  It's small enough to fit in mans pocket and for having a keyboard is extremely thin (HTC should take notice with it's touch pro line).

It uses gestures very smartly to navigate around the phone, but might have missed the boat by not including a soft keyboard (touchscreen) with a hard keyboard.  The good news is, the soft keyboard can always be added later and Palm should do just that.  There were a couple times (like when looking for a contact) that I would have like a soft keyboard rather than sliding down the hard keyboard.  If the SDK were out, this would be the first app I develpoed and sold for a dollar - I'd make enough to send a kid to college in the first week.  For all the posturing I did about not missing the hard keyboard, I typed about 65% faster in my tests with the hard keyboard than with my soft keyboard.  There's no more questioning that a hard keyboard is simply more efficient.

While not as powerful as my HTC Diamond for multitasking, it does handle multi-tasking much better than Windows Mobile.  MS should have never let this happen, but Palm did an amzing job of combining the navigation features of the iPhone with the multitasking of the WinMo phones into one amazingly simple and fairly powerful little computer.  It is so easy to switch between open applications on the Pre that I was visually upset when I got back to my WinMo phone and was switching applications.  By far the best feature of the phone that most people will take for granted.

It's not without it's faults though.  It's horrible with Exchange Server - there's about a 50% success rate of it configuring properly and no one has yet figured out why.  Palm promises a fix soon.  It worked with my server, but not with Smackette's work server, for example.

In addition, the App store is fairly light and Palm has been slow with the SDK.  Most importantly is that they have been slow with the Apps for the Professionals who put Palm on the map - medical professionals.  Doctors love Palm and not having the Doctor apps ready to go at launch was foolish.  They have an emulator that runs the classic PalmOS to run the old apps but it's $30, and it reminds doctors of how far Palm fell behind the iPhone.  Palm should subsidize the emulator until their app store has more than 18 programs ready, and really get those doctor apps to market.

It does have a lot of really cool features that are a little intircate to explain, so I'll just use one example of something built into the phone that I found most impressive.  During the testing, I left the phone connected to my Exchange Server, but it's smackette's primary phone so she keeps it during the day.  She was at work, but the phone knew that I had an appointment via Exchange.  Using GPS, the phone realized that the owner was nowhere near the meeting location and asked if the phone should send an email to all the particiapnts of the meeting letting them know that you were running behind, or just to my assistant (who I assigned during setup unbeknownst as to why).  She obviously declined because I was at the meeting, but it still displayed how much thought went in to making this phone.  There are so many little things like that that explain why Palm spent so much time developing the phone.

Kudos to Palm and, welcome back.       
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 12, 2009, 01:38:53 pm
While not as powerful as my HTC Diamond for multitasking, it does handle multi-tasking much better than Windows Mobile. 

i'm a little confused by this... the Diamond *is* a WinMo machine.  so i'm reading "while not as powerful as my WinMo machine for multitasking, it does handle multi-tasking much better than WinMo."

In addition, the App store is fairly light and Palm has been slow with the SDK.  Most importantly is that they have been slow with the Apps for the Professionals who put Palm on the map - medical professionals. 
 
this was to be expected, as palm said they'd exercise tight control over the app store in order to ensure quality.  remains to be seen if users want quality over quantity.

thanks for sharing your thoughts, smax.  i'd definitely consider this phone if work wasn't forcing a blackberry on me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2009, 02:01:11 pm
While not as powerful as my HTC Diamond for multitasking, it does handle multi-tasking much better than Windows Mobile. 

i'm a little confused by this... the Diamond *is* a WinMo machine.  so i'm reading "while not as powerful as my WinMo machine for multitasking, it does handle multi-tasking much better than WinMo."

Sorry I wasn't clear.

From the user experience, switching between applications is much easier, much more fluid, and much more intuitive with the Palm Pre.  With a WinMo phone, you minimize apps or close apps all together by hitting the X in the corner, or dropping down the windows menu.  With the Pre, hit the center button, and then you can scroll through open apps with left or right swipes - similar to how the iPhone handles the program menus - except this isn't to pick a new app.  It's go through already opened apps!  The speed with which you can switch between apps blows WInMo (which allows multitasking) and the iPhone (which currently doesn't, but will) out of the water.

All of that despite the processor in my Diamond being more powerful than the Pre's processor, which begs the question - how did MS let this happen?   

That's all I was getting at.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on June 12, 2009, 02:19:06 pm
Smackie, have you ever considered writing for Men's Health (whereas Julian is/was more of a Details kind of guy)?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 13, 2009, 12:48:45 pm
Combine this with the unlock code (upupdowndownleftrightleftrightababstart - no joke by the way) and the possibilities of customizing this phone are endless....


Homebrew Pre firmware just a button, cable away? (http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/homebrew-pre-firmware-just-a-button-cable-away/)

If you were to put the Pre on a scale of hacker friendliness from 1 to 10, where 1 is the iPhone (remember how long it took for the first jailbreaks back in the day?) and 10 is, say, OpenMoko, we're starting to get the impression that Palm's latest effort falls somewhere way past the 5 mark. We got out first hint that they're being good sports about letting developers play with the Konami code access to developer mode, and now we've got news that it's easy -- nay, trivial -- to run whatever firmware you'd like on the phone. It seems all you've got to do is hold down the volume up key when connecting the Pre to your computer via USB, then you can flash the phone 'til you're blue in the face; even better, the enterprising dev who found the trick says that it's mega simple to modify the stock build and he'd wiped out the activation check with minimal effort. This can only be good news for tweakers and anyone wanting to walk off the App Catalog's beaten path...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 14, 2009, 07:09:51 pm
I'm moving this from the iPhone thread into my thread to continue this discussuon:

    * This device would be more attractive with wide-area wireless networking

Hence the discussion with Verizon....

And by the way, that device is called a netbook.  Welcome to the game, Apple.

But if they're talking OQO style UMPC, might as well just buy that company and all their assets as they're in big trouble.  And at $2K per device, it's already in their price range, too.

Nonetheless, this techcrunch tablet prototype (http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/04/09/crunchtablet-hits-the-net-a-little-early/) is my next device:

(http://crenk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/tech-crunchtablet-1.jpg)

I'm told these will be out this year at some point and I've been invited to a Press Event in July to talk about them.  I'm licking my chops at the this point.

Engadget is reporting that the prototype's are out and they've replaced the plastic casing with an aluminum casing.  Might increase the price a little bit, but they should still be around $300.

See it in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP-0Nce5oTQ
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2009, 12:44:14 pm
oh and smackie, i told him you kind of liked the young pirates players the other day and he asked 'why?'

If I was in a keeper league, and I was out of the running at the end of the year (or more likely, had it locked up by Sept 15), I pick up Pedro Alvarez and reap the rewards for the next three years.

C - Doumit
1B - Adam LaRoche
2B - Sanchez
SS - Need a new cheaper shortstop
3B - Alvarez
OF - McClouth
OF - Nyger Morgan
OF - Dewlyn Young/Andrew McCutcheon/or slugger Jamie Romak

That's a damn good lineup that's also inexpensive and young (only two guys over 30).

That leaves us with pitching, that, as was displayed earlier this year, when they all have it together, they're tough:

Maholm
Duke
Snell
Gorzelany
Grabow
Ohrendorf
Karstens

Again, cheap and young, with a ton of upside.  They could be one good veteran teacher in the squad away from helping them turn the corner.  This team has the potential to be very good next season. 

I stand by what I said.  There is much to build on with that squad.  And the foundation comes up in September.

I take back everything I said about the Pirates.  I have no clue why I even bother to follow that squad....if they deal doumit as the rumors are indicating, I think my head may explode.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 01, 2009, 01:18:36 pm
i cant believe they traded for lastings milladge
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2009, 01:24:12 pm
i cant believe they traded for lastings milladge

And to trade somebody who has become a really good leadoff hitter with a .360 OBP, nearing his career .290 average and on pace to score 90 runs and steal 40 bases - what else could you possibly want from a leadoff hitter?

You picked up a guy who couldn't crack the Nats starting lineup (couldn't even mkae the 25 man roster!) and a former closer who has no confidence.  Nice fucking job.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 01, 2009, 01:47:30 pm
the fans arent really showing either, especially with it being such a huge year for the steelers and pens (not to mention fairly successful for pitt hoops and penn state football)

if they would just put out a decent product, fans would show. pnc is really nice. cant use the small market excuse anymore either. instead, theyve absolutely punted the next 3-4 years. they'll be the nats next year
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 02, 2009, 12:46:03 pm
Some of you Audiophiles are probably familiar with Harman/Kardon, JBL and Infinity lines of stereo equipment.  In the past I would purchase some refurbished items from their online store (http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/default.asp?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&brand=HK&status=C) (they come with a full manufacturers warranty and I've never had a problem - just click specials on the left side of the webpage).

But a few months ago I discovered their Ebay store, (http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio) which sells the refurbished items for even less than the Outlet.  Just recently I've purchased a new HK 7.1 tuner for $210 that retails for $699 and a JBL iPod speaker for $33 that retails for $99 - both came direct from the factory and in original packaging (I'm pretty sure neither had been opened in their life).  There are some details to be had so I thought I would pass it along.  Just don't bid against me!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 02, 2009, 12:55:11 pm
on a related note, what should i look for in a reciever
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 02, 2009, 01:27:36 pm
on a related note, what should i look for in a reciever
The answer to your question is largely dependant on your sources, speakers and budget.

But for starters, look for on board decoding of the new hi-def audio codecs, and enought inputs to acommodate all your gear. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 02, 2009, 01:27:57 pm
on a related note, what should i look for in a reciever

Well, back in April Chaz got me looking at 7.1 channels and the Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs which is why I bought the new receiver (I wouldn't have, except that I got a such a killer deal).  They are impressive although we both agreed that there really isn't much for true 7.1 available right now, but there will be.

What I usually do is tell people to take stock of all their current physical inputs and outputs (TOSLINK, HDMI, Digital Coax) and their non-physical inputs and outputs (Dolby Digital, Dolby True HD, etc.).  You can get most of this information from the manuals or online.  I know this sounds dorky as all hell, but you will find great benefit in mapping all of this out.  You will find that even though your stereo has digital Coax and TOSLINK, not all of the non-physical outs will work over both so map it in such a way that you know you need two TOSLINK inputs and 2 HDMI inputs for maximum non-physical output.
 
Then look at where you think you'll be in 5 years.  Are you adding Blu-Ray, new gaming console, adding a bigger TV, etc....

So then pick a system that meets all of your current needs but gives you a little room to grow.  Lastly, look within your budget to buy the most wattage possible along with a full set of speakers (if you don't have them already).  Lots of times I'll see people buy a high watt surround system, but use three speakers - what's the point?  I'd rather buy lower wattage and have a full compliment of  good speakers.  Wattage is really based on the room you need to fill the sound so you'll have to guage as I've never seen your place.  Look at what you've got now, how often you crank it up, and how far you sit from your speakers and see if that's satisfactory.  Use that as a guage, but don't overpay for wattage.  Most people never use half of what their systems are capable of...

Unless you never plan on buying Blu-ray, I'd say you have to at least take a look at a system that supports Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio.  I tend to buy a new receiver every 7 years or so, and even though I don't plan on buying a blu-ray player, I do think at some point in the next 7 years I will have Dolby True HD in a digital file and something to play them with, so I made the leap.  I know DirecTV is going down this route at some point, which was enough for me.

I'm always here to help.  If you think it's beneficial for the group, we can do it here or you've got my email address.

This is the system that I bought (http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-7-1-Channel-Receiver-Repeater/dp/B0016BGRX6).  It's not the most powerful system (mid-level, I'd say), but we still live in a one bedroom apt in a city with neighbors really close by.  Even if we upgrade to a condo in the future, we're a long time away from the suburbs so I don't need that much.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 02, 2009, 01:35:44 pm
basically all i have is a 52" lcd tv, a blu ray and a wii. from there, i'm going from scratch
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 02, 2009, 02:49:31 pm
basically all i have is a 52" lcd tv, a blu ray and a wii. from there, i'm going from scratch
Budget?  And remember, speakers are the most important piece of any system.  Dont skimp there.  Rule of thumb is speakers and sub (assuming you're going 5.1) should be at about 2/3 of total cost when getting a receiver/speaker setup.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 06, 2009, 01:44:54 pm
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3695090752_208c731ebf.jpg?v=0)

ESPN The Magazine (http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/magazine/index)

Arte Moreno and his team deliver the best fan vaule in Sports.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 06, 2009, 01:54:43 pm
"santonio holmes: large and in charge" hahahaha
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2009, 03:49:34 pm
Last summer I gave you all a ridiculously long rundown of Smackie?s Digital Revolution of 2008.  Just letting you know that everything is still running beautifully and I have expanded my digital collection to include all of my DVDs too.

But this summer I have become enamored with the pairing of Nvidia?s ION video chipset with Intel?s low-power consuming ATOM processor.  What does all that mean?  A sleek power saving combo that is capable of producing 1080p video.  Oh, and it?s cheap as hell right now (if you can find it) which makes it perhaps the best chance to make the HTPC go mainstream.

So, as it?s a bit of an early adopter technology, there aren?t a whole lot of options right now ? especially in America.  We can basically buy a pre-built machine (ASRock?s Nettop 330) imported from Hong Kong, Canada or the UK for $300 with just a DVDRW drive or $400 with a Blu-Ray drive or build our own machine which seems to be just as costly.  But let?s break it down first.

The Nvidia chipset is a GeForce 9400M which is capable of 1080p video.  The ION part is pairing the Nvidia chip with Intel?s ATOM chipset.  This is a clear distinction from most netbooks as they are paired with Intel?s video chipset (945GSE or 945GC) which does not support 1080p HD video.  These new nettops have the same power saving bonuses of the ATOM, but with the added ability of HD video.  Sounds good so far.

The folks who are making the motherboards are pretty smart as well.  They?re adding DVI and HDMI out so you can use these nettops as HTPC?s capable of being plugged into your HDTV?s.  They also support 7.1 audio.  Since they use low power chipsets, some are fanless and run completely quiet ? one of the biggest knocks on HTPC?s has been the sound they produce.

Now, there?s a few Intel Atom chips, but for sake of simplicity I?ll just talk about the two you?re most likely to see:  N270 and the N330.  The N270 is a single core chip and the N330 is a dual core chip.  If you?re not doing any HD video, then the N270 can save you a ton of money and work just fine (an N270 motherboard runs about $150, while the N330 motherboard will run you about $220).   Keep an eye on the N270 motherboards as well ? some of them do not support HDMI out.  Both have low power consumption, but only the N270 can really run safely without a fan.  The N330 will give you much better HD video out, although there have been some complaints about HD flash video streaming from both the N270 and the N330.

After looking to build my own low-power HTPC for under $400 (remember, I have a $400 price point for new gadgets), I?m really thinking of going down the ASRock route and getting one pre-built, throwing Win7 on it with Media Center and enjoying Blu-ray video and 7.1 audio in a tight little low power package.   The motherboard and case would cost me about $300 and a Blu-Ray drive would make it about $380 ? I?d still have to put it all together, but for $20 I can get something already built.

Anyone else try the Nvidia ION package yet or thinking about it?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 08, 2009, 04:35:16 pm
For about the same price I'd buy a standalone blu-ray player (which will undoubtedly have better audio/video quality) that has built in wireless playback from your PC via DLNA.  Plus many of these players have native support for netflix. netcast and youtube streaming.  Something like this http://reviews.cnet.com/blu-ray-players-recorders/lg-bd390/4505-9991_7-33488056.html?tag=mncol;lst

But that's just me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2009, 05:52:00 pm
Interface, interface, interface.

While those players do a nice job of GUI's for the add-ins (like YouTube and CinemaNow), they do a lousy job of interfacing your collection, which is my primary concern with nearly 1TB of data.

Check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_tgu1bXdMc&NR=1 (skip to 3:33 to see him interact with his music collection).

Now compare that text driven interface on the LG BD with this from Windows 7 Media Center:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJWtIbL8hpg (3:00 minute mark to see the interaction with his music collection, ignoring the touchscreen of course because this all from the seat of my couch with a universal remote and an HDTV). 

And the 1:20 mark to see how we go through our Movie Collection using a My Movies plug in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I13KL0_Durg

There's no way smackette lets me get rid of all the DVDs and all the Cd's if she had to go through an alphabetical text list of all the artists, songs or movies to play a track or album.  Put a CD cover in front of her (like the downloadable jukebox) or the cover of the DVD (like walking the shelves at Blockbuster) and we're on to something. 

Oh, and I have never been successful getting HD to stream over wireless N with any consistency of anything even close to decent quality.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 08, 2009, 06:11:12 pm
MS ain't gonna take this one lying down:

Google Announces PC Operating System to Compete with Windows (http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/07/google-announces-pc-operating-system-to-compete-with-windows/)

nice closing para: Don?t be evil, Google?s unofficial motto, has long been understood as code for ?Don?t be Microsoft.? Perhaps, it ought now it ought to be augmented with the commandment, ?Leave no Microsoft product unchallenged.?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2009, 06:12:56 pm
MS ain't gonna take this one lying down:

Gazelle.

Google it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 08, 2009, 08:52:19 pm
I'm a big fan of a slick UI, but I'm more concerned with top notch audio and video quality, even if it costs more and requires more than one device.  Which is why I have a Squeezebox and a new Oppo Blu-Ray player. 
 
I can control the Squeezebox either on the included remote, a browser on my PC, any Wifi browser, or an app on my iphone.  And it supports every audio codec known to man including ogg vorbis and especially flac.

And the Oppo is a special piece of gear when it comes to blu-rays, dvds, sacds, red book cds etc.

I have a pretty high end system though so the audio advantages of this gear would not be as apparent on best buy type kit.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 09, 2009, 01:37:27 am
I'm a big fan of a slick UI, but I'm more concerned with top notch audio and video quality, even if it costs more and requires more than one device. 

the best chance to make the HTPC go mainstream.

Clearly, you missed that part of my post.  Techies like you and me will deal with all of the difficulties and have numerous devices and get the best we can out of every device we have (well, until you get married at least...).

I'm talking about the mainstream here - bringing digital to the masses.  If I have to teach one of my clients (let alone their less techie spouse) to use 7 different devices to get the best possible audio/video/streaming out of their system, then I will lose business.  A techie doesn't have to hire me, but if I want to take digital media to the masses then this is the best and easiest solution I have found.  HDTV, 7.1 surround sound and a slick user interface for movies and music that a monkey can use.  And nobody has come close, in my opinion, to what I've propsed here, save for maybe XBMC, but as a consultant, it's impossible to keep up with the updates for your client.

It can remain a niche, as you have propsed here, but I have higher hopes for home solutions for personal Digital Media.  I'm one for the people...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2009, 05:37:59 pm
One day after I posted about my quest for an HD nettop, Engadget posed the following question:

Ask Engadget: What's the best nettop out there now? (http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-nettop-out-there-now/)

"All of these new nettops have me intrigued. I'm looking for a small, quiet and cheap PC to replace my aging tower in my home office, and all it really needs to do is load Microsoft Office, check email and surf the web. Is there a particular nettop that's better (or a better value) than another? I know it's a rather new segment, but hopefully someone has taken a chance on one already. Thanks!"


Since I'm sure all of you don't have Engadget hooked up to an IV like I do, I'll share my answer here too:

July 10th 2009 5:31PM

If you don't intend to do HD video, then any of the Atom single core machines paired with the Intel graphics chip will be fine, however you'll find better performance from the Dual-Core Atom (N330) then you will from the single-core Atom (N270). Some of these models include the MSI Wind, ASUS EEEBox and the Fit2-PC. To answer the original question posted by Engadget, those have been the best performers I've seen for casual use. These can be found at most online retailers common in many countries.

For those that want to do HD video or Media Center nettops, you really need to look hard at the pairing of the Atom Chip with the Nvidia ION chipset, and you really shouldn't consider anything less than the dual-core Atom chip. Buying a single core with the high performance graphics chip is like driving a race car with the e-brake on. These models include the Acer Aspire REVO and the ASRock ION 330, which can be found in Asia, Europe and Canada at retailers and online (online only in the US at this moment). If you want to build your own, check out the Zotac motherboards...

But if you do go down the ION route, do yourself a favor and wait a few months, if you can, for more competition and you'll probably save yourself $100. Sure, $100 might not be much, but it's 25% of the purcahse price of a $400 machine.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 20, 2009, 09:46:48 am
OK, apologies to smackie for thread-jacking, but I need some advice from gadget nerds and I figured this was the place to post it

I'm shopping for a GPS and I'm down to two models:

TomTom GO 930 (http://www.amazon.com/TomTom-GO-930-Widescreen-Bluetooth/dp/B00160LGEC/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=ICB5C4IAPM4CI&colid=3MHIMM54MU6KQ)

Garmin nüvi 275T (http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-275T-3-5-Inch-Bluetooth-Navigator/dp/B001ELJ9Q0/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2G9VKBSN3G9WY&colid=3MHIMM54MU6KQ)

My main requirement is that it comes with European maps preloaded (so that I don't have to pay $100+ for a map of Italy).  Everything else is pretty much gravy.

Any hands-on experience with either of these devices or their brands?

It looks like the TomTom might have some issues linking via bluetooth to my Blackberry 8830, while the Garmin should do this fine.  The Garmin has free (ad supported) traffic, while I'd have to tether my 8830 to the TomTom (if it even linked) in order to get the same service (and pay Verizon $15/month to do so).

That said, I like the idea of the "hive mind" TomTom map correction service and some other cool features in the 930 (lane selection, etc).  The TomTom also has a built-in FM transmitter (unlike the Garmin), although I'd probably use my tape adapter anyway.

Leaning towards the Garmin, but open to either.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 20, 2009, 01:16:20 pm
Sorry I can't help with nav devices.  I have an in dash unit that came with my car and use the Nav App in my phone when I'm not driving.  Is your phone Euro approved (i.e., do you have at&t or T-Mobile as your carrier?)?  You may not need a new device...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 20, 2009, 01:21:04 pm
i have a garmin (forget which model) and its ok. i dont use all of the stuff you talked about, and i find that i disagree with its choice of route often
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 20, 2009, 03:12:08 pm
Sorry I can't help with nav devices.  I have an in dash unit that came with my car and use the Nav App in my phone when I'm not driving.  Is your phone Euro approved (i.e., do you have at&t or T-Mobile as your carrier?)?  You may not need a new device...

nope, I have verizon wireless.  even if i did have a GPS-enabled smartphone over there, i think i'd prefer having something that i could mount on my dash.  renting a GPS unit through the rental car company is almost as much as buying one, so that's out of the question.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 22, 2009, 01:24:33 pm
i cant believe they traded for lastings milladge

I should have listened to your dad....

Bucs dealt La Roche to the Red Sox for a minor league short stop and the dreaded player to be named later (rumored to be SP Hunter Strickland).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 22, 2009, 02:10:27 pm
a couple of my friends call him "madame laroche"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 23, 2009, 12:44:31 am
It's abnormal for a aggregation to accompany aback anyone so anon afterwards battlefront him, but new aggregation admiral Frank Coonelly and accepted administrator Neal Huntington acquainted an burning affiliation with the quiet but acute Russell.

Smackie thinks you all need to know that criminal defense attorney's that use spiders looking for key words to post spam adverts on message boards are the scum of the earth.

Now get the hell out of my thread, douchebag OC attorney!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 23, 2009, 10:11:56 am
a spamming oc lawyer? maybe this guy is like your evil doppleganger. i bet he supports liverpool and likes macs
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 23, 2009, 01:37:51 pm
a couple of my friends call him "madame laroche"

Gammons sticks in the knife and twists it.  A lot....

"The Red Sox felt they had to move Wednesday because the Pirates had a deal to send LaRoche to another team in exchange for a better package than Argenis Diaz and Hunter Strickland, but Boston was willing to take on LaRoche's entire salary."

Nice.  The Bucs took a worse deal to save at most $2.95M.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 23, 2009, 02:01:24 pm
Ask Engadget: What's the best nettop out there now? (http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-nettop-out-there-now/)

This is the one I'll eventually get.  I'm waiting until they hit the $250 mark or the Gateway outlet store (I'm guessing mid-October, late November) and I'm taking off that stupid stand.  If you want an HTPC capable of HD output and don't care about recording TV, this is the way to go:


(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/07/090723-gatewayqx2800-01.jpg)

Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/aspirerevo-rebranded-as-the-atom-330-based-gateway-qx2800/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thirsty moore on July 23, 2009, 02:13:12 pm
Not to hijack a thread or anything but Double Layer DVD's are really useful and relevant to my interests.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 23, 2009, 02:23:59 pm
Not to hijack a thread or anything but Double Layer DVD's are really useful and relevant to my interests.

Well, tangible media is dead in my book, but Dual-Layer DVDs are useful if 4.7 GBs of storage isn't enough.  DL DVD's simply store more data (8.5 GBs).  So if you look on your shelf and see a ton of DVDs that you burnt stuff to, you can reduce that load by half if you had used DL DVDs.

If you record TV to DVDs, you can also record longer shows (or multiple shows) and reduce your load there.

Otherwise, for the majority of the public, no, DL DVDs have little to no purpose.

Most people back up to external drives and move files around via flash drives.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thirsty moore on July 23, 2009, 02:57:24 pm
I still use my DVD player regularly. However, I could be convinced otherwise. What are the alternatives to AppleTV? I'm using a Mac.

I'll occasionally hook my Mac up to my TV but that's annoying and unsightly.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 29, 2009, 02:58:18 pm
In the ongoign dismantling of the franchise...

Jack Wilson and his $8 Million salary to Seattle with Ian Snell for Ronny Cedeno, Jeff Clement (to replace LaRoche next year, and right-handed pitching prospects Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.

I don't mind this deal much, except that Clement can't DH in the National League.  Ian Snell is going to be good in Seattle.  Fucker.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 29, 2009, 03:20:58 pm
dismantling a team that hasnt had a winning record since i was in 10th grade might not be the worst thing ever
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 30, 2009, 06:46:20 pm
dismantling a team that hasnt had a winning record since i was in 10th grade might not be the worst thing ever

Well, now with Grabow and Gorzellany gone, their $19 Million payroll is a lot like that 10th grade team...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 30, 2009, 09:34:01 pm
long live 'clutch 22
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 06, 2009, 01:22:05 am
I voted for Brandon.
Smackette voted for Jeannine.

We both think America will wrongly vote for Evan.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on August 08, 2009, 01:05:57 pm
Didn't realize smackie's thread had got spammed, but  a couple clicks of the mouse and it's gone.

Oh and the real reason I stopped by....

The level of stupidity from content providers continues to boggle the mind.  Hulu is now blocking PS3 users from being able to watch material on their sites.   It would appear that it's due to content providers not comfortable with PS3s being used as distribution platform, because they directly connected to TVs and not a standalone computer.  Guess those clueless morons never heard of a computer directly hooked to a TV...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 09, 2009, 06:02:34 pm
Things sweetcell doesn't think smackie needs to know but is going to tell him anyways: about to lose my Virgin virginity. Presently at IAD wait to get on VA's direct flight to SFO. Internet on plane = ability to work = client ok with non-preferred airline... Not that I plan on getting any work done.

I'll in San Jose for 2 days and then taking the red-eye back (on United - booooo), so unless you happen to be down in shark-land we will have to postpone a meet-up yet again.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 10, 2009, 12:43:41 pm
Oh and the real reason I stopped by....

The level of stupidity from content providers continues to boggle the mind.  Hulu is now blocking PS3 users from being able to watch material on their sites.   It would appear that it's due to content providers not comfortable with PS3s being used as distribution platform, because they directly connected to TVs and not a standalone computer.  Guess those clueless morons never heard of a computer directly hooked to a TV...

Yes, Hulu is missing a huge chance here.  They have no chance of signing a deal with MS for the 360 (well, "no chance" may be harsh, but....) - I have seen Media Center for Win7 (WMC7) and it clearly has a place holder for Internet TV (currently in beta) so I'm guessing if MS wanted to port that directly to the 360 and not keep it solely for those using WMC, they could do so very simply.  A lot of this has to do with MS developing Silverlight and basically avoiding paying Flash royalties to Adobe (Apple is a little behind on it's own technology, but that's why they don't support Flash on mobile devices).   The public is going to learn a lot more about WMC7 in the first month of September at CEDIA.

You are probably correct that there are limitations in the content agreement that prohibit Hulu from making their content available on the TV and the PS3 has no way of being displayed except on a TV, but they really should be bridging this gap before MS does.  Their agreement should focus on the "streaming" aspect and not the end device.  The content providers probably want their own deal(s) with MS and Sony...

I'm pretty sure most 3rd party apps still work though.  I didn't buy the final version of PlayOn, but it worked pretty well for the month I had it.  Tversity Pro worked for a while too.  My latest test product is JamCast to bring Pandora to my 360...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 10, 2009, 01:33:36 pm
Things sweetcell doesn't think smackie needs to know but is going to tell him anyways: about to lose my Virgin virginity. Presently at IAD wait to get on VA's direct flight to SFO. Internet on plane = ability to work = client ok with non-preferred airline... Not that I plan on getting any work done.

I'll in San Jose for 2 days and then taking the red-eye back (on United - booooo), so unless you happen to be down in shark-land we will have to postpone a meet-up yet again.

No, I made my bi-annual trip to San Jose last week for the No Doubt show...let's make your next trip further up north or during hockey season (the only other reason I would head to San Jose...)

Oh, and send a message to the cute girl sitting in row 8 for me.  Just for old time sake...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 11, 2009, 12:18:28 pm
XBOX Officially the only Console able to Stream Netflix - Apologizes to Kosmo (http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/xbox-officially-the-only-console-able-to-stream-netflix-sorry/)

At the very bottom of Microsoft's long list of details surrounding today's Xbox LIVE update, we're clearly told that the Netflix Watch Instantly integration is now an "exclusive partnership," with Microsoft going so far as to say that the "Xbox 360 will be the only game console to offer this movie-watching experience, available to Xbox LIVE Gold members who are also Netflix unlimited plan subscribers."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on August 11, 2009, 05:29:40 pm

No, I made my bi-annual trip to San Jose last week for the No Doubt show...let's make your next trip further up north or during hockey season (the only other reason I would head to San Jose...)

mountain view is soooo not san jose.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 13, 2009, 02:24:21 pm
My friend David Pogue has been on a quest over at the NY Times to end the annoying instructions that follow every call to someone's mobile voice mail.  He's working with at&t, T-Mobile and Verizon to get them to change their policies of requiring the instructions. 

Sprint allows you to turn it off by doing the following:

* Sprint: Change it yourself

Sprint already lets you eliminate those instructions. It's not simple, and it's not publicized, but it's possible. If you're a Sprint customer, I encourage you to make this change right away:

Access your voicemail box (if the messages start, press * to get to your options). Press 3 for personal options.
 Press 2 for greetings.
 Press 1, to change your personal greeting.
 Press 3 to add or remove the caller instructions.
 Follow the prompts to turn instructions on or off (currently pressing 2 turns it off, but that has cahnged in the past).

I have done this for you when you call me, will you please do this for me when I call you?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 14, 2009, 02:20:47 pm
Today is my first furlough day, so I caught up on the Teen Choice awards which have been on the DVR for a little while.

Here's what I learned:

I'm (still) never having daughters.

The chubby Jonas Brother is my favorite and I suspect he'll have a Danny Bonaduce breakdown that we can only hope is filmed live on a reality show.  And Frankie Jonas has no chance in life.    He'll be arrested before 18 for sure...

Kristen Bell is the voice of Gossip Girl.  Somehow I never knew this...Why is somebody that hot only lending her voice?  If this Heroes thing doesn't work out, she's got a job waiting for her.

Chuck Bass is British in real life.  So is Edward of Team Edward fame.
I'm left wondering who they support.  I'll guess Edward is an Arsenal fan, and Chuck, I have no idea. (I actually googled it - I was right about Team Edward, and Chuck Bass supports Chelsea.  I heart the intertubes)

Chace Crawford is going to have 10 times the career of Zac Efron when it's all said and done.  You heard it here first.  Chace has room to grow into a serious actor where Zac will always be a teenager, despite turning 22 next month.

Who's more typecast - Cam Gigandet as a villain or Zac Efron as teenager?  Sub-question - did you ever think Volcheck would get another role in your life, let alone a role on the hottest movie of the year?

I hate Comcast, but I love these new FBI commercials with Shaq and Ben Stiller.  Speaking of commercials, I had to hit the 30 second skip button an average of 10 times to get back to the program.  That's ridiculous.  I rarely hit it more than 5 times.

I'm thoroughly enjoying the resurgence of Mike Tyson.

I can't wait for Glee.  Seriously. 

Do you think Rupaul is jealous of Miss J's fame?  I know Rupaul really wanted a teen choice award.  Who wins that bitch fight, BTW?

Miley Cyrus is really growing up.  Quickly.  But I still can't get over that mouth.  How long is Emily Osment going to be living in her shadow? 

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Hayden Panettieri is going to be one of the hottest late 20's/early 30 something's on the planet next decade.

Britney didn't perform, which is a shame.  Is your career over when you receive a lifetime achievement award from the Teen Choice Awards? I also wanted Paramore to perform, but they didn't.  We did get 2 Jonas Brothers songs, Sean Kingston, the Black Eyed Peas and the clear winner - Miley Cyrus for her use of a trailer and the trash that comes with it.

Alright, that's all I got.  I'm off to the beach.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on August 14, 2009, 04:38:18 pm
Ed Westwick is also in a band called Filthy Youth. An English band (obviously - or not so obvious for some of you) and hes got quite a voice. Hes also nice to look at and if you catch them in NYC, odds are all youll catch most the GG folk in tow.

He also has a bit part in the movie Son of Rambow. Great film and English (so you can catch him speaking in his native tongue).

Hard to believe anyone might not know Kristen Bell is the voice of GG. I recognized her voice the moment I heard it. Granted I also watched Veronica Mars way too much!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on August 14, 2009, 04:44:21 pm
Smackie your passion for teen pop culture is mystifying.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 14, 2009, 05:05:51 pm
Ed Westwick is also in a band called Filthy Youth. An English band (obviously - or not so obvious for some of you) and hes got quite a voice. Hes also nice to look at and if you catch them in NYC, odds are all youll catch most the GG folk in tow.

He also has a bit part in the movie Son of Rambow. Great film and English (so you can catch him speaking in his native tongue).

Hard to believe anyone might not know Kristen Bell is the voice of GG. I recognized her voice the moment I heard it. Granted I also watched Veronica Mars way too much!

Smackette was equally as shocked as you are that I didn't know any of this, but in my defense of Kristen Bell I never watched Heroes or Veronica Mars so, truthfully, I didn't even know she spoke.  She probably had a few speaking parts in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but she had bathing suit on for most of the movie so I can't be faulted for not noticing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on August 14, 2009, 05:18:46 pm
took you for being a fan of veronica mars. love that show :) highly recommend watching it. in that case, i can easily understand the not knowing her voice :)

Ed Westwick is also in a band called Filthy Youth. An English band (obviously - or not so obvious for some of you) and hes got quite a voice. Hes also nice to look at and if you catch them in NYC, odds are all youll catch most the GG folk in tow.

He also has a bit part in the movie Son of Rambow. Great film and English (so you can catch him speaking in his native tongue).

Hard to believe anyone might not know Kristen Bell is the voice of GG. I recognized her voice the moment I heard it. Granted I also watched Veronica Mars way too much!

Smackette was equally as shocked as you are that I didn't know any of this, but in my defense of Kristen Bell I never watched Heroes or Veronica Mars so, truthfully, I didn't even know she spoke.  She probably had a few speaking parts in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but she had bathing suit on for most of the movie so I can't be faulted for not noticing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 14, 2009, 05:30:59 pm
took you for being a fan of veronica mars. love that show :) highly recommend watching it. \

A TV show centered around a young Kristen Bell?  Not very hard to convince me to watch that.  I'll add it to my queue...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 17, 2009, 12:50:50 pm
For my second furlough day today, I'm considering writing an article for publication entitled "Why Radiohead fans all have iPhones: The Decade of the Hype Machine"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 19, 2009, 04:09:19 pm
Instead of writing that article that only pitchfork would pick up, I spent my day working on Windows Mobile 6.5.  I'm loving this more and more.

I'm sure only sweetcell cares, but here's why I don't use TouchFlo3D to hide WinMo flaws any longer:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3837103775_8ee6833a4b.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 25, 2009, 12:11:08 pm
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2009/08/25/ac.shot.monday.cnn
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 25, 2009, 12:27:33 pm
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2009/08/25/ac.shot.monday.cnn

Yes, Smackette has not stopped talking about it.  It just reinforces my stance on not watching The Hills without LC. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 26, 2009, 10:52:49 am
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/ireports/2009/08/25/irpt.go.topless.day.cnn
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 26, 2009, 12:10:15 pm
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/ireports/2009/08/25/irpt.go.topless.day.cnn

Thumbs up from me, but I am reminded about the time when young girls were showing their bellies, and a lot of those girls shouldn't have been showing their bellies.  Maybe Congress should step in.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 26, 2009, 01:36:45 pm
there is a park in downtown berlin where nude sunbathing is common.  a tour guide told us "for all you americans who find this exciting, i'd like to inform you that there is a reverse correlation between how much you want to see someone naked, and how much that person is willing to be naked".
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 27, 2009, 09:57:26 pm
Matt Barkley
 
 Remember the name.  I've seen a lot of great QB's play in high school - Matt Leinart, Carson Palmer, Tom Brady, Todd Marinovich, Jimmy Clausen - and as a Junior, his arm strength beats them all.  By the time he gets to USC (if Pete Carroll is still there), he will be the most experienced high school QB of all time (4 year starter at Mater Dei - currently USA Today #19 in the nation).

I'm not one to miss the opportunity to toot my own horn, so without further ado....

True Freshman Matt Barkley Named USC's Starting QB (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4426998)

"Barkley is thought to be the first non-redshirt freshman quarterback to be picked to start a season opener for the Trojans."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on August 27, 2009, 10:17:31 pm
I'm not saying that kid isn't going to be great, but he threw like a billion INTs in high school, and by many accounts, has done the same in practice. If his decision-making catches up to his clearly near-limitless physical talents, he'll be awesome, but who knows?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 04, 2009, 08:13:57 am
Maybe this thread should have the subtitle of "Things We Think Smackie Should Know...."

New Robbie Williams single

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjA8iJxDOnE
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 04, 2009, 11:10:17 am
Maybe this thread should have the subtitle of "Things We Think Smackie Should Know...."

New Robbie Williams single

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjA8iJxDOnE

As usual, Kosmo rocks.  So excited for a new album and hopefully a US tour!

I'm comfortable with the subtitle "Things if Smackie knew about, he'd want you to know about."  This is the only thread I "subscribe" to, therefore posts here are proactively sent to me, so feel free to use it as you will folks.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 08, 2009, 12:31:55 am
How I spent my labor day....

(http://web4.twitpic.com/img/28444928-efc1329542304adf42f73e1001b2f2d6.4aa5ddb4-scaled.jpg)

http://twitpic.com/gxo8w
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 08, 2009, 06:47:23 pm
QBs went early in your draft... with only 8 teams in our league, there were enough decent ones to go around so they didn't start going until the 4th round or so.

Nightmares Sweetcell Wants Smackie to Have:
(http://images.cheezburger.com/imagestore/2009/9/8/7a5516ac-a37a-4504-a505-16e9d20dc40e.jpg)

could she possibly have a more masculine face?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 08, 2009, 10:53:30 pm
rodgers before brady? wild
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 08, 2009, 11:20:40 pm
QBs went early in your draft... with only 8 teams in our league, there were enough decent ones to go around so they didn't start going until the 4th round or so.

14 team league....that's only half the draft board!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 08, 2009, 11:22:20 pm
rodgers before brady? wild

Homer Green Bay fan...he actually wore a GB Favre jersey with a huge X through it.  Awesome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on September 08, 2009, 11:25:44 pm
Hey: just outta nowhere -- what would you guys' (and gals') set the over/under at for Lions' victories this season? I'm going with 4.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 08, 2009, 11:42:00 pm
Hey: just outta nowhere -- what would you guys' (and gals') set the over/under at for Lions' victories this season? I'm going with 4.

It's 4.5 in Vegas, so you're going with the under huh?  Sounds about right.  They have a chance against the Rams, Browns, Bengals maybe Seahawks or Bears if they're already in the playoffs in week 17.  Figuring they don't win all of those and maybe catch someone sleeping, the under is not a bad bet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 11, 2009, 01:52:01 pm
smackie's new favorite website: http://hawtness.com/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 11, 2009, 09:27:24 pm
Smackie spent the weekend in Vegas for a couple 21 year olds birthday parties, and while their sorority sisters are nice, it was the Miss America Pageant that really made my weekend.  Miss Missouri (who couldn't have been sweeter) was robbed.
 
  (http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/images/gallery/candice-crawford.jpg)

Remember that brilliant Vegas trip I told you about (see above).  Guess who the skinnier, younger smarter new Jessica is?

Ladies and Gentleman, Tony Romo's new GF is smackies sloppy seconds.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 14, 2009, 11:59:39 am
One of the many reasons why I read The Economist cover to cover....they leave no stone unturned.

Hard Times for the Porn Industry (http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14416740)

A big industry in northern Los Angeles is among the worst hit by the recession
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 14, 2009, 12:22:33 pm
smackie, your thread has come full circle:

Alright, I make no bones about the fact that this is completely ego driven, but rather than starting a new topic nearly everyday, I will now post "Things Smackie Thinks You Need To Know" in this thread.  The range will be as diverse as Smackie - politics to porn, sports to celeb gossip.  Ignore it if you like, enjoy it if you will.
 
 OBSCENE LOSSES (http://www.portfolio.com/culture-lifestyle/culture-inc/arts/2007/10/15/YouPorn-Vivid-Entertainment-Profile/#page1)
 by Claire Hoffman 
 November 2007 Issue
 Conde' Nast
 
 DVD sales are in free fall. Audiences are flocking to pornographic knockoffs of YouTube, especially a secretive site called YouPorn. And the amateurs are taking over. Whatâ??s happening to the adult-entertainment industry is exactly whatâ??s happening to its Hollywood counterpartâ??only worse.
 
 On Friday, May 18, Steve Hirsch, founder of Vivid Entertainment Group, the worldâ??s largest producer of adult videos, was expecting a mysterious visitor. But Stephen Paul Jones was late. When Jones, an unknown figure in the pornography world, finally arrived in the all-white reception area of Vividâ??s Los Angeles offices at 2 p.m., he was apologetic. His private plane had broken down, he explained, and he was forced to fly commercial. Hirsch, dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, found that excuse a little slick. But he was eager to speak with Jones, so he let it slide and introduced him to two Vivid colleagues. When the four men sat down in the companyâ??s conference room, Jones got right to the point: He wanted Vivid to buy his website, YouPorn.com.
 
 More fascinating details about why the porn industry is now afraid of the internet rather than embracing it like they once were... (http://www.portfolio.com/culture-lifestyle/culture-inc/arts/2007/10/15/YouPorn-Vivid-Entertainment-Profile/#page1)

i think you can retire this thread now.  time to move on to newer, fresher pastures.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 14, 2009, 05:37:53 pm
Season Premiere of Gossip Girl tonight....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: BookerT on September 17, 2009, 05:41:15 pm
Avril Lavigne, Deryck Whibley Split After Three-Year Marriage (http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/09/17/avril-lavigne-deryck-whibley-split-after-three-year-marriage/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 17, 2009, 05:47:51 pm
Avril Lavigne, Deryck Whibley Split After Three-Year Marriage (http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/09/17/avril-lavigne-deryck-whibley-split-after-three-year-marriage/)

I just let out a woohoo in my office!  I'm sharing this with Smackette and putting her on notice....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2009, 07:29:43 pm
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee73/tricks-and-illusions/lamp-illusion.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 23, 2009, 01:33:25 pm
Julians use of "Spotted" in his Richmond thread reminded me of something that I just can't get over now, and I'm not sure who's more at fault.  It really bothers me when I watch Gossip Girl now.

So Twitter started in 2006, reaching real popularity (or its "Tippiing Point" to steal from MG and wiki) in March of 2007 at SXSW.

Gossip Girl first aired in Sept 2007 and used text messaging to send messages in a twitter style.

How did the writers of Gossip Girl not use Twitter as the vehicle to be hip, or conversely, how, after the pilot was out, did the Twitter folks not try to capitilize on Gossip Girl's popularity?  That's a marketers dream come true.

We haven't heard from GG this season so far, but if they don't use Twitter this season I'm likely to throw something across the room.  This is unacceptable.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 23, 2009, 05:08:07 pm
Without a doubt, this has the potential to be my new favorite show:

Fly Girls (http://blog.cwtv.com/?p=1031)

The CW Joins Forces with Virgin America for Series Following the Lives "five beautiful Jet Setting Virgin America flight attendants."

Yep.   A guaranteed Smackie Approved show before it even hits the air waves....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 23, 2009, 06:47:53 pm
interesting.  this show seems to harken back to a by-gone era, and/or plays on people's stereotypes: based on acquaintances in the industry, the life of a flight attendant isn't that glamorous.

great product placement, branson (or whoever came up with this) is a genius.

where exactly are they going to fit the cameras?  will a camera-man, cable guy and mic operator all follow these attendants around as they work?  the aisle on an airplane are crowded enough as it is!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on September 23, 2009, 07:20:14 pm
Mad Men indicates to me that all flight attendants turn up having their coitus with Don Draper interrupted by a fire alarm. If the show follows that path, hello, Dolly!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on September 23, 2009, 07:59:34 pm
Even I get a little giddy thinking about coitus with Drapper.  Grrrrrowl!

Mad Men indicates to me that all flight attendants turn up having their coitus with Don Draper interrupted by a fire alarm. If the show follows that path, hello, Dolly!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on September 23, 2009, 08:07:09 pm
Even I get a little giddy thinking about coitus with Drapper.  Grrrrrowl!

Mad Men indicates to me that all flight attendants turn up having their coitus with Don Draper interrupted by a fire alarm. If the show follows that path, hello, Dolly!
That's what I'm talking about!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thirsty moore on September 23, 2009, 08:41:10 pm
Mad Men's made me want to step up my clothing situation.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on September 23, 2009, 09:04:20 pm
Agreed...and to that, I'll drink during work and smoke. Honest to god, smoking really does LOOK cool!

Mad Men's made me want to step up my clothing situation.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on September 23, 2009, 09:17:27 pm
If I ever have a daughter and she wants to play with tools, I will call her a lesbian... JUST LIKE JANUARY JONES DID!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2009, 10:09:43 am
I'll comment on this discussion in a little while, but righg now I've got bigger problems...

Last night sweetcell visited my lovely city and we got housed on a bottle of wine and a few glasses on top of that.  I woke up in a panic this morning because I'm pretty sure I fucked up the tip.  Smackette usually handles the tip, but she wasn't there last night. I'm not cheap, I'm just an idiot, and that idiocy is amplified when I'm drunk. In my defense, I was also distracted by some ugly chick who took issue with something I said, though even now I have no idea what it was. I maintain my innocence.

Anyway, what's the proper protocol to handle this tip situation?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on September 24, 2009, 10:29:44 am
Anyway, what's the proper protocol to handle this tip situation?

Call the restaurant and ask.....if you did stiff 'em, its easy to make amends AND you'll probably end up getting special treatment for as long as you go there....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2009, 01:58:41 pm
Since there's no website for stuff like this....

TEXTSFROMTHISMORNING

6:41AM Smackie: Did I get you back to Caltrain last night?
7:07AM Sweetcell: Yup.  Unfortunately, passed out and woke up in San Jose.  Good time.
7:11AM Smackie: No shit! Was it early enough to take a train back or did you have to cab it?
7:34AM Sweetcell: Had to cab it.  Kind of tired right now.  That girl from the bar last night was ridiculous.
7:38AM Smackie: I'm pretty sure I fucked up the tip - not my strong suit.  I'm thinking of sending Mrs. Venerable down to rectify.  Whiskey is not good for me...Sorry about the cab ride.  Next time you stay in the city.
7:42AM Sweetcell: Whiskey is awesome for you!  I may currently be the least productive meeting attendee EVAR.  Getting knowing looks.
7:46AM Smackie: You're welcome.
8:19AM Sweetcell: Today is about to suck.
8:20AM Sweetcell: Confirmed.
8:21AM Smackie:  I'm about to drive.  This might not be a good idea.
8:50AM Sweetcell: Just had a flashback from last night: got to Caltrain with 20 minutes to spare so I crossed the street and got some sake.  Not too proud of that decision right now.
9:49AM Director: So I pose this question to you...which one of you feels more like shit today?  Cause when I talked to Smackie last night at like 10:30 y'all were WASTED.
10:46AM Smackie: We talked?  No shit...
1047AM Director: WASTED.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 24, 2009, 02:15:49 pm
hahaha

about a month ago i was at my local and had a few too many. i remembered paying but when i woke up the next morning still clothed, i had the receipt i filled out still in my pants (the numbers were not really legible)

they tacked on a well deserved fat tip

if theres a way for a drunk to screw up a bill, i'm sure theyve seen it before
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 24, 2009, 02:29:20 pm
In my defense, I was also distracted by some ugly chick who took issue with something I said, though even now I have no idea what it was. I maintain my innocence.

you were innocent.  she was an attention-whore, desperate for validation.  she came barging in and acted rude, you called her out on it, she started bitching and calling you a meanie, you apologized at which point her eyes lit up a la "oh gosh so you like me?  you really actually like me?!?", to which you answered "no", which brought her right back to her bitchy mood.  i too forget exactly what you said, but it was a very valid observation and she was asking for it.

that text message thread is EPIC.  thanks for putting it together, as a whole it's quite an oeuvre.  i would however like to point out that i didn't make all those typos.  even when hung over my texting is impeccable. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2009, 03:33:11 pm
you were innocent.  she was an attention-whore, desperate for validation.  she came barging in and acted rude, you called her out on it, she started bitching and calling you a meanie, you apologized at which point her eyes lit up a la "oh gosh so you like me?  you really actually like me?!?", to which you answered "no", which brought her right back to her bitchy mood.  i too forget exactly what you said, but it was a very valid observation and she was asking for it.

This is my story and I'm sticking too it.  Whiskey Smackie is the KING of not remembering things...

And the typos are all mine.  I was in a hurry to get them up before I went to a meeting.  And I want to flash my phone.  It's a problem, I know.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 24, 2009, 03:52:23 pm
tequila sweetcell will challenge you for that crown.  i really need to stay away from the stuff.

we were billed for 2 tequila shots that neither of us remember consuming.  it was that kind of a night.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2009, 03:57:20 pm
tequila sweetcell will challenge you for that crown.  i really need to stay away from the stuff.

we were billed for 2 tequila shots that neither of us remember consuming.  it was that kind of a night.

My head tells me we didn't have those shots, but my stomach is telling me we did.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 24, 2009, 04:00:39 pm
i never look at the drink breakdown. why? because when there are like 15 beers on there, and every one else is drinking cocktails you feel worse than you need to
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on September 24, 2009, 05:09:35 pm
Wowie wow wow. That sounds epic.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 24, 2009, 06:54:30 pm
Wowie wow wow. That sounds epic.

yeah. . .sounds really epic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2009, 06:58:57 pm
Wowie wow wow. That sounds epic.

yeah. . .sounds really epic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I was waiting for this...

It was spur of the moment (I didn't even have time to change out of my suit...) and you will be included next time.  Make sure you have some time set aside in two weeks.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 25, 2009, 02:26:13 pm
What a puss...my friends were afraid to throw me one because they were afraid they couldn't meet my expectations and Lamar Odom is afriad of going on his.  Puss.  Puss. Puss.

Lamar Odom Calls the Whole Thing Off
Posted Sep 24th 2009 9:33PM by TMZ Staff

TMZ has learned Lamar Odom has backed out of his bachelor party -- which Joe Francis and Khloe Kardashian's brother Rob were supposed to hold tonight.

Odom tells TMZ:

"I am extremely thankful to Joe Francis and Rob Kardashian, for agreeing to host my bachelor party this evening at Hollywood hot spot Les Deux.

I regret, I will have to cancel this event because I have now decided to have a private dinner with my teammates, a few close friends and of course Joe Francis and Rob Kardashian."

Sorry, but no stripper poles and "midgets" tonight.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2009/09/24/lamar-odom-khloe-kardashian-/#ixzz0S8zpjz7X
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 28, 2009, 09:23:20 pm
The Grooler is $125.

(http://tastybooze.com/wp-content/gallery/cache/3097__x_budlightgrooler.jpg)

And they're sold out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 29, 2009, 10:08:57 am
i'll admit, i was wondering if that thing was for real. but i have 2 grills and 3 coolers, so i dont see the point
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thatguy on September 29, 2009, 01:20:55 pm
this is not a new thing.  the thermos fire and ice grill was out years before.  it seems to have been discontinued, though.

(http://ak.buy.com/db_assets/large_images/620/200071620.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 29, 2009, 01:26:40 pm
I got my ALDS tickets today for games one and two.  And I probably can't even go...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 29, 2009, 01:53:59 pm
what days are the games?!? :D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 29, 2009, 02:58:56 pm
what days are the games?!? :D

I'm suspecting Wednesday and Friday, but I can assure you, if I can't go (and subsequently Smackette can't go as she'll already be in The OC) they will not go to any Red Sox fans.  Not at any price.  I don't scalp, even to profit off the enemy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 29, 2009, 03:04:04 pm
so you bought tickets to two games 8 6 hours away, knowing you probably cant go still would not sell them if you cant

thats some dedication
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 29, 2009, 03:13:09 pm
dedication

I have missed 5 Angel games all season, and they were all because of the Fox Saturday Afternoon Blackout (and one game in Anaheim that was not broadcast by the A's for some reason).  You have no idea my dedication to this squad...

Anyhow, there is very little chance that I can make it, but smackette was going to be down in the OC anyway so I picked up two pair.  If they don't jive with her schedule, I will give them to Angel fans rather than sell them for face to Red Sox fans.

The baseball gods reward this type of dedication....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 29, 2009, 03:37:45 pm
i thought everyone that watched baseball rooted for either the sawx, cubs or yankees. my hat is off to you
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on September 29, 2009, 03:50:59 pm
i want another bachelor party.  the fiancee wasn't having it though.

Lamar Odom Calls the Whole Thing Off
Posted Sep 24th 2009 9:33PM by TMZ Staff
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 30, 2009, 01:35:03 pm
For those of you who are tired of paying for anti-virus subscriptions, Microsoft unveiled a free product yesterday (used to be Live One Care):

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

And yes, I see the irony in letting MS handle your security needs, but hey, it's free.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 30, 2009, 03:57:32 pm
Any CSS experts out there?  Send me a PM....I've run into a problem that I can't fix.

EDIT: I guess I was just distracted by the United match.  I fixed the problem as soon as the match was over...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 02, 2009, 03:17:23 pm
I certainly wouldn't want to be Irish today.  There will be retribution in Europe for sure - it's not a good time to be asking for any favors from your neighbors.
 
 Irish Voters Appear to Reject Treaty on Europe (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/world/europe/14ireland.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin)
 
 It's absolutely ridiculous that (1) such a decision on governmental efficiency is left to the voters and (2) that it requires unanimous approval of 27 member countries.  Nothing will ever get done if those two requirements exist.

I'm going to say they pass it this time now that the campaign of misinformation has been disspelled on nuetrality, abortion and taxes and they've been guaranteed a commissioner.

It's amazing what a slumping economy can do to the voting electorate...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 02, 2009, 10:55:57 pm
I don't watch Gossip Girl, but just found out one of my favorite songs was in the latest episode.... here are details in case anyone is curious

"We're #1" - The World Record - http://theworldrecord.net/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 04, 2009, 10:39:29 pm
Any suggestions for a docking station/speaker for an ipod 80 gb classic??

thanks
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on October 04, 2009, 10:45:54 pm
Any suggestions for a docking station/speaker for an ipod 80 gb classic??

thanks

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/accessories/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on October 04, 2009, 10:47:40 pm
It's amazing what a slumping economy can do to the voting electorate...

I was in Dublin this summer and slumping is right, saw signs of the recession everywhere ... for example, a golf course we went to had an "unemployment special" running for weekday mornings (it was a classy joint)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on October 04, 2009, 11:06:55 pm
Any suggestions for a docking station/speaker for an ipod 80 gb classic??

thanks

Klipsch iGroove

http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-speakers/klipsch-igroove-sxt/4505-11313_7-32563614.html

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2009, 12:37:03 pm
Any suggestions for a docking station/speaker for an ipod 80 gb classic??

thanks

How big are you looking for?  I have this and love it for smaller rooms:


(http://www.harmanaudio.com/images/products/JBLONSTMBLK2P.jpg)
JBL On Stage Micro ($30 on JBL's Ebay page...)

For the bigger room I have the iPod dock hooked up to a stereo. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on October 05, 2009, 12:57:42 pm
do any of these have the option to not charge the ipod
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on October 05, 2009, 01:26:05 pm
I'm moving this topic from hockey over here. . . .

how long will hulu (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-hulu5-2009oct05,0,980649.story) be free if comcast gets control of nbc.

"The nation's leading cable company has made no secret of its disdain for Hulu's approach of giving away the shows that Comcast and other pay-TV distributors spend billions for -- and rely on to retain subscribers. Comcast is in talks with NBC Universal about pooling their entertainment assets into a new company that would own 30% of Hulu in addition to the NBC network and cable channels such as Bravo, E! and Syfy. Comcast would control the new entity and possibly have the clout to push Hulu to begin charging for access to some of its most popular shows...."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on October 05, 2009, 01:28:18 pm
do any of these have the option to not charge the ipod
it depends on the ipod.  for example, i have the dock smackie posted and i use it for an ipod shuffle in the baby's room and it has the option to not charge. . .but the shuffle sits on a shuffle dock converter and the converter has the charge/not charge option.  i'm less certain about non-shuffle's.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2009, 01:36:52 pm
do any of these have the option to not charge the ipod

Sure. Take your ipod off the dock when you're not using it....

The JBL speaker does not (at least I haven't found it if it does).  As a self professed battery freak, I use the 3.5mm plug for the ipod at least once a month until the battery dies.  The other three weeks I use the dock, but take the iPod off the dock when I'm not using it.

Sometimes, I will also use the AAA battery option instead of plugging it in.  This will also not charge the iPod.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 05, 2009, 01:45:58 pm
Any suggestions for a docking station/speaker for an ipod 80 gb classic??

thanks

How big are you looking for?  I have this and love it for smaller rooms:


(http://www.harmanaudio.com/images/products/JBLONSTMBLK2P.jpg)
JBL On Stage Micro ($30 on JBL's Ebay page...)

For the bigger room I have the iPod dock hooked up to a stereo. 

Oh not that big.. a reasonably sized room... but $30 is my budget so i'll probably order that.. i need it pronto..we're expecting a kid and want to have music for the birth but i'm not bringing my portable turntable and records so we thought of this ipod we have and just need some speaker

thanks!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 05, 2009, 01:49:37 pm
Where is this JBL page on ebay?? I'm seeing them going for a lot more..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2009, 01:53:03 pm
Some of you Audiophiles are probably familiar with Harman/Kardon, JBL and Infinity lines of stereo equipment.  In the past I would purchase some refurbished items from their online store (http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/default.asp?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&brand=HK&status=C) (they come with a full manufacturers warranty and I've never had a problem - just click specials on the left side of the webpage).

But a few months ago I discovered their Ebay store, (http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio) which sells the refurbished items for even less than the Outlet.  Just recently I've purchased a new HK 7.1 tuner for $210 that retails for $699 and a JBL iPod speaker for $33 that retails for $99 - both came direct from the factory and in original packaging (I'm pretty sure neither had been opened in their life).  There are some details to be had so I thought I would pass it along.  Just don't bid against me!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on October 05, 2009, 01:56:30 pm
we're expecting a kid and want to have music for the birth

What's on the playlist?

Ride of the Valkyries?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2009, 02:01:15 pm
Hutch, it looks like they're all sold out.  You might find something similar at the Best Buy Outlet (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcat17080&type=page&qp=crootcategoryid%23%23-1%23%23-1~~q70726f63657373696e6774696d653a3e313930302d30312d3031~~f396%7C%7C4f75746c65742043656e746572~~cabcat0200000%23%232%23%23p~~cabcat0208000%23%231%23%232u~~ncabcat0208007%23%236%23%232u&list=y&nrp=15&usc=cat00000&sc=Global) or at your local store.

I bought an insignia boombox style dock there for $29 a few months ago.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 05, 2009, 02:01:55 pm
we're expecting a kid and want to have music for the birth

What's on the playlist?

Ride of the Valkyries?

I don't want to derail this thread but i am open to suggestions!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2009, 02:04:44 pm
This thread has no rails. 


Playlist discussion smackie approved.

I'll even make a suggestion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL-omqHBwG4&feature=related).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 05, 2009, 02:10:37 pm
i need it pronto..we're expecting a kid and want to have music for the birth but i'm not bringing my portable turntable and records so we thought of this ipod we have and just need some speaker

thanks!

20th century: men were sent off to boil water during childbirth.
21st century: men are expected to DJ during childbirth.

baby, we've come a long way.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2009, 02:24:59 pm
20th century: men were sent off to boil water during childbirth.
21st century: men are expected to DJ during childbirth.

baby, we've come a long way.

I'm going to be strapped/tied to a chair and a helmet is required so I don't hurt myself when I pass out (I'm opting for a batting helmet over a bike helmet).  What century is that?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 05, 2009, 08:23:07 pm
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3985541876_344613d284_o.png)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2009, 10:10:31 pm
I don't use Safari as I find it slow (despite Apple's claims).  It's funny because as Firefox has tried to grow to be as versatile as IE, its lost a lot of it's advantage which was speed.  I still have Chrome installed and use that most often as my second browser, especially on Smackette's laptop where I'm banned from trying/changing just about anything.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thirsty moore on October 07, 2009, 11:01:19 am
Instead of a mms of deez, I present you with this (http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/06/business-insider-atandt-to-allow-voip-on-its-3g-network/).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 07, 2009, 11:34:46 am
Instead of a mms of deez, I present you with this (http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/06/business-insider-atandt-to-allow-voip-on-its-3g-network/).

They were the only carrier that ever blocked it.  Welcome to 2007?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thirsty moore on October 07, 2009, 11:39:42 am
Probably, but I just got a decent mobile phone so I'm still in 2005.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on October 07, 2009, 11:45:41 am


Oh not that big.. a reasonably sized room... but $30 is my budget so i'll probably order that.. i need it pronto..we're expecting a kid and want to have music for the birth but i'm not bringing my portable turntable and records so we thought of this ipod we have and just need some speaker



Trust me, once the kid is on it's way, Mrs. Hutch aint going to want to hear any of your (or her) music.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 07, 2009, 12:11:54 pm
Comment moved to the NFL Thread...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 07, 2009, 01:47:37 pm
Great...all for the sake of a joke.  I'd love to see the online profile of me someday:

Hey Vansmack.

We noticed The Jesus Lizard tickets were on your radar.

Great tickets are still available, but act fast. Head back to StubHub.com and use our interactive maps to find your perfect seats. You?ll be covered by our FanProtect? Guarantee, which protects you against fraud and ensures you?ll receive authentic tickets on time.

Your friends and StubHub.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 07, 2009, 03:28:27 pm
I guess I can talk about it now:

Xbox 360's new Zune, Last.fm, Facebook and Twitter features detailed on video (http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/xbox-360s-new-zune-last-fm-facebook-and-twitter-features-deta/1#comments)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 08, 2009, 01:29:45 pm
So I've got a stalker.  Well not a stalker, really, but close.

Apparently on some L i n k i n  P a r k fan site, there used to be a guy with the ID v a n s m a c k (he searches all the time so I'm intentionally spacing things out).  Despite repeated denials that I'm not the same person, everytime I sign up for a new forum or social network thing, this guy sends me an email asking if I'm the guy with the recordings of shows he's looking for to complete his collection.  This has been going on for at least 5 years now.

So last month I broke down and joined Facebook and made a non alias twitter account and within a week he sent me yet another inquiry about LP boot recordings and signed up for my twitter account:

-----------------------------
Hello man, how are you?

Well, first of all, i wanna say you that i'm here because i need your help.

I work for the Oficial [BAND NAME] Live Guide, and my job is searching for every info about their lives shows.

I know that someone that used the nickname (V a n s m a c k  - v a n s m a c k @ sbcglobal.net) yeas ago recorded one show of them at:
FACEBOOK LINK TO SHOW -   Devore, CA, Hyundai Pavilion at Glen Helen

And also, i'm a trader of 'old BAND NAME shows' i'm looking for the older shows, just for my collection, not for trade.

So, could you let me know if you are the person who i'm looking for?
It will help our guide a lot. Thank you :)

have a good week
-----------------------
   
I must have 30-40 of these inquiries from the same guy, despite me constantly telling him that the MSN account has been mine for 15 years and I can't stand said band.

Ridiculous.  At some point I should break down, lie to the guy, get his hopes up and send his something in the mail, but what should I send him?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on October 08, 2009, 01:40:56 pm
Oh, I've got just the thing. A CD I took a chance on when Tower went out of business. Still paid too much!!! Some Japanese noise artist(?) called Masonna. Nothing but pure, high intensity, screeching white noise of the most irritating type. Mind you, that is coming from someone who loves lots of feedback, drone and such. This could easily make #1 in any government psyops/blackops Top 40 lists best to psyche out their prey.

If you'd like, I can rip and send it to you. But, believe me, you won't listen to anymore than a second or two of it. Even then, you will swear something went wrong with the file. It's truly annoying as all get out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on October 08, 2009, 02:19:56 pm
Yeah - I remember seeing that vansmack character on the torrent sites. If I recall correctly he posted boots of TSOL, Adolescents, Agent Orange, and the like.  Quite a coincidence.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on October 08, 2009, 02:41:20 pm
Send him a gg allin cd.  The one with the most disgusting cover art you can find.  There's tons of live video boots of his shows.  He definately deserves one of those. 

Also send him this link  http://www.youhavebadtasteinmusic.com/linkinpark.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 08, 2009, 02:56:05 pm
Yeah - I remember seeing that vansmack character on the torrent sites. If I recall correctly he posted boots of TSOL, Adolescents, Agent Orange, and the like.  Quite a coincidence.

See, I'd help him find that stuff...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 08, 2009, 05:20:25 pm
Apparently on some L i n k i n  P a r k fan site, there used to be a guy with the ID v a n s m a c k (he searches all the time so I'm intentionally spacing things out). 

you are aware of the futility of spacing your name out in your post - it's written correctly/unspaced out immediately to the post's left...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2009, 09:48:26 pm
@ GrantWahl F------ hell. Got robbed at gunpoint in Tegucigalpa in broad daylight. I'm OK, but they took wallet/iPhone. Amateur hour from GW!



Probably my favorite tweet thus far.  Is that what the State Dept meant when they said it wasn't wise to travel to Honduras for the soccer match, Grant?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thatguy on October 10, 2009, 03:05:00 pm

depending on how many years ago, i might have been at the show he's looking for.  weird. 



So I've got a stalker.  Well not a stalker, really, but close.

Apparently on some L i n k i n  P a r k fan site, there used to be a guy with the ID v a n s m a c k (he searches all the time so I'm intentionally spacing things out).  Despite repeated denials that I'm not the same person, everytime I sign up for a new forum or social network thing, this guy sends me an email asking if I'm the guy with the recordings of shows he's looking for to complete his collection.  This has been going on for at least 5 years now.

So last month I broke down and joined Facebook and made a non alias twitter account and within a week he sent me yet another inquiry about LP boot recordings and signed up for my twitter account:

-----------------------------
Hello man, how are you?

Well, first of all, i wanna say you that i'm here because i need your help.

I work for the Oficial [BAND NAME] Live Guide, and my job is searching for every info about their lives shows.

I know that someone that used the nickname (V a n s m a c k  - v a n s m a c k @ sbcglobal.net) yeas ago recorded one show of them at:
FACEBOOK LINK TO SHOW -   Devore, CA, Hyundai Pavilion at Glen Helen

And also, i'm a trader of 'old BAND NAME shows' i'm looking for the older shows, just for my collection, not for trade.

So, could you let me know if you are the person who i'm looking for?
It will help our guide a lot. Thank you :)

have a good week
-----------------------
   
I must have 30-40 of these inquiries from the same guy, despite me constantly telling him that the MSN account has been mine for 15 years and I can't stand said band.

Ridiculous.  At some point I should break down, lie to the guy, get his hopes up and send his something in the mail, but what should I send him?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 13, 2009, 01:00:18 am
Anybody catch Sonic Youth on Gossip Girl tonight?  Acoustic version of "Starpower" for Rufus and Lilly's wedding was brilliant....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 13, 2009, 08:35:07 am
Robbie Williams's new single is out in the US on Astralwerks, could there be a club tour in the planning? (wanders over to Hey Seth)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 21, 2009, 06:46:40 pm
All I can say is that if Verizon, at&t and Comcast are all opposed to it, I have to be for it and it has to be good for the consumer.

Verizon CEO Blasts Net Neutrality (http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-10379932-266.html?tag=nl.e703)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on October 22, 2009, 12:53:35 pm
letter from Google and Verizon (http://policyblog.verizon.com/BlogPost/675/FindingCommonGroundonanOpenInternet.aspx) on net neutrality.

I must admit. . .i'm torn.  I thought this (http://reason.com/blog/2009/10/21/net-neutrality-a-brief-primer) would help, but it didn't.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 22, 2009, 01:23:06 pm
letter from Google and Verizon (http://policyblog.verizon.com/BlogPost/675/FindingCommonGroundonanOpenInternet.aspx) on net neutrality.

I saw that too.  Verizon Wireless and Verizon Residential/Business need to get on the same page....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on October 22, 2009, 01:30:53 pm
letter from Google and Verizon (http://policyblog.verizon.com/BlogPost/675/FindingCommonGroundonanOpenInternet.aspx) on net neutrality.

I saw that too.  Verizon Wireless and Verizon Residential/Business need to get on the same page....

well. . maybe.  i have a harder time rationalizing why this rule should apply to wireless.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 22, 2009, 01:32:49 pm
well. . maybe.  i have a harder time rationalizing why this rule should apply to wireless.....

Because all wireless still connects to fiber in the ground after it gets back to the tower....

Wireless and content providers want it open.  Those that control the fiber in the ground want it closed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 22, 2009, 06:45:14 pm
dunno where else to dump this:

Google to launch music search service

(WIRED) -- Google plans to launch a music service, Wired.com has confirmed with sources familiar with the situation. Next to nothing is known about the service at this point, rumored to be called "Google Music," "Google Audio," or "One Box," although we have confirmed that it will be announced next Wednesday, and that it will link out to two music services: Lala and iLike.

 Google will not become a music retailer itself, but will offer enhanced music search with a streaming function -- the first of possibly several vertical search offerings.

Searching for an artist or song will apparently bring up a box (thus Google's working title: "One Box") with a streaming link randomly assigned to stream songs from either Lala or iLike, the latter of which was acquired by MySpace in August.

Lala, iLike, "and others" will announce the service next Wednesday at Capital Records Music in Hollywood, California, with musical guests OneRepublic plus members of Linkin Park and Dead by Sunrise.

The RSVP on the invitation links to an e-mail address at secure online event registration company Paragon New Media, which lists Google as a client. After spotting that, we confirmed with a source close to the situation that Google's upcoming music service will be announced at the event.

 Google's music search service, whatever it ends up being called, will include music from all four major labels and, most likely, all of the indie content on iLike and Lala (as one insider put it, it would be harder to remove a subset of songs from those services than to let Google simply index all of it).

iLike currently streams some songs as 30-second samples and others as full-length songs, and sells MP3s for the usual prices. Lala allows registered users to stream complete songs and albums once, for free, after which point they can buy streaming songs 10 cents that can be credited to the purchase of the full download.

At this point, it's not clear how these services will behave when presented through Google's search interface.

Google has yet to respond to our requests for comment. The company is also building the back-end for the majors' upcoming Vevo music video service, and operates a free download service in China that TechCrunch says will not resemble whatever Google launches here in the U.S. and possibly elsewhere as well.

After this music search product launches next Wednesday, we understand that Google plans to release other search verticals, possibly including a travel booking service.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/22/google.music/index.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on October 22, 2009, 06:58:03 pm
dunno where else to dump this:

Google to launch music search service


i'm sure the EU will attempt to fine Google for infringing on something.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 23, 2009, 07:44:37 am
While it's been forever since I've traded a CD on Lala, I routinely stream new releases from that site.  What's interesting is I believe only US users can listen on Lala, so it's kinda limiting the scope of the launch for Google music. So what will the "other sites" be? Could one be Spotify which of course is only available in Europe at the moment.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 24, 2009, 04:53:31 pm
Quick public thank you to sweetcell for the U2 ticket last night for the Vegas show.  Epic time.  hands down boardie of the year in my book.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Bombay Chutney on October 25, 2009, 10:38:33 am
Quick public thank you to sweetcell for the U2 ticket last night for the Vegas show.  Epic time.  hands down boardie of the year in my book.

Smackie and sweetcell together in Vegas?    Stories, please.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 25, 2009, 12:21:05 pm
Smackie and sweetcell together in Vegas?    Stories, please.

Well, it started with a bucket of Miller Lite big mouths where I promptly sliced up my hand opening the first one and ended with Smackette asking me how I got that big bruise on my left ass cheek when I got back home last night.  My reply "Frankly love, I'd like to know how I got that too."

(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs255.snc1/10233_102212979796702_100000240027397_62518_2168876_n.jpg)

You guys can pretty much fill in the rest.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 26, 2009, 12:40:56 am
in case they can't:

we consumed at least 20 beers each.  i got facebook-stalked by my mother-in-law, wondering what the hell i was doing in vegas without her daughter (good thing i was tipsy by then, if not i might have had the wit to reply "because i'm here on pleasure, not business").  we saw a great show from the pit.  black eyed peas were surprisingly entertaining.  U2 did as U2 does, was nice to see the show from  the edge's side.  witnessed smackie stumble/face-plant in a ditch... three times.  we found a great cabbie who eventually let us down.  tried to go to a strip club and failed (see previous sentence).  highlight was the stripper who didn't want to talk to us "because we were both married" - nice place to have morals, lady.  didn't gamble a single penny. 

all in all, t'was an epic 24-hours in sin city.  smackie, i'll do that again any time.  pictures forthcoming (of the show only - sorry folks).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 26, 2009, 12:57:44 pm
witnessed smackie stumble/face-plant in a ditch... three times.

I'm guessing this is where the bruise came from.  Smackette insists it came from Minxx, but I told her we didn't go there because you were afraid of being bitten by someone you couldn't prove had her tetanus shots...

  we found a great cabbie who eventually let us down.  tried to go to a strip club and failed (see previous sentence).  highlight was the stripper who didn't want to talk to us "because we were both married" - nice place to have morals, lady.

Ricks (used to be scores) was awful.  I'll never go back.  It was twice as painful when I saw that Bearman was getting a lap dance that night and I wasn't

  didn't gamble a single penny. 

I actually threw my last quarter in a slot machine at the airport and won 75 cents which I put in my pocket and walked away happy.

all in all, t'was an epic 24-hours in sin city.  smackie, i'll do that again any time.  pictures forthcoming (of the show only - sorry folks).

Ditto.  And to think the Director cancelled on us at last minute....

Show Only Photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=4958&id=100000240027397&ref=nf
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 27, 2009, 06:39:15 pm
This week is a violence prevention week and the students are encouraged to wear their own violence prevention clothing.

My favorite so far:

Hit Blunts Not Babes.

Honorable Mention:

FRONT: She wasn't asking for it.....
BACK: You didn't phrase the question properly!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 27, 2009, 07:39:58 pm
Hit Blunts Not Babes.

brilliant!  reminds me of flight of the conchords:

Redheads not warheads
Blondes not bombs
We're talkin' about brunettes not fighter jets
Oooh Oooh it's got to be Sweet 16's not M-16's
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 28, 2009, 05:40:46 pm
This one's for my good friend Kosmo:

Netflix Streaming coming to Wii next? (http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/netflix-streaming-purportedly-hitting-nintendos-wii-next/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 28, 2009, 09:31:09 pm
This one's for my good friend Kosmo:

Netflix Streaming coming to Wii next? (http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/netflix-streaming-purportedly-hitting-nintendos-wii-next/)

My Wii hasn't been on in a long time, just nothing interesting game wise out at the moment for it.  Even the PS3 is feeling a bit lonely these days.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 29, 2009, 02:30:52 pm
dunno where else to dump this:

Google to launch music search service

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/22/google.music/index.html

Google opens OneBox music service
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8331290.stm

Live From Hollywood: Google?s Music Onebox Launches, Powered By MySpace And Lala
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/28/live-from-hollywood-googles-music-onebox-debuts-powered-by-myspace-and-lala/

and while we're on the topic of disruptive google offerings:
Google Redefines GPS Navigation Landscape: Google Maps Navigation For Android 2.0
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/28/google-redefines-car-gps-navigation-google-maps-navigation-android/

Google?s New Mobile App Cuts GPS Nav Companies At The Knees
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/28/googles-new-mobile-app-cuts-gps-nav-companies-at-the-knees/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 29, 2009, 02:41:20 pm
Google opens OneBox music service
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8331290.stm

Live From Hollywood: Google’s Music Onebox Launches, Powered By MySpace And Lala
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/28/live-from-hollywood-googles-music-onebox-debuts-powered-by-myspace-and-lala/

Seems like a very odd choice from my perspective for google to take this route.  I don't think users are having any difficulty finding music - the difficulty comes from the other side which is artists/companies getting paid for their music.  Sure Lala and Myspace stand to benefit because their services will see more traffic, but this is far from the "saviour" it's being hailed as.  People want tracks for their iPods, not for listening to in front of/while sitting at their computer - that's why they steal music from Bit Torrent sites.

I still think Pandora's model of paying a penny per song with ad's mixed in is a much better model for both sides to get what they want.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 29, 2009, 02:49:26 pm
and while we're on the topic of disruptive google offerings:
Google Redefines GPS Navigation Landscape: Google Maps Navigation For Android 2.0
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/28/google-redefines-car-gps-navigation-google-maps-navigation-android/

Google’s New Mobile App Cuts GPS Nav Companies At The Knees
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/28/googles-new-mobile-app-cuts-gps-nav-companies-at-the-knees/

Google had a helluva day yesterday, but there is so much misinformation in this....

First, Google Nav has been out for other operating systems for some time now (going back to Windows Mobile 5).  It's not exclusive to Google (though it's only now being included in google software 2.0)....

Secondly, it's not the software that's going to kill Tom-Tom, it's the hardware.  The software has been ported to mobile devices for a long time, but the fact that the mobile phone with turn by turn nav is almost ubiquitous in the hands of 20% of mobile users in America and is expected to double in the next 2-4 years is what is going to be the death of the Tom-tom's out there.

Google is one of many players here in the Nav business and reporters are simply regurgitatiting their press release without doing any homework.   Lazy, Lazy Lazy..... 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 29, 2009, 06:35:20 pm
So let's talk about what Google did do right and why they deserve the accolades they got yesterday.

First off, 2.0 is huge improvement from the original Android software.  Google found themselves in a bit of a quandry- they gave MS a hard time for having "bloated" software and wasted processor power.  But when the 2.0 version was tested on the typical ARM mobile processor that was in the original Android phones there was consistent lag.  So they worked hand in hand with a manufacturer (Motorola) to produce the right phone for the new software.  They started with the ARM A8 processor with a dedicated video chip so that it's functions were snappier.  It's probably the clearest screen I've seen yet and there is virtually no lag.  They also made it as thin as an iPhone and added a full qwerty keyboard with expandable storage.  That's a game changer in my eyes.

They also chose to put Droid on a new network.  This gives Google 3 of the big 4. Smart move and I expect at&t to follow shortly by adding a Google phone in Q1 2010.  It's about time consumers have choices.

Lost in yesterdays annoucement was that they also released an HTC phone called Eris.  It was downplayed because it runs Android 1.5 (old processor) but has HTC's SenseUI, which is the only drawback to the Droid phone.  It's user interface is fairly plain vanilla.  If I were a Verizon customer, I would wait for the next HTC phone with the same processor as the HD2 (Snapdragon) that will run Android 2.0 and have the SenseUI skin overlay.  To illustrate:

Droid Homescreen on 2.0:

(http://www.wirelessandmobilenews.com/10art/motodroid.jpg)

HTC SenseUI on 1.5:

(http://www.trustedreviews.com/images/article/inline/11358-senseui.jpg)

As soon as SenseUI is ported to 2.0, HTC will be the clear leader, but it really will need a better processor.
 
Either way good for the smartphone market that Google could come up with such a quality competitor so quickly.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 30, 2009, 05:39:23 pm
I've never been a big fan of Apple's business practices, but I've always said their marketing was genius.  This news bummed me out a little.  His 1984 commercial still has a place on my board of inspiration.

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/10/think-different-10-30-09.jpg)

Apple's main ad man, Lee Clow, thinks different, steps down as Macs battle PCs like it's 1984 (http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/apples-main-ad-man-thinks-different-steps-down-as-macs-battle/#continued)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 01, 2009, 04:17:20 pm
@GaryJBusey I plugged in the Duck Hunt gun and played the Beatles' Rockband game as Mark David Chapman.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 02, 2009, 01:19:55 pm
Here is a classic example from two headlines in Engadget this morning of competing business practices and why I get so annoyed:

Apple killing Atom support, dreams of netbook hackintoshers in next Snow Leopard release? (http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/apple-killing-atom-support-dreams-of-netbook-hackintoshers-in-n/)
by Tim Stevens  posted Nov 2nd 2009 at 6:59AM

Nobody said running a netbook hackintosh would be easy -- but nobody said they'd make it this hard. Apple is currently engaged in a war of compatibility with Palm and, if the developer build of Snow Leopard version 10.6.2 is any indication, the Atom processor is next on the smack down list. Word on coder street is that the upcoming revision of OS X will kill support for Intel's little powerhouse. That could certainly change before it hits the world at large, but we wouldn't bet on it. So, if you're viewing this on an netbook install of your own devising, you may be stuck at version 10.6.1 (or earlier) for awhile -- or you may need to do a little custom kernel building. Either way, we're thinking that if Apple ever gets around to making a netbook it probably won't be an Atom-powered one.


Unfinished Windows 7 feature exploited for virtual WiFi hotspots (http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/unfinished-windows-7-feature-exploited-for-virtual-wifi-hotspots/)
by Donald Melanson  posted Nov 2nd 2009 at 2:19AM

It wasn't all that long ago that Microsoft was talking up the Virtual WiFi feature developed by Microsoft Research and set for inclusion in Windows 7, but something got lost along the road to release day, and the functionality never officially made it into the OS. As you might expect with anything as big and complicated as an operating system though, some of that code did make it into the final release, and there was apparently enough of it for the folks at Nomadio to exploit into a full fledged feature. That's now become Connectify, a free application from the company that effectively turns any Windows 7 computer into a virtual WiFi hotspot -- letting you, for instance, wirelessly tether a number of devices to your laptop at location where only an Ethernet jack is available, or even tether a number of laptops together at a coffee shop that chargers for WiFi. Intrigued? Hit up the link below to grab the beta.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 06, 2009, 11:03:36 am
ah music and the law, gotta BlueBeat kudos for having the gumption, but some how don't think this one will go very far..

http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2009/11/beatles-beat-back-bizaare-bluebeat-legal-defense.html

Beatles Beat Back Bizaare BlueBeat Legal Defense

 (UPDATED) Earlier this week, we reported that a little known U.S. based download site BlueBeat.com had begun selling previously unavailable tracks from The Beatles for just $.25. Everyone knew something strange was going on, but no one knew just how strange. Perhaps this message at the bottom of the company's web page should have been a tip-off:

All audio-visual works copyright © 2009 (reg. # PAu 3-407-524) BlueBeat, Inc, a subsidiary of MRT.BlueBeat transmits simulated live musical performances for free at 160 and 320 kb/s.

image from spacesuityoga.files.wordpress.com Uh?  BlueBeat owns The Beatles' copyrights, as well as, those of Abba, ACDC, Ace Of Base and... those are just a few of the "A's" that are in in company's extensive catalog? EMI and the RIAA df course disagreed and filed a lawsuit to stop the download sales.

The Psycho-Acoustic Defense

Then came the company's unique response according to copyright attorney Ben Sheffner:

    "Plaintiffs are not likely to succeed on the merits because Defendants' website markets and sells an entirely different sound recording than that copyrighted by Plaintiffs."

    BlueBeat says it "independently developed [its] own original sounds" that consist of "entirely different sound recording" through a technical process it calls "psycho-acoustic simulation." BlueBeat even says it obtained copyright registrations on such "new" recordings (which, as the plaintiffs point out, are exactly the same as the original recordings).

In short, by some mystical process that also adds a few pictures to the file, Bluebeat claims to have created a brand new recording that sounds remarkably like the original.

BlueBeat claims it is protected by 17 U.S.C. § 114(b):

  <legal stuff snipped>

The law was intended to protect artists doing cover versions of somebody else's tracks ;not someone who is cloning them and adding a few pictures. A judge agreed and yesterday issued an injunction to stop Bluebeat. As of this morning, the site was still up.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 09, 2009, 02:43:13 pm
Today should be a much bigger deal in my eyes, and I'm sure it is in Europe.

20 years ago I was a sophomore in high school, sitting in history class with a German teacher, when there was a knock on the door.  A second history professor came in and informed Tomas that "The Wall has just come down - East Berliners and pouring into West Berlin as we speak!"   Tomas openly wept and we spent the rest of class listening to Tomas talk about his experiences and what this meant to him right through second period.  The bell rang for morning break and nobody left the class.  After word was getting around about the wall, more faculty and students who knew Tomas came to seek his opinion during morning break and joined our listening party.  Eventually the party outgrew our tiny classroom and the principal, who was also in the room, moved the listening party to the auditorium where students were given the option of staying through 3rd and 4th period to listen to Tomas talk about the past and predict the future.  Again nobody left.   

After lunch, it was business as usual at the high school, but history class was never the same.  Everyday was a new update from Tomas with people had spoken to that night or that morning about what was happening.  It was all surreal.  Friends of Tomas sent us pieces from the wall, which I still have with a picture of the friend who chisled it away for us.

6 years later when I decided to go to law school with an international focus, I spoke with Tomas, who gave me very simple advice:  many people are focusing on the financial aspects of the post communist countries.  Don't be that person.  Somebody needs to start focusing on the political freedoms we enjoy in America.  Be that person.

So throughout law school and seven years afterwards, I dedicated my life to building those political freedoms in the post-Soviet Republics.  It was because of Tomas, and it may never have happened had the wall not come down while I was sitting in second period history.

Anyhow, today should be a bigger day.     
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on November 09, 2009, 03:24:56 pm
What an incredibly touching story! Thank you Smackie for sharing that with us. With all of the crap going on in our lives, this is one to help lift the spirits, just as, I'm sure, Tomas would want.

As a former teacher, I'm also happy to see that your principal had the foresight and common sense to turn that morning into an impromptu assembly. I can tell you that most would be commanding, "All right now, let's break it up! Everyone, get to your classes! Mrs. Smith, take your children (Yes, some still call teenagers 'children' which drives me nuts!) into your classroom."

Recognizing the importance of this all important opportunity and being able to turn this into a true, life long, learning experience is something that is all too often lost in the general mechanics of today's teaching. You were fortunate; very fortunate, indeed!

Now I just truly wish that the rest of the world (the USA included!) would learn a bit more from this and practice in action instead of word only. DO NOT BE SO EAGER AND QUICK TO GIVE YOUR RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS AWAY!!!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 13, 2009, 05:01:13 pm
I hate Jon Fischer.  But in his defense, I wasn't sitting in front of my computer at the time anyway.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 13, 2009, 07:41:12 pm
On an impulse purchase, I just ordered me up a Chumby One. (http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/chumby-one-review/)  It's not as "cute" as the original Chumby, but at half the price I'll live.

I primarily hope to use it to stream pandora through my stereo, and now that it has an optional battery pack, I might even find some FB and twitter use for it while on the couch.

Anybody else have a chumby?

http://www.chumby.com/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on November 13, 2009, 09:01:09 pm
On an impulse purchase, I just ordered me up a Chumby One. (http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/chumby-one-review/)  It's not as "cute" as the original Chumby, but at half the price I'll live.

I primarily hope to use it to stream pandora through my stereo, and now that it has an optional battery pack, I might even find some FB and twitter use for it while on the couch.

Anybody else have a chumby?

http://www.chumby.com/
Report back on this...I always wanted to get one of the originals but just seemed to expensive for what it was.  For $99 it's cheap enough to buy on a lark but i like the bean bag thing the old one had going on.  Might make a great alarm clock/bedside radio.  But really, if I'm going that route I'd get this a squeezebox radio - http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/wireless_music_systems/devices/5847&cl=us,en
which when bundled with squeezecenter (which I'm already running) makes it insanely easy to tune in thousands upon thousands or radio stations...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2009, 12:46:27 pm
But really, if I'm going that route I'd get this a squeezebox radio -

I looked at the squeezbox radio but it really came down to one thing: twice as expensive, half, if not a third, as useful.  I've looked for a long time at both the squeezebox system and the sonos system, and they both just seem way overpriced for what you get.

I'll let you know how the Chumby goes (backordered until 11/25).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on November 14, 2009, 01:06:28 pm
I'd def agree that sqeezebox is less a jack of all trades.  But I'm a huge fan of the products and their usability and interface is 2nd to none.  There's really no need to go sonos in this market.  Just get a squeezebox receiver for $150 and buy the $10  ipeng app to control it with your iphone or touch, if you have one.

For anyone interested download the squeezebox server to your computer for free and check it out - does a great job cataloging collections and thousands upon thousands of internet radio stations right out of the box.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 17, 2009, 12:27:21 pm
I know most of you weren't even aware, but at midnight last night, Cal-State Fullerton beat UCLA in double overtime for what will already be the greatest college hoops game Smackie will see all year.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2009, 03:22:24 pm
MS ain't gonna take this one lying down:

Google Announces PC Operating System to Compete with Windows (http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/07/google-announces-pc-operating-system-to-compete-with-windows/)

nice closing para: Don’t be evil, Google’s unofficial motto, has long been understood as code for “Don’t be Microsoft.” Perhaps, it ought now it ought to be augmented with the commandment, “Leave no Microsoft product unchallenged.”

Relegated to Niche status even before it's arrival:

"Chrome OS won't work with standard hard drives, just SSDs. That means you won't be able to just download Chrome OS and go, you'll have to buy a Chrome OS device approved by Google."

And nothing is stored on the SSD except the OS, everything else is stored in the cloud.  I don't think we have global internet coverage, and I'm certain that where we do have coverage, it's not 100% reliable. 

Well, we have a year to wait and see what they do....but I don't think MS is that worried any longer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on November 19, 2009, 04:20:05 pm
But really, if I'm going that route I'd get this a squeezebox radio -

I looked at the squeezbox radio but it really came down to one thing: twice as expensive, half, if not a third, as useful.  I've looked for a long time at both the squeezebox system and the sonos system, and they both just seem way overpriced for what you get.

I'll let you know how the Chumby goes (backordered until 11/25).
Well last night I sold an old unused laptop to some dude on CL and took the $$ and bought a squeezebox radio for $150 on Amazon.  Let you know how it goes!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 19, 2009, 05:05:12 pm
Relegated to Niche status even before it's arrival:

i mis-spoke in my original post - google has always claimed this will be a niche product (http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/googles-chrome-os-revealed/).  and that niche is netbooks (specifically, sub-netbooks). 

imagine how cheap this machine will be:
- free OS
- small screen
- small SSD storage for OS and nothing else (SSD prices will drop, and needing to hold chrome os only = only need a few megs)
- would have minimal memory requirements
- 802.11x card

i bet it would boot up really fast, too. 

I don't think we have global internet coverage, and I'm certain that where we do have coverage, it's not 100% reliable. 
 
put in a cellular receiver, and you have a device that will be cheap enough to give away with a 2-year data contract.

but indeed, MS has nothing to fear from this.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2009, 06:47:22 pm
imagine how cheap this machine will be:

You can buy a Samsung N10 at Best Buy with Win7 Starter and all the same requirements you just listed for $299 today.

In a year how much cheaper do you think it will be when Chrome OS is released?

Let's say for arguments sake it drops to $249.  This Chrome device will probably run you $199.  For $50 less is it really worth the limited functionality?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2009, 07:07:01 pm
put in a cellular receiver, and you have a device that will be cheap enough to give away with a 2-year data contract.

I punch people who say this.

But since I already want to punch you for being a Le Cheater fan, there is danger of this breaking out into an all out brawl and the only way I can win is by fighting dirty and I'm just not about to do that.

DO NOT BUY A NETBOOK/LAPTOP THAT HAS THE RECIEVER BUILT IN, NO MATTER HOW INEXPENSIVE YOU THINK THE NETBOOK/LAPTOP IS.

Let me give you the two obvious reasons why:

(1) You just locked yourself into a $1800 ($1440 per month, plus taxes $160, plus netbook $199) netbook that will not keep up with improvements in cellular speed (LTE/WiMAX are around the corner).  The obvious problem with this is that you have the least powerful $1800 laptop on the planet.

(2) You have absolutely no flexibility with that "extra" functionality.  Take the free USB 3G device, plug that in your netbook that you bought for $299 at Best Buy and enjoy the flexibility of plugging that card into any other computer or laptop that you or your friend owns.  Then pay an extra $100 for 3G modem so that you can create wifi hotspots in coffee shops/hotels/conference rooms/moving autos/bars/lunch tables/airports/you name it.  Your friends and co-workers will love you for it.  That extra flexibility/functionality is absolutely worth the extra $100.

And on top of that, that card will be upgradeable to an LTE or WiMAx card when available.  Good luck doing that with your $1800 netbook without it costing you an extra $200. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 19, 2009, 07:40:54 pm
imagine how cheap this machine will be:

You can buy a Samsung N10 at Best Buy with Win7 Starter and all the same requirements you just listed for $299 today.

In a year how much cheaper do you think it will be when Chrome OS is released?

Let's say for arguments sake it drops to $249.  This Chrome device will probably run you $199.  For $50 less is it really worth the limited functionality?

wrong: a quick look online reveals that the N10 has: 1.0 GHz - 1.0 GB RAM - 13 GB Hard Drive - 10.1" Display - Windows XP Home.

go with: half the processor, a quarter the RAM, no HD, same display, chrome os.  that's not a $199 machine, that's a $100 machine. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 19, 2009, 07:48:30 pm
But since I already want to punch you for being a Le Cheater fan,

i'm not a fan of the french - my last name is irish, btw.  i said that to get a rise outta you lot.  mission accomplished.

DO NOT BUY A NETBOOK/LAPTOP THAT HAS THE RECIEVER BUILT IN, NO MATTER HOW INEXPENSIVE YOU THINK THE NETBOOK/LAPTOP IS.

i fully agree with your reasons for not doing this, but you're over-thinking this.  marketing trumps logic, in this case.  almost every wireless provider has a subsidized netbook you can get with a data plan.  my proposed device fills that niche in a new way: now you won't pay $99 - $199 for a netbook, this one could conceivably come *FREE* (insert blinking lights and casino ding-ding-ding sounds) with your subscription.  what?  locked in for 2 years?  lack of flexibility?  yeah, but it's *FREE*, man!

some people don't think that their friends' and co-workers' love is worth $100.  they'd rather save the $100.  again, i'm not saying it's the "right" choice - but it's one being made day after after day.

there is always a better technology around the corner.  at some point you have to bite the bullet and select among what is available.  for many, 3G data speeds is sufficient/acceptable.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2009, 07:49:46 pm
go with: half the processor, a quarter the RAM, no HD, same display, chrome os.  that's not a $199 machine, that's a $100 machine. 

You will not be able to run Google Wave with 256MB of RAM - this I will assure you.  And if Chrome OS isn't built around Wave as well as Chrome I will be shocked.  I've only run it with 1.5GB of RAM.

I haven't even tried it with the Atom Processor yet as I haven't been impressed with it's performance with a Dual Core processor.  No way they don't start with at least a dual core Atom processor.

An SSD is more expensive then an HDD and the smallest I've seen made is 4GB.  The smallest you can still buy is 16GB.  By the time this rolls around, we'll be talking about 32GB SSDs as the standard. 

Lastly, it will have to have a touch screen as there will no longer be devices built that don't have a touch screen.  There no way this device comes in at under $100.

I think you completely over estimate the OEM cost of Win 7, which I can assure you is on the 4 N10's that I sold to clients this weekend.  The starter edition of Win 7 costs OEMs less than $50.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2009, 08:14:21 pm
my proposed device fills that niche in a new way: now you won't pay $99 - $199 for a netbook, this one could conceivably come *FREE* (insert blinking lights and casino ding-ding-ding sounds) with your subscription.  what?  locked in for 2 years?  lack of flexibility?  yeah, but it's *FREE*, man!

Nothing is "free" if you're locked into a contract, but ask Michael Arrington about his 10 inch internet only linux tablet (google: crunchpad) that was supposed to be under $200.

Last week, after months of development and research, he has discovered that even with adding revenue subsidization via the search engine he can't do it for under $300-$400 dollars.

If Google thought they didn't need full processor architechture like the Atom, they simply would have ported Andriod over to an ARM Cortex chip, but obviously they knew they'd be processor starved.  That's why they're going full processor, full ram, decent sized SSD.  Keep dreaming about your $99 google device.

When the Crunchpad does come out (hopefully before Xmas), I will not buy the Big Brother subsidized version and will go with the model I laid out for you.  The subsidy is a scam that only French people with Irish last names seem to think is a good idea.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 19, 2009, 08:50:12 pm
The subsidy is a scam that only French people with Irish last names seem to think is a good idea.

but what about irish people with french last names?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2009, 08:58:09 pm
but what about irish people with french last names?

There's no such thing as part sewer water - either the water's dirty or it's not.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 19, 2009, 09:14:33 pm
right, so since there is irish involved = dirty.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2009, 09:16:18 pm
right, so since there is irish involved = dirty.

Careful, you're talking about a man's wife there...of course by being friends with me she might already hate you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 19, 2009, 09:58:25 pm
Not only that, but he might have an unpleasant experience next time he is in chicago.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2009, 01:53:32 pm
More on what Google is intending here:

"Pichai did not provide specific details, but hinted that users could expect Chrome OS Netbooks to have slightly larger keyboards and screens than some of the current models for sale."

And when I talked to my friend at Google, he wouldn't reveal any specifics, but did say this:

"we didn't pay $1.65 Billion for Youtube so that our first product wouldn't be able to handle high quality flash video"

That tells me no less than a Dual Core Atom with 1GB, probably 2 GB of RAM.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2009, 02:36:38 pm
So much for "Don't Be Evil".....

Google pulls Hulu - yanks youtube API access from Popcorn Hour, other TV connected devices. (http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/20/youtube-pulls-a-hulu-yanking-api-access-from-popcorn-hour-ot/)

The exception being "a few strategic partner's Google has singled out" -- PlayStation 3, Wii, TiVo, Panasonic, Samsung and other licensed hardware.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 20, 2009, 04:32:27 pm
So much for "Don't Be Evil".....


i haven't bought that concept for some time now, especially in electricity.  no matter what ed lu says (http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/google-we-dont-want-to-be-a-utility/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 30, 2009, 02:49:46 pm
Smackie doesn't care if you finished 1st or 6th in last season's American Idol, if you hang with me, you're playing Rock Band and you're singing Journey.

I will say this though, his rendition of "Fat Bottom Girls" blew his "Don't Stop Believing" out of the water.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 30, 2009, 03:09:35 pm
i hate you smackie.

you made me look up who came in 6th last year.

HATE.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 30, 2009, 03:17:42 pm
Megan Joy would have escaped singing because she's the only one I wouldn't have had over for singing...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 01, 2009, 10:07:37 pm
DC folk - lock up your daughters, wives and girlfriends.

Smackie arrives tomorrow night....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on December 01, 2009, 10:11:31 pm
DC folk - lock up your daughters, wives and girlfriends.

Smackie arrives tomorrow night....

Oh, brother! You know what they say about all talk..., Mr. Smackette.  :D

Anyway, welcome to the future.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 01, 2009, 11:33:42 pm

Oh, brother! You know what they say about all talk..., Mr. Smackette.  :D

Anyway, welcome to the future.

Remember how cool I was before I got married?  Damn....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on December 02, 2009, 03:48:18 pm
All men watch porn, scientists find (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/relationships/6709646/All-men-watch-porn-scientists-find.html)

Researchers were conducting a study comparing the views of men in their 20s who had never been exposed to pornography with regular users.

But their project stumbled at the first hurdle when they failed to find a single man who had not been seen it.

?We started our research seeking men in their 20s who had never consumed pornography,? said Professor Simon Louis Lajeunesse. ?We couldn't find any.?

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on December 04, 2009, 11:38:15 pm
since this is now the unofficial digital media discussion thread....

Lala was purchased by Apple.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/05/technology/companies/05apple.html?_r=1

ugh this means lala will only become a front end to iTMS store  :P  and another alternative for legally streaming could go by the wayside.   Bring on Spotify!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 05, 2009, 09:15:23 pm
since this is now the unofficial digital media discussion thread....

Lala was purchased by Apple.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/05/technology/companies/05apple.html?_r=1

ugh this means lala will only become a front end to iTMS store  :P  and another alternative for legally streaming could go by the wayside.   Bring on Spotify!

Wow.  I'm going to have to give some thought to this....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 07, 2009, 03:14:59 pm
All reports in the Valley are that it was done on the cheap.  Extremely cheap.  I don't know baout the payment system stuff though.

APPLE CONFIRMS AQUISITION OF LALA

Apple has acquired struggling streaming music service Lala, an Apple spokesman told CNET News on Sunday.

Apple spokesman Steve Dowling confirmed the acquisition but did not disclose the terms of the deal or what the company intends to do with the 4-year-old Lala. The company scans users' hard drives and creates a duplicate music library that owners can access from Web-enabled devices. The company also sells songs for a dime each.

CNET News reported Friday that Apple was close to finalizing the sale and that one of the reasons Apple was interested in acquiring Lala is to obtain some of the company's payment and fulfillment systems, which a source with knowledge of the talks said could save Apple money.

However, it's unclear whether Apple may also be planning to launch some kind of streaming-music or so-called cloud storage feature.

The New York Times reported that Apple was approached by Lala after the company concluded that reaching profitability was unlikely. All Things Digital reported that Lala was acquired for a sum that meant a loss for its investors.

If things keep going this way, pretty soon there won't be any digital music space to cover. Many of the players around a year ago are gone: Ruckus and SpiralFrog closed. MySpace is gobbling up iLike and soon Imeem. Apple got Lala.

The frontrunners now appear to be Pandora, Amazon, Spotify, MySpace Music, Last.fm (owned by CBS, parent company of CNET) and Zune's Marketplace.

To this point, not one of them has generated the kind of market share to challenge iTunes.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on December 07, 2009, 03:44:41 pm
not attesting to the accuracy of this but its related so thought I'd post

http://mediamemo.allthingsd.com/20091207/lalas-fire-sale-that-wasnt-what-apple-really-paid/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 08, 2009, 08:11:50 pm
Here's Ross Rubin's (from Engadget) take on the Lala acquisition, if you can get through what might be the worst edited article I've ever read on Engadget:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/switched-on-apples-song-remains-the-same/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on December 08, 2009, 09:57:52 pm
imeem GONE redirects to something called MySpace
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 09, 2009, 01:06:09 am
F$%& the haters, this is brilliant:

Don't Stand So Close to Me/Young Girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VY0a1vZYyY
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on December 10, 2009, 10:06:58 am
F$%& the haters, this is brilliant:

Don't Stand So Close to Me/Young Girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VY0a1vZYyY

Glee is rapidly becoming boring, the characters are all annoying, the story line predictable and the songs are more than miss than hit.  The rendition of "Imagine" was top notch, but "Jump" had all the life sucked out of it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2009, 08:28:28 pm
Glee is rapidly becoming boring, the characters are all annoying, the story line predictable and the songs are more than miss than hit.  The rendition of "Imagine" was top notch, but "Jump" had all the life sucked out of it.

I'm actually like 7 episode's behind and most everybody I now who watches the show has told me things similar to what you are saying here.  I'll still watch it and let you know.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2009, 02:14:05 am
Ben Folds - the hipsters must be going nuts this morning revoking his cred.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on December 15, 2009, 09:06:12 am
Ben Folds - the hipsters must be going nuts this morning revoking his cred.

Ben Folds hasn't been "hip" in years...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2009, 03:25:35 pm
Ben Folds hasn't been "hip" in years...

The last thing you have to be in order to be a favorite of hipsters is hip.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on December 15, 2009, 03:28:41 pm
What do you mean?

(http://www.losanjealous.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/dan_deacon_01.jpg)

Ben Folds hasn't been "hip" in years...

The last thing you have to be in order to be a favorite of hipsters is hip.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2009, 03:32:20 pm
This just hurts....a home WiMAx modem before I even have service in my area....

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/12/091215-sprint-wimax-02.jpg)

Don't they know who I am?  I'm th guy who built a home router for use with my 3G data card to give the finger to at&t and comcast 3 YEARS AGO.  They should be rewarding me, not punishing me...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2009, 03:40:47 pm
What do you mean?

Case.  Rested.

But all in all, I enjoyed The Sing-Off.  Things were cruising along at a slow pace until the Beelzebubs took it to the next level. (http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/video/episodes/#vid=1185216) (about 2:30 in)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on December 15, 2009, 04:02:48 pm
I seriously doubt Ben Folds has much of a hipster following at this point in his career and I'm guessin' that his current fan base is gonna eat an acapella singing contest up. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 22, 2009, 04:07:14 am
After a great day ended poorly, nothing like an a capella U2 song to make me feel better. In The Sing-Off Finale, how does Natasha Bedingfield not sing Unwritten? Nicole from the PCD just gave hope to all of us dorks everywhere with her performance with the Beelzebubs. Not quite Sweet Caroline from last week, but much better than Nick Lachey's performance. If nothing else he's just barely more alive than Smokey.

A Boyz II Men reunion?!? WAIT FOR IT....AWESOME. Bobby McFerrin's (yes he's still alive) impromptu a capella performance was way too early for prime time - and a complete mess. Somehow I knew all the words to the "Sound of Music" swan song - I blame my sisters. Ben Folds just detroyed the entire concept of the show by (1) using a piano in a VOCAL competition and (2) not playing "Rocking the Suburbs" which would be perfect for this show (though I would have loved "Brick" because I'm twisted).

I won't ruin the ending becaue you're all going to watch The Sing-Off (http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/) on Hulu or nbc.com, but if you're still reading this, you know one thing: I miss Smackette. She been gone for a month and would have watched this with me and listened to this diatribe, saving the rest of you. But she's stuck in your snow and now I must punish you....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: felipeintheend on January 04, 2010, 01:18:10 pm
So I've got a stalker.  Well not a stalker, really, but close.

Apparently on some L i n k i n  P a r k fan site, there used to be a guy with the ID v a n s m a c k (he searches all the time so I'm intentionally spacing things out).  Despite repeated denials that I'm not the same person, everytime I sign up for a new forum or social network thing, this guy sends me an email asking if I'm the guy with the recordings of shows he's looking for to complete his collection.  This has been going on for at least 5 years now.

So last month I broke down and joined Facebook and made a non alias twitter account and within a week he sent me yet another inquiry about LP boot recordings and signed up for my twitter account:

-----------------------------
Hello man, how are you?

Well, first of all, i wanna say you that i'm here because i need your help.

I work for the Oficial [BAND NAME] Live Guide, and my job is searching for every info about their lives shows.

I know that someone that used the nickname (V a n s m a c k  - v a n s m a c k @ sbcglobal.net) yeas ago recorded one show of them at:
FACEBOOK LINK TO SHOW -   Devore, CA, Hyundai Pavilion at Glen Helen

And also, i'm a trader of 'old BAND NAME shows' i'm looking for the older shows, just for my collection, not for trade.

So, could you let me know if you are the person who i'm looking for?
It will help our guide a lot. Thank you :)

have a good week
-----------------------
   
I must have 30-40 of these inquiries from the same guy, despite me constantly telling him that the MSN account has been mine for 15 years and I can't stand said band.

Ridiculous.  At some point I should break down, lie to the guy, get his hopes up and send his something in the mail, but what should I send him?

LOL.

Hey... first of all, i didn't know you've got a stalker, you should reply me just explaining that and then i should stop msging you immediately. I've look for this show since years, trying to find this guy and all that i found was you.. but i didnt know it was 'you' i thought it was the taper.

This guy: http://taperssection.com/index.php?action=profile;u=2736

I'm really sorry about it. I will let all [BAND NAME] fans know, that it is not the taper, and yes some stalker :)

thank you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 04, 2010, 01:29:43 pm
Felipe, after the first dozen times I told you that I'm not that guy, I didn't owe you any more responses.

Anytime your search reveals vansmack and my MSN account shows up as registered to that account, don't send me a request for that f#$%&^g show - I WASN'T THERE, I DON'T LIKE YOUR FAVORITE BAND, AND I DON'T HAVE A COPY OF IT.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: felipeintheend on January 04, 2010, 01:38:26 pm
Felipe, after the first dozen times I told you that I'm not that guy, I didn't owe you any more responses.

Anytime your search reveals vansmack and my MSN account shows up as registered to that account, don't send me a request for that f#$%&^g show - I WASN'T THERE, I DON'T LIKE YOUR FAVORITE BAND, AND I DON'T HAVE A COPY OF IT.

I know, but how the hell should i know that you were the SAME Vansmack everytime i've found someone with this name and msged him, understand my point?

And i already asked for excuses ^^
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 04, 2010, 01:43:14 pm
Oh, I don't know, maybe you could Check my profile where it has my email address?!?

Put you mouse on top of the Email icon under my username and see that it reveals my MSN account?

I'm not asking for much - just that you leave me the hell alone about your stupid concert recording collection.  You seem like a nice enough guy and at this point I'm willing to talk to you about anything but LINKIN PARK.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: felipeintheend on January 04, 2010, 01:54:46 pm
Oh, I don't know, maybe you could Check my profile where it has my email address?!?

Put you mouse on top of the Email icon under my username and see that it reveals my MSN account?

I'm not asking for much - just that you leave me the hell alone about your stupid concert recording collection.  You seem like a nice enough guy and at this point I'm willing to talk to you about anything but LINKIN PARK.

I remember that i've sent more than 4 msgs for you in forums, but not all of them show your MSN account, so i could not figure that i was sending another msg for the same guy, all i can say is that i didnt know i was sending the same msg to the same guy a lot of times, thats why i asked for excuses.. It's done. No more about this history :)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 04, 2010, 01:59:44 pm
Thanks, I appreciate it.

Fell free to stick around - if nothing else maybe your taste in music will improve.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on January 07, 2010, 02:41:58 pm
Netflix reaches deal with Warner Bros. to delay renting new releases (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/la-fi-ct-netflix7-2010jan07,0,1274971.story)

gonna have to wait 28 days to get a new release from Warner Bros. via Netflix. . .but, Netflix is able to get more movies online.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2010, 02:43:17 pm
Netflix reaches deal with Warner Bros. to delay renting new releases (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/la-fi-ct-netflix7-2010jan07,0,1274971.story)

gonna have to wait 28 days to get a new release from Warner Bros. via Netflix. . .but, Netflix is able to get more movies online.

Saw that.  Haven't heard the same thing for Blockbuster but I'm sure it's coming.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 12, 2010, 07:12:16 pm
I've been using Office 2010 beta for some time now and I switched back to the 2007 version for a couple days on a different machine and boy did I miss Conversation Threading.  It think this will be the greatest addition to Outlook in the last 10 years.  I know Gmail has had a similar feature for a while, but it's nice to see stuff like this in the corporate world.

Essentially, it works like this:  You get cc:ed on a message with 4 other people.  3 people respond, then you respond, then somebody else responds.  Now you've got 5 messages in your inbox, and one in your sent box.  With Conversation view, your inbox only shows the most recent message, with a drop down arrow to show you all of the messages in the conversation, including your sent message.  You can also move that conversation to another folder and all future message for that conversation will appear in that folder. Lastly, through with a conversation (you know, the mass CC where everybody unsubscribes via reply all)? well you can mark the conversation for ignore and all future messages from that conversation will be automatically deleted without seeing your inbox.

I would show you a picture of this in practice, but I have too much private information in my inbox.  You'll have to rely on this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV_QOeA3L7g
 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2010, 09:24:35 pm
Here's a good one for you folks to ponder.....

Why is the Super Bowl still played on a Sunday?

When there was no week in between, it made sense.  But now that there is an off week in between the championship games and the Super Bowl, why not play it on a Saturday so we can recover on Sunday?  Especially for you East Coasters, who, if you watch the game to the end are lucky to be home by midnight...

I think it's time we change this.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on January 24, 2010, 09:30:37 pm
I've always advocated "Super Bowl Monday" as a bank holiday, for just such reasons, although a Saturday night SB would work too. Agree on principal.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 24, 2010, 09:33:17 pm
tradition?  

game starts at 6 pm EST, so it'll be over by 9:30... dunno how far you travel to watch the game, but i plan to be home long before midnight.

i've been lobbying to have super bowl monday declared a national holiday.  let's ditch president's day, or some other meaningless holiday, and replace it with the monday after super bowl.  my employer allows me to take 3 floating holidays per year - i've already put in for feb 8.

edit: jinx.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on January 24, 2010, 09:45:11 pm
At my company, we have to vote annually on what we want as our last closed day: Columbus Day or the day after Thanksgiving, or a write-in. Last year Day-after Thanksgiving won by 2 votes (out of around 450) over Superbowl Monday write-ins.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on January 24, 2010, 09:59:10 pm
Cheap Trick is shooting a SuperBowl commercial for Audi.  That's all I got to add to this discussion...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on January 24, 2010, 10:06:02 pm
Maybe Obama could get Super Bowl Monday named a National Holiday. Hey, might as well have a shitty accomplishment instead of nothing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 26, 2010, 09:42:50 am
Here's a good one for you folks to ponder.....

Why is the Super Bowl still played on a Sunday?

When there was no week in between, it made sense.  But now that there is an off week in between the championship games and the Super Bowl, why not play it on a Saturday so we can recover on Sunday?  Especially for you East Coasters, who, if you watch the game to the end are lucky to be home by midnight...

I think it's time we change this.
if i made to to work the day after super bowl xl, anyone can make it to work on super bowl monday

now, i would not have made it to work after the saturday night doug brien failure game, but i would have passed on doing all of those shots and mumbling about hines ward in my sleep
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 26, 2010, 01:46:06 pm
if i made to to work the day after super bowl xl, anyone can make it to work on super bowl monday

It's not "that we can", it's more along the lines of why do we even bother trying anymore?  They added the extra week for Super Bowl hype and pre-game festivities, why don't we go one extra step and do the sensible thing?  Plus we'll have one extra day to beat our wives....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 26, 2010, 02:04:10 pm
i'd rather beat my coworkers, though
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 29, 2010, 10:33:40 pm
Blowing me off is the new sucking me off...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 05, 2010, 01:44:26 pm
Thanks vansmack. How's your media center working out?

Beautifully, thanks for asking!

My main problem has been deciding between a universal remote to operate Windows Media Center 7 (MC7) in addition to my TV/DVR/DVD or using a wireless keyboard with a built in trackball (like this (http://www.iogear.com/product/GKM561R/)).

I was using a harmony remote for a while and it operates the MC7 functions fine, but there are many times when the programming I wanted to watch is available online and using a wireless mouse in bed is a huge problem.  The keyboard is fine, but without a flat surface (and the distance from the sensor for the mouse is problematic) it isn't a workable solution.   I will likely end up having both in the room and go back and forth depending on if I'm watching a ripped file or online content....

The only other downside is how to organize TV Show content in MC7.  I don't use my Media Center to record TV, but I do have a lot of ripped TV shows in my collection.  MC7 assumes all movies to be DVD's and doesn't handle TV shows the way I would like.  The end result, for example, is about 6 dozen different thumbnails, one for each episode of Entourage.  This is a little difficult (read: time consuming) to navigate.  With the West Wing, Entourage and Mad Men alone I have over 100 thumbnails to go through.  I may go back to ISOs or VOBs to cut down on the number of thumbnails, but a lot of what I have is HD and I don't want to give that up (and you know my thoughts on Blu-ray...).   The ideal solution is a Db that reads folder content instead of individual files so that I have one thumbnail for Season One, open it, and then choose between the episodes from that season - just haven't found that yet and I'm not up for building right now.

Anyhow, I love the Zotac MAGHD - no regrets.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 08, 2010, 07:48:48 pm
Stuck in side with no satellite dish coverage because of the snow....this could be just the ticket:

1080p, 5.1 surround sound coming to Netflix Watch Instantly in 2010? (http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/1080p-5-1-surround-sound-coming-to-netflix-watch-instantly-in-2/)

By Richard Lawler  posted Feb 8th 2010 at 6:12PM

Netflix Watch Instantly fans could be due for a big upgrade, as CNET has heard the company will roll out 1080p and 5.1 surround sound later this year. No word on timing or any other details, but this could mean its moving to version 3 of Microsoft's Silverlight streaming platform with its additional tweaks for adaptive streaming and hardware graphics acceleration. Also unknown is how much bandwidth would be necessary, but considering Microsoft already uses very similar technology for its 1080p Instant On videos on Zune Marketplace through the Xbox 360 while only requiring 3 Mbps and VUDU HDX 1080p videos only state a minimum of 4500 Kbps, a massive jump in available bandwidth might not be necessary if you already get clear 720p video. The last big hurdle? How much content will be available that way, Gizmodo points out only about 6 percent of current offerings stream in HD we'll be watching carefully if the pace picks up going forward.

----------------------

Perfect for my ION based Nettop, but sadly I don't have the internet bandwidth for 1080p unil WIMAX rolls out in SF.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2010, 06:25:26 pm
Not that I needed another reason to fly Virgin, but here's their latest flight attendant graduates: Smackie approved.

(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs202.snc3/20941_298039039410_5832584410_3246605_2512765_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on February 11, 2010, 06:27:59 pm
Yeah, that back row is totally hot.

Not that I needed another reason to fly Virgin, but here's their latest flight attendant graduates: Smackie approved.

(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs202.snc3/20941_298039039410_5832584410_3246605_2512765_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2010, 06:32:23 pm
Yeah, that back row is totally hot.

I see a lot of them on the SF to Fort Lauderdale flights...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on February 15, 2010, 05:28:30 pm
Sir,

Your thoughts on the new Windows Phone, please.

http://gizmodo.com/5471805/windows-phone-7-series-everything-is-different-now

My contract runs out in September and I'm already plotting my upgrade from a Blackberry Curve 8830.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2010, 05:48:59 pm
Haha, I was on an IM with Redmond when I read this.  If you've got 20 minutes, watch this video:

http://channel9.msdn.com/posts/LauraFoy/First-Look-Windows-Phone-7-Series-Hands-on-Demo/

I'll just start by saying that I'm shocked at how much Microsoft has revamped 7 Series from previous iterations of Windows Mobile.  Nothing looks like it was held over from WinMo 5 or 6. In addition, they've pushed a more regular user friendly (READ: non-business) interface and application integration.  Adding Zune to the phone is something I've advocated for in this space for a long time and will finally make the subscription service model something a lot of people will add.

I also like that (other than Bing) they're not pushing they're wares over other more popular wares.  For example, though Windows Live is their competition to Facebook, they're not ignoring FB's popularity in integrating social networking - FB/Twitter/Gmail/Flickr support is everywhere.  Xbox live integration I'll have to wait and see on - MIX10 next month will be it's big unveiling.

This is a huge step in the right direction for Microsoft (following Win7 too, I'm just shocked!).  I've been told that I won't see a copy for "a few months" which isn't surprising since there are no phones currently available in the States that meet the minimum hardware requirements.  I expect to have HD2 by April and the xda folks will get 7 Series before I get an official release. By September, I should have much more clear answer for you, but your contract is expring at the right time to take advantage of all the new competition in the msartphone sphere.

Bottom line - I'm stoked for this.  Super stoked. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on February 15, 2010, 06:27:52 pm
do you think the new windows phone will be a blackberry killer in terms of interaction with Outlook/Exchange on business servers?

i need a phone that will function well as my work and personal phone, i hate carrying two phones
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2010, 07:19:16 pm
do you think the new windows phone will be a blackberry killer in terms of interaction with Outlook/Exchange on business servers?

i need a phone that will function well as my work and personal phone, i hate carrying two phones

I think you have that backwards. 

My WinMo 6.5 is already much better with an Exchange Server than any Blackberry out there.  It's cheaper (there is no need for the $30/mo Blackberry Enterprise Server Subscription), it's easier to setup (it runs Activesync Exchange Server push natively - no need for a secondary Blackberry server or tech initiated activation), is much more reliable (RIM has been plagued with outages), has better contact options (Outlook, personal email and Facebook), supports multiple calendars and has a far better broswer/media player.

I haven't carried two phones since I got my HTC Diamond with WinMo 6.1 back in Sept 2008.  6.5.3 has been even better.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on February 15, 2010, 07:28:12 pm
Via DCRTV (http://dcrtv.com/), Mobile DTV coming to DC (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/15/business/media/15mobile.html?ref=business)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on February 15, 2010, 10:01:02 pm
I'm pretty sure I've said it before up here but I'll say it again.  I'm astounded by RIM's domination of the business market at this stage in the game.  Additional hardware and software costs in the enterprise, licenscing fees per device, dull vanilla handsets.  Not to mention two addtional points of failure.  I guess it pays to be first.  But MS is catching up. 

And from a day to day engineering standpoint, I'd be happy to throw our BES server out the freaking window. 

At my shop I'm finally starting to see the tide turn.  Many of the Blackberry zealots are moving to other platforms and are very happy with the results.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 16, 2010, 12:50:18 pm
Microsoft is killing me these days....

Bigger than Halo 3?  A Sneak Peek at Halo:Reach (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/02/bigger-than-halo-3-a-sneak-peek-at-halo-reach/1)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 16, 2010, 08:13:46 pm
Worth a read:  Making it different versus making a difference (http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/switched-on-making-it-different-versus-making-a-difference/)

But for those that want the Clif notes version:

"How many apps does it take to screw in a light bulb? That was the question facing Microsoft as rival mobile operating systems backed by Apple and Google added tens of thousands of applications giving users stylus-free access to a wide range of capabilities."

"Key among the new [Microsoft] concepts are hubs, which are live centers of interest that seamlessly branch to each other. For example, the People hub branches off to maps, Xbox Live, and social networks, and a Music and Videos hub integrates with streaming services such as Pandora instead of having to return to the device's main screen and relaunch it. "

"In this case, the targets were Apple, which was chided for the iPhone's app-centric unitasking that requires frequent launching and in and out of different apps, and the many smartphones and feature phones that have aped the iPhone's appearance....while its approach is unique, Microsoft is touting many of the same integration messages that we've been hearing from Palm and Motorola."

"Windows Phone Series 7 is different from its predecessors, it's different from the iPhone, and it's different from desktop Windows, But different doesn't always mean better. Microsoft's burden is to prove that its visual distinction and smooth integration outweigh the advantages of market leaders."

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 22, 2010, 02:42:43 pm
Does anybody want to take credit for the 5:30AM wake up call I received this morning from the 202 area code?  I didn't recognize the number and the voice mail box isn't setup.

My first guess was sweetcell plotting his revenge, but he's man enough to use his own phone....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 22, 2010, 04:18:47 pm
i would love to claim that one, but the animosity hadn't started yet so i had no reason to hate you (specifically).  i would indeed have used my own phone.  there is no honor in anonymity.

now i can't use this bomb tomorrow morning, no honor in stealing someone else's prank.  the plotting continues.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 23, 2010, 04:12:00 pm
Has The Vansmack tried Chatroulette (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/weekinreview/21bilton.html?scp=1&sq=chatroulette&st=cse) yet?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 23, 2010, 04:25:45 pm
Has The Vansmack tried Chatroulette (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/weekinreview/21bilton.html?scp=1&sq=chatroulette&st=cse) yet?

No.  Since being an early adopter to the web cam phenomenon back in the late 90's, I have generally avoided web cams altogether.

I must say, this is intriguing however... 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 23, 2010, 05:03:21 pm
i hear its a lot of dudes touching their dicks
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 23, 2010, 05:04:03 pm
i hear its a lot of dudes touching their dicks

You "hear" do you?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 23, 2010, 05:22:28 pm
touche
(http://www.twinfactory.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/chatroulette.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 23, 2010, 06:24:17 pm
^ Somehow, I suspect that even Walkonby would have the very same reaction to that cat chat.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 23, 2010, 06:38:09 pm
^ Somehow, I suspect that even Walkonby would have the very same reaction to that cat chat.

Somehow, I suspect Walkonby may in fact be the cat.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 23, 2010, 07:01:38 pm
^ Somehow, I suspect that even Walkonby would have the very same reaction to that cat chat.

Somehow, I suspect Walkonby may in fact be the cat.

Haha! Could be.

Walkonby? Care to elucidate? Meow...... You know, from one cat to another.  ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on February 23, 2010, 07:35:39 pm
^ Somehow, I suspect that even Walkonby would have the very same reaction to that cat chat.

Somehow, I suspect Walkonby may in fact be the cat.
LOL, I'll put the odds at 2:1.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface on February 23, 2010, 11:14:00 pm
I don't mean to steal your thread, Smackie, but its criminal that this has been out for at least 10 hours without commentary.

http://boston.barstoolsports.com/random-thoughts/hillary-duff-teaches-all-girls-how-to-handle-getting-engaged/

I come to Things Smackie Thinks You Need To Know for colossal stories where hockey and Hilary Duff blowjobs come together.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 24, 2010, 01:29:26 am
Hockey and BJs are defintely smackie approved.

Smackette?  Not so happy about the picture however.  She felt badly for Hillary.

My two thougths:

(1) That's the most expensive last BJ ever.
(2) If you're confident enough that she'll say yes in so that you don't do the public proposal, you deserve the BJ.

Having typed all that, I looked over at Smackette and she's still shaking her head in disbelief.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 25, 2010, 03:04:50 pm
So tonight will be a very sleepless night.

Smackette found a new apt she wants to move to so she can get a puppy, but I'm 95% certain the building doesn't allow for DirecTV.  I'm meeting with the Building Manager to see what can be worked out, but if I can't charm someone enough, it means moving back to....ugh.....comcast.  No Setanta/Fox Sports+, no more regional sports channels, no more NFL Sunday Ticket, no more HD baseball package, no more 200+ channels of HD, no more testing all the new software and gadgets...the list goes on and on.

I keep telling myself that being 2 blocks from the best soccer bar in the city and going back to beta test for Tivo make it worth it, but I'm kidding myself, right? 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 25, 2010, 03:28:23 pm
so you have to deal with a puppy and lose directv? what do you get out of this deal
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on February 25, 2010, 04:02:54 pm
so you have to deal with a puppy and lose directv? what do you get out of this deal

Move back four posts.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 25, 2010, 04:05:36 pm
they're already married.  that ship has sailed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 25, 2010, 04:07:46 pm
so you have to deal with a puppy and lose directv? what do you get out of this deal

Move back four posts.
i was going to make the same joke, until i saw he called it a "last blowjob"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 25, 2010, 04:10:09 pm
Smackette found a new apt she wants to move to so she can get a puppy, but I'm 95% certain the building doesn't allow for DirecTV. 

seriously?  they won't let you hang a dish out your window, or on the roof?  what sort of a stalinist commune are you two hippies moving in to?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 25, 2010, 04:42:15 pm
Well, long story but our quest to purchase in the city has hit a bit of a rut, and we're tired of our current place and it's downfalls, so we each made a top 3 of what we wanted in our next place, rent or own:

Smackie: (1) DirecTV, (2) Parking, (3) Warmer Weather (we live on the ocean side of the city which is nice, but foggy in the summer)

Smackette: (1) Warmer Weather, (2) Parking, (3) Puppy Friendly.

Our potential next place is in a warmer part of the city (lower Haight), has a parking spot and is pet friendly.  A place I saw allowed DirecTV but didn't allow for pets.  So it's hard to argue for a non-pet friendly place instead of DirecTV when there are TV alternatives available, but no pet alternatives.

It's also only a rental so I have to sacrifice for a year.  If it were for purchase, there's no way in hell I would agree to this.  And since I'm a long term thinker, this does give me plenty of leverage in the next place to make certain that I get what I want when we buy since I'm the one sacrificing now.

Either way, I'm really bummed about losing DirecTV, especially with all my bells and whistles as a beta tester.  But Tivo has a big announcement next week....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 25, 2010, 04:53:21 pm
its so awesome that your #1 was directv
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 25, 2010, 04:58:12 pm
its so awesome that your #1 was directv

It used to be my only requirement, but she forced me expand the list to 3. 

I could be driving around the coldest part of the city all night looking for a parking spot and none of that would matter if I had DirecTV waiting for me.   

When I would look for a new condo without Smackette, there are many instances of me walking into the place, asking if the apt allows for DirecTV, being told no and then turn around and walking right out.  Smackette would ask me how the place was and I'd say "No Directv."  She'd ask, "but how WAS the place?" - "No idea.  I walked out when she said they didn't allow for DirecTV."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 25, 2010, 05:32:13 pm
i'm sure smackette could make it up to you... somehow

hope you're down with taking fido for his nightly walkies, 'cause doesn't smackette often work longer hours than you?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 25, 2010, 05:44:59 pm
hope you're down with taking fido for his nightly walkies, 'cause doesn't smackette often work longer hours than you?

Wow.  I've never had anybody say I work long hours before - thank you very much!  I travel a lot throughout that state and to DC, but for the most part I'm a 9-5er.

And yes, I've got myself a new puppy because, as a resident, she's never home.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 25, 2010, 06:30:07 pm
didn't mean to imply that you work long hours.  just 'cause her hours are longer than yours, doesn't mean yours are long too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 25, 2010, 06:34:43 pm
I'm sensing some future mischief when you go taking little DirectTV out for a comcrap.

Just sayin'...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 25, 2010, 07:02:41 pm
Has The Vansmack tried Chatroulette (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/weekinreview/21bilton.html?scp=1&sq=chatroulette&st=cse) yet?

No.  Since being an early adopter to the web cam phenomenon back in the late 90's, I have generally avoided web cams altogether.

I must say, this is intriguing however... 

i say this chatroulette is the next big thing: it's already spawned it own proprietary LOL (well, ok, it shares it with yahoo answers)  http://artoftrolling.com/

(http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2010/2/22/129113477625804365.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 01, 2010, 03:54:02 pm
If this were the Xbox and Microsoft, it would be huge news:


Sony: Don't Turn on your PS3 until the PSN Bug is Fixed (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/01/sony-dont-turn-on-your-ps3-until-psn-bug-is-fixed/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on March 01, 2010, 03:59:34 pm
Well, long story but our quest to purchase in the city has hit a bit of a rut, and we're tired of our current place and it's downfalls, so we each made a top 3 of what we wanted in our next place, rent or own:

Smackie: (1) DirecTV, (2) Parking, (3) Warmer Weather (we live on the ocean side of the city which is nice, but foggy in the summer)

Smackette: (1) Warmer Weather, (2) Parking, (3) Puppy Friendly.

Our potential next place is in a warmer part of the city (lower Haight), has a parking spot and is pet friendly.  A place I saw allowed DirecTV but didn't allow for pets.  So it's hard to argue for a non-pet friendly place instead of DirecTV when there are TV alternatives available, but no pet alternatives.



i have the perfect place. . . .it's nice and warm, you have your own garage and can have as many puppies as you'd like. . .it's called pleasant hill.  come and join us.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 01, 2010, 04:36:08 pm
i have the perfect place. . . .it's nice and warm, you have your own garage and can have as many puppies as you'd like. . .it's called pleasant hill.  come and join us.

I'll take renting in Lower Haight over owning in the East Bay. Every day. Thanks.

Enjoy that traffic while I enjoy the view....

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4399424794_a22f09785d.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on March 01, 2010, 05:46:03 pm
yes, you can look at dense urbanity (and a failing mass transit system). . .or you can have a view of a mountain (http://www.mtdiablocam.com/).

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 01, 2010, 05:50:30 pm
yes, you can look at dense urbanity (and a failing mass transit system). . .or you can have a view of a mountain (http://www.mtdiablocam.com/).

I don't consider 3800 feet a "mountain," but then again, I'm not from San Jose.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on March 01, 2010, 05:53:05 pm
yes, you can look at dense urbanity (and a failing mass transit system). . .or you can have a view of a mountain (http://www.mtdiablocam.com/).

I don't consider 3800 feet a "mountain," but then again, I'm not from San Jose.

it's called "Mt. Diablo"  at least for now. . .looking forward to being able to vote on whether or not to rename it Mt. Reagan in 3 years.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 01, 2010, 05:56:16 pm
isnt that really the same name
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on March 01, 2010, 06:08:48 pm
isnt that really the same name

ooooh, good one; i didn't not clarify.  never shit a shitter.

(http://img79.exs.cx/img79/8752/farva.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 01, 2010, 09:07:44 pm
You could call it Mt. Vansmack for all I care (actually, I would care - I'd be insulted), 3800 feet is not a mountain.

If there's no snow and you can't board it, it's not a mountain.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 02, 2010, 01:28:05 pm
Today, the Half Smackie's Age Plus 7 Theorem is raised to 25.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 02, 2010, 02:03:21 pm
happy b-day, smax!

wait, you're 36?!?  huh.  guess i was confounding "younger" with "immature".  my bad.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 02, 2010, 02:24:40 pm
happy b-day, smax!

wait, you're 36?!?  huh.  guess i was confounding "younger" with "immature".  my bad.

Or my striking resemblance to Adonis....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on March 02, 2010, 02:47:31 pm

Or my striking resemblance to Adonis....

This guy? (http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1109031_piccadilly_could_expand)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 02, 2010, 02:51:52 pm
This guy? (http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1109031_piccadilly_could_expand)

We can't all be blessed with this guys great looks:

(http://www.virginmedia.com/images/mcenroe-bad.jpg)

(that was for Markie and Lulu)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 02, 2010, 03:07:12 pm
(smackie, http://www.virginmedia.com/images/mcenroe-bad.jpg is timing out for me... dunno if anyone else can see the image)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on March 02, 2010, 03:08:49 pm
I still use that Jack Kramer Pro Staff when I play.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 02, 2010, 03:26:49 pm
(smackie, http://www.virginmedia.com/images/mcenroe-bad.jpg is timing out for me... dunno if anyone else can see the image)

Mirror:

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/furniture/in_depth/tennis/2002/wimbledon/legends/john_mcenroe.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on March 02, 2010, 03:30:20 pm
Today, the Half Smackie's Age Plus 7 Theorem is raised to 25.

The maximum age of a woman who would even conceivably want to be with you? ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 02, 2010, 06:58:44 pm
100 days until the World Cup.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 02, 2010, 08:12:53 pm
(question about world cup moved here (http://www.930.com/forum/index.php?topic=20168))
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 03, 2010, 02:53:38 pm
i'm pretty sure smackie will want to know these factoids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOFTQpNhsWE
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 03, 2010, 02:53:57 pm
I think the thing I'm most disappointed about in my birthday is not that all the companies I frequent often knew so much about me; it's that none of the porn web sites I vist often sent me a message saying:

"We've analyzed all of the movies you've been watching over X number of years, and as a birthday treat, we're giving you access to this gem out of our vault.  Happy Birthday."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on March 04, 2010, 05:07:09 pm
I'm a little disappointed with this thread today - I wanted some live-blogging action from the protests.   I wanted pictures of tear gas clouds and general pandemonium.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 04, 2010, 05:44:53 pm
Maybe if my day didn't start at 10PM last night...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnbawZDzSKs
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on March 04, 2010, 06:03:00 pm
I'm a little disappointed with this thread today - I wanted some live-blogging action from the protests.   I wanted pictures of tear gas clouds and general pandemonium.

my building is taking the drastic step of closing the entrance that faces city hall- course, that entrance has a giant version of the state seal of california, so it's often used as a backdrop for PR purposes.  i imagine there will be helicopters.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 04, 2010, 06:13:09 pm
So I'll see you at 5 or no?

Just kidding.  I'm not going down to Civic Center, instead I think there may be something else in store for me this evening back here.

Oh, and another problem with hipsters is that they're too frail to put the girls on their shoulders.  Last night's dance party needed that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on March 04, 2010, 06:37:05 pm
So I'll see you at 5 or no?

Just kidding.  I'm not going down to Civic Center, instead I think there may be something else in store for me this evening back here.

yeah, like i'll be joining the protesters. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 05, 2010, 03:02:56 pm
I am not anyhwere near creative enough for one of the new Microsoft Courier devices, but I still think it's one of the coolest new devices out there:

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/03/couriervid1.jpg)

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/microsofts-courier-digital-journal-exclusive-pictures-and-de/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 09, 2010, 05:48:44 pm
Third day with Cable and I'm already making my first service call.  This should be fun....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 10, 2010, 12:12:07 pm
cable is to smackie as versus is to god's shoeshine
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 13, 2010, 08:42:41 pm
So my Touch Diamond finally bit the dust.  I knew I was asking too much of it to hold out until WinMo7....

So there's no opportunity to test WinMo phones right now with Sprint.  Google folks - should I give the Hero or the Moment a chance?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 26, 2010, 01:30:49 pm
Last night I went to the Gold Club with my friend Melissa for our quarterly jaunt to a strip club and we were appalled that they raised the price of lap dances from $20 a dance to $60 for two dances.

Smackie will probably never go there again.  A 50% increase and you have to have two songs from the same girl.  This had better not become a trend.

I do think one of my new favorite songs is Birthday Sex though, at least the remix that was used last night.  Awesome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 30, 2010, 03:44:03 pm
Why are the Brazilians so nuts about Linkin Park?  Yet another Brazilian douchebag contacted me about master recordings.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 31, 2010, 09:04:03 am
you mean brazilian "taint"?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 05, 2010, 12:44:21 pm
Never thought about moving to Maine until now....

Equal time: Women hold topless march in Maine (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100404/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_topless_march;_ylt=AqnP_IPUWT.a35pl6ntNIMPtiBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTJsZHM4ajI1BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwNDA0L3VzX29kZF90b3BsZXNzX21hcmNoBGNwb3MDMQRwb3MDMQRzZWMDeW5fdG9wX3N0b3J5BHNsawNlcXVhbHRpbWV3b20-)
Sun Apr 4, 1:17 pm ET

PORTLAND, Maine ? About two dozen women drew a crowd of onlookers when they shed their shirts and marched downtown in Maine's largest city to promote what they call equal-opportunity public toplessness.

Organizer Ty MacDowell said the point of Saturday's march in Portland was that a topless woman out in public shouldn't attract any more attention than a man who walks around without a shirt.

The Portland Press Herald reports that by the end of the march, more than 500 people had amassed ? a mix of marchers, young men snapping photos, oglers and people just out enjoying a sunny, warm day.

It's not illegal for a woman to be topless in public in Maine, and police said there were no incidents or arrests.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 08, 2010, 05:49:49 pm
This is a much better way of explaining this than I've ever done:

Four Music-Sharing Tricks on Windows 7 (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/technology/personaltech/08pogue-email.html?8cir&emc=cira1)

Especially trick #4: Play Over the Internet
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 12, 2010, 02:18:20 pm
iPad finally supports Flash and Multitasking...

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/04/youtube---windows-95-on-ipad.jpg)

Video (http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/12/windows-95-on-ipad-completes-bill-gates-vision-video/#comments)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on April 12, 2010, 05:05:57 pm
I didn't watch this very closely but the way his finger (the "mouse") is trailing the curser it looks like it's running on VMware without VMware tools installed....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 12, 2010, 05:07:10 pm
I didn't watch this very closely but the way his finger (the "mouse") is trailing the curser it looks like it's running on VMware without VMware tools installed....

It's an emulator...would be tough to get it to run seeing as how the iPad is not an intel chip.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 21, 2010, 01:52:10 pm
XP Users, turn off your McAfee.  Quickly.  Before it's too late.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/mcafee-update--shutting-down-xp-machines/

Botched McAfee update shutting down XP machines worldwide
By Nilay Patel  posted Apr 21st 2010 1:47PM

We can't officially confirm this yet, but we're hearing from all over that a bad McAfee for Windows XP update is causing computers worldwide to shut down. Apparently the update deletes the svchost.exe file, which then triggers a false-positive in McAfee itself and sets off a chain of uncontrolled restarts and loss of networking functionality. Yeah, wild -- Twitter is basically going nuts, and McAfee's support site appears to be down. There's a fix out there, but it may be too late -- we've heard anecdotally that an Intel facility has been affected, as well Dish Network call centers, and we're sure there are going to be more reports as the day wears on.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Developing...


Smackie can confirm this as he laughs at the XP users in his office.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 21, 2010, 03:32:28 pm
XP Users, turn off your McAfee.  Quickly.  Before it's too late.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/mcafee-update--shutting-down-xp-machines/

Botched McAfee update shutting down XP machines worldwide

yup.  we were told to disconnect from VPN immediately about 3 hours ago... now i know why: our mcafee can only get an update when we're VPN'ed.  this means we won't be able to reconnect to e-mail and other vital internal resources until the techies figure out how to roll back this patch, or get a new update to replace the previous one that's causing this problem.

edit: just as i was about to post this, got an e-mail from corp IT that all is clear.  i have some remediation instructions if anyone was affected by this, PM if you're having difficulties.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 21, 2010, 04:21:59 pm
It's really easy.  All we had to do was this. (http://vil.nai.com/vil/5958_false.htm)

Amazing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 22, 2010, 04:47:13 pm
Hitler `Downfall' parodies removed from YouTube (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100421/ap_en_ot/us_hitler_youtube_meme)

NEW YORK ? Adolf Hitler, for years a vessel of frustration in a popular Internet meme, has been quieted.

"Downfall," a German film released in 2004 about Hitler's last days, has been adopted for wildly popular YouTube parodies that have spanned mock rants about topics as varied as playing Xbox video games to Kanye West to Apple's new iPad.

(...)

On Tuesday, the clips on YouTube, many of which had been watched by hundreds of thousands, even millions, began disappearing from the site. Constantin Films, the company that owns the rights to the film, asked for them to be removed, and YouTube complied.

(...)

Some have argued that, being parodies, the videos are protected under "fair use," the legal doctrine that holds that the use of some creative works for purposes such as parody and education may be considered "fair."

The site's policy about content that infringes on copyright is that it will remove videos if the copyright holder requests it.
Using "Content ID" technology, the site is able to digitally search through its enormous archives and automatically remove any videos in violation.


so... what about fair use?  it absolves YouTube, dunnit?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 22, 2010, 04:58:19 pm
Two things:

(1) I never saw "Downfall" until I saw that clip, which I rented after I saw a parody because  Bruno Ganz does an amazing Hitler.

(2) Fair Use does not protect youtube, but instead the uploader.  Youtube does not take a side and if someone makes a reasonable claim to the clips copyright, youtube will remove it until the claim is resolved.  Each individual that uploaded the clip can now take on Constantin films to argue fair use allows for the clip to be on youtube.  I doubt most will.

To youtube's credit, when they hear of stuff like this, they offer the copyright holder a share of the ad revenue from the clip to let it go.  In this case, Constantin films opted not to due to whatever factor (I'm going with the ADL).   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2010, 01:08:34 pm
It's been 2 years since we've done a Mountain Dew taste test, and since I'm off the Dew right now in protest over the disappearance of "Throwback" from the shelves, you can understand how surprised I was to find out that there are three new tastes fighting for you approval:

Typhoon (Tropical Punch)
Distortion (Lime)
White Out (Citrus)

I found bottles of Typhoon and Distortion this weekend, but have been unable to locate a bottle of White Out.  I'll post my review of the three when I do. If you find them - let me know what you think.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 20, 2010, 03:31:27 pm
yet another installment of things sweetcell thinks smackie should know: http://supersexycpr.com/cpr.html (as the URL implies, somewhat NSFW)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 25, 2010, 03:14:50 pm
Microsoft just ruined my day by asking Google to remove the "new tab page and most visited websites" feature from the Google Toolbar in Internet Explorer.  Bastards.  I loved that feature.  This may be the straw that broke the camels back to get even me to switch to a different browser.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 25, 2010, 03:56:24 pm
you're still using IE, by choice?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 25, 2010, 04:00:31 pm
you're still using IE, by choice?

Not IE6 if that's what you're asking.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 02, 2010, 12:13:09 am
Hulu in the Xbox 360?

From its humble origins as a chunky black box of PC parts, the Xbox has grown into a strapping young adult -- attracting a social circle including Netflix, Facebook and Twitter. Now, rumor has it that the Xbox 360's preening for a date with Hulu, too. Though plans aren't set in stone, Gear Live tells us Hulu has been spotted in internal Xbox 360 dashboard builds, and that Microsoft will introduce the streaming video service as part of their Xbox LIVE experience at E3 2010.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/01/hulu-headed-to-a-xbox-360-dashboard-near-you/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 13, 2010, 12:29:20 pm
Interesting:

Sprint?s 4G move opens way to merger with T-Mobile (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c4d6eb6a-8de0-11df-9153-00144feab49a.html?ftcamp=rss)

Requires registration to read, but basically, it says that Sprint has left enough spectrum free in it's 4G upgrade (WIMAX) so that it can move to LTE in 2-3 years, and if T-Mobile were to make the same move (very likely) a Sprint/T-Mobile merger is not out of the question.  Deutsche Telecom has been looking to sell T-Mobile (US) for some time, but at&t and Verizon are worried about anti-trust, leaving Sprint at the only potential purchaser at the moment.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 22, 2010, 08:56:05 am
CNN: Playboy unveils 'safe for work' website
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/07/20/playboy.safe.for.work/index.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 03, 2010, 05:05:19 pm
Anybody else use Dirpy to convert online videos/music to Mp3/Mp4/flv's?


Dirpy (http://www.dirpy.com), which is currently in beta, is an advanced Digital Video Recorder (DVR) service that lets you download or convert your favorite freely available online media. Dirpy offers many useful features like real-time conversions, ID3 metadata tags, offsets, support for high quality formats (including HD), and more.

It's kind of nice for videos for phone screens and Mp3's of live in studio performances...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2010, 10:53:26 pm
Wyclef Jean is running for President of Haiti.  He can't be any worse than their previous leadership....

http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2010/08/wyclef_jeans_candidacy
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 11, 2010, 06:24:11 pm
Game Changer.

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/08/psp-mockupengadget.jpg)

Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/exclusive-sony-ericsson-to-introduce-android-3-0-gaming-platfor/#comments) is reporting that Sony Ericsson is making a 4 inch Android phone with a PSP like slideout gaming controller.  It's set to run Android 3.0 this fall.  This could be huge.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 17, 2010, 04:09:29 pm
I always get nostalgic when I see my original little black book:

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/08/startac-bts.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on August 19, 2010, 02:10:46 pm
i need information about new phones with shiny buttons from japan, but only if the people who give me such information are not on the same coast as me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on August 19, 2010, 02:12:53 pm
I've only got steak dinner non-information to give you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 19, 2010, 04:27:43 pm
By Japan, I think you mean Korea and Taiwan, but, sure, go ahead....

EDIT: I get it now.  I only use the subcription/notification feature that this wonderful board offers to monitor this thread so originally the joke was lost on me...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 19, 2010, 05:00:56 pm
Anybody else watch Hard Knocks this season?

Antonio Cormartie killed me last night with his disussion of his kids names (those he could remember) and how many 3 year olds he currently has?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5qzQ2HBh0s&feature=search
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on August 19, 2010, 07:02:50 pm
i got to hear a clip of it on howard today about the guy with 7 kids who most are age three.  is the show worth my time to try to find a way to watch it?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on August 19, 2010, 07:09:19 pm
In one of the schools that I use to teach in, there was this 8th grader who had just fathered his 8th child, none of whom he was actually being a father to. Sickening. No wonder this world is so f***ed up!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 19, 2010, 07:13:49 pm
i got to hear a clip of it on howard today about the guy with 7 kids who most are age three.  is the show worth my time to try to find a way to watch it?

No, not at all.  Only if you like football.  Moments like that one are fairly rare... 

But that took me by surprise in such a way that I had to rewind it a couple times just to see if he was kidding.  He wasn't.  2007 Season - 10 interceptions, 4 conceptions.  Incredible.  And by the time he's 5 years out of the league, he'll be broke paying for his (currently) 8 kids with 7 mothers....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 20, 2010, 04:19:43 pm
Things Smackie Already Knows But Bear Repetition:

ukraine has some very, very, very beautiful women.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2010, 06:38:54 pm
Things Smackie Already Knows But Bear Repetition:

ukraine has some very, very, very beautiful women.

The legs, good god, the legs.  They just don't stop!  It's been 10 years since I was in Kiev....

Bring a lass back for me, will ya?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 01, 2010, 01:42:47 pm
Ping.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 01, 2010, 01:59:51 pm
ACK?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 01, 2010, 02:06:22 pm
ACK?

It will be the end of this board as we know it....

iTunes 10 new feature:

"Ping is for social music discovery. You can follow people and you can be followed. Most artists will hold their hand up and say 'you can follow me' -- you can hold your hand up and say that as well, or you can say 'people can follow me but I have to approve who follows me.' Then you can set up a circle of friends. You can have you and your 10 buddies but no one else."
- Steve Jobs

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on September 01, 2010, 03:04:06 pm
have false idols that turn us away from one another . . . evolved this far?  somewhere a smitten satan smiles.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 01, 2010, 03:41:03 pm
I love that you're asking that in an online forum, most probably sitting alone at your computer miles away from the nearest person...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 01, 2010, 09:43:40 pm
ACK?

It will be the end of this board as we know it....

iTunes 10 new feature:

"Ping is for social music discovery. You can follow people and you can be followed. Most artists will hold their hand up and say 'you can follow me' -- you can hold your hand up and say that as well, or you can say 'people can follow me but I have to approve who follows me.' Then you can set up a circle of friends. You can have you and your 10 buddies but no one else."
- Steve Jobs



yawn... I'm finding 8tracks.com the best place to discover new music these days
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on September 01, 2010, 10:36:57 pm
I love that you're asking that in an online forum, most probably sitting alone at your computer miles away from the nearest person...

there are about sixty people in my office when i write most of my junk on here.  and then at home, my husband running around in his underwear keeps me company.  plus on the forum . . . i don't get to limit access to who listens or who can listen to me, as if i am some god over others.  anything else you like to point out.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 02, 2010, 01:49:40 am
yawn... I'm finding 8tracks.com the best place to discover new music these days

Of course that was tounge in cheeck. I haven't used iTunes or Live Nation/Ticketmaster as my primary (or even secondary) application for music or tickets in at least 5 years....

It does make last.fm the next apple target though.... 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 02, 2010, 07:59:52 pm
wow ping is off to rip roaring start  :P looks like the only artist profiles so far are the ones Apple is probably paying to setup.  and beyond biggest selling artists already there, are the rest going to want to maintain yet another profile?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on September 02, 2010, 08:14:32 pm
wow ping is off to rip roaring start  :P looks like the only artist profiles so far are the ones Apple is probably paying to setup.  and beyond biggest selling artists already there, are the rest going to want to maintain yet another profile?

I think there was supposed to be a way to link to FB profiles but the feature had to be removed for some reason, which was probably why you couldn't download iTunes 10 until much later in the evening.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 03, 2010, 12:13:01 am
I think there was supposed to be a way to link to FB profiles but the feature had to be removed for some reason, which was probably why you couldn't download iTunes 10 until much later in the evening.

Facebook opens the API up for minor use, but major use of the API (and thus server laod) requires an agreement with FB.  Apple and FB couldn't agree to terms, despite Apple demoing it at their press event.  Each are blaming each other, but until it gets worked out, there is no FB integration in iTunes 10.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 09, 2010, 01:56:14 pm
TSTSNTK:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/technology/personaltech/02pogue.html

http://www.amusingplanet.com/2009/06/russian-bank-hire-strippers-to-attract.html (mildly nsfw)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 09, 2010, 02:17:02 pm
TSTSNTK:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/technology/personaltech/02pogue.html

Too little, too late now.

My Epic has a WiMax/CDMA hotspot in it AND I don't have to sign a yearly contract.  So which makes more sense, $30 a month for unlimited 4G service with my existing device or $40 for unlimited 3G with an add on device that costs $150?

I suppose of you're not a Sprint customer, which David Pogue obviously isn't, you'd be excited about this too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 14, 2010, 02:40:58 pm
Sign me up....

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/09/duo-nice-dell-rm-eng.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on September 14, 2010, 02:53:02 pm
Sign me up....

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/09/duo-nice-dell-rm-eng.jpg)

 . . . for something that looks like it will break very easy.  fail.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 14, 2010, 05:04:14 pm
well it is made by dell...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 14, 2010, 05:51:53 pm
I was more excited about it when I thought it detached.  It does not, which makes is a fairly thick tablet by fall 2010 standards.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2010, 07:19:39 pm
Sorry, I've been distracted today...

Sprint Lights up WiMax in San Francisco (http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/09/21/sprint-lights-up-wimax-in-san-francisco/)

Well that only took 2+ years.  And this one's just for Venerable:

Clearwire's San Francisco WiMAX launch was a bureaucratic nightmare (http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/09/21/clearwires-san-francisco-wimax-launch-was-a-bureaucratic-nightm)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on September 26, 2010, 02:38:31 pm
Smackie, if you've had some problems with some of your Google results, this may very well explain why:

Google's Blacklist of Words (http://www.2600.com/googleblacklist)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 05, 2010, 02:39:24 am
because smackie is a sensitive new-age guy:

Everybody Cries Sometimes
They say that big girls don?t cry, but sometimes even tough, manly men cry. A recent survey reveals the top 10 songs that force guys to reach for the tissues.
http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2010/10/04/742549.aspx
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2010, 01:41:01 pm
because smackie is a sensitive new-age guy:

Everybody Cries Sometimes
They say that big girls don’t cry, but sometimes even tough, manly men cry. A recent survey reveals the top 10 songs that force guys to reach for the tissues.
http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2010/10/04/742549.aspx

Nothing makes me cry like "Bad" live.  Kate Bush's "This Woman's work" is a close second.

And of those songs mentioned only "Halelujah" has made me cry and it certainly wasn't Leonard's version.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2010, 01:42:41 pm
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/10/10x1005oun234aandroid.jpg)

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/10/10x1005oun134aandroid.jpg)

I've seen numbers that actually show this quarter that iOS actually drops to below 25% in market share.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 06, 2010, 04:19:06 am
happy october, smax:

(http://cheezhawtness.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/5b10afcd-2a52-4e6c-b51e-0f57b42e55e1.jpg)

oktoberfest and halloween... truly the best month of the year.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 06, 2010, 06:10:31 pm
happy october, smax:

oktoberfest and halloween... truly the best month of the year.

Thanks!

Not to mention how GREAT the weather has been in SF.  Since the semester started, we've had nearly ten "halter-top days" which is probably just as many as I've experienced in my 7 years on campus combined up until now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 06, 2010, 07:51:25 pm
Slingbox saves the day again....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 08, 2010, 04:52:24 pm
A survey from the Pew Research Centre that tested Americans? knowledge of world religions found that atheists and agnostics were better informed about religious teachings and religious leaders than were Protestants and Catholics. Evangelicals scored better on questions solely related to Christianity and the Bible.

http://pewforum.org/Other-Beliefs-and-Practices/U-S-Religious-Knowledge-Survey.aspx
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on October 08, 2010, 07:31:00 pm
man i had a good time discussing this on facebook with my fellow non-believing catholic school classmates
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on October 10, 2010, 12:56:46 pm
A survey from the Pew Research Centre that tested Americans? knowledge of world religions found that atheists and agnostics were better informed about religious teachings and religious leaders than were Protestants and Catholics. Evangelicals scored better on questions solely related to Christianity and the Bible.

http://pewforum.org/Other-Beliefs-and-Practices/U-S-Religious-Knowledge-Survey.aspx

i 100% agree with this. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on October 11, 2010, 12:49:01 pm
why is it . . . if you're gay at octoberfest, you get

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/09/20/article-1313581-0B33CAC4000005DC-375_306x423.jpg)

but if you're straight, you get

(http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/Oktoberfest%20Boobs%201.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 11, 2010, 01:01:52 pm
i 100% agree with this. . .

Gee, thanks? 

I'm sure the fine folks at Pew are happy to know that you take no issue with their survey or their results...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 11, 2010, 03:59:37 pm
why is it . . .

Serves you right for giving up the breast...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2010, 03:41:11 pm
Hooray!  One of my favorite 90's tech boom companies is back and this time with a useful (and legal) new purpose:

AUDIOGALAXY (http://www.audiogalaxy.com)

The program has reinvented itself and is now a music streaming ? or more accurately, placeshifting ? application with which you can listen to the music stored in your computer at any time, no matter where you are.

Audiogalaxy lets you listen to your own music, stored in your own hard drive, thanks to Audiogalaxy?s mobile apps for iPhone, iPod, iPad and Android-based devices.

Free download (I think Econo was looking for something that did this).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 20, 2010, 12:39:55 am
Social Distortion have officially announced the release of their new album Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes due out January 18, 2011. The guys definitely don?t waste any time getting to business on Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes with the long awaited instrumental intro ?Road Zombie,? which sets the tone for the next fifty-five minutes. Followed by some new sounds with songs like ?California (Hustle And Flow),? which includes backing gospel singers and greasy solos. A quoted nod to the Stones and sure to give you the chills. Rest assured that you?ll find some familiarity with songs you?ve been hearing on the road such as ?Diamond In The Rough? and ?Bakersfield.? Be sure to keep your ears peeled for the band's first single "Machine Gun Blues," a grinding modern day Bonnie & Clyde outlaw style anthem. "Machine Gun Blues" will be available for download via iTunes on November 9.

 Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes Track Listing:

1. Road Zombie
2. California (Hustle And Flow)
3. Gimme The Sweet And Lowdown
4. Diamond In The Rough
5. Machine Gun Blues
6. Bakersfield
7. Far Side Of Nowhere
8. Alone And Forsaken
9. Writing On The Wall
10. Can't Take It With You
11. Still Alive
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 27, 2010, 02:06:47 pm
The world's most expensive domain names:

(http://media.economist.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/original-size/20101030_WOC525.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 27, 2010, 02:15:40 pm
people are still paying for domain names?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 27, 2010, 02:20:37 pm
people are still paying for domain names?

Huge money (they're essentially considered an asset like real estate).  But the underlying story here is that apparently there's big money in porn and investmentment funds, so I think I'm going to start the first investment fund for the Porn Industry.  Brilliant.

"SEX.COM is set to fetch a record $13m for a domain name on Wednesday October 27th when a Californian bankruptcy court meets to decide on the deal. The domain name last changed hands in 2006 for a reported $14m in cash and shares, but it was put up for auction in July after its owner went bust. This 2006 transaction does not appear on our chart, which compares the highest prices paid for domain names in cash only, and those that can be verified. It does not, for instance, include the purchase of Insure.com for $16m in 2009 because the related website was part of the deal. And the priciest domains may never be known. Many big sales are not made public, and these may account for the largest share of the domain-name market."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 29, 2010, 08:14:50 pm
The gadgets are completely out of order in their ranking, but the list of gadgets brings back some memories:

 Time Magazine's all-time top 100 gadgets (http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2023689_2026435_2026434,00.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 08, 2010, 01:53:40 pm
Met a guy on their team last night.  Some pretty smart stuff going here in the browser world:

http://www.rockmelt.com/

Watch the movie for more info....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 09, 2010, 01:59:38 pm
Yves Rossy, out for his usual Sunday stroll (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLdV1obgPj8&feature=player_embedded)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on November 13, 2010, 10:24:57 am
Did you get the download yet?  If so, any thoughts?

I'm just just installing now...

Met a guy on their team last night.  Some pretty smart stuff going here in the browser world:

http://www.rockmelt.com/

Watch the movie for more info....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 13, 2010, 12:03:48 pm
Did you get the download yet?  If so, any thoughts?

I'm just just installing now...


Yes, I used it at work on Wednesday and then went on a roadtrip.  It's on my home laptop now and I'll give it a thorough go today.

It's essentially Chrome, which I like, and a ton of links on each side that do a pretty good job of utilizing wasted space.  I love the twitter link on the right hand side.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on November 13, 2010, 01:24:40 pm
Yeah, definitely.  Gave a little tour today, and it seems pretty solid.  I haven't gone through it too much, or seen a side-by-side with how it displays site, but the social networking tie-ins are pretty cool, and I imagine will only get cooler.  Still, a little odd to me to have the browser so focused on that aspect of things...but then again, who isn't* using sites like Facebook and Twitter fairly regularly (especially with smartphones, tablets, etc.)?

* Yes, I know, I know.  Rhett, walkonby, etc. etc.  I'm talking about regular people :)

Did you get the download yet?  If so, any thoughts?

I'm just just installing now...


Yes, I used it at work on Wednesday and then went on a roadtrip.  It's on my home laptop now and I'll give it a thorough go today.

It's essentially Chrome, which I like, and a ton of links on each side that do a pretty good job of utilizing wasted space.  I love the twitter link on the right hand side.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 13, 2010, 04:08:26 pm
One of the things I REALLY like about it, is that I no longer have to keep two tabs open for FB and Twitter.  With the links on the side, it gives you a very clean view of the Newsfeed and Twitter Feed without all the ads and extra crap from the web sites.

I've added a few of my other favorite sites (that it detected automatically) and I basically have ad-free versions of my most visited sites.   Super slick....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 15, 2010, 02:21:13 pm
A couple of other notes on my new favorite browser....

They keep the right side RSS feeds from web sites across browsers.  For example, I used RM at home over the weekend, added a bunch of feeds, and when I returned to work, the feeds I added over the weekend appeared on my work computer.  A nice feature, but one that I wish I could turn off because I tend to follow different feeds at home and work.  I've suggested that they make that feature optional.

I still have one more invite if anybody wants it, but there's a catch.  You have to be my FB friend for me to send it to you....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 15, 2010, 03:39:31 pm
do they have it for os x
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 15, 2010, 03:41:06 pm
do they have it for os x

Yes.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 15, 2010, 03:52:01 pm
sweet. i'm in
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 17, 2010, 03:12:17 pm
Doesn't do much for me, but I'm sure others will be interested:

The Economist to launch on iPhone and iPad later this week (http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2010/11/launch_our_new_digital_editions&fsrc=nwl)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 17, 2010, 03:13:26 pm
about time
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 17, 2010, 03:21:23 pm
about time

I just hope they do a better job than they did with the Kindle, which I have still held out on due to the increased costs.  The early details say it's free for current print subscribers ($126/yr for new subscribers, though I pay less) and digital subscribers ($110/yr), which is a great start.

The Kindle version ($126/yr) STILL doesn't get you access to the web version or audio version.  Maybe this iApp will fix that...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 17, 2010, 03:26:34 pm
i keep forgetting about the audio version. i've been into podcasts at work so that might be something handy

on the epl talk iphone app you can stream their podcast directly. its a nice little feature
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 17, 2010, 03:31:31 pm
The Economist to launch on iPhone and iPad later this week (http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2010/11/launch_our_new_digital_editions&fsrc=nwl)

impressive.  didn't think they could, but the economist has found a way to make their readers appear even more over-educated, liberal and elitist. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 17, 2010, 04:34:46 pm
by releasing the app, or because they resisted for so long?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 17, 2010, 04:47:04 pm
didn't think they could, but the economist has found a way to make their readers appear even more over-educated, liberal and elitist. 

Over-educated and elitist, I will grant you, but a paper that has over a 150 year history of defending free trade and free markets is hardly liberal.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 17, 2010, 04:50:11 pm
i keep forgetting about the audio version. i've been into podcasts at work so that might be something handy

90% of my Economist "reading" is from the audio version.  I don't use the podcast though as it's one big file - instead I download the mp3 version which is usually 75-95 individual mp3's.  That way I can jump from Kindle to web to car to train to bus and just keep on moving on in the magazine's order.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 17, 2010, 05:38:24 pm
didn't think they could, but the economist has found a way to make their readers appear even more over-educated, liberal and elitist. 

Over-educated and elitist, I will grant you, but a paper that has over a 150 year history of defending free trade and free markets is hardly liberal.

very true. while the economist itself cannot be called liberal, its readers that i've encountered overwealmingly are.  it could be sampling bias (i have more liberal friends/relatives than conservative) but i've observed that the economist is at times a badge of honor for libs - "see, i read a right-of-center publication!"

not that the economist is a hardcore conservative publication.  it defends free markets but it is not against supporting government intervention (re: its recent support of stimulus spending).  definitely some strong keynesian tendencies at times.  and its social positions are quite liberal/leftist.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 17, 2010, 05:52:58 pm
i've observed that the economist is at times a badge of honor for libs - "see, i read a right-of-center publication!"

I think you're confusing The Economist with Drudge....

I do brag about reading a magazine with a lot more (big) words than pictures, but rarely do I take "pride" in it's location on the political spectrum.  I have cited it to conservatives like Venerable when the Economist defends an economic position the left has taken by saying things like "these aren't my people saying this, it's your people" but that's not the same as using it as a badge of honor.

  and its social positions are quite liberal/leftist.

For Americans, which, let's be honest is still quite a conservative country (note intentional use of the small "c").  It's fairly moderate by other non-Asian developed countries.  But yes, their social positions would described as liberal in America.

Why don't you just admit that you're jealous of the rest of us because we read the Economist without lugging around a dictionary to look up all the big words? (how's that for elitist?)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 17, 2010, 05:54:19 pm
didn't think they could, but the economist has found a way to make their readers appear even more over-educated, liberal and elitist. 

Over-educated and elitist, I will grant you, but a paper that has over a 150 year history of defending free trade and free markets is hardly liberal.

technically. . .that is a "liberal" position....

sez wikipedia: Economic liberalism is the economic component of classical liberalism. It is an economic philosophy that supports and promotes laissez-faire economics and private property in the means of production. Proponents of economic liberalism believe political freedom and social freedom are inseparable with economic freedom, and use philosophical arguments promoting liberty to justify economic liberalism and the free market. Although economic liberalism can be supportive of government regulation to a certain degree, it tends to oppose government intervention in the free market that inhibits free trade and competition. Economic liberalism contrasts with mercantilism, the social market model, economic planning, socialism, and fascist third-way economics.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 17, 2010, 06:16:57 pm
technically. . .that is a "liberal" position....

Thanks Adam Wolfe.  But if that were true today, then we wouldn't have to distinguish between the liberalism of yesteryear and the liberalism of today with the word "classical."  Classical liberalism is more easily defined as today's modern Conservatism.

But I suppose of wikipedia says it it has to be true, you know, because the root words are the same regardless of the adjective put before it....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 17, 2010, 06:36:48 pm
technically. . .that is a "liberal" position....

Thanks Adam Wolfe.  But if that were true today, then we wouldn't have to distinguish between the liberalism of yesteryear and the liberalism of today with the word "classical."  Classical liberalism is more easily defined as today's modern Conservatism.

But I suppose of wikipedia says it it has to be true, you know, because the root words are the same regardless of the adjective put before it....

fair enough. . .i'm just pointing out that in economics, "liberal" often refers to opening of markets and breaking down trade barriers.  since we're talking about "the economist" that should be self-evident. 

from a political perspective, i agree....classical liberalism (and economic liberals) are pretty much today's economic conservatives and libertarians....it should be pointed out, that they are also likely to not be politically social conservatives.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 17, 2010, 06:53:20 pm
See now, if you read the Magazine, you'd know that there's 6 sections and only one of which is dedicated to Economics:

Leaders (opinion)
Politics
Business
Finance and Economics
Science and Technology
Books and Arts

I'm fairly certain Sweetcell was referring to liberal on the political scale and not the Economics scale, but if you feel the need to let the board know how "smart" you are, I suggest you start your own thread.  Worked for me!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on November 17, 2010, 07:44:48 pm
if you feel the need to let the board know how "smart" you are, I suggest you start your own thread.  Worked for me!

you already told the board once before:


 
 By the way, I've learned not to argue with Venerable ...   Kid's wicked smart!

ok, i'll admit to selective editing. . .this is the missing ellipses: "about Pet Sounds"

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 17, 2010, 11:15:17 pm
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/opinion/17buffett.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 18, 2010, 09:45:19 am
conservative means you love jesus and america

liberal means you hate apple pie
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on November 18, 2010, 10:47:33 am
what if you love jesus, hate america and apple pie?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on November 18, 2010, 10:49:56 am
not sure where to put this, so here:

this is what happens when hippies try to hard -

http://www.thirdage.com/news/neil-youngs-car-caused-huge-fire-and-1-million-damages_11-17-2010
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 18, 2010, 01:20:09 pm
conservative means you love jesus and america

liberal means you hate apple pie

I thought Liberal meant you knew that Jesus is really just a Spanish boys name...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 18, 2010, 04:31:13 pm

what if you love jesus, hate america and apple pie?
then you are gay

in all seriousness, the marriage of cold blooded capitalism with religion has always struck me as odd. especially guys like this: http://prolifeidaho.com/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 18, 2010, 05:08:23 pm
especially guys like this: http://prolifeidaho.com/

"Roe v. Wade is not law.  Courts do not make law.  Court rulings are called opinions and are only binding on the parties of the court case.  The reason we violate our state and Federal Constitutions,  and allow court decisions to be viewed as law, is because members of Congress and state legislators refuse to even discuss laws regarding volatile issues such as pre-born baby murder, homosexuality, pornography, real money, etc. "

pure awesome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 18, 2010, 05:16:51 pm
i wasted a whole lunch hour on that site last week
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 21, 2010, 03:12:18 pm
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/11/20/nr.bilchik.topless.protests.cnn

check out 0:28 - 0:34.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 22, 2010, 12:54:36 pm
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/11/20/nr.bilchik.topless.protests.cnn

check out 0:28 - 0:34.

What?  No Euro 2012?

Well, I hope there are still a large number of topless protests when I'm over there for Euro 2012.  I also love how they blurred out the rest of the signs - I'm sure they were written in Ukranian and 99% of CNN watchers would have no idea what they said.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 30, 2010, 02:01:01 pm
The vocals alone gave me goosebumps...

DECONSTRUCTING ?GIMME SHELTER?: LISTEN TO THE ISOLATED TRACKS OF THE ROLLING STONES IN THE STUDIO

http://www.dangerousminds.net/comments/deconstructing_gimme_shelter_listen/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 15, 2010, 10:41:35 am
are there any good android tablets out there yet
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2010, 01:30:31 pm
First....

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs433.snc4/47642_478562398471_99917438471_5922961_688868_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2010, 01:32:12 pm
are there any good android tablets out there yet

And secondly, there are a lot, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab is probably the best one out there.  I just don't think now is the time to buy an Android tablet.  In the next 3-4 months I expect bigger screens, cheaper prices and a new version of Android designed for tablets (Honeycomb).   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2010, 01:22:36 pm
First....

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs433.snc4/47642_478562398471_99917438471_5922961_688868_n.jpg)

(http://lefteyeonthemedia.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/taking-a-bow.jpg?w=346)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 16, 2010, 01:37:49 pm
are you gloating that your ducks beat the caps?  who hasn't beat the caps recently?  they've lost 7 in a row!  (but are somehow still in first place in the southeast... great division we got here)

or are you taking credit for the lucky choice of posting a pic of getzlaf?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2010, 01:44:48 pm
are you gloating that your ducks beat the caps?  who hasn't beat the caps recently?  they've lost 7 in a row!  (but are somehow still in first place in the southeast... great division we got here)

or are you taking credit for the lucky choice of posting a pic of getzlaf?

Both.  A road win's a road win, especially when I had a good feeling about it and called it here.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2010, 03:05:09 pm
This should just about end the Kinect vs PS Move vs Wii debate:

Kinect sex is here, game company says (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-20025804-52.html?tag=nl.e703)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 16, 2010, 03:39:53 pm
i've been thinking that boudreau was safe, but man 24/7 makes it sound like he's lost the locker room
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thatguy on December 16, 2010, 03:47:46 pm
that game last night was rough.  i was there.  the vibe at verizon center has been way down lately.

i LOVED 24/7.  i can't wait for more.  i'm going to the winter classic, so it's just building the excitement for me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 16, 2010, 04:07:20 pm
i just hope they show the alumni game on nhl network or something. i'm more excited for that than actual winter classic
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2010, 04:25:17 pm
i just hope they show the alumni game on nhl network or something. i'm more excited for that than actual winter classic

Right now, it's not scheduled to be on the NHL Network or Versus.

But really, shouldn't YOU be there.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 16, 2010, 04:43:12 pm
they're only selling 10k tickets or something to the alumni game for some reason
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on December 16, 2010, 04:50:38 pm
i've been thinking that boudreau was safe, but man 24/7 makes it sound like he's lost the locker room
An interesting read about 24/7 and the spin that editing can put on things...

http://www.japersrink.com/2010/12/16/1879822/context-is-key

But no doubt...the caps are in some serious trouble.  If this continues, and if they get schooled by the pens on new years day, Boudreau could be in trouble. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 16, 2010, 04:59:14 pm
i didnt explain what i was getting at, my bad

bb has always struck me as a guy that lets players off the hook too much. his speeches seemed pretty direct and challenging. yet, still no wins
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on December 16, 2010, 08:25:24 pm
(http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/12/funny-pictures-your-cat-is-drunk-dialing-you.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2010, 08:26:30 pm
godsshoeshine only drunk texts.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 16, 2010, 08:44:08 pm
hell yeah
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 16, 2010, 09:03:00 pm
godsshoeshine only drunk texts.

as opposed to sweetcell, who only hangover texts (re: text from this morning (http://www.930.com/forum/index.php?topic=11999.msg291261#msg291261))
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2010, 09:19:36 pm
as opposed to sweetcell, who only hangover texts

Very true.

The Director is a big time drunk dialer, though he's more a drunk crooner...and highly entertaining.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 17, 2010, 12:51:19 am
SHE WORE LEEEEEMOOOOOOOOOON!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 17, 2010, 01:44:31 am
(http://cheezhawtness.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/wtf-girl-photo-shes-multiplying.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2010, 01:03:22 pm
Happy Christmas to you too, Sweetcell.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 17, 2010, 01:05:08 pm
is she poking herself in her own belly button?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2010, 01:14:56 pm
Smackie spent the weekend in Vegas for a couple 21 year olds birthday parties, and while their sorority sisters are nice, it was the Miss America Pageant that really made my weekend.  Miss Missouri (who couldn't have been sweeter) was robbed.
 
  (http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/images/gallery/candice-crawford.jpg)

Remember that brilliant Vegas trip I told you about (see above).  Guess who the skinnier, younger smarter new Jessica is?

Ladies and Gentleman, Tony Romo's new GF is smackies sloppy seconds.

They're now engaged.  Best play you've made all season, Romo.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 24, 2010, 11:54:53 am
Happy Christmas to you too, Sweetcell.

right back atcha (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tgNubDdnzY) (not entirely safe for work)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 08, 2011, 11:30:50 pm
are there any good android tablets out there yet

And secondly, there are a lot, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab is probably the best one out there.  I just don't think now is the time to buy an Android tablet.  In the next 3-4 months I expect bigger screens, cheaper prices and a new version of Android designed for tablets (Honeycomb).   

As predicted:

http://www.engadget.com/features/tablets-at-ces-2011/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on January 09, 2011, 05:35:19 pm
i am just now finding pandora to be a neat site since i can hook my phone into my car and not worry about the shitty equipment that sirius has been putting out.  are there other cool, good apps for listening to music or perhaps podcasts?  all i see is a whole crapload of things, but not sure which are worth my phone's free space.  i've only found one that has fitzsimmons and carolla podcasts, but not sure if they are actually worth listening to.  and i have a blackberry.  yeah, i know . . . boo.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2011, 05:59:16 pm
i am just now finding pandora to be a neat site since i can hook my phone into my car and not worry about the shitty equipment that sirius has been putting out.  are there other cool, good apps for listening to music or perhaps podcasts?  all i see is a whole crapload of things, but not sure which are worth my phone's free space.  i've only found one that has fitzsimmons and carolla podcasts, but not sure if they are actually worth listening to.  and i have a blackberry.  yeah, i know . . . boo.

Google Listen is the best podcast app I've seen, but I don't know if it's available for BB.  It downloads and/or streams so it's flexible for home/car/public transportation use.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on January 09, 2011, 07:22:58 pm
Live365.com has an app. (That's the service that I use to broadcast Air Atlantic Underground Radio (http://www.live365.com/stations/airatlantic).)

One thing that I think is only fair to mention, some listening devices will only allow the VIP stream (http://www.live365.com/rewards/pm?tag=airatlantic). Once in, there's like 6,000+ stations to choose from. Not all equipment is Live365 compliant so you'd have to check.

There are a number of stations within the Psychedelic genre that I think you personally would enjoy.

You can experiment with a 5 Day free trial period. Also, if you use this special link, you should get a $20 discount at check out if you choose to purchase an annual subscription. PLEASE use this link because it will help me though you will not at all be committed to only Air Atlantic Underground Radio. It's good throughout all of Live365.

VIP free trial and $20 discount link (http://www.live365.com/rewards/pm?tag=airatlantic)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 10, 2011, 01:31:16 pm
Now this is something Smackie will invest in:

http://www.shortlist.com/cool-stuff/article/735/the-amazing-beer-machine

44 pints in a minute.   Genius.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 10, 2011, 01:36:19 pm
you just blew my mind
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on January 10, 2011, 01:50:01 pm
i am just now finding pandora to be a neat site since i can hook my phone into my car and not worry about the shitty equipment that sirius has been putting out.  are there other cool, good apps for listening to music or perhaps podcasts?  all i see is a whole crapload of things, but not sure which are worth my phone's free space.  i've only found one that has fitzsimmons and carolla podcasts, but not sure if they are actually worth listening to.  and i have a blackberry.  yeah, i know . . . boo.
Try slacker Radio.  There's an app for blackberry.  Not quite the wow factor of pandora, basically just genre stations  similar to the types of stations on xm/sirius.  But free (i think, it was installed on my phone when i got it) and streaming...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on January 10, 2011, 02:58:11 pm
i am just now finding pandora to be a neat site since i can hook my phone into my car and not worry about the shitty equipment that sirius has been putting out.  are there other cool, good apps for listening to music or perhaps podcasts?  all i see is a whole crapload of things, but not sure which are worth my phone's free space.  i've only found one that has fitzsimmons and carolla podcasts, but not sure if they are actually worth listening to.  and i have a blackberry.  yeah, i know . . . boo.
Try slacker Radio.  There's an app for blackberry.  Not quite the wow factor of pandora, basically just genre stations  similar to the types of stations on xm/sirius.  But free (i think, it was installed on my phone when i got it) and streaming...

coolio . . .thanks.  somebody else told me that would be my best bet.  is it just me, or is sirius really biting the big one here lately?

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2011, 05:23:37 pm
Stream the new Social D, bitches....

http://www.voxbloc.com/share/social-distortion-album-stream
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 11, 2011, 05:35:07 pm
something to kill the last hour or so of work. thanks man
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on January 12, 2011, 02:34:47 pm
Any predictions Smackie?

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/sprint-promises-industry-first-at-february-7th-event/#disqus_thread
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 12, 2011, 02:46:05 pm
Any predictions Smackie?

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/sprint-promises-industry-first-at-february-7th-event/#disqus_thread

I KNOW!!  I'm so excited....

I'm working on three predictions right now:

(1) First 4G tablet?
(2) First Windows Phone 7 with 4G?
(3) Simply Everything Plan at $69.99 will include unlimited minutes to go with unlimited text and data?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on January 12, 2011, 02:53:50 pm
Any predictions Smackie?

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/sprint-promises-industry-first-at-february-7th-event/#disqus_thread

I KNOW!!  I'm so excited....

I'm working on three predictions right now:

(1) First 4G tablet?
(2) First Windows Phone 7 with 4G?
(3) Simply Everything Plan at $69.99 will include unlimited minutes to go with unlimited text and data?

Hah...love the comment about the epic getting froyo...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 12, 2011, 02:54:01 pm
those are all solid guesses, but none of them strike me as something that would warrant all the hype, the special event, david blaine, etc.  they use the phrase "will show you the impossible is possible", whereas guesses #1 and two are inevitable and #3 ain't all that...

although it would be entertaining if it was something underwhealming.  blaine could pull off some riduculous stunt - holding his breath for 4 hours in a tank full of sharks while defusing a nuclear bomb - and pop out to reveal <cue the trumpets> YES, IT'S TRUE - UNLIMITED MINUTES!!! 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 12, 2011, 02:57:16 pm
Hah...love the comment about the epic getting froyo...

That stung a little, yes.

(I've been running the DK17 kernel of Froyo for some time now and it's very stable.  Not sure what the holdup is unless they're adding Sprint ID or something.)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 12, 2011, 03:06:46 pm
those are all solid guesses, but none of them strike me as something that would warrant all the hype, the special event, david blaine, etc.  they use the phrase "will show you the impossible is possible", whereas guesses #1 and two are inevitable and #3 ain't all that...

The only other thing would be speeding WIMAX up to some crazy ass speed, or running a dual WiMax/LTE network, but that's so techie that I think you need something the people will understand.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on January 12, 2011, 03:07:37 pm
Hah...love the comment about the epic getting froyo...

That stung a little, yes.

(I've been running the DK17 kernel of Froyo for some time now and it's very stable.  Not sure what the holdup is unless they're adding Sprint ID or something.)
I rolled with the evo and then the epic for a few weeks back in the fall.  Nice, but alas, not for me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 12, 2011, 03:17:19 pm
The only other thing would be speeding WIMAX up to some crazy ass speed

i think they could spin that one into making "the impossible possible" - "you thought that internet on your phone could never be be faster than your cable modem???" or some such.

although you'd think it's impossible to keep such a speed jump under wraps.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 12, 2011, 03:27:03 pm
you'd think it's impossible to keep such a speed jump under wraps.
maybe thats why they need david blaine
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on January 12, 2011, 10:58:52 pm
I was going to ask in the iphone thread what sprint might have up their sleeve and now i know what day to wait for  :D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 18, 2011, 03:40:25 pm

I KNOW!!  I'm so excited....

I'm working on three predictions right now:

(1) First 4G tablet?
(2) First Windows Phone 7 with 4G?
(3) Simply Everything Plan at $69.99 will include unlimited minutes to go with unlimited text and data?


The hot rumor over the weekend was that it will be the first 3D screen on a phone, possibly by HTC.

I'm still going with 4G Tablet with dual core processor and Honeycomb, probably by Samsung.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 20, 2011, 03:39:34 pm
hypothetically speaking:

person X and person Y have recently started dating and things are going quite well between them.  late one night, X calls Y and says "help, i'm in a bar and i've had too much to drink.  please come get me."  Y thinks "well this is a little weird and a tad awkward, but i'm not going to abandon my new friend" and hops in the car to go pick up drunk X.  upon entering the bar, X's friends confirm that things have gotten a little sloppy and Y probably should help X get home (X shouldn't and probably couldn't get home on their own).  just as they pull up to X's apartment, X remembers that the friends at the bar took away X's keys to prevent any drunken attempts at driving home.  thus, X is locked out of the apartment and it's too late and too far to go back to the bar.  Y draws the logical conclusion: "uh, i guess this means you wanna crash at my place, huh?" 

best move ever?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on January 20, 2011, 03:50:22 pm
so i was playing with the epic 4g today.  i think i like it over the touch screen whackberry.  anybody else play with it?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 20, 2011, 03:51:08 pm
hypothetically speaking:

person X and person Y have recently started dating and things are going quite well between them.  late one night, X calls Y and says "help, i'm in a bar and i've had too much to drink.  please come get me."  Y thinks "well this is a little weird and a tad awkward, but i'm not going to abandon my new friend" and hops in the car to go pick up drunk X.  upon entering the bar, X's friends confirm that things have gotten a little sloppy and Y probably should help X get home (X shouldn't and probably couldn't get home on their own).  just as they pull up to X's apartment, X remembers that the friends at the bar took away X's keys to prevent any drunken attempts at driving home.  thus, X is locked out of the apartment and it's too late and too far to go back to the bar.  Y draws the logical conclusion: "uh, i guess this means you wanna crash at my place, huh?" 

best move ever?


I will agree that this was an extremely effective move, though X probably shouldn't have waited until she got to her apartment to tell Y that she didn't have her keys.

I'm also going to correct an important fact:  X's friends didn't take away X's keys - X gave them the keys.  To say this was an extremely well thought out plan would be an understatement.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 20, 2011, 03:52:45 pm
so i was playing with the epic 4g today.  i think i like it over the touch screen whackberry.  anybody else play with it?

I own it - best phone I've ever had.  I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 20, 2011, 04:08:54 pm
there you go, ruining my hypotheticals...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 20, 2011, 04:12:24 pm
there you go, ruining my hypotheticals...

Was there anything else discussed last night that I need to be concerned about because it's a bit of a blur to me?

Also, Y would like to point out for the record that "it wasn't a move!!" - you know, hypothetically speaking.  I'm with you on this one - best move ever.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 20, 2011, 04:24:58 pm
just seems needlessly complex
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 20, 2011, 05:00:16 pm
Was there anything else discussed last night that I need to be concerned about because it's a bit of a blur to me?

nah, all good.  but tonight, on the other hand...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 20, 2011, 05:21:36 pm
Was there anything else discussed last night that I need to be concerned about because it's a bit of a blur to me?

nah, all good.  but tonight, on the other hand...

I have visions of The Director popping out of a cake at Centerfolds tonight, just so you know.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 20, 2011, 05:35:49 pm
just seems needlessly complex

Of course it's needlessly complex - she's 25....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on January 20, 2011, 07:03:29 pm
so i was playing with the epic 4g today.  i think i like it over the touch screen whackberry.  anybody else play with it?

I own it - best phone I've ever had.  I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

i have to wait til june until my current contract expires.  but i'm still super excited.  been looking at it online all day.  but i'm sure by june, something else cool will have come out all neato mosquito.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 20, 2011, 08:09:41 pm
i have to wait til june until my current contract expires.  but i'm still super excited.  been looking at it online all day.  but i'm sure by june, something else cool will have come out all neato mosquito.

The Epic will be almost a year old at that point.  I would not be thinking too hard about getting the Epic at that point.   Wait until Sprint makes their announcement next month and the Mobile World Conference where all the cool new shit will be displayed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on January 21, 2011, 04:22:05 pm
Just got an email invitation to test cellphones:

Hallo  ,

testen Sie das iPhone 4G von Apple als Handytester, ohne
das Sie das Gerät bezahlen müssen und behalten es im Anschluß.

[linky]

Neben dem iPhone werden Handy´s der Hersteller Nokia, Motorola
und Samsung als Testobjekte an die Teilnehmer verschickt.

Nehmen Sie jetzt als Handytester teil und bekommen Handy´s und Zubehör
in Form von Studienobjekten, die Sie nicht bezahlen brauchen.

Alle Geräte die getestet werden, sind bereits bezahlt und gehen nach
Studienende in Ihr Eigentum über.

Sie brauchen diese Geräte nicht zurück geben und auch nicht bezahlen!

Jetzt informieren unter:

[linky]

Beste Grüße
Ihr Handytester Team


I think I'll pass.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 22, 2011, 09:55:01 pm
Turns out that starting a dance party during Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" at a gentleman's club is frowned upon by the establishment.  I still think it was the highlight of the night for Lexi and Danica...sure was for me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 23, 2011, 03:52:26 am
<inserts non-incriminating silence>
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 31, 2011, 04:05:12 pm
˙˙˙ʎɐqǝ ɟo ɟɟo pɹɐoqʎǝʞ ɐ ʎnq ɹǝʌǝ ʇuop
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on January 31, 2011, 04:22:46 pm
˙˙˙ʎɐqǝ ɟo ɟɟo pɹɐoqʎǝʞ ɐ ʎnq ɹǝʌǝ ʇuop

Apparently Smackie, you got the Aussie model.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 31, 2011, 05:10:57 pm
Ctrl + Alt + G'day
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 01, 2011, 02:36:12 pm
Clever bastards...

Google, SayNow, and Twitter team up to make Tweeting from Egypt possible via voicemail (http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/google-saynow-and-twitter-team-up-to-make-tweeting-from-egypt/)
By Laura June  posted Feb 1st 2011 6:19AM

Google's announced on its official blog a small project they've quickly cobbled together to help Egyptians (who --in the midst of protests -- are having serious connectivity issues) communicate via Twitter. With almost no connection to the internet through normal channels, Google has made it possible for anyone to send a Tweet simply by dialing one of several international phone numbers (+16504194196, +390662207294 or +97316199855) and leaving a voicemail. What happens next? The service Tweets the message using the hashtag #egypt via the Speak to Tweet account.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 01, 2011, 02:50:38 pm
XS4ALL, a dutch ISP, has set up 42 free dial-up accounts accessible only from egyptian telephone numbers: http://www.xs4all.nl/~scorpio/egypt.txt
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 07, 2011, 03:59:58 pm
Any predictions Smackie?

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/sprint-promises-industry-first-at-february-7th-event/#disqus_thread

This is sure to be one of them:

Kyocera Echo (Dual touch-screen phone) (http://search.sprint.com/inquiraapp/ui.jsp?user.site=Global+Header&question_box=echo)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on February 07, 2011, 09:16:33 pm
Any predictions Smackie?

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/sprint-promises-industry-first-at-february-7th-event/#disqus_thread

This is sure to be one of them:

Kyocera Echo (Dual touch-screen phone) (http://search.sprint.com/inquiraapp/ui.jsp?user.site=Global+Header&question_box=echo)

Interesting...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 08, 2011, 12:54:20 pm
Interesting...

I'm concerned about the developers taking advantage of the special screen.  Obviously Kyocera is going to hand some cash over to the big folks to develop their apps specific to the dual screen, but I have tough time seeing the regular developer writing an app for 99% of the phones and then spending the time to make their app take advantage of the extra screen.

Some cool possibilities though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 08, 2011, 01:10:15 pm
This is a really dumb idea:

Last.fm radio app goes premium on home and mobile devices (http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/last-fm-radio-app-goes-premium-on-home-and-mobile-devices-web/)

$3 a month.  No thanks.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on February 08, 2011, 01:14:08 pm
This is a really dumb idea:

Last.fm radio app goes premium on home and mobile devices (http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/last-fm-radio-app-goes-premium-on-home-and-mobile-devices-web/)

$3 a month.  No thanks.

No "prestigious black icon" for you, then.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 08, 2011, 01:16:07 pm
No "prestigious black icon" for you, then.

Haha,  Nice.  For those that don't know what is being referenced:

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/02/11x0208b72lastfm.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 08, 2011, 01:28:05 pm
"A prestigious black icon"

 :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

WOW!!! That alone is worth the membership!!!

Wonder if it sounds any better than their super thin MP3 files? Their downloads sound horrible. Not sure what they do but they always have much less gain than most other MP3s from other sites. It's something more than just the bit rate that makes them sound so low but I don't know quite what it is. Have even seen bands bitch about that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 08, 2011, 02:10:00 pm
eh, $3/month is a very fair price.  lest we forget, music isn't free.  providing the last.fm service isn't free either (hell, just think of how much they spent on R&D for that prestigeous black icon!!! ;))  seriously tho, how is this a dumb idea?

wired had a great article (http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/11/st_essay_nofreebird/) about how the consumer had won the digital download wars with the labels.  music is now DRM-free, available in high quality encodings, catalogs are largely available, etc.  the article concluded that if you're still illegally downloading music, maybe you're just a tightwad who doesn't want to pay for music at all.  upside: we should get used to paying for music again... i'm still working on that myself.
 
jag - if the MP3 from last.fm are quieter that from other sources, it's simply the (volume) level at which they are recorded/encoded.  making the levels low limits their use in other commercial purposes.  you wouldn't want to make a CD from the mp3s, etc.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on February 08, 2011, 02:13:31 pm
Bummer...I thought he meant The Director.

No "prestigious black icon" for you, then.

Haha,  Nice.  For those that don't know what is being referenced:

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/02/11x0208b72lastfm.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 08, 2011, 02:31:01 pm
Bummer...I thought he meant The Director.

No "prestigious black icon" for you, then.

i lol'ed.  nice one.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 08, 2011, 02:32:05 pm
eh, $3/month is a very fair price.  lest we forget, music isn't free.  providing the last.fm service isn't free either (hell, just think of how much they spent on R&D for that prestigeous black icon!!! ;))  seriously tho, how is this a dumb idea?

In today's marketplace, how do you not give the users the option of (1) free with ads or (2) paid subscription with no ads?

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 08, 2011, 02:35:03 pm
Bummer...I thought he meant The Director.

No "prestigious black icon" for you, then.

i lol'ed.  nice one.

Yes, nearly got me in trouble in my meeting.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 08, 2011, 02:41:54 pm
eh, $3/month is a very fair price.  lest we forget, music isn't free.  providing the last.fm service isn't free either (hell, just think of how much they spent on R&D for that prestigeous black icon!!! ;))  seriously tho, how is this a dumb idea?

In today's marketplace, how do you not give the users the option of (1) free with ads or (2) paid subscription with no ads?


i'm guessing that some marketing types crunched the numbers and decided there wasn't any/enough money in free-with-ads on mobile and home systems.  or maybe they think mobile and home users are most willing to pay for a subscription, so let's not offer them an option.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 08, 2011, 03:07:25 pm
i'm guessing that some marketing types crunched the numbers and decided there wasn't any/enough money in free-with-ads on mobile and home systems.  or maybe they think mobile and home users are most willing to pay for a subscription, so let's not offer them an option.

And I'm telling you that the Marketing types are wrong.  That's why it's a dumb idea.

With everything moving to the cloud, what is the added value of Last.fm any longer?  The only chance they have to is to keep creatures of habit, which you won't do by moving a free service to a paid-only service.

You don't need a marketing degree to figure that out - just common sense. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 08, 2011, 03:11:56 pm
I said their downloads sound lower; hence, worse; than most other give-away MP3s elsewhere. Almost all in other places are designed to be not quite as good as a purchased product but Last.Fm's are so low that they need adjusted with some sort of software just to play them on your own MP3 player along with other freebie files with the same bit rate or you end up dealing with big differences between songs. Besides, it's up to the bands whether or not they want to give them away for free and the bands don't have any control on the excessive loss via Last.fm. Guess that's why so many are now resorting to other services for distributing free downloads.

Don't get me wrong, Last.fm is providing a decent service (not one I'm 'buying' though) but there's plenty of other options out there that offer the same or similar services and many that give away better sounding MP3s. It's definitely not one of their strong points. Their strong point is showing off to the world what you are listening to and offering a pick and play service much like Pandora, something the RIAA and others tried to stop several years ago. In fact, those type of organizations are probably where most of their profits are going.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 08, 2011, 03:13:41 pm
You don't need a marketing degree to figure that out - just common sense. 

Especially in today's crappy economy!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 08, 2011, 03:27:01 pm
With everything moving to the cloud, what is the added value of Last.fm any longer? 

you don't see the value in last.fm?  a lot of people either lack the knowledge, or the will, to hunt down new music.  it has social networking and music suggestions that users won't get is they go it alone in the cloud.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 08, 2011, 07:16:56 pm
With everything moving to the cloud, what is the added value of Last.fm any longer? 

you don't see the value in last.fm? 

I said "added value" and I was referring to the last.fm player.  And no, I don't see the added value of paying $3 a month for last.fm with my entire collection available to me via audiogalaxy, though I do pay the $36 a year for Pandora because I higher bit rate AND no commercials (far be it for me to point out that they also have a free option).  Now that's added value.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 08, 2011, 09:27:42 pm
^ Oh Smackie, never underestimate the "added value" of "a prestigious black icon"!!!

 :D :D :D :D :D :D :D


You know they aren't offering much else if they have to include such inane filler as a selling point.

Cue some wise-ass (I'm looking at you, NKOTB) with a well placed zinger.  ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 08, 2011, 10:02:04 pm
Now this is "added value".

(http://www.esaba.com/cats/catimagessimple35/592849.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 08, 2011, 10:09:22 pm
though I do pay the $36 a year for Pandora because I higher bit rate AND no commercials

which works out to $3/month... ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on February 08, 2011, 10:50:39 pm
i come in here every once in a while, to be entertained.  and i am.  the picture from jaguar was a nice, endearing touch of funny. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on February 08, 2011, 11:12:28 pm
kinda bummed on the specs for the Echo phone, no 4G and non dual core processor, the dual screen features look great, but it appears they shorted themselves a bit... Kosmette thought the same as well.

and at&t sticks us on the antrix because it's their exclusive...  bah humbug to two year contracts and exclusive phones :p
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 09, 2011, 02:06:00 pm
and at&t sticks us on the antrix because it's their exclusive...  bah humbug to two year contracts and exclusive phones :p

I understand that at&t's exclusive on the Atrix is not eternal like the iPhone.  I'm hearing 3-6 months, however, I expect Verizon to be the other carrier with the Atrix (if that helps your decision making).

I agree - stay away from the Echo.  Too much hype, not enough meat.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 09, 2011, 02:12:11 pm
which works out to $3/month... ;)

I get that, which is why I used it as my example.  I also noted that there was value add (higher bit rate AND no commercials, but if I didn't want that, Pandora offers a free solution). 

Again, I don't see the value add in taking something I could already do for free (albeit ad supported) and closing it down to $3 a month with no other added advantage, other than commercial free.  I'm on record as saying this is a bad idea for last.fm and I stand by it.  They will change this policy in 3 months...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 09, 2011, 02:32:03 pm
No comment on Li-Lo's pending felony charges?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 09, 2011, 03:14:08 pm
No comment on Li-Lo's pending felony charges?

Innocent!  Clearly a misunderstanding and I have offered my (legal) services pro-bono.

I'm more concerned about the $40K tanning bill she hasn't paid.  Lindsay, you're out of work and live in LA - just go lay out all day!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on February 09, 2011, 03:54:26 pm
LiLo is last hours news, Ashley Simpson is on the market
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 10, 2011, 08:39:18 am
The music dies for once popular 'Guitar Hero' video game
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/09/guitar.hero.gone/index.html

you still have rock band... for now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 10, 2011, 10:40:08 am
I'll still never understand why if someone is going to spend that much time and energy into something like these things, they just don't bother with learning to play a real guitar, drums, etc..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on February 10, 2011, 11:05:18 am
No comment on Li-Lo's pending felony charges?

Innocent!  Clearly a misunderstanding and I have offered my (legal) services pro-bono.

I'm more concerned about the $40K tanning bill she hasn't paid.  Lindsay, you're out of work and live in LA - just go lay out all day!

I would lay her all day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 10, 2011, 12:08:42 pm
^ She's awfully pale for a $40K tanning bill!

Maybe she has a standing appointment that she never shows up for. The kind that bills you whether or not you actually show up.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 10, 2011, 01:38:08 pm
The music dies for once popular 'Guitar Hero' video game
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/09/guitar.hero.gone/index.html

you still have rock band... for now.

Rock band with the real guitar is going to occupy my spring.

I never really liked Guitar Hero anyway, except for the Van Halen version.  That was awesome.

And Jag, suck on this. (http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/rock-band-3-squier-stratocaster-plays-both-real-and-virtual-guit/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 10, 2011, 01:55:36 pm
^ I'd still rather stick with a guitar without the gaming. Besides, Squiers suck. A few stops up from Playskool. At least go with a basic Strat which can be found rather cheaply and you get a really good basic guitar to work with.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 10, 2011, 02:07:29 pm
^ I'd still rather stick with a guitar without the gaming. Besides, Squiers suck. A few stops up from Playskool. At least go with a basic Strat which can be found rather cheaply and you get a really good basic guitar to work with.

You're missing the point Jag.  I wish my Strat would work, but it doesn't (yet). That's just a matter of time.

The point is the game developers are moving in the direction of providing beginners with the opportunity to learn to play a real instrument with the backing of a band behind them - I would have killed to have that when I was learning to play instead of playing in my room by myself all day. 

This will be killer....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 10, 2011, 02:15:45 pm
^ Nah, I do get your point. In theory, I actually agree with you. It's just that I've often heard that the timing is off which can actually be confusing to some beginners trying to make the transition. Maybe they've improved that. I don't know.

Besides, there's so many other ways, especially with all of today's technologies and networking offerings, that I just think it's more of a hinderance than an enhancement. Then again, if it gets one practicing compared to traditional methods, than c'est la vie.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 11, 2011, 09:02:39 am
hey smackie,

what are your thoughts on the nfl lockout? specifically do you think will the lockout ruin a potential vegas trip in late october/early november for a guy that doesnt really like table games?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on February 11, 2011, 09:05:50 am
Are you worried all the players will be there, wrecking your chances with the ladies?

hey smackie,

what are your thoughts on the nfl lockout? specifically do you think will the lockout ruin a potential vegas trip in late october/early november for a guy that doesnt really like table games?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 11, 2011, 09:46:54 am
what? i'm a married man

i'm worried about having to pay for drinks rather than get the sports book to comp me
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2011, 01:33:20 pm
what are your thoughts on the nfl lockout? specifically do you think will the lockout ruin a potential vegas trip in late october/early november for a guy that doesnt really like table games?

I hate both sides on this.  The owners suck and the players got too nice of a deal last time and they know it.  The owners never should have signed it and the players can't be surprised that the owners have opted out.

That being said, I think we're absolutely looking at some form of stoppage.  I'm not saying that it will go into September, but I doubt it's done by the draft.

So how does this affect your Vegas trip - well, you don't have to book it for some time and you'll know long before then what to expect.  Here's what I would do if there is a stoppage:  Fly home earlier on Sunday.  You can sit in the book all day Saturday and watch College Football and then Sat night there will very likely be a World Series game that you can watch.  When that's over go to Spearmint Rhino or something and you'll avoid the tables.  But instead of taking the Red Eye flight back to Dulles Sunday night, if there's no NFL, just fly back earlier. The last option of course is to place a bet on the NASCAR race on Sunday (you can bet NASCAR will move every race to Sunday if there's a stoppage) and pretend like you're really into it.  Or bet on the PGA event - another good Sunday time waster in the book.  If you're late enough that it's early November, perhaps both the NHL and NBA will be going too...

Plenty of options for you if there's a stoppage and you're in Vegas next fall. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on February 11, 2011, 02:00:54 pm
No such thing as monogamy on a Vansmack blog.

what? i'm a married man

i'm worried about having to pay for drinks rather than get the sports book to comp me
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 11, 2011, 02:06:49 pm
didnt need to know youre a swinger, james

yeah, nhl starts first week of october most years, so we'll have that. i think the nba has a really good chance to have next season wiped out though

if i was nbc i'd have nhl games every saturday and sunday too. maybe a double header
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2011, 02:09:13 pm
didnt need to know youre a swinger, james

I did.  Say hi to Celeste for me...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 11, 2011, 02:32:10 pm
No such thing as monogamy on a Vansmack blog.

smackie might come across as a playah, but underneath it all he's a very loyal and pro-mono kind of guy.  srsly.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on February 11, 2011, 03:16:25 pm
My life aint a Vansmack blog or a Vegas trip.

didnt need to know youre a swinger, james

yeah, nhl starts first week of october most years, so we'll have that. i think the nba has a really good chance to have next season wiped out though

if i was nbc i'd have nhl games every saturday and sunday too. maybe a double header
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 11, 2011, 03:32:14 pm
neither is mine
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2011, 03:32:59 pm
Mine totally is....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2011, 03:36:58 pm
smackie might come across as a playah, but underneath it all he's a very loyal and pro-mono kind of guy.  srsly.

This was true when I was married or in a relationship.  Right now I'd hide your daughters...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on February 11, 2011, 04:14:33 pm
smackie might come across as a playah, but underneath it all he's a very loyal and pro-mono kind of guy.  srsly.

This was true when I was married or in a relationship.  Right now I'd hide your daughters...

....wait....no more smackette???

Holy shit! Why didn't someone tell me.....my missus is out and about on her own as I type.. gotta go!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 11, 2011, 04:21:43 pm
Once you announced you were swapping DirecTV for a chihuahua, it was clear the marriage was on its last legs.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2011, 04:23:49 pm
Once you announced you were swapping DirecTV for a chihuahua, it was clear the marriage was on its last legs.

Brilliant insight.  It's clear that I did all I could....

And for the record, I got the dog.  Non-negotiable.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 11, 2011, 04:29:08 pm
Wow, Smackie. I keep hoping that this was just some sort of wise crack. You know, like a Smackism.

If it's true, I'm so sorry and hope that the best happens for both of you. Hopefully, you'll only look back on it as one of the positive parts of your life instead of one filled with hate, hurt and regret.

Watch out world!!! Smackie is on the loose again!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on February 11, 2011, 04:35:47 pm
You did better than me mate. My ex-bitch got the kid (inc. ungodly amounts of child support), the house, better car, all the furniture plus MY dog. My dog that she gave away two months later.

Ah, divorce in the peoples republic of Maryland!

If I had a va-j-j I'd make a career of divorce in MD.

Sorry about your split though mate, it's never easy. When did this happen?

OY! Just got a txt from my missus, she says to call her!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2011, 04:58:32 pm
Thank you for the support but it's unnecessary.  I'm doing just fine, I'm just MUCH LESS wealthy.  The joys of a community property state...

I only posted about it because I was starting to joke about my exploits and I didn't want to make it look like I was being disrespectful, which sweetcell so correctly noted as not being my style.  Of course, he's only saying that with the hope that his wife is not in my sights...

 

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 11, 2011, 05:18:33 pm
^ Bet that feels a tiny bit like coming out of the closet. Not as much or as dramatic, of course, but you've now got the freedom of talking as you'd like without having to watch what you say.

I, for one, have no doubt that you will somehow come through this with flying colors.

You don't have to answer this if you'd prefer not but was this the real reason for your move awhile ago? 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on February 11, 2011, 05:45:32 pm
wait....so smackie came out of the closet and smackette left him?

I'm so confused .....  ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on February 11, 2011, 05:47:22 pm
wait - does this mean joseph finally has someone to go to shows with? :) -- i mean he realized at some point i couldnt possibly make it to SF for all those shows, nor could he make it to NYC.

then again - maybe his wife keeps him on a tight leash. (youd prob know better than me tho).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2011, 05:58:22 pm
You don't have to answer this if you'd prefer not but was this the real reason for your move awhile ago? 

The move last March was an attempt to salvage things.  Change of scenery, get a dog, new furniture, etc.  Rarely works and didn't on this occasion either, but I had to try.

I LOVE my new neighborhood, dog and furniture though!  Just wish I had DirecTV!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 11, 2011, 06:08:06 pm
Well, at least you tried. That's more than I've seen some people do. Also, it appears that a lot of good things come from that relationship that may not have happened otherwise, so you really are on the winning end. And I don't mean 'winning' being between you and her but just within the grand scheme of your life.

I want to see a picture of your chihuahua.  ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 11, 2011, 06:09:08 pm
i must admit that he's a very handsome chihuahua. 

and he knows it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2011, 06:13:41 pm
I want to see a picture of your chihuahua.  ;D

The chick magnet?

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5437329198_807b9c237a.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 11, 2011, 06:16:02 pm
Ah, poco Smackito.  ;D

Definitely a chick magnet!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 11, 2011, 07:22:16 pm
If vansmack offers to show you his "long haired dachsund" you should politely decline.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on February 11, 2011, 07:23:51 pm
^ So you've seen it, GGW?  :D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2011, 06:30:31 pm
I'll be recording this - I'm very interested to see how the super computer fares:

Humans had a good run: Watson to Debut on Jeopardy tonight (http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/humans-had-a-good-run-watson-to-debut-on-jeopardy-tonight/)

Today, tomorrow, and the 16th are the fateful days: IBM's Watson supercomputer will go head to head with Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings in this silly, human-devised game we call Jeopardy. It promises to be some kickass TV, at the very least, and a historic event if Watson can prevail over his fleshy competition. The two matches, which are being spread over the three days, were pre-taped, so Ken, Brad, Alex and Watson already know the outcome, but they've done a pretty good job of keeping the secret so far. Hopefully they can keep mum until 7pm-ish this evening (check your local listings for a specific time).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on February 15, 2011, 06:16:22 pm
Ah, poco Smackito.  ;D

Definitely a chick magnet!

A bloke and a cheewowa seems more of a guy magnet.......just say'n!

"Drop the chalupa!" - sorry, couldn't help myself!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2011, 07:14:02 pm
First off, his name is Chicharito, and by all first hand accounts he's much gayer than I am.

Second, he has landed me more dates with chicks than dudes.  So far.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 15, 2011, 07:18:41 pm
Second, he has landed me more dates with chicks than dudes.  So far.

right, but had you given me a chance the score would be 1-1.  bitch.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2011, 07:26:26 pm
right, but had you given me a chance the score would be 1-1.  bitch.

Lol.

Psst - [whisper]Danica.[/whisper]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 16, 2011, 02:52:33 pm
I couldn't be a bigger dork that I've watched this 5 times this morning and can't stop watching it.  Man I would love to do Zelda all over again....

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/02/15/john-hughes-legend-of-zelda-trailer-video/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 17, 2011, 01:21:16 pm
I'm sure few of you stayed up last night to watch the Caps-Ducks game, but it was pretty damn entertaining.

Jonas Hiller, you can return to the lineup any day now...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on February 17, 2011, 01:43:21 pm
it was pretty damn entertaining.

indeed
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on February 17, 2011, 01:58:22 pm
I'll be recording this - I'm very interested to see how the super computer fares:

Humans had a good run: Watson to Debut on Jeopardy tonight (http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/humans-had-a-good-run-watson-to-debut-on-jeopardy-tonight/)

Today, tomorrow, and the 16th are the fateful days: IBM's Watson supercomputer will go head to head with Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings in this silly, human-devised game we call Jeopardy. It promises to be some kickass TV, at the very least, and a historic event if Watson can prevail over his fleshy competition. The two matches, which are being spread over the three days, were pre-taped, so Ken, Brad, Alex and Watson already know the outcome, but they've done a pretty good job of keeping the secret so far. Hopefully they can keep mum until 7pm-ish this evening (check your local listings for a specific time).

I eagerly watched both nights and was severly disappointed because:

1.  The first two nights were basically infomercials for IBM and how wonderful they are.
2.  John Connor didn't time warp and make a run at Watson with a baseball bat yelling "I must destroy SKYNET!"
3.  Watson didn't start playing Tic-Tac-Toe with itself.

I think Rutter (South Central PA!  REPRESENT!) and Jennings would have gotten a lot closer but a lot of success at Jeopardy is your buzzing in skills.  Once Jennings figured that out he came close to beating Watson the second game.
One of the bottlenecks is voice recognition.  And I think Watson had a distinct advantage in that respect.  It takes humans a second or two to comprehend, like: A post by Walkie....oh....it's homosexual innuendo...and/or a Cat picture...   Watson was parsing the question and had thousands of possibilities before the two humans understood the question.

In terms of answers, two things I thought were funny:

1.  The show displays what Watson thinks are the best three answers. For the Beatles category answer: "Bang bang" his "silver hammer came down upon her head", Watson correctly answered "Maxwell's Silver Hammer".

However, Watson's second best answer?

"Frank Sinatra"

2.  Anyone could write a program that would instruct the computer, if the question category was "U.S. Cities", to NOT guess a city that wasn't in the United States.

But seriously, a 15 year-old texting on a Droid to Wikipedia could have probably beaten all three. 

And in terms of the human race...well...this could be it, for us monkeys.  Game over!  Smoke 'em if you got 'em, turn on the black light and "Dark Side of the Moon" and wait patiently for singularity.

However, a computer will NEVER be able to cleverly make a funny "Simpsons" reference in a "Final Jeopardy" answer.

NEVER!

Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 17, 2011, 02:09:44 pm
3.  Watson didn't start playing Tic-Tac-Toe with itself.

If the programmers had any sense of humor, just one answer when it was clear Watson was dominating should have been "How about a nice game of chess?" and then just start laughing...

I agree - the clear advantage watson had was it's "reflex ability" programming which allowed it to ring in substantially more often than a human could.  That was clear from the first day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on February 17, 2011, 03:28:34 pm


http://www.slate.com/id/2284721/ (http://www.slate.com/id/2284721/)

Ken Jennings clearly has a GREAT sense of humor:

"I understood then why the engineers wanted to beat me so badly: To them, I wasn't the good guy, playing for the human race. That was Watson's role, as a symbol and product of human innovation and ingenuity. So my defeat at the hands of a machine has a happy ending, after all. At least until the whole system becomes sentient and figures out the nuclear launch codes. But I figure that's years away."

Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 17, 2011, 03:45:51 pm
That's fantastic.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on February 17, 2011, 03:50:52 pm
this is from a friend of mine who was on jeopardy and played against Ken. Im rather curious tho how it worked out (if things were the same) with Watson playing.

The comment is in regards to how he did against Ken (the not so well).....

Not so well - I think most people who go on the show know the answers to most of the questions but the real key is perfecting the timing on buzzing in. What you can't see on TV is that there is a light around the outside of the board. If you try and buzz in before the light goes out you are locked out for half a second or so - so you have to try and anticipate when the light is going to go out if you want to buzz in first - I guess I didn't play enough video games to have the correct hand-eye coordination!

3.  Watson didn't start playing Tic-Tac-Toe with itself.

If the programmers had any sense of humor, just one answer when it was clear Watson was dominating should have been "How about a nice game of chess?" and then just start laughing...

I agree - the clear advantage watson had was it's "reflex ability" programming which allowed it to ring in substantially more often than a human could.  That was clear from the first day.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: thatguy on February 17, 2011, 04:52:09 pm
I'm sure few of you stayed up last night to watch the Caps-Ducks game, but it was pretty damn entertaining.

Jonas Hiller, you can return to the lineup any day now...

i was checking my phone every chance i had last night.  couldn't wait to get home to watch it.  haven't seen such an up and down game in a while.  a killer for the goalies, though. 

laughlin made a comment about hiller and green sharing a cab to the doctor's office.  hopefully they'll both be back to 100% soon.

i want to think that this was the spark that the caps need to finish the season strong, but i'm not sure yet.   sasha's hat trick should help him get his confidence back, though. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 17, 2011, 05:09:42 pm
of course center ice gives the free preview that covers only one pens game, and that game is 9 oclock start. although the way the season's gone i'm kind of glad i didnt spring for center ice
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 18, 2011, 05:00:11 pm
Just offered up my first class seat on a Virgin America flight to Vegas to a bachleorette on her way to her party.  People looked at me like I was crazy...

Now I'm sitting with all her friends who are buying me drinks, eliminated at least one of the married ones, and I look like the nicest guy ever.

Smackie hasn't lost it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 18, 2011, 05:16:22 pm
that's pretty frikken epic.  great move.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 24, 2011, 10:37:50 pm
Tiptoes

Don't miss the Trailer (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/aa3a85442a/tiptoes).

I've already purchased 5 copies of "TipToes" and sent them to unsuspecting friends.   Copies are .99 cents used at Amazon.

I hope to make this the Rick Roll of 2009.

this is absolute GOLD, people.  i'm soooooooo topping up any amazon orders i make for the next while with this nugget - especially useful if you're just a few dollars short of free shipping.

i seriously doubt i'll ever be able to sit through the whole thing, tho.

Anybody, see Tosh this week?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 25, 2011, 01:49:22 pm
http://isitsnowinginsanfrancisco.com/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 25, 2011, 03:36:51 pm
http://isitsnowinginsanfrancisco.com/


Snowmageddon 2011.  God I hope it snows tonight!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 01, 2011, 01:37:27 pm
You can stream the new Rival Schools here:

http://www.spinner.com/new-releases#/2
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 01, 2011, 02:00:45 pm
3D will now make it in the mainstream.  I'll admit, I was skeptical at first, but it's going to turn the corner soon.

Penthouse 3D channel to fill European screens with three-dimensional smut, starting today (http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/penthouse-3d-channel-to-fill-european-screens-with-three-dimensi/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on March 01, 2011, 04:26:05 pm
i just watched the new lady gaga video for born this way.  it was good.  i like that zombie boy was in it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: bearman🐻 on March 02, 2011, 02:51:57 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRSNy5Gjgzk
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on March 02, 2011, 02:53:06 pm
happy birthday sir smack.  :D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 02, 2011, 06:40:52 pm
Awww, you remembered.  Thank you both.

And well played, bearman, well played.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 03, 2011, 01:42:36 am
for some, today will be remembered as smackie's b-day.  but for those not in the know, it will go down as the day the iPad2 was revealed, or more ominously:

Is Google's Android Market dangerous?
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/03/02/google.android.hack/index.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on March 20, 2011, 02:52:33 pm
In The Race For More Spectrum, AT&T Is Acquiring T-Mobile For $39 Billion
 (http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/20/in-the-race-for-more-spectrum-att-is-acquiring-t-mobile-for-39-billion/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 20, 2011, 02:57:18 pm
In The Race For More Spectrum, AT&T Is Acquiring T-Mobile For $39 Billion
 (http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/20/in-the-race-for-more-spectrum-att-is-acquiring-t-mobile-for-39-billion/)

I really thought Sprint was going to do this in an effort to ditch CDMA and be a world player.  This is a huge move by at&t and gives them full reign of the gsm spectrum in America.  Maybe their network won't suck in the future....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 22, 2011, 12:42:39 pm
are there any good android tablets out there yet

There.  Now it's on....

Samsung 8.9 inch and 10.1 inch tablets available June 8, cheaper, thinner, and more powerful than the iPad 2.

Specs (http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/samsung-galaxy-tab-8-9-and-new-galaxy-tab-10-1-thinner-than-the/)

Pricing (http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/samsung-galaxy-tab-8-9-and-10-1-get-some-competitive-price-tags/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 22, 2011, 01:32:21 pm
that's about the same price. and 3 more months away
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 22, 2011, 02:01:07 pm
that's about the same price. and 3 more months away

Wow - tough crowd. 

Considering it has a micro SD card slot allowing you to double/triple the storage at the market price of flash memory, I'd argue it's not "about the same price."  Sure, base model, albeit with a slightly larger 10.1 inch screen, is the same, but given it's ability to expand storage space at your whim, I think a Samsung tablet with a combination internal/external memory setup would be significantly less than a 64GB iPad2. 

And yes, it doesn't come out until June.  Have you tried to walk into a store and pick up a 16GB iPad2 lately?  6 week wait at a minimum is what I'm hearing...

I expect by the holiday season the Android tablets by Motorola, Toshiba, Acer, Asus and Samusng among others will be in a very nice price war.  I don't think I will holdout that long however...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 22, 2011, 02:18:28 pm
the micro slot is a selling point, sure. but that wasnt one of the advantages in your original post

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on March 22, 2011, 02:20:08 pm
Gotta give props to Amazon for opening their  app store which  of course wont work  with AT&T and then give give away angry birds.  They basically  flipped the bird at at&t and apple
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 22, 2011, 02:28:48 pm
Gotta give props to Amazon for opening their  app store which  of course wont work  with AT&T and then give give away angry birds.  They basically  flipped the bird at at&t and apple

There was no reason for Amazon to wait around for at&t to open up their Android phones to sideloading - the process Amazon uses to install apps from their app store.  I don't know the exact percentage, but I'm guessing at&t is still the last of the big 4 in terms of total Android phone's sold.  (1) Verizon (2) Sprint (3) T-Mobile (4) at&t would be my guess, though with the Nexus series I may have grossly underestimated t-mo's market penetration.

As for the amazon app store - I'm not sold on the concept yet.  I think it confuses the marketplace a bit.  But time will tell....

Sidenote: for those at&t customers that want the new Angry Birds, I would check the Android market place for "Sideload Wonder Machine"....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 24, 2011, 04:10:00 pm
I don't know the exact percentage, but I'm guessing at&t is still the last of the big 4 in terms of total Android phone's sold.  (1) Verizon (2) Sprint (3) T-Mobile (4) at&t would be my guess,

I love it when somebody else does my research and in such a timely fashion:

Verizon, Sprint Rule Android Market Share Among US Carriers. AT&T? Downright Embarassing (http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/03/24/verizon-sprint-rule-android-market-share-among-us-carriers-att-downright-embarassing/)

"Verizon accounts for a whopping 51.4% of the market. Sprint comes in at second with 25.3%, while T-Mobile pulls up third with 16.8%. Meanwhile, AT&T checks in with a measly 3.6%"

(http://cdn.androidpolice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Chitika_AndroidMarketShare_thumb1.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 24, 2011, 04:13:54 pm
sounds like the merger is a good move for at&t then?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 24, 2011, 04:20:22 pm
sounds like the merger is a good move for at&t then?

Haha.

I'm sure the move had nothing to do with expanding at&t's market share of Android phones and everything to do with expanding (or dominating) GSM and LTE spectrum.

Given t-mo's open handset policy and at&t's closed handset policy, I'm sure there are quite a few Android users who will jump ship to CDMA if at&t doesn't lighten up. 

What I really wonder is what will Google Corporate do?  They need to be on GSM given their international reach and LOATHE working with at&t...maybe that's why Sprint is getting the Nexus series?  Put the non travelers on Sprint and everyone else on at&t? Or maybe they oppose the merger?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 24, 2011, 08:05:51 pm
It's Britney Bitch.

http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds#/1
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 25, 2011, 01:27:09 am
this is going to be a grueling, bitter year+ battle at the FCC with AT&T, t-mobile and sprint all fighting for survival ... the FCC ex parte rules encourage total free-for-alls with each side clawing to make their case heard, and this is going to be a really ugly one

maybe cupcakes help?

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/12/16/att-to-fcc-let-them-eat-cupcakes/



sounds like the merger is a good move for at&t then?

Haha.

I'm sure the move had nothing to do with expanding at&t's market share of Android phones and everything to do with expanding (or dominating) GSM and LTE spectrum.

Given t-mo's open handset policy and at&t's closed handset policy, I'm sure there are quite a few Android users who will jump ship to CDMA if at&t doesn't lighten up. 

What I really wonder is what will Google Corporate do?  They need to be on GSM given their international reach and LOATHE working with at&t...maybe that's why Sprint is getting the Nexus series?  Put the non travelers on Sprint and everyone else on at&t? Or maybe they oppose the merger?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 25, 2011, 12:26:31 pm
It's Britney Bitch.

http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds#/1

This is SOOOO good....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 25, 2011, 01:07:28 pm
the cupcakes?

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 28, 2011, 02:36:42 pm
the cupcakes?



http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/business/27phone.html?_r=2&sq=georgetown%20cupcake&st=Search&scp=1&pagewanted=all

do NYT reporters read this forum for story ideas?  discuss.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 28, 2011, 03:21:02 pm
i was talking about brit's boobs
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 28, 2011, 03:29:35 pm
i was talking about brit's boobs

If they had kept this in the Castro, Smackie was all about going!

Enjoy the slide show.... (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/25/DD091IJQ8E.DTL)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 29, 2011, 02:10:02 am
With Audiogalaxy and my homeserver, I don't need this.  But for the rest of you....

(http://images.androidcentral.com/sites/androidcentral.com/files/articleimage/26462/2011/03/thumb_550_amazon%20cloud%20player.png)

It has been rumored for a while now that Google would launch a cloud-based music service; well, it appears Amazon got there first.

Amazon has just quietly launched one of its biggest products yet, called Amazon Cloud Player. It provides users with cloud storage of their music, which will then play on any computer or Android device.

To enable the service, go to Amazon.com/Clouddrive to get started. You'll have to enable it on your Amazon account and then update your Amazon Mp3 app, which will enable streaming of all music located on your new Amazon storage.

Amazon is currently providing users with 5GB of free storage with the ability to buy additional storage:

20GB - $20/year
50GB - $50/year
100GB - $100/year
200GB - $200/year
500GB - $500/year
1000GB - $1000/year

This is a big one folks. It's a developing story, so stay tuned for any more details.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 29, 2011, 01:57:45 pm
things sweetcell thinks smackie should know:

Britney Spears
Verizon
7/31
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 29, 2011, 08:02:25 pm
Amazon Cloud Player

Which is more shocking?  The music industry doesn't like this, or that Amazon didn't consult them first?

Amazon Faces Backlash on Cloud Music Service (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Amazon-faces-backlash-over-rb-3699819521.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on March 29, 2011, 10:01:32 pm
"Killing Bono" trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGCOryLwgiY
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 30, 2011, 08:18:17 am
Amazon Cloud Player

Which is more shocking?  The music industry doesn't like this, or that Amazon didn't consult them first?

Amazon Faces Backlash on Cloud Music Service (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Amazon-faces-backlash-over-rb-3699819521.html)
i am now in favor of it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 30, 2011, 03:55:24 pm
"Killing Bono" trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGCOryLwgiY

I read the book.  Looking forward to this as well...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 06, 2011, 09:47:13 pm
Fake Android app steals data, takes shot at pirates
http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20049004-245.html

lol
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 07, 2011, 01:40:55 pm
That's great, but even Steve Jobs closed-shop policy will not be able to skirt Charles Darwin's process of Natural Selection...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 08, 2011, 12:56:45 pm
(http://daily.gay.com/.a/6a01156e9cba4c970c014e874a4b0f970d-500wi)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 08, 2011, 01:07:01 pm
awesome
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 14, 2011, 04:17:12 pm
‎"All the hipsters are headed off to Coachella. Here in L.A. we call it 'Spring Cleaning.'" -Bobby Hundreds

SF would concur.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 14, 2011, 04:32:19 pm
as opposed to labor day weekend, which is end-of-summer cleaning (aka the one sane weekend of the year in SF).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on April 14, 2011, 05:37:20 pm
man catches fire at a san francisco porn shop watching movies.

jokes about being a flamer . . . at eleven.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 21, 2011, 04:48:17 pm
With Audiogalaxy and my homeserver, I don't need this.  But for the rest of you....

And for you Apple folks.  I'm sure iTunes is required:

Reuters: Apple set to launch cloud-based music service ahead of Google (http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/21/us-apple-google-idUSTRE73K7A720110421)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 22, 2011, 10:49:48 am
Sir, given your appreciation for the California Angels and strippers, I thought you might enjoy this story:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Angels-fans-make-it-rain-in-Carl-Crawford-s-on-d?urn=mlb-wp4122
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 22, 2011, 01:58:09 pm
Sir, given your appreciation for the California Angels and strippers, I thought you might enjoy this story:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Angels-fans-make-it-rain-in-Carl-Crawford-s-on-d?urn=mlb-wp4122

Haha.  It's probably the same fan who yelled to Beckett when he was fielding a foul ball in the sixth over by his dugout "Hey Pitcher, you're throwing a no-hitter!"  It was loud and clear on the telecast.  He promptly gave up an infield single.

If nothing else, California Angel Fans of LA and Anaheim have a sense of humor.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 22, 2011, 01:58:39 pm
man catches fire at a san francisco porn shop watching movies.

jokes about being a flamer . . . at eleven.

For you walkie....video footage!

http://sfist.com/2011/04/21/video_released_man_engulfed_in_flam.php
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on April 22, 2011, 02:17:16 pm
man catches fire at a san francisco porn shop watching movies.

jokes about being a flamer . . . at eleven.

For you walkie....video footage!

http://sfist.com/2011/04/21/video_released_man_engulfed_in_flam.php

I picture Walk On By's reaction to be very similar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd7l36md-uU

Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 22, 2011, 02:25:13 pm
man catches fire at a san francisco porn shop watching movies.

jokes about being a flamer . . . at eleven.

For you walkie....video footage!

http://sfist.com/2011/04/21/video_released_man_engulfed_in_flam.php

The store experienced "zero damage" from the fire, said Rintoul, who suspected the man may have lit himself on fire while doing drugs.  "I would describe it as a Richard Pryor sort of incident," he said.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 23, 2011, 01:58:07 am
I'm sure you were all asleep and the final outcome sucked, but this was as good as any:

http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=35&id=110630
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 23, 2011, 09:39:20 am
wow.  beautiful goal.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 28, 2011, 05:43:11 pm
I used 32 minutes on my mobile phone last month to land lines from 7AM to 7PM last month.  A ridiculously low number, until I saw that I used 6 minutes to landlines in the 7PM to 7AM window.

I have unlimited mobile to mobile (regardless of carrier), but I used 600 mobile to mobile minutes last month, which is below my 2 year average of 732, and continuing a downward trend.

I sent 5783 text messages last month, continuing an upward trend.

I used 2.6GB of data last month, also continuing an upward trend. 

My cell phone company is really an ISP for me. 

I point this out for this:  Assuming I could VOIP with a Google Voice number, if I switched from a mobile phone to a 4G tablet with text capabilities, would anybody really notice?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 02, 2011, 03:04:40 pm
i'm really not sure where to start with this one:

http://english.aljazeera.net/video/americas/2011/04/201143011251565939.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 02, 2011, 03:09:12 pm
The only thing puzzling about it to me is that it's Al Jazeera reporting. 

Otherwise, I'm fine with changing the perception...at least people would stop questioning why I had a pole installed and have a Carmen Electra training video cued up for visitors.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2011, 02:01:54 am
I can't tell you how stoked I am for Google I/O.

Played with the Samsung Tab 10.1 tonight.  I will have one of those for sure...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2011, 11:53:54 am
Got 20,000 songs you'd like to store in the cloud for free?

http://music.google.com/music/usernotinvited?u=0

Google to Launch Music service at I/O (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-music-to-stream-20-000-songs-for-free-launches-at-i-o-la/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2011, 12:29:46 pm
Got 20,000 songs you'd like to store in the cloud for free?

http://music.google.com/music/usernotinvited?u=0

Google to Launch Music service at I/O (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-music-to-stream-20-000-songs-for-free-launches-at-i-o-la/)

Holy crap it might take a moustache ride to rid me of this tech chubby. 

This is incredible.  No more syncing.  One change in the web view, adjusts on all of your devices.  On change on your devices, auto syncs with the cloud. 

This is the end of iTunes.  Finally.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 10, 2011, 12:32:22 pm
Quote
Jamie Rosenberg, Director of Android Product Management, to spill the details a bit early. Google's service will essentially mimic the music locker functionality of Amazon's Cloud service, albeit without the ability to sell songs direct to consumers. Ouch. Unfortunately, Google's plans to launch a more feature-complete service were derailed when discussions with the labels broke down. According to Rosenberg, "A couple of the major labels were less focused on the innovative vision that we put forward, and more interested in an unreasonable and unsustainable set of business terms." So, rather than putting the service on hold, Google will launch its music service with the ability to store up to 20,000 of your own uploaded songs for free which you can then stream over the web to your desktop or Android phone or tablet

how is exactly is this a solution to the record label's concerns?  google will still be distributing (streaming) copyrighted material = one, they may be liable for illegal copies (ex: storage of unreleased albums, and does the user have to prove that they have the right to their music collection?); and two, will google be paying royalties for the performance?

given current laws, i'm not sure how these cloud services can move forward.  having users upload their music collections doesn't get around the law, as far as i can tell... but i'm not the lawyer here.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 10, 2011, 12:33:37 pm
Got 20,000 songs you'd like to store in the cloud for free?

http://music.google.com/music/usernotinvited?u=0

Google to Launch Music service at I/O (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-music-to-stream-20-000-songs-for-free-launches-at-i-o-la/)

Holy crap it might take a moustache ride to rid me of this tech chubby. 

This is incredible.  No more syncing.  One change in the web view, adjusts on all of your devices.  On change on your devices, auto syncs with the cloud. 

This is the end of iTunes.  Finally.

smackie getting off on smackie.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2011, 12:36:08 pm
Here's the app while you wait for your invitation:

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.music&feature=search_result
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2011, 12:52:01 pm
They just demoed a SDK code named "Tungsteon" that scanned the bar code of a CD and it instantly appeared in your cloud.  That's going to get them in trouble with the music companies for sure....

Completely changes the way I'd "browse" the CD section at Amoeba....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on May 10, 2011, 12:52:40 pm
Here's the app while you wait for your invitation:

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.music&feature=search_result
Will what you have stored in the cloud be able to serve as a backup if my local storage goes kaput?

Waiting for my invite.  And wondering how long this upload will take.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2011, 12:54:58 pm
They just gave us a Samnsung 10.1 tab.

I jizzed....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 10, 2011, 12:57:52 pm
They just demoed a SDK code named "Tungsteon" that scanned the bar code of a CD and it instantly appeared in your cloud.  That's going to get them in trouble with the music companies for sure....

Completely changes the way I'd "browse" the CD section at Amoeba....

next up: online libraries of bar codes from CDs.  want an album?  just download the barcode!

And wondering how long this upload will take.

seriously - uploading 100+ GB of mp3s is going to take a while.  hundreds of thousands of music fans X thousands of mp3s/fan = chewing up A LOT of bandwidth.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2011, 12:59:05 pm
They just demoed a SDK code named "Tungsteon" that scanned the bar code of a CD and it instantly appeared in your cloud.  That's going to get them in trouble with the music companies for sure....

Completely changes the way I'd "browse" the CD section at Amoeba....

I need to change this....

I;ve been told it's an NFC chip in a Tungston speaker that adds the CD.  It's not clear yet if an NFC chip in say, a Nexus S will be able to add music the same way.  I'll go with probably not out of the box, but a hack is inevitable.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2011, 01:06:05 pm
Will what you have stored in the cloud be able to serve as a backup if my local storage goes kaput?

Waiting for my invite.  And wondering how long this upload will take.

Yes.  You can choose songs to store store locally or stream from the cloud, so it could conceivably be a backup.

I have no idea how upload is going to work, but I'm guessing 200gigs up will pale in comparison to how much down I will have in say, 3 months?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2011, 01:33:45 pm
Oh, BTW - Flash Player required.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 11, 2011, 02:59:10 pm

wrong: a quick look online reveals that the N10 has: 1.0 GHz - 1.0 GB RAM - 13 GB Hard Drive - 10.1" Display - Windows XP Home.

go with: half the processor, a quarter the RAM, no HD, same display, chrome os.  that's not a $199 machine, that's a $100 machine. 

Or $349.

Acer unveils Chrome Notebook.  $349. (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-unveils-acer-chromebook-349/)

Told you.  And even I was under $100 with my $249 prediction....

And the $20 per month option - I'm not ever sure what to think about that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on May 11, 2011, 03:25:07 pm
So the samsung series 5 is $429 for the wifi version...but the worldwide 3g version is $499 which includes 100 mb of free data per month.  that's sounding like the better deal to me.

Have you played with the chrome os?  thoughts on chrome vs android?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 11, 2011, 03:36:05 pm
Told you.  And even I was under $100 with my $249 prediction....

let the records show:

Let's say for arguments sake it drops to $249.  This Chrome device will probably run you $199.  For $50 less is it really worth the limited functionality?

let's keep the historical revisionism to the conspiracy nutter threads ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 11, 2011, 03:42:11 pm
i kind of think that google is a year late on this. the netbook is dead, long live the tablet

and by google i mean the lizard overlords, of course
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 11, 2011, 04:57:43 pm
Told you.  And even I was under $100 with my $249 prediction....

let the records show:

Let's say for arguments sake it drops to $249.  This Chrome device will probably run you $199.  For $50 less is it really worth the limited functionality?

let's keep the historical revisionism to the conspiracy nutter threads ;D

Read it again.....

"Let's say for argument sake that it drops to $249"

The problem is, the Samsung Netbook never reached that price point.  $289 is lowest I've seen, but the average is around $300 to $330.  Hence the $249 price point. 

But either way, no where near your $99 prediction.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 11, 2011, 06:09:59 pm
Have you played with the chrome os?  thoughts on chrome vs android?

I played with Chrome OS for about a week, but found it inferior to Jolicloud, so I went back to Jolicloud.  That was a very early iteration, though.

I did not go back to I/O today, where apparently I could have picked up a loaner Chomebook for testing purposes.  Maybe I can stil get one and report back.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 11, 2011, 06:11:11 pm
i kind of think that google is a year late on this. the netbook is dead, long live the tablet

I couldn't agree more.  It's only been a day, but I don't see me using my netbook again.

That being said, I was happy to have had my netbook for 2.5 years for under $400.  I got a lot of mileage out of it. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 12, 2011, 08:50:20 am
i almost got a netbook a few times. then the talk of the chrome os came along and it seemed like it was waiting for. turns out it wasnt
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 12, 2011, 02:08:19 pm
(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Components/Slideshows-NBC_sports/NHL/Ice%20Girls/2011%20images/110425_DucksIceGirls1.ss_full.jpg)

the duckettes are only so-so, more hockey hotties here (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34960888/ns/sports-nhl/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1) (well, some of them are hotties)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 12, 2011, 02:09:59 pm
And the $20 per month option - I'm not ever sure what to think about that.

So, the pricing. 

Students $20-$23 per month
Enterpise $28-$33 per month

Minimum 10 devices

3 year contract - you are guaranteed software and hardware updates.

I would never do this as a consumer, but I can see where some larger corps would want to do this to eliminate maintenance and upkeep costs.  I'd be interested to see what a hardware upgrade means.

But this led me to thinking....

Would this work for the consumer in the phone market?

Would I pay $20 a month to sprint to be guaranteed the newest and greatest phone every 12-18 months?  Maybe, but almost certainly if it meant a new phone every year.  But $15?  Absolutely, even if it meant 18 months.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 12, 2011, 02:13:33 pm
the duckettes are only so-so, more hockey hotties here (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34960888/ns/sports-nhl/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1) (well, some of them are hotties)

Agreed.  I've more than one conversation with fellow Ducks fans about this being a down year for the Ducks girls.  But those Flyers girls that received numerous shots are hideous....

Just a quick glance, but I'm liking Vancouver, Atlanta and Nashville.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 12, 2011, 03:12:36 pm
some definite talent in atlanta.  one looks a lot like meghan fox, if you're into that sort of thing (#10 (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34960888/ns/sports-nhl/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=10), #33 (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34960888/ns/sports-nhl/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=33)).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2011, 01:02:45 pm
This pissed off a lot of people, but I found it rather entertaining:

The 10 Hottest Females on the Texas Sex Offender List (http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2011/05/hot_female_sex_offenders.php)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 13, 2011, 01:05:42 pm
This pissed off a lot of people, but I found it rather entertaining:

The 10 Hottest Females on the Texas Sex Offender List (http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2011/05/hot_female_sex_offenders.php)

wow wow wow... i can imagine this got a lot of people up in arms.

author's explanation and apology: http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2011/05/hot_sex_offenders_list.php
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 13, 2011, 01:12:51 pm
hey smackie, do you know anything about grooveshark.com? how is that legal
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2011, 01:25:18 pm
hey smackie, do you know anything about grooveshark.com? how is that legal

Nobody thinks it's legal except grooveshark. (http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110419/11434013962/grooveshark-insists-its-legal-points-out-that-using-dmca-safe-harbors-is-not-illegal.shtml)  And until they're told otehrwise, they're going to keep going with it.  They argue that they are working to license the content that users upload, and unless they are told to remove it, they leave it up there while they are working to get the license. It's worked with some labels, not with others.

Apple and Google have both pulled the Grooveshark app (although Google still allows a third party app called TinyShark to stream tunes). 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2011, 01:33:20 pm
I should point out that much like torrents, youtube, direct download and any other illegal/potentially illegal interweb deal, I'm down only on grooveshark, never up.  I don't care if that makes me a leacher....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 13, 2011, 01:35:18 pm
had no clue that i could just press a button and listen to the new titus adronicus album for free

up on the net is an absolute no no, agreed
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 13, 2011, 01:41:56 pm
I should point out that much like torrents, youtube, direct download and any other illegal/potentially illegal interweb deal, I'm down only on grooveshark, never up.  I don't care if that makes me a leacher....

so what about google music?  i just got my confirmation, so i'm ready to start using the service...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2011, 01:46:22 pm
so what about google music?  i just got my confirmation, so i'm ready to start using the service...

Load away!  There's no public access to it, so I have no concerns about it.  The hardest part was narrowing my collection down to 20,000 songs.

BTW - I brought my collection to work and uploaded from there. Thank you fiber connection...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 13, 2011, 01:54:46 pm
BTW - I brought my collection to work and uploaded from there. Thank you fiber connection...

some day you'll be cool enough to have fiber at home.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2011, 02:08:21 pm
some day you'll be cool enough to have fiber at home.

I'm sure your home does not have 95mbps down and 75mbps up.

And my home may never have fiber to the home.  It's much more likely that I'll have 1GB wireless before I have fiber to the home.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 13, 2011, 02:22:24 pm
the important question is "are you back on directv yet"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2011, 02:29:34 pm
the important question is "are you back on directv yet"

If it weren't for the fact that UPS just dropped off a surprise package from Sprint at my apartment, I'd reach through the computer and rip the throats out of both of you.

No.  I still have Comcast.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2011, 06:48:55 pm
If it weren't for the fact that UPS just dropped off a surprise package from Sprint at my apartment

Nexus S 4G for those that care.  They want me to send back my Epic though....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: wml7 on May 13, 2011, 07:03:12 pm
I'm still on Sprint Sero with a touch pro 2.  Can't beat the 34 bucks a month bill with unlimited everything.  I hear today Sprint may get the iphone in the spring.  What are your thoughts and opinions oh wise Smackie?  ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2011, 07:07:50 pm
I'm still on Sprint Sero with a touch pro 2.  Can't beat the 34 bucks a month bill with unlimited everything.  I hear today Sprint may get the iphone in the spring.  What are your thoughts and opinions oh wise Smackie?  ;D

First question - do you want my Epic?  $100.  Or will this ruin the SERO plan?

Second - it is inevitable that the iPhone will be on all 3 carriers at some point.  It's the only way Apple can slow the rise of Android, which has now surpassed iPhone at the expense of RIM mostly, but iPhone has hit a plateau.  I just haven't heard a timeframe for the iPhone on Sprint.  I'm sure Verizon has a CDMA exclusive deal, and one year sounds about right as Apple learned their lesson with at&t (either that or 6 months).  That would mean late Fall 2011 or Spring 2012.

Edit: Haha - iS this your source?
http://www.complex.com/tech/2011/05/apple-to-release-iphone-4s-with-sprint-and-t-mobile-compatibility
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: wml7 on May 13, 2011, 07:30:04 pm
I'm still on Sprint Sero with a touch pro 2.  Can't beat the 34 bucks a month bill with unlimited everything.  I hear today Sprint may get the iphone in the spring.  What are your thoughts and opinions oh wise Smackie?  ;D

First question - do you want my Epic?  $100.  Or will this ruin the SERO plan?

Second - it is inevitable that the iPhone will be on all 3 carriers at some point.  It's the only way Apple can slow the rise of Android, which has now surpassed iPhone at the expense of RIM mostly, but iPhone has hit a plateau.  I just haven't heard a timeframe for the iPhone on Sprint.  I'm sure Verizon has a CDMA exclusive deal, and one year sounds about right as Apple learned their lesson with at&t (either that or 6 months).  That would mean late Fall 2011 or Spring 2012.

Edit: Haha - iS this your source?
http://www.complex.com/tech/2011/05/apple-to-release-iphone-4s-with-sprint-and-t-mobile-compatibility

Nah, don't need an epic.  I think any 4g phone would bump the sero to premium which makes it like 20 bucks more.  I could get the EVO right now but that would mean a 20 dollar bump in bill which eh I'll pass.  But I think the EVO 3D is coming out soon and might look at that.

This was my source  ;D
http://www.macrumors.com/2011/05/13/iphone-4s-coming-in-september-with-sprint-and-t-mobile-support/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2011, 07:37:30 pm
Nah, don't need an epic.  I think any 4g phone would bump the sero to premium which makes it like 20 bucks more.  I could get the EVO right now but that would mean a 20 dollar bump in bill which eh I'll pass.  But I think the EVO 3D is coming out soon and might look at that.

This was my source  ;D

Makes sense on both accounts. Sprint always takes care of me so I'm hoping for a dual-core Nexus phone in 6-8 months, but wouldn't balk at the EVO 3D (though I'm still not sold on 3D on mobile devices)...

As for Apple, it also makes sense for a September release of a 4G phone and I'm not surprised they'll go with WIMAX and HSPA+ first as those networks are already built out and save LTE and the iPhone5 for June 2012 when at&t and Verizon have their networks built out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on May 20, 2011, 10:53:09 am
If you're into that kind of thing:

http://filmdrunk.uproxx.com/2011/05/megan-fox-as-a-topless-angel-morning-links

Not exactly SFW, but you don't really see anything too bad...

some definite talent in atlanta.  one looks a lot like meghan fox, if you're into that sort of thing (#10 (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34960888/ns/sports-nhl/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=10), #33 (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34960888/ns/sports-nhl/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=33)).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 20, 2011, 11:05:37 am
If you're into that sort of thing

That was a rhetorical question, right?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 26, 2011, 12:05:51 pm
So Google Wallet was why Sprint sent me a Nexus S a couple weeks ago.  At first I blew off the idea of Near Field Communications (NFC) as something I didn't think would really take off (like those little key ring bank tags).  But I must say, my first two weeks with an NFC chip have been very eye opening.

For example, I have programmed NFC tags for my home and car.  When I get in my car, I touch my phone to the tag, it turns on bluetooth, set's the proper volume and sets the screen to stay illuminated when it's in its dock.  When the touch the tag when I exit, it resets to my default settings.

If you visit casa smackie, you touch your phone to the NFC chip by the light switch and it automatically turns on wifi, signs me into my SSID, and opens an app that I use most often when I get home.  It's pretty clever stuff.  Add a credit card to that and I'm stoked.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on May 26, 2011, 12:20:34 pm
Does it wipe your arse for you too?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 26, 2011, 12:50:25 pm
Does it wipe your arse for you too?

No sir. That job and the pleasure that comes with it is still solely in your perview.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 26, 2011, 02:16:52 pm
Google Wallet Hands On.  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5s9wYEkRAgs)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2011, 01:02:28 pm
Hmmm.

Punk Rock Festival in Vegas this weekend.
Roller Derby meetings in Vegas this weekend.

This can only mean one thing...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 31, 2011, 01:47:36 am
When I'm 60, I hope I rock as hard as Cock Sparrer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on May 31, 2011, 12:06:54 pm
Boo, sad I missed this.

When I'm 60, I hope I rock as hard as Cock Sparrer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonby on May 31, 2011, 02:39:35 pm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13608444

so . . . these things give you cancer, and everybody hates cancer.  they also kill bees, and everybody likes to eat food.  what do cell phones have to do for people to stop using them?

they suddenly make you impotent

all downloads somehow become illegal due to crazy transmission wave mutations

all television reception stops

jesus comes back but only half way due to some weird, invisible force field around the planet caused by cell phones
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 06, 2011, 05:36:00 pm
http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/basketball/la-sp-0606-mater-dei-transfers-20110606,0,254982,full.story
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 06, 2011, 06:56:52 pm
http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/basketball/la-sp-0606-mater-dei-transfers-20110606,0,254982,full.story

Great article.  Shea Cotton was an amazing basketball player in High School, along with Ed O'Bannon and Reggie Miller, probably the greatest high schooler I ever saw play live.  He was crap in college because he was lazy.  That's a Mater Dei trait - save for Miles Simon - that kid always hustled.

I'd put my ex-wife in the category of Mater Dei grads who bolted before their commitment was up too.  BAM!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 07, 2011, 02:37:15 am
POTM
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 10, 2011, 02:24:47 pm
At first I blew off the idea of Near Field Communications (NFC) as something I didn't think would really take off (like those little key ring bank tags).  But I must say, my first two weeks with an NFC chip have been very eye opening.  

In September, when Apple adds NFC to the iPhone 5 and it's described as revolutionary, you'll all understand why I'm so stoked to have this in my Nexus phone right now.

Engadget Primer:  What is NFC and why do we care? (http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/engadget-primed-what-is-nfc-and-why-do-we-care/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 14, 2011, 06:29:51 pm
These are the kind of text messages that put a smile on my face on a sloooow Tuesday afternoon:

"I have no idea why, but in your honor/for old time's sake I just walked into Archibald's..."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 15, 2011, 05:35:06 pm
Bellweather for the Economy: The Hot Waitress Index
http://moneyland.time.com/2009/08/04/bellweather-for-the-economy-the-hot-waitress-index/

AKA "smackienomics 101".
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on June 15, 2011, 07:46:28 pm
Bikini Laser Tag (http://wusa9.com/news/article/154969/283/Bikini-Laser-Tag-Aims-For-Good-Time)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 15, 2011, 08:06:01 pm
Bikini Laser Tag (http://wusa9.com/news/article/154969/283/Bikini-Laser-Tag-Aims-For-Good-Time)


Brilliant. Evens the playing field too...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 22, 2011, 12:55:53 am
I miss The OC...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2011, 02:04:06 pm
Interesting if true....

Spotify, Facebook in talks on music service (http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20076098-261/spotify-facebook-in-talks-on-music-service/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20&tag=nl.e703)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2011, 01:39:31 pm
I have a few Google+ invites if you'd like in...

PM me your email address.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 11, 2011, 01:40:42 pm
I have a few Google+ invites if you'd like in...

PM me your email address.

you're cute . . . can i be your friend?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 12, 2011, 01:25:28 pm
Good bye.

Netflix Announces New Plans and Price Changes (http://blog.netflix.com/2011/07/netflix-introduces-new-plans-and.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 12, 2011, 01:55:43 pm
Good bye.

Netflix Announces New Plans and Price Changes (http://blog.netflix.com/2011/07/netflix-introduces-new-plans-and.html)

blame the studios.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 12, 2011, 01:59:48 pm
i like people who are all, "i'm canceling"  "screw netflix, i'm out."  "we'll show them, we'll all cancel our accounts."

uhh, huhh.  sure they will.  gas could be $10 a gallon . . . and people will buy it.  cigarettes could be $20 a  pack . . . and people will smoke them.  netflix could be $____ a month . . . and people will still watch.  they have no choice . . . people are all talk and no action.  just look at how long our government has gotten away/is getting away with what they do for so long.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 12, 2011, 02:10:18 pm
walkies: i don't think so.  netflix is easily substitutable and easy to drop out of.  if they had cranked up fees over a period of time i would agree with you.  but they aren't slowly increase the fire under the pot, the 60% increase = dropping their customers into boiling water.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on July 12, 2011, 04:44:51 pm
Well the part that is insane is they put in no price break to bundle packages. I mean who doesnt offer some sorta discount to combine packages.

With that being said - Im rather happy. Since I wasnt a huge fan of their streaming, Im back to the 3 out at time for $15.99. Not bad. Im sure I was paying that price more than a few years back. Ill be happy to pay that again.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 12, 2011, 05:02:27 pm
god hit me upside the head for saying this . . . but i totally called this to my partner once we got heavy into netflix streaming.  it was, and still is , awesome and a cool way to watch movies.  i just wish the selection on the streaming was better than "straight to dvd" quaility film and horrible selection of tv series.  but i don't have cable, so shut up walkonby . . . you get what you get and you like it.  i told my partner, that they should have seperate accounts for people (like older people and curmudgeons) who don't stream to tv or would never ever watch a movie on a computer screen, and one for those who love it and need it.  raise the prices, hopefully use that money to finally offer a better selection in the streaming.  i will like that and i will pay for that.  but what do i know . . . i like widespread panic, and i don't mind paying ticket fees because i like ticket selling companies.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 12, 2011, 05:16:47 pm
I'll cancel August 31 for sure (and this will be the second time I've cancelled Netflix).  There are plenty of options that are cheaper than $16 a month to get 99% of everything that's out.

My trouble with Netflix is that I need a mixed solution simply because Netflix Streaming doesn't have a large enough selection to meet my needs.  But $16 is well more than I am willing to pay, and they sure as hell shouldn't have justified the price raise as a bonus for the consumer like they did.  If the studios are at fault, take them to task, but don't justify the increase as a solution for the consumer when you've just raised my rate 66% and given me nothing additional in return.

Right now I'm thinking Amazon Instant plus Red Box.  We'll see what I can get for that...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on July 13, 2011, 11:00:39 am
Well the thing is - in NYC we dont have that many options. SF had some other great alternatives for rentals (green-cine comes to mind) although even they didnt have a big enough selection. I tend to veer towards foreign/indie that barely get released in the US but netflix has always had the most extensive library. Mind you, most of this is not available on streaming, but its fine. Being able to watch the film is whats impt. We dont have Redbox here nor most the other options. I tried out BB for awhile as there was one not far from me, but BB has all but shut down - so netflix it is.

Ive been a customer since they launched and for the rental side of it only, their price hasnt skyrocketed that much. Its fluctuated at best but as Ive been such a long time customer - they often times will work out deals with me if I complain enough. I might miss netflix on my droid while doing some late night show traveling, but other than that, its fine. Im sure I can always use amazon or find another alternative.

Besides maybe SF is cheaper, but going to see a movie out here is already up to $11 or $12 (and sometimes much more than that). This is a way better deal!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 13, 2011, 12:22:41 pm
Nailed it.  The difference for me is that I have set top boxes that do Amazon Instant....

Netflix was too cheap before, but now it's just wrong (http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/editorial-netflix-was-too-cheap-before-but-now-its-just-wrong/)

"I'm going to think long and hard about canceling my disc services, or at least dropping back to the twice-monthly DVD plan. But, I'd really like for Netflix to take a cue from Redbox (and, indeed, from its original pricing scheme) and let me pay per-disc. More and more often I'm happy to wait for the random selection of decidedly non-new releases to pop up on the company's Instant service before I watch them. It's only the hot, high-impact, exciting new releases that I really want on disc. You know, the kind of movie you thought about going to see on the theater and totally planned to, but then one of your friends flaked or you got lazy or you called ahead for ticket prices and you decided "Yeah, I'll just wait for Netflix and put that money toward my college loans." Those are the movies that I want on disc."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 13, 2011, 03:52:45 pm
The CA Milk Processor's Board didn't offend anyone with their new ad campaign...

(http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2011-07-12-gotmilkreading.jpg)
(http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2011-07-12-gotmilkmisinterpret.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 14, 2011, 01:38:15 am
I'll cancel August 31 for sure (and this will be the second time I've cancelled Netflix).  There are plenty of options that are cheaper than $16 a month to get 99% of everything that's out.

my reading of this article is that no other service matches netflix's offerings:

Mad About Netflix Prices? Here Are Some Alternative Services
http://techland.time.com/2011/07/13/mad-about-netflix-prices-here-are-some-alternative-services/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on July 14, 2011, 12:52:14 pm
depends what kind of films you use netflix for. but ive tried most of them out and found netflix to be the best for hard-to-find, foreign, indie, etc. sadly, a good chunk arent even available on demand. 1/5 of my films are available for streaming which mostly are the tv shows. Rather sad or my taste is more obscure than others. green cine is quite good in SF but if youre out of state it takes forever for dvds to arrive (no clue if they even have them for streaming).

I'll cancel August 31 for sure (and this will be the second time I've cancelled Netflix).  There are plenty of options that are cheaper than $16 a month to get 99% of everything that's out.

my reading of this article is that no other service matches netflix's offerings:

Mad About Netflix Prices? Here Are Some Alternative Services
http://techland.time.com/2011/07/13/mad-about-netflix-prices-here-are-some-alternative-services/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2011, 01:26:51 pm
my reading of this article is that no other service matches netflix's offerings:

Everything depends on the individuals taste.  I don't care if you have half as many streaming options as Netflix if it's more that I would watch.  There's a huge discrepancy between physical media options right now and streaming options and until they get that worked out, digital download is a better option that streaming in my eyes.

I've been an Amazon Prime member for shipping for years, so I consider Amazon Prime Instant a free bonus.

I've been sitting on a 3 month free trial of Hulu+ from Tivo for a while, so I'm going to fire that up.

So for Sept/Oct/Nov I'm going to cancel Netflix and try a combination of Amazon Prime, Hulu+, Red Box and Amazon Instant Download daily/weekly special offers with a monthly limit of the $16 Netflix wants from me for the same or similar features and compare.

Since Netflix doesn't grandfather it's customers I have nothing to lose.  If it doesn't work I can come back next year at the exact same rate (providing they don't raise it by then...).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2011, 05:34:52 pm
Pogue did a good job trying to get to the bottom of why Netflix raised it's prices (http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/why-netflix-raised-its-prices/) for reasons other than just saying it's a better deal for the consumer, which still doesn't make sense. 

Bottom line is this: the $10 a month for unlimited DVD (one at a time) and unlimited streaming didn't shift the balance to streaming the way they wanted.  Their streaming content library isn't deep enough so the $8 royalties for streaming were covering costs but they were losing on DVD rentals because most streamers kept one movie at a time that wasn't available streaming, somewhere between 3-4 a month. 

I think Netflix is going to be shocked when they see that most consumers have become accustomed to a mix of both streaming (convenience) and DVD (quality and selection) and don't want to choose one or the other, nor do they feel $16 is a fair price for both.

If I'm Amazon Instant, Google Movies or Apple TV/iTunes  (and maybe Hulu, but less likely since they're currently for sale) you've got to think this is your window to strike.  I say you've got 1 month to come up with a plan to cut into Netflix's market share and about 5 months to hold them.  Should be interesting...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on July 18, 2011, 09:43:24 am
Here is one of the few things that Ive always loved about Netflix (never saw this with any of the other places I tried out).


Immigration Tango was not available from your local shipping center. Fortunately, it was available from a shipping center in another part of the country. It's on its way and should arrive within 3 to 5 days.

You'll notice we also recently sent the next available DVD from your Queue to enjoy while Immigration Tango makes its way to you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 18, 2011, 04:28:01 pm
just read some article that basically says "netflix is better . . . deal with it.  the other places suck, and don't hold a candle to what netflix offers . . . so again, deal with it."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 19, 2011, 01:54:33 pm
Smackie never settles.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 19, 2011, 02:43:40 pm
Economist Android App. (http://www.androidcentral.com/economist-finally-hits-android-available-phones-and-smaller-tablets?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+androidcentral+%28Android+Central%29)  Finally.

(http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=150x150&chl=market://search%3Fq%3Dpname:uk.co.economist)

Sadly, no tablet app yet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 20, 2011, 04:44:43 pm
My favorite (eg, most offensive) comedian will be in DC October 20-23 at the DC Improv.

Jim Jeffries
Improv DC
Oct 20-23

He comes highly recommended by Smackie, though he's not for the faint.  Certainly not a date night, though if she doesn't walk out, she's a keeper.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 20, 2011, 04:52:55 pm
My favorite (eg, most offensive) comedian will be in DC October 20-23 at the DC Improv.

Jim Jeffries
Improv DC
Oct 20-23

He comes highly recommended by Smackie, though he's not for the faint.  Certainly not a date night, though if she doesn't walk out, she's a keeper.

again . . . omg!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 27, 2011, 01:56:30 pm
Hello.

We are pleased to announce the new-fangled PIXIES mobile app (available for iPhone and Android) is now out and ready. And FREE.

Stream the Purple Tape. Download Coachella 2004. Listen to live shows from '88 and beyond. There is even an acoustic show in there.

Oh, and did we mention the site now has the entire catalog (so far) ready for download in CD-quality digital files? It does. The Doolittle Lost Cities US Tour Dates are onsale now, too. Busy times, indeed.

All the info is here: http://pixiesmusic.com

La la love you,
PIXIES
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 27, 2011, 02:34:22 pm
Ervin Santana. (http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=310727105)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 16, 2011, 02:09:59 pm
Just an FYI:

Verizon offers new $20 Data Plan for DC, MD, VA (http://www.androidcentral.com/verizon-announces-new-20-data-plan-dc-md-and-va?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+androidcentral+%28Android+Central%29)

Looks like you're the test market for new ideas.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 18, 2011, 12:24:20 pm
My favorite (eg, most offensive) comedian will be in DC October 20-23 at the DC Improv.

Jim Jeffries
Improv DC
Oct 20-23

He comes highly recommended by Smackie, though he's not for the faint.  Certainly not a date night, though if she doesn't walk out, she's a keeper.

correction: jeffries is february 9 - 12 (dave attell is oct 20 - 23).
http://www.dcimprov.com/comics/127
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 18, 2011, 01:09:00 pm
Thanks for correcting that.  I got that off his web site and pinged him for clarification, but never heard back.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 18, 2011, 01:37:44 pm
f*ck lawyers - THIS is how potential litigants should settle their differences:

Minecraft creator challenges trademark belligerents to winner-take-all Quake deathmatch
http://boingboing.net/2011/08/18/minecraft-creator-challenges-trademark-belligerents-to-winner-take-all-quake-deathmatch.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 18, 2011, 03:43:28 pm
HP's just killed Palm and WebOS faster than Cisco did the Flip.  And paid twice as much.  Ouch.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 18, 2011, 07:50:57 pm
f*ck lawyers - THIS is how potential litigants should settle their differences:

Minecraft creator challenges trademark belligerents to winner-take-all Quake deathmatch
http://boingboing.net/2011/08/18/minecraft-creator-challenges-trademark-belligerents-to-winner-take-all-quake-deathmatch.html

I forgot to comment on how much I LOVED this.  Brilliant.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: wml7 on August 20, 2011, 12:31:30 am
Hey Smackie did you get the hp touchpad that is dirt cheap now?  Good or bad?  I went ahead and got a 32gb one as I guess they are having a fire sale on it  ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2011, 12:49:57 am
Hey Smackie did you get the hp touchpad that is dirt cheap now?  Good or bad?  I went ahead and got a 32gb one as I guess they are having a fire sale on it  ;D

Haha, no, but that's a helluva deal for that hardware.  I'm sure it will be hacked to run a different OS in no time.  I'm pretty sure the xperia and xperia play use the same snapdragon chips so I'd start with that ROM first and see what happens.

Smackie has had a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 for some time now and LOVES it. If I see a touchpad for $100 though, I'll probably grab one just to hack away.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 22, 2011, 07:53:07 pm
I'm sure it will be hacked to run a different OS in no time.  I'm pretty sure the xperia and xperia play use the same snapdragon chips so I'd start with that ROM first and see what happens.

That didn't take long....

And the winner of the $1,500 bounty for Android on the TouchPad is ... Qualcomm? (http://www.androidcentral.com/and-winner-1500-bounty-android-touchpad-qualcomm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+androidcentral+%28Android+Central%29)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 24, 2011, 06:48:33 pm
Steve Jobs Resigns as Apple's CEiO (http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/24/steve-jobs-resigns-as-ceo-of-apple/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 02, 2011, 12:50:19 pm
i like people who are all, "i'm canceling"  "screw netflix, i'm out."  "we'll show them, we'll all cancel our accounts."

uhh, huhh.  sure they will. 

"Vansmack, thank you for being a Netflix member. We hope to see you again soon. You may sign up again at any time."

Oddly, when I cancelled, they had check boxes for why I was cancelling, and none of them had any reference to the change of plans.  And no, there wasn't an empty text box option for me either.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 02, 2011, 01:38:38 pm
Oddly, when I cancelled, they had check boxes for why I was cancelling, and none of them had any reference to the change of plans.  And no, there wasn't an empty text box option for me either.

"oddly"?  it's in perfect keeping with the self-deluded ostrich-with-its-head-in-the-sand approach they've consistently taken to this "product offering diversification and pricing re-alignment" <insert puppies and rainbows here>.  unbelievable.

i can't wait for the harvard business case to come out on this: "how to not introduce a price hike to your existing client base".
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 02, 2011, 04:27:57 pm
And just like that it's on...

Dish said to plan Blockbuster Rival to Netflix (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-02/dish-said-to-plan-blockbuster-rival-to-netflix.html)

That explains netflix losing starz this morning....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on September 13, 2011, 12:02:57 pm
didn't you mention at some point that you use amazon prime?  thoughts on the service?  free shipping times have skyrocketed lately for me without prime.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 13, 2011, 12:42:57 pm
didn't you mention at some point that you use amazon prime?  thoughts on the service?  free shipping times have skyrocketed lately for me without prime.

Yes, and I love it.  Although, I must add the caveat that I live no where near any family members and ship a ton of stuff so it makes a lot of sense for me.  It pays for itself in December, though I use it year round.

The addition of the streaming video content I could take or leave, however, I "understand" that a Netflix like service for books is also coming to Amazon Prime for the kindle.  That has me excited. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on September 13, 2011, 01:04:56 pm
this Amazon Mom service looks like a no-brainer to me, especially with the amount of baby products we buy:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_353920162_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000535321&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=0VHXNJBBBD9F5S2DA23W&pf_rd_t=9401&pf_rd_p=1278700242&pf_rd_i=amazon-mom-landing
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 13, 2011, 01:32:21 pm
this Amazon Mom service looks like a no-brainer to me, especially with the amount of baby products we buy:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_353920162_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000535321&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=0VHXNJBBBD9F5S2DA23W&pf_rd_t=9401&pf_rd_p=1278700242&pf_rd_i=amazon-mom-landing


This has no business being in Smackie's thread.  Call me when she's 18...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 13, 2011, 08:46:26 pm
Http://www.google.com/flights
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 13, 2011, 09:26:26 pm
slick ui
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 14, 2011, 01:18:11 pm
slick ui

Haha, funny.  They're techies, not artists...

However, the ability to show multiple airports on one screen is incredible.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 14, 2011, 01:25:27 pm
slick wasn't the best word. maybe intuitive? i hated the navigation on the big travel sites as i scheduled my next trip. the one my company uses is a nightmare
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2011, 11:56:06 am
i can't wait for the harvard business case to come out on this: "how to not introduce a price hike to your existing client base".

Color me shocked....

Netflix Admits it Will Lose More Customers than Predicted (http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/netflix-admits-it-will-lose-more-customers-than-predicted-mostl/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on September 15, 2011, 12:10:46 pm
Is it just me, or has Netflix dropped the ball on streaming of new movies?

It seems like a year ago, a good half of my new releases would be streaming upon release (I watch alot of documentaries and forein films), thus giving me the chance to watch more new releases (some streaming, some dvd). Now, it seems like no new releases get instant streamed at the time of their release.

Given that fact, I'm now paying for two services and getting less than what I did with one. I'd drop the instant in a heartbeat, but there are some kids shows that my daughter likes on instant (we don't have cable)...

i can't wait for the harvard business case to come out on this: "how to not introduce a price hike to your existing client base".

Color me shocked....

Netflix Admits it Will Lose More Customers than Predicted (http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/netflix-admits-it-will-lose-more-customers-than-predicted-mostl/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on September 15, 2011, 12:15:05 pm
Is it just me, or has Netflix dropped the ball on streaming of new movies?

It seems like a year ago, a good half of my new releases would be streaming upon release (I watch alot of documentaries and forein films), thus giving me the chance to watch more new releases (some streaming, some dvd). Now, it seems like no new releases get instant streamed at the time of their release.

Given that fact, I'm now paying for two services and getting less than what I did with one. I'd drop the instant in a heartbeat, but there are some kids shows that my daughter likes on instant (we don't have cable)...

i can't wait for the harvard business case to come out on this: "how to not introduce a price hike to your existing client base".

Color me shocked....

Netflix Admits it Will Lose More Customers than Predicted (http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/netflix-admits-it-will-lose-more-customers-than-predicted-mostl/)

Children spend far too much time in front of the idiot box...you should be teaching her how to decorate her own t-shirts....  ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 15, 2011, 12:23:30 pm
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/09/netflixprojection.jpg)
 
that's a very small decline, from 25M to 24M.  being 4% off on projections isn't a biggie.  

what i'd like to know is how many individual accounts they had before the split in services.  have the number of accounts lost been offset by the increase in revenue from people now paying for both services separately?  if they don't detail that in their 10Q, we could use change in revenue as a proxy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on September 15, 2011, 12:25:57 pm
If you were at home all day with a lone four year old and also needed to work 15-20 hours a week from home, you'd park in in front of the tv once in awhile as well.  ;)  She doesn't watch tv when daddy is home.

Although I must say, she does so much in the way of art projects, the t-shirt business should be up and running soon.


Is it just me, or has Netflix dropped the ball on streaming of new movies?

It seems like a year ago, a good half of my new releases would be streaming upon release (I watch alot of documentaries and forein films), thus giving me the chance to watch more new releases (some streaming, some dvd). Now, it seems like no new releases get instant streamed at the time of their release.

Given that fact, I'm now paying for two services and getting less than what I did with one. I'd drop the instant in a heartbeat, but there are some kids shows that my daughter likes on instant (we don't have cable)...

i can't wait for the harvard business case to come out on this: "how to not introduce a price hike to your existing client base".

Color me shocked....

Netflix Admits it Will Lose More Customers than Predicted (http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/netflix-admits-it-will-lose-more-customers-than-predicted-mostl/)

Children spend far too much time in front of the idiot box...you should be teaching her how to decorate her own t-shirts....  ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Frank Gallagher on September 15, 2011, 01:10:15 pm
Wait till she gets a little older....you can use her as an excuse to watch Sponge Bob!

 ;D

And iCarly

 :o

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 15, 2011, 01:36:37 pm
first Amazon Mom, now child entertainment strategies?

WHO THE HELL IS RUNNING THIS THREAD?!?  SOMEONE GET ME QUALITY CONTROL, STAT.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 15, 2011, 01:58:52 pm
i want to get a new phone.  i like sprint, no matter what anybody says, so i will be sticking with them for two more years.  should i go with

htc evo  -  $100

htc evo three d - $200  (is the extra hundred really worth it?)

motorola photon 4g  -  $200  (never owned a motorola, know nothing about them)

or should i wait . . . is there something coming that is wonderful in like the next month or two.  i will not wait 6 months+ for speculation technology and i don't give a damn that iphone is coming to sprint.  too late iphone; your appeal is dust in the wind, duuuuude.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2011, 02:01:08 pm

that's a very small decline, from 25M to 24M.  being 4% off on projections isn't a biggie.  

what i'd like to know is how many individual accounts they had before the split in services.  have the number of accounts lost been offset by the increase in revenue from people now paying for both services separately?  if they don't detail that in their 10Q, we could use change in revenue as a proxy.

It's also been 15 days and they're already revising estimates.  October will be interesting, but I'm more interested in the Q4 numbers to see the trend.

On the revenue side, those numbers would indicate a huge upswing, as they apparently haven't lost anybody in the "both" category despite a 60% increase in costs (the 12 million "both" category used to be $10, now it's $16). 

REVENUE BEFORE:

(streaming x $8 + Both x $2 + DVD x $5)

$119 million monthly

REVENUE NOW:

(streaming x $8 + Both x $8 + DVD x $8)

$144 million

As an investor (and someone who did cancel both) I have a hard time believing that, and if true, you'd think they would be touting that as they downgraded their estimates on subscribers, yet they say their financial guidance remains unchanged. 

I smell something stinky and await October numbers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2011, 02:05:49 pm
or should i wait . . . is there something coming that is wonderful in like the next month or two.

Tomorrow.  The Samsung Galaxy S II hits Sprint.  It's fantastic and meet my requirements of a dual-core phone with 4G capabilities.  I believe they are calling it the Epic 4G Touch - best phone in the US Market.

If you're super techie, I'd wait two months and see what the Nexus Prime has to offer (it's straight Google with no Samsung software).  I can't guarantee Sprint gets that phone before Nov 15 though.   

Honestly though, the average consumer can't go wrong with the Epic Touch 4G.  The slightly more tech enhanced will be a little frustrated with the slowness of Samsung to release the next Android OS on it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2011, 02:07:36 pm
first Amazon Mom, now child entertainment strategies?

WHO THE HELL IS RUNNING THIS THREAD?!?  SOMEONE GET ME QUALITY CONTROL, STAT.

I agree.

Watch more porn or get out of this thread.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2011, 02:09:51 pm
Is it just me, or has Netflix dropped the ball on streaming of new movies?

The studios (and I'm sure the Network movie channels) have limited the release of new releases to streaming.  There's a minimum of 28 days for some movies, 6 months for some and some you may never see at all.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 15, 2011, 03:42:24 pm
plus, netflix and stars have parted ways . . . not sure how many titles are stars, but i seem to remember that stars stuff is really the best netflix has to offer.  without them, this whole price increase thing gets less fun.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2011, 03:53:02 pm
As an investor (and someone who did cancel both) I have a hard time believing that, and if true, you'd think they would be touting that as they downgraded their estimates on subscribers, yet they say their financial guidance remains unchanged. 

I smell something stinky and await October numbers.

I'm not alone:

At 11:15 a.m. PT, Netflix's stock was trading at about $169 a share, down $39 or 18 percent.

Of course the revenue numbers would indicate that they're growing...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on September 15, 2011, 04:20:21 pm
plus, netflix and stars have parted ways . . . not sure how many titles are stars, but i seem to remember that stars stuff is really the best netflix has to offer.  without them, this whole price increase thing gets less fun.

Starz is awesome because Starz has Spartacus (Andy Whitfield, Rest in Peace.  I love you, man.)  It's like "Gladiator" meets "Girls Gone Wild"!  It has Xena regularly undressed!  It's AWESOME!

"Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?"

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.gadling.com/media/2010/03/captainoveur-gadling-bumper.png)

Brian


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2011, 05:16:20 pm
The Samsung Galaxy S II hits Sprint.  It's fantastic and meet my requirements of a dual-core phone with 4G capabilities.  I believe they are calling it the Epic 4G Touch - best phone in the US Market.

Review of Samsung Epic 4G Touch (http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/samsung-epic-4g-touch-review/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 19, 2011, 10:54:56 am
Netflix renames DVD-by-mail service, adds video games
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/19/tech/web/netflix-qwikster/index.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 19, 2011, 11:03:45 am
if anybody has been paying attention . . . netflix streaming got a bit better over the past week, and amazon on demand has really cranked up their "newer films from theatre" selections.  may the war commence.  love the game aspect, seeing how i'm finally getting around to buying an xbox 360 once the $50 drop takes effect, and have always wanted to try gamefly.com.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on September 19, 2011, 11:13:52 am
if anybody has been paying attention . . . netflix streaming got a bit better over the past week, and amazon on demand has really cranked up their "newer films from theatre" selections.  may the war commence.  love the game aspect, seeing how i'm finally getting around to buying an xbox 360 once the $50 drop takes effect, and have always wanted to try gamefly.com.

Don't play video games.  Idiots play video games.  Fact.  Read more.   Listen to more music.  Get a sketch pad.  Draw or paint.  Learn a language.  Be creative.  Go for a run.

Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 19, 2011, 11:20:05 am
i do all of those things.  except run.  i don't understand that.

i'm currently reading the storm

i'm currently writing a novel, with neato/freako pictures, drawn by myself

i'm currently attempting to learn spanish . . . very badly.

i work in a very stress filled enviroment.

i go to the gym four times a week.

i do more in one day, than you do, i'm sure.

plus i play video games to wind down the day, because i don't have cable.


anything else, smarty mcfarty?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 19, 2011, 12:09:03 pm
Netflix renames DVD-by-mail service, adds video games

So sorry, too late.  They really should have told us all of this at the outset.  I will say this though, two separate queue's will be the worst outcome of all of these shenanigans IF they kept 12 million in the "both' category, but this tends to make me believe that we're about to see that they didn't quite get 12 million in the "both" category.

I should also point out that I've tried GameFly, twice, and cancelled it both times.  Just wasn't for me...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on September 19, 2011, 02:37:58 pm
i do more in one day, than you do, i'm sure.


No.  That's impossible.


anything else, smarty mcfarty?

Yes.  As a matter of fact....

(http://30.media.tumblr.com/EiG4DEBVenvq4meyY17CxWJ6o1_400.jpg)

Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on September 19, 2011, 02:52:30 pm
how did netflix streaming get better?

if anybody has been paying attention . . . netflix streaming got a bit better over the past week, and amazon on demand has really cranked up their "newer films from theatre" selections.  may the war commence.  love the game aspect, seeing how i'm finally getting around to buying an xbox 360 once the $50 drop takes effect, and have always wanted to try gamefly.com.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on September 19, 2011, 03:11:35 pm

The only justifiable reason to play a video game:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220118/Online_gamers_solve_AIDS_retroviral_puzzle_for_scientists (http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220118/Online_gamers_solve_AIDS_retroviral_puzzle_for_scientists)

Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 19, 2011, 03:22:20 pm
I play video games to make certain that when I fly my drones over Afghanistan I don't kill innocent civilians.  Only bad people.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 19, 2011, 05:28:27 pm
how did netflix streaming get better?

if anybody has been paying attention . . . netflix streaming got a bit better over the past week, and amazon on demand has really cranked up their "newer films from theatre" selections.  may the war commence.  love the game aspect, seeing how i'm finally getting around to buying an xbox 360 once the $50 drop takes effect, and have always wanted to try gamefly.com.

i am obsessed with netflix and watch it every day.  i, like everybody else, bitches about the selection on the instant stream . . . but over the weekend i noticed a whole slew of new stuff added, especially on the tv side.  yes, it wasn't brand brand new straight for the theatre stuff, and they still have vast improvements to make or they are toast, but hopefully this trend of mega adding stuff to make people happy due to the change continues.  i'm also noticing less kid's shit being added.  stupid kids.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 19, 2011, 05:29:56 pm
i do more in one day, than you do, i'm sure.


No.  That's impossible.


anything else, smarty mcfarty?

Yes.  As a matter of fact....

(http://30.media.tumblr.com/EiG4DEBVenvq4meyY17CxWJ6o1_400.jpg)

Brian

is that your hand?  you have nice long fingers . . . i bet you have a huge, thick cock.   :D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 19, 2011, 07:43:52 pm
speaking of games

did sweetcell know about this?

http://www.kongregate.com/games/ccasey123/daft-punk-song-creator

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2011, 12:44:52 pm
Pandora has lifted the 40 hour limit for non-premium users.

That's competition in action.  You can thank Spotify and the realization that Pandora makes more money from non-subscribers than they do premium members.  Pandora One will not be $36 a year for much longer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2011, 12:52:37 pm
Oh, and you can now check out eBooks from 11,000 public libraries (via their web site) and send them to your Kindle.  Incredible.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 22, 2011, 12:10:16 pm
Interesting thoughts...

Netflix split to set up Amazon streaming merger? (http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/netflix-split-to-set-up-amazon-streaming-merger/58743?tag=nl.e539)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 22, 2011, 01:25:53 pm
Interesting thoughts...

Netflix split to set up Amazon streaming merger? (http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/netflix-split-to-set-up-amazon-streaming-merger/58743?tag=nl.e539)

I was just thinking more about this and it makes perfect sense.  Netflix already uses Amazon's cloud services for storage and Network bandwidth.  That has to be their second largest expense after the movie licenses (at least with the streaming stuff). 

No more two storage locations, two separate bandwidth streams, no more two licenses with the studios.  Might be the easiest merger/aquisition of all time.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 23, 2011, 01:32:50 pm
And just like that it's on...

Dish said to plan Blockbuster Rival to Netflix (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-02/dish-said-to-plan-blockbuster-rival-to-netflix.html)

That explains netflix losing starz this morning....

As of right now, this is limited to Dish Network Subscribers (http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/dish-network-blockbuster-unveil-blockbuster-movie-pass-all-incl/). 

That sound you heard was me banging my head against the wall....repeatedly.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on September 23, 2011, 05:23:49 pm
I know this isnt totally related to most your things - but have you seen the band Painted Palms live? Theyre from SF and very buzz-worthy at the moment. Am hearing things about some amazing show, so was just curious if I *had* to see them at CMJ?!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 23, 2011, 05:28:41 pm
I know this isnt totally related to most your things - but have you seen the band Painted Palms live? Theyre from SF and very buzz-worthy at the moment. Am hearing things about some amazing show, so was just curious if I *had* to see them at CMJ?!

Sorry, can't help make your mind up as I haven't seem them live.

PM TicketFly Amy...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 23, 2011, 07:52:37 pm
Pandora has lifted the 40 hour limit for non-premium users.

That's competition in action.  You can thank Spotify and the realization that Pandora makes more money from non-subscribers than they do premium members.  Pandora One will not be $36 a year for much longer.
pandora fixed their only flaw. pretty happy
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 25, 2011, 02:24:50 am
I've got the moves like Jagger.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 26, 2011, 12:38:24 pm
God, I hope this is true....

Amazon Prime Getting Fox TV Content (http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/amazon-prime-getting-fox-content-adding-the-bluth-family-to-its/)

Also hidden in the press release....

"and newly available on digital video, "The Wonder Years."

If I'm getting my Winnie Cooper on, all bets are off.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 28, 2011, 12:29:18 pm
My advice, as usual, never buy a first gen Amazon product - the second gen will follow shortly (say Feb\Mar) and will likely be a better deal.  Thus, stay away from the 7 inch Fire and wait for the 10 inch Fire, which will likely come out at the same price in the Spring.

But jump on the Kindle Touch and the Kindle and the Kindle Keyboard.  They are really priced well below their actual value. 

And I rarely say this, but buy the "Special Offers" version.  The ads are only the screen saver and a small banner on the home page.  They do not appear while you are reading.  And truthfully, I've purchased three of the special offers so far, thus reducing the price of my Kindle.  Should be free by May....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 28, 2011, 07:39:34 pm
thanks to the almighty vansmack, i purchased a galaxy 2 epic touch phone thing.  so far, so impressed.  thank you!  the screen is awesome the feel is light and sexxxy.  now . . . can you point me in the direction of an equally awesome case?  i was not aware of the whole sticky screen protector sheets that you have to find a youtube video to properly put on.  someone told me they are horrible, they make the screen hard to see over time.  is that all there is for screen protectors.  i was certain i saw a case for an iphone that had a thin sheet of plastic something built into the case, so when you snapped it into place, there you were.  no bubbles, and it comes off and back on. 

sorry about the length of the post, but your opinions about the best cases for my new phone would be greatly appreciated and surely top notch.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 29, 2011, 02:04:38 pm
can you point me in the direction of an equally awesome case?  

The only one I've seen in person is the "Phone Cover Kickstand (http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/OSBrowseAccessoriesDetail?categoryRefName=Carry+%26+Protect&PHONE_ID=SPHD710KIT&selectedAccessoryID=CZS0933R&topPageNumber=0&subPageNumber=0)" that Sprint sells.  I generally don't care for hard cover cases though, but that's one of the nicest one's I've seen. 

I prefer TPU cases (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLACK-GEL-TPU-SOFT-SKIN-HYBRID-COVER-CASE-SPRINT-SAMSUNG-EPIC-4G-TOUCH-/290614712150?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item43a9fc9756#ht_1268wt_1081) (Thermoplastic polyurethanes).  Instead of a regular "gel" case which will collect dirt and get grimey, the TPU case is good mix of the soft feel qualities of a gel case, with the durability and protection of the hard case.  And it doesn't collect dirt, but it does add a bit of thickness to your super-sleek phone, so weigh that against the thinner hard case.

As far as screen protectors, you really don't need one for that phone because it's made of Gorilla Glass which is scratch resistant, especially with a TPU case as it prevents your screen from touching the surface if you lay it face down.  That being said, some people still like screen protectors to keep keys and coins in the pocket from scratching the screen.  They tend to use the harder plastic ones instead of the softer plastic ones based on the bubbling.  Check out companies like sedio, bodyguardz or invisibleshield, as they have great reputations.  Sorry I'm not much more help here, but I don't use screen protectors on my phone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 29, 2011, 02:43:36 pm
At 11:15 a.m. PT, Netflix's stock was trading at about $169 a share, down $39 or 18 percent.

$112.58

Good time to buy?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 29, 2011, 06:15:15 pm
Just saw this case on an Epic Touch 4G - looks good:

TPU Cases from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/TPU-Cases-Flexible-Samsung-Galaxy-Packaging/dp/B005ME454G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317334164&sr=8-1)

If you want the Sprint hard case, let me know. I might be able to get one a little cheaper.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 29, 2011, 06:39:45 pm
see . . . i just knew my question would heap mighty rewards from you!  thanks!  i will check out each suggestion and hopefully my phone experience will be complete.  they say this thing is the "iphone killer", but good lord, i'm so sick of hearing about things that can take out apple.  but the phone is awesome regardless.

do you know anything about

http://www.sgpstore.com/cell-phone/samsung/galaxy-s2/sgp-samsung-galaxy-s2-case-neo-hybrid-series.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 29, 2011, 06:45:28 pm
see . . . i just knew my question would heap mighty rewards from you!  thanks!  i will check out each suggestion and hopefully my phone experience will be complete.  they say this thing is the "iphone killer", but good lord, i'm so sick of hearing about things that can take out apple.  but the phone is awesome regardless.

I forgot to mention that he also has a scren protector The on it. He bougt it from the Sprint store for $15 and it came with 2 clear screens and one anti glare screen.  The clear one looked clean...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 30, 2011, 05:08:08 pm
Http://www.google.com/flights

App now available too:

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.itasoftware.android.airshop
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 30, 2011, 06:10:04 pm
ha - so it IS matrix that's powering this thing!  i've been using http://matrix.itasoftware.com/ for years now, but it's had a major flaw - it'll give you flight info and the price but you can't buy your ticket from there, you need to go to the airline's website and start your search over.

google domination marches on.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 30, 2011, 07:00:18 pm
Sorry, I got distracted by the fact that my dream job (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110930&content_id=25403322&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb) is available again.

Off to polish up the resume.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 30, 2011, 09:17:58 pm
i call the jonah hill role
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 03, 2011, 12:13:03 pm
I was thinking of starting another thread saying "Things and things people do that suck massive dick" but I guess this is just as acceptable. DAMN MOD ABUSE

Welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know
Post by: James Ford on October 03, 2011, 12:18:59 pm
WElcome back, flawd.

I was thinking of starting another thread saying "Things and things people do that suck massive dick" but I guess this is just as acceptable. DAMN MOD ABUSE
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 03, 2011, 02:01:35 pm
Hmm....

Rhapsody Announces Plans to Acquire Napster (http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/rhapsody-announces-plans-to-acquire-napster/)

Less competition, bad.  But since the market for licensed digital files hasn't been stable, this might be what it takes to get stability.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2011, 12:41:12 pm
This is the next Google phone, deets next week:

(http://cdn.androidcentral.com/sites/androidcentral.com/files/imagecache/w550h500/postimages/79186/samsung_prime.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 05, 2011, 03:42:13 pm
oh that will last a whole whopping six months in the grips of most clumsy oafs.

and besides the internerd . . . it is difficult to find any place that carries cases for the galaxy, especially tpu cases, which most salespeople just stare at me and mutter, "uhhh, never heard of that," or the occasional, "that's special order."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2011, 03:59:05 pm
it is difficult to find any place that carries cases for the galaxy, especially tpu cases, which most salespeople just stare at me and mutter, "uhhh, never heard of that," or the occasional, "that's special order."

Why do you go to stores let alone talk to salespeople?


TPU Cases from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/TPU-Cases-Flexible-Samsung-Galaxy-Packaging/dp/B005ME454G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317334164&sr=8-1)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 05, 2011, 04:10:07 pm
i like people . . . they're sometimes neat.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2011, 04:19:28 pm
i like people . . . they're sometimes neat.

I'm going to open a store in the mall called 'Let Me Order That on the Internet For You'
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 05, 2011, 04:22:39 pm
they're sometimes neat.

other times, they're smackie.  do you really want to risk it?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 05, 2011, 05:12:45 pm
hey smackie - did you know that amazon gives away one android app for free every day?
http://www.amazon.com/mobile-apps/b?ie=UTF8&node=2350149011&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=at055-20 - today's is kinda lame, check back tomorrow for a new offering.

got this from http://www.dailytech.com/Quick+Note+Amazon+Gives+Away+OnePaid+Android+App+Per+Day+For+Free/article22834.htm
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2011, 05:32:46 pm
hey smackie - did you know that amazon gives away one android app for free every day?

Yes, Kosmo and I were talking about it back in March.  Back then I wasn't sold on it, but now I TOTALLY am.  I have well over 60 free apps from them...

  What you really need is this the Amazon App Store Reminder (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.raue.freeappnotifier&feature=search_result).  Seems dumb to pay for something that is free, BUT at 7AM every morning I get a notification that tells me what the Free App of the day is with a link to DL it.  Pays for itself in no time....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 07, 2011, 12:21:09 pm
This is the next Google phone, deets next week:

Google moved their event to the end of October.  No reason given other than 'now is not the right time to release a new product' leading to speculation that it was out of respect to Jobs.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 07, 2011, 12:45:50 pm
oh yeah?  and what about the living?  some of us have NEEDS, dammit.  my decision of which new phone to get can't wait forever, ya know.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 07, 2011, 01:15:10 pm
oh yeah?  and what about the living?  some of us have NEEDS, dammit.  my decision of which new phone to get can't wait forever, ya know.

Believe me, no one is more upset about this than me. I took a moderately attractive girl who works for Google to dinner last night just to get details on this bad boy.

Truthfully, instead of an announcement next week that it will be available on Oct 27, the announcement will be available now (on the Verizon network).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on October 07, 2011, 04:59:17 pm
verizon only?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 07, 2011, 05:10:33 pm
verizon only?

For one to three months, it seems. Google has a history of this, giving a US carrier a brief exclusive before making it available to multiple carriers.

All speculation at this point, of course, but I'm putting it at 75% certain that Verizon will have it for the month of November by itself, 50% certain for December as well.

T-Mobile in January and maybe at&t too. Sprint sometime in the spring...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 07, 2011, 05:49:22 pm
I took a moderately attractive girl who works for Google to dinner last night just to get details on this bad boy.

the things you'll do for your art...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 10, 2011, 11:12:14 am
At 11:15 a.m. PT, Netflix's stock was trading at about $169 a share, down $39 or 18 percent.

$112.58

Good time to buy?

hope you bought, 'cause looks like this ship just might be turning around:

Netflix abandons plan for Qwikster DVD service
http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/10/technology/netflix_qwikster/

"Basically, these guys are desperate, and this confirms it," said Tony Wible, analyst at Janney Capital Markets. "While this move doesn't solve the company's long-term issues, in the interim, at least it can try to accelerate some positive catalysts for customers and its stock price."

Shares of Netflix (NFLX) rose 7% following the news.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 10, 2011, 12:00:22 pm
hope you bought, 'cause looks like this ship just might be turning around:

Shares of Netflix (NFLX) rose 7% following the news.

I did, but not for any short term gain.  They are a complete disaster right now.  I've dated women who are more stable than Netflix right now. 

I guess this means the Amazon merger is off....
 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 11, 2011, 12:38:03 am
The Ewok Line hypothesis makes my Pooh versus Potter theory look pedestrian at best.

http://cliqueclack.com/tv/2011/10/10/himym-field-trip-review/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 12, 2011, 05:18:56 pm
I really can't tell which company is being managed worse right now.  Sprint or Netflix?

Sprint CEO Dan Hesse thought it was premature to discuss the iPhone during the company?s strategy day last week. Oops.

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/sprint-to-talk-finally-iphone-4s-financials-as-if-it-has-a-choice/60540?tag=nl.e550
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 12, 2011, 06:44:42 pm
laymen don't understand anyway . . . so does it matter?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on October 13, 2011, 08:25:45 am

Believe me, no one is more upset about this than me. I took a moderately attractive girl who works for Google to dinner last night just to get details on this bad boy.


Wait a minute!  Weren't you married?  Wasn't there a "Smack-ette" at some point?  Who am I thinking of?  I'm SO confused.

Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 13, 2011, 10:38:45 am
About 18 pages ago....

smackie might come across as a playah, but underneath it all he's a very loyal and pro-mono kind of guy.  srsly.

This was true when I was married or in a relationship.  Right now I'd hide your daughters...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on October 14, 2011, 09:11:30 am
 
I knew someone had an -ette they referred to.  Sweetcellette didn't sound right.

Brian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on October 18, 2011, 09:58:47 am
Figured this was as good a place to ask as any...

We're in the final stages of booting cable permanently, especially since most of our TVs are either connected to devices for streaming (Wii, Xbox) and have pretty easy connects for HDMI to stream anything else from our laptop. 

We do have one last TV, though, that doesn't have any easy hook-up.  Are there any devices out there that can be hooked to a TV that give basic web browsing capabilities?  I'm not even sure where to look.

I can't justify having another laptop JUST for that purpose (especially since it's our least watched TV) or another gaming unit.  I'd scrap it all together, but this is the TV we use in the rare cases that we let the kid watch PBS or whatever.

Any ideas? 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2011, 12:32:13 pm
We do have one last TV, though, that doesn't have any easy hook-up.  Are there any devices out there that can be hooked to a TV that give basic web browsing capabilities?  I'm not even sure where to look.

What are the hookups on the back?  Is there HDMI or am I looking for a Composite only device?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on October 18, 2011, 01:27:25 pm
but this is the TV we use in the rare cases that we let the kid watch PBS or whatever.

Please, think of the children (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/health/19babies.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on October 18, 2011, 01:42:29 pm
Hey, I'd agree...he's a boy, so the more we get him outside and moving, the easier my life is.  But when it's early in the morning, or he's sick, I'm not opposed to a little TV time.  That's why I generally walk around with the Ziggy Marley-penned them to Arthur in my head.  Check it out...it really is a gem: http://pbskids.org/arthur/games/songbook/theme.html

I"m at work, Smackie, so I can't tell you 100%, but I know there is at least an HDMI input into the back, most likely components too.

but this is the TV we use in the rare cases that we let the kid watch PBS or whatever.

Please, think of the children (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/health/19babies.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2011, 02:08:36 pm
First off - don't defend how you raise your child to anyone.

Secondly, if the TV has HDMI, I think the price of the Logitech Revue warrants purchase for simple web browsing and streaming on a TV.  I purchased a Nettop for streaming web content to a TV here in my office for about $199 when the Logitech Revue was at $299.  But now that it's sub $100 (I've seen it as low as $70, but you should expect to see it for around $89-$99) I think it's a steal.

I know you're an Apple guy, but the Apple TV does not do web browsing without an iPhone present.  The Revue does it natively.

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/smartTV

If all you need is streaming TV with no web browsing, the Roku2 has over 300 channels (you're bound to find something) and is around $60 for the base model which will be more than fine.

http://www.roku.com/roku-products
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on October 18, 2011, 02:47:59 pm
If all you need is streaming TV with no web browsing, the Roku2 has over 300 channels (you're bound to find something) and is around $60 for the base model which will be more than fine.

http://www.roku.com/roku-products

Be careful. Unless you also stream via Amazon, Netflix and/or Hulu Plus, it's loaded with a lot of junk.

Currently, I'm looking at the Veebeam (http://www.veebeam.com/) but haven't made up my mind yet. One thing that I do not like is that you must choose either one that works with HD or the one that can be used with older tvs with the RCA inputs. I'd much rather have one that allows for both as the Roku 2 XS does. Would even pay more to be able to do so. It just pays to allow for versatility. I'm just not sure that it will allow for streaming anything you can view on your computer. Roku doesn't. Even the USB stations are buggy and limited as all get out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on October 18, 2011, 02:51:18 pm
First off, I agree.  But GGW is the exception.  I feel answering to him betters me...and the world.

Second, neither of those have subscriptions (beyond OnDemand or other subscriptions)?  That's amazing.  What a time to be alive.

Thanks...I think that's exactly what I needed.

First off - don't defend how you raise your child to anyone.

Secondly, if the TV has HDMI, I think the price of the Logitech Revue warrants purchase for simple web browsing and streaming on a TV.  I purchased a Nettop for streaming web content to a TV here in my office for about $199 when the Logitech Revue was at $299.  But now that it's sub $100 (I've seen it as low as $70, but you should expect to see it for around $89-$99) I think it's a steal.

I know you're an Apple guy, but the Apple TV does not do web browsing without an iPhone present.  The Revue does it natively.

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/smartTV

If all you need is streaming TV with no web browsing, the Roku2 has over 300 channels (you're bound to find something) and is around $60 for the base model which will be more than fine.

http://www.roku.com/roku-products

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on October 18, 2011, 02:55:19 pm
Actually, that's the plan: using Netflix and Hulu (mostly...also streaming stuff via the web) subscriptions.

If all you need is streaming TV with no web browsing, the Roku2 has over 300 channels (you're bound to find something) and is around $60 for the base model which will be more than fine.

http://www.roku.com/roku-products

Be careful. Unless you also stream via Amazon, Netflix and/or Hulu Plus, it's loaded with a lot of junk.

Currently, I'm looking at the Veebeam (http://www.veebeam.com/) but haven't made up my mind yet. One thing that I do not like is that you must choose either one that works with HD or the one that can be used with older tvs with the RCA inputs. I'd much rather have one that allows for both as the Roku 2 XS does. Would even pay more to be able to do so. It just pays to allow for versatility. I'm just not sure that it will allow for streaming anything you can view on your computer. Roku doesn't. Even the USB stations are buggy and limited as all get out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2011, 02:59:35 pm
Second, neither of those have subscriptions (beyond OnDemand or other subscriptions)?  That's amazing.  What a time to be alive.

No.  No subscription fees for the devices, but some of the content might not be (Amazon, Hulu+, Netflix, etc.). 

If it were me, I would get the Logitech Revue.  Much more flexible than the Roku and I expect it will be improved on soon by Google.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on October 18, 2011, 03:01:30 pm
@NKOTB: Then it will be worth it. But do realize that it only streams Hulu Plus, not the freebie streams. Just make sure you go for the Roku 2XS, if you go for one of their products. Also get it through their website and buy the discounted HDMI cable and the extra memory chip. It will also include free shipping.

Smackie and Chaz, I'd still like to know your takes on the Veebeam.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2011, 03:07:57 pm
If it were me, I would get the Logitech Revue.  Much more flexible than the Roku and I expect it will be improved on soon by Google.

I just talked to my buddy who has Google TV and he said to tell you that Hulu Support is not native on the Plus, there are work arounds, and that you need not worry because "it's coming ;)"

That means that either Honeycomb or Ice Cream Sandwich are on their way to the GTV device.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2011, 03:14:15 pm
Smackie and Chaz, I'd still like to know your takes on the Veebeam.

$99 for a wireless PC-to-TV Link seems steep to me, especially as I no longer own a PC.

I think the other devices listed at equal or lesser prices serve to remove the PC from the entertainment center and that's the future.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 18, 2011, 03:23:22 pm
so . . . is blu ray dead yet?  i have one, but rarely watch anything on it, and when i do i have to readjust the sound settings on the tv so the background noise doesn't drown out the dialogue.  great way to watch movies but it seems tedious and not worth it at times.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on October 18, 2011, 03:31:36 pm
Smackie and Chaz, I'd still like to know your takes on the Veebeam.

$99 for a wireless PC-to-TV Link seems steep to me, especially as I no longer own a PC.

I think the other devices listed at equal or lesser prices serve to remove the PC from the entertainment center and that's the future.

Okay, look at it this way:

I'd like something that allows me to stream anything I can stream on my (pretty decent) PC onto an old crappy tv. Of course, would prefer the ability to use it on a better HD tv whenever my fortunes greatly improve. That's not happening anytime soon.

I've got ~$100 to play with and that's it.

Ideally, a temporary fix to (hopefully) a better step up down the road which will then have even more options available to consider. The way things are looking, that's going to be a long road too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2011, 03:34:48 pm
Honestly Jag, I would save my money for a couple months and buy a better TV.  It makes no sense to take a wonderful picture from your desktop (at least 1080p) and down res it to a 480p TV.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2011, 03:43:06 pm
so . . . is blu ray dead yet? 

Blu-Ray was dead before it arrived, and I told you that on this board somewhere when I declared that tangible media was dead.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on October 18, 2011, 03:44:08 pm
I expect it will be improved on soon by Google.

have you heard anything on timing for the google tv honeycomb update?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 18, 2011, 03:46:25 pm
so . . . is blu ray dead yet? 

Blu-Ray was dead before it arrived, and I told you that on this board somewhere when I declared that tangible media was dead.

i know you did . . . that is why i mentioned it here.  you're such the vanstrodamus.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on October 18, 2011, 03:47:29 pm
Honestly Jag, I would save my money for a couple months and buy a better TV.  It makes no sense to take a wonderful picture from your desktop (at least 1080p) and down res it to a 480p TV.

I thought about that but, sadly, it would take me more than a couple months to save up enough for a better tv. Besides, there are other issues involved with that which I prefer to not post here.

The resolution thing is an issue though now that you mention it.

Hmmm, maybe I will hold off and allow procrastination to kick in. Sometimes that works in my favor. I've gotten use to settling for my laptop screen which is about medium sized. It's really only an issue when I'm trying to view something with other people. Between the size and the glare from an angle, it's not even worth it.

Thanks for your input.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2011, 04:07:32 pm
have you heard anything on timing for the google tv honeycomb update?

On October 4, Google said it was "probably 3-4 weeks away"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2011, 04:19:19 pm
Jag - there's no need to go wireless then in the short term.  Just get a VGA to Composite (RCA Jacks) or Component cable if your TV supports is (RGB) for $10 hook up your laptop to your TV that way.  That would run you under $10.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on October 18, 2011, 04:23:21 pm
Jag - there's no need to go wireless then in the short term.  Just get a VGA to Composite (RCA Jacks) or Component cable if your TV supports is (RGB) for $10 hook up your laptop to your TV that way.  That would run you under $10.

Several months ago, I was going to buy this (http://www.amazon.com/3-RCA-to-USB-Cable/dp/B003QA5LA0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1318969232&sr=1-1) which was suggested to me..... but then I read this:

"Product Description
This cable allows you to view pictures and videos from camcorders on your USB-enabled television or on your PC.
This item does not come with any software and HDE cannot provide any.
THIS CABLE WILL NOT WORK FOR CONNECTING A COMPUTER TO A TV. You cannot get an image signal through a USB port that way. This cable is not transferring data or files, it is only for viewing images on RCA-equipped camcorders."

Sounds like it won't work though not sure either.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 18, 2011, 04:34:35 pm
Jag - there's no need to go wireless then in the short term.  Just get a VGA to Composite (RCA Jacks) or Component cable if your TV supports is (RGB) for $10 hook up your laptop to your TV that way.  That would run you under $10.

Several months ago, I was going to buy this (http://www.amazon.com/3-RCA-to-USB-Cable/dp/B003QA5LA0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1318969232&sr=1-1) which was suggested to me..... but then I read this:

"Product Description
This cable allows you to view pictures and videos from camcorders on your USB-enabled television or on your PC.
This item does not come with any software and HDE cannot provide any.
THIS CABLE WILL NOT WORK FOR CONNECTING A COMPUTER TO A TV. You cannot get an image signal through a USB port that way. This cable is not transferring data or files, it is only for viewing images on RCA-equipped camcorders."

Sounds like it won't work though not sure either.

and you did the right thing, since that cable wouldn't work for you.  whoever suggested that to you was wrong.

you want a VGA-to-composite (single RCA) cable; or VGA-to-component (multiple RCA) if your TV supports it.  there is no USB involved here.  the VGA port on your laptop is the one you use to hook up a projector (or in this case, an external monitor, AKA your TV).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2011, 04:40:43 pm
You know, what - just get this:

http://www.amazon.com/Lake-Converter-compatible-Windows-S-Video/dp/B00351VWKI/ref=pd_cp_e_3

And choose what ever cables you want.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Jaguar on October 18, 2011, 05:10:24 pm
Thanks to both of you!

The scary thing is that the exact cable that won't work was suggested to me by my brother-in-law whose profession is in IT. Not the first time I doubted his 'knowledge' and ended up being right.

Actually, I might be better off getting both of your suggestions. I like having extra types of cables and such around for all sorts of functions. Thing is, it often seems that I end up needing just the type that I don't have.

This (http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&productId=8198552921666342155&langId=-1&XID=O:vpcf22bfx%2fb:dg_gglsrch:pe#additionalImage1%22) is close enough to what my computer is. Not exactly the same but, other than visuals, I haven't noticed much of a difference on the basics listed. Probably something in the finer print specs.

The tv is an old piece of crap with 3 RCA inputs in the front and I think one in the back.


Btw NKOTB and anyone else considering a Roku 2XS (don't even consider the lower models!): If you hook up a USB cable to the thing, it cannot read any drives on a computer (at least, mine in too illiterate to do so). You'll have to hook it up to an external harddrive. That works fine... until you then have to get past the stupidness of it being able to recognize your files. It sees some but not most. I'm still trying to figure out yet if it's because they aren't compatible files or if it's something goofy with the naming or folder issues. Luckily, I like old movies and some really off-beat and even bad ones or I'd be movieless unless I opted for some subscription. Have been considering Hulu Plus and ditching cable but not sold on that either. I like that they have the Criterion Collection which is the big seller for me as far as available services go.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: wml7 on October 18, 2011, 11:05:24 pm
so . . . is blu ray dead yet?  i have one, but rarely watch anything on it, and when i do i have to readjust the sound settings on the tv so the background noise doesn't drown out the dialogue.  great way to watch movies but it seems tedious and not worth it at times.


Blu Ray  ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/3hzxL.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 25, 2011, 12:56:44 pm
hope you bought, 'cause looks like this ship just might be turning around:

Or not...these projections are awful.  My only hope is the Amazon acquisition at this point:

(http://i.zdnet.com/blogs/nflx102411a.png)

Currently trading at $77.71(!)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 25, 2011, 02:47:22 pm
Eesh.  I don't know why I'm so fascinated by this, but it's incredible.

Quote
In his letter to shareholders, (http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/NFLX/1464032078x0x511277/85b155bc-69e8-4cb8-a2a3-22465e076d77/Investor%20Letter%20Q3%202011.pdf) Hastings detailed some of the challenges in acquiring content.

He wrote about how licensing deals in the TV and film sectors are typically based on exclusive deals and the rights to a lot of important content are already sewn up by others. As an example, Hastings cited the exclusive online rights that Universal Pictures has sold to HBO. What he doesn't say is that HBO has similar deals with 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. That's content from three of the top six Hollywood film studios that Netflix can't touch.

With the Starz deal dead, Netflix is without the most-sought after content from five of the six majors.

"Given the existing licensing structure of the cable network industry," Hastings wrote to shareholders, "the total content available will likely remain carved up between Netflix, Showtime, HBO, Hulu, and others."

What he's saying is don't expect too much from us with regard to the latest films from the major studios.
 

Exclusive deals suck for the consumer, but Netflix is really poorly positioned for the future.

That being said, I don't the movie studios are doing themselves any favors either with this confusing labyrinth of online selections...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 25, 2011, 03:14:11 pm
I'm not sure if I've been waiting for this since Herbie Fully Loaded, but around then I guess is the "safe" answer:

Lindsay Lohan Strips Down for Playboy for Close to $1M (http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/25/idUS164942758520111025)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 26, 2011, 06:29:39 am
hey smackie - did you know that amazon gives away one android app for free every day?

Yes, Kosmo and I were talking about it back in March.  Back then I wasn't sold on it, but now I TOTALLY am.  I have well over 60 free apps from them...

  What you really need is this the Amazon App Store Reminder (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.raue.freeappnotifier&feature=search_result).  Seems dumb to pay for something that is free, BUT at 7AM every morning I get a notification that tells me what the Free App of the day is with a link to DL it.  Pays for itself in no time....

I check daily for the Free App, probably get a third of them.   However, the best part of the Free App offer are the reviews.  The moaning about yet another Bejeweled or Tower Defense game, or it won't work on my ancient phone.  The recent active wallpaper app reviews were pretty hilarious as well..

But, the best reviews are by the clueless permissions vigilantes, who suddenly seem to be experts in what permissions they will and wont grant apps.  Most of their analysis's seem way off base.  The best example of cluelessness was over a recent version of the Target app, where everyone was convinced that it was mining all their contacts for nefarious reasons.  The outcry was so great Target had to update and remove a feature.  <insert people is dumb pic>
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 26, 2011, 12:26:58 pm
The comments are great, especially by the time I wake up - they've already gone the way of the crowd.

That being said, today's app is a gem.  It's MS Office for your smart phone.  I use Google Docs as much as I can but their are limitations.  Definitely pick up today's app, especially if you might own a Google based tablet some day (that's where I get most of my OfficeSuite mileage).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 26, 2011, 01:45:37 pm
The comments are great, especially by the time I wake up - they've already gone the way of the crowd.

That being said, today's app is a gem.  It's MS Office for your smart phone.  I use Google Docs as much as I can but their are limitations.  Definitely pick up today's app, especially if you might own a Google based tablet some day (that's where I get most of my OfficeSuite mileage).

so, i haven't bought my new phone yet (still fighting with corp IT, the GSII isn't officially supported yet) - can i DL this now and install later?

edit: i went through the steps of requesting it from Amazon, and it sent me a 1.3 MB .apk file for the Amazon app store, but not the installer for OfficeSuite.  because I've requested it on the website, will the app be sitting in my purchase history?  will i be able to DL it later, once the unhelpdesk allows me to buy my damn phone?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 26, 2011, 01:58:22 pm
The vast majority my amazon apps are purchased, but not installed, however, I've purchased all of them via the phone app.

It's easy to check though - go to amazon.com, log into your account and scroll down to "Digital Content"

At the bottom of that list you'll see "Your apps and Devices"

Click that and you should see the app you "purchased" - as long as it's there you can install it from the apk on any phone you sync with that account (up to 10, I think) in perpetuity essentially. So it will be there when you get your new phone as long as you see it in your app list on amazon.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 26, 2011, 02:42:33 pm
nope, nothing there in Appa & Devices .  i guess you have to install it via the amazon app store to have it show up as "installed".  requests through the website don't work (since that only gets you the app store, not the app itself).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 26, 2011, 02:58:01 pm
nope, nothing there in Appa & Devices .  i guess you have to install it via the amazon app store to have it show up as "installed".  requests through the website don't work (since that only gets you the app store, not the app itself).

It looks like you have to have an authorized device.  When I purchase from the web, it asks me which of my devices I would like to send the app to - it look like you can't purchase from the web until you have an authorized device.

I have quite a few Google phones lying around.  I can install the APK on one of them, authorize the APK to work on your Amazon account and that should create your locker.  You can then "purchase" apps in the Amazon store and they will be available when you get your phone if you'd like. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on October 27, 2011, 09:44:38 am
Anyone here have an iPad, Android phone, and Windows PCs?  I'm interested to hear how mixing OS's has worked for you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 27, 2011, 10:47:27 am
i don't have an android yet, but we have PCs and ipad.  to date, i haven't needed to transfer anything between the ipad and the PCs that couldn't be done over the internet (attach to e-mail).  for the most part we use the ipad as a very pretty dumb terminal: access e-mail (personal and work), stream online content, having fantasy stats up as i watch a football game on the TV, etc.  playing games is maybe the only standalone functionality i use on the ipad.  i couldn't imagine getting any work done on the thing... MS Office docs without a keyboard?  no thanks.

do you have any concerns about mixing OSs?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on October 27, 2011, 11:03:48 am
I'm not as concerned about Windows to iOS, mostly about mixing Android and iOS ... I've invested a fair amount of time in getting comfortable with Android apps and I'll need a whole new set of parallel apps for the iPad
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on October 27, 2011, 11:55:42 am
i mostly used mine the same way as sweetcell. i'm chained to my thinkpad for anything work related though

twitter, facebook, sportstap, youtube and movies are the only apps i used more than everyone in a while
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 27, 2011, 01:03:54 pm
I'm not as concerned about Windows to iOS, mostly about mixing Android and iOS ... I've invested a fair amount of time in getting comfortable with Android apps and I'll need a whole new set of parallel apps for the iPad

The features will be different for some, but not all.  They are all fairly close these days in terms of functionality.

The navigation structures are different between the two phones, but neither are very difficult.

The real downside will be for paid apps - you'll have to purchase two versions of the apps.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 09, 2011, 01:19:26 pm
I made it to hand 100 in last night's WSOP main event.

I'm not sure what the ratings are going to indicate, but ESPN will probably rethink how they did that last night.  Finishing after midnight on the west coast, I doubt many east coast folks watched the final or set their DVR for nearly long enough to see the last hand.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on November 09, 2011, 01:22:53 pm
didn't the "kid" win it all on an ace high??!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 09, 2011, 01:27:12 pm
didn't the "kid" win it all on an ace high??!!!

Anybody who watches or plays pokers knows that you don't win on the last hand - you've usually put yourself in a position to win much earlier in the game, and that's the hand you'll remember.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: BookerT on November 09, 2011, 01:30:06 pm
I made it to hand 100 in last night's WSOP main event.

I'm not sure what the ratings are going to indicate, but ESPN will probably rethink how they did that last night.  Finishing after midnight on the west coast, I doubt many east coast folks watched the final or set their DVR for nearly long enough to see the last hand.

I tried but there was no way I could make it to 3am. Watching live and seeing every hand and not just edited highlights is so much better, ESPN should make sure they use one of their many outlets to show it like that in the future, if not necessarily on the mothership.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on November 09, 2011, 01:36:31 pm
didn't the "kid" win it all on an ace high??!!!

Anybody who watches or plays pokers knows that you don't win on the last hand - you've usually put yourself in a position to win much earlier in the game, and that's the hand you'll remember.

i thought in poker, everything happens because of luck.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on November 09, 2011, 01:49:07 pm

That kid looked just like the guy in "Twilight."

(http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/sp/ap_photo/20110720/all/l5334557.jpg)

(http://tengossip.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/90618m4_pattinson_b-gr_08_a.jpg)

It's like they're TWINS!

Brian

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 09, 2011, 02:06:43 pm
I tried but there was no way I could make it to 3am. Watching live and seeing every hand and not just edited highlights is so much better, ESPN should make sure they use one of their many outlets to show it like that in the future, if not necessarily on the mothership.

I liked not seeing the hand until it was over and, even when I was bored on a couple of occasions, I couldn't take my eyes off of it not knowing if the next hand was going to be the last hand.

I'm not sure every heads up match is going to change chip lead 9 times, but it was quality TV for a Tuesday night. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2011, 11:34:05 pm
If you're not at work and have a very 'open' lady friend, I'd Google the following:

Massive Attack :  Paradise Circus (very NSFW)

I didn't include a direct link for fear that I'd lose my posting privileges.

Great remix, better video.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 16, 2011, 06:32:55 pm
Google Music has just dropped the "beta" label, now allows for in Android Market purchasing via web or phone market and.....

Free track sharing if you purchase from the Android Market.

You can share a full album with your friends via Google+ or via email notification for ONE free FULL listening - not samples of tracks (Google Music account required).

Indie artists are allowed to set their own prices for their music.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 17, 2011, 10:58:17 am
hope you bought, 'cause looks like this ship just might be turning around:

Shares of Netflix (NFLX) rose 7% following the news.

I did, but not for any short term gain.  They are a complete disaster right now.  I've dated women who are more stable than Netflix right now. 

I guess this means the Amazon merger is off....
 

chances are amazon will want to wait for netflix's lawsuit to clear up:
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/16/netflix-subscribers-offered-part-275m-settlement-with-wal-mart-at-less-than-1/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2011, 09:21:51 pm
I fucking LOVE Tony Stewart and I'm not afraid to admit it.

He also just won me a ton of cash.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 22, 2011, 02:22:40 pm
chances are amazon will want to wait for netflix's lawsuit to clear up:

Eesh.

From bad to worse:

Netfilx issues $200 million in Bonds (http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/netflix-raising-cash-by-selling-off-200-million-in-bonds/64016?tag=nl.e539)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on November 22, 2011, 05:59:05 pm
chances are amazon will want to wait for netflix's lawsuit to clear up:

Eesh.

From bad to worse:

Netfilx issues $200 million in Bonds (http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/netflix-raising-cash-by-selling-off-200-million-in-bonds/64016?tag=nl.e539)

A round-up of Netflix's financial stupidity:

http://abnormalreturns.com/share-buybacks-and-opportunities-lost/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 08, 2011, 01:17:29 pm
Anything happen today that I should know about?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on December 08, 2011, 09:11:53 pm
Hard drive shortage pushes prices up 150% (http://www.techradar.com/news/computing-components/storage/hard-drive-shortage-pushes-prices-up-150--1044021)

Very happy that I bought that 1TB portable a few weeks ago. Not happy for Thailand though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on December 09, 2011, 09:59:34 am
hi . . . we're apple, we steal ideas and call them our own.  and nobody else better try what we do.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/09/business/samsung-apple/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 09, 2011, 01:24:25 pm
Anything happen today that I should know about?

well, not today (or yesterday) specifically, but you should know that my Samsung Galaxy S-II has been provisioned, the screen is gorgeous, i'm absolutely LOVING this little piece of tech, and that i'm most grateful for all your advice.  having spent time with the missus' iphone i am certain that i made the right choice.  this thing really is a computer that makes phone calls too.  i used to be against making phones over-complicated... now i can't get enough.  loving the large screen, and the voice recognition software on it is amazingly precise.

that, and you got some used ball players that no one over here cares about.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 09, 2011, 02:28:19 pm
I'm not surprised at all that you are loving the phone.  It's a beast of a phone.  And having now been tinkering with Ice Cream Sandwich for a few weeks, only good things are still to come for that phone, and all newer android phones for that matter.

Oh, and yeah, I'm pretty excited about the 2012 baseball season...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 09, 2011, 05:37:03 pm
any projections on when ICS will come to us gammas?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 09, 2011, 06:11:44 pm
any projections on when ICS will come to us gammas?

Samsung is not the best about updates.  I would guess March at the earliest, but wouldn't at all be surprised if it was June for the official release.

If you want to try early releases, let me know...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 09, 2011, 06:32:44 pm
aww, thanks buddy.  i have to tread somewhat carefully with the device, since android support at the firm is still at the low end of the learning curve and i can't afford to be out of commission because i got all experimental. 

has it been stable on your phone?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 09, 2011, 06:54:59 pm
has it been stable on your phone?

Very - it's been my daily use OS for about 3 weeks now.  And it's not even a final build - should see that next week...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2011, 05:56:53 pm
Just spent the last hour with a Galaxy Nexus.  One.Beautiful.Phone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 15, 2011, 09:12:18 pm
good thing no one is allowed to buy it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 15, 2011, 09:35:25 pm
aww, thanks buddy.  i have to tread somewhat carefully with the device, since android support at the firm is still at the low end of the learning curve and i can't afford to be out of commission because i got all experimental. 

i'm starting to re-think my overly-conservative position (as most people should, really...).  i'm still loving the phone but it's ability to do everything, and do it quickly and constantly, has a drawback: it can drain the battery quickly.  depending on how much i do with the phone and where i'm located i can kill a full battery before i return home/to the hotel at night.  i've done some optimizing so it's gotten better, but i'm still not getting the battery life i want.

i've come up with three options to address this, thoughts appreciated:

1) get a second battery and an external charger, and charge one battery in the carger while using the other.

2) get a replacement battery with larger capacity, like this one (http://www.accessoryswamp.com/3500mah-extended-life-samsung-galaxy-s2-battery.html).  it would make the handheld fatter and heavier.

3) root the phone and take out at&t's *%@#*&!!!! bloatware that they won't let you uninstall gracefully.  the phone company has put a ton of cr-apps on the phone that are constantly running in the background and sucking up juice.  one particularly bad offender can consume up to 10% of a charge, who knows how much more i'm losing to all the other services and processes.  unfortunately i can't keep root: if my company's secure e-mail platform detects open root access, it auto-destructs.  so i'd need to get root, uninstall the bloatware (and do whatever other tweaks), then relinquish root.

*sigh*.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2011, 06:26:14 pm
I've done all three, but I prefer the 1st option to the second (with my GSI I carried two batteries).  Charged one on the dock at night in the phone and put the spare in the extra charge slot.  Your phone is pretty thin though so it might not bee too bad if you go with a bigger capacity battery.

Going through all the trouble to root the phone just to remove the apps and not enjoy all that you can do with a rooted phone doesn't make much sense to me.  With ICS you'll be able to disable carrier bloat apps so they don't run in the background.  You might as well just wait.

A couple of simple battery saving tips though:

(1) use the auto-brightness feature as I'm guessing that big screen is taking most of the battery. 
(2) Use wifi as much as possible.  The wifi radio takes less juice than the 3G/4G radio.
(3) Obviously try to keep the phone in a place where it has a decent signal.  The majority of my phone battery loss is "Searching for Signal" because my office is in the middle of the building and not by a window.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 30, 2011, 05:45:58 pm
Quote
Originally posted by BookerT:
  you're childhood friends with chris draft?
I am.  We lived about 3 blocks apart and were on the same soccer team and little league team for years.  His older brother was actually my age, and Chris was in the grade behind me.  They were both the best athletes in the neighborhood - Chris just got big while his brother stayed skinny.

Very sad: 

NFL star mourns wife a month after wedding

Just one month after marrying his longtime girlfriend, former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Chris Draft is now mourning the loss of his wife.

http://www.hlntv.com/article/2011/12/30/chris-draft-nfl-falcon-wife-dies
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 05, 2012, 05:45:24 pm
heya smax,

i'm currently at DFW on my laptop, tethered to my phone with a strong LTE signal. ohmyfrickengawdihadnoideaitcouldbethisway.  three different speed tests confirm that i'm getting 22-25 mbps down and over 4 mbps up.  that's faster than the corporate network of the client i just left, and not that far off from my Fios at home. 

CHANGING THE GAME.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on January 05, 2012, 05:52:11 pm
we really are fucked when electricity isn't so easily produced.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 05, 2012, 06:07:47 pm
agreed - and we won't have message boards to bitch and moan about it! ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on January 06, 2012, 12:04:59 pm
you guys who read this thread like football right?  good, i thought so.

football just got political

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/01/06/maddow-indiana-gop-picked-bad-time-to-fight-unions/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2012, 12:16:39 pm
you guys who read this thread like football right?  good, i thought so.

football just got political

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/01/06/maddow-indiana-gop-picked-bad-time-to-fight-unions/

"Just" got political?

This is much a do about nothing and probably belongs in the conspiracy theory thread...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2012, 03:11:20 pm
Even thieves don't want your stupid tangible media:
 
[T]hefts of entertainment products like CDs and DVDs have collapsed in England and Wales, to the point that they are now taken in just 7% of all burglaries in which something is stolen. They are now targeted no more frequently than are toiletries and cigarettes.

...

?These sorts of crimes are regarded even by criminals as the preserve of the desperate,? says James Treadwell, a Leicester University criminologist. Burglars are generally drug-addled, unskilled and opportunistic. Yet they are capable of making economic calculations. And their behaviour reveals something about the state of the media business. Hollywood and the record labels believe they can hold off the threat from technology, both legitimate and illegitimate, and maintain the value of their products. Britain?s burglars disagree.

http://www.economist.com/node/21542438
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2012, 04:44:11 pm
Whether you watched the game or not, call and get your credit.  My disdain for Comcast knows no boundaries:

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/comcast-xfinity-ads-interrupt-nfc-championship/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 31, 2012, 05:16:01 pm
No argument from me....except I'd swap out the BB drinking for Android online dating.

What does your smartphone say about your life love?

iPhone Users: The Office Romantic


BlackBerry Users: The Drunk Dialer


Android Users: The Seducer

http://venturebeat.com/2012/01/31/match-com-android-users-are-more-likely-to-have-sex-on-first-date/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 09, 2012, 06:35:18 pm
Interesting:

Google Reportedly Working on a Wireless Home Entertainment System (http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/google-reportedly-working-on-wireless-home-entertainment-system/)

I'm heading to Mountain View Tomorrow.  I'm definitely going to ask to peek behind the curtain. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2012, 08:48:39 pm
You Gotta Fight!  For your Right! To Paaaa...wait...what?  Net Neutrality? 

http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/sec-sides-with-beastie-boys-mike-d-says-atandt-must-allow-shareh/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 20, 2012, 01:34:22 pm
The latest nonsensical technology to catch Smackie's ire is this whole SiriusXM merger. 

The merger was announced 5 years ago yesterday, happened 3.5 years ago, and still the company supports two different technologies and their content is still not merged into one.

Absolutely incredible that they would support two different technologies in OEM's for automobiles and handhelds (XM radios and Sirius radios), not offer all of the content on one of the two technologies (Sirius cannot play MLB games) or you have to pay a premium for one on the other (for XM radios, you have to pay $3.50 more a month for Sirius programming)

I will be streaming all content in my new car and not bother touching the sat radio and I LOVE technology, but if they haven't merged the hardware in 3.5 years, continue to push out OEM radio's that will need support for the life of cars and haven't fixed their bandwidth issues, SAT radio is dead as LTE gets better coverage.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on February 20, 2012, 01:44:27 pm
i thought i heard that "sirius" is dead.  it is only really xm.  all new equipment is xm players only.  places that carry "sirius" equipment told me that it all stopped befored christmas and they haven't got a single piece of equipment that says "sirius" on it anymore.

its a dead medium anyway.  had it for six or seven years.  was incredible when it first came out.  now it is boring and outdated.

pandora . . . for the win.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 20, 2012, 02:17:13 pm
i thought i heard that "sirius" is dead.  it is only really xm.  all new equipment is xm players only. 

Unless you purchase (or have purchased in the last 5 years) a vehicle from the following manufacturer, which comes pre-installed with a Sirius Radio:

Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Fiat, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi, Volvo or VW.

I would be willing to bet most SAT radio subscriptions are vehicle based and that owners of many of these vehicles fit one of two profiles for SAT subscribers (1) live in a huge area with poor radio coverage or (2) have a fair amount of disposable income. 

I would agree with you that XM will be the future based on compression structure and available bandwidth, but what are they going to do with all of these cars?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on February 20, 2012, 02:22:51 pm
was it just me . . . or did the dead milkmen do a cover of "cars" on sat in dc?  everything at some point revolves around the dead milkmen.  smoking banana peels was a highlight.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 03, 2012, 09:03:40 pm
http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 07, 2012, 02:29:46 pm
Only Apple could make a gorgeous tablet display that's 2048 x 1536, 3.1 million pixels, 264ppi and leave the ratio at 4:3 instead of 16:9 #bangsheadondesk
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 13, 2012, 02:52:08 pm
Very Interesting Concept:

Walmart Instore Disc to Digital Conversion (http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/walmart-in-store-disc-to-digital-ultraviolet-conversion-gets-off/)

$2 per disc for DVD (480p) or BluRay (HD) Digital Copy
$5 per disc for 480p to 1080p Digital Conversion

Currently limited to Paramount, Sony, Fox, Universal and Warner Bros. and must be replayed using the VUDU service. 

I'm really intrigued by the HD conversion price.  Anybody who's ever converted DVDs to Digital copies would think $2 is a bit of a bargain considering the hassle.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 13, 2012, 03:08:44 pm
Oh, and please make this happen:

Virgin America Proposes SF to DC National Nonstop Service (http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2012/03/virgin-america-proposes-san-francisco-dc-national-nonstops/646090/1)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 19, 2012, 11:55:20 am
I had a flight attendant tell me to stowe my kindle during take off.  I asked if he was serious?  He said "Yes. I see the wireless is off and I know that it doesn't use any power except when you change the page, we just don't want any items flying around the cabin in an emergency."

I looked at Smackette's hard cover novel in her lap that she was reading (easily 5x the size of my kindle) and then at my kindle, then an "are you REALLY serious?" look back at him...

"OK.  I'll let you keep it out, just don't turn the page."

"No, don't worry about it - I'll put it away.  I'm sorry you didn't get what you want for Christmas...." then I looked back at Smackette "This is why I fly Virgin.  They JUST GET IT."

He didn't ask me to put it away for landing.

The FAA is finally taking a look at this:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/disruptions-time-to-review-f-a-a-policy-on-gadgets/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on March 21, 2012, 03:53:05 pm
you seem to be an excellent source of information from people "in the know."  do people "in the know" think that apple is finally showing signs of being a doomed company?  i'm just a simple outsider who thinks that a lot of ipad three sales aren't going to solve problems, that is if there are any problems at all.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2012, 04:37:32 pm
you seem to be an excellent source of information from people "in the know."  do people "in the know" think that apple is finally showing signs of being a doomed company?  i'm just a simple outsider who thinks that a lot of ipad three sales aren't going to solve problems, that is if there are any problems at all.

There aren't any problems at Apple as far as a company with a ton of cash and a fanbase willing to buy their products is concerned.

Their share buyback and dividend payout was simply a strategy to get shareholders off their back because they had a ton of cash in reserve (and I'm sure something an accountant could explain in further detail as to why it had to happen now).

They will continue to produce products that will sell in the millions around the world for years to come.  I would argue that Apple's as strong now as it's probably ever been.  Even my friends who work their say that the concern about Jobs death is gone and it's becoming a fun place to work again.

The iPad will be replaced by other tablets in a matter of a year or two, much like the Apple II was, and then the Mac, and then the iPhone, etc, as long as they're first to market with products others are struggling to keep up with, they'll continue to do fine until they don't have that hot new product.  I expect they'll do something bigger in the TV arena next - Apple TV is not what they wanted it to be, but the next TV-type device might be.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on March 21, 2012, 10:38:40 pm
good lord . . . you are "in the know."   ;D   nice.  i like explanations i can understand.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 22, 2012, 02:41:02 pm
good lord . . . you are "in the know."   ;D   nice.  i like explanations i can understand.

Don't take my word for it - from next week's Economist:

iRational (http://www.economist.com/node/21551065?fsrc=scn/tw/te/ar/irational)
Apple is an iconic brand. Now it is a totemic investment, too


I hate the products and the business model, but I'm not an idiot - even I'm a shareholder...

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 26, 2012, 03:05:36 pm
I need to fill out a fantasy baseball league, and this thread seems as appropriate as any:

PM me with your name and email address if you're interested

ESPN, $50 entry (70/30/10 payout), weekly lineups, weekly head-to-head matchups on 10 scoring categories:

OBP / SLG / R / RBI / K (neg)
ERA / WHIP / QS / SV+HLD / K (pos)

there's much less time suck with this due to weekly lineups.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 26, 2012, 04:44:30 pm
Smackie approved.

Existing league or new league?

New week starts Monday?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 26, 2012, 05:27:01 pm
Smackie approved.

Existing league or new league?

New week starts Monday?

New league titled People's Front of Judea.  My team is the Judean People's Front and we also have Black Sabathia, among other witty bon mots.

Not clear when new week starts.  ESPN says "Weekly - Lock at First Game of Week".

Smackie, I'll send you an invite, others welcome.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 26, 2012, 05:46:10 pm
Unfortunately, I can't make your draft.  I'll be scouting talent in Phoenix.  Oh, and watching some baseball too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 06, 2012, 12:41:16 pm
I'm probably a little too picky for something like this, but Smackie LOVES the concept:


Students Offer Free Sex to Help Coeds Make the Grade
By Selina Marx

Three male business students at the University of Mannheim in southwestern Germany are offering a free callboy service to female students who want to improve their grades through an active sex life. The young entrepreneurs claim they are championing female sexuality, but others are doubtful.

As a business model, it's a win-win formula: Two potential partners set out to profit from a mutual transaction. That must be how the three business students from the University of Mannheim in southwestern Germany, who call themselves Oskar, Christopher and Julius, imagined things to be when they decided to offer their services by creating what could best be described as a free brothel. They offer stressed-out, female students uncomplicated and anonymous one-night stands.

As future marketing experts, the students know that business ideas with at least a pseudo-philosophical foundation are often the ones that are best received. They call their project Bib:Love -- a reference to the first letters of the German word Bibliothek, meaning library -- and the slogans which they have plastered on posters around the university's campus promise "Good Grades through Good Sex." The young men claim that their project is about emancipation in a broader sense and that their initiative should be recognized as more than a mere coital campaign.

"We are focusing on female students in particular, because they generally come out badly after one-night stands," says 21-year-old Christopher. "What's more, girls who just want to have some fun are often labeled as sluts." According to the three men, that's unfair. The idea for Bib:Love came to them during an alcohol-fuelled night last autumn.

'Good Grades and Good Sex'

When other students see the signs for Bib:Love, they often joke and roar with laughter. "Good grades and good sex: I could use both," says one student standing in the university entrance hall, triggering laughter among his friends.

This type of reaction is a frequent one, says Oskar, but ultimately students want to know more about Bib:Love. Lately, the men say, they've been getting numerous emails from students looking for more information. Oskar and his partners then reply: "Many students are too stressed out during exams to go out at night. This leads their sex lives to languish." But armed with the knowledge that regular physical exercise brings health benefits and helps with studying, the young men behind Bib:Love are more than happy to provide support. Female students who spend their evenings drained and fatigued in the library and are in the mood for a little closeness and intimacy are encouraged to send an email. Then one of the three men will meet with them. If the circumstances are right, the meeting ends in sex.

The guys behind Bib:Love present themselves as service providers with a sense of humor, but at the same time as young men who are fighting for female sexual emancipation. Given that sex is involved, they also get something from the project. Though they may fancy themselves in the role of sex-saints, it is also possible they are trying to mask their own insecurity. In any case, Christopher and Oskar appear incredibly casual as they address their fellow students about their huge plans in the L3 student café at the University of Mannheim. The two could be brothers. Both have short brown hair, green eyes and an athletic build and both scrunch up their eyes when they laugh. The two are attractive enough young men, that they probably wouldn't really need the Internet to find girls.

And yet the two hide behind their pseudonyms, preferring not to have their real names published. After all, there is no way of knowing how professors and fellow students would respond. This is where the façade of the supposed "emancipation project" crumbles to pieces. The young men don't want to reveal too much about themselves and want to stay in control. It appears these future economists are simply playing the role of Casanova.

82 Queries, Five One-Night Stands

The men claim they have so far received 82 messages at the Bib:Love Hotmail. Some are searching for intimacy, some crack jokes and others are simply curious. Of these messages, nine have resulted in bookings. The meeting point is always the L3 student café on the University of Mannheim campus. "The L3 is the perfect spot because there are always a lot of students here during the week," says Oskar. "Then you can meet and have a beer and check to see if the chemistry is right." The young men reserve the right to withdraw their service should a girl's appearance be unpromising.

The young men claim that five one-night-stands have taken place so far. Lisa, 23, became the first. She refuses to provide the journalist with her real name, although she says she has nothing negative to report. The evening was unusually enjoyable, she says. It was the classic scenario: They went for a beer, chatted and then continued to his place. But does it champion female emancipation, as the men claim it does? Not according to Lisa, who sees the whole thing as no more than a nice way to meet and have a good time together.

University officials and the student body association are primarily viewing the campaign with a sense of humor. "I think the project is funny," says Rosa Reichenberger, a member of the student body's board. Still, she's very skeptical of claims it might help lead to better grades.

"I never expected we would get such a big response," says Christopher. The trio have also received inquiries from students in other German college towns, including Tübingen and Ulm, with interest in opening up their own franchises of Bib:Love.

Brothel comparisons aside, the Bib:World project is not as wild as one might think. Unusual sexual practices are not catered for, admits Christopher. Bib:Love is confined to that which students like to do on a typical Friday night: meet someone in a bar, spend a night with the student from next door -- foreplay and breakfast the next morning included if desired. Bib:Love is essentially the typical one-night stand, albeit a much better-marketed one.


URL:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,825714,00.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 06, 2012, 01:06:47 pm
Bib:Love is essentially the typical one-night stand, albeit a much better-marketed one.

dammit.  so THAT was my problem, back in the day: marketing.  wish i would have learned this after I got my biz degree but while i was still single.

who knew that approaching a woman with a good slogan, a slick brochure and correct pricing was the path to coital success.  take note, kids.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 06, 2012, 02:52:24 pm
who knew that approaching a woman with a good slogan, a slick brochure and correct pricing was the path to coital success.  take note, kids.

It's really as easy as complimenting the shoes, and walking away.  She'll come find you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 09, 2012, 06:26:12 pm
Some really good banter about regarding FB's acquisition of Instagram, but my favorite so far:

Instragram = $1 Billion, Kodak = Bankrupt.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 10, 2012, 02:23:36 pm
I'm cutting the cable (TV) cord, any recommendations on websites aggregating news/reviews for devices and streaming services?

any must have devices?  I have an XBOX, planning on getting an apple tv.  I'd like to buy a DVR to record OTA TV, but don't want to pay a monthly subscription (like TiVo).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 10, 2012, 02:35:53 pm
I'm cutting the cable (TV) cord, any recommendations on websites aggregating news/reviews for devices and streaming services?

any must have devices?  I have an XBOX, planning on getting an apple tv.  I'd like to buy a DVR to record OTA TV, but don't want to pay a monthly subscription (like TiVo).

Great topic.  I'm off to a lunch but will revisit this shortly as I've made a few turns lately in this realm.

As an aside though, I'm interested in knowing what you'd like to record OTA?  I've been having this debate with a friend...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 10, 2012, 02:59:16 pm
I'm cutting the cable (TV) cord, any recommendations on websites aggregating news/reviews for devices and streaming services?

any must have devices?  I have an XBOX, planning on getting an apple tv.  I'd like to buy a DVR to record OTA TV, but don't want to pay a monthly subscription (like TiVo).

Great topic.  I'm off to a lunch but will revisit this shortly as I've made a few turns lately in this realm.

As an aside though, I'm interested in knowing what you'd like to record OTA?  I've been having this debate with a friend...

I'm assuming there are OTA programs that I can't stream easily.  I watch the NewsHour every evening, it looks like PBS has some good options for streaming, but not sure how close to real-time.

The main things that I'll miss are HBO and MASN for Nationals games.  I'm working on getting my luddite parents to give me their HBO GO login, but I don't see a way to stream Nationals games in DC without doing going to some illegal mirroring sites.  I have MLB At Bat and love it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on April 10, 2012, 03:09:47 pm

but I don't see a way to stream Nationals games in DC without doing going to some illegal mirroring sites. 

Local sports are the ONLY reason i have not cut the chord yet.  The streams are there to be watched, but the quality varies. 

I'm considering a move out of the DC area next year, and if I do, I'll be killing cable once and for all, since DC teams won't be blacked out anymore on the baseball/hockey league pass channels. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 10, 2012, 05:21:32 pm
The streams are there to be watched, but the quality varies. 

I haven't really ventured into this netherworld.  Are they at all watchable?  I actually like listening on radio and following on MLB At Bat.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on April 10, 2012, 05:41:41 pm
The streams are there to be watched, but the quality varies. 

I haven't really ventured into this netherworld.  Are they at all watchable?  I actually like listening on radio and following on MLB At Bat.
Yeah, on a laptop sized screen they are fine in a pinch.  I've only ever watched hockey games in this way, and not too many at that.  My hope was that it would be good enough to hdmi out from my laptop to big screen, but don't think that would have been so great.

Check out this forum...a sticky for each sport that has links to streams for all games played that day.  Here is a link to all MLB streams today...

http://forum.wiziwig.eu/threads/72143-Streaming-MLB-Today-Tuesday-10-April
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 11, 2012, 12:56:00 pm
I actually like listening on radio and following on MLB At Bat.

This.  And since I don't live in a home market, I've truly enjoyed this thus far.

Typically, an East Coast night game for me will be started at my desk watching MLB.TV on my computer, switch to MLB at Bat for the radio broadcast for my drive home, and then finish it on the big screen at home watching MLB app on Xbox 360.  It really has worked out nicely.  I also grabbed a $50 Roku for MLB in the bedroom for West Coast night games.

Because I'm insane, here's what I did to get Angels games that are only broadcast in the LA market on Saturday afternoons (Fox Blackout).  This may also work for you getting local sports.  I switched from Slingbox to a Vulkano, but I gave my old slingbox to my brother in law who lives in Orange County.  He uses it watch soccer during the week at work and when he travels, but I get priority on Saturday afternoons when the Angels aren't on in the Bay Area and I use it to watch Fox Sports Plus, which isn't available on the thorn in my side that is Comcast Bay Area.  He has it hooked up to a TV in the spare bedroom that is rarely used so it's rarely interrupting anything.

For the rare occasion that you want/need local TV programming, find a friend and work out this arrangement.  This will give you live TV and whatever is recorded on his DVR.  You guys share time shifting television.  Win-Win.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 11, 2012, 01:40:14 pm
I'm assuming there are OTA programs that I can't stream easily.

This was the whole topic of discussion one night at the bar.  Are there?  Make a list of what you watch in a given week and see.  There was only one show on my list that I couldn't stream.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 11, 2012, 03:26:57 pm
I actually like listening on radio and following on MLB At Bat.

This.  And since I don't live in a home market, I've truly enjoyed this thus far.

Typically, an East Coast night game for me will be started at my desk watching MLB.TV on my computer, switch to MLB at Bat for the radio broadcast for my drive home, and then finish it on the big screen at home watching MLB app on Xbox 360.  It really has worked out nicely.  I also grabbed a $50 Roku for MLB in the bedroom for West Coast night games.

Because I'm insane, here's what I did to get Angels games that are only broadcast in the LA market on Saturday afternoons (Fox Blackout).  This may also work for you getting local sports.  I switched from Slingbox to a Vulkano, but I gave my old slingbox to my brother in law who lives in Orange County.  He uses it watch soccer during the week at work and when he travels, but I get priority on Saturday afternoons when the Angels aren't on in the Bay Area and I use it to watch Fox Sports Plus, which isn't available on the thorn in my side that is Comcast Bay Area.  He has it hooked up to a TV in the spare bedroom that is rarely used so it's rarely interrupting anything.

For the rare occasion that you want/need local TV programming, find a friend and work out this arrangement.  This will give you live TV and whatever is recorded on his DVR.  You guys share time shifting television.  Win-Win.

I'm listening to the Nats game on radio right now in the office and following on MLB At Bat, it's great - only issue is that I can't figure out how to see strike zone pitch charts from previous batters, so if I hear a "man that was close" call on the radio and it's already on the next batter on At Bat I can't see how close it really was.  Also, the radio streaming from At Bat is 5-10 seconds behind the At Bat animations, which can be frustrating.

So to go the slingbox route for in-market Nats games - my friend would have to tune his television to MASN 162 times each year?  seems like a pretty onerous request, even with dual tuners.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 11, 2012, 03:45:55 pm
So to go the slingbox route for in-market Nats games - my friend would have to tune his television to MASN 162 times each year?  seems like a pretty onerous request, even with dual tuners.

Well, if it were me, I'd be watching or recording anyway.

But no.  He just needs to tune a tuner to MASN.  It doesn't necessarily need to be hooked up to a TV.

Additional non-DVR tuner per month: $5
Additional DVR per month: $15
Your monthly cable bill just to watch MASN: $90

Give your buddy $100 a year and ask him to order a non-DVR tuner ($200 if you want a DVR), hook it up with the Slingbox and enjoy.  If you want to watch something other than MASN, you can change the channel with the Slingplayer or app.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on April 11, 2012, 05:55:58 pm
vansmack's brain . . . is hot.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 12, 2012, 03:05:00 pm
@YEASTIEBOYSPUNK  Congrats to Amy Winehouse = 8 months 20 days sober!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 17, 2012, 03:08:27 pm
30 Years Ago Last Week:

Duran Duran's "Rio" was released. (http://thequietus.com/articles/08738-duran-duran-rio-anniversary-release-date)

I'm old.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on May 17, 2012, 03:13:21 pm
god i love duran duran.  worshipped them growing up.  worshipped.  like a little girl.  i would get all dreamy eyed at simon.  the chauffeur is their best song of all time.  i once paid $300 to see them at warner.  had third row and it was worth it.  i would let the entire band bang me in a minute, if i was single.

i'm gay.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on May 17, 2012, 08:13:54 pm
sorry.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 23, 2012, 06:04:55 pm
I've been Moogling all day....

Soft Cell: Q, Q, 3, 3, 6, 6, 3, R

Daft Punk: I, U, I, 0, T, R, T, U, 3, W, 3, R, Q

The Cars:

T, 5, Q, W  3x

T, Y, 5
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2012, 01:54:32 pm
I'm not dropping $299 on this, but could make for the greatest boardie gathering EVAH.

Google Nexus Q (http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/google-nexus-q-media-streaming-device-gets-official/) lets Android owners pull media from the cloud

Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7F5FO-MyR0o)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 24, 2012, 04:20:42 pm
If anybody finds that Minka Kelly video before I do, drop me a PM.

I haven't been this excited for a movie premiere since the last Star Wars!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 24, 2012, 04:46:24 pm
be careful what you ask for...

Minka Kelly sex tape: pictures suggest she's underage on video
http://www.examiner.com/article/minka-kelly-sex-tape-pictures-suggest-she-s-underage-on-video
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 24, 2012, 05:24:10 pm
be careful what you ask for...

Hey hey, I just asked her her age.  I didn't ask her to be underage.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 10, 2012, 03:31:04 pm
http://kotaku.com/5941793/valve-is-bringing-steam-to-your-tv-today-watch-out-consoles

this is one way why the company, valve, is ruling the world.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 12, 2012, 02:38:43 pm
Remember the days when people would go nuts on here for the newest product from Cupertino?

It had it's own thread and everything....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on September 12, 2012, 03:28:32 pm
Remember the days when people would go nuts on here for the newest product from Cupertino?

It had it's own thread and everything....

Steve Jobs is DEEEEEEEEEEEAAAADD!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on September 13, 2012, 11:33:35 am
i've been saving my upgrade since march for this damn phone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 13, 2012, 12:52:37 pm
i've been saving my upgrade since march for this damn phone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdIWKytq_q4&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 13, 2012, 01:03:14 pm
i've been saving my upgrade since march for this damn phone.

I was really hoping for a pentaband LTE, so it would become standard fare in the next Nexus, but they stuck the 5-band LTE with the CDMA version and of the 5 bands, they didn't include the one US GSM LTE band (obviously at&t had something to do with that).

This sets a bad precedent for a true world phone with 4G data.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 14, 2012, 06:11:45 am
how excited were you when the economist gave the iphone 5 a giant meh

(for the record im totally buying it)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 14, 2012, 11:43:51 am
how excited were you when the economist gave the iphone 5 a giant meh

(for the record im totally buying it)

Next time, please mark this post with SPOILER ALERT.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on September 14, 2012, 11:47:05 am
how excited were you when the economist gave the iphone 5 a giant meh

(for the record im totally buying it)

Next time, please mark this post with SPOILER ALERT.

Act surprised when the saucy British lady reads this to you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 14, 2012, 11:53:40 am
Act surprised when the saucy British lady reads this to you.

I wasn't going to skip to the business section given all that's happening in the world today, but you guys have just made this article too much to resist.

An Apple "meh" delivered by the saucy one?  I'm in heaven.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on September 14, 2012, 11:58:09 am
Act surprised when the saucy British lady reads this to you.

I wasn't going to skip to the business section given all that's happening in the world today, but you guys have just made this article too much to resist.

An Apple "meh" delivered by the saucy one?  I'm in heaven.

In related news, I just discovered that "Saucy Jack", David St. Hubbins' rock musical based on the life of Jack the Ripper "has been workshopped within an inch of its life".  One can dream.

(note my Economist style placement of punctuation marks)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 14, 2012, 12:00:00 pm
my bad, the economist had the article on their facebook page yesterday
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on September 14, 2012, 12:26:57 pm
my bad, the economist had the article on their facebook page yesterday

it's in this week's newspaper (and the audio version)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 14, 2012, 12:38:50 pm
i said my bad! 

my fb feed is little more than the economist, my siblings and messi "god sent me to play football" tiote "i sent no one" these days
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 14, 2012, 03:00:06 pm
my bad, the economist had the article on their facebook page yesterday

I hide the Economist from my newsfeed much like I do with sports scores so as to not ruin the result for me until I get to each section every week.

it's in this week's newspaper (and the audio version)

She was extra saucy with that one.  I nearly had to pull off the road to relieve the sexual tension.  It was palpable.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 22, 2012, 07:35:57 pm
things sweetcell thinks smackie needs to see: http://www.killsometime.com/videos/9286/Hula-Cam-at-Burning-Man-2012 (NSFW, but not horribly so.  personally i think this is beautiful, and i suspect smackie will appreciate the entrepreneurship of the video's author - what a great way to get hotties to perform for free for you... and what a view!)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 23, 2012, 11:26:26 am
things sweetcell thinks smackie needs to see: http://www.killsometime.com/videos/9286/Hula-Cam-at-Burning-Man-2012 (NSFW, but not horribly so.  personally i think this is beautiful, and i suspect smackie will appreciate the entrepreneurship of the video's author - what a great way to get hotties to perform for free for you... and what a view!)

Simply brilliant.  I'm amazed at the resolution and clarity moving at that speed.  Makes me wish I could tolerate everything else that happens at Burning Man again...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 25, 2012, 12:52:33 am
I'm not sold on this boycott the NFL thing, but I'm certainly not going to gamble on anymore games until this strike is over. It makes shootin' craps look easy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 25, 2012, 01:24:01 am
hey smakie,

were you in oakland on sunday?  just wondering if you were at the game... no reason.

and regarding:

I'm not sold on this boycott the NFL thing, but I'm certainly not going to gamble on anymore games until this strike is over. It makes shootin' craps look easy.

i'm seriously questioning whether or not i want to watch any more games.  too frustrating.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on September 25, 2012, 09:23:36 am

I'm not sold on this boycott the NFL thing, but I'm certainly not going to gamble on anymore games until this strike is over. It makes shootin' craps look easy.

i'm seriously questioning whether or not i want to watch any more games.  too frustrating.

But hearing 70K Ravens fans chant "BULLSHIT!" on live TV was a beautiful thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 25, 2012, 11:04:02 am
But hearing 70K Ravens fans chant "BULLSHIT!" on live TV was a beautiful thing.

that was pretty epic.  i came really close to snagging some tickets and going to the game, that chant convinced me i had made the wrong decision (despite the pats loss).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 25, 2012, 02:53:33 pm
hey smakie,

were you in oakland on sunday?  just wondering if you were at the game... no reason.

No way.  I do not go to Raiders games where I will be actively rooting for the other team.  I watched a Steeler fan nearly die just for wearing a yellow t-shirt at the Coliseum in LA back in the early 90's, left long before the game was over, and swore I'd never attend a road Steelers-Raiders game again.

I've been to one Raiders game in the 10 years I've been here and I had absolutely no rooting interest and comped tickets in the teams section of the visiting team.


and regarding:

I'm not sold on this boycott the NFL thing, but I'm certainly not going to gamble on anymore games until this strike is over. It makes shootin' craps look easy.

i'm seriously questioning whether or not i want to watch any more games.  too frustrating.

Seahawks vs Packers Disputed MNF Call shifted $150-$250 Million in bets (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8422934/seattle-seahawks-vs-green-bay-packers-disputed-mnf-call-shifted-150-250m-bets)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 13, 2012, 02:52:26 am
2009 MLB DRAFT

1. Strasburg

5. Hobgood

10. Storen

25. Trout.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2012, 06:54:20 pm
Mike Trout was named Baseball America's Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on October 16, 2012, 11:07:19 pm
2009 MLB DRAFT

1. Strasburg

5. Hobgood

10. Storen

25. Trout.

damn.

to be fair, 2 first rounders panning out to be critical pieces so quick is more than most teams can ask for.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 17, 2012, 05:21:52 am
I'm still not sure which was worse for men:

Tiger getting every woman looking at their man's texts;

Or Romney getting every woman to ask to see their binders full of women.

Who's side are these guys on?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 17, 2012, 03:33:11 pm

damn.

to be fair, 2 first rounders panning out to be critical pieces so quick is more than most teams can ask for.

I'm not sure I can defend a relief pitcher in the first round, but he did have a great season.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 23, 2012, 11:21:46 am
Wrong, wrong wrong. I've been on the receiving end of some artless and many artful lap dances. Usually the amount of Xanax is the deciding factor:

NY Court Rules Lap Dances Not Art, taxable (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ny-top-court-says-lap-dance-isnt-art-taxable)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 23, 2012, 07:27:50 pm
If you're bored, you can watch this Mike Trout pron:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5OV5VU03oY&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 24, 2012, 02:55:19 pm
I don't have Epix HD because I have Comcast, but I did sign up for a 14 day free trial for my Roku.  You know, because I don't miss a Jim Jefferies special.

Jim Jefferies - Fully Functional (http://www.epixhd.com/jim-jefferies-fully-functional/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 24, 2012, 05:59:28 pm
i pad mini  versus  regular version of said ipad?  my mother would like to know, bless her heart.  she loves her new intro into the world of iphone and lugs around her laptop everywhere.  it, for once, is a buying choice that i find acceptable for a old person who cannot understand the dvd player still. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 24, 2012, 08:15:31 pm
i pad mini  versus  regular version of said ipad?  my mother would like to know, bless her heart.  she loves her new intro into the world of iphone and lugs around her laptop everywhere.  it, for once, is a buying choice that i find acceptable for a old person who cannot understand the dvd player still. 

For those that have asked me about which product to purchase, I have recommended that they wait a few weeks and choose a used iPad 3 when they are readily available.  There are enough folks out there that will be selling their iPad 3's to have the latest and greatest iPad 4 (A6 processor) even though the A5 was sufficient.

I can never in good conscience recommend the iPad Mini at $329 when you can get the iPad 2 at $399 (same internals, just a smaller form factor and upgraded front camera).  The iPad mini is a $250-$275 machine at best and they will be that cheap in a matter of months.  If you have to buy a new one, I'd recommend the iPad 2.

Personally, I'm waiting for Google's Nexus 10 announcement on Monday to upgrade my tablet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on October 25, 2012, 12:35:03 pm
choose a used iPad 3

this is correct.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 25, 2012, 01:26:24 pm
if you could have seen the look on my mother's face when i said . . . buy something "used."  priceless.  simply priceless.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on October 25, 2012, 02:48:11 pm
All apple products are way way overpriced.  I guess if you want them to continue to be the most profitable in the world buy their products.  Otherwise buy similar product for half the price probaly using the same components.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 30, 2012, 04:36:31 pm
George Lucas must be sick, just like Jobs was when he sold Pixar to Disney.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 30, 2012, 05:01:26 pm
All apple products are way way overpriced.  I guess if you want them to continue to be the most profitable in the world buy their products.  Otherwise buy similar product for half the price probaly using the same components.

and assembled by the same company in the same place!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 30, 2012, 05:02:22 pm
this tumblr succeeds on many levels....  and should be crossed posted in NKOTB's thread  ;D


http://queenofouterspace.tumblr.com/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 30, 2012, 08:14:09 pm
this tumblr succeeds on many levels....  and should be crossed posted in NKOTB's thread  ;D
http://queenofouterspace.tumblr.com/

Beautiful.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 31, 2012, 05:28:04 pm
Ervin Santana, dealt.  This can only mean the Angels are confident in resigning Greinke.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 10, 2012, 10:25:36 pm
I'm the cat with bass and drum.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 12, 2012, 08:00:27 pm
Anything but unanimous and I would have lost my shit.

Trout Unanimous Choice for AL ROY (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121112&content_id=40254318&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 12, 2012, 09:23:29 pm
And Harper won like I like legal....barely.  Congrats!

Huge comeback surge for him at the end.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 13, 2012, 09:54:51 pm
My android is on it's last legs and was wondering what I should be considering for it's replacement.  Will probably be staying away from Motorola given how quickly my Atrix gave up the ghost, that and the decision not further upgrade the OS on it. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on November 13, 2012, 10:16:54 pm
And Harper won like I like legal....barely.  Congrats!

Huge comeback surge for him at the end.

deserved it. trout deserves mvp too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 01:55:54 am
My android is on it's last legs and was wondering what I should be considering for it's replacement.  Will probably be staying away from Motorola given how quickly my Atrix gave up the ghost, that and the decision not further upgrade the OS on it. 

Which carrier?  And under contract or not?

Smackie has gone contract free GSM unlocked and will never go back to a big carrier.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 14, 2012, 08:56:04 am
AT&T and under contract due to Kosmette's iPhone, would jump at chance to ditch AT&T but Kosmette doesn't want to lose unlimited data plan...

edit: apparently my phone is available for "upgrade" which I guess is code for no new contract on my line. however, due to the family plan kosmette's line is still tied up in some agreement.

there is part of me that is pondering just getting a phone for social media and browsing..  don't use most of the apps on my current phone and it appears it's next to impossible to transfer any game's progress from one phone to another.  curses you tinytower, etc for wasting all my time...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 11:24:01 am
deserved it. trout deserves mvp too.

You, me and Nate Silver Agree:

The Statistical Case Against Cabrera for MVP (http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/the-statistical-case-against-cabrera-for-m-v-p/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 11:40:33 am
edit: apparently my phone is available for "upgrade" which I guess is code for no new contract on my line. however, due to the family plan kosmette's line is still tied up in some agreement.

No, that's just code for you've had your phone for close to two years and we're going to subsidize the price of your next phone if you agree to extend your agreement for two more years....

I'll look at at&t phones in a little while, but I know the HTC One X+ and the Galaxy SIII are beasts, and the HTC One X at $99 is a steal (though battery life is said to be problematic).  I don't know much about the LG Optimus G, but it's supposedly very similar to my Nexus 4 (which can be had off contract for $349, but does not do LTE so doesn't make much sense for at&t).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on November 14, 2012, 11:51:59 am
Case for Cabrera: triple crown.


Case closed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on November 14, 2012, 12:15:55 pm
edit: apparently my phone is available for "upgrade" which I guess is code for no new contract on my line. however, due to the family plan kosmette's line is still tied up in some agreement.

No, that's just code for you've had your phone for close to two years and we're going to subsidize the price of your next phone if you agree to extend your agreement for two more years....

I'll look at at&t phones in a little while, but I know the HTC One X+ and the Galaxy SIII are beasts, and the HTC One X at $99 is a steal (though battery life is said to be problematic).  I don't know much about the LG Optimus G, but it's supposedly very similar to my Nexus 4 (which can be had off contract for $349, but does not do LTE so doesn't make much sense for at&t).

I bought my wife the HTC EVO 4g from virgin.  the plan only costs 40 bucks a month for unlimited text and browsing and more minutes than you need and you can cancel anytiime you want.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 12:19:29 pm
Case for Cabrera: triple crown.


Case closed.

I'm just guessing you didn't read the article, much like the old white guys of the GOP didn't read 538.

"It?s the traditionalists who are using statistics in a way that misses the forest for the trees."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on November 14, 2012, 12:20:03 pm
edit: apparently my phone is available for "upgrade" which I guess is code for no new contract on my line. however, due to the family plan kosmette's line is still tied up in some agreement.

No, that's just code for you've had your phone for close to two years and we're going to subsidize the price of your next phone if you agree to extend your agreement for two more years....

I'll look at at&t phones in a little while, but I know the HTC One X+ and the Galaxy SIII are beasts, and the HTC One X at $99 is a steal (though battery life is said to be problematic).  I don't know much about the LG Optimus G, but it's supposedly very similar to my Nexus 4 (which can be had off contract for $349, but does not do LTE so doesn't make much sense for at&t).

Getting the Nexus 4 in the next few days.  How do you like it so far?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 14, 2012, 12:21:58 pm
Case for Cabrera: triple crown.


Case closed.

don't ever, ever become a lawyer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 12:24:34 pm
I bought my wife the HTC EVO 4g from virgin.  the plan only costs 40 bucks a month for unlimited text and browsing and more minutes than you need and you can cancel anytiime you want.

This.

I'm on the t-mobile $30 plan for 100 minutes of talk, unlimited everything else, including HSPA+42, no contract.  It's ridiculously awesome with the unlocked Nexus line from Google.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 12:27:32 pm
Getting the Nexus 4 in the next few days.  How do you like it so far?

It's pretty amazing, except for Google Voice.  For some reason that's broken, which is a shame because I rely heavily on it.  Very glad I skipped the Galaxy Nexus on Sprint and gave up CDMA for GSM.  I have DC-HSPA+ here in SF so the speeds are just as good as LTE, and I didn't have to sign a contract with any carrier.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on November 14, 2012, 12:48:28 pm
Case for Cabrera: triple crown.


Case closed.

I'm just guessing you didn't read the article, much like the old white guys of the GOP didn't read 538.

"It?s the traditionalists who are using statistics in a way that misses the forest for the trees."

racist.  Anyway i read the article. Here is something it leaves out:  Cabrera moved from first to third and didn't complan about it at all.  He wasn't brooks robinson over there but he was pretty decent.  And whatever division Cabrera played in his team made the playoffs and trouts did not. And it is not like the Angels weren't stacked with talent. Also Cabrera has a higher OPS than Trout

 Trout will have his chance in the future.   This is Cabrera's year.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on November 14, 2012, 02:36:09 pm
Case for Cabrera: triple crown.


Case closed.

I'm just guessing you didn't read the article, much like the old white guys of the GOP didn't read 538.

"It?s the traditionalists who are using statistics in a way that misses the forest for the trees."

Are you saying Cabrera is not going to get the MVP award because he had a triple crown year?

I guess you're saying he SHOULDN'T..


As far as the article... I read Nate Silver pretty much every day during the cycle but no I did not read the article....yet..... I've been following baseball all my life.. I'm entitled to my opinion of what constitutes an MVP season thank you very much (same as you are or Silver). I don't have to read articles to have an opinion. I watch baseball and follow the game.

I wonder if there is something else going on here... Cabrera's triple crown got hardly any press this year.... Is it the arrests? the fact he's not a clean cut kid? Let's say Cabrera and Trout reversed roles... I have a hard time believing we'd be hearing all this mumbo jumbo. You grow up all your life hearing about Yaz and how great and unattainable the triple crown is. then somebody does it and all of a sudden he's not the MVP even though he played for a playoff team? Come on.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on November 14, 2012, 02:38:05 pm
Case for Cabrera: triple crown.


Case closed.

don't ever, ever become a lawyer.

He didn't win? I checked but I don't think they've announced it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on November 14, 2012, 02:43:56 pm
The thing that is being ignored is that getting the triple crown is a special accomplishment that has great intangible value....it is a historic feat...

If we're now saying that we longer think the triple crown means anything.. that it doesn't mean anything more to win the batting title by .001 than it does to lose it.. well then that is a different ballgame... to me certain accomplishments have value over and beyond their statistical value.... the triple crown is one... I never expected to see it done.

When you couple the triple crown with the Tigers making the playoffs I just don't see how you can deny the guy the MVP.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on November 14, 2012, 02:48:58 pm
I read the Silver article.. as expected its making the pitch that based on statistical contribution Trout should win..


Here is the problem with that.... you don't give the MVP to someone because he scores higher on a computer model about statistical contribution to a team.... If you did it that way you wouldn't even have to have anyone vote!.. you'd just have a computer model and say whoever scores highest wins... you'd also have to toss out dozens and dozens of previous MVP winners on the grounds that they didn't score highest on the computer model (model would of course have to be adapted for previous years, etc.)

Moreover, who is to determine which computer model is the correct model? Different and honest people might come to different conclusions... the science of baseball statistics etc is an evolving one.. what is considered so one year could be discarded the next...



Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 03:05:46 pm
racist. 

Actually it was ageist.  Apparently the young white guys didn't read it either.

 
Anyway i read the article. Here is something it leaves out:  Cabrera moved from first to third and didn't complan about it at all.  He wasn't brooks robinson over there but he was pretty decent. 

And it doesn't mention that he changed from Fruit Loops to Wheaties, and we all know affect that has.   


And whatever division Cabrera played in his team made the playoffs and trouts did not. And it is not like the Angels weren't stacked with talent. Also Cabrera has a higher OPS than Trout

I agree with this point.  Making the playoffs should be a factor, but not the deciding factor.  It's hard to argue that if Trout had started on April 1 and not April 29, they could have gone at least .500 in April and win the division by two games.  But that's not Trout's fault.  If anything it counts in his favor when you consider what he managed to compile statistically despite missing a month.

Trout will have his chance in the future.   This is Cabrera's year.

I actually don't want him to win.  I'd love to see the 22 year old Mike Trout come back next season with a chip on his shoulder and play hungry.  I can only imagine what kind of numbers he'd put up.  I simply agree with Nate Silver that statistically, Mike Trout deserves to win.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 03:10:38 pm
no I did not read the article....yet.....

I know you hadn't when you said that.  Because you wouldn't have said "case closed" had you read it.


I'm entitled to my opinion of what constitutes an MVP season thank you very much (same as you are or Silver). I don't have to read articles to have an opinion.

I'm not the one that said "Case Closed" - you did.  You're absolutely entitled to an opinion.  And so are we.  And Nate Silver laid out a pretty good case, so I guess it isn't closed?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: gaaaaaaaaah on November 14, 2012, 03:11:04 pm
Trout will have his chance in the future.   This is Cabrera's year.
this is basically my thinking. not to punish trout for being a rookie, but i'd imagine he's got a few mvps locked up down the road. the triple crown is an accomplishment (albeit not the same one it used to be), and cabrera should be rewarded. he also guided a team to the playoffs.

sucks that one of them has to lose, since they put up two of the best seasons in recent history.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 03:13:12 pm
It's pretty amazing, except for Google Voice.  For some reason that's broken, which is a shame because I rely heavily on it. 

This was fixed about an hour ago, btw.  Never should have happened but kudos to El Goog for the quick fix.

I'd be willing to bet that everyone on the test version inside of Google was also running a beta version of GV on 4.2 and never noticed the problem (though lots of us outside were reporting it and it was somehow ignored).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on November 14, 2012, 04:04:30 pm
It is case closed. Cabrera will win.

Now if you're saying he should not win that is different...  but that he will win- on the back of the first triple crown since I think 1967- that is case closed.

As I wrote above, the argument that we should award the MVP based on statistical models just doesn't do it for me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 04:29:38 pm
As I wrote above, the argument that we should award the MVP based on statistical models just doesn't do it for me.

We know.  You and all of the other traditionalists.  That's exactly what Nate Silver said in his very first paragraph (plus one sentence) and nobody has disputed that.  You have simply rehashed in 6 posts exactly what Silver said would be the likely outcome for all the same reasons.

Thank you for your contribution.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on November 14, 2012, 04:41:04 pm
As I wrote above, the argument that we should award the MVP based on statistical models just doesn't do it for me.

We know.  You and all of the other traditionalists.  That's exactly what Nate Silver said in his very first paragraph (plus one sentence) and nobody has disputed that.  You have simply rehashed in 6 posts exactly what Silver said would be the likely outcome for all the same reasons.

Thank you for your contribution.

Oh I see. .you're having a conversation with yourself...

Carry on then old chap!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 04:45:56 pm
Oh I see. .you're having a conversation with yourself...

Carry on then old chap!

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4cYVkD5p08/TdjMOIRq56I/AAAAAAAAAEI/0HfXcEDtxQc/s1600/mirror.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on November 14, 2012, 05:00:43 pm
OK so you're saying you never wanted to talk to me in the first place.. I'm hurt.

  ;D.. but it don't matter. I'll live.

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/hutch699/mirror_cat1.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 14, 2012, 07:01:55 pm
there is part of me that is pondering just getting a phone for social media and browsing.. 

If you're not looking for high power, then mosey on down to the store and look at the HTC One X or the Sony Xperia TL for $99.  Those should be more than sufficient for the next 18 months or so with dual core processors, big screens and solid builds.  I think I would prefer the Xperia over the One X, but put them both in your hand and have a go.  The camera on the Xperia is amazing if you and kosmette are sexting.

If you want to get about 2 years out of the next phone, it's going to cost you about $200.  I would go with the following:

(1) Samsung Galaxy S III ($199)
(2) LG Optimus G ($199 - had they called it the Optimus Prime, it would have been #1)
(3) HTC One X+ ($199)

You really can't go wrong with any of those phones.  I've owned an HTC and 2 Samsung's in my day, and this is my first LG.  I can say that they're pretty solid devices.  Give them a go and see what feels best and looks best to you.

Avoid any of the $49 phones (Nitro, Captivate, Escape, Focus, etc) - those are traps with a 2-year extension.  You'll be hating life by next Thanksgiving.  If you go with a 99 cent phone you'll be hating life by Independence Day. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 15, 2012, 03:17:18 pm
Cool thanks, looks like the Samsung is a leading contender and it can be had cheaper through Costco....

Is Samsung good about updating the OS on their phones?  The nail in the coffin for my Motorola Atrix was the recent decision not to update the OS even though the HW could support it.  Shortly, after that announcement, I got an email offering a trade in for a Jellybean phone.  Guess marketing trumped Engineering on that one.  I've gotten the impression the whole Atrix line has been problematic for users since day one.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on November 15, 2012, 03:26:16 pm
there is part of me that is pondering just getting a phone for social media and browsing.. 

If you're not looking for high power, then mosey on down to the store and look at the HTC One X or the Sony Xperia TL for $99.  Those should be more than sufficient for the next 18 months or so with dual core processors, big screens and solid builds.  I think I would prefer the Xperia over the One X, but put them both in your hand and have a go.  The camera on the Xperia is amazing if you and kosmette are sexting.

If you want to get about 2 years out of the next phone, it's going to cost you about $200.  I would go with the following:

(1) Samsung Galaxy S III ($199)
(2) LG Optimus G ($199 - had they called it the Optimus Prime, it would have been #1)
(3) HTC One X+ ($199)

You really can't go wrong with any of those phones.  I've owned an HTC and 2 Samsung's in my day, and this is my first LG.  I can say that they're pretty solid devices.  Give them a go and see what feels best and looks best to you.

Avoid any of the $49 phones (Nitro, Captivate, Escape, Focus, etc) - those are traps with a 2-year extension.  You'll be hating life by next Thanksgiving.  If you go with a 99 cent phone you'll be hating life by Independence Day. 

I don't really see where current phones will need to be upgraded in the future.  They make calls well, surf the net well, and you can read email on them.  What else do you need?  Well better battery life.  If they could make a current phone to last a week or more on a single charge that would be improvement.  If you want a better camera simple solution is to buy a camera.  Bigger screen get a tablet. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 15, 2012, 03:33:54 pm
I don't really see where current phones will need to be upgraded in the future. 

don't ever, ever seek a job in marketing or consumer R&D.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on November 15, 2012, 03:49:42 pm
I don't really see where current phones will need to be upgraded in the future. 

don't ever, ever seek a job in marketing or consumer R&D.

Yeah I am more concerned with the environment than needless features.  People throwing phones away every two years is ridiculous.  Marketing features that no one needs.  Yeah I wouldn't be into that.  I would rather market things that last a lifetime or more. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 15, 2012, 04:08:01 pm

Is Samsung good about updating the OS on their phones? 

I think the most you can expect from a manufacturer is 12 months of software upgrades, 18 months at best, and they will be 3 months after Google's release.   This is reason #1 why I went to the Nexus line, not to mention that its easier to develop on.  So for the GSIII, Key Lime Pie for sure, whatever the L release is, 50% chance at best.

And before the Apple folks chime in on having iOS to eternity, Apple cripples the release based on hardware capabilities for the older phones. So Apple folks aren't getting full upgrades.  Google's X.X.X updates support that, but not an X.X update. It's usually a full rewrite.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 30, 2012, 04:24:58 pm
hot stove is bubbling over this week

what's your take on this trade?  seems like a no-brainer for the Angels, but how did the Braves not get more for Hanson?

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8694819/tommy-hanson-traded-atlanta-braves-jordan-walden-los-angeles-angels
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 01, 2012, 09:04:15 pm
what's your take on this trade?  seems like a no-brainer for the Angels, but how did the Braves not get more for Hanson?

Nobody trusts Hanson's arm.  While you can repair an elbow, you'll struggle to repair a shoulder.

That being said, I'm always willing to trade a struggling reliever for a struggling starter.  Even if it means one less arb eligible year.  A starter is almost always going to command more cash and the Braves knew this, so they let him go for a cheaper option to fill their whole - setup guys.

Will he struggle with the DH - yes.  But remember he's a flyball pitcher and Anaheim is a great stadium for flyball pitchers because of the heavy night air.  He'll get lit up on Sunday day games though.

I like the deal.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 11, 2012, 06:33:59 pm
No Comment.  Phone calls to Venerable were also not returned.

CA State Employee Posts Nearly 5000 Online Comments While At Work (http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/12/state-employee-posts-nearly-5000-online-comments-while-at-work.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 13, 2012, 03:08:58 pm
With Audiogalaxy and my homeserver, I don't need this. 

Total bummer as there is currently not an affordable service available for those of us with HUGE collections:

Audiogalaxy Acquired by Dropbox, service to shut down (http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/audiogalaxy-acquired-by-dropbox/)

EDIT: I take that back.  250,000 songs available for streaming from Amazon Cloud Premium for $25 a year?  I think I may have a new solution.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 13, 2012, 04:30:00 pm
Hamilton to the Angels, 5 years, $125 million.

We can't get anybody out, but we can score runs. A ton of them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 13, 2012, 05:26:08 pm
sick
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 13, 2012, 06:31:51 pm
sick

Now we have a plethora of outfielders (Trout, Hamilton, Trumbo, Bourjous, Wells...).  Time to deal for Dickey.  Throw in a starter and a catcher?

Or, trade Morales to the O's for Johnson.

This can't be it.  Anaheim is not a ballpark where you can slug your way to a title.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 18, 2012, 02:27:03 pm
what's your take on this trade?  seems like a no-brainer for the Angels, but how did the Braves not get more for Hanson?

Nobody trusts Hanson's arm.  While you can repair an elbow, you'll struggle to repair a shoulder.

That being said, I'm always willing to trade a struggling reliever for a struggling starter.  Even if it means one less arb eligible year.  A starter is almost always going to command more cash and the Braves knew this, so they let him go for a cheaper option to fill their whole - setup guys.

Will he struggle with the DH - yes.  But remember he's a flyball pitcher and Anaheim is a great stadium for flyball pitchers because of the heavy night air.  He'll get lit up on Sunday day games though.

I like the deal.

Going back to this deal, I think Anaheim would have rather traded Walden for Rick Porcello, honestly.  But that would have been a daring gamble to wait out and I think they were in the running for Anibal Sanchez (until the Hamilton signing).  There is still an outside shot at Bourjos for Porcello, but I doubt it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 19, 2012, 06:15:53 pm
Angels trade Morales to Seattle for Vargas.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 25, 2012, 11:48:20 am
May The Force be with you. Always.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 26, 2012, 12:41:15 am
I got a Trout jersey, Trout T-shirt, Angels cap, United Jersey and United jacket. Also a qi charger for my Nexus.

Hoya had a boy.

I lose. Congrats buddy for giving yourself a reason to not go to the movies next Christmas.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 03, 2013, 06:45:20 pm
(I'll spare the iPhone thread)

Got it and since ditched it.  Battery was killing me.  Just couldn't hang with it.  Other than that it was sweet.

Strange.  I can go a day and a half - best battery of any Android phone I've used.  Which carrier did you go with and how was your email setup (gmail plus corporate/ POP/IMAP/EXCHANGE)?  Those seem to be the big two - searching for carrier signal and amount of email.

The next two would be widgets running and screen on time.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on January 03, 2013, 06:52:26 pm
(I'll spare the iPhone thread)

Got it and since ditched it.  Battery was killing me.  Just couldn't hang with it.  Other than that it was sweet.

Strange.  I can go a day and a half - best battery of any Android phone I've used.  Which carrier did you go with and how was your email setup (gmail plus corporate/ POP/IMAP/EXCHANGE)?  Those seem to be the big two - searching for carrier signal and amount of email.

The next two would be widgets running and screen on time.
T-mobile...good signal just about everywhere I go (except for parts of the subway during commute).  Exchange, Gmail Facebook.  Don't get tons of email.  Screen set to auto brightness.  Played with all the settings/widgets/power management etc.  Tweaked it a ton.  At the end of the day I just got tired of worrying about it.  If i had to go somewhere and use the GPS i'd definiately need a charge well before the end of the day. 

I got a even swap for a brand new Note II so i'm trying that out for a while.  It's a little big but I'm VERY impressed with Samsung.  And the battery is OUTRAGEOUS. 

My Nexus coulda been a lemon.  If i ever want to find out I can sell this boat and buy another new nexus and come out 150-200 bucks ahead  ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 03, 2013, 07:10:56 pm
T-mobile...good signal just about everywhere I go (except for parts of the subway during commute).  Exchange, Gmail Facebook.  Don't get tons of email.  Screen set to auto brightness.  Played with all the settings/widgets/power management etc.  Tweaked it a ton.  At the end of the day I just got tired of worrying about it.  If i had to go somewhere and use the GPS i'd definiately need a charge well before the end of the day. 

I got a even swap for a brand new Note II so i'm trying that out for a while.  It's a little big but I'm VERY impressed with Samsung.  And the battery is OUTRAGEOUS. 

My Nexus coulda been a lemon.  If i ever want to find out I can sell this boat and buy another new nexus and come out 150-200 bucks ahead  ;D

Thanks.  Will report back (if you don't mind).  Were you by chance a Google Current's user or did you at least play with it a bit?  I discovered a bug there that would drain my battery.

Good luck with the Note II.  Used one for the first time over the New Years holiday (one of the guys in our party was a Samsung employee so we exchanged phones for a while).  Huge device, but a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 04, 2013, 03:54:44 pm
Not trying to start a war (I would have posted in the iPhone thread if I was), but this article sums up a lot of what I feel about the iOS6/iPhone 5 vs Jelly Bean/Nexus 4 debate.

An iPhone Lovers Confession: I Switched to the Nexus 4. Completely. (http://gizmodo.com/5973073/an-iphone-lovers-confession-i-switched-to-the-nexus-4-completely?utm_campaign=socialflow_gizmodo_facebook&utm_source=gizmodo_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on January 04, 2013, 05:02:02 pm
T-mobile...good signal just about everywhere I go (except for parts of the subway during commute).  Exchange, Gmail Facebook.  Don't get tons of email.  Screen set to auto brightness.  Played with all the settings/widgets/power management etc.  Tweaked it a ton.  At the end of the day I just got tired of worrying about it.  If i had to go somewhere and use the GPS i'd definiately need a charge well before the end of the day. 

I got a even swap for a brand new Note II so i'm trying that out for a while.  It's a little big but I'm VERY impressed with Samsung.  And the battery is OUTRAGEOUS. 

My Nexus coulda been a lemon.  If i ever want to find out I can sell this boat and buy another new nexus and come out 150-200 bucks ahead  ;D

Thanks.  Will report back (if you don't mind).  Were you by chance a Google Current's user or did you at least play with it a bit?  I discovered a bug there that would drain my battery.

Good luck with the Note II.  Used one for the first time over the New Years holiday (one of the guys in our party was a Samsung employee so we exchanged phones for a while).  Huge device, but a lot of fun.
nope, not a google current user.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 09, 2013, 12:57:07 pm
the latest installment of Things Sweetcell Thinks Smackie Needs to Know is a doozie... containing both a high and a low for the smacked one:

Game? What game? There's a pretty woman in the stands!
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/08/us/alabama-quarterback-girlfriend/index.html

;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2013, 01:27:51 pm
the latest installment of Things Sweetcell Thinks Smackie Needs to Know is a doozie... containing both a high and a low for the smacked one:

Game? What game? There's a pretty woman in the stands!
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/08/us/alabama-quarterback-girlfriend/index.html

;D

Being a Domer, this was the highlight of the telecast for me.

Not discussed in that article was Arizona Cardinal Defensive End Darnell who tweeted her his number, which was meant to be a private direct message, but ended up being a public tweet. (http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-katherine-webb-darnell-dockett-20130108,0,2895019.story)  He also asked her to meet him at a strip joint.  Nothing says I'm in it for real like a date at a strip club.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 09, 2013, 02:55:29 pm
pure epic.  the internet truly is humanity's greatest invention.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2013, 03:02:55 pm
pure epic.  the internet truly is humanity's greatest invention.

I've told that story a few times since it happened and nobody believes me because it's so outrageous.  I'm glad somebody finally wrote it.

Epic indeed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 14, 2013, 04:54:34 pm
This is Legit. (http://vod.fxnetworks.com/watch/legit)

It's starts on Thursday at 10:30 on FX.  The first episode is a story of Jim helping his childhood friend with Muscular Dystrophy accomplish his one last dying wish.

Should be a heart warming affair. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 14, 2013, 06:12:55 pm
This is Legit. (http://vod.fxnetworks.com/watch/legit)

It's starts on Thursday at 10:30 on FX.  The first episode is a story of Jim helping his childhood friend with Muscular Dystrophy accomplish his one last dying wish.

Should be a heart warming affair. 

i can only hope that the TV version of the story holds up to the stand-up version, 'cause the latter is a masterpiece.  based on that little preview it might be some tough sledding.  i'll still be watching.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on January 14, 2013, 06:49:25 pm
T-mobile...good signal just about everywhere I go (except for parts of the subway during commute).  Exchange, Gmail Facebook.  Don't get tons of email.  Screen set to auto brightness.  Played with all the settings/widgets/power management etc.  Tweaked it a ton.  At the end of the day I just got tired of worrying about it.  If i had to go somewhere and use the GPS i'd definiately need a charge well before the end of the day. 

I got a even swap for a brand new Note II so i'm trying that out for a while.  It's a little big but I'm VERY impressed with Samsung.  And the battery is OUTRAGEOUS. 

My Nexus coulda been a lemon.  If i ever want to find out I can sell this boat and buy another new nexus and come out 150-200 bucks ahead  ;D

Thanks.  Will report back (if you don't mind).  Were you by chance a Google Current's user or did you at least play with it a bit?  I discovered a bug there that would drain my battery.

Good luck with the Note II.  Used one for the first time over the New Years holiday (one of the guys in our party was a Samsung employee so we exchanged phones for a while).  Huge device, but a lot of fun.
Ditched the Note...Galaxy S3.  I'm done for a while.  From Nexus to Note to Galaxy, broke even. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 16, 2013, 02:15:52 am
This.

Why data caps suck:

http://www.blogphilo.com/main/2013/01/12/data-caps/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on January 22, 2013, 12:00:44 pm
This.

Why data caps suck:

http://www.blogphilo.com/main/2013/01/12/data-caps/

i switched my mobile plan to my work's account and have unlimited data and tethering/hotspot-ing, so so so nice.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 22, 2013, 04:01:01 pm
i switched my mobile plan to my work's account and have unlimited data and tethering/hotspot-ing, so so so nice.

Unlimited hotpsot would allow me to find the end of porn on the internet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on January 22, 2013, 04:28:17 pm
i switched my mobile plan to my work's account and have unlimited data and tethering/hotspot-ing, so so so nice.

Unlimited hotpsot would allow me to find the end of porn on the internet.

That's just silly. You of all people should know that there is no end.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2013, 03:10:43 pm
That's just silly. You of all people should know that there is no end.

This is also Smackie approved, though knowledge of it's truth won't stop me from looking.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on January 28, 2013, 07:41:45 pm
So Smackie what are the teenage girls telling you about Sky Ferreria?  Because as the Knack once said....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 05, 2013, 01:48:00 am
Youngest American Woman Billionaire Likes it Animal Style (http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/Youngest-American-Woman-Billionaire-Unwrapped-4250005.php)

(http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/17/62/26/4138410/3/628x471.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on February 12, 2013, 10:43:58 am
Smackie will be getting to work a bit earlier than usual in the future

PepsiCo Inc. is rolling out a new drink called Kickstart this month that has a Mountain Dew flavor but is made with 5 percent juice and vitamins B and C, along with an extra jolt of caffeine.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on February 12, 2013, 11:00:33 am
Youngest American Woman Billionaire Likes it Animal Style (http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/Youngest-American-Woman-Billionaire-Unwrapped-4250005.php)

(http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/17/62/26/4138410/3/628x471.jpg)
"The thrice-married Torres"

Pretty impressive for a 30 year old  ::)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on February 12, 2013, 12:21:11 pm
Youngest American Woman Billionaire Likes it Animal Style (http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/Youngest-American-Woman-Billionaire-Unwrapped-4250005.php)

(http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/17/62/26/4138410/3/628x471.jpg)

Those are good burgers, Walter.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 12, 2013, 01:53:50 pm
Smackie will be getting to work a bit earlier than usual in the future

PepsiCo Inc. is rolling out a new drink called Kickstart this month that has a Mountain Dew flavor but is made with 5 percent juice and vitamins B and C, along with an extra jolt of caffeine.

The funny part about this is that I have been off the Dew for a couple years now, but no fewer than a dozen people sent me this news, mostly after it was tweeted.

Turns out there are three flavors of VitaminWater, including one Zero, that have ample amounts of caffeine with substantially less sugar.  I highly recommend "Drive" (Blood Orange and Mixed Berry) or "Attention" (Fuji Apple + Watermelon) and if those aren't available, there's the old standby "Energy" (Citrus).  Each contains about 75 milligrams of caffeine. 

That being said, I'm definitely trying the new Kickstart out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 12, 2013, 01:54:40 pm
"The thrice-married Torres"

Pretty impressive for a 30 year old  ::)

Fourth times a charm now that she's more "mature"...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 12, 2013, 01:55:14 pm
So Smackie what are the teenage girls telling you about Sky Ferreria?  Because as the Knack once said....

Somehow I missed this.  I'll check with my "sources"...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on February 13, 2013, 11:01:56 am
The funny part about this is that I have been off the Dew for a couple years now, but no fewer than a dozen people sent me this news, mostly after it was tweeted.

http://www.theonion.com/articles/man-who-got-shit-together-5-years-ago-still-viewed,30926/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 13, 2013, 01:07:56 pm
Exceptionally well played.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2013, 04:03:55 pm
Tiptoes

Don't miss the Trailer (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/aa3a85442a/tiptoes).

I've already purchased 5 copies of "TipToes" and sent them to unsuspecting friends.   Copies are .99 cents used at Amazon.

I hope to make this the Rick Roll of 2009.

this is absolute GOLD, people.  i'm soooooooo topping up any amazon orders i make for the next while with this nugget - especially useful if you're just a few dollars short of free shipping.

i seriously doubt i'll ever be able to sit through the whole thing, tho.

This is what I was referring to in the Dead Thread....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 16, 2013, 07:13:45 pm
Smackie will be getting to work a bit earlier than usual in the future

PepsiCo Inc. is rolling out a new drink called Kickstart this month that has a Mountain Dew flavor but is made with 5 percent juice and vitamins B and C, along with an extra jolt of caffeine.

The funny part about this is that I have been off the Dew for a couple years now, but no fewer than a dozen people sent me this news, mostly after it was tweeted.

Turns out there are three flavors of VitaminWater, including one Zero, that have ample amounts of caffeine with substantially less sugar.  I highly recommend "Drive" (Blood Orange and Mixed Berry) or "Attention" (Fuji Apple + Watermelon) and if those aren't available, there's the old standby "Energy" (Citrus).  Each contains about 75 milligrams of caffeine. 

That being said, I'm definitely trying the new Kickstart out.
i buy 10 drives every time i go grocery shopping. i dont think i would have made it through my second child's first 6 months without it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 18, 2013, 01:06:43 am
i buy 10 drives every time i go grocery shopping. i dont think i would have made it through my second child's first 6 months without it

I'm worried about this.  It seems that the main 5 flavors are taking over my usual outlets for Drive/Attention.  I can't seem to find them anywhere, and this is a HUGE problem.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to my dinner time discussion of Kate Spade and Keds.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 03, 2013, 09:21:07 pm
i've felt a great disturbance in the force.

"hide your kids, hide your wife..."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 03, 2013, 10:01:18 pm
i've felt a great disturbance in the force.

"hide your kids, hide your wife..."

the force is string with this one.

as is my hangover.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 04, 2013, 12:50:38 pm
This is a dangerous time for you, when you will be tempted by the Dark Side of the Force.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on March 16, 2013, 05:33:58 pm
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g16/beetsnotbeats/hoffs_zps5e5625cb.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 18, 2013, 12:53:31 pm
Smackie sandwiched in between....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 18, 2013, 01:00:15 pm
Smackie sandwiched in between....

AKA on the floor?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 19, 2013, 01:03:12 pm
Only Miss P sees the severity in this crisis!

http://gawker.com/5991206/america-descends-into-lawless-pandemonium-as-lululemon-threatens-shortage-of-black-yoga-pants

My Sunday's spent sitting in the wine bar across the street from Lululemon playing the "is she going in or not" game are in jeopardy!  This is a travesty!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on March 19, 2013, 04:10:31 pm
Only Miss P sees the severity in this crisis!

http://gawker.com/5991206/america-descends-into-lawless-pandemonium-as-lululemon-threatens-shortage-of-black-yoga-pants

My Sunday's spent sitting in the wine bar across the street from Lululemon playing the "is she going in or not" game are in jeopardy!  This is a travesty!
Who are the freedom hating lunatics behind this travesty?  Must be Obama.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 19, 2013, 05:26:11 pm
Who are the freedom hating lunatics behind this travesty?  Must be Obama.

The Chinese have their hands all over this.  "Shoddy workmanship" is code for 'silent revolution'....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on March 19, 2013, 05:36:32 pm
Only Miss P sees the severity in this crisis!

http://gawker.com/5991206/america-descends-into-lawless-pandemonium-as-lululemon-threatens-shortage-of-black-yoga-pants

My Sunday's spent sitting in the wine bar across the street from Lululemon playing the "is she going in or not" game are in jeopardy!  This is a travesty!

Is that the store where the women was brutally murdered by her coworker that I found about on snapped?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on March 19, 2013, 05:46:28 pm
Only Miss P sees the severity in this crisis!

http://gawker.com/5991206/america-descends-into-lawless-pandemonium-as-lululemon-threatens-shortage-of-black-yoga-pants

My Sunday's spent sitting in the wine bar across the street from Lululemon playing the "is she going in or not" game are in jeopardy!  This is a travesty!

Is that the store where the women was brutally murdered by her coworker that I found about on snapped?
cool guy alert
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2013, 04:07:35 pm
One way to Smackie's heart is to show up with $5k worth of networking equipment and say "[such-an-such] company sent these to me and I have no use for them - see what you can do with them."

My Death Star is almost fully operational.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on March 21, 2013, 06:40:29 pm
I've been leaning towards the HTC One X+ but am wondering if it's worth holding out for the Galaxy S4?  I am intrigued by some of the new touchless features of the new Galaxy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2013, 06:52:05 pm
I've been leaning towards the HTC One X+ but am wondering if it's worth holding out for the Galaxy S4?  I am intrigued by some of the new touchless features of the new Galaxy.

I think this debate should be between the HTC One (http://www.htc.com/us/smartphones/htc-one/?PS=1&cid=sem157p153625&gclid=CMmHiPjwjrYCFQxxQgod_QEAhQ) (the replacement for the One X+) and the S4. (http://www.samsung.com/us/register/galaxy-s-4-smartphone/)

The One X+ and the S3 can be had on the cheap now, but if you're going to sign a 2-year contract, the extra $100 or so should be spent on a phone that with last you the duration of the contract.

Now, between the two, the HTC One is the sexier phone - all aluminum chasis, speakers on the front...

But software-wise, the Touchwiz version of Android that Samsung runs is much more developed than HTC's latest iteration of Sense over Android.  Which is too bad because HTC was way ahead of the game just two years ago.

I would try them both when they're in stock at your local store and see which one you like best.  They're very different from each other, and miles from stock Android OS.   

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on March 21, 2013, 07:11:41 pm
cool didn't realize there was a new HTC in the pipeline, and it's a bit odd the HTC One is the replacement for the HTC One X+... silly marketing departments...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 22, 2013, 01:20:13 pm
cool didn't realize there was a new HTC in the pipeline, and it's a bit odd the HTC One is the replacement for the HTC One X+... silly marketing departments...

Yes, the name retreat is a horrible marketing decision, but don't let that change your thoughts on the phone. It's pretty sweet.  It's out in Europe and the US release date is "sometime next month" so I suspect you'll have both to play with at about the same time.

The best review I've seen so far is this one. (http://www.androidcentral.com/htc-one-review)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 22, 2013, 01:22:47 pm
I <3 The Economist:

And stretch

Lululemon, a maker of fabulously pricey yoga wear, issued a recall for its women?s black Luon bottoms because of a high ?level of sheerness? that was too revealing. It warned there would be a shortage of the pants in its stores, presumably because men were rushing out to buy them for their wives and girlfriends.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 22, 2013, 01:42:18 pm
I <3 The Economist:

And stretch

Lululemon, a maker of fabulously pricey yoga wear, issued a recall for its women?s black Luon bottoms because of a high ?level of sheerness? that was too revealing. It warned there would be a shortage of the pants in its stores, presumably because men were rushing out to buy them for their wives and girlfriends.

didn't realize the shadowy economist editors are cuckolds...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on March 22, 2013, 01:49:33 pm
I <3 The Economist:

And stretch

Lululemon, a maker of fabulously pricey yoga wear, issued a recall for its women?s black Luon bottoms because of a high ?level of sheerness? that was too revealing. It warned there would be a shortage of the pants in its stores, presumably because men were rushing out to buy them for their wives and girlfriends.

http://www.businessinsider.com/lululemon-puns-are-completely-out-of-control-2013-3
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 22, 2013, 02:05:28 pm
http://www.businessinsider.com/lululemon-puns-are-completely-out-of-control-2013-3

I'm assuming you sent that to me so I could see the photo...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 25, 2013, 01:11:52 pm
Holy sh!t!  The Yankees are about to take the Vernon Wells Albatross off the Angels hands...

They are really in desperate straights in the Bronx...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 26, 2013, 01:53:43 pm
cool didn't realize there was a new HTC in the pipeline, and it's a bit odd the HTC One is the replacement for the HTC One X+... silly marketing departments...

T-Mobile announced today that the HTC One will be available late April and the S4 will be available May 1, so I expect other carriers will have availability about the same.

As part of their "UNcarrier Model", they've also split the cost of service and the cost of the phone, which is something brilliant but most American's will overlook as they've never correctly identified part of their bill as being payment towards a subsidized phone.

The HTC One and S4 can be had for a $99 down-payment and $20 a month for 24 months ($579 total).  You have the option of adding T-Mobile service off contract to that for varying ranges of use from between $50-$70.  Separating these costs means if you pay off the phone early, your total bill goes down, or if you want to change to at&t you can bring the phone with you, though you will still have to pay off the phone.

Anyone who's lived in Europe will understand this model.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on March 27, 2013, 11:01:58 am
Interesting development, wonder how it will play out over time...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on March 27, 2013, 11:14:55 am
cool didn't realize there was a new HTC in the pipeline, and it's a bit odd the HTC One is the replacement for the HTC One X+... silly marketing departments...

T-Mobile announced today that the HTC One will be available late April and the S4 will be available May 1, so I expect other carriers will have availability about the same.

As part of their "UNcarrier Model", they've also split the cost of service and the cost of the phone, which is something brilliant but most American's will overlook as they've never correctly identified part of their bill as being payment towards a subsidized phone.

The HTC One and S4 can be had for a $99 down-payment and $20 a month for 24 months ($579 total).  You have the option of adding T-Mobile service off contract to that for varying ranges of use from between $50-$70.  Separating these costs means if you pay off the phone early, your total bill goes down, or if you want to change to at&t you can bring the phone with you, though you will still have to pay off the phone.

Anyone who's lived in Europe will understand this model.

Well this paln still sucks as you can buy your phone from virgin mobile and get an unlimited text and internet and phone service for 35 a month.  Just buy your phone.  If you can't afford to buy a phone than you can't afford 90 bucks a month.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 27, 2013, 11:36:11 am
Well this paln still sucks as you can buy your phone from virgin mobile and get an unlimited text and internet and phone service for 35 a month.  Just buy your phone.  If you can't afford to buy a phone than you can't afford 90 bucks a month.

If you're not a power user (i.e., don't mind a phone that's a year old, is underpowered compared to today's top of the line phones and might not get software updates that aren't security threats), and have strong Sprint coverage in your area, than yes, Virgin Mobile is a great choice.  Just keep in mind that you have no roaming, no international coverage and your phone is locked to Virgin Mobile.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 27, 2013, 12:44:32 pm
Holy sh!t!  The Yankees are about to take the Vernon Wells Albatross off the Angels hands...

The Yankees are paying $14 million of Wells remaining $42 million.  Might seem arbitrary to some, but it's spread out with $11.5 million this year and $2.4 million next year.  Why the discrepancy?  That's exactly the amount the Angels need to be under the luxury tax threashold this year.  Two low level players were also exchanged, but they're inconsequential to this salary dump.

Damn, I want to be a GM some day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 28, 2013, 04:47:36 pm
This is Legit. (http://vod.fxnetworks.com/watch/legit)

It's starts on Thursday at 10:30 on FX.  The first episode is a story of Jim helping his childhood friend with Muscular Dystrophy accomplish his one last dying wish.

Should be a heart warming affair. 

i can only hope that the TV version of the story holds up to the stand-up version, 'cause the latter is a masterpiece.  based on that little preview it might be some tough sledding.  i'll still be watching.

It was just picked up for a second season, presumably after how artfully they handled the disability olympics.

Get ready for Gunta.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on March 28, 2013, 05:54:20 pm
Well this paln still sucks as you can buy your phone from virgin mobile and get an unlimited text and internet and phone service for 35 a month.  Just buy your phone.  If you can't afford to buy a phone than you can't afford 90 bucks a month.

If you're not a power user (i.e., don't mind a phone that's a year old, is underpowered compared to today's top of the line phones and might not get software updates that aren't security threats), and have strong Sprint coverage in your area, than yes, Virgin Mobile is a great choice.  Just keep in mind that you have no roaming, no international coverage and your phone is locked to Virgin Mobile.

Galaxy II-S isn't underpowered.  I have never had any trouble getting service anywhere I have been in the US.  Yeah I don't have coverage in europe but I haven't had the need for a cell phone the two times in the past year that I have been in europe.  And I wonder how much of Iceland even has cell phone coverage.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on March 28, 2013, 07:34:12 pm
so i have the galaxy s two phone.  i know that the whatever number version is about to come out within six months that can read your mind and tell you when youre supposed to think about what you are thinking about, but this is about my phone:  the samsung galaxy s two that came out . . . two to three years ago?  well anyway, it does the strangest thing, and others around me say that theirs does it too.  i deleted my old email off my phone after a job transfer switcharoo, and set up my new account.  gmail based.  set up fine with correct port numbers and all that.  i get my emails, but if i open them and then close the email app, the next time i open my email, the emails ive opend are gone off my phone, not my account, just my phone.  i f i dont open the email, it stays there.  never had that happen.  tried every setting, every change that should be telling me that no emails will be deletec unless i delete them, but it does what it wants.  plus the wireless comes on whenever it wants, and it does do that restart and shut off then reboot itself back, for no reason, but that is rare.  ive been told just replace your battery.  is it that simple?  thank you tech gigolos.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 28, 2013, 08:50:53 pm
Galaxy II-S isn't underpowered. 

Go back and read what I said.

Go ahead, I'll wait.

You see, I said "compared to today's top of the line phones" but just to humor you, the average lifespan of a phone is 18-24 months, and by lifespan I mean support and updates.

The GSII came out in May 2011, or almost 2 years ago.  We're 30 days from the GS4 coming out...

It will never see the next iteration of Android, likely called Key Lime Pie.  Some versions of it will never see Jelly Bean (Virgin might be in this boat).  So sadly, in the last 4 months you likely dropped about $350-$300 on a phone that's as good as it's going to get, will stop seeing software updates (thus will not be able to take advantage of the new features of Android) and eventually developer updates will not work on your phone because devs don't support phones that are two years old.

But hey, if you think it's powerful enough for you, that's all that matters.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 28, 2013, 08:54:08 pm
so i have the galaxy s two phone. 

So walky, are you checking email with the Gmail app or the Samsung supplied email app?  If it's the GMail app, let me know what version it is.

If it's the Samsung Mail app, I can't be much help - I don't have any phones that use TouchWiz, Samsungs version of Android.

And also, sometimes after a large update, nothing is better for your phone than a Factory Reset.  I do these all the time when beta software breaks my phone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 29, 2013, 09:59:22 am
TouchWiz, Samsungs version of Android.

TouchWiz - just rolls off the tongue...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on March 29, 2013, 10:08:46 am
Galaxy II-S isn't underpowered. 

Go back and read what I said.

Go ahead, I'll wait.

You see, I said "compared to today's top of the line phones" but just to humor you, the average lifespan of a phone is 18-24 months, and by lifespan I mean support and updates.

The GSII came out in May 2011, or almost 2 years ago.  We're 30 days from the GS4 coming out...

It will never see the next iteration of Android, likely called Key Lime Pie.  Some versions of it will never see Jelly Bean (Virgin might be in this boat).  So sadly, in the last 4 months you likely dropped about $350-$300 on a phone that's as good as it's going to get, will stop seeing software updates (thus will not be able to take advantage of the new features of Android) and eventually developer updates will not work on your phone because devs don't support phones that are two years old.

But hey, if you think it's powerful enough for you, that's all that matters.

Well by your logic than the other plan with 99 downpayment and 20 dollars a month you are going to have an out of date phone for a long time.

I paid less than 300 dollars for the phone.  And I only have to pay 35 dollars for service. 

Newest phones cost 600 bucks.  So if you put down payment of 99 that means you have 501 to pay off. 501/20 = 25 months.  So are you going to keep the phone once your pay it off in 25 months?  That is where the savings would even come in the plan you mentioned.  I can buy a new phone every year.   Galaxy II-S isn't much different than a Galaxy III-s.  Same screen size and same camera.  It is fast enough.   

But it comes down to it is a phone.  I can watch videos, surf the net, make calls, play games, text and take photos, I can stream music from google music and rhapsody.  What else would I need to do?

Oh and I know people with 10 year old phones that work fine.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 29, 2013, 11:49:22 am
Well by your logic than the other plan with 99 downpayment and 20 dollars a month you are going to have an out of date phone for a long time.

I have the Nexus 4 from Google (http://www.google.com/nexus/4/) and paid $350 for it.  Unlocked, off contract, world phone with cutting edge hardware and it always has the most up to date software.

And Smackie NEVER has an out of date phone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 30, 2013, 09:07:23 pm
My Death Star is almost fully operational.

Closer than I thought, actually.  I spent my free time this week rebuilding my network with this enterprise class equipment, complete with Cat6 throughput and a new Synology NAS.

Turns out Comcast's equipment was not prepared for this much firepower and their coaxial cable fried.  The result was that every other customer on this local plant (at least 2 square blocks) had pixelated television screens and their internet had slowed to a crawl.  Mine of course, was crytstal clear and blazing fast.

So the Comcast guy knocks on my door and looks at what I did and said "Impressive.  I don't see anything wrong with it, so let's just put a filter on your line and that should clear it up for everyone else."

That filter is in my apt, and I'm the only one with access to it.  I can envision a scenario where the Giants and the Angels are in the World Series and unless things are going the Halo's way, that filter's coming off.

And to think, I was just joking when I named my new SSID "Alderaan #neverforget"...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on April 01, 2013, 02:04:16 pm
Where exactly are "the bees" playing in the US right now, smackie?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 01, 2013, 02:18:48 pm
Where exactly are "the bees" playing in the US right now, smackie?

According to their tumbler page (http://wearethebees.tumblr.com//), they were in Florida when you asked.

They are in Denver at the end of this week and then back to Florida. But it could be that they don't have songkick set up properly on their site...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on April 01, 2013, 02:24:44 pm
Where exactly are "the bees" playing in the US right now, smackie?

According to their tumbler page (http://wearethebees.tumblr.com//), they were in Florida when you asked.

They are in Denver at the end of this week and then back to Florida. But it could be that they don't have songkick set up properly on their site...

No shit!!! Why the hell aren't they doing a proper tour and playing the most random parts of Florida, ever?? Thanks for the info!

And after further investigation... that's not The Bees from the UK.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 01, 2013, 02:28:12 pm

No shit!!! Why the hell aren't they doing a proper tour and playing the most random parts of Florida, ever?? Thanks for the info!

There is an American band called "The Bees" and the UK version is known as "A Band of Bees" legally, stateside.  So it could just be that the songkick web plugin is referencing the American band with the same name.

Otherwise, yeah, I don't know why they'd be doing a twice monthly gig at a small venue in FL.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on April 01, 2013, 03:32:11 pm
this made me think of the awesome band the bird and the bee. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 02, 2013, 05:52:03 pm
Robinson Cano left Scott Boras for Jay-Z?! (http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9124684/robinson-cano-new-york-yankees-switching-scott-boras-jay-z)

Wow.  Just wow.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 08, 2013, 06:28:47 pm
"Accidental Racist" by Brad Paisley featuring LL Cool J (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=a_qbt1EVuw8#!)

I.Have.No.Words.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 11, 2013, 07:05:24 pm
Bullpen ERA close to 5 (15 ER in 27.2 innings).
A .120 batting average with runners in scoring position (9 for 75!).
76 runners LOB in 8 games.
Best starter on the DL for the month.

I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling last night in the dark for almost 2 hours in absolute fear of the future of this team.  It's like deja vu all over again.

 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 14, 2013, 01:53:12 pm
Ray J - I Hit it First

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa0hj82sS1k

"I had her head going north and her ass going south
But now baby chose to go West"

I'm struggling to figure out what this song is about....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 16, 2013, 11:56:14 am
if i have the choice of an iphone 5 and galaxy s3, i should go with the galaxy, right?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 16, 2013, 03:27:33 pm
if i have the choice of an iphone 5 and galaxy s3, i should go with the galaxy, right?

Work or pleasure?

Which carrier?

What other devices are in your ecosystem and do you buy a lot of apps (as opposed to free ones)?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 16, 2013, 07:57:54 pm
work

verizon

apple everything personal, thinkpad for work

i buy limited apps, but wouldn't really need to buy any for the galaxy--i still have an iphone 5 for personal use
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 17, 2013, 01:20:31 pm
work
verizon
apple everything personal, thinkpad for work
i buy limited apps, but wouldn't really need to buy any for the galaxy--i still have an iphone 5 for personal use

Well, in that case, I don't see any reason to get two of the exact same phone.  I'd get the S3 for sure (assuming the S4 won't be offered to you in a few weeks).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 23, 2013, 12:25:46 pm
Smackie Approved.  Already an investor:

Fundawear. (http://mashable.com/2013/04/21/fundawear-underwear/)  WiFi controlled stimulating underwear.  Take that, Snapchat.

NOTE: I'm not going to safe NSFW, but definitely use caution, and if you work at a conservative place, use an abundance of caution.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 29, 2013, 04:07:39 pm
The Addition of Google Now to iOS makes the iPhone one of the best Android Phones you Can Buy (http://gizmodo.com/the-iphone-is-one-of-the-best-android-phones-you-can-bu-484580304)

While it's hard to argue that legacy Android devices get left behind far too quickly, it's clear that any iOS is not even close a comparable Google experience to the Nexus line.  And with a new OS coming in two weeks time, this will be even more evident then.

But the really good part of the article is "What a Google Wants" which explains fairly clearly why Google treats iOS so much better than Apple treats everyone else and why I will not play in that ecosystem.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on April 29, 2013, 04:32:37 pm
The Addition of Google Now to iOS makes the iPhone one of the best Android Phones you Can Buy (http://gizmodo.com/the-iphone-is-one-of-the-best-android-phones-you-can-bu-484580304)

While it's hard to argue that legacy Android devices get left behind far too quickly, it's clear that any iOS is not even close a comparable Google experience to the Nexus line.  And with a new OS coming in two weeks time, this will be even more evident then.

But the really good part of the article is "What a Google Wants" which explains fairly clearly why Google treats iOS so much better than Apple treats everyone else and why I will not play in that ecosystem.

Well you could get an Iphone to run Google software and you would pay more money for an inferior product.   This article makes no sense.   People who are getting cheaper androids won't pay for an iphone anyway.   If you compare a Galaxy 4 to an Iphone 5 and you want to run google stuff you would get the Galaxy. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 29, 2013, 04:51:38 pm
This article makes no sense.   People who are getting cheaper androids won't pay for an iphone anyway.  

The author could have made things a lot simpler had he said Apple has forced Google to provide it's services in the form of Apps by bundling competing services in iOS in the form of Apple products.  By doing so, Google has made apps that are not available in the entire Android ecosystem available to all of iOS.

By making Google Now part of Jelly Bean (Android 4.2), Google limits it's useful in the Android ecosystem.  I'd imagine a quick fix is on the way in the form of a new Android Google Search App.

I agree with you, however, that the inclusion of one app, Google Now, does not make the Android Experience better on an iDevice rather than an Android Device.  One app does not a product make.


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 29, 2013, 05:40:22 pm
Samsung is spanking Apple in earnings, sales
http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/29/tech/mobile/samsung-spanking-apple/index.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 29, 2013, 07:33:26 pm
Samsung is spanking Apple in earnings, sales

This isn't even shocking anymore.  We've seen this with EVERY Apple product since the Apple II.

Marketing makes them look like first to market (they rarely are).
Marketing gives them massive market share.
The competition quickly catches up, Apple fails to adjust.
They lose market share just as rapidly.

The iPad, from 70% in Q1 2011, to  63% Q1 in 2012 to 48% Q1 in 2013. (http://techcrunch.com/2013/04/25/strategy-analytics-q1-tablet-stats/screen-shot-2013-04-25-at-09-35-47/)  Anyone want to hazard a guess on Q1 2014?

The difference this year of course is that Steve Jobs isn't around for Apple's next great product and there's this big company out innovating them called Google.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 06, 2013, 04:11:42 pm
With friends like these...

PETITION: President Obama: Make the CHiPs Episode "Battle of the Bands" into a National Holiday (http://www.change.org/petitions/president-obama-make-the-chips-episode-battle-of-the-bands-into-a-national-holiday?utm_campaign=share_button_chat&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtbvAuA8szA
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 07, 2013, 01:54:28 pm
And somehow I'm expected to sleep at night....

Quote
The Angels, simply put, aren't doing anything right.

They certainly aren't pitching. A rotation that has been without ace Jered Weaver since April 7 sports the fourth-highest ERA in the Majors, while a bullpen without four crucial members ranks 23rd in WHIP.

The Halos aren't playing much defense, sporting a fielding percentage that's tied for the fifth lowest in baseball and allowing the second-highest stolen-base success rate.

Offensively, they aren't doing much of anything. They've stolen more bases than only three other teams, while Albert Pujols and his plantar fasciitis -- owed another $114 million over four years after Hamilton's contract expires -- are batting .153 since April 21.

And the Angels' injury list is haunting, with 19 pitchers used since Opening Day and 12 of the players on their 40-man roster spending time on the disabled list.

It's numbers like those that make you wonder how they're even 11-20, which is tied with 1990 for the worst start in franchise history and is better than only two American League teams -- the Astros, who the Angels start a three-game road series against on Tuesday, and a Blue Jays team of similar expectations.

At the center, though, is Hamilton, whose early struggles seem like an extension of last year's second half -- he's batting .242/.302/.442 in 100 games since that point -- and feel eerily familiar to the ones Pujols went through in 2012.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on May 07, 2013, 02:55:15 pm
And somehow I'm expected to sleep at night....

Quote
The Angels, simply put, aren't doing anything right.

They certainly aren't pitching. A rotation that has been without ace Jered Weaver since April 7 sports the fourth-highest ERA in the Majors, while a bullpen without four crucial members ranks 23rd in WHIP.

The Halos aren't playing much defense, sporting a fielding percentage that's tied for the fifth lowest in baseball and allowing the second-highest stolen-base success rate.

Offensively, they aren't doing much of anything. They've stolen more bases than only three other teams, while Albert Pujols and his plantar fasciitis -- owed another $114 million over four years after Hamilton's contract expires -- are batting .153 since April 21.

And the Angels' injury list is haunting, with 19 pitchers used since Opening Day and 12 of the players on their 40-man roster spending time on the disabled list.

It's numbers like those that make you wonder how they're even 11-20, which is tied with 1990 for the worst start in franchise history and is better than only two American League teams -- the Astros, who the Angels start a three-game road series against on Tuesday, and a Blue Jays team of similar expectations.

At the center, though, is Hamilton, whose early struggles seem like an extension of last year's second half -- he's batting .242/.302/.442 in 100 games since that point -- and feel eerily familiar to the ones Pujols went through in 2012.

Thank god their GM turned us down and instead chose to work his magic on the Angels.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 07, 2013, 04:23:00 pm
Thank god their GM turned us down and instead chose to work his magic on the Angels.

I think he wishes he had taken a job different than Anaheim, too.  This is an owner out of control - word on the street is that Moreno flew to Texas to meet with Hamilton unbeknownst to DiPoto and Scioscia and presented Hamilton with a take it or leave it offer.  He did the same with Pujols last season...

He inherited the Vernon Wells behemoth from Tony Reagins, though Scioscia never really liked Napoli either - so he may have helped.

I still think replacing E. Santana and Haren with Blanton, Vargas and Hanson was a good move, but it was only precipitated by signing Hamilton instead of Greinke, which I don't think you can hang on DiPoto.  Had he held on to Greinke and not resigned Haren, that allows the Angels to keep Santana and deal Morales for Vargas.  This is a completely different 2013 with Weaver, Greinke, Wilson, Santana and Vargas.

With the lack of free agent pitchers next season and the horrendous farm system left after all these marquis deals, rebuilding this staff is going to be brutal. 

And for the record, I'd still take the job.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on May 07, 2013, 08:34:36 pm
Filming those Old Spice / Head & Shoulders commercials was the kiss of death.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on May 07, 2013, 10:37:32 pm
i hate my galaxy samsung phone.  maybe the four is better, but when you fuck up the past . . . its hard to believe in the future.  bugs are the death of any product to me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on May 08, 2013, 07:56:11 am
I ended up getting the HTC One, primarily because the Galaxy 4 felt like a cheap POS.  That and the much touted features of the Galaxy 4 ended up being hype.  Of course as is usually these days, there were a couple features in the Galaxy 4 that I would like to have i.e. easily removable battery and 4.2 OS.  oh well... tis the way of consumer electronics these day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: StoneTheCrow on May 08, 2013, 08:51:29 am
i hate my galaxy samsung phone.  maybe the four is better, but when you fuck up the past . . . its hard to believe in the future.  bugs are the death of any product to me.

Can you elaborate?  I'm waiting on the 4 but would jump to an iPhone if this is a bad move.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 08, 2013, 09:57:26 am
i have the S2 and i LOVE LOVE LOVE it.  i'll be getting the S4 soon'ish.  i don't know what walkies issues are with this phone, but mine has zero bugs, has worked flawlessly for 2 years (or since whenever it came out), etc.  can't recommend the phone enough.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on May 08, 2013, 09:59:56 am
I have the Galaxy S2 as well and no issues.  Great phone.  The Iphone 5 looks like a tiny piece of crap in comparison.  I can't imagine anyone buying an Iphone at this point.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 08, 2013, 12:48:16 pm
Filming those Old Spice / Head & Shoulders commercials was the kiss of death.

It did not help, no.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 08, 2013, 12:51:37 pm
I ended up getting the HTC One, primarily because the Galaxy 4 felt like a cheap POS.  That and the much touted features of the Galaxy 4 ended up being hype.  Of course as is usually these days, there were a couple features in the Galaxy 4 that I would like to have i.e. easily removable battery and 4.2 OS.  oh well... tis the way of consumer electronics these day.

I think you made the right choice.  I hope the all aluminum chassis takes off because it's sexy.  Play with the Zoe's feature too - I want to see some great stuff from you with still and live recordings from shows.

On the removable battery front, just grab this (http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thunderbolt-Blackberry-connectors-customized/dp/B009USAJCC) - I charge everything with it and am never without power on my tablet, phone, camera...

And you'll have 4.2 soon enough.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on May 08, 2013, 01:14:10 pm
mine (2) worked for (two) years and now it does the funniest things.  like cutting off and rebooting sometimes.  the wifi cutting on for no reason, which i think fucks up the three g.  the three g just not working, as my partners older phone right next to me is working just fine.  my one bar to his three bars on the same carrier.  and now . . . it enjoys erasing emails off the phone.  it is a gmail based account, but through the phones email app, not the gmail app.  if i open an email, read it, go back to my inbox, then hit refresh, or if another new email comes in, it erases that email that has been opened.  only gone from the phone, not my email, no matter what setting i change, no matter if i delete all pictures, clear all caches (i think) because i thought it was a memory problem . . . maybe i have too many apps and stuff.  but mine is buggy, and people i know who have them have some of the same buggy issues.  i changed the battery and everything. 

but i hate apple . . . repeat, i hate you apple.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 08, 2013, 01:45:49 pm
mine (2) worked for (two) years and now it does the funniest things. 

Have you ever done a factory reset?  I recommend one once a year.

And if your phone is two years old, I'd also recommend getting a new one.  They're really not built to keep up with mobile technology after two years.  With the advances in software coming every 6 months, the apps are updated to keep up with a new OS and simply won't run as strong on older versions of the OS.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on May 08, 2013, 02:08:27 pm
gotta love phones, with that shelf life. if i can figure it out, im sure it is easy, i will try a factory reset.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on May 08, 2013, 02:12:37 pm
mine (2) worked for (two) years and now it does the funniest things. 

Have you ever done a factory reset?  I recommend one once a year.

And if your phone is two years old, I'd also recommend getting a new one.  They're really not built to keep up with mobile technology after two years.  With the advances in software coming every 6 months, the apps are updated to keep up with a new OS and simply won't run as strong on older versions of the OS.   

I dont' really see needing anything more than the Galaxy S2.  Screen is big enough.  I can play pinball.  I can take photos. I can surf the web. I can make calls.  I can text.  I can listen to Rhapsody, Pandora etc.  I don't really want any other apps.  If you want better photo capablities you need a real camera.  If they could make the battery last a week or two that would be the number one improvement I would like. Second improvement would be bigger screen.  But not too much bigger as I will run out of pocket space for it. 

I think it is like laptops. Home laptops kind of peaked 3 or 4 years ago.  THey hit a dead end. No one needed anything more.  So now everyone is moving on to tablets.  Phones will hit there peak soon enough.  Improved speed I guess would be better.  So I could download an album instantly.  And more memory so I could store every song locally.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 08, 2013, 02:36:48 pm
I dont' really see needing anything more than the Galaxy S2.  

Everybody's use case is different.

A Galaxy SII is fine for the Pinball Wizard.  If I still had to use mine I would throw it across the room in the first half hour of use.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 08, 2013, 02:44:21 pm
gotta love phones, with that shelf life. if i can figure it out, im sure it is easy, i will try a factory reset.

Back up everything you want to keep from the phone first (photos, music, etc.).  If you want to back up text messages, it will require an app to do that as they are not available to the end user.

Three options:

#1 - Performing a factory data reset via settings

Go to Settings.
Select Privacy.
Click on Factory data reset.
Check Format USB storage if needed only (I recommend this, but only if you've backed all data).
Click on Reset phone.
Finally, select Erase everything.

(2) Performing a factory data reset using phone buttons

Turn off SGS2.
Press and hold down Volume Up + Home + Power buttons at the same time.
Release all buttons when you see SGS2 Logo.
Android system recovery will be loaded then.
Select wipe data/factory reset. (Volume buttons to go up or down, select with Home button)
Select Yes ? delete all user data.
Finally, select reboot system now.

(3) Performing a factory data reset using dialpad

Warning ~ no turning back after key in.
Bring up dialpad.
Key in *2767*3855#
Finally, SGS2 will be rebooted and factory data reset.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 08, 2013, 02:59:46 pm
Last night, Houston enjoyed their first come-from-behind win since a 7-6 triumph over the Phillies last September. That streak of 47 games without a comeback victory was the longest in the majors since a 58-game streak by the Texas Rangers four decades ago (1972-73).

I don't think I need to tell you who they came back to beat last night.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2013, 03:30:14 pm
I can't believe I have to install iTunes for this (but I'm totally going to do it)!

Stream the new Daft Punk on iTunes (http://gizmodo.com/daft-punks-random-access-memories-has-leaked-online-504715525?utm_campaign=socialflow_gizmodo_facebook&utm_source=gizmodo_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)

http://www.itunes.com/daftpunk
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 13, 2013, 03:45:01 pm
dammit.  now i can't decide if i want to wait a week for the real thing, or deal with MP3...  AAAAAARGH.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2013, 03:56:57 pm
dammit.  now i can't decide if i want to wait a week for the real thing, or deal with MP3...  AAAAAARGH.

Lunch was just 1:14:34 delayed for me....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 14, 2013, 01:28:11 am
And they say I'm not sensitive:

Angelina Jolie's Medical Choice (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?ref=opinion&_r=2&)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 17, 2013, 07:23:34 pm
Smackie will be getting to work a bit earlier than usual in the future

PepsiCo Inc. is rolling out a new drink called Kickstart this month that has a Mountain Dew flavor but is made with 5 percent juice and vitamins B and C, along with an extra jolt of caffeine.

So I went ahead and had a couple of these this week.  Yes, it's been that kind of week.

I opted not to try the fruit punch version and instead have had a few of the Orange Citrus varietal.  It's essentially a less sweet version of Live Wire for those that remember the GREATEST MOUNTAIN DEW FLAVOR OF ALL TIME. #stillbitter

Anyhow, at 16 oz. and 92 mg of caffeine, it's really not that much more than a 20 oz. bottle of the Dew that checks in at 91 mg.  To put that into perspective, a tall (12 oz) cup of Starbucks is 260 mg of caffeine.

So, I fail to see what market Pepsi Co is going after here.  Either buy a 20 oz at $1.75 and get 91 mg of caffeine or spend the $2.50 on an AMP and get 150 mg of caffeine.

Maybe if you're calorie conscious, because it's about 200 calories less than a 20 oz. bottle of the dew (80 vs 280) but they don't market is as healthier (for obvious reasons), just that it has a kick.

Bottom line, if you want a kick, drink an AMP, and pass on Kickstart.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on May 17, 2013, 09:25:30 pm
Just the other day I saw an ad for a zero calorie "energy" drink. How the fuck does that work?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on May 17, 2013, 10:55:06 pm
im enjoying the spaces of this thread for "runaways" from everything else that this places provides.  plus i find vansmacks mind to be hardwired and not physical.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 18, 2013, 12:41:16 pm
Just the other day I saw an ad for a zero calorie "energy" drink. How the fuck does that work?

i'm assuming you get the "energy" from sources other than sugar (caffeine, taurine, etc). 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 19, 2013, 01:20:34 am
Just the other day I saw an ad for a zero calorie "energy" drink. How the fuck does that work?

i'm assuming you get the "energy" from sources other than sugar (caffeine, taurine, etc). 

Exactly.  In beverages, especially fizzy drinks, the majority of calories come from sugars. 

That's why the now impossible to find Vitamin Water Zero known as "Drive" was so absolutely brilliant.  75 mg of caffeine and no sugar with a divine taste.

Why it disappeared is still a mystery to me and my repeated requests for answers have gone ignored thus far.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 20, 2013, 07:10:00 pm
i tweet @vitaminwater constantly. so bitter, drive was the best

if vitamin water gets rid of the magical hangover cure that is revive zero, they are dead to me
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 21, 2013, 03:01:58 pm
Buster Olney with the Stomach Punch:

"Only with benefit of 20/20 hindsight could we know exactly how different the world could be for the Angels, who traded Jean Segura (in the Zack Greinke deal) and Patrick Corbin (in the Dan Haren deal) and did not sign Matt Harvey after drafting him in 2007. "

Harvey: 5-0, 1.55 ERA, .72 WHIP, 68 K's in 63 innings
Corbin: 7-0, 1.44 ERA, .98 WHIP, 51 K's in 62 innings
Segura: .355 avg, 7 HR, 14 SB, 25 runs, 20 RBI
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 21, 2013, 04:36:47 pm
Still, the findings about Apple were remarkable both for the enormous amount of money involved and the audaciousness of the company?s assertion that its subsidiaries are beyond the reach of any taxing authority.

?There is a technical term economists like to use for behavior like this,? said Edward Kleinbard, a law professor at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and a former staff director at the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation. ?Unbelievable chutzpah.?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/21/business/apple-avoided-billions-in-taxes-congressional-panel-says.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130521&_r=0
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 22, 2013, 03:57:13 pm
Daft Punk - "Horizon (http://nobpm.tumblr.com/post/50990752528/daft-punk-horizon-japan-bonus-track)" (Japanese Bonus Track)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 24, 2013, 08:27:07 pm
The possibilities are endless:

http://couple.me/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on May 25, 2013, 11:00:38 am
The possibilities are endless:

http://couple.me/

because the human mind cant remember anymore.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on May 29, 2013, 11:59:58 am
Still, the findings about Apple were remarkable both for the enormous amount of money involved and the audaciousness of the company?s assertion that its subsidiaries are beyond the reach of any taxing authority.

?There is a technical term economists like to use for behavior like this,? said Edward Kleinbard, a law professor at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and a former staff director at the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation. ?Unbelievable chutzpah.?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/21/business/apple-avoided-billions-in-taxes-congressional-panel-says.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130521&_r=0

There is a technical term lawyers like to use for behavior like this:  "Fiduciary responsibility to shareholders to minimize tax liabilities within the law." (We're a little more long-winded than economists.)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 29, 2013, 03:08:08 pm
There is a technical term lawyers like to use for behavior like this:  "Fiduciary responsibility to shareholders to minimize tax liabilities within the law." (We're a little more long-winded than economists.)

I think it can do it a little better.

Ireland is not an island in the Caribbean. 

That's what I took away from Tim Cook's hearing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on May 29, 2013, 03:39:45 pm
There is a technical term lawyers like to use for behavior like this:  "Fiduciary responsibility to shareholders to minimize tax liabilities within the law." (We're a little more long-winded than economists.)

I think it can do it a little better.

what does "better" mean (honestly)?  these are income taxes, not a CSR issue.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on May 29, 2013, 05:15:01 pm
i did your factory reset thang on my galaxy s two phone of the future, from the past.  now it works fine.  thank you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 29, 2013, 11:55:42 pm
i did your factory reset thang on my galaxy s two phone of the future, from the past.  now it works fine.  thank you.

Glad it worked out for you.

A couple more suggestions for you:

1) Don't reinstall every app you had installed. Reinstall them slowly and as you need them.

2) Lower the settings for how many days your email clients keep email for a little while. You can increase them if performance is still strong.

3) Don't keep hundreds of text massages. Delete them every now and then.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 30, 2013, 12:25:48 am
There is a technical term lawyers like to use for behavior like this:  "Fiduciary responsibility to shareholders to minimize tax liabilities within the law." (We're a little more long-winded than economists.)

I think it can do it a little better.

what does "better" mean (honestly)?  these are income taxes, not a CSR issue.

My better was in reference to the hyperbole, not that I can avoid paying taxes better than Apple.  I know full well that they are not tax evaders, but are in fact employing a legal tax avoidance scheme.

But unless you're afraid of public backlash, and you should be, own up to it.  Don't hide behind a bunch of hyerbole.  Tim Cook said "We don't hide a bunch of money away on some Caribbean Island to avoid taxes." Technically true,  but that's because the island Cook chose simply doesn't happen to be in the Caribbean - it's in the Atlantic.

Apple keeps 65% of it's world wide income in Ireland, which houses only 4% of Apple's income and about 1% of it's retail sales, including revenue from patents that were researched and developed in America because they transferred ownership of them to the Irish subsidiary. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on May 30, 2013, 01:11:48 pm
There is a technical term lawyers like to use for behavior like this:  "Fiduciary responsibility to shareholders to minimize tax liabilities within the law." (We're a little more long-winded than economists.)

I think it can do it a little better.

Ireland is not an island in the Caribbean. 

That's what I took away from Tim Cook's hearing.

They should just make a law that if you try to evade tax liability by shifting profits overseas your CEO and CFO get to spend the next 10 years in prison.  That should be an easy way to solve this problem
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 30, 2013, 03:01:43 pm
If you haven't tried the new Gmail tabs (http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-new-inbox-that-puts-you-back-in.html), I suggest you do.  It's awesome.

To enable, click the Gear Icon, Configure tabs and set it up.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on May 30, 2013, 03:05:52 pm
If you haven't tried the new Gmail tabs (http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-new-inbox-that-puts-you-back-in.html), I suggest you do.  It's awesome.

To enable, click the Gear Icon, Configure tabs and set it up.

Do people still use e-mail? 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on May 30, 2013, 04:05:47 pm
jesus . . . what a dumb snarky comment.  i mean you can make snarky comments all day long; just dont make them dumb.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 30, 2013, 04:47:52 pm
If you haven't tried the new Gmail tabs (http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-new-inbox-that-puts-you-back-in.html), I suggest you do.  It's awesome.

To enable, click the Gear Icon, Configure tabs and set it up.

Do people still use e-mail? 

you're still using a forum, which is as old as email. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on May 30, 2013, 05:59:25 pm
jesus . . . what a dumb snarky comment.  i mean you can make snarky comments all day long; just dont make them dumb.

Most people dont' use email anymore.  Not dumb or snarky.  People text. It was an honest question. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on May 30, 2013, 05:59:38 pm
If you haven't tried the new Gmail tabs (http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-new-inbox-that-puts-you-back-in.html), I suggest you do.  It's awesome.

To enable, click the Gear Icon, Configure tabs and set it up.

Do people still use e-mail? 

you're still using a forum, which is as old as email. 

That is true. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 30, 2013, 06:19:14 pm
Most people dont' use email anymore.  Not dumb or snarky.  People text. It was an honest question. 

I make the same joke to my coworkers all the time, as my colleagues still insist on communicating with students via email and are surprised when they don't read them.

In the professional world though, yes, email is still king and I get many more emails than texts, though I look at a lot more tweets than email these days.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on May 30, 2013, 08:18:01 pm
If you haven't tried the new Gmail tabs (http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-new-inbox-that-puts-you-back-in.html), I suggest you do.  It's awesome.

To enable, click the Gear Icon, Configure tabs and set it up.

Do people still use e-mail? 
you're doing it here

you are the champ of bringing useless replies to threads.  but it's cool because we all do it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on May 31, 2013, 01:54:33 pm
Most people dont' use email anymore.  Not dumb or snarky.  People text. It was an honest question. 

I make the same joke to my coworkers all the time, as my colleagues still insist on communicating with students via email and are surprised when they don't read them.

In the professional world though, yes, email is still king and I get many more emails than texts, though I look at a lot more tweets than email these days.

thank you!  i breathe, live, eat and sometime sleep in the business professional world and there are only two types of people that use texts as a form of communication:  kids . . . and adults who keep forgetting, they arent kids.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on May 31, 2013, 03:50:31 pm
Most people dont' use email anymore.  Not dumb or snarky.  People text. It was an honest question. 

I make the same joke to my coworkers all the time, as my colleagues still insist on communicating with students via email and are surprised when they don't read them.

In the professional world though, yes, email is still king and I get many more emails than texts, though I look at a lot more tweets than email these days.

Yeah, but in the professional world Google mail is blocked.  We have to use outlook.  I try to use instant message at work but people insist on using email... I guess because they think they have a record.  You can record your instant messages and store them in outlook.  So really there is no need.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 31, 2013, 04:10:07 pm
Yeah, but in the professional world Google mail is blocked.  We have to use outlook.  I try to use instant message at work but people insist on using email... I guess because they think they have a record.  You can record your instant messages and store them in outlook.  So really there is no need.

Not all professional worlds. 

My place of work is powered by Google so Gmail/Drive/Chat/Calendar/Docs are all encouraged as they are trying to ween us off MS Office products.  While a number of people still use Word and Excel, very few use Outlook.

This is actually quite common in businesses out West and even more so in academia nationwide.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on May 31, 2013, 04:23:38 pm
Yeah, but in the professional world Google mail is blocked.  We have to use outlook.  I try to use instant message at work but people insist on using email... I guess because they think they have a record.  You can record your instant messages and store them in outlook.  So really there is no need.

Not all professional worlds. 

My place of work is powered by Google so Gmail/Drive/Chat/Calendar/Docs are all encouraged as they are trying to ween us off MS Office products.  While a number of people still use Word and Excel, very few use Outlook.

This is actually quite common in businesses out West and even more so in academia nationwide.

Imma gonna have to disagree with you on that, Office 365 blows Google Apps out of the water.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 31, 2013, 04:26:46 pm
Imma gonna have to disagree with you on that, Office 365 blows Google Apps out of the water.

I don't recall expressing an opinion on which was better, Office 365 or Google Apps.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on May 31, 2013, 04:28:37 pm
Imma gonna have to disagree with you on that, Office 365 blows Google Apps out of the water.

I don't recall expressing an opinion on which was better, Office 365 or Google Apps.

Very true!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on May 31, 2013, 05:41:41 pm
look at all the people jumping in on the vansmack thread.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 31, 2013, 05:46:22 pm
Yeah, but in MY professional world Google mail is blocked. 

fixed that for you.

i've never come across an enviro where GMail was blocked... and i spent almost 10 years as an IT consultant, working with dozens of clients on their networks.  i'm now in-house IT and i work with a lot of vendors.  i have yet to come across a single one that told me they couldn't do a Google Hangout because GApps are blocked.

the way you assert your opinions and/or limited experience as fact is amusing... cute, almost.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on May 31, 2013, 07:05:06 pm
why would an employer block gmail? everyone has it on their phones now anyway
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 31, 2013, 09:48:38 pm
look at all the people jumping in on the vansmack thread.

My stats indicate a lot of lurkers, very few contributors.  A prospect I'm fine with when it's a sausagefest.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 31, 2013, 09:50:42 pm
i've never come across an enviro where GMail was blocked...

The only other one I know of is UBS.  Unless Atomicfront is a banker, which would be ironic.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 03, 2013, 04:06:57 pm
where are they now: winnie cooper

http://www.zimbio.com/Where+Are+They+Now+-+%27The+Wonder+Years%27/articles/OTYZ3holhtQ/Danica+McKellar

(another pic: http://www.zimbio.com/Where+Are+They+Now+-+%27The+Wonder+Years%27/articles/iFZ_GtrUYj4/Crystal+McKellar)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 03, 2013, 04:33:05 pm
where are they now: winnie cooper

Nice find on Becky Slater.  She turned out alright, but she's no Winnie.  Somehow, I did not know they were sisters...

One of my favorite things about Twitter has been following Danica McKellar.  She's super smart and talks about girls and STEM.  It's fantastic.  She also posts just the right amount of photos...sad she's divorced.  Oh, wait...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on June 04, 2013, 01:09:57 pm
Halos swept by the Astros??  Wow.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 04, 2013, 03:53:13 pm
Halos swept by the Astros??  Wow.

I was not fooled one bit by the 8 game winning streak.  We're an awful "team"...

3-7 on the year against them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 07, 2013, 04:19:16 pm
Now you've piqued my interest. Who are you talking about?

Richard Ramirez, commonly referred to as "The Night Stalker" died of natural causes today.  He is in that photo posted by Walkie.  He was my first experience of serial killer, and all of Southern California in a tizzy the Summer of 1985.  He would paint pentagram's in the rooms of his victims, whom he strangled, shot or stabbed.  It was INSANE.  Parents in my hood had special meetings and would communicate the whereabouts of their children at all times.  We had to be in sundown. If you didn't have AC, you would stay at a friends house on the hottest nights because you didn't want to leave your doors open.  On the plus side, you got to know your neighbors pretty well.

LA Times article on his unceremonious death:
http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-76210655/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on June 07, 2013, 04:44:01 pm
thoughts on puig?

or is it too early to figure out if this dude is real or not.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 08, 2013, 07:24:16 pm
It's too early, but he's legit. He tore up Spring Training, but I wasn't surprised the Dodgers sent him down. He, like Kemp, has a ton of natural ability, but lacks an understanding of the game and makes simple mistakes, both on the base paths and in the field.

The huge thing about Puig is he's a free swinger - didn't walk a single time this spring.  As soon as pitchers stop throwing him strikes, which they will do now that he's shown his power, it will be interesting to see how adjusts.

He's got all the tools, but needs to work on his game smarts. He's too flashy for me to root for, but he's fun to watch.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on June 09, 2013, 09:39:02 am
he does seem to have that manny ramirez-like style, with the bat flip and all.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on June 09, 2013, 06:22:30 pm
is it just me . . . when people start talking sports, i lose my hardon.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 10, 2013, 01:32:50 pm
I had no idea that Mac's didn't support multiple monitors until they unveiled multiple monitor support at this mornings keynote.  It's 2013 still, right?

They're also calling their new OS Mavericks, which is awesome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 10, 2013, 01:51:24 pm
I had no idea that Mac's didn't support multiple monitors until they unveiled multiple monitor support at this mornings keynote.  It's 2013 still, right?

my workmate in the multimedia dept here has 2 monitors.  maybe there's a detail you're missing here, like "supports natively" vs some hack needed before this?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 10, 2013, 01:53:21 pm
my workmate in the multimedia dept here has 2 monitors.  maybe there's a detail you're missing here, like "supports natively" vs some hack needed before this?

Two separate video cards in his machine, maybe?

EDIT:  I see.  It was just mirroring your display before.  Now you can have two actual separate monitors doing two different things:

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/10/mac-os-x-mavericks-multi-display/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 10, 2013, 02:33:05 pm
EDIT:  I see.  It was just mirroring your display before. 

nope... re-visit that link: "Mac OS X Mavericks promises better multi-display options, can use Apple TV as extra monitor. (...) ...for those already using a two-display setup, the dock and menu bar will now appear on either panel as your activity moves between them, and each display can be panned independently.  "

i applaud your desire to cut down apple, but lets keeps it real.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 10, 2013, 04:07:48 pm
...for those already using a two-display setup, the dock and menu bar will now appear on either panel as your activity moves between them, and each display can be panned independently.  "

I'll freely admit that I'm not that familiar with Mac OS, but read it again.  It's not that you can't hook up two monitors, it's that you can't control what's in the second monitor.

The dock and menu bar will now appear on either panel.  It didn't used to - which basically meant that while you could move the viewing parts to the second monitor, you couldn't control it without switching apps on your main monitor. 

Each panel will now be panned independently - which is true dual monitor support.

I was surprised that you couldn't do that before - call me naive if you want, but windows has had that for over a decade.  Windows XP allowed you to move the entire window, tool bars and all and all you have to do is move your mouse to the other monitor to control that program.  I'm not sure what good it is to see the window on the other monitor (some artist will correct me, I'm sure), when have to go back to the first monitor switch to that app and then be able to control what's on the second monitor. 

I just had this demonstrated for me in my IT dept - you should do the same as it will make more sense.  Open a browser in one window, put a word document in the other and see how you need the first window to control everything in the second. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 10, 2013, 06:04:59 pm
cool, we're all on the same page :)  your initial post that "Mac's didn't support multiple monitors" did indeed need some additional detail.
 
Each panel will now be panned independently - which is true dual monitor support.

I was surprised that you couldn't do that before - call me naive if you want, but windows has had that for over a decade. 

i don't think you understand what panning is, in this context:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/264648?start=0&tstart=0

if Windows has this, i've never used it.  every PC that i've worked on, and i've worked on many, if you select a screen size that doesn't match the pixel resolution then Windows will stretch or shrink your desktop to fit.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 10, 2013, 07:36:19 pm
i don't think you understand what panning is, in this context:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/264648?start=0&tstart=0

if Windows has this, i've never used it.  every PC that i've worked on, and i've worked on many, if you select a screen size that doesn't match the pixel resolution then Windows will stretch or shrink your desktop to fit.

You are correct - I was using "panning" in the developers context, which is horizontal and vertical scrolling.  I can scroll my email up and down (using my wheel) on my right monitor, even when my mouse is on my left monitor - that's what I thought it was referring to.

The only panning in the context you are referring to that exists in Windows machines exists if your hardware supports (check your Intel graphics properties).  I've never used it, but my Sony laptop supports it. Now that I know it exists I'm sure I'l find a use case for it, but right now I can't think of one.

Here's a pretty good list of what Mavericks brings, with point #1 and #2 being what were the huge surprise to me that they weren't already supported:

#1: migrate the menu items from the primary screen to whatever screen your mouse is focused on...

#2: allow you to make SOME programs run full screen on SOME monitors ... right now when one goes full screen, they all do.

#3: move the dock to whatever screen the mouse is focused on.

#4: allow the use of any Apple TV connected television to become a second/third monitor and still retain 100% of the features of a wired connected monitor.

The last one sounds a lot like MiraCast or WiFiDirect, just with using an existing device in the Apple ecosystem.  I'm sure that's a huge plus for Apple enthusiasts.  I've used Miracast with my tablet and phone for presentations - it's nice for slides (and music), but you really can't rely on it for movies.  Maybe Apple TV will be different.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 20, 2013, 01:10:36 am
Josh Hamilton's last 9 AB's:

1) K looking

Had two days off...

2) GIDP (Trout had singled)
3) GIDP (Trout had singled)
4) GIDP (Trout had walked)
5) K swinging
6) K swinging

Was moved to 7th in the lineup:

7) Ground out to the catcher
8) K swinging
9) K swinging
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on June 20, 2013, 09:44:42 am
* opens fantasy baseball. proposes trade. john lackey for josh hamilton *
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 20, 2013, 10:03:26 am
i do believe this one is in smackie's wheelhouse:

The Economist explains: How does copyright work in space?
http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/05/economist-explains-12

law, copyright, music, astronaut, youtube jurisdiction, a canadian... how can you not love this article?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 20, 2013, 11:42:15 am
i do believe this one is in smackie's wheelhouse:

The Economist explains: How does copyright work in space?
http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/05/economist-explains-12

law, copyright, music, astronaut, youtube jurisdiction, a canadian... how can you not love this article?

The whole time I was reading that, I was thinking, I'm pretty sure he cleared it with Bowie before he did this...

Then, in the second to last paragraph: "the matter is straightforward because Commander Hadfield had obtained permission to record and distribute the song, and production and distribution was entirely terrestrial."

Reading the part about the moon did remind me of the time the board was wiped out (or at least partially) for a short period of time and people rushed to be the first to recreate the most popular threads in their own name.  I can see the same happening by some crappy entrepreneur on the moon or Mars - claiming IP rights in that new jurisdiction for what already exists on Earth.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 20, 2013, 11:46:11 am
* opens fantasy baseball. proposes trade. john lackey for josh hamilton *

Funny.  I should also point out that his ground out to the catcher would have been a double play had he hit it hard enough to reach any other infielder, but alas he missed it so badly that the catchers only play was to first and Callaspo safely reached second.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 20, 2013, 11:54:57 am
He's got all the tools, but needs to work on his game smarts.

Puig's games yesterday were just quintessential to this point:

4 hits in the double header including an opposite field HR, a bunt single and a stolen base.

He also got thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double on a ball hit to straight away center field and over threw first base trying to throw a runner out at first base that led to a run and a double.

You take the good with the bad I guess.  Someone is going to have to mentor this kid, and if that happens, look out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on June 20, 2013, 12:53:01 pm
He also got thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double on a ball hit to straight away center field and over threw first base trying to throw a runner out at first base that led to a run and a double.

he's such a manny ramirez.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on June 20, 2013, 12:55:51 pm
Josh Hamilton's last 9 AB's:

1) K looking

Had two days off...

2) GIDP (Trout had singled)
3) GIDP (Trout had singled)
4) GIDP (Trout had walked)
5) K swinging
6) K swinging

Was moved to 7th in the lineup:

7) Ground out to the catcher
8) K swinging
9) K swinging

The Hamilton and Puljos signings were just terrible.  Glad that guy isn't our GM.  We dodged a bullit on that one.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 20, 2013, 01:01:54 pm
The Hamilton and Puljos signings were just terrible.  Glad that guy isn't our GM. 

Too early to judge the Hamilton signing, but it's not looking good.

And the Pujols 10-year deal is looking awful given his injuries.

But I will reiterate - I don't think the GM is to blame.  This is all about the owner's ego and competing for airtime in the LA Market...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 21, 2013, 02:06:26 pm
Do yourself a solid and head on into the options for Instagram v4.0. There you're find a checkbox to keep the all-new InstaVines from automatically playing. Your ears will thank you. The ears of your friends will thank you. And it should speed up the app a little as well.

And smackie, also, thanks you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 21, 2013, 05:28:18 pm
Brilliant.

http://instagram.com/p/a01wh8pljy/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on June 26, 2013, 12:07:45 pm
Smackie.

Top five restaurants and or bars in San Fran.

I want to bathe in Pliny the Elder.

Go!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 26, 2013, 12:12:27 pm
I want to bathe in Pliny the Elder.

Let me just start with this question:

And you go here:

http://www.toronado.com/

If you want to buy a few sixers, go here (http://russianriverbrewing.com/bay-area-distributors/), and scroll down to SF.  You could also visit the brewery, which is about an hours drive north of the city.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on June 26, 2013, 12:26:57 pm
I want to bathe in Pliny the Elder.

Let me just start with this question:

And you go here:

http://www.toronado.com/

If you want to buy a few sixers, go here (http://russianriverbrewing.com/bay-area-distributors/), and scroll down to SF.  You could also visit the brewery, which is about an hours drive north of the city.

Thank you sir. We're only out there a handful of days, but hoping to shoot up to the brewery for an afternoon.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 26, 2013, 12:36:26 pm
Thank you sir. We're only out there a handful of days, but hoping to shoot up to the brewery for an afternoon.

No problem.  As you know, I'm not a beer guy, so I don't pick my restaurants based on beer list, but the wine list. 

So tell me what you'd like to eat and I'll see what I can recommend.  Also, what area of the city you're staying in is helpful as well.

I live about 3 blocks from Toronado, and If I'm around I'm happy to meet you and order a High Life just to watch their heads explode.  Then I'll get something fancy...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on June 26, 2013, 02:19:59 pm
Thank you sir. We're only out there a handful of days, but hoping to shoot up to the brewery for an afternoon.

No problem.  As you know, I'm not a beer guy, so I don't pick my restaurants based on beer list, but the wine list. 

So tell me what you'd like to eat and I'll see what I can recommend.  Also, what area of the city you're staying in is helpful as well.

I live about 3 blocks from Toronado, and If I'm around I'm happy to meet you and order a High Life just to watch their heads explode.  Then I'll get something fancy...

I can't say I knew you weren't a beer guy and actually, if a restaurant doesn't have a good beer list, that's not a big deal to me. I'm perfectly happy with having an average beer with dinner or if I'm eating many oysters, a cold High Life would be just fine.

In regards to preference of food, I'll eat anything. I'd imagine we'll have one night that we'll get a little extravagant, but otherwise casual establishments are just fine. We're staying here... http://www.monaco-sf.com/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 26, 2013, 09:44:19 pm
So I'm seriously considering ditching cable again.  Any ideas on the most efficient way to access live in-market MLB games?  Just MLB.tv + a proxy?  VPN? Some bootleg web stream?  I'd prefer something at the router level so that I can watch across all devices.  Does MLB.tv let you pause / time shift?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2013, 01:51:10 am
So I'm seriously considering ditching cable again.  Any ideas on the most efficient way to access live in-market MLB games?  Just MLB.tv + a proxy?  VPN? Some bootleg web stream?  I'd prefer something at the router level so that I can watch across all devices. 

If NBC Sports does a great job with moving the Prem on line, I will be doing the same in August.

Sadly, I have no experience with in Market games as I never feel the need to watch the Giants or A's, and on the few occasions they play Anaheim, I'm in attendance or watching at a bar.

Do remember, playoff games are not on MLB.TV....

Does MLB.tv let you pause / time shift?

It depends on your choice of delivery vehicle.  Xbox and Roku do a great job of letting you start at any inning you'd like, and FF or rewind, though the game is not always on the screen (so you can't watch it at 2x speed, for example, at least on Roku).  The tablet and PC browser versions are not as slick at starting from the beginning or certain innings in my experience.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 27, 2013, 10:51:28 am
From the MLB.TV website, it looks like an international VPN would allow you to watch pretty much anything.

Quote
MLB.TV Postseason Live Blackout: Due to Major League Baseball exclusivities, during the MLB Postseason, all live games will be blacked out in the United States (including the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and Canada. If you are an MLB.TV Subscriber outside of the United States and Canada, each of these games will be available live and as an archived game as soon as possible after the conclusion of the applicable game. If you are an MLB.TV subscriber within the United States or Canada, each of these games will be available as an archived game approximately 90 minutes after the conclusion of the applicable game.

Postseason.TV: Subscribers to Postseason.TV, available only during the MLB Postseason, will be able to view live alternative video feeds (excluding the broadcast feed) from MLB Postseason games without blackout restrictions.

Live Audio of those games subject to the blackout restrictions reflected above is available as part of any MLB.TV subscription, as part of MLB.com Gameday Audio.

OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA

No blackout restrictions apply.

All blackout restrictions described herein are determined by Major League Baseball, in its sole discretion, and are subject to change.


So I'm seriously considering ditching cable again.  Any ideas on the most efficient way to access live in-market MLB games?  Just MLB.tv + a proxy?  VPN? Some bootleg web stream?  I'd prefer something at the router level so that I can watch across all devices. 

If NBC Sports does a great job with moving the Prem on line, I will be doing the same in August.

Sadly, I have no experience with in Market games as I never feel the need to watch the Giants or A's, and on the few occasions they play Anaheim, I'm in attendance or watching at a bar.

Do remember, playoff games are not on MLB.TV....

Does MLB.tv let you pause / time shift?

It depends on your choice of delivery vehicle.  Xbox and Roku do a great job of letting you start at any inning you'd like, and FF or rewind, though the game is not always on the screen (so you can't watch it at 2x speed, for example, at least on Roku).  The tablet and PC browser versions are not as slick at starting from the beginning or certain innings in my experience.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 27, 2013, 11:00:42 am
I'm also concerned about Fox Sports 1 for Georgetown away games, but it looks like they'll have a decent streaming service that I can use someone's login info to access:

http://features.rr.com/article/01XX6my8AzaFy?q=ESPN

Quote
4b. ESPN executives will be closely watching the August launch of Fox Sports Go, a mobile app for iPhone, iPad, Android devices and the web which will stream sports content from Fox Sports, Fox Sports 1 and the company's 22 regional sports networks. This is Fox's product answer to ESPN's immensely popular WatchESPN, which allows for mobile viewing of all of ESPN's live sports on an authenticated basis. Fox said its live games and events will be available to subscribers of participating cable, satellite, and telco providers at no additional cost. Fox is also redesigning Fox Sports.com and will re-launch all of its mobile apps in April.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/news/20130310/media-circus-fox-sports-1/#ixzz2XQeYTstj
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2013, 11:29:51 am
I'm also concerned about Fox Sports 1 for Georgetown away games, but it looks like they'll have a decent streaming service that I can use someone's login info to access:

You might also want to find out what the most inexpensive cable package is and just switch to that.  That should get you ESPN and your local Sports Network for ~$30 a month, plus all of the Cable "on demand" stuff, which might be worth the cost just so you don't have to go through all of this.  Then don't rent any equipment or pay for HD, and use ESPN3 and Fox1 online, plus Comcast on Demand, which might be in HD.


From the MLB.TV website, it looks like an international VPN would allow you to watch pretty much anything.

The only danger there is that when you leave the VPN on, others won't have access to US only viewing rights, but it's a good idea.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 27, 2013, 11:33:50 am
I'm also concerned about Fox Sports 1 for Georgetown away games, but it looks like they'll have a decent streaming service that I can use someone's login info to access:

You might also want to find out what the most inexpensive cable package is and just switch to that.  That should get you ESPN and your local Sports Network for ~$30 a month, plus all of the Cable "on demand" stuff, which might be worth the cost just so you don't have to go through all of this.  Then don't rent any equipment or pay for HD, and use ESPN3 and Fox1 online, plus Comcast on Demand, which might be in HD.

this is very interesting, maybe the way to go.  I'd still like an HBOGO login, which I can get from my parentals.  So if I'm doing that, I may just use their login for all the services.

From the MLB.TV website, it looks like an international VPN would allow you to watch pretty much anything.

The only danger there is that when you leave the VPN on, others won't have access to US only viewing rights, but it's a good idea.

I'm hardly a networking expert, is it easy to turn the VPN off/on when wanted at the router level?  maybe have two different routers (VPN/non)?  is that crazy?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2013, 01:40:13 pm
Just a couple more silly threads need to be started before this blatant abuse of power (http://forum.930.com/index.php?topic=23372.0) will disappear to the second page and be forgotten.

But perhaps not excused...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2013, 01:44:21 pm
I'm hardly a networking expert, is it easy to turn the VPN off/on when wanted at the router level?  maybe have two different routers (VPN/non)?  is that crazy?

I am no longer the networking expert in my household, but my lady friend who is happens to be at a networking conference at the moment.  When she returns tomorrow, I'll ask her.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on June 27, 2013, 01:45:15 pm
My oh so very serious thread has already rolled off, then again I force WAP mode on my phone
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2013, 01:48:39 pm
My oh so very serious thread has already rolled off, then again I force WAP mode on my phone

Not off my desktop, friend, not off my desktop.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2013, 04:23:43 pm
Does MLB.tv let you pause / time shift?

It depends on your choice of delivery vehicle.  Xbox and Roku do a great job of letting you start at any inning you'd like, and FF or rewind, though the game is not always on the screen (so you can't watch it at 2x speed, for example, at least on Roku).  The tablet and PC browser versions are not as slick at starting from the beginning or certain innings in my experience.

Just to update this:

On the web site/desktop version of MLB.com I paused the Halo's when I left for a meeting after the third inning. 

When I returned I hit play and it jumped me ahead to current time, which was the 10th inning.  That's crap as now I know that it's in extras and I missed 7 innings.

On the Xbox and the Roku hitting pause and then restarting would have left me at the top of the 4th.

Also, when you start a game in progress on the Xbox/Roku, it asks if you want to start at the beginning or jump to a particular inning.  When you start the desktop MLB.com version, it takes you right to live.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on June 27, 2013, 04:29:17 pm
that's really nice.  i start most games about 90 mins late.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2013, 04:35:58 pm
that's really nice.  i start most games about 90 mins late.

Me too.  Bottom line use a supported device:

Xbox 360
Sony Playstation® 3 system
Apple TV
WD TV
Roku
Panasonic
Samsung
LG
Boxee
Sony Blu-ray
Windows
TiVo
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on June 27, 2013, 04:39:44 pm
Hey, let's not forget about SF restaurant recommendations!  :o
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2013, 04:40:41 pm
If only the Angels could play the Yankees and Tigers every game, the rest of the league would be looking up at them in the standings.

They will now go get swept by the Astros.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2013, 05:08:55 pm
Hey, let's not forget about SF restaurant recommendations!  :o

That's right, my bad.

My favorite Steak House is Bourbon Steak.  It's not too far from your hotel.  Something slightly more old school SF would Alfred's.  Both can be pricey.

My favorite seafood place is down the street from my place and it's called Bar Crudo.  You can also get your fill of fancy beers there too.  Old school SF place for seafood is called Sam's Grill - older than the city I think.

If Asian's your thing, any number of massage parlors in either China Town or the Sunset will take care of you.  If you want the food, I'd suggest Slanted Door (Vietnamese) or you can drop a ton of cash at Hakkasan.  Sadly, Tommy Toys is now closed, which was the best old school place.

Italian is easy.  Just walk up and down Columbus in North Beach and find something you like on the menu.  I also recommend Centerfold's and to stay out of the Lusty Lady - it's unionized.  Think about that for a second.  If you want something closer to your hotel, I like Perbacco.  If you're in the Mission, I like Flour + Water.  If you want to make a nice night out of your trip to Toronado, I would recommend Uva Enoteca (Italian), but truthfully, Toronado's is best enjoyed with Rosamunde (suasage) or Memphis Minnie's (BBQ).

And a couple of my more casual and affordable favorite places are Slow Club, First Crush (all organic, huge selection of Zin's, right next to your hotel), Q, Nopa, and Foreign Cinema.

If you need rec's by neighborhood or something, let me know.

 

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on June 27, 2013, 05:16:14 pm
Hey, let's not forget about SF restaurant recommendations!  :o

That's right, my bad.

My favorite Steak House is Bourbon Steak.  It's not too far from your hotel.  Something slightly more old school SF would Alfred's.  Both can be pricey.

My favorite seafood place is down the street from my place and it's called Bar Crudo.  You can also get your fill of fancy beers there too.  Old school SF place for seafood is called Sam's Grill - older than the city I think.

If Asian's your thing, any number of massage parlors in either China Town or the Sunset will take care of you.  If you want the food, I'd suggest Slanted Door (Vietnamese) or you can drop a ton of cash at Hakkasan.  Sadly, Tommy Toys is now closed, which was the best old school place.

Italian is easy.  Just walk up and down Columbus in North Beach and find something you like on the menu.  I also recommend Centerfold's and to stay out of the Lusty Lady - it's unionized.  Think about that for a second.  If you want something closer to your hotel, I like Perbacco.  If you're in the Mission, I like Flour + Water.  If you want to make a nice night out of your trip to Toronado, I would recommend Uva Enoteca (Italian), but truthfully, Toronado's is best enjoyed with Rosamunde (suasage) or Memphis Minnie's (BBQ).

And a couple of my more casual and affordable favorite places are Slow Club, First Crush (all organic, huge selection of Zin's, right next to your hotel), Q, Nopa, and Foreign Cinema.

If you need rec's by neighborhood or something, let me know.

 



you da man!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 28, 2013, 11:30:44 am
(http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/new-yorker-cover-bert-ernie-gay-marriage-580.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 28, 2013, 12:22:33 pm
If any Android users would like to Beta Test and app that friends of mine are working on, shoot me a PM.

It's essentially "Tasker" - which is an app that helps automate things based on location, time, situation, etc. only made for the masses.  Tasker is for programmers, to where this app is for the every day user.  Let me know!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 01, 2013, 11:33:13 am
I'm hardly a networking expert, is it easy to turn the VPN off/on when wanted at the router level?  maybe have two different routers (VPN/non)?  is that crazy?

I am no longer the networking expert in my household, but my lady friend who is happens to be at a networking conference at the moment.  When she returns tomorrow, I'll ask her.

any update from your lady friend on the VPN issues?

I'm slowly assembling my cord-cutting gear -- got an indoor antenna and a roku 3 on the way.  Comcast wants $75/month for their "up to" 50 mbps service, and $80/month for that service + "digital economy" with 40 or so channels (no equipment fees, no HD, one converter/box included).  I think I'm going to try that $80 package and see if I use the TV at all.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2013, 01:08:48 pm
any update from your lady friend on the VPN issues?

Sorry, we were getting our gay on all weekend and I forgot to ask.  I'll send her an email now...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 01, 2013, 01:55:10 pm
(http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/new-yorker-cover-bert-ernie-gay-marriage-580.jpg)

i actually got a little misty when i first saw that cover.  i live in a time that is changing . . . and i am speechless. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2013, 02:13:08 pm
i actually got a little misty when i first saw that cover.  i live in a time that is changing . . . and i am speechless. 

I would be lying if I said I didn't water up a couple times this weekend at the Pride Rally and Parade.  This city has been insane the last 5 days and I couldn't be any more proud of it.

We had a great conversation yesterday afternoon at the reception for newly married friends of ours about how historic this week is and how it will be remembered - truly a changing time.  There were many of us who felt super validated for that "crazy idea" back in February 2004, but still felt that this week trumped it because it removed the uncertainty and risk.

I also thought this week "United States" section of the Economist is a brilliant snapshot of where this country is at the moment:

http://www.economist.com/printedition/2013-06-29
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 09, 2013, 06:25:58 pm
A few things you need to know about Anna Benson's recent arrest (http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9464114/anna-benson-estranged-wife-kris-benson-arrested-multiple-charges):

- She was carrying a handgun
- wearing a bulletproof vest
- had a hatchet
- had an expandable baton
- had a taser
- was wearing an ammo belt
- and was carrying a red knife inside her waistband

Kris was able to fool her with the ol' "let me go get you a cigarette" trick and escaped to call the police.  I just hope he hit it one last time first....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 09, 2013, 06:29:12 pm
you know, i hate baseball, i mean really hate it.  i dont know why, but i do, so who cares, but i read this story earlier today because i love "famous people" trainwrecks like anybody else.  that woman will never stop, especially now.  does not he know that.  did not he see such things when she slowly tasted the fame and the "power" that goes with it?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 09, 2013, 06:35:24 pm
you know, i hate baseball, i mean really hate it.  i dont know why, but i do, so who cares, but i read this story earlier today because i love "famous people" trainwrecks like anybody else.  that woman will never stop, especially now.  does not he know that.  did not he see such things when she slowly tasted the fame and the "power" that goes with it?

As I emailed Venerable the story, I mentioned that only a fool would have not have seen this coming.  He's lucky to be alive.  And judging by the photo, her taste of fame turned to a taste of meth too...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2013, 11:57:31 am
He's got all the tools, but needs to work on his game smarts. He's too flashy for me to root for, but he's fun to watch.

Apparently, the player's don't like him much either:

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/buster-olney/post/_/id/2372

(that should be free to read today. If not, let me know)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2013, 12:14:50 pm
Traded in my Prius for a Clean Diesel about a year and a half ago.  Absolutely no regrets.

Diesels - Difference Engine: Born again (http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2013/07/diesels?fsrc=nlw|newe|7-8-2013|6081501|36429557|NA)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on July 11, 2013, 12:16:06 pm
He's got all the tools, but needs to work on his game smarts. He's too flashy for me to root for, but he's fun to watch.

Apparently, the player's don't like him much either:

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/buster-olney/post/_/id/2372

(that should be free to read today. If not, let me know)

yeah i read this earlier. 

i said it before, and i'll say it again. it's manny fucking ramirez all over again.  this guy rules.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2013, 12:39:38 pm
yeah i read this earlier. 

i said it before, and i'll say it again. it's manny fucking ramirez all over again.  this guy rules.

While I enjoy seeing what either were up to on Sportscenter, I'm glad never have been on my team.

On a related note, Josh Hamilton resumed his smokeless tobacco habit on or about June 25th, and I couldn't be happier.  After Nolan Ryan's comments, it should have been a requirement of the contract... 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 12, 2013, 10:07:53 am
you know, i hate baseball, i mean really hate it.  i dont know why, but i do, so who cares, but i read this story earlier today because i love "famous people" trainwrecks like anybody else.  that woman will never stop, especially now.  does not he know that.  did not he see such things when she slowly tasted the fame and the "power" that goes with it?

As I emailed Venerable the story, I mentioned that only a fool would have not have seen this coming.  He's lucky to be alive.  And judging by the photo, her taste of fame turned to a taste of meth too...

"The couple met when Anna, who had been married once before, was a dancer at an Atlanta strip club and were married in 1999."

C'mon Man.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 12, 2013, 11:20:37 am
"The couple met when Anna, who had been married once before, was a dancer at an Atlanta strip club and were married in 1999."

C'mon Man.

I thought everybody knew that.  She was in Penthouse too.  She defined the Crazy-Hot Scale.

My tryst with a stripper lasted one night and I knew it was not for me.  Strangely, not the craziest girl I ever dated though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 12, 2013, 12:44:22 pm
I thought everybody knew that.  She was in Penthouse too.  She defined the Crazy-Hot Scale.

I remembered something about her past, but didn't realize they met in a strip club.  Never marry the stripper.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 14, 2013, 01:56:19 pm
I'm doing my cord cutting dry run for about a week.

Unblock-us lets me watch Nats games on MLB.TV, including yesterday's that was supposedly blacked out nationally due to Fox rights.  $5 a month, no VPN required.  I'm sold.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2013, 07:41:16 pm
I'm doing my cord cutting dry run for about a week.

Unblock-us lets me watch Nats games on MLB.TV, including yesterday's that was supposedly blacked out nationally due to Fox rights.  $5 a month, no VPN required.  I'm sold.

Smackie approved.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 15, 2013, 10:02:18 am
I'm doing my cord cutting dry run for about a week.

Unblock-us lets me watch Nats games on MLB.TV, including yesterday's that was supposedly blacked out nationally due to Fox rights.  $5 a month, no VPN required.  I'm sold.
interesting.  I'm considering ditching cable for about the millionth time.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on July 15, 2013, 10:03:12 am
I'd love to do this!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2013, 04:01:40 pm
I think I speak for most of MLB when I say, at this point, I'm much more concerned about the impact of Manny Ramirez's return to MLB with Texas than I am with A-Rod's return to the Yankees.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 17, 2013, 05:16:04 pm
too bad i still hate baseball.  i think that my weirdo roku player has some kind of nice baseball package.  i think hockey and the nba, too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 17, 2013, 05:19:01 pm
I'm doing my cord cutting dry run for about a week.

Unblock-us lets me watch Nats games on MLB.TV, including yesterday's that was supposedly blacked out nationally due to Fox rights.  $5 a month, no VPN required.  I'm sold.
interesting.  I'm considering ditching cable for about the millionth time.

the best part is all the new gear and services you can justify buying in order to replace the cable service.  oh, and the meticulous tech/gadget planning, which is nearly as fun.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2013, 05:27:12 pm
too bad i still hate baseball.  i think that my weirdo roku player has some kind of nice baseball package.  i think hockey and the nba, too.

How Do I Remove a Channel from my Roku? (http://support.roku.com/entries/221073-How-do-I-remove-a-channel-from-my-Roku-player-)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2013, 05:32:38 pm
the best part is all the new gear and services you can justify buying in order to replace the cable service.  oh, and the meticulous tech/gadget planning, which is nearly as fun.

Yes.  Sadly, I wasn't uniform in my purchases, so I have an Xbox in one room, a Roku or two scattered about and a couple of Tivo Premiere's lingering about because of Soccer.  Since they're not all uniform in their offerings, this has a bit problematic when I'm in the wrong room to watch certain offerings.

I am also still exercising my self-imposed Netflix ban.  I have been pretty good about using those savings to rent new(ish) to market movies from Google and Amazon (of course, recognizing my self-imposed Comcast On Demand ban).  My principled stances make things very difficult on myself.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 17, 2013, 05:53:26 pm
my favorite channels on roku, i gave up cable fully eight years ago by the way, are revision three, giant bomb, ign, gay life tv, nbcnews, weather underground, pbs, smithsonian, netflix, crackle . . . and tmz.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 17, 2013, 06:14:43 pm
my favorite channels on roku, i gave up cable fully eight years ago by the way, are revision three, giant bomb, ign, gay life tv, nbcnews, weather underground, pbs, smithsonian, netflix, crackle . . . and tmz.

Interesting.  I watch PBS from your list but little else.

Mine are MLB.TV, Amazon Instant Video, Vimeo, TED, Economist Radio, Hulu+ and HBOGo. 

For local/personal playback: Plex, Picasa and Shuttefly.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: xneverwherex on July 17, 2013, 06:19:49 pm
Smackie: In case you didnt see it mentioned in another thread - I highly recommend checking out How to Make Money Selling Drugs playing at the Roxie. I think its only there through Thurs. Its *very* worth seeing!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 17, 2013, 11:33:22 pm
my favorite channels on roku, i gave up cable fully eight years ago by the way, are revision three, giant bomb, ign, gay life tv, nbcnews, weather underground, pbs, smithsonian, netflix, crackle . . . and tmz.

Interesting.  I watch PBS from your list but little else.

PBS needs to get the Newshour posted a lot quicker each evening.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 24, 2013, 01:09:47 pm
Chromecast.

I've been using the feature for a few weeks now and it's incredible.  Easiest way to get content from your Android/Windows/iOS/Mac/Chrome device to a TV or stereo.

And it's $35.

Smackie Approved.

https://play.google.com/store

(it will be in Best Buy this weekend as well)

If you'd like to see it in action. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmpOis2UEJg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 24, 2013, 02:00:26 pm
Chromecast.

I've been using the feature for a few weeks now and it's incredible.  Easiest way to get content from your Android/Windows/iOS/Mac/Chrome device to a TV or stereo.

And it's $35.

Smackie Approved.

https://play.google.com/store

(it will be in Best Buy this weekend as well)

If you'd like to see it in action. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmpOis2UEJg)
Can it do straight screen mirroring from a mac or pc (ie apple tv), or does it just work in certain apps?

Cutting the chord is imminent.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 24, 2013, 02:20:22 pm
Can it do straight screen mirroring from a mac or pc (ie apple tv), or does it just work in certain apps?

No it does not.

On mobile devices (Android/iOS) it relies on app support, though the API is being freely shared.

On PC/Mac/Chrome it relies on Chrome Browser support.  If you can watch/listen in a Chrome Browser, you can watch/listen on your TV.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 24, 2013, 02:23:01 pm
Can it do straight screen mirroring from a mac or pc (ie apple tv), or does it just work in certain apps?

No it does not.

On mobile devices (Android/iOS) it relies on app support, though the API is being freely shared.

On PC/Mac/Chrome it relies on Chrome Browser support.  If you can watch/listen in a Chrome Browser, you can watch/listen on your TV.
That sucks.  Wish it could cast mp4, mpg etc. 
there's always apple tv for that i suppose.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 24, 2013, 02:34:21 pm
That sucks.  Wish it could cast mp4, mpg etc. 
there's always apple tv for that i suppose.

I suspect that apps like Plex will have Cast support very soon.

I use Google Play Music so my music will already play.  Locally stored videos, however, I have yet to find a solution (and am basically waiting on plex as its what I use on my server).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 24, 2013, 02:46:19 pm
That sucks.  Wish it could cast mp4, mpg etc. 
there's always apple tv for that i suppose.

I suspect that apps like Plex will have Cast support very soon.

I use Google Play Music so my music will already play.  Locally stored videos, however, I have yet to find a solution (and am basically waiting on plex as its what I use on my server).
have you used the plex app for roku?  how is it?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 24, 2013, 03:34:18 pm
have you used the plex app for roku?  how is it?

Yes, and it's fine, though it took forever to catalog.  I'm not sure if that was my Synology NAS (213J) or if it was because I have a large collection, but it seemed like it would never completely catalog all of the songs.

For movies it's quick and easy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 24, 2013, 05:15:02 pm
go watch the ken burns doc the civil war, on netflix app.

go watch drag talk with mahogany la piranHa, on gay life television app

go watch anything, on revision three app

go watch all frontline episodes, on pbs app

go watch seinfeld, on crackle app
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 25, 2013, 12:26:02 pm
That sucks.  Wish it could cast mp4, mpg etc. 
there's always apple tv for that i suppose.

Apparently, if you drop the file in the Chrome Browser it works.  I didn't even know you could do that!

http://www.droid-life.com/2013/07/25/tip-you-can-play-local-video-files-through-chromecast/

I'm at works so I can't try it out, but will soon.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 25, 2013, 01:29:18 pm
I cut the cord last night.  My feudal aid to Comcast is now down to $40 a month for 50 mbps (advertised).

Watched the Nats game just fine on the Roku, love the time-shifting abilities.

Any protips for a Harmony 700?  Just got mine set up, can't believe I didn't have a harmony before this.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 25, 2013, 02:29:42 pm
Any protips for a Harmony 700?  Just got mine set up, can't believe I didn't have a harmony before this.

Pay close attention to your use patterns over say 30 days or so, then spend some time creating custom sequences/macros.  That's the true power of the Harmony line of remotes.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 25, 2013, 05:05:41 pm


Watched the Nats game just fine on the Roku, love the time-shifting abilities.


How are you getting local games?  A proxy?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 25, 2013, 05:05:56 pm
That sucks.  Wish it could cast mp4, mpg etc. 
there's always apple tv for that i suppose.

Apparently, if you drop the file in the Chrome Browser it works.  I didn't even know you could do that!

http://www.droid-life.com/2013/07/25/tip-you-can-play-local-video-files-through-chromecast/

I'm at works so I can't try it out, but will soon.



report back
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 25, 2013, 08:41:24 pm
Best Deadline Deal Ever: Angels (http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/38479/best-deadline-deal-ever-angels)

So ESPN has been doing this 30 day series of talking about the best deadline deals ever for each team (they have not done the O's or Nat's yet).  While I can remember a number of bad deals for the Angels, I couldn't think of many that really ever worked out. 

ESPN chose the Teixeira trade in 2008and I was like WTF?!  Sure he had a good second half of the season but he was terrible in the playoffs and that bastard turned us down for the Yankees so he's dead to me.

I never realized the arbitration pick the Yanks forfeited to sign Teixeira in the 2009 Draft ended up being Mike Trout.  God I love him even more now....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 25, 2013, 09:58:00 pm


Watched the Nats game just fine on the Roku, love the time-shifting abilities.


How are you getting local games?  A proxy?

http://www.unblock-us.com/

DNS settings on my router, so it works on all my devices.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 26, 2013, 10:36:48 am


Watched the Nats game just fine on the Roku, love the time-shifting abilities.


How are you getting local games?  A proxy?


http://www.unblock-us.com/

DNS settings on my router, so it works on all my devices.

Thanks!  And very interesting.  Works without a hitch?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 26, 2013, 02:00:08 pm
no problems yet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 26, 2013, 02:15:10 pm
I don't understand how a few dns servers has the same net effect of using a proxy to disguise your location.  Unless there's more to it than I'm gathering at first glance.

Edit:

Nevermind, just read up on it, makes sense.  A simple and elegant solution.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on July 26, 2013, 03:52:55 pm
I don't understand how a few dns servers has the same net effect of using a proxy to disguise your location.  Unless there's more to it than I'm gathering at first glance.

Edit:

Nevermind, just read up on it, makes sense.  A simple and elegant solution.

I don't really understand how it works, and I don't really care to.  But it does.

http://www.bestvpn.com/blog/4266/unblockus-review/
http://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/articles/291570
http://vpn-services.bestreviews.net/dns-unblocking-service-unblock-us-vs-vpn-services/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 29, 2013, 12:28:19 pm
report back

I was in The OC weekend so I didn't get a chance to play with it much this weekend, but the performance was spotty in the two movies I did try.

I think it's really going to depend on the file format and sadly, the higher end 1080p stuff didn't work that well.  Google does describe this part as "experimental" though.  I think the limitation is the 2.4ghz range limitation, but I'll give it a longer go this week.

Plex did announce that they will be adding Chromecast support to their apps though, and that could be a game changer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 29, 2013, 05:38:28 pm
god, and vansmack alike . . . im trying, but i have no fucking idea what any of you are talking about right now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 29, 2013, 05:44:01 pm
new page....again

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 29, 2013, 05:50:54 pm
god, and vansmack alike . . . im trying, but i have no fucking idea what any of you are talking about right now.

Simply put, we're discussing the best ways to utilize interweb connected devices to deliver content to the biggest screen in your house - the television.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 30, 2013, 12:28:43 am
OK - tonight I threw a lot at it and it handled most MP4 movies fairly well.  It couldn't handle the 2560p video I used in my tests, but few devices can.  Only my Nexus 10 can handle it natively, but if your computer can comfortably play a 1080p MP4, then so can the Chromecast. 

It didn't handle many of my "wrapped" or packaged videos though - probably because most of those are AVI's and Chrome might not have the proper codec's to handle those. 

Oh, and Chrome Browser does handle FLAC files natively either, at least through Chrome on Win8, so FLAC was a no go.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 30, 2013, 02:33:06 pm
your daily open-souec boner: http://opensignal.com/reports/fragmentation-2013/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 30, 2013, 04:25:12 pm
where are they now: winnie cooper
where are they now: winnie cooper

Nice find on Becky Slater.  She turned out alright, but she's no Winnie.  Somehow, I did not know they were sisters...

One of my favorite things about Twitter has been following Danica McKellar.  She's super smart and talks about girls and STEM.  It's fantastic.  She also posts just the right amount of photos...sad she's divorced.  Oh, wait...
here+Are+They+Now+-+%27The+Wonder+Years%27/articles/iFZ_GtrUYj4/Crystal+McKellar)

I thought for sure you were updating me on this:

http://ow.ly/i/2JUoa
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 30, 2013, 04:34:19 pm
your daily open-souec boner: http://opensignal.com/reports/fragmentation-2013/

Awesome stuff.

The fragmentation "problem" is a bit of a thing of the past though - back in May at I/O, Google moved most of the important API's out of the OS and into an app called "Google Play Services" so Google no longer has to wait for carriers and OEM's to update the OS.  They simply update the APIs through the Play Store.

That's why even a brand new device like the Chrome Cast can work on Android OS 2.3 and higher. Sure, it's not a 100% fix, but it's the best solution between having to be dictated to by Apple and having too many choices from Google.

That being said, as long as they keeping making Nexus devices, that's all I will ever buy even with the new solution.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 31, 2013, 03:38:11 pm
Head explodes!

(http://www.danicamckellar.com/blog/gallery/Danica-Avril.png)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 03, 2013, 01:13:44 am
http://www.buzzfeed.com/donnad/hilarious-disney-princess-texts-from-last-night
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 03, 2013, 05:00:54 pm
http://www.buzzfeed.com/donnad/hilarious-disney-princess-texts-from-last-night

Approved.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 09, 2013, 11:42:48 am
I think the important line here is the last sentence.  As an aspiring GM, this mirror my thinking exactly (and for the record, I think Davis has a better chance than Trout this year at unseating Cabrera):

Buster Olney:

? Mike Trout is unlikely to be part of the MVP debate given the Angels? struggles, writes Alden Gonzalez. I?d respectfully disagree and here?s why: Miguel Cabrera has been dealing with some nagging injuries and if Detroit maintains its sizable lead in the AL Central, he might get more days off than he usually does, giving Trout an opportunity to build a significant statistical advantage.

I believe this, too: If Cabrera hadn?t won the Triple Crown last year -- if he had led the AL in hitting and RBIs but not in home runs -- I think Trout would have won the MVP. But once Cabrera became the first player in 45 years to get a Triple Crown, voters looked past Trout?s overall statistical advantage.

The same split of opinion among baseball people remains in place, I think -- the folks in uniform think Cabrera is one of the greatest players of all time, while a lot of front-office types believe Trout is the better player, and not by a small margin.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 12, 2013, 03:12:54 pm
This will take up a little bit of your time today:

40 Maps that Explain the World (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/08/12/40-maps-that-explain-the-world/?Post%20generic=?tid=sm_twitter_washingtonpost)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 12, 2013, 03:33:31 pm
This will take up a little bit of your time today:

40 Maps that Explain the World (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/08/12/40-maps-that-explain-the-world/?Post%20generic=?tid=sm_twitter_washingtonpost)

yeah that did.

i'm pleased to see how well Canuckistan fared... except for that part where we inherit the midwest after the US's breakup.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 12, 2013, 04:00:11 pm
i'm pleased to see how well Canuckistan fared... except for that part where we inherit the midwest after the US's breakup.

Agreed.  Not bad for an oft-ice-covered Monarchy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 12, 2013, 06:23:30 pm
Mind Blown.

Elon Musk Explains the Hyperloop - the Solar-Powered High-Speed Future of Inter-City Transportation (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-08-12/revealed-elon-musk-explains-the-hyperloop)

SF to LA in 30 minutes for "substantially less" than a plane ticket.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on August 13, 2013, 10:15:35 am
DOA link-bait / morning news catnip.

Mind Blown.

Elon Musk Explains the Hyperloop - the Solar-Powered High-Speed Future of Inter-City Transportation (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-08-12/revealed-elon-musk-explains-the-hyperloop)

SF to LA in 30 minutes for "substantially less" than a plane ticket.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 13, 2013, 11:40:42 am
DOA link-bait / morning news catnip.

You must be working on the high speed rail project....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on August 13, 2013, 03:15:36 pm
DOA link-bait / morning news catnip.

You must be working on the high speed rail project....

no comment.

http://www.theonion.com/articles/new-superfast-transport-system-powered-by-passenge,33468
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on August 13, 2013, 05:10:07 pm
when one of these things crashes and kills everybody on board . . . i wonder if ticket prices will go down, or maybe free carry ons for a whole week.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 18, 2013, 09:18:18 pm
I hope every pitcher does what Ryan Dempster just did to A-Rod.  Baseball has a history of self-policing and those that care enough should continue to drill him.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on August 19, 2013, 09:11:35 am
I hope every pitcher does what Ryan Dempster just did to A-Rod.  Baseball has a history of self-policing and those that care enough should continue to drill him.

A-Rod had the last laugh in that battle.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 19, 2013, 11:09:00 am
A-Rod had the last laugh in that battle.

He won't in the war.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on August 19, 2013, 11:14:47 am
I hope every pitcher does what Ryan Dempster just did to A-Rod.  Baseball has a history of self-policing and those that care enough should continue to drill him.

I am guessing Dempster is on steroids.  Why else would he be mad at Arod?  If pitchers had to hit in the AL we wouldn't have to deal with this nonsense.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on August 19, 2013, 02:33:20 pm
A-Rod had the last laugh in that battle.

He won't in the war.

you're right.  this psychopath won't be able to deal with getting beaned every series on purpose.

dempster set the precedence, and good on him.  fuck this asshole.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on August 19, 2013, 02:57:10 pm
A-Rod had the last laugh in that battle.

He won't in the war.

you're right.  this psychopath won't be able to deal with getting beaned every series on purpose.

dempster set the precedence, and good on him.  fuck this asshole.



Taking steroids is worse than beaning someone with the ball?  What kind of morality is that?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 19, 2013, 06:01:02 pm
you're right.  this psychopath won't be able to deal with getting beaned every series on purpose.

dempster set the precedence, and good on him.  fuck this asshole.

He is extremely fragile.  I can't wait to see the breakdown...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on August 19, 2013, 06:22:46 pm
you're right.  this psychopath won't be able to deal with getting beaned every series on purpose.

dempster set the precedence, and good on him.  fuck this asshole.

He is extremely fragile.  I can't wait to see the breakdown...

If he gets intentionally beaned again and baseball doesn't suspend the people doing it for multiple games they become a joke.  I probably would stop watching at that point.  I can't believe that would happen.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 19, 2013, 06:45:38 pm
Then it's a doubly good outcome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on August 19, 2013, 11:14:53 pm
Then it's a doubly good outcome.

I can't believe you actually want Arod to be intentionally hit.  You are worse than him.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 20, 2013, 12:33:54 pm
"Avril Lavigne's "Rock N Roll" video is a live-action comic book in which she fights a bear-shark, encounters Billy Zane on a Segway, blatantly shills for Sony, and kisses Winnie Cooper from "The Wonder Years":

http://on.fuse.tv/16ZUS0G"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on August 20, 2013, 12:45:40 pm
hi im avril . . . i need crazy kooky videos because my music, well, my music, well, ill just leave it at that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2013, 01:47:00 pm
"Avril Lavigne's "Rock N Roll" video is a live-action comic book in which she fights a bear-shark, encounters Billy Zane on a Segway, blatantly shills for Sony, and kisses Winnie Cooper from "The Wonder Years":

http://on.fuse.tv/16ZUS0G"

You weren't awake at midnight to watch it's World Premiere?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2013, 04:28:05 pm
I hope every pitcher does what Ryan Dempster just did to A-Rod.  Baseball has a history of self-policing and those that care enough should continue to drill him.

Dempster suspended 5 games, fined for plucking A-Rod (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9584855/pitcher-ryan-dempster-boston-red-sox-suspended-5-games-fined-hitting-alex-rodriguez-new-york-yankees)

What did we learn here?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on August 20, 2013, 04:46:52 pm
I hope every pitcher does what Ryan Dempster just did to A-Rod.  Baseball has a history of self-policing and those that care enough should continue to drill him.

Dempster suspended 5 games, fined for plucking A-Rod (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9584855/pitcher-ryan-dempster-boston-red-sox-suspended-5-games-fined-hitting-alex-rodriguez-new-york-yankees)

What did we learn here?

Dempster is a loser. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2013, 04:48:55 pm
I hope every pitcher does what Ryan Dempster just did to A-Rod.  Baseball has a history of self-policing and those that care enough should continue to drill him.

Dempster suspended 5 games, fined for plucking A-Rod (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9584855/pitcher-ryan-dempster-boston-red-sox-suspended-5-games-fined-hitting-alex-rodriguez-new-york-yankees)

What did we learn here?

Dempster is a loser. 

While that might be true, I don't know him personally.

What we learned here is he needs to be more accurate.  If he hits him with the first pitch and not the fourth pitch, he doesn't get suspended nor does he get fined.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomicfront on August 20, 2013, 05:16:10 pm
I hope every pitcher does what Ryan Dempster just did to A-Rod.  Baseball has a history of self-policing and those that care enough should continue to drill him.

Dempster suspended 5 games, fined for plucking A-Rod (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9584855/pitcher-ryan-dempster-boston-red-sox-suspended-5-games-fined-hitting-alex-rodriguez-new-york-yankees)

What did we learn here?

Dempster is a loser. 

While that might be true, I don't know him personally.

What we learned here is he needs to be more accurate.  If he hits him with the first pitch and not the fourth pitch, he doesn't get suspended nor does he get fined.

Well maybe that is true.

 So he loses money being suspended for games he wouldn't pitch anyway. (4 of the 5 games)   I think that is funny. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Venerable Bede on September 03, 2013, 02:04:23 pm
I hope every pitcher does what Ryan Dempster just did to A-Rod.  Baseball has a history of self-policing and those that care enough should continue to drill him.

Dempster suspended 5 games, fined for plucking A-Rod (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9584855/pitcher-ryan-dempster-boston-red-sox-suspended-5-games-fined-hitting-alex-rodriguez-new-york-yankees)

What did we learn here?
we learned that Dempster didn't take his ninja (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snaLHVY5xlo) training seriously.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 03, 2013, 02:32:53 pm
so i'm 4 months late to this party, but i finally got a Galaxy S4.  wow, what a phone.  the screen is ridiculous.  i haven't figured out all the "air movement" stuff, and i'm still generally getting used to it... but wow.

in other news: things smackie already knows but doesn't mind being reminded of (http://www.rantsports.com/clubhouse/2013/07/23/hot-pictures-of-russian-long-jumper-darya-klishina/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 03, 2013, 02:45:08 pm
Let's know if are still using those hand gestures next week ;)

Me I'm totally on board with my HTC one
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on September 03, 2013, 02:51:13 pm
Yeah... I agree. I used the hand gestures for about a day and then found them annoying.

The hovering over email one is kind of useful though for work as I get boat loads of email all day and it's nice to get a quick preview.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 03, 2013, 03:09:04 pm
we learned that Dempster didn't take his ninja (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snaLHVY5xlo) training seriously.

This is true.  A Ninja doesn't miss with a baseball or a star.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 03, 2013, 03:48:44 pm
The debate between the HTC One and he GS4 is an interesting one.  They're both great phones, but I agree with Kosmo here - I'm in the HTC One camp, but really you can't go wrong with either.  The front speakers, metal casing and it's camera tricks are what puts the HTC One ahead for me, though it suffers from serious software problems, most notably the menu button.

I'm really liking the new Moto X, if nothing else but for the Bluetooth safe screen unlock.  That will be a reliable app soon enough though.  If you haven't seen it, whenever your device is connected to a bluetooth device that you deem safe, it turns off the lockscreen.  Brilliant.

I went to the Microsoft store this weekend to take a look at the Nokia Lumia 1020 and while I like the concept, I think I'm looking more at what Sony is planning on doing with the lens (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TWh3EvSZ_0) than I am with the Nokia solution.

Also, this happened this morning:

(http://cdn.androidcentral.com/sites/androidcentral.com/files/imagecache/w680h550/postimages/9274/android_kitkat.jpg)   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 03, 2013, 11:52:32 pm
The Pirates with their first winning season since "that night in 1992"
(http://theclassical.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/400xY/andy-van-slyke-outfield.jpeg)

Things might be looking up for Smackie....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on September 04, 2013, 09:03:31 am
The Pirates with their first winning season since "that night in 1992"
(http://theclassical.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/400xY/andy-van-slyke-outfield.jpeg)

Things might be looking up for Smackie....

I was at that game... still one of my most vivid sports memories.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 06, 2013, 12:35:49 pm
I was at that game... still one of my most vivid sports memories.

I was inconsolable for days.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 06, 2013, 12:36:37 pm
This week, to mark the 170th anniversary of the appearance of the first issue of The Economist on September 2nd 1843, this blog will answer some of the more frequently asked questions about The Economist itself.

Why does The Economist call itself a newspaper? (http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/09/economist-explains-itself)
Is The Economist left- or right-wing? (http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/09/economist-explains-itself-0)
How does The Economist choose what to cover? (http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/09/economist-explains-itself-2)
Why are The Economist?s writers anonymous? (http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/09/economist-explains-itself-1)
Where do The Economist?s unusual names come from? (http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/09/economist-explains-itself-3?fsrc=scn%2Ftw%2Fte%2Fbl%2Fee%2Feconomistunusualname)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on September 06, 2013, 01:07:39 pm
that's awesome.  the economist is one of the only news outlets i read these days.

and, as always, i love sharing this (http://www.theonion.com/articles/according-to-the-economist-nasa-is-an-industrial-s,11532/) whenever it's mentioned.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2013, 11:40:29 am
Now if they could just find him some pitching....

Mike Trout is ending the debate
September, 10, 2013

By Buster Olney

Mike Trout was loved by front-office types last year. But this year, the players also see it.
Before the season, Mike Trout talked about wanting to be more patient at the plate, about drawing more walks, because in his first full season in the big leagues he had shown some impatience and, naturally, he wanted to get better.

Well, a year later, Trout has increased his walk total -- by about 50 percent. He is on pace to draw 102 walks this season, as well as 203 hits, 78 extra-base hits, 110 runs, 95 RBIs and 36 stolen bases.

A longtime player was asked last week about the MVP vote in the American League. ?Trout?s going to win it, isn?t he?? he responded. ?There isn?t really any question about it -- he?s the best player in baseball.?

? Trout currently leads the AL in hits with 179.
? He leads the league in walks with 90.
? He leads in runs with 97.
? He?s tied for fifth in doubles with 37.
? He?s third in OPS at 1.009.
? He is also running away from everybody else in WAR, in the way that he did last year.

Last year, the drumbeat of the Trout-for-MVP discussion was led by talent evaluators who work in street clothes -- the general managers, the assistant general managers, the scouts. But this year, you hear it more and more from players. They view Trout as occupying a very special and distinct place in the sport.

Most players I?ve spoken this summer with think Miguel Cabrera is the best hitter, and Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher.

But the best overall player? The folks in front offices still can?t believe there?s a debate about this, given Trout?s staggering preeminence in the statistical evaluations they compile. Now, more and more players are agreeing with them, in Trout?s second full year in the big leagues.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on September 10, 2013, 11:47:08 am
Don't be ridiculous..nobody on such a losing team should ever win the MVP.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on September 10, 2013, 11:50:24 am
the MVP award does not go to the "best player"...it goes to the most valuable player..to be valuable your team has to actually be doing something..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 10, 2013, 01:05:15 pm
Now if they could just find him some pitching....

Mike Trout is ending the debate
September, 10, 2013

By Buster Olney

Mike Trout was loved by front-office types last year. But this year, the players also see it.
Before the season, Mike Trout talked about wanting to be more patient at the plate, about drawing more walks, because in his first full season in the big leagues he had shown some impatience and, naturally, he wanted to get better.

Well, a year later, Trout has increased his walk total -- by about 50 percent. He is on pace to draw 102 walks this season, as well as 203 hits, 78 extra-base hits, 110 runs, 95 RBIs and 36 stolen bases.

A longtime player was asked last week about the MVP vote in the American League. ?Trout?s going to win it, isn?t he?? he responded. ?There isn?t really any question about it -- he?s the best player in baseball.?

? Trout currently leads the AL in hits with 179.
? He leads the league in walks with 90.
? He leads in runs with 97.
? He?s tied for fifth in doubles with 37.
? He?s third in OPS at 1.009.
? He is also running away from everybody else in WAR, in the way that he did last year.

Last year, the drumbeat of the Trout-for-MVP discussion was led by talent evaluators who work in street clothes -- the general managers, the assistant general managers, the scouts. But this year, you hear it more and more from players. They view Trout as occupying a very special and distinct place in the sport.

Most players I?ve spoken this summer with think Miguel Cabrera is the best hitter, and Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher.

But the best overall player? The folks in front offices still can?t believe there?s a debate about this, given Trout?s staggering preeminence in the statistical evaluations they compile. Now, more and more players are agreeing with them, in Trout?s second full year in the big leagues.
If Cabrera was a white guy from middle America who played in LA and Trout was a Hispanic guy with a loose grasp of English who played in Detroit, absolutely no one on earth would be making this argument. The Trout for MVP over Cabrera argument is simply baseball's "this is still the 1950s" mindset masquerading as avant garde stats.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on September 10, 2013, 01:11:51 pm
CUTCH!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2013, 01:23:39 pm
CUTCH!!!

You will get no argument from me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2013, 05:20:26 pm
If Cabrera was a white guy from middle America who played in LA and Trout was a Hispanic guy with a loose grasp of English who played in Detroit, absolutely no one on earth would be making this argument. The Trout for MVP over Cabrera argument is simply baseball's "this is still the 1950s" mindset masquerading as avant garde stats.

So it's their names?  Or is it because Trout's from New Jersey?

Because there is a white guy playing in LA(ish) and a Hispanic guy playing in Detroit, and there's still an argument.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2013, 05:24:28 pm
the MVP award does not go to the "best player"...it goes to the most valuable player..to be valuable your team has to actually be doing something..

For the record, I don't think Trout wins it this year either (that was Buster Olney's post, and I am not Buster Olney), but I still think Trout's the best player in baseball.

Cabrera, Cutch, Scherzer and Kershaw. I'm tipping Fernandez for ROY in the NL over Puig (backlash) and I don't think they should award an AL ROY this year.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on September 10, 2013, 05:39:28 pm
the MVP award does not go to the "best player"...it goes to the most valuable player..to be valuable your team has to actually be doing something..

For the record, I don't think Trout wins it this year either (that was Buster Olney's post, and I am not Buster Olney), but I still think Trout's the best player in baseball.

Cabrera, Cutch, Scherzer and Kershaw. I'm tipping Fernandez for ROY in the NL over Puig (backlash) and I don't think they should award an AL ROY this year.

is puig a runaway consensus in the media? i would think fernandez gets the nod, simply by playing the whole year.  and he's really, really, really good.

... he did play the whole year, right?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2013, 05:56:56 pm
is puig a runaway consensus in the media? i would think fernandez gets the nod, simply by playing the whole year.  and he's really, really, really good.

... he did play the whole year, right?

Yes, Fernadez played the entire year, though they may limit his last two starts to six innings, if not shutting him down completely.

Puig's hot start has fizzled a little, to about .307, so he's in the discussion for sure, but Fernandez has just not let up all season.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 13, 2013, 11:18:27 am
http://www.buzzfeed.com/erikmalinowski/this-sports-app-is-almost-worth-wearing-a-computer-on-your-f
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 13, 2013, 02:45:38 pm
http://www.buzzfeed.com/erikmalinowski/this-sports-app-is-almost-worth-wearing-a-computer-on-your-f

Yes.  Totally awesome, but doesn't address my two biggest problems with Glass. 

First, it only works on the right eye.  Well, I'm left handed and, thus, left eye dominant.

And, second you have to have near perfect vision as you can't adjust the focal length to work with prescriptions. 

So until they figure those two things out, Google Glass is not in my peripheral vision.  And I'd drop the cash on it too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 17, 2013, 02:00:00 pm
And I'm just going to say this because I know none of you stay up late enough to see it for yourselves:

Mike Trout>Bryce Harper

I'm referring to all 5 tools, plus he's better looking and has better hair.

Mike Trout is having another Awesome Season (http://espn.go.com/mlb/blog/_/name/stark_jayson/id/9681372/mike-trout-edition-september-history-watch)

For those that might not click the link - some highlights:

Might lead the league in hits and walks, and might have 200 hits and 100 walks.

And if Trout reaches 200 hits, he'd be the youngest player ever with 200 hits, 100 runs, 25 homers and 30 steals in the same season. Alex Rodriguez is the current record holder, reaching those numbers in his age-22 season in 1996.

And check out this stat line because this is where Mike Trout is headed at his current pace:

.330 AVG
.437 OBP
.558 SLG
.995 OPS
25 home runs
36 stolen bases
109 walks
113 runs
197 hits
315 times on base

Want to guess how many players, at any age, have ever etched all those numbers on the same line of their Baseball Encyclopedia page?

Right you are. That would be none. Nada. Not a one.

So how great is Mike Trout? We think we just answered that question. Right?

As Mark McGwire said - 'I'm not here to talk about the past.'

Current WAR:

Machado  2.3
Trout        2.3
Harper     1.7

This story has a lot of time to be played out.

And 'Bam Bam'?  What, like Bam Bam into the wall?

Mike Trout 8.3
Manny Machado 6.5
Bryce Harper 3.4
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 19, 2013, 03:36:55 pm
This Charming Charlie. (http://thischarmingcharlie.tumblr.com/)

Now I know how Joan of Arc felt.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 19, 2013, 03:56:12 pm
i can buy a new phone.  i want a new phone.  you know that they control me.  i like samsung galaxy series, and i dont care what anybody says, should i wait for the sfouractive on sprint in like december i think they are saying, or is the sfour good enough now?  or do you recommend one of these dandies that sprint will allow me to buy:  moto x / htc one.  i know nothing of either two.  thank you sir vansmack.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 19, 2013, 07:56:43 pm
i can buy a new phone.  i want a new phone.  you know that they control me.  i like samsung galaxy series, and i dont care what anybody says, should i wait for the sfouractive on sprint in like december i think they are saying, or is the sfour good enough now?  or do you recommend one of these dandies that sprint will allow me to buy:  moto x / htc one.  i know nothing of either two.  thank you sir vansmack.

If you've been fine with Touchwiz via the S2 or S3, there's no reason to not stay with it for the S4.

I actually find the S4 Active to be a pain in the ass for all the times it's "useful" - under water photos are cool, but the quality is terrible as a rule, so is it worth it to have a phone you can submerge to take photos IF you have to open a USB cover every time you want to charge it?  That would drive me completely insane.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 20, 2013, 08:50:48 am
so is it worth it to have a phone you can submerge to take photos IF you have to open a USB cover every time you want to charge it?  That would drive me completely insane.
there are plenty of wireless charger options for the S4
here's a nice one Wireless Charger from WIQIQi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46C_yTffeL4)

My wife could have used one of these waterproof phones...her's took and unplanned dip last night
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on September 20, 2013, 09:55:22 am
I've had the S4 now for about four months and I already notice the lag time in things loading. Kinda lame.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 20, 2013, 10:34:15 am
i'm still in love with my S4.

yada, how much crap do you have loaded on your phone?  maybe it's time to clean house...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on September 20, 2013, 10:55:36 am
I had a smashed screen on my S3...sold it for $220 on ebay.  Ridiculous.  Now i'm back on the nexus 4.  I had one of these last year and the battery was for shit.  Must have had a lemon, cuz this new one is going all day like a champ.  Can't beat it for $250.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 20, 2013, 11:20:53 am
I've had the S4 now for about four months and I already notice the lag time in things loading. Kinda lame.

I'm in the same camp too...starting to be less responsive. Love the S4
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 20, 2013, 02:15:48 pm
there are plenty of wireless charger options for the S4
here's a nice one Wireless Charger from WIQIQi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46C_yTffeL4)


Would have been the easiest solution, yes.  But the S4 Active does not support Qi charging natively.

I have switched all of my chargers to Qi chargers (save for my car) for my Nexus 4 and I hope to never look back.  So much easier.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 20, 2013, 02:47:19 pm
Now i'm back on the nexus 4.  I had one of these last year and the battery was for shit.  Must have had a lemon, cuz this new one is going all day like a champ.  Can't beat it for $250.

Yep, that's what I figured.  Actually, so did you:

My Nexus coulda been a lemon.  If i ever want to find out I can sell this boat and buy another new nexus and come out 150-200 bucks ahead  ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on September 20, 2013, 03:18:20 pm
Now i'm back on the nexus 4.  I had one of these last year and the battery was for shit.  Must have had a lemon, cuz this new one is going all day like a champ.  Can't beat it for $250.

Yep, that's what I figured.  Actually, so did you:

My Nexus coulda been a lemon.  If i ever want to find out I can sell this boat and buy another new nexus and come out 150-200 bucks ahead  ;D
As it functions now this is prob my favorite android device to date. 
Now i'm thinking of rooting it.  Never rooted a phone.  Can you point to an easy how to?  My add always kicks in when i'm thinking of rooting a phone...go here download this install that flash this.  blah blah blah.
I want to install this but need root:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.paranoid.touchcontrol&hl=en

Edit:  nm...we have a security policy on our exchange server that will probably make that app pointless anyway.  Policy was in testing and was about to delete it but found out it's a keeper and will be mass deployed soon....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 20, 2013, 03:34:18 pm
As it functions now this is prob my favorite android device to date. 
Now i'm thinking of rooting it.  Never rooted a phone. 

Jellybean 4.3 is the first Google OS I haven't yet found a need to root.

I will see if there's a non root equivalent of touch to wake or "knock, knock" as LG calls it.  I suspect it's something we may see in Kit-Kat.

I also mentioned that I liked the Moto X's Bluetooth Bypass of the lock screen.  I've found an equivalent that does the same for Bluettoth and Wifi that I love:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.j4velin.delayedlock2&hl=en

It's called Delayed lock and is awesome for the in the car and at home, though your Exchange PIN requirement may also render this moot.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on September 20, 2013, 04:07:09 pm
As it functions now this is prob my favorite android device to date. 
Now i'm thinking of rooting it.  Never rooted a phone. 


I also mentioned that I liked the Moto X's Bluetooth Bypass of the lock screen.  I've found an equivalent that does the same for Bluettoth and Wifi that I love:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.j4velin.delayedlock2&hl=en

It's called Delayed lock and is awesome for the in the car and at home, though your Exchange PIN requirement may also render this moot.   
Got excited when reading about this, but see in the notes that it will not work if Exchange Policy requires a pin. 

I just remembered something else about my first N4...thing took forever to charge.  It was definitely bunk.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 21, 2013, 09:04:25 am
http://9gag.com/gag/axN0Nr2?ref=fb.s
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 23, 2013, 05:47:38 pm
Ravens Jacoby Jones Injured By Stripper In Washington (http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/capital-games/TMZ-Ravens-Jacoby-Jones-Injured-By-Stripper-In-Washington-224900852.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_DCBrand)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on September 23, 2013, 06:09:37 pm
Ravens Jacoby Jones Injured By Stripper In Washington (http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/capital-games/TMZ-Ravens-Jacoby-Jones-Injured-By-Stripper-In-Washington-224900852.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_DCBrand)

"while celebrating teammate Bryant McKinnie's birthday."

Bryant was evidently broke a couple of years ago because he spent his entire salary in strip clubs.  I guess he hasn't learned his lesson. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on September 23, 2013, 06:15:10 pm
could you send me an email, in the mail, describing all your peoples to me.  they are, better than even this thread.  and thats saying alot.  sorry vansmack . . . i still love, you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 23, 2013, 06:19:03 pm
That reminded me of this story from the weekend:

SF Strip Club Sues Oracle over unpaid Corporate Card (http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Strip-club-sues-Oracle-over-employee-s-unpaid-tab-4834821.php)

It's $30k+
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on September 23, 2013, 06:38:27 pm
That reminded me of this story from the weekend:

SF Strip Club Sues Oracle over unpaid Corporate Card (http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Strip-club-sues-Oracle-over-employee-s-unpaid-tab-4834821.php)

It's $30k+

Yeah that is the nice thing about American Express if you dispute charges they believe you.  I doubt my Corporate Card has that much of a limit for gentlemen's clubs. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 26, 2013, 11:35:42 am
Brian McCann can be my battery mate, any day. (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9724514/benches-clear-milwaukee-brewers-atlanta-braves-game)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 04, 2013, 01:10:38 pm
This is one I just can't let go of.

If you only need a hardware provider, MS would be much better served by contracting with HTC to provide a MS branded phone.  It would cost half as much, it's already used to your platform, and they're putting out the most innovative hardware on the market (sorry Apple folks, but the iPhone hasn't changed its appearance in 3 years now, to where HTC has a new phone every 2 months or so).

------------------------------

HTC is selling better phones for Android than the Google "branded" ones,  and since Google doesn't license the Google Brand on software that has been altered, eventually they're going to need their own hardware for control purposes (unless they take the MS approach - we don't need hardware, we just want OS credit). 

Smackie loves it when he makes a plausible suggestion to Microsoft, that they of course ignore, and Google beats them to the punch with his EXACT idea (for the record, it was July 31 when he had that idea):

Google Nexus One is Official (http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/googles-nexus-one-is-official/)

3.7-inch AMOLED display, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, and a multicolored LED under the trackball.

They passed then, had to spend a ton on Nokia when they should have just purchased HTC in 2009, and and now they're desperate:

BLOOMBERG: Microsoft in talks with HTC to put Windows on Android Phones (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-04/microsoft-said-to-ask-htc-to-put-windows-on-more-phones.html)

Two sinking ships, joining together to fudge the numbers on use.  Shareholders beware....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 07, 2013, 08:56:55 pm
I start Gerrit Cole on Wednesday.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2013, 01:28:39 pm
DiPoto and Scioscia to return next year. (http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/angels/la-sp-angels-coaches-20131009,0,159895.story#axzz2hFMRsVoq)

F^ck me. 

I'm taking suggestions on what my hobby should be next summer as I will have a lot of free time come late June. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 09, 2013, 01:29:47 pm
Smackie: which contract was worse, the one the Angels gave Pujols or the one the Tigers gave Prince? Its really not as easy to answer as one would think on its face...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2013, 02:02:46 pm
Smackie: which contract was worse, the one the Angels gave Pujols or the one the Tigers gave Prince? Its really not as easy to answer as one would think on its face...

Absolutely a good question. 

A lot of people have hammered the Angels on the deal, especially this season, but they don't realize the Pujols' deal is back loaded.   Last year, as bad as he started off, he was actually a steal with 30 HRs and 105 RBI at $12m.  This year, obviously less so as his injury plagued season was the worst of his career.  But people don't realize he was only making $16m.  If he comes back injury free I still don't think the deal is bad for the next 3 years, but the 5 after that could be real trouble.

Fielder, on the other hand, was $23m the last two years and is $24m a year from here on out.  Given that he's 5 years younger, you'd have to think this is a better deal.  But the Tigers have cuffed themselves and probably can't resign Cabrera to be their DH in 2 years as that's Fielders job for the next 7 years at $24m.  He can't play first forever, his deal is untradeable at this point (that's me telling Arte Moreno that) and he's regressing sooner that people thought.

I'd prefer the Fielder deal, but for the past two season's Pujols has been the bargain, even with the injuries.   


 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 09, 2013, 02:13:26 pm
But the Tigers have cuffed themselves and probably can't resign Cabrera to be their DH in 2 years as that's Fielders job for the next 7 years at $24m.  He can't play first forever, his deal is untradeable at this point (that's me telling Arte Moreno that) and he's regressing sooner that people thought.
Cabrera is getting resigned. I am hard pressed to believe that two years from neither Fielder or Cabrera will be in shape enough to place first with the other DHing.

The other thing about Fielder that never gets discussed is not only is he regressing ridiculously quickly, but he's a career <.190 hitter in the playoffs I believe.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 09, 2013, 02:16:18 pm
A lot of people have hammered the Angels on the deal, especially this season, but they don't realize the Pujols' deal is back loaded.   Last year, as bad as he started off, he was actually a steal with 30 HRs and 105 RBI at $12m.  This year, obviously less so as his injury plagued season was the worst of his career.  But people don't realize he was only making $16m.  If he comes back injury free I still don't think the deal is bad for the next 3 years, but the 5 after that could be real trouble.
Isn't this kind of the argument for why the contract sucks more? Pujols contract pays him the most when he sucks. Its a complete anchor.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2013, 02:28:07 pm
Cabrera is getting resigned.

That's a bold statement considering they have $70m per year spoken for in just three players in 2016-2018 (Verlander at $28m 2016-19, option year in 20, Fielder at $24m 2016-20 and Sanchez for $16.8 for 2015-17, team option for 2019).

Max Scherzer is a free agent the year before Cabrera (2015), and the rest of the rotation coming up the same year as Cabrera (Fister and Porcello 2016).  Austin Jackson and Alex Avila are also free agents in 2016.

The one bright spot is how cheap Iglesias is for Det in that time frame.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2013, 02:41:33 pm
Isn't this kind of the argument for why the contract sucks more? Pujols contract pays him the most when he sucks. Its a complete anchor.

Absolutely, but I'm not Arte Moreno so I can only guess what he was thinking.  Pujol's has a chance to break Hank Aaron's HR record, though Anaheim hasn't struggled to put butts in seats.  The TV deal will need to be renegotiated towards the end of that contract, so maybe that was his impetus?  I hope he wasn't thinking the salary inflation would continue, because he will still be a top paid player then, but his output won't be anywhere near the same.  I think thy're hoping for 25 HRS and 100 RBI, but that's not going to happen.

The real drag is that Pujols has not been the team leader they Angels thought he would be.  That clubhouse is a wreck.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 09, 2013, 02:47:29 pm
Cabrera is getting resigned.

That's a bold statement considering they have $70m per year spoken for in just three players in 2016-2018 (Verlander at $28m 2016-19, option year in 20, Fielder at $24m 2016-20 and Sanchez for $16.8 for 2015-17, team option for 2019).

Max Scherzer is a free agent the year before Cabrera (2015), and the rest of the rotation coming up the same year as Cabrera (Fister and Porcello 2016).  Austin Jackson and Alex Avila are also free agents in 2016.

The one bright spot is how cheap Iglesias is for Det in that time frame.
The Illitches have made clear they are going to spend whatever it takes to resign Cabby. They hardly run the Tigers/Red Wings as a small-market team. I don't think we really care that much about Avila, Porcello, and, honestly, even AJax.

That Iglesias trade (especially with what he's signed for) is steal of the year type material.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on October 09, 2013, 03:12:28 pm
That Iglesias trade (especially with what he's signed for) is steal of the year type material.

he's an incredible defender, and projects as a below average hitter.  obviously, the latter has not been the case this year.

given peavy's performance yesterday, and stephen drew's steady performance, the red sox are ecstatic that they could sell him high.

i wouldn't call it a steal quite yet, but i would call it a rare 3-team trade that projects to work out for all 3 teams.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on October 09, 2013, 03:59:59 pm
That Iglesias trade (especially with what he's signed for) is steal of the year type material.

I don't know, it's been like 20 years since he's put out any original material.  Now it's all just remasters and greatest hits collections.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2013, 04:21:58 pm
I don't know, it's been like 20 years since he's put out any original material.  Now it's all just remasters and greatest hits collections.

His son is definitely the one to watch going forward...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 09, 2013, 06:27:51 pm
Quick question... What Android app do you use to keep up with Facebook?  I'm getting annoyed with the official app choosing what shows up in my timeline, particularly since I keep seeing updates via HTC Sense and not in the app.  And HTC Sense and Facebook don't play well together right now, so clicking on the tile won't open Facebook.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 09, 2013, 06:57:03 pm
galaxy now has a flexible phone.  i love it, not because of it, but because the price of the galaxy sfour just fell off the floor.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2013, 07:09:39 pm
galaxy now has a flexible phone.  i love it, not because of it, but because the price of the galaxy sfour just fell off the floor.

Only available in Korea, for now.

But I too think it's a great idea, despite the complaints I'm seeing.  It's not that there's a need for a curved phone, but the simple engineering concept behind it.  I don't like this constant bigger phone fad that's going on - 4.3 inches is a big enough phone screen for me.  But, with a curved screen, you can make the phone fit in my hand better (like a cup of coffee) and have more screen room without sacrificing the over all size of the phone (ie, it can still be as wide as my current 4.3 inch phone).  It's ingenious.

I took a photo this morning and held it vertically, squeezed my fingers in and saw exactly what they were going for. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2013, 07:42:45 pm
Quick question... What Android app do you use to keep up with Facebook?  I'm getting annoyed with the official app choosing what shows up in my timeline, particularly since I keep seeing updates via HTC Sense and not in the app.  And HTC Sense and Facebook don't play well together right now, so clicking on the tile won't open Facebook.

I'm on the Facebook Beta track so I use the Official App, but not the public release.  I also use the m.facebook.com version often, when I have problems with the beta app.

I've tried a number of different apps, and some were better, but once FB made the timeline completely unpredictable, no app has been better than any other at fixing the biggest problem - trying to predict FB's new algorithm of what it thinks I want to see. 

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2013, 08:00:53 pm
And here's a "Holy sh!t!" moment for you:

T-Mobile Makes the World Your Network - at No Extra Charge (http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=251624&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1863209&highlight=)

International data and text roaming in 100 countries at no extra charge with a Simple Choice Plan.

Your move, every other carrier in the world.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 09, 2013, 08:04:23 pm
And here's a "Holy sh!t!" moment for you:

T-Mobile Makes the World Your Network - at No Extra Charge (http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=251624&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1863209&highlight=)

International data and text roaming in 100 countries at no extra charge with a Simple Choice Plan.

That is a wow indeed if you do a lot of traveling.

I'm also on the Facebook app beta track and noticed in the beta group that i'm not the only one having a problem on the HTC.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2013, 09:03:29 pm
I'm also on the Facebook app beta track and noticed in the beta group that i'm not the only one having a problem on the HTC.

Has someone left the beta group, installed the public version and tested it?

I don't have an HTC so I can't try that, but I'm guessing you're looking at the wrong culprit.  If it doesn't work with the Public version, then the problem is Blink Feed (HTC proprietary product), not FB.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 10, 2013, 10:51:02 am
Well where even the problem was it got resolved in today's update of Facebook.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 10, 2013, 11:52:23 am
Well where even the problem was it got resolved in today's update of Facebook.

You're welcome.  I made a couple calls to friends at FB....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on October 10, 2013, 12:24:12 pm
Quick question... What Android app do you use to keep up with Facebook?  I'm getting annoyed with the official app choosing what shows up in my timeline, particularly since I keep seeing updates via HTC Sense and not in the app.  And HTC Sense and Facebook don't play well together right now, so clicking on the tile won't open Facebook.
Love the htc hardware...hated htc sense....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on October 11, 2013, 04:51:16 pm
So what's your take on the Final 4?  I noticed that 3 of the 4 teams are in the top 5 in payroll.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on October 11, 2013, 05:15:14 pm
So what's your take on the Final 4?  I noticed that 3 of the 4 teams are in the top 5 in payroll.

you can't really single the cardinals out here, they are 10th or 11th in payroll, aren't they?  any team over 100k should be considered competitive.  the difference between three teams is really just one or two bad contracts.

however, you could single out the dodgers, who are over 200k.



Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on October 11, 2013, 06:16:30 pm
Right, that's why I said 3 of 4.  The Cardinals are just annoying because their fans think they invented baseball and are the best in the world.  But they do seem to win a lot, damn them. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 11, 2013, 11:40:45 pm
But they do seem to win a lot, damn them. 

I think the Cardinals are the best franchise in baseball right now.  Every time they lose a top free agent they replace them without issue from their farm system.

And damn can they draft pitchers.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 11, 2013, 11:44:10 pm
So what's your take on the Final 4?  I noticed that 3 of the 4 teams are in the top 5 in payroll.

Verlander being back to being Verlander makes the Boston series competitive, but that team is going to have to hit better.

I hate this Dodger team more than most Dodger teams I've hated in the past.  And they're only going to get better in the next few years.

Unless you're from Boston, Detroit or LA, you have to be rooting for the Cardinals for the sake of baseball.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 12, 2013, 01:23:54 pm
I'm at a tipping point with the Cards where I ideologically enjoy their small market success and brilliant front office, but if they were to win another WS this year, I'd be sick of them and their fans and want them to suck for a while.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 12, 2013, 05:44:07 pm
I'm at a tipping point with the Cards where I ideologically enjoy their small market success and brilliant front office, but if they were to win another WS this year, I'd be sick of them and their fans and want them to suck for a while.

Exactly where I am after the 2004 Red Sox....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 14, 2013, 01:08:09 am
Because when I get in the batter's box,  I think first pitch cutter every time.  Jesus Christ.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 14, 2013, 08:27:05 am
Second straight series Tigers relievers have wasted an absolute gem by starting pitching. This is going to cost us a series eventually. Jesus.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 14, 2013, 08:53:19 am
Second straight series Tigers relievers have wasted an absolute gem by starting pitching. This is going to cost us a series eventually. Jesus.

I don't have that big an issue with Benoit coming in but how can you throw Papi a fastbball down the pike on the first pitch.. you got to pitch around him in that situation and if you walk in a run its better than 4..

did the pitch not end up where Benoit wanted it or was that realy what him and Avila where going?

I feel the Tigers just gave that game away...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on October 14, 2013, 11:18:57 am
Unless you're from Boston, Detroit or LA, you have to be rooting for the Cardinals for the sake of baseball.

yeah fuck that.  i'll take anyone but the cardinals.

sorry, but west coasters loathing the dodgers is not the pulse of the rest of country.  they're a likable bunch.  and anyone who hates on what detroit and boston has done this year is truly not a baseball fan.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 14, 2013, 11:26:04 am
I agree with that. I really have no dislike for this Dodgers team. Boston's fans are far more annoying than anyone on their team. The beard thing is stupid, I guess, though.

I really would only be irked if St. Louis wins it all.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 14, 2013, 12:57:45 pm
big papi is big.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 14, 2013, 04:46:58 pm
I don't have that big an issue with Benoit coming in but how can you throw Papi a fastbball down the pike on the first pitch.. you got to pitch around him in that situation and if you walk in a run its better than 4..

did the pitch not end up where Benoit wanted it or was that realy what him and Avila where going?

I feel the Tigers just gave that game away...

That's just it.  McCarver said it was a fastball but it wasn't. 

It was 86 miles an hour so either he didn't put enough on his cutter or he threw his changeup too hard (I think the latter).  No one goes up thinking cut fastball to start unless you're facing Mariano, so that's what I would have thrown, low and away.

Instead he hit the spot with his changeup, but threw it about 5-10 mph too fast without first showing him the fastball and it was like BP for Big Papi.  Huge mistake.

You can be assured that Benoit will now have a crisis of confidence for the rest of the series. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 14, 2013, 04:48:49 pm

sorry, but west coasters loathing the dodgers is not the pulse of the rest of country.  they're a likable bunch.  and anyone who hates on what detroit and boston has done this year is truly not a baseball fan.


I've got 241 million reasons why everyone who wasn't a Dodgers fan before 2013 should hate the Dodgers.

I think there are 3 guys on their 25 man roster that they drafted, 2 guys they bid for in the International market and the rest they dealt for or signed as free agents.

Contrast that with the Cardinals.... 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on October 14, 2013, 05:20:35 pm

sorry, but west coasters loathing the dodgers is not the pulse of the rest of country.  they're a likable bunch.  and anyone who hates on what detroit and boston has done this year is truly not a baseball fan.


I've got 241 million reasons why everyone who wasn't a Dodgers fan before 2013 should hate the Dodgers.

I think there are 3 guys on their 25 man roster that they drafted, 2 guys they bid for in the International market and the rest they dealt for or signed as free agents.

Contrast that with the Cardinals.... 

i mean, contrast that with the sox? they've got homegrown talent, the core of their team is homegrown talent.  pedroia, ellsbury, lester, bucholz, middlebrooks, salty and lets throw ortiz in there since they are the first team to let him play every day. 

i'm not familiar with the cardinals full roster, but i know matt holliday and carlos beltran certainly aren't homegrown talent.

i'm not suggesting that it's a reason to root for/root against a team, but to say that the cardinals are the best team to root for because they have homegrown talent is a stretch.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 14, 2013, 06:10:30 pm
i mean, contrast that with the sox? they've got homegrown talent, the core of their team is homegrown talent.  pedroia, ellsbury, lester, bucholz, middlebrooks, salty and lets throw ortiz in there since they are the first team to let him play every day. 

I agree, but as was pointed out elsewhere, their fans have forgotten all about their past and have become completely unbearable.  Since I can't have beers with Pedroia, Ellsbury, Lester, Bucholtz or Middlebrooks and can only have beers with Red Sox Nation, they're unlikeable despite the wonderful turnaround from last season, which I recognize to be incredible.

PS: Salty was a Brave, traded to Texas in the Teixeira deal, which might have been THE deal that turned the Rangers franchise around:  Salty, Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, Matt Harrison and Beau Jones (minors) to the Texas Rangers for Ron Mahay and Mark Teixeira.  The Rangers then dealt him to Boston for nothing, the Braves dealt Teixeira to Anaheim for Kasey Kotchman and some reliever, and when he signed for New York, Anaheim drafted some kid named Mike Trout with the compensation pick.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 14, 2013, 06:25:24 pm
i'm not familiar with the cardinals full roster, but i know matt holliday and carlos beltran certainly aren't homegrown talent.

i'm not suggesting that it's a reason to root for/root against a team, but to say that the cardinals are the best team to root for because they have homegrown talent is a stretch.

Jadier Molina - drafted by the Cards
Allen Craig - drafted by the Cards
Matt Carpenter - drafted by the Cards
Pete Kozma - drafted by the Cards
David Freese - traded as a minor leaguer to the Cards from SD for one washed up Jim Edmonds
Matt Holliday - traded to the Cards for Clayton Mortensen, Shane Peterson and Brett Wallace (who?)
John Jay - Drafted by the Cards
Beltran - signed as a free agent
Desclaso - drafted by the Cards
Adams - drafted by the Cards

Wainright - acquired as a minor leaguer (as part of Jason Marquis deal) for JD Drew and Eli Morrero
Lance Lynn- drafted by the Cards
Shelby Miller - drafted by the Cards
Micheal Wacha - drafted by the Cards
Joe Kelly - drafted by the Cards
Jaime Garcia - drafted by the Cards
Tyler Lyons - drafted by the Cards
Trevor Rosenthal - drafted by the Cards
Seth Maness - drafted by the Cards
Kevin Siegrist - drafted by the  Cards


This franchise deserves their success.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on October 14, 2013, 06:48:01 pm
i appreciate this list, and it's especially impressive if you rifled this off by memory, but i see nothing remarkable about that list at all. allen craig continues to fly under the radar as one of the best in the game, but besides that, what? we all should root for them because they have a bunch of above average players and are a well run organization?  i'd rather root for miguel cabrera and david ortiz, who bring fear to every single fan of the opposing team when they come to the plate.

I agree, but as was pointed out elsewhere, their fans have forgotten all about their past and have become completely unbearable.  Since I can't have beers with Pedroia, Ellsbury, Lester, Bucholtz or Middlebrooks and can only have beers with Red Sox Nation, they're unlikeable despite the wonderful turnaround from last season, which I recognize to be incredible.

the pink hat nation should not represent red sox nation.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 14, 2013, 07:35:59 pm
i appreciate this list, and it's especially impressive if you rifled this off by memory, but i see nothing remarkable about that list at all. allen craig continues to fly under the radar as one of the best in the game, but besides that, what?

You're watching a team that it is 2 wins away from making another World Series, that has $76 million committed next season to 37 players on their 40 man roster and only has 3 free agents: Beltran, Chris Carpenter (who will probably retire) and Furcal who might also retire.  They have an option on Westbrook they are unlikely to exercise with Wacha's success and Garcia coming back.

Hell, they don't even have a single ARB-3 player (last year of arbitration), only 2 ARB-2 players and 3 ARB-1's.  They have 11 players on thier roster that are pre-arb and aren't lookinng at a big payday.  They'll have about $30m to spend on next seasons roster alone if they only want to spend what they spent this year, let alone more.

Compare that with Detroit ($80m locked up on 4 players) and LA ($88m on 4 players and $164m already spent next season).  Boston's in a little better shape with money better spread out, but they still have $109m committed  with about a dozen free agents/options to exercise.

I am in awe of this franchise and look forward to watching a very competitive NL Central for yeaars to come.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on October 14, 2013, 08:32:27 pm
that's a better explanation, and i can buy into that.

a lot of similarities to the nats last year. i know this is getting off-track, but it'll be interesting to watch how StL deals with their off-season.

in the end, StL is the last team i want to see win. i'm fascinated when guys like puig, kemp (when healthy), cabrera, prince, ortiz, and pedroia are at the plate.  watching scherzer pitch last night, i had nothing but appreciation. the same goes when verlander, kershaw, grienke, and lester are on the mound. nobody on StL does it for me. your rationale is fine, but that's not what makes baseball interesting to me, and i'd extrapolate that it's not what does it for the rest of baseball fans.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on October 14, 2013, 09:29:58 pm

I've got 241 million reasons why everyone who wasn't a Dodgers fan before 2013 should hate the Dodgers.


Deadspin has them at $216.  And your guys aren't exactly paupers at $142.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on October 14, 2013, 09:35:31 pm

That's just it.  McCarver said it was a fastball but it wasn't. 

 

Washpost said it was a changeup.  McCarver is just a tad past his prime as an announcer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 15, 2013, 12:48:29 am
that is a ridiculous way of looking at it... we should dislike or like teams based on how much money they spend??? on that basis i find the Anaheim or whatever they're calling themselves this week Angels very annoying...signing both Pujols and Hamilton...come on now

I actually think its nice to see the Dodgers in the playoffs... lets not forget this is the Dodgers franchise of Brooklyn origins.. I read the Boys of Summer recently and its hard to hate a team with that connection going back...

Moreover, guys like Kershaw and Puig are very exciting players .....

The Cards- yes we keep hearing how they do things the right way.. but it gets  a bit old..

actually if i'm not mistaken there is a strong connection between the two franchises named Branch Rickey.. i think he helped make both teams great back in the day..

i'd like to see a Dodgers-Tigers series so we'll prob get the opposite
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 15, 2013, 08:25:29 am
I think both of you are right. Any team that wins all the time (as long as it's not the team you personally cheer for) becomes increasingly annoying. The annoying level is made worse if the team has an astronomical payroll. I could never find the Cardinals as obnoxious as the Yankees, but I can still find them pretty darn obnoxious.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 15, 2013, 11:42:48 am
I can assure you, the most uttered phrase by Smackie this year was "I hate this team so much...." and I was talking about my Angels.  If you weren't born in Orange County, you should join the chorus of baseball executives who find Arte Moreno the laughing stock of baseball.  What he has done to this franchise in an attempt to win a World Series in 2012 or 2013 is simply ridiculous.

He decimated the farm system in mid-season trades, decimated the pay roll by taking on bad contracts and signing flashy players to long term deals that don't fill immediate needs, and by doing so sacrificed draft picks to rebuild the farm.  He's playing PED baseball when the league has gone back to pitching.  The only saving grace is that they identified Mike Trout and were able to land him with the 25th pick in 2009.

Annoying is an understatement for Anaheim.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 15, 2013, 11:48:16 am
The devil inside of me wants to see Dodgers v Red Sox, just for my love of Theo Epstein.

The Dodgers would make it to the World Series in large part by taking on all of Theo's "bad" contracts while the Red Sox would make it to the World Series on the backs of Theo's home grown developed talent.

Baseball's a beautiful thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on October 15, 2013, 08:21:52 pm
Don't remember such pathetic offense in the post-season.  The worm has to turn. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on October 15, 2013, 08:51:54 pm
Don't remember such pathetic offense in the post-season.  The worm has to turn. 

it's not pathetic offense, it's been incredible pitching.

john lackey, pitching the game of his life today.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on October 15, 2013, 09:16:58 pm
i'm not familiar with the cardinals full roster, but i know matt holliday and carlos beltran certainly aren't homegrown talent.

i'm not suggesting that it's a reason to root for/root against a team, but to say that the cardinals are the best team to root for because they have homegrown talent is a stretch.

Jadier Molina - drafted by the Cards
Allen Craig - drafted by the Cards
Matt Carpenter - drafted by the Cards
Pete Kozma - drafted by the Cards
David Freese - traded as a minor leaguer to the Cards from SD for one washed up Jim Edmonds
Matt Holliday - traded to the Cards for Clayton Mortensen, Shane Peterson and Brett Wallace (who?)
John Jay - Drafted by the Cards
Beltran - signed as a free agent
Desclaso - drafted by the Cards
Adams - drafted by the Cards

Wainright - acquired as a minor leaguer (as part of Jason Marquis deal) for JD Drew and Eli Morrero
Lance Lynn- drafted by the Cards
Shelby Miller - drafted by the Cards
Micheal Wacha - drafted by the Cards
Joe Kelly - drafted by the Cards
Jaime Garcia - drafted by the Cards
Tyler Lyons - drafted by the Cards
Trevor Rosenthal - drafted by the Cards
Seth Maness - drafted by the Cards
Kevin Siegrist - drafted by the  Cards


This franchise deserves their success.

I think you are paying a little bit too much attention to the Cardinals. 

Once your team is eliminated in baseball you are supposed to not care about the season anymore. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on October 15, 2013, 09:46:50 pm
I was a Red Sox fan growing up, but goddamn they have to be one of the ugliest teams in the history of baseball.

Go Tigers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on October 15, 2013, 09:59:34 pm
I was a Red Sox fan growing up, but goddamn they have to be one of the ugliest teams in the history of baseball.

Go Tigers.

that is a ridiculous way of looking at it... we should dislike or like teams based on how ugly they are ?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 15, 2013, 10:08:50 pm
Tigers get back to back absolute gems from Verlander and Scherzer and manage to lose both. They are just not winning this series. Oh well.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on October 15, 2013, 10:52:47 pm
No more ridiculous than any other reason we use to support a professional team.

I mean what is the point of supporting a certain team? How many of their players are Boston natives?

My wife would probably pick the team with the nicer hats. That seems like as valid a reason as any for a preference.


I was a Red Sox fan growing up, but goddamn they have to be one of the ugliest teams in the history of baseball.

Go Tigers.

that is a ridiculous way of looking at it... we should dislike or like teams based on how ugly they are ?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 15, 2013, 11:08:24 pm
No more ridiculous than any other reason we use to support a professional team.

I mean what is the point of supporting a certain team? How many of their players are Boston natives?

My wife would probably pick the team with the nicer hats. That seems like as valid a reason as any for a preference.


I was a Red Sox fan growing up, but goddamn they have to be one of the ugliest teams in the history of baseball.

Go Tigers.

that is a ridiculous way of looking at it... we should dislike or like teams based on how ugly they are ?

I think one supports a team cause he/she identifies with the team on some level...sees something they like...or one's daddy did and took one to the park as a kid....or their favorite player is on the team.. they're fun....they're from one's home...their favorite player moved to that team.. or maybe if one's team is no longer in it one chooses a team that hasn't won in a while... or a team whose fans aren't too annoying...

I think this focus on payrolls is a red herring... the biggest spending teams in baseball don't usually win anyways... I'm always hearing about how the Yankees spend so much money.. well you know what? they don't always win.. how many World Series have they won the past 35 years or so? I think its five...and in the past 50? seven...

now someone like smackie who is seemingly a sports junkie and really invests his time into the hobby (and money ? i get the sense he bets on games and does quite well) is interested in something else.. he's almost like a guy whose dream job would be to be GM of a team.. so he likes a team that is well run because he gets off on that.. so of course he likes a well run team like the Cardinals....  I don't mean that in any negative way.. Smackie knows his shit...but the things that make him root for or against a team are things 99% of people have no clue or interest about..

most people don't root for a team because they have a good front office. and most people don't root for a team because its whats best for baseball...  and most people don't root against a team because of their beards

btw I think my favorite player in baseball is Yadier Molina....he's the man..... is he a future hall of famer?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on October 15, 2013, 11:27:46 pm
Wouldn't most sports franchises love to have seven championships in 35 years? And you're wrong, check out this list.

    New York Yankees $228,995,945
    Los Angeles Dodgers $216,302,909
    Philadelphia $159,578,214
    Boston $158,967,286
    Detroit $149,046,844

    San Francisco $142,180,333
    Los Angeles Angels $142,165,250
    Texas $127,197,575
    Chicago White Sox $124,065,277
    Toronto $118,244,039
    St. Louis $116,702,085
    Washington $112,431,770
    Cincinnati $110,565,728
    Chicago Cubs $104,150,726
    Baltimore $91,793,333
    Milwaukee $91,003,366
    Arizona $90,158,500
    Atlanta $89,288,193
    New York Mets $88,877,033
    Seattle $84,295,952
    Cleveland $82,517,300
    Kansas City $80,491,725
    Minnesota $75,562,500
    Colorado $75,449,071
    San Diego $71,689,900
    Oakland $68,577,000
    Pittsburgh $66,289,524
    Tampa Bay $57,030,272
    Miami $39,621,900
    Houston $24,328,538



I think this focus on payrolls is a red herring... the biggest spending teams in baseball don't usually win anyways... I'm always hearing about how the Yankees spend so much money.. well you know what? they don't always win.. how many World Series have they won the past 35 years or so? I think its five...and in the past 50? seven...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on October 15, 2013, 11:37:47 pm
I was a Red Sox fan growing up, but goddamn they have to be one of the ugliest teams in the history of baseball.

Go Tigers.

The Yankees are pretty ugly and so are their fans.  When they come to Camden Yards it is weird like they are like their own race of people..  All their noses look a like.  Long and close their faces.  Really weird.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 15, 2013, 11:51:37 pm
Wouldn't most sports franchises love to have seven championships in 35 years? And you're wrong, check out this list.

    New York Yankees $228,995,945
    Los Angeles Dodgers $216,302,909
    Philadelphia $159,578,214
    Boston $158,967,286
    Detroit $149,046,844

    San Francisco $142,180,333
    Los Angeles Angels $142,165,250
    Texas $127,197,575
    Chicago White Sox $124,065,277
    Toronto $118,244,039
    St. Louis $116,702,085
    Washington $112,431,770
    Cincinnati $110,565,728
    Chicago Cubs $104,150,726
    Baltimore $91,793,333
    Milwaukee $91,003,366
    Arizona $90,158,500
    Atlanta $89,288,193
    New York Mets $88,877,033
    Seattle $84,295,952
    Cleveland $82,517,300
    Kansas City $80,491,725
    Minnesota $75,562,500
    Colorado $75,449,071
    San Diego $71,689,900
    Oakland $68,577,000
    Pittsburgh $66,289,524
    Tampa Bay $57,030,272
    Miami $39,621,900
    Houston $24,328,538



I think this focus on payrolls is a red herring... the biggest spending teams in baseball don't usually win anyways... I'm always hearing about how the Yankees spend so much money.. well you know what? they don't always win.. how many World Series have they won the past 35 years or so? I think its five...and in the past 50? seven...

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 15, 2013, 11:54:59 pm
the yankees have won 7 World Series in 50 years... considering they usually spend the most that should tell you something ---> spending the most doesn't guarantee shit

but even if teams spend money so what? who gives a shit? what should they do? not try to win like the washington stingy nationals?

fucking where i'm from i want my team to win and spend money to do so.


and this year it just worked out  that way but sometimes it doesn't.. and look at Pittsburgh on that list. yeah.. look way the fuck down at the bottom....right above Tampa Bay.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on October 16, 2013, 09:23:47 am
The Yankees have won seven of the last 35 World Series, or seven in the 40 years since Steinbrenner bought the club, are the more relevant statements. And that's still a good percentage.

The Nats were the 12th biggest spenders. That hardly qualifies as "stingy".

And which championship series are Pittsburgh and Tampa playing in?

the yankees have won 7 World Series in 50 years... considering they usually spend the most that should tell you something ---> spending the most doesn't guarantee shit

but even if teams spend money so what? who gives a shit? what should they do? not try to win like the washington stingy nationals?

fucking where i'm from i want my team to win and spend money to do so.


and this year it just worked out  that way but sometimes it doesn't.. and look at Pittsburgh on that list. yeah.. look way the fuck down at the bottom....right above Tampa Bay.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on October 16, 2013, 09:41:57 am
No more ridiculous than any other reason we use to support a professional team.

I mean what is the point of supporting a certain team? How many of their players are Boston natives?

My wife would probably pick the team with the nicer hats. That seems like as valid a reason as any for a preference.


I was a Red Sox fan growing up, but goddamn they have to be one of the ugliest teams in the history of baseball.

Go Tigers.

that is a ridiculous way of looking at it... we should dislike or like teams based on how ugly they are ?

I was actually trying to make a funny.  Stole the line from a previous post by Hutch about payroll.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 16, 2013, 12:03:30 pm
The Yankees have won seven of the last 35 World Series, or seven in the 40 years since Steinbrenner bought the club, are the more relevant statements. And that's still a good percentage.

The Nats were the 12th biggest spenders. That hardly qualifies as "stingy".

And which championship series are Pittsburgh and Tampa playing in?

the yankees have won 7 World Series in 50 years... considering they usually spend the most that should tell you something ---> spending the most doesn't guarantee shit

but even if teams spend money so what? who gives a shit? what should they do? not try to win like the washington stingy nationals?

fucking where i'm from i want my team to win and spend money to do so.


and this year it just worked out  that way but sometimes it doesn't.. and look at Pittsburgh on that list. yeah.. look way the fuck down at the bottom....right above Tampa Bay.

sometimes lower spending teams win the World Series and sometimes they don't... but both Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh were very competitive this year and among the best... with a fraction of the payroll of the four teams that are still in it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on October 16, 2013, 12:18:38 pm
And which championship series are Pittsburgh and Tampa playing in?

the yankees have won 7 World Series in 50 years... considering they usually spend the most that should tell you something ---> spending the most doesn't guarantee shit

but even if teams spend money so what? who gives a shit? what should they do? not try to win like the washington stingy nationals?

fucking where i'm from i want my team to win and spend money to do so.


and this year it just worked out  that way but sometimes it doesn't.. and look at Pittsburgh on that list. yeah.. look way the fuck down at the bottom....right above Tampa Bay.

BOOM
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2013, 12:31:05 pm
john lackey, pitching the game of his life today.

No.

That was game 7 of the 2002 World Series as a rookie.  Last night was good though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2013, 12:32:57 pm
Once your team is eliminated in baseball you are supposed to not care about the season anymore. 

I never stop caring about baseball.  I just stopped watching that god for saken squad every night for the sake of temperament.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 16, 2013, 12:41:22 pm
And which championship series are Pittsburgh and Tampa playing in?

the yankees have won 7 World Series in 50 years... considering they usually spend the most that should tell you something ---> spending the most doesn't guarantee shit

but even if teams spend money so what? who gives a shit? what should they do? not try to win like the washington stingy nationals?

fucking where i'm from i want my team to win and spend money to do so.


and this year it just worked out  that way but sometimes it doesn't.. and look at Pittsburgh on that list. yeah.. look way the fuck down at the bottom....right above Tampa Bay.

BOOM

I do not accept your BOOM.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2013, 12:48:50 pm
(and money ? i get the sense he bets on games and does quite well)

Not anymore, but yes, I used to be quite heavily.

he's almost like a guy whose dream job would be to be GM of a team..

Yes.  I submit an application for the Angels GM job every time it's open and I'm not kidding.  I once talked to Arte Moreno about it over a few great innings at a spring training game in AZ and now I at least get a rejection notice.

so of course he likes a well run team like the Cardinals.... 

Appreciate would be a better word than like.  I feel the need to root for a team in the playoffs and adjust each round.  I was actually rooting for the Pirates against the Cardinals as I was a Pirates fan growing up.  Now in the last four I've adopted the Cards, but I've always appreciated the Cardinals franchise in the last 10 years for what they've done and had some of the most fascinating conversations at Busch stadium when I visited.  Extremely knowledgeable fans.


btw I think my favorite player in baseball is Yadier Molina....he's the man..... is he a future hall of famer?

There's almost no doubt in my mind he will be a HoFer.  When the Halo's had Bengie and Jose Molina, the announcers would always talk about the catching Molina family and how Bengie and Jose insist that Yadier is the best of the group.  Anaheim ignored them and St. Louis nabbed him in the 4th round.   Anaheim has had 6 catchers in the 9 years Yadier has led the Cards.

His mentor in the minors and the bigs, BTW?  Mike Matheny.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on October 16, 2013, 12:56:20 pm
john lackey, pitching the game of his life today.
No.

That was game 7 of the 2002 World Series as a rookie.  Last night was good though.

i'd be lying if i said i remember that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2013, 01:03:23 pm
the yankees have won 7 World Series in 50 years... considering they usually spend the most that should tell you something ---> spending the most doesn't guarantee shit

# of teams who have won the last 35 World Series:

Sure the high spending Yankees have "only" won 7 WS titles in the last 35 years, but no one else is even close to that:

3 - Cardinals
2 - Dodgers, Marlins (WTF?), Phillies, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Giants, Twins
1 - White Sox, D-Backs, Pirates, Angels, Reds, A's, Mets, Royals, Tigers, Orioles, Braves

It's no guarantee, but it sure helps.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 16, 2013, 01:04:39 pm
15 Reasons You Should Be Rooting For The St. Louis Cardinals
http://www.buzzfeed.com/h2/fbsp/mlb/15-reasons-you-should-be-rooting-for-the-st-louis-cardinals
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2013, 01:08:23 pm
i'd be lying if i said i remember that.

Nor should you.  Game six is the one you should remember...

I've watched Game 6 every October 26 since 2002.  I don't always watch Game 7 on the 27th. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 16, 2013, 01:09:07 pm
the yankees have won 7 World Series in 50 years... considering they usually spend the most that should tell you something ---> spending the most doesn't guarantee shit

# of teams who have won the last 35 World Series:

Sure the high spending Yankees have "only" won 7 WS titles in the last 35 years, but no one else is even close to that:

3 - Cardinals
2 - Dodgers, Marlins (WTF?), Phillies, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Giants, Twins
1 - White Sox, D-Backs, Pirates, Angels, Reds, A's, Mets, Royals, Tigers, Orioles, Braves

It's no guarantee, but it sure helps.


i would agree with that

to have a really good analysis i'd like to know how many of the past say 35 World Series winners happened to be the highest spending team and say within the four highest spending .. i don't have those numbers..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2013, 01:15:08 pm
to have a really good analysis i'd like to know how many of the past say 35 World Series winners happened to be the highest spending team and say within the four highest spending .. i don't have those numbers..

I've done that analysis before.  It might even be on this board some where....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2013, 01:29:44 pm
· 2012 - San Francisco Giants - 6th highest payroll
· 2011 - St. Louis Cardinals - 11th highest payroll
· 2010 - San Francisco Giants - 9th highest payroll
· 2009 - New York Yankees - 1st in payroll
· 2008 - Philadelphia Phillies - 12th highest payroll
· 2007 - Boston Red Sox - 2nd highest payroll
· 2006 - St. Louis Cardinals - 11th highest payroll
· 2005 - Chicago White Sox - 13th highest payroll
· 2004 - Boston Red Sox - 2nd highest payroll
· 2003 - Miami (formerly Florida) Marlins - 25th highest payroll
· 2002 - LA Angels - 15th highest payroll

That's the farthest I can go back right now.

But also consider this (http://www.fieldofignorance.com/2011/11/payroll-vs-success/):

In the last 16 years: World Series Finalists in terms of payroll:
-        Top 10 in payroll: 20/32 =  62.5%
-        Middle 10: 8/32 = 25%
-        Bottom 10: 4/32 = 12.5%
In the last 16 years:  World Series Winners in terms of payroll:
-        Top 10: 11/16 = 68.75%
-        Middle 10: 4/16 = 25%
-        Bottom 10: 1/16 = 6.25%

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2013, 02:25:42 pm
From a colleague on Facebook:

FOR SALE: a pair of floor tickets for this Friday's Nine Inch Nails show (with Godspeed You! Black Emperor) at Verizon Center. Selling for less than what I paid for them! Email or message me if interested. we now return you to the endless stream of cute baby pix...

Smackie is trying to be better about his public responses, so I'll post it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHsip5xOenQ
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2013, 05:31:57 pm
This is not a 140 character history of Twitter.  But every time I tried to stop reading it, I got sucked back in...

All Is Fair in Love and Twitter (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/magazine/all-is-fair-in-love-and-twitter.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&ref=magazine)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 16, 2013, 05:48:10 pm
From a colleague on Facebook:

FOR SALE: a pair of floor tickets for this Friday's Nine Inch Nails show (with Godspeed You! Black Emperor) at Verizon Center. Selling for less than what I paid for them! Email or message me if interested. we now return you to the endless stream of cute baby pix...

Smackie is trying to be better about his public responses, so I'll post it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHsip5xOenQ

LOL.

going to visit the great-grandma this weekend.  i bought the tickets in hopes that the trip wouldn't happen due to health concerns... lost that bet.

tickets are sold, but thanks for thinking of me.  i think. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on October 16, 2013, 08:07:33 pm
And each rejection letter starts the same...

"Dear Darrell, we're sorry to inform you..."




he's almost like a guy whose dream job would be to be GM of a team..

Yes.  I submit an application for the Angels GM job every time it's open and I'm not kidding.  I once talked to Arte Moreno about it over a few great innings at a spring training game in AZ and now I at least get a rejection notice.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2013, 08:19:57 pm
And each rejection letter starts the same...

"Dear Darrell, we're sorry to inform you..."


I wish.  It's an email that starts "Dear Applicant...."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 16, 2013, 09:45:14 pm
This ALCS is starting to get frustrating. I feel like Detroit has out-played Boston in 3 of the 4 games (1, 2, and 4) and had a virtual draw in the other one and yet its going to be tied up after tonite, with Boston having home field and me having an overwhelming feeling Detroit is going to lose it. Mehhhh.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 17, 2013, 12:45:18 am
Detroit has won 2 of the 4 games in this series and neither of them were pitched by Scherzer or Verlander. Arguably, that could be argued wither way from the Detroit perspective. My natural pessimism tells me we're boned, though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 17, 2013, 10:34:54 am
Arguably, that could be argued wither way from the Detroit perspective.

tell me, what finishing school did you attend?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 17, 2013, 10:40:43 am
Arguably, that could be argued wither way from the Detroit perspective.

tell me, what finishing school did you attend?
Everyone knows I'm three g+t's deep at 12:45am after a Tigers playoff game.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 18, 2013, 08:18:33 am
he's almost like a guy whose dream job would be to be GM of a team..
I always thought Smackie's dream job would be editor-in-chief of BroBible.com.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2013, 03:02:35 pm
I always thought Smackie's dream job would be editor-in-chief of BroBible.com.

No way,  in that vein, Lexington Correspondent.

Smackie's Dream jobs given current abilities:

(1) GM of an MLB Baseball Team
(2) Lexington Correspondent for The Economist.
(3) Some role in whatever Google replaced Google Labs with
(4) A Jedi Knight in the next Star Wars movie.

If my current abilities were not taken into account:

(1) Professional left handed middle reliever
(2) Professional golfer with Tour Exemption
(3) The #7 for Manchester United
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 18, 2013, 03:30:50 pm
With all due respect, fair Smackie, nothing screams BroBible target audience more than a guy who thinks he's qualified to run a major-league sports team.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2013, 03:40:09 pm
With all due respect, fair Smackie, nothing screams BroBible target audience more than a guy who thinks he's qualified to run a major-league sports team.

Duly noted.  I'll keep that as a fall back position.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 19, 2013, 02:07:06 am

thoughts on puig?

He lacks an understanding of the game and makes simple mistakes, both on the base paths and in the field.

That's all.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 20, 2013, 10:27:42 am
well unfortunately i had a feeing it would come to this..cards-bosox

the dodgers and tigers just didn't play good baseball..didn't deserve a better fate.... prince fielder is embarassing really...i tend to really like leyland, or at least i thought i did, but he was too quick to pull sherzer (sic)...


arguably a matchup between the two best teams during the regular season... the two teams that have accounted for 4 world series winners out of the past 9...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on October 20, 2013, 11:19:46 am
Things have been falling into place for the Sox all year.  It's uncanny.  I hope it ends soon.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 20, 2013, 06:43:44 pm
I agree the Tigers didn't deserve better. Two bullpen grand slams while leading in one series. Unreal. Offense was pretty terrible too. Feel bad for Scherzer, Verlander, Fister and Sanchez. They deserved much better than this.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on October 21, 2013, 12:00:25 am
I agree the Tigers didn't deserve better. Two bullpen grand slams while leading in one series. Unreal. Offense was pretty terrible too. Feel bad for Scherzer, Verlander, Fister and Sanchez. They deserved much better than this.

Why would you feel bad for them? They are getting millions of dollars and don't have to work for the next  6 months. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 21, 2013, 11:57:51 am
i tend to really like leyland, or at least i thought i did, but he was too quick to pull sherzer (sic)...

If Scherzer gets the third strike call (which I think he should have, it was the perfect pitch) then he stays in, but at 109 pitches and after the walk, Leyland made the right call going for the lefty-lefty matchup.  It wasn't Leyland's fault his rookie shortstop booted the double play ball.  Absent the error, which you can't predict, it was the perfect move and did exactly what it was supposed to from a pitching stand point.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 21, 2013, 12:00:27 pm
i tend to really like leyland, or at least i thought i did, but he was too quick to pull sherzer (sic)...

If Scherzer gets the third strike call (which I think he should have, it was the perfect pitch) then he stays in, but at 109 pitches and after the walk, Leyland made the right call going for the lefty-lefty matchup.  It wasn't Leyland's fault his rookie shortstop booted the double play ball.  Absent the error, which you can't predict, it was the perfect move and did exactly what it was supposed to from a pitching stand point.

ok i can see that

i like leyland a lot... i guess he's available to the Nats? ofcourse the nats will never do that.. who are your top choices for Nats manager
I think I like leyland, dusty baker, and cal ripken.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: gaaaaaaaaah on October 21, 2013, 12:15:44 pm
seriously? dusty baker is the absolute last guy id want rizzo to go with

leyland stepping down certainly makes for an interesting new layer of manager drama

apparently dombrowski's known for a while so im sure hes already begun the process, but i wonder if theres any overlap with rizzo's targets

and i totally agreed with taking scherzer out when leyland did. he looked done and i had a bad feeling watching him that he was gonna give up a big hit any pitch. of course it backfired terribly, but thats the way it goes sometimes

edit: just to add a bit more on the nats direction, i think they should go with a smaller name guy. no dusty baker, no jim leyland, no joe girardi (obviously), no established name that would add even more pressure on this team to win big. idk if im sold on randy knorr but i like that direction a lot more than any of the big name guys
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 21, 2013, 12:19:11 pm
i like leyland a lot... i guess he's available to the Nats? ofcourse the nats will never do that.. who are your top choices for Nats manager
I think I like leyland, dusty baker, and cal ripken.

I don't think Skip has the energy any longer, so I don't think he'd take the Nat's job. 

I've always been partial to catchers, so I think the Nat's should hire Brad Ausmus.  He's studied under Bud Black, whom I also admire, and I think he's ready.

I think the Tigers have known about Skip's departure and will go with Gene Lamont.  Or they may give it to Larry Parrish, but as a former catcher, I like Lamont.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 21, 2013, 12:20:34 pm
i like leyland a lot... i guess he's available to the Nats? ofcourse the nats will never do that.. who are your top choices for Nats manager
I think I like leyland, dusty baker, and cal ripken.

I don't think Skip has the energy any longer, so I don't think he'd take the Nat's job. 

I've always been partial to catchers, so I think the Nat's should hire Brad Ausmus.  He's studied under Bud Black, whom I also admire, and I think he's ready.

I think the Tigers have known about Skip's departure and will go with Gene Lamont.  Or they may give it to Larry Parrish, but as a former catcher, I like Lamont.

I agree that Leyland looked completely worn out.. he looks much older than 68....he honestly did not seem to be having a good time.. he looked not just worn out but almost scared...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: gaaaaaaaaah on October 21, 2013, 12:20:58 pm
leyland said hes staying with the tigers in a new role, btw

and dombrowski's known about his stepping down since early september

this is according to his press conference
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on October 21, 2013, 12:26:42 pm
Anybody who is a chain smoker at 68 is not going to be having a good time in life.


i like leyland a lot... i guess he's available to the Nats? ofcourse the nats will never do that.. who are your top choices for Nats manager
I think I like leyland, dusty baker, and cal ripken.

I don't think Skip has the energy any longer, so I don't think he'd take the Nat's job. 

I've always been partial to catchers, so I think the Nat's should hire Brad Ausmus.  He's studied under Bud Black, whom I also admire, and I think he's ready.

I think the Tigers have known about Skip's departure and will go with Gene Lamont.  Or they may give it to Larry Parrish, but as a former catcher, I like Lamont.

I agree that Leyland looked completely worn out.. he looks much older than 68....he honestly did not seem to be having a good time.. he looked not just worn out but almost scared...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 21, 2013, 12:28:01 pm
leyland said hes staying with the tigers in a new role, btw

and dombrowski's known about his stepping down since early september

this is according to his press conference

Stupid west coast.  I haven't had a chance to hear that yet, but I'm not surprised.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 21, 2013, 12:31:28 pm
I'm sure for the right money the Nats could hire him but they won't do that.. they will prefer to go in house and go cheap...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 21, 2013, 01:03:51 pm
Anyone but Dusty Baker is fine by me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 21, 2013, 04:15:01 pm
No surprise here - this is what Magic menat when he said that Cano would not be a Dodger.

Dodgers sign Cuban Infielder Guerrero to 4 year $28m deal.

Doesn't bother me as long as Anaheim signs Tanaka.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 21, 2013, 05:06:45 pm
whats up with all the cubans lately.. is cuba loosening its grip or are they all defecting?


i'm surprised by how powerful some of these recent cubans are...

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 21, 2013, 05:38:46 pm
whats up with all the cubans lately.. is cuba loosening its grip or are they all defecting?

Yes and yes.  Cuba is starting to transform, but the players still have to defect to play in America because American businesses cannot hire Cuban citizens.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/gametheory/2013/10/sports-cuba

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 24, 2013, 02:26:10 pm
Heads up smackie, Ash is headed your way
http://www.ash-official.com/tourdates/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 24, 2013, 02:59:33 pm
Heads up smackie, Ash is headed your way
http://www.ash-official.com/tourdates/

You da man.

Rickshaw's tiny....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 25, 2013, 01:03:20 pm
Tickets purchased.  Thanks again! 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 25, 2013, 06:56:11 pm
Is Google building a hulking floating data center in SF Bay? (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57608585-93/is-google-building-a-hulking-floating-data-center-in-sf-bay/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 25, 2013, 08:17:41 pm
Tickets purchased.  Thanks again! 

They were pretty great last year in DC, enjoy..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on October 28, 2013, 01:29:27 pm
Are we still posting World Series comments and questions here? If so:

1. A question about the bug-eyed Red Sox starter from last night who looks like a meth using Appalachian hillbilly: Is that Vaseline he has in his hair, and does he use it on the ball?

2. Anybody else have a wife who has the hots for the Red Sox manager? Even the straightest guy here would have to admit he's better looking than any of his players.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 01, 2013, 04:08:52 pm
Keeping a close eye on this Free Agent Tracker (http://espn.go.com/mlb/freeagents), but really this is the only subset (http://espn.go.com/mlb/freeagents/_/position/sp) that matters to Anaheim right now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on November 01, 2013, 04:51:35 pm
Are we still posting World Series comments and questions here? If so:

1. A question about the bug-eyed Red Sox starter from last night who looks like a meth using Appalachian hillbilly: Is that Vaseline he has in his hair, and does he use it on the ball?

2. Anybody else have a wife who has the hots for the Red Sox manager? Even the straightest guy here would have to admit he's better looking than any of his players.

2.  Uh no.  He is an old dude.  Only baseball related player my wife ever mentioned was Chris Davis and she said he only looks good when his hat is on.  Your wife probably likes  him because he is tall.  Women love tall dudes.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on November 01, 2013, 04:53:05 pm
Are we still posting World Series comments and questions here? If so:

1. A question about the bug-eyed Red Sox starter from last night who looks like a meth using Appalachian hillbilly: Is that Vaseline he has in his hair, and does he use it on the ball?

2. Anybody else have a wife who has the hots for the Red Sox manager? Even the straightest guy here would have to admit he's better looking than any of his players.

(http://goldandorsmith.com/GIFs/JohnFarrellSigh.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 03, 2013, 07:46:37 pm
I've always been partial to catchers, so I think the Nat's should hire Brad Ausmus.  He's studied under Bud Black, whom I also admire, and I think he's ready.

I think the Tigers have known about Skip's departure and will go with Gene Lamont.  Or they may give it to Larry Parrish, but as a former catcher, I like Lamont.

Pretty surprised that the Tigers went with Ausmus.  He'll have a fairly short rope.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on November 03, 2013, 09:21:21 pm
She says he looks like he should be on Mad Men.

He's only 51. That's about the same as you.

Are we still posting World Series comments and questions here? If so:

1. A question about the bug-eyed Red Sox starter from last night who looks like a meth using Appalachian hillbilly: Is that Vaseline he has in his hair, and does he use it on the ball?

2. Anybody else have a wife who has the hots for the Red Sox manager? Even the straightest guy here would have to admit he's better looking than any of his players.

2.  Uh no.  He is an old dude.  Only baseball related player my wife ever mentioned was Chris Davis and she said he only looks good when his hat is on.  Your wife probably likes  him because he is tall.  Women love tall dudes.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on November 04, 2013, 11:30:40 am
She says he looks like he should be on Mad Men.

He's only 51. That's about the same as you.

Are we still posting World Series comments and questions here? If so:

1. A question about the bug-eyed Red Sox starter from last night who looks like a meth using Appalachian hillbilly: Is that Vaseline he has in his hair, and does he use it on the ball?

2. Anybody else have a wife who has the hots for the Red Sox manager? Even the straightest guy here would have to admit he's better looking than any of his players.

2.  Uh no.  He is an old dude.  Only baseball related player my wife ever mentioned was Chris Davis and she said he only looks good when his hat is on.  Your wife probably likes  him because he is tall.  Women love tall dudes.

He is 16 years older than my wife.  And he certainly doesn't look younger than his age.  Are you surprised she wouldn't be attracted to him? 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on November 04, 2013, 12:38:19 pm
I thought he was older
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 08, 2013, 11:18:52 am
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/11/barge38273.jpg)

Google's Floating Barge (http://www.engadget.com/2013/11/07/heres-what-googles-mystery-barge-looks-like/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on November 08, 2013, 06:35:34 pm
good call on the anvil listerine.  omg.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 08, 2013, 06:38:52 pm
good call on the anvil listerine.  omg.

Bad Girl and Hello Kitty are my favorites.  For now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 15, 2013, 06:43:05 pm
For the iPhone folks:

Google Play Music comes to iPhone (http://www.engadget.com/2013/11/15/google-play-music-ios-app/) One month free too.

I've used it since it's inception and absolutley love the mix of uploading stuff they don't have and simply adding what they have.  It's been ideal, especially with the Chromecast.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on November 19, 2013, 12:03:40 pm
So do you have the nexus 5?  I can get a new phone on tmobile, thinking of 5.  Saw one for the first time yesterday and in the hand at least it's pretty underwhelming compared to the 4 imo.  Great screen though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2013, 12:10:59 pm
So do you have the nexus 5?  I can get a new phone on tmobile, thinking of 5.  Saw one for the first time yesterday and in the hand at least it's pretty underwhelming compared to the 4 imo.  Great screen though.

I did not,  which is pretty shocking to most people who know me.

Once I put LTE and the Google Experience Launcher on my N4 with Kitkat,  I'm so in love with this phone,  that I opted to pass on the N5.

Kitkat has improved my battery life incredibly,  and while the new camera has all the right specs,  the software needs improvement,  so until that's done,  I'm going to stick with my N4.

I'm actually looking to try a Moto X for a little while,  which might break my Nexus cycle.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on November 19, 2013, 12:26:27 pm
interesting!  Just installed Google Experience...I love nova launcher so I'll have to see if this trumps it.  I don't mess with all that rooting stuff, I'll wait for kit kat, but lte would be nice.

off the bat Experience doesn't seem as customize-able as I'm used to, unless I'm missing something.  After all it's only been about 5 min.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on November 19, 2013, 12:32:57 pm
For the iPhone folks:

Google Play Music comes to iPhone (http://www.engadget.com/2013/11/15/google-play-music-ios-app/) One month free too.

I've used it since it's inception and absolutley love the mix of uploading stuff they don't have and simply adding what they have.  It's been ideal, especially with the Chromecast.

Google Play is free so I don't understand why you would need to get a month free of it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2013, 01:38:42 pm
interesting!  Just installed Google Experience...I love nova launcher so I'll have to see if this trumps it.  I don't mess with all that rooting stuff, I'll wait for kit kat, but lte would be nice.

off the bat Experience doesn't seem as customize-able as I'm used to, unless I'm missing something.  After all it's only been about 5 min.

Make certain you do GEL with the new version of Google Search for the best experience, but no, it is not as customizable as Nova Launcher.  I'm in the fortunate position of having Google for work and personal email so the easiest use of Google Now is preferred for me.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 19, 2013, 01:45:25 pm
Google Play is free so I don't understand why you would need to get a month free of it.

Google Play Music is free yes.  Anyone can upload 20K songs to their cloud for streaming.

Google Play Music All Access is not free.  For $9.99 a month you are given access to (nearly) all of Google Music's Catalog, and you can combine that with your 20k uploads to supplement what's not in their catalog.   I've had it since June for $7.99 and have had to purchase one album in that time out side of GPMAA - every other album I've wanted I've been able to add to my collection on release day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2013, 03:08:02 pm
Smackie thought he would get bored of the yoga pant as daily wear craze.

Turns out he has not.  He still REALLY enjoys this trend.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on November 20, 2013, 04:00:04 pm
Smackie thought he would get bored of the yoga pant as daily wear craze.

Turns out he has not.  He still REALLY enjoys this trend.

Backed.  I enjoy them as well.

My wife in her yoga pants is basically what gets me to the gym every morning at 6:30.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on November 20, 2013, 05:16:14 pm
How many different pair do you own?

Smackie thought he would get bored of the yoga pant as daily wear craze.

Turns out he has not.  He still REALLY enjoys this trend.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2013, 05:31:53 pm
How many different pair do you own?

I have two pairs of Lululemon.  The Studio Training and the Post Gravity.  Both are perfect for lounging and walking the dog.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on November 20, 2013, 06:19:21 pm
speaking of yoga pants

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/plain-white-t-shirt-7-or-70-how-wealth-gap-2D11603679

youre such a one percenter
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2013, 06:40:35 pm
youre such a one percenter

Well played, but I acquired mine at the Lululemon Outlet Store in Gilroy, which is absolutely the middle the author says doesn't exist.  Top quality at $30-$40 per pair.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on November 20, 2013, 06:48:36 pm
awww . . . you cheated diversity
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2013, 09:37:06 pm
And here I thought Fielder's contract was untradeable.

Sherzer gets his extension.  Trumbo for Porcello  next?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: gaaaaaaaaah on November 20, 2013, 10:03:47 pm
definitely takes scherzer off the market, if he was ever actually on it. i was kinda hoping rizzo could somehow pull it off without giving up rendon

huge trade
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on November 20, 2013, 10:18:00 pm
I like it from the Tigers vantage..

I just don't like Fielder one bit..... his running, fielding, hitting when it matters.... his attitude on the field: he really emits this "I could give a shit if we win or lose vibe"..

but I guess the Tigers will be absorbing some of Fielder's contract?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2013, 11:15:53 pm
I like it from the Tigers vantage.

but I guess the Tigers will be absorbing some of Fielder's contract?

Yes,  GREAT deal for Detroit, and no, they aren't paying the Rangers anything.  According to ESPN, it's the opposite  - Texas is sending Det $30m.   I don't get it at all from Texas' perspective.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2013, 12:41:50 pm
Yes,  GREAT deal for Detroit, and no, they aren't paying the Rangers anything.  According to ESPN, it's the opposite  - Texas is sending Det $30m.   I don't get it at all from Texas' perspective.

They finally updated the article and it makes more sense.  Detroit is in fact sending the $30m, not Texas.  They had it the opposite last night.  Still a good deal for Detroit if they can sign Scherzer to a long term deal and that 22-year old kid can play third as soon as next season.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 21, 2013, 12:42:41 pm
According to ESPN, it's the opposite  - Texas is sending Det $30m.   I don't get it at all from Texas' perspective.
What? No. Detroit is paying Texas $30mil between 2016-2020.

Castellanos to third base (or, pipe dream: resign Peralta to play third and Castellanos is somehow ready to play left field).

This is insane they actually found someone to take him.

Now we just need a closer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2013, 12:51:40 pm
What? No. Detroit is paying Texas $30mil between 2016-2020.

I updated it below.  I checked and double checked the article last night and it DEFINITELY said that Texas was sending cash.  I couldn't believe it myself.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 21, 2013, 12:52:55 pm
What? No. Detroit is paying Texas $30mil between 2016-2020.

I updated it below.  I checked and double checked the article last night and it DEFINITELY said that Texas was sending cash.  I couldn't believe it myself.
Yeah, we posted within seconds of each other there.

This pretty much assures that Scherzer and Miggy are resigned long-term barring catastrophic injury to Miggy this year.

Joe Nathan in play?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2013, 12:56:44 pm
This is insane they actually found someone to take him.

This is really the crux of it.  About 10 pages back I was reminding Arte Moreno that the Fielder deal is untradeable - happy I didn't tell Texas that.  He'll do a little better in that ball park, but not $24m a year better.

An amazingly good deal for Detroit.  Kinlser is no longer as productive on the offensive side to warrant his contract, but he's an upgrade defensively and with that pitching staff, that's a huge plus.  Detroit can probably trade him two years from now with a little cash and not eat all of the last two years. 

Texas on the other hand, will have to send a lot of money with Prince when they move him on, a a la the Angels paying Vernon Wells to play all season in New York.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2013, 01:00:30 pm
Joe Nathan in play?

Before, the hot rumor was Castellanos for Craig Kimbrel.  With that off the table and a new 2B for 4 years, maybe the Tigers deal Hernan Perez for Kimbrel?

If not, yes, Nathan would be a better choice than Brian Wilson if they go the free agent market.  I just think there are a lot of closers to be had for prospects.     
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 21, 2013, 01:05:37 pm
I'd ask why the fuck would anyone give Detroit Kimbrel, but then again someone just took Fielder so everything I know is wrong.

I think another facet of this from Detroit is that if you're going to have a gold-glove caliber SS in Iglesias, you don't waste that with a subpar second baseman in the middle.

I'm really happy this went down.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2013, 02:05:24 pm
I'd ask why the fuck would anyone give Detroit Kimbrel, but then again someone just took Fielder so everything I know is wrong.

Maximizing return before it's too late (the shelf life for most closers isn't that long).

He's going to make $7m+ this season, which is more than any starting pitcher they've got, and 4th highest salary on the ball club.  With another good season they're looking at more than the O's problem with Johnson, probably around $12m for 2015.  That's not sustainable for a mid-market team.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2013, 06:07:43 pm
New Zappo's product. (http://www.zappos.com/zappos-com-gear-sh-t-product)

[Backstory] (http://www.eonline.com/news/482850/kanye-west-slams-zappos-ceo-he-sells-all-this-shit-product-to-everybody)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on November 21, 2013, 06:12:47 pm
is that, what the world, has come to.  stern was correct, all these years.

edit . . . then i read the back story, and it made more sense.  is that, what my posts, have come to.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 22, 2013, 12:52:45 am
As much as I wanted Jason Vargas back, 4 years is way too long for a junkballer.  Kansas City he's all yours...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 22, 2013, 03:59:50 pm
I really only hope that Fernando Salas is good.....

David Freese traded to Angels
Updated: November 22, 2013, 2:52 PM ET
By Jerry Crasnick | ESPN.com

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded third baseman and former World Series MVP David Freese to the Los Angeles Angels for outfielder Peter Bourjos as part of a four-player trade, the teams confirmed Friday.

In addition to Freese, the Angels also will receive reliever Fernando Salas. The Cardinals, meanwhile, also will receive outfield prospect Randal Grichuk.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 24, 2013, 10:34:13 pm
I really like the Joe Smith deal - I had forgotten all about him, really.  Strange though as now Anaheim has $8m left and needs two starters.  They must really believe they can trade either Kendrick or Aybar, but I think that will be tougher than they think.  Or Arte doesn't care about going over the luxury tax threshold.

I was shocked the Cards gave Peralta a 4 year deal at 31 and a 'roider.  Great at the plate for the next two seasons, but he's not all that great defensively and after 2015 will be an albatross.  They seem smarter than that as a franchise.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 26, 2013, 12:08:56 pm
Beastie Boys sue Toymaker over use of "Girls" (http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/25/beastie-boys-accuse-toy-maker-copyright-girls?CMP=ema_565)

Legally speaking, it's an interesting one.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on November 26, 2013, 12:27:50 pm
I really only hope that Fernando Salas is good.....

David Freese traded to Angels
Updated: November 22, 2013, 2:52 PM ET
By Jerry Crasnick | ESPN.com

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded third baseman and former World Series MVP David Freese to the Los Angeles Angels for outfielder Peter Bourjos as part of a four-player trade, the teams confirmed Friday.

In addition to Freese, the Angels also will receive reliever Fernando Salas. The Cardinals, meanwhile, also will receive outfield prospect Randal Grichuk.

you should be honored to have a member of the great st. louis cardinals join your squad!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 26, 2013, 12:36:42 pm
you should be honored to have a member of the great st. louis cardinals join your squad!

I am, I just wish it were two starting pitchers that they drafted out of high school.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on November 26, 2013, 12:46:37 pm
you should be honored to have a member of the great st. louis cardinals join your squad!

I am, I just wish it were two starting pitchers that they drafted out of high school.

i'm sure you'll grow to love your weak-hitting, injury prone third basemen just as much.

speaking of corner positions... is albert assuming the DH role pretty much full-time this season? what's the long-term trumbo/pujols plan?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 26, 2013, 12:54:29 pm
i'm sure you'll grow to love your weak-hitting, injury prone third basemen just as much.

Anaheim hasn't had a power hitting third baseman since Troy Glaus.  High hopes for the untradeable Dallas McPherson and Brandon Wood proved to be incorrect.  We've grown accustom to table setting 3B's....ugh. 

speaking of corner positions... is albert assuming the DH role pretty much full-time this season? what's the long-term trumbo/pujols plan?

Supposedly Pujols going to be 100% by Spring Training and Trumbo is going to be dealt for starting pitching.  Despite what the papers have been saying about Bourjos, Trumbo is our most tradeable asset.  I hate to see him go, but we need starting pitching in the worst way, and only have $8m dollars left to do it, so we have to deal.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 26, 2013, 04:58:38 pm
Beastie Boys sue Toymaker over use of "Girls" (http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/25/beastie-boys-accuse-toy-maker-copyright-girls?CMP=ema_565)

Legally speaking, it's an interesting one.

my very limited knowledge of copyright law leads me to believe that fair use will not cover this.  the intent is clearly a commercial pursuit of something other than the parody itself.

i think the more interesting issue is moral (and, by extension, public perception).  how do you think suing an icon of girl-empowerment is going to play out?  "the beastie boys don't want girls to become engineers!!!"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on November 26, 2013, 07:43:07 pm
Couldn't have the toy maker just asked for permission to use it first?  I don't think the Beastie's are that heartless are they, that they wouldn't have granted the use of it.  The whole toy maker suing them first, is like a page out of the Robin Thicke playbook.  Seems to me the toy maker bit off more then they could chew...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on November 26, 2013, 10:25:09 pm
The Beastie Boys simply don't want their music (whether their own recordings or someone's cover) used in commercials. Copyright law allows anybody to cover the songs of others; if they issue a recording of their cover then they pay a fixed royalty (~6 cents per copy) to the copyright holder of the composition. But copyright law does not allow one to use their cover in other contexts (commercials, films, etc.) without the permission of the composition copyright holder. That's where sync licenses happen and P4K babies get six figures for selling their souls to Target and McDs.

That toymaker has some shitty lawyers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 27, 2013, 12:10:43 pm
Couldn't have the toy maker just asked for permission to use it first? 

yes, and they would have been told no.

my conspiracy theory: they toymakers knew they would be told no, so they took a calculated risk: don't ask, use the song anyways, hope the BBoys don't get all lawyery (because who would sue adorable little girls fighting gender stereotypes?), and pull the "parody" card if they do have to go to court.  BBoys called their bluff.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 27, 2013, 09:18:30 pm
Would any of you have ever heard of the product if it weren't for the Controversy?

That's probably why even the video had Beastie Boys in the title.   They knew what they were doing... And welcome this too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on November 27, 2013, 10:04:16 pm
the beastie boys can put out a record where they steal everything . . . and they want to complain about this.  and they totally forgot about tibet, too.  and nobody cares about the beastie boys any more.  good lord, what is this, the eighteen hundreds?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on November 28, 2013, 01:43:20 am
Beastie Boys sue Toymaker over use of "Girls" (http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/25/beastie-boys-accuse-toy-maker-copyright-girls?CMP=ema_565)

Legally speaking, it's an interesting one.

my very limited knowledge of copyright law leads me to believe that fair use will not cover this.  the intent is clearly a commercial pursuit of something other than the parody itself.

i think the more interesting issue is moral (and, by extension, public perception).  how do you think suing an icon of girl-empowerment is going to play out?  "the beastie boys don't want girls to become engineers!!!"

If you listen to the  lyrics of the original song it is pretty clear that the Beastie Boys are Misogynists who would never want women to be anything more than barefoot and pregnant.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 28, 2013, 02:16:23 am
Would any of you have ever heard of the product if it weren't for the Controversy?

i had. the video got 8 million hits because of its message - girl empowerment - not because of the beasties song.    when i first saw the video i noticed the song but didn't think twice about it, i focused on the girls doing creative things (my initial pleasure at seeing the "girls can do it too" content was eventually replaced with a sense of nagging and mild annoyance.  it got really trite.)  this copyright brouhaha emerged a good 2 or 3 days after the video went viral.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 28, 2013, 03:17:26 am
Toy maker GoldieBlox backs down from Beastie Boys fight
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/27/showbiz/beastie-boys-girls-ad-pulled/index.html

"We don't want to fight with you," founder Debbie Sterling wrote. "We love you and we are actually huge fans."

The song has been removed from the video, which went viral this month and gained millions of online viewers, she said.

"When we made our parody version of your song, 'Girls', we did it with the best of intentions," Sterling said. "We wanted to transform it into a powerful anthem for girls." The company did not realize that Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch, who died last year, had in his will that he wanted his songs to never be used in advertising, she said.

"Although we believe our parody video falls under fair use, we would like to respect his wishes and yours," she wrote.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 28, 2013, 10:29:57 am
my conspiracy theory: they toymakers knew they would be told no, so they took a calculated risk: don't ask, use the song anyways, hope the BBoys don't get all lawyery (because who would sue adorable little girls fighting gender stereotypes?), and pull the "parody" card if they do have to go to court.  BBoys called their bluff.

conclusion: toymaker calls woopsies.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 28, 2013, 01:01:49 pm
conclusion: toymaker calls woopsies.

...but got all the attention they wanted.

This strategy is known as seeking forgiveness rather than permission.  I implore it often as it can be very successful.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on November 28, 2013, 02:51:20 pm
conclusion: toymaker calls woopsies.

...but got all the attention they wanted.

This strategy is known as seeking forgiveness rather than permission.  I implore it often as it can be very successful.

I think toymaker won this one...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on December 02, 2013, 02:06:01 pm
Well...my nexus 4 hit the in laws' driveway on Thanksgiving and smash.  I am getting a new phone tonight.  Will likely get nexus 5, but am very tempted by the lg g2 with its great battery life and IR blaster. 

What does smackie think?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 02, 2013, 05:54:05 pm
Well...my nexus 4 hit the in laws' driveway on Thanksgiving and smash.  I am getting a new phone tonight.  Will likely get nexus 5, but am very tempted by the lg g2 with its great battery life and IR blaster. 

What does smackie think?

Smackie is caught between the Moto X and the Nexus 5 for his next phone.  Today the price points are the same, but I couldn't pull the trigger on the Moto X.   

The G2 and the Nexus are similar phones save for the 2 things you pointed out - but I rarely struggle with battery life and haven't found a good use for IR blasters.  The volume button on the back is something I think folks will get used to, but LG's bad skin job cannot be overlooked.  If only they would have taken the Moto track before Moto did:

Enhance your OS to make Android more efficient, not to compete with or replace Google's services.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on December 02, 2013, 09:13:42 pm
where does cano go? espn insider had an article about why nats/cano is a perfect match (didn't read, not an insider. you are tho, right? /winkyface).  i'm under the impression the nats don't need to do a damn thing (some years, it just doesn't work out like you drew it up...), but that's my own biased opinion.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 02, 2013, 09:29:24 pm
where does cano go? espn insider had an article about why nats/cano is a perfect match (didn't read, not an insider. you are tho, right? /winkyface).  i'm under the impression the nats don't need to do a damn thing (some years, it just doesn't work out like you drew it up...), but that's my own biased opinion.

That's what Swydan said, stating that he hadn't talked to a soul inside the organization though.

His argument is to move Rendon to third, Zimmerman to first and LaRoche to DH/PH duties.

This would allow Rendon and Zim to play a full season injury free, strengthen the bench (at an absurd cost!), and balance the lineup with a strong left-handed bat.

They would get the funds from the MASN settlement with the Orioles.

I don't agree with much of it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on December 02, 2013, 10:09:35 pm
i would ask for my money back if i were u
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 02, 2013, 10:41:35 pm
LaRoche to DH/PH duties.


LaRoche can't be counted on for more than half the season..he gets injured all the time...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 03, 2013, 11:08:03 pm
Ellsbury to Yankees for 7 years/153 milion
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2013, 12:07:00 am
Johnny Damon,  part duex...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on December 04, 2013, 10:43:47 am
Johnny Damon,  part duex...

My thought exactly.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 04, 2013, 02:29:51 pm
Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Open Museum Dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1875413-cristiano-ronaldo-set-to-open-museum-dedicated-to-his-own-career
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2013, 02:30:29 pm
I'm not going to lie - I miss that guy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 04, 2013, 09:06:48 pm
not as much as saf, i would wager
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2013, 10:17:20 pm
not as much as saf, i would wager

Too soon.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 06, 2013, 12:14:11 pm
Cano to seattle
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 06, 2013, 12:16:23 pm
looks like it might be 10 years for 240 million for Cano

honestly i'd much rather have Cano than Ellsbury...assuming everything continues as it is (he doesn't get caught for roids/hgh)


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 06, 2013, 12:23:04 pm
Seattle has to do something to get people to come watch them -  attendance has been abysmal.

Every deal though,  makes the Pujols and Hamilton deal look better though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 06, 2013, 12:23:44 pm
I dont' get what the yankees did with ellsbury/cano

cano is a WAY better player ... but on a per year basis aren't they paying ellsbury about the same as what cano is getting in seattle?

and ellsbury is a former red sox.. not a guy who helped you win a world series?

do they yankees have some beef with cano or know somethign we don't?

they're paying ellsbury i calculate about 22 million a year for 7 years... cano is getting 24 million for 10 years or 24 million a year

its crazy
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 06, 2013, 12:26:46 pm
Dustin Pedroia has to be looking at his latest deal and saying to his agent, "WHAT THE (BLEEP), GUYS!!"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 06, 2013, 12:29:21 pm
George Steinbrenner rolls in his grave
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on December 06, 2013, 12:45:47 pm
Seattle has to do something to get people to come watch them -  attendance has been abysmal.

Every deal though,  makes the Pujols and Hamilton deal look better though.

Prior to the Cano deal they only had $25M - $32M guaranteed from 2014-2019.  So they had money to spend.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: gaaaaaaaaah on December 06, 2013, 01:11:12 pm
so from what i gather seattle had a 9/225 offer on the table that was already leagues beyond what ny was offering

then at the last minute they upped it to 10/240?

so they outbid themselves on an already ludicrous deal?

ridiculous. let's see how long this deal takes to backfire
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 07, 2013, 10:31:41 am
Yankees get Beltran $45 million/3 years

not sure about any details but i think its a nice pickup
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 07, 2013, 02:03:03 pm
Yankees get Beltran $45 million/3 years

not sure about any details but i think its a nice pickup

That's a year too many for a 37 year old, but they Yankees don't care.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: gaaaaaaaaah on December 07, 2013, 02:26:36 pm
the yankees are gonna have a lot of old guys looking for time off by DHing over the next few years
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 07, 2013, 05:41:59 pm
the yankees are gonna have a lot of old guys looking for time off by DHing over the next few years

Yep.  Not sure I see the point of having Soriano and Beltran.  Jeter can't play a full season and I'm staying to think Teixiera can either.

I'm sure they'll deal Ichiro.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 09, 2013, 01:51:11 pm
not as much as saf, i would wager

Someone at Sky Sports Jumped the gun here.  Or is it wishful thinking?

(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1463959_10151887238072946_1069900200_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2013, 02:22:35 pm
Maglio Ordońez was elected Mayor of Sotillo (http://www.freep.com/article/20131209/SPORTS02/312090056/magglio-ordo-241-ez-tigers-venezuela-sotillo)

Even more interesting was it was announced by President Nicolas Maduro.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 10, 2013, 02:26:00 pm
Per Keith Law, the Angels, White Sox and Diamondbacks are working on a three-way deal, with Trumbo going to Arizona, Tyler Skaggs and Hector Santiago going to Los Angeles, and Adam Eaton going to Chicago.

This would be a great deal for Anaheim - two young left handed starters for Trumbo would be fantastic.  I'm guessing there's prospects involved too, though.  I wish we could get Corbin back instead of Skaggs, but I'll take it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Brian_Wallace on December 11, 2013, 05:33:19 pm
conclusion: toymaker calls woopsies.

...but got all the attention they wanted.

This strategy is known as seeking forgiveness rather than permission.  I implore it often as it can be very successful.

I think toymaker won this one...

The Beastie Boys hate women:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beastie-boys-suing-toy-maker-for-girls-use-20131211 (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beastie-boys-suing-toy-maker-for-girls-use-20131211)

I think this is a matter of the band being upset that they were....out-"connived" is the only term that springs to mind.  "NO ONE plays a media feminist message like the Beasties!  NO ONE does faux/hip impowerment like the we do, yo!  One of us is poking Kathleen Hanna!  We were only being IRONIC when we wanted to call "License to Ill" "Don't be faggot".  Irony!  We identified mullets and created "Grand Royal!"

I've never seen an instance of "forever cool" artists trying to impose their will and forget it's not 1995.  Oh, wait.  When did Jay-Z last release a record?

Brian

P.S.  Pearl Jam released a shit record.  The Red Hot Chilli Peppers have never been less popular.  The Foo Fighters are in for a rude awakening when they come back and the Beastie Boys fake sincerety is fading quickly as they lose members quicker than the Beatles.  "Portlandia" needs to look into this ASAP.  Generation X is fading fast.  And yet they still feel the need to smuggly say how awful Nickelback and Buckcherry are:

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/10070584/greatest-hits-albums-nickelback-seether-buckcherry (http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/10070584/greatest-hits-albums-nickelback-seether-buckcherry)

Is "The Best of Buckcherry" REALLY that much worse than the last RHCP album?  I know which one has more stripper songs.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 11, 2013, 06:02:54 pm
that rant gets a solid "A", mostly because of the impressive range.  "has more stripper songs" is a great closer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on December 11, 2013, 06:58:39 pm
conclusion: toymaker calls woopsies.

...but got all the attention they wanted.

This strategy is known as seeking forgiveness rather than permission.  I implore it often as it can be very successful.

I think toymaker won this one...

The Beastie Boys hate women:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beastie-boys-suing-toy-maker-for-girls-use-20131211 (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beastie-boys-suing-toy-maker-for-girls-use-20131211)

I think this is a matter of the band being upset that they were....out-"connived" is the only term that springs to mind.  "NO ONE plays a media feminist message like the Beasties!  NO ONE does faux/hip impowerment like the we do, yo!  One of us is poking Kathleen Hanna!  We were only being IRONIC when we wanted to call "License to Ill" "Don't be faggot".  Irony!  We identified mullets and created "Grand Royal!"

I've never seen an instance of "forever cool" artists trying to impose their will and forget it's not 1995.  Oh, wait.  When did Jay-Z last release a record?

Brian

P.S.  Pearl Jam released a shit record.  The Red Hot Chilli Peppers have never been less popular.  The Foo Fighters are in for a rude awakening when they come back and the Beastie Boys fake sincerety is fading quickly as they lose members quicker than the Beatles.  "Portlandia" needs to look into this ASAP.  Generation X is fading fast.  And yet they still feel the need to smuggly say how awful Nickelback and Buckcherry are:

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/10070584/greatest-hits-albums-nickelback-seether-buckcherry (http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/10070584/greatest-hits-albums-nickelback-seether-buckcherry)

Is "The Best of Buckcherry" REALLY that much worse than the last RHCP album?  I know which one has more stripper songs.....

Having participated RHCP's getting booed of the Ontario Theater stage as an opener I can truthfully assure that they have at least been more unpopulat than today.   But i don't know what you are rambling on about.  I am going to give you the title 'Angriest Poster Alive".
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 12, 2013, 01:19:43 pm
Not sure what Seattle is doing with Hart and Morrison deals.  Four softball players with no position in Hart, Morrison, Montero, and Smoak.  Can only play one at DH, one other will hurt you at 1B, and the other two will kill you in the outfield.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 12, 2013, 02:11:01 pm
No comment.

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-most-and-least-attractive-people-2013/1
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 12, 2013, 05:55:11 pm
Major League Baseball to ban home plate collisions

The Major League Baseball Rules Committee has voted to ban collisions at home plate, subject to the expected approval of the MLB Players Association.

The rule, a response to recent concussion studies and serious injuries to catchers such as Buster Posey in 2011, will force base runners to slide into home plate.

It could be implemented in time for the 2014 season with MLBPA approval. If the players vote against the measure, MLB can unilaterally put the rule into effect for the 2015 season.

The rule, which must still be defined and finalized prior to a vote, will also prohibit catchers from blocking the plate, similar to players making tags at a base.

http://tracking.si.com/2013/12/11/mlb-home-plate-collisions/

next they will mandate the inclusion of lace on all MLB uniforms.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 13, 2013, 01:55:29 pm

next they will mandate the inclusion of lace on all MLB uniforms.

As soon as Posey went down,  this was inevitable.

The answer was simple -  let the catcher decide if he wants to block the plate or not.  If he doesn't block the plate and the runner collides with him,  call the runner out,  but if he chooses to block the plate,  caveat emptor.

The franchise can also defend the catchers the way the Giants have -  the manager and the GM have both publicly stated that Posey is prohibited from blocking the plate,  and that's a smart move.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on December 13, 2013, 02:00:56 pm
I think the change is good.  You can't block baserunners at any other base why should you be able to at home? 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on December 13, 2013, 02:11:02 pm
Are they going to require runners to slide even when there is not play at home plate? It seems there would potentially be more (runner) injuries there than from nonsliding collisions.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: gaaaaaaaaah on December 13, 2013, 02:14:23 pm
yeah im totally for the change. plays at the plate will still be exciting, catchers will just have to learn how to play their position like any other baseman. it'll be interesting to see how quickly catchers (and runners) adjust though.

Are they going to require runners to slide even when there is not play at home plate? It seems there would potentially be more (runner) injuries there than from nonsliding collisions.
why would you have to slide if theres not a play at the plate?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on December 13, 2013, 02:53:48 pm
yeah im totally for the change. plays at the plate will still be exciting, catchers will just have to learn how to play their position like any other baseman. it'll be interesting to see how quickly catchers (and runners) adjust though.

Are they going to require runners to slide even when there is not play at home plate? It seems there would potentially be more (runner) injuries there than from nonsliding collisions.

why would you have to slide if theres not a play at the plate?


That's what this seems to be saying, as I read it. B
The Major League Baseball Rules Committee has voted to ban collisions at home plate, subject to the expected approval of the MLB Players Association.

The rule, a response to recent concussion studies and serious injuries to catchers such as Buster Posey in 2011, will force base runners to slide into home plate.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: gaaaaaaaaah on December 13, 2013, 02:55:31 pm
that is an extremely literal interpretation. no way
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on December 13, 2013, 03:25:41 pm
Well then what would "a play at the plate" even constitute? What if the throw home is obviously late or obviously offline? Would they still have to slide? And what if the obviousness wasn't completely obvious? Would they still have to slide? Then you're getting into the world of basketball where the fouls all seem to be referee judgment calls.


that is an extremely literal interpretation. no way
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on December 13, 2013, 03:34:50 pm
Well then what would "a play at the plate" even constitute? What if the throw home is obviously late or obviously offline? Would they still have to slide? And what if the obviousness wasn't completely obvious? Would they still have to slide? Then you're getting into the world of basketball where the fouls all seem to be referee judgment calls.


that is an extremely literal interpretation. no way

Yeah they should make the rule the same as the rule at first base.  You can have collisions at second base with sliding.  There should be a rule about not blocking the runner just like first base. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 13, 2013, 07:11:01 pm
please don't say that

Grew up in New Jersey, idolized Jeter, strong character, no facial hair - the Yankees even gave his family a suite for his first NY Series.  He'll be a Yankee by 2018.  This photo has haunted me since the day his girlfriend posted it in November:

(http://coedbc.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/mike-trout-yankees-jersey.jpg?w=600&h=614)


And so it begins:

Did Yankees President Tamper with Mike Trout?  MLB Wants to Know... (http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-yankees-president-tamper-angels-mike-trout-mlb-20131213,0,2554008.story#axzz2nKhJSUZR)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 14, 2013, 02:58:42 pm
This might explain my love of college girls:

Epiphany: College Girls Dress Like Han Solo (http://metro.co.uk/2013/12/10/epiphany-college-girls-dress-like-han-solo-4224912/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 16, 2013, 12:32:56 pm
yet another thing that sweetcell thinks smackie needs to know:

JIM JEFFERIES
@ Lincoln Theatre ? Washington, D.C.
Friday, July 11

i'm not sayin', i'm just sayin'.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2013, 01:30:20 pm
yet another thing that sweetcell thinks smackie needs to know:

JIM JEFFERIES
@ Lincoln Theatre ? Washington, D.C.
Friday, July 11


Already bought my tickets for the Warfield, March 28....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2013, 01:50:56 pm
I can tell you I've seen them both play, a lot, and while I'd like either as a franchise player, I'm taking Trout over Harper, and it's memorialized here for all to reference later.


Mike Trout and the $400 million question
December, 16, 2013
By Buster Olney | ESPN.com

If you think salaries are crazy now, just wait until Mike Trout's first long-term deal.
During the winter meetings last week, general managers rotated through the ESPN workroom to answer thematic questions. Their responses are used going into and coming out of commercials during "Baseball Tonight," and one of the questions posed was: Who is the best player in the game?

I was unable to eavesdrop on all the answers given to Jennifer Chafitz, the producer in charge of that project, but the GMs I did hear stepped around that question -- maybe out of respect for their own players, and maybe to honor the general MLB rule that you shouldn't speak about another team's player.

If you gave the GMs truth serum, their answer would be unanimous, or almost unanimous, because the vast majority of executives view Mike Trout as the best player in the game -- and not by a small margin.

He is 22 years old as he wakes up today, at the outset of his career, and over the past two seasons, he has reached base 564 times. How does that stack up? Zachary Jones of ESPN Research dug this out for me:

Most times on base 2012-2013
Mike Trout: 564
Miguel Cabrera: 562
Shin-Soo Choo: 556
Prince Fielder: 542
Andrew McCutchen: 541
Joey Votto: 541

And here is how Trout stacks up in a few other key stats over the past two seasons.

Runs: First (538)
Extra-base hits: Sixth (140)
Stolen bases: Second (82)
WAR: First (20.1)

As you'll note, the stats mentioned above are all counting stats, and Trout's standing is all the more impressive when you consider that he didn't get called up until four weeks into the 2012 season. In terms of WAR, the No. 2 player is Robinson Cano, a full 4 WAR (16.1) behind Trout.

And in the divisional era (since 1969), just two players have had a higher two-year WAR than Trout.

Barry Bonds: 23.7 (2001-02)
Barry Bonds: 21.0 (2002-03)
Joe Morgan: 20.6 (1975-76)

All of this is a roundabout way of saying that Trout is fast approaching that time when he will be in position to wreck the Angels in arbitration, setting new records, given that his case argument will be: He is doing stuff that no player in the history of baseball has ever done before.

The Angels have three distinct paths to take with Trout:


1. They could trade him -- but let's dismiss that, because owner Arte Moreno is a smart guy and can draw upon the 1919 Red Sox's decision to swap Babe Ruth as an example of what not to do with an all-time great talent.

2. They go year to year with him on his contract decision, protecting themselves against the possibility that he gets hurt or regresses -- but also risking the very real chance that his arbitration cases will net $15 million to $30 million or more before he reaches free agency and sets up the craziest bidding war in the history of free agency. (For the record, he will be eligible for arbitation for the first time next winter.)

3. They could sign him to a long-term deal.

If the Angels go this route, of course, they can assume that signing him will cost a lot more than the $180 million that Moreno spent to buy the team a decade ago.

I asked a long-time agent who does not represent Trout what he might ask for in a negotiation for a multiyear deal, and he paused for a few moments, like someone savoring a good piece of steak.

"Why not do something that's never been done before?" he asked rhetorically.

What do you mean?

"Twelve years, $400 million."

No player has ever signed a contract guaranteeing $300 million. If what the agent suggests actually happened, Trout would simply skip over the hundreds-of-millions figure that starts with a "3" and just go right to the "4."

It seems insane. But it also seems possible, given that all of the usual negotiating rules for agents don't apply to Trout.

Sometimes, a team will give a young player a long-term deal gambling that they will continue to develop into a high-level player. This is what happened when the Rays signed Evan Longoria and what the Rockies did with Troy Tulowitzki.

But Trout alters that equation because he already is the best player in the game. He already is doing things that no other player has ever done. He has been in the big leagues only two years and 70 days, and has yet to accrue enough service time to qualify for arbitration -- but once he does that, he's in line to be paid over the top of any scale.

There's really no reason for Trout's agent, Craig Landis, to allow the Angels to buy out one or two of the free-agent seasons given that Trout might be making $15 million or more by the 2015 season, through arbitration. Trout really is in position to go one of two routes:

1. He could go through his arbitration year to year, setting records, and then become a free agent at age 26. If healthy -- and the chance of injury is his primary risk -- he may well wreck Alex Rodriguez's record for a contract of $275 million.

2. He could ask the Angels for the type of record-setting, $400 million-ish deal to sign now. In other words, something that has never been done before.

He is in a position with an absurd amount of leverage, in position to make an absurd amount of money. He figures to become the first player in history to sign a deal for more than $30 million annually.

The Angels have to keep that in mind as they plan out their future, and prepare budgets that are already becoming cramped under the confines of the $189 million luxury tax threshold, because of the forthcoming obligations to Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton. According to Cot's Baseball Contracts, this is what they already have on the books going into seasons beyond 2014:

2015: $117 million
2016: $112 million
2017: $58.4 million

All of that before they pay Trout -- who is seemingly destined to become the highest-paid player ever -- a single dime.

Everything that the Angels do should be informed by the reality that Trout will be making $30-plus million a year in the not-too-distant future. They need to start carving out that room ASAP. Yes, Matt Garza would make a lot of sense for them in 2014, to augment a rotation that should already be improved by the addition of Hector Santiago and (perhaps) Tyler Skaggs.

But if signing Garza requires a long-term, big-money deal, the Angels might be better suited taking somebody else on a shorter, cheaper deal, like a Bronson Arroyo.

One executive mused last year that the best thing about working for the Angels would be knowing that you could watch Trout every day in his career. There will be a day soon that Moreno and the Angels will be paying handsomely for that privilege.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 18, 2013, 02:21:19 pm
Yes!  Raul Ibanez....the last piece of the puzzle.  [/sarcasm]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on December 18, 2013, 02:32:18 pm
Yes!  Raul Ibanez....the last piece of the puzzle.  [/sarcasm]

I hate that guy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 26, 2013, 12:15:54 pm
 The Oxford Comma War,  Explained. (http://m.mentalfloss.com/article.php?id=33637)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 17, 2014, 01:10:11 pm
Trout is a freak of nature. (http://instagram.com/p/jM9MVyJtbl/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on January 17, 2014, 01:11:29 pm
Trout is a freak of nature. (http://instagram.com/p/jM9MVyJtbl/)

you know what the first thing i think of is when i hear freak of nature?

steroids/HGH
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 22, 2014, 02:03:09 pm
I've been thinking a lot and working with companies on longer battery life,  going through a number of theoretical and practical solutions.

How do you show up to an 8am meeting with a Mac Book Air (~9 hour battery life)  and need to plug in?

No matter what solutions to longer battery life companies come up with,  they won't be able to over come the biggest problem: humans.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2014, 12:33:06 am
Also this aired 30 years ago today.  Altered my life dramatically.

Apple's 1984 Mac Ad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zfqw8nhUwA)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2014, 12:41:25 pm
This is crazy.  A huge set just came through and I wasn't sure every one was going to come up.  I almost can't watch and I'm glad I'm not there this year:

Mavericks Invitational (http://live.redbull.tv/events/374/mavericks-invitational-2014/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: brennser on January 24, 2014, 01:42:32 pm
smackie have you seen this? pretty impressive stuff!

http://www.surfermag.com/videos/mullaghmore-2/

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 24, 2014, 02:20:21 pm


Mavericks Invitational (http://live.redbull.tv/events/374/mavericks-invitational-2014/)
Thanks for link....and providing a great distraction to work today
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2014, 02:45:47 pm
smackie have you seen this? pretty impressive stuff!

Thanks for link....and providing a great distraction to work today

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/12121711354_ac5cbf6d53.jpg)

Contest on the left, Brennser's video on the right.  good day!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2014, 05:56:09 pm
I'm on a roll with surf footage today...might even paddle out on Sunday I'm so excited.

Drone, GoPro, and huge surf equals awesomeness. (http://www.businessinsider.com.au/gopro-drone-surf-video-2014-1)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2014, 05:46:52 pm
This made me audibly say WTF before I clicked the link....


@sacbee_news After 28 seasons, Capitals of moving to Las Vegas http://sacb.ee/5in

Missing one word is a big deal.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on February 05, 2014, 07:18:35 pm
you still live in san fran and eat well and get to see hot woman on a daily basis and are very smart.  so stop complaining.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2014, 01:24:36 pm
so stop complaining.

I think you misunderstood that post.  I'm not much of a complainer myself...

When I ready it quickly, and with the omission of the word tennis, I thought it was referring to the Washington Capitals moving to Las Vegas and thought to myself "The Board is about to erupt."

Alas, it was only about tennis and nobody cares.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 07, 2014, 09:31:10 am
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/sochi/2014/02/07/opening-ceremony-tatu-winter-games-putin-nbc/5275179/

Heard this on the radio driving in and could not wait to get here to post it. Our beloved tATu is preforming in the opening ceremonies tonite!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 07, 2014, 05:41:57 pm
Heard this on the radio driving in and could not wait to get here to post it. Our beloved tATu is preforming in the opening ceremonies tonite!

I'm pretty sure that was the tipping point in the bid.

I'm beyond elated for tonight.

NM: Apparently we're not getting this tonight:

(http://img2-3.timeinc.net/people/i/2014/sandbox/news/140217/tatu-2-600x450.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 07, 2014, 06:23:56 pm
NM: Apparently we're not getting this tonight:

why not?  is it because it's not part of the opening ceremony?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 07, 2014, 06:49:11 pm
why not?  is it because it's not part of the opening ceremony?

That's rumor.  Pre-opening ceremony and won't be telecast.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 13, 2014, 12:08:29 am
http://media.smh.com.au/featured/air-nzs-safety-in-paradise-5153598.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 13, 2014, 01:45:50 am
http://media.smh.com.au/featured/air-nzs-safety-in-paradise-5153598.html

Just another reason to retire a Kiwi...can't wait!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2014, 12:08:59 pm
This might be my favorite Valentine's Day gift ever.  Please make this happen:

Money player

The Angels risked alienating their best player last March when they unilaterally renewed Mike Trout's contract for $510,000, a salary the outfielder's agent called "well short of fair" after Trout's historic 2012 season.

Trout, 22, responded with a monster 2013, batting .323 with 27 home runs and 97 RBIs and finishing second in AL most-valuable-player voting.

There's a good chance the Angels will renew Trout's contract again in March, but it won't have the sting of last spring's renewal because it will be done amid negotiations for a multiple-year extension that is expected to make Trout one of baseball's highest-paid players.

The sides hope to reach a deal after the season starts. Any disappointment over a renewal should be erased by the prospect of what could be a record-setting contract likely to include a signing bonus far exceeding Trout's 2014 salary.


http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0213-angels-spring-training-20140213,0,1808576.story#ixzz2tJTntBWR
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 15, 2014, 04:07:40 pm
Groupon Offers Special $10 off coupon in honor of President Hamilton for President's Day (http://consumerist.com/2014/02/14/groupon-offers-special-presidents-day-deal-featuring-former-president-alexander-hamilton/)

The lesson, as always, Drink More Scotch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V_DsL1x1uY).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on February 18, 2014, 11:41:43 pm
Assume you saw this:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/10470778/los-angeles-angels-try-anything-fix-worst-franchise-mlb-espn-magazine
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 19, 2014, 12:16:22 am
Assume you saw this:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/10470778/los-angeles-angels-try-anything-fix-worst-franchise-mlb-espn-magazine

Yes, thank you for checking though. Spent my last hour at the office today reading that and the "What happens if you don't pay for Trout now" article.  Loved them both.

Why the hell am I not helping this franchise with this?  It's right in my wheelhouse....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 19, 2014, 06:44:45 pm
I don't get it.

Facebook to buy WhatsApp for $16 billion (http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/19/facebook-to-buy-whatsapp-for-16-billion/)

Yes, that's with a "b"......
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on February 20, 2014, 10:18:16 am
I don't get it.

Facebook to buy WhatsApp for $16 billion (http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/19/facebook-to-buy-whatsapp-for-16-billion/)

Yes, that's with a "b"......

$12 billion of which is facebook stock

tech valuations are all silly, so if you're not dealing with actual cash it makes sense.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on February 20, 2014, 04:58:03 pm
tech valuations are all silly

(http://www.thereformedbroker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/nasdaq1986s.png)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 20, 2014, 05:04:03 pm
one down, one to go.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 20, 2014, 06:48:13 pm
And to think once, I was taught Wu-tang was for the children.... (http://deadspin.com/wu-tang-is-for-the-children-1522620013)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 22, 2014, 11:35:39 pm
I don't get it.

Facebook to buy WhatsApp for $16 billion (http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/19/facebook-to-buy-whatsapp-for-16-billion/)

Yes, that's with a "b"......

$12 billion of which is facebook stock

tech valuations are all silly, so if you're not dealing with actual cash it makes sense.
even $4b cash is crazy. that's 16 washington posts
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 23, 2014, 05:47:47 pm
actually i was thinking about this today instead of doing homework, and check out these market caps:
twitter: $30b
linkedin: $23b

whatsapp has more users than either...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 23, 2014, 07:15:37 pm
actually i was thinking about this today instead of doing homework, and check out these market caps:
twitter: $30b
linkedin: $23b

whatsapp has more users than either...

Yes,  450 million and a paid subscriber base,  albeit $1 per year. Facebook is banking on whatsapp replacing sms in the next two-three years,  and upping the subscriber fee a dollar or two.

Still not sure I see that happening...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on February 25, 2014, 10:55:49 pm
You're on notice: I'll be monitoring my wife's cell phone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 26, 2014, 12:33:52 am
You're on notice: I'll be monitoring my wife's cell phone.

How very Elin Nordegren of you.  I nearly sent her the Wizards photo I took, but opted not to, mostly because I got drunk and forgot.

She will only receive Smackie pearls of wisdom, I promise...

Thanks for coming out last night.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 26, 2014, 04:13:26 am
hoya has finally come out?  congrats!  we love you for who you are, hoya.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on February 26, 2014, 09:19:46 am
Was someone up early tending to the wee ones?
 ;)
hoya has finally come out?  congrats!  we love you for who you are, hoya.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on February 26, 2014, 10:53:15 am
hoya has finally come out?  congrats!  we love you for who you are, hoya.

smackie lovingly coaxed it out of me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 26, 2014, 01:58:06 pm
The Trout deal is a sign of things to come...after the season starts they'll announce the rest.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on February 26, 2014, 03:15:15 pm
The Trout deal is a sign of things to come...after the season starts they'll announce the rest.

The Angels GM must be the worst in baseball.  I am so glad the Orioles didn't end up with him.  Just pay Trout a million this year and work on an extension after the season. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 27, 2014, 12:44:53 am
The Trout deal is a sign of things to come...after the season starts they'll announce the rest.

The Angels GM must be the worst in baseball.  I am so glad the Orioles didn't end up with him.  Just pay Trout a million this year and work on an extension after the season. 

The longer you wait on a stud,  the less chance you have of extending his deal.

From this point point forward,  compare the Nats and Stras and Harper,  and the O's and Machado.

I'm giving you a pass on JJ.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 10, 2014, 01:45:19 am
I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that Cosmos us back.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 15, 2014, 02:45:54 am
Uighurs.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on March 15, 2014, 11:12:18 am
samsung galaxy sfive . . . out april eleventh.  discuss.  i just got my sfour in november, and love it, but like most phones nowadays, i use, roughly, ten percent of what the bad boy can do.  discuss, part two.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on March 18, 2014, 01:44:34 pm
I don't know if this is the right thread but this seems to be where technical discussions happen.  I was thinking of getting Bluetooth speakers.  Is the sound quality decent on them or is it going to sound like crap?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on March 18, 2014, 01:51:09 pm
I don't know if this is the right thread but this seems to be where technical discussions happen.  I was thinking of getting Bluetooth speakers.  Is the sound quality decent on them or is it going to sound like crap?
Compared to what? 

The short answer is yes, they will sound like crap.  But it really depends on what your expectations are and what you consider to be good sound.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 19, 2014, 01:18:59 pm
We've covered this:

http://forum.930.com/index.php?topic=23548.0

But truthfully, a BT speaker should only be used as a last resort and for their convenience.  They are not a daily driver.

Even my wireless rear speakers sound better than most BT speakers, but I would never use wireless for my front channels.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on March 19, 2014, 04:17:15 pm
We've covered this:

http://forum.930.com/index.php?topic=23548.0

But truthfully, a BT speaker should only be used as a last resort and for their convenience.  They are not a daily driver.

Even my wireless rear speakers sound better than most BT speakers, but I would never use wireless for my front channels.

Oh I think I will reply here as I think this is a better place to prevent clutter.  So I guess then I am going to not get a bluetooth speaker.  Someone suggested Jawbone JAMBOX which I think is pretty awful.  I saw a demo unit at best buy and the sound quality from it was worse than my Ipad Air built in speakers.

I saw some more costly bluetooth speakers that sounded pretty good at best buy but I guess they probably weren't using bluetooth and probably was a plugged demo. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 19, 2014, 05:09:51 pm
So I guess then I am going to not get a bluetooth speaker. 

It depends on what you're using it for.  If you're out side or in a public place with no access to electricity, and the music merely serves as background noise, then a bluetooth speaker can be convenient.

If you indoors anywhere, there is no need for a BT speaker.  Ever.

I've had the JBL On Stage II for years and it sounds much better than any BT speaker I've tried.  It's battery operated and requires an aux cable, but I'm fine with the hassle of a cable for the sound quality.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on March 19, 2014, 05:41:20 pm
Ok thanks for the information.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 20, 2014, 06:40:04 pm
I can't make this stuff up:

The Angles Trade Scioscia's Kid for Gretzky's Kid (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/10641327/los-angeles-angels-swap-manager-mike-scioscia-kid-wayne-gretzky-kid)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2014, 02:40:13 pm
Mostly for Julian...

Angels dealt SS Romine to Tigers for Jose Alvarez.

Not sure what the Angels see in Alvarez, but an arm is an arm I suppose.  Even better if it's left handed.

As for Romine - not much of a bat, but a good defender for the 3 months you're without Iglesias.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2014, 06:14:09 pm
Almost 10 years too late....

Apple Mulls Android App for iTunes (http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/5944778/apple-mulls-launching-spotify-rival-android-app-as)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 02, 2014, 05:30:26 pm
Here?s a statistical breakdown of all the swears in rap songs:

(http://i.onionstatic.com/avclub/5104/51/16x9/640.jpg)

Here's some more analysis. (http://www.besttickets.com/blog/rap-profanity/)

There's even a downloadable spreadsheet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on April 02, 2014, 08:06:54 pm
what an odd post, for this thread.  must be the chart, that caught your eye.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 02, 2014, 08:22:00 pm
what an odd post, for this thread.  must be the chart, that caught your eye.

I love me some data.  And old skool rap.

My favorite chart was the "Profanity in Rap Over Time" where they analyzed the 5 most popular albums of each year with the peak being in 2001.  I too thought Eminem would have been responsible for this, but none of his albums were included that year, or any year.  Where Eminem did have a significant impact though was in the Homophobic Index - off the charts.

At least misogyny is on the way down.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on April 02, 2014, 08:26:12 pm
women, get everything.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 02, 2014, 08:57:00 pm
what an odd post, for this thread.  must be the chart, that caught your eye.

I love me some data.  And old skool rap.

My favorite chart was the "Profanity in Rap Over Time" where they analyzed the 5 most popular albums of each year with the peak being in 2001.  I too thought Eminem would have been responsible for this, but none of his albums were included that year, or any year.  Where Eminem did have a significant impact though was in the Homophobic Index - off the charts.

At least misogyny is on the way down.
On a Michigan Athletics message board I frequent (mgoblog.com), after every loss in the football season, someone compiles the number of times each curse word is used in the gameday thread and syncs it up with what the score was at any given time in a serious of graphs far more complex than this, actually. I'll try to find you an example.

Coincidentally, I've always thought you'd get a kick out of it but it seemed a bit of an esoteric leap to be like, "hey, smackie, come look at our swearing analysis," just on a lark.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on April 02, 2014, 08:57:48 pm
I love me some data.  And old skool rap.

Inorite? Data!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 03, 2014, 04:06:14 pm
burned a few minute on this vid, immediately thought of you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzNiKn47Eno
 
if at work, you might want to slap on some headphones.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 03, 2014, 04:46:44 pm
smax: any thoughts on the Amazon Fire TV?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC/

comparison chart at the bottom of the page...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on April 03, 2014, 04:52:02 pm
from my research on it, but this is just my opinion . . . roku destroys it for apps offered, especially with rokus secret apps. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 03, 2014, 05:48:04 pm
smax: any thoughts on the Amazon Fire TV?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC/

comparison chart at the bottom of the page...

I own a Roku2 and multiple Chromecasts, and I see no reason to purchase another box that does the same thing as these. 

These devices are all content driven, as walkonby said, and right now I see nothing compelling to get me to purchase yet another streaming device.

The real danger here is if Amazon (perhaps when?) Amazon removes it's Instant Video from Roku and closes it's Ecosystem - then is the $99 device plus my Prime Membership worth the free content?  Right now I'm arguing no, but it's just a matter of time before these devices start bidding huge dollars to be the sole provider of X content.  That's when shit gets ugly and we all run out of HDMI ports in our equipment.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 03, 2014, 11:21:50 pm
I agree, haven't seen a compelling reason to drop my Roku at this point
getting ready to drop cable and getting a little anxious for some reason

So how are others doing this?

I have Netflx streaming and Amazon prime ...frankly I think both kinda suck
rarely can find anything to watch...although I did love HOC
I need to get someones HBOgo account one of these days

only channels I watch are Comedy Central, FX and AMC

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 04, 2014, 12:09:22 am
burned a few minute on this vid, immediately thought of you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzNiKn47Eno
 
if at work, you might want to slap on some headphones.

I really enjoyed the abortion joke. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 15, 2014, 01:11:57 pm
Library of Congress Officially Opens The Seth MacFarlane Collection of Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan Archive (http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2013/13-200.html)

This makes me happy.  But not as happy as I am every Sunday night at 9PM.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 15, 2014, 01:18:19 pm
Smackie, what did you think if Selanne getting Giguere to come outta the tunnel and take some laps with him in his final (regular season) home game? Crazy to think both those guys careers are probably done.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 15, 2014, 01:22:35 pm
Smackie, what did you think if Selanne getting Giguere to come outta the tunnel and take some laps with him in his final (regular season) home game? Crazy to think both those guys careers are probably done.

I nearly reinvigorated the NHL thread to talk about how classy Teemu was for doing that, but I didn't want to make it look like I was rubbing it in the Caps fans who had a rough year.

But since you asked, it was awesome.  He has been a huge ambassador for the sport in Orange County (his kids play on a high school team in OC with other players kids and they won the national high school tournament this year).  Even my high school has a hockey team now, when they didn't even have a roller hockey team when I was there - we played floor hockey on the gym floor.

It was a great moment.  Of course, I'd like to see it one more time with Lord Stanley's cup raised as well.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 15, 2014, 01:36:16 pm
Selanne had long been one of my favorite non-Red Wings. Heck of a career.

I'd be in favor of us renewing the NHL thread. We have Pens, Wings, Ducks, Habs and other fans on here, it's not about rubbing it in the Caps fans faces. This is setting up as a great playoff. 6 of the 8 series in the first round are going to be hyper-competitive.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on April 16, 2014, 11:13:22 am
First Josh Hamilton gets inured running to first base and now Kole Calhoun is injured running to first base.  My Fantasy baseball team is being decimated by injuries because the Angels coaching staff can't do something as simple as telling guys the proper way to run to first???  That is something little league coaches can teach why can't the Angels staff?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 16, 2014, 11:40:54 am
First Josh Hamilton gets inured running to first base and now Kole Calhoun is injured running to first base.  My Fantasy baseball team is being decimated by injuries because the Angels coaching staff can't do something as simple as telling guys the proper way to run to first???  That is something little league coaches can teach why can't the Angels staff?

Obviously you didn't watch the game, or Calhoun slip slightly after running past first base.

Anyhow, the bullpen takes the blame for both the loss and the injury:

"When one of your guys goes down in the late innings, where if you just do your job, the game is over and he doesn't get hurt, and we have one more guy healthy, that's what hurts the worst," Joe Smith said.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on April 16, 2014, 11:56:40 am
So basically, Atomic's fantasy can't make it to first base? 

Sounds about right.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 22, 2014, 09:02:45 pm
JUST SAW THE HELLO KITTY VIDEO!!!

NO WORDS; SHOULD HAVE SENT A POET!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 22, 2014, 09:18:43 pm
JUST SAW THE HELLO KITTY VIDEO!!!

NO WORDS; SHOULD HAVE SENT A POET!!

I have the cupcake skirt on order.  It's like my new glass slipper....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 22, 2014, 09:22:17 pm
JUST SAW THE HELLO KITTY VIDEO!!!

NO WORDS; SHOULD HAVE SENT A POET!!

I have the cupcake skirt on order.  It's like my new glass slipper....
lol
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 24, 2014, 06:45:58 pm
JUST SAW THE HELLO KITTY VIDEO!!!

NO WORDS; SHOULD HAVE SENT A POET!!

I felt like part of it was racist, but I couldn't put my finger on it. 

her shout-outs to ?kawaii? (the Japanese term for ?what the f$%^ are you giggling at??) (http://www.avclub.com/article/avril-lavigne-and-justin-bieber-provoke-strained-r-203809?utm)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 05, 2014, 06:15:18 pm
(yet another) thing that sweetcell thinks smackie should know: rihanna >>> avril.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/a-rihanna-meet-greet-vs-an-avril-lavigne-meet-greet

i'll expand the scope of this posting to include Julian.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 05, 2014, 06:37:14 pm
(yet another) thing that sweetcell thinks smackie should know: rihanna >>> avril.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/a-rihanna-meet-greet-vs-an-avril-lavigne-meet-greet

i'll expand the scope of this posting to include Julian.
What? Fuck no.

Avril is getting a bad rap. The last time she went to that town she was actually accosted at a meet and greet, that's the only reason she put that security protocol in place for that one country's tour dates. There's numerous photos from her most recent tour of fans at her meet and greets coming up and getting hugs and those sort of things.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 05, 2014, 07:16:33 pm
I've paid a lot less to touch a lot more on girls hotter than both of them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 13, 2014, 02:25:07 pm
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/tech/2014/03/11/newday-simon-google-glass-crackdown.cnn.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2014, 08:23:12 pm
I love Molotov's, but let's be honest here - Molotov's is one of the best punk bars and it's in The Haight.  Glass has no chance IN THAT BAR.  Otherwise most of SF has been pretty ok with Glass....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 21, 2014, 05:33:50 pm
wo0t!!!

Dear Customers,

Today, we're excited to announce a one-of-a-kind deal that brings dozens of HBO's groundbreaking and award-winning shows to Amazon Prime members at no additional cost.

Prime Instant Video
This collection of iconic HBO series includes all seasons of The Sopranos, The Wire, and Deadwood, epic miniseries including Band of Brothers and The Pacific, and select seasons of current HBO hits such as True Blood and Boardwalk Empire. Amazon Prime gives you unlimited, instant streaming of these much-loved HBO series to watch for the first time, or re-discover from the beginning.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 21, 2014, 06:41:07 pm
Begin the Content Wars have.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 28, 2014, 01:48:19 pm
Most American comedy movies suck and here's why (http://sploid.gizmodo.com/most-american-comedy-movies-suck-and-heres-why-1582400152?)

"Did you laugh in movies like The Hangover or Bridesmaids or Anchorman or Old School? I did. A lot, actually. But they're not nearly as funny as some of Edgar Wright's movies like Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead and so on. Why? Because they're visually funny too."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 28, 2014, 02:47:08 pm
wo0t!!!

Dear Customers,

Today, we're excited to announce a one-of-a-kind deal that brings dozens of HBO's groundbreaking and award-winning shows to Amazon Prime members at no additional cost.

Prime Instant Video
This collection of iconic HBO series includes all seasons of The Sopranos, The Wire, and Deadwood, epic miniseries including Band of Brothers and The Pacific, and select seasons of current HBO hits such as True Blood and Boardwalk Empire. Amazon Prime gives you unlimited, instant streaming of these much-loved HBO series to watch for the first time, or re-discover from the beginning.

Was a little excited when I saw this...but it's all old stuff...most of which I've already scene
Good to know Treme was on there...did want to catch up with that.


So I've cut cable!
Just found out how to do YouTube on my Roku via MyvideoBuzz
 (http://utmostsolutions.github.io/myvideobuzz/)

I've got the old Roku...might need to upgrade as I can't do my amazon music locker or built in youtube.

Amazon prime and Netflix kinda suck
I guess I'm going to have to pay for hulu plus
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on May 29, 2014, 01:50:07 pm
not sure if this should go in the MLB thread or here, but... i'll be visiting your fine city weekend of july 26, and would like to attend either the friday night or sunday day game for SF/LAD.  tickets are crazy pricey.  any helpful hints, or should i just bite the bullet on face?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 29, 2014, 02:09:47 pm
hit up Stubhub the day of the game, or the day before?  bound to be a bunch of folks dumping tickets. 

don't forget to hit up the 21A while you're in the 'hood.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 29, 2014, 06:41:13 pm
not sure if this should go in the MLB thread or here, but... i'll be visiting your fine city weekend of july 26, and would like to attend either the friday night or sunday day game for SF/LAD.  tickets are crazy pricey.  any helpful hints, or should i just bite the bullet on face?

If I'm in town, let's get a drink.  It can even be a fancy beer place....

Normally I agree with Sweetcell - I just bought two tickets in the row right behind the Halo's dugout for this weekends series against the A's way below face value....I use Stub Hub any time I have to buy tickets.

But SF against the Dodgers can be tough.  First, SF was the first to embrace Dynamic Pricing, so face value for that game is already high.  Second, I've never used Stub Hub for the Dodger rivalry, but I'd imagine demand will be high.  Right now I'm leaning towards waiting and buying the morning of the game, but don't wait too long.  Stub Hub closes the window like 2 hours before first pitch - got burned on that once.   

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 29, 2014, 09:14:49 pm
CL is also a good place to look for tickets in the days before a game.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on May 31, 2014, 01:28:05 pm
not sure if this should go in the MLB thread or here, but... i'll be visiting your fine city weekend of july 26, and would like to attend either the friday night or sunday day game for SF/LAD.  tickets are crazy pricey.  any helpful hints, or should i just bite the bullet on face?

If I'm in town, let's get a drink.  It can even be a fancy beer place....

Normally I agree with Sweetcell - I just bought two tickets in the row right behind the Halo's dugout for this weekends series against the A's way below face value....I use Stub Hub any time I have to buy tickets.

But SF against the Dodgers can be tough.  First, SF was the first to embrace Dynamic Pricing, so face value for that game is already high.  Second, I've never used Stub Hub for the Dodger rivalry, but I'd imagine demand will be high.  Right now I'm leaning towards waiting and buying the morning of the game, but don't wait too long.  Stub Hub closes the window like 2 hours before first pitch - got burned on that once.   

good to know, thanks guys. i suspected it was dynamic pricing, those ticket prices are fairly absurd. 

RE: drinks. i was thinking the same thing. doesn't have to be a fancy beer place.  i'm in town that weekend for the annual napa valley farm bureau dinner, so i'll be spending most of my time around napa.  once i have a better idea when i'll be around the city, i'll shoot you a PM.  will be around the july 12 weekend as well.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 01, 2014, 12:06:44 pm
Cool.  I'm in Napa the weekend between your visits for the Napa2Sonoma half marathon, but should be in SF both of the other weekends.  I live a block from the ballpark, which means 3 blocks from 21A...

I scored some great seats for lasts nights game in Oakland about 4 hours before the game started:

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14341411103_6f3a6f67ff_n.jpg)

Today I'm on the other side of the dugout, 2 rows back.  Makes up for having to go over to Oakland...
 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 12, 2014, 10:54:12 am
Dear Mr. Smakie

I await your commentary on Amazon Prime Music.....

 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2014, 12:09:01 pm
Dear Mr. Smakie

I await your commentary on Amazon Prime Music.....

If you're already a Prime customer, then great, 1 million more songs for you.

But would you sign up for Prime just for the music component?  Absolutely not. It pales in comparison to other music offerings that have 20x the collection.  I might use it instead of Pandora or Songza, but I'm not canceling my Google Play Music or Spotify because of it....   

It seems to be mostly singles and popular songs from albums, but not the full album.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 12, 2014, 12:40:51 pm
yeah, I'm not impressed at all
I am a prime member, but am considering dropping it when my renewal comes up in Sept
as the movies/tv via prime really aren't that great either


for $99 I need to order a lot more stuff from amazon to make up for the free shipping


Now I did pay for Hulu and I am somewhat liking it
One great find was "Moone boy" with Chris O'Dowd


So are they coming out with a Spotify for movies/TV?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on June 12, 2014, 01:02:19 pm
we dropped prime last week...hurts a bit! we may go back...

maybe if they deliver by drone we will sign up again.. i want some drones in my lawn
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2014, 01:22:53 pm
If you guys don't mind, start a google doc and let me know how much you spend on shipping for the year you don't have Prime.  I've always wanted to do it, but I've kept Prime because it makes sense for my situation.  Because I don't live anywhere near family, I used to spend $50-$60 around the holidays alone. 

The woman I live with and I split it because you can add up to 6 people to your Prime account (little known fact?).  For $50 Prime is a steal, but I suspect that even if we combined incomes, it would still make sense because she likes to shop.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 12, 2014, 01:29:56 pm
See, what I took away from that is 4 of us can buy our way into your amazon prime account for, say, $15 each?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2014, 01:43:28 pm
See, what I took away from that is 4 of us can buy our way into your amazon prime account for, say, $15 each?

I believe the billing address has to be the same, but I'm not positive.  I feel like we used it jointly before we moved in...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on June 12, 2014, 02:40:13 pm
I see us signing up again in fairly short order... we use Amazon for a ton of stuff..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on June 12, 2014, 02:47:17 pm
If you guys don't mind, start a google doc and let me know how much you spend on shipping for the year you don't have Prime.  I've always wanted to do it, but I've kept Prime because it makes sense for my situation.  Because I don't live anywhere near family, I used to spend $50-$60 around the holidays alone. 

The woman I live with and I split it because you can add up to 6 people to your Prime account (little known fact?).  For $50 Prime is a steal, but I suspect that even if we combined incomes, it would still make sense because she likes to shop.

Prime doesn't save you any money on shipping.  Shipping is free at Amazon if you spend 35 dollars.  It rarely takes more than 2 days for shipping with regular shipping so the Prime free shipping is a scam.  In fact the last item I ordered came the next day.  Once they get a warehouse in Baltimore you will get everything in a day with the free shipping so prime really has no purpose.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on June 12, 2014, 03:27:02 pm
A lot (probably most) of the stuff I order through Amazon is from third-party Marketplace sources that Prime doesn't cover. Prime is probably okay if you order a lot of mainstream common goods but sucks for obscure and out-of-print stuff.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 12, 2014, 03:33:28 pm
If you guys don't mind, start a google doc and let me know how much you spend on shipping for the year you don't have Prime.  I've always wanted to do it, but I've kept Prime because it makes sense for my situation.  Because I don't live anywhere near family, I used to spend $50-$60 around the holidays alone. 

The woman I live with and I split it because you can add up to 6 people to your Prime account (little known fact?).  For $50 Prime is a steal, but I suspect that even if we combined incomes, it would still make sense because she likes to shop.

Prime doesn't save you any money on shipping.  Shipping is free at Amazon if you spend 35 dollars.  It rarely takes more than 2 days for shipping with regular shipping so the Prime free shipping is a scam.  In fact the last item I ordered came the next day.  Once they get a warehouse in Baltimore you will get everything in a day with the free shipping so prime really has no purpose.
This has been my experience too. I get the free >$35 shipping and I've always gotten stuff in two days. (The Richmond fulfillment centers probably contribute to this.)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on June 12, 2014, 03:34:27 pm
yeah, I'm not impressed at all
I am a prime member, but am considering dropping it when my renewal comes up in Sept
as the movies/tv via prime really aren't that great either


for $99 I need to order a lot more stuff from amazon to make up for the free shipping


Now I did pay for Hulu and I am somewhat liking it
One great find was "Moone boy" with Chris O'Dowd


So are they coming out with a Spotify for movies/TV?

Hulu is pretty good as they have a lot of classic tv shows like Brady Bunch, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, Cosby Show.  Seems like Netflix pretty much ignores classic tv.  Plus Hulu has shows the day after they come out.  
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 12, 2014, 04:19:23 pm
Hulu is pretty good as they have a lot of classic tv shows like Brady Bunch, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, Cosby Show.  Seems like Netflix pretty much ignores classic tv.  Plus Hulu has shows the day after they come out.  

I can't stand classic TV as I saw all of those back in the 70s and 80s and have no desire to see them again.
Only show I was happy to find was Sports Night

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on June 12, 2014, 04:35:51 pm
Amazon caught on to my scheme recently and I was banned forevah!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on June 12, 2014, 09:39:37 pm
Amazon caught on to my scheme recently and I was banned forevah!

oh I like schemes...i call them "plays".....pray do tell!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 12, 2014, 09:46:15 pm
Amazon caught on to my scheme recently and I was banned forevah!

oh I like schemes...i call them "plays".....pray do tell!  ;D ;D ;D
I also enjoy a caper and any pretty fair kerfuffle that may ensue. Do tell.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on June 13, 2014, 04:29:34 pm
do I, really, need to know?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on June 13, 2014, 04:49:03 pm
my laptop died.  dell xps.  had it ten years.  loved that thing.  sniff, sniff.  should be fun to remove the hard drive to attempt to rescue the data.  got new laptop.  some hp envy touchsmart thing.  cheap and I think i like it.  neat,o.  thought, you needed, to know.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 13, 2014, 05:26:17 pm
10 years...you go more than your moneys worth on that
5-6 is desktop life span anything after that is just borrowed time
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 15, 2014, 09:14:23 pm
I can't imagine that your battery still worked after ten years...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on June 15, 2014, 11:12:47 pm
the god, of mechanical,  likes me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: atomic on June 15, 2014, 11:30:59 pm
my laptop died.  dell xps.  had it ten years.  loved that thing.  sniff, sniff.  should be fun to remove the hard drive to attempt to rescue the data.  got new laptop.  some hp envy touchsmart thing.  cheap and I think i like it.  neat,o.  thought, you needed, to know.

I replaced my dead laptop with an iPad Air.  Don't really see the point of laptops anymore.  I am shocked that you got 10 years out of a dell.  Always had them for work and never got more than 3 years out of them.  Battery dead after year one.  Had to replace the keyboard on my current one after 2 years and it is on its last legs.  Dell isn't known for quality.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 16, 2014, 08:23:32 am
I replaced my dead laptop with an iPad Air.  Don't really see the point of laptops anymore.
 

So you replaced a work computer with a toy?   to you touch type your 60 page manifestos on a small screen like that?
they are fun for browsing the web and reading books/mags.  but for people who actually use their computers to do work, tablets are just toys
I am shocked that you got 10 years out of a dell.  Always had them for work and never got more than 3 years out of them.  Battery dead after year one.   Dell isn't known for quality.

I too am shocked, but it does happen.  Just can't believe with all the porn I assume walky downloads it wasn't slowed to a crawl anytime he opened a browser.

dell makes a good economy computer (and actually pretty decent servers)
Never really liked their laptops, cheap and flimsy
also no matter what brand of laptop you get, optimal battery life is only 18-24 months
Unless (like most people) you have it plugged in all the time, you might get a longer life

I think laptops are like 4 wheel drive cars/trucks.  All these people buy them and are like "I'm adventure man and I'm going to be off-roading and all sorts of crazy things in this" when reality is they will never engage the 4 wheel drive

The laptop scenario is " i'll have so much freedom, I'll use it in the coffee shop, I'll sit in my backyard with a cup of coffee, I'll take it to all my business meetings"
When reality is...I've moved laptops and there is a ring of dust around where it sat for 3+ years and never moved 

Long story short...you overpay for a feature you'll never use and get a product that will have lot more issues, more expensive to fix and have a shorter life span...all cause you wanted to show the world how 'free' you are.  Ads...really warp the mind
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: James Ford on June 16, 2014, 08:31:25 am
You so crazy. My wife, my daughter, and I are constantly moving about two laptops all over the house. That's hardly collecting dust in the same spot.

You are right about the 4 wheel drive, in general, for us. Our RAV4 gets no more off road use than the Saturn.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on June 16, 2014, 11:33:04 am
i can communicate, with ghosts and ufos . . . they allow me to keep things, longer than most humans.  and i just stream porn, never download.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 17, 2014, 06:30:55 pm
Because I posted this in the less viewed Roll Call thread, I thought I should drop this in here as well:

Smackie is making a couple of guest appearances in your fine city this weekend.

I will be at the Nats game on Sunday (weather permitting) and watching USA v Portugal at Duffy's by the club at 6 Sunday evening.

No RSVP necessary.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 19, 2014, 12:00:56 am
A retweet:

There's a joke to be made about porn adopting new tech and the Fire Phone's perspective feature, but I presume someone already made it.

Also,  this :

James Joyce would pick fights in Paris, then hide and call Ernest Hemingway to beat the shit out of the guy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2014, 01:50:30 pm
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/10407000_10150414434084984_7294735101790963710_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2014, 02:24:09 pm
MusicVault has added 12000 classic concerts/clips to it's vault:

https://www.youtube.com/user/musicvault

"These include concerts from The Who, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen (among others); newer shows like Deer Tick in Vermont during Hurricane Irene; and archives from Woodstock, the now-defunct Capitol Theater in New Jersey and the Newport Jazz and Folk festivals. The Music Vault group said it has spent the last two years "restoring, transferring, mixing and mastering thousands of tapes from (its) enormous archive" for the new collection. All told, there are now 13,000 videos totaling nearly 2,000 hours on the site, along with playlists, features and original content. If you've got a couple of hours to spare, check the source -- if not, get a taste with the videos below."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 25, 2014, 11:44:23 am
good to know, thanks guys. i suspected it was dynamic pricing, those ticket prices are fairly absurd. 

RE: drinks. i was thinking the same thing. doesn't have to be a fancy beer place.  i'm in town that weekend for the annual napa valley farm bureau dinner, so i'll be spending most of my time around napa.  once i have a better idea when i'll be around the city, i'll shoot you a PM.  will be around the july 12 weekend as well.

I've been watching the prices and you're not getting in for under ~$70 this weekend - and those aren't good seats.  Keep an eye on the last few hours tonight to see if there's a collapse, but I highly doubt it.  The race is close and these two fan bases HATE each other.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 25, 2014, 11:46:53 am
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/10407000_10150414434084984_7294735101790963710_n.jpg)
I just now, this second, realized your signature is stating Trout is better than Harper, not that your life was better at 27 than it was at 34, which I, for some reason, assumed was the age at which you got divorced. Whoops.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 25, 2014, 12:17:04 pm
I just now, this second, realized your signature is stating Trout is better than Harper, not that your life was better at 27 than it was at 34, which I, for some reason, assumed was the age at which you got divorced. Whoops.

Funny. I don't know whether I should be amazed at that or disappointed.  I guess because we've never met, you wouldn't know how little my divorce affected me.  Other than the check I amazingly had to write her at the end, it was a non factor.  I'm happier in life right now than I've ever been.  40>x

But yes, 27>34 is a constant reminder of what I consider one of my greatest calls of all time - that Mike Trout would be better than Bryce Harper, and that it wouldn't be close.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 25, 2014, 12:21:43 pm
I don't know whether I should be amazed at that or disappointed. 
Well, I mean, just that I cared enough to create a fanciful narrative about you... :D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 25, 2014, 12:25:24 pm
Well, I mean, just that I cared enough to create a fanciful narrative about you... [/i] :D

That is exactly what the anonymity of a message board is all about.

I've never been so heart broken as when I found out that jadetree wasn't a woman.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 25, 2014, 12:28:08 pm
I've never been so heart broken as when I found out that jadetree wasn't a woman.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered xneverwherex WAS a woman.

FWIW, I also assumed jadetree was a woman until you just said otherwise.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 27, 2014, 10:36:37 pm
I  think he assumed they couldn't hear his horn (http://m.sfgate.com/news/us/article/Driver-seriously-injures-woman-during-Zombie-Walk-5650527.php)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 29, 2014, 10:03:17 am
Thoughts on the new Hilary Duff single? I give it a solid 7.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 29, 2014, 01:22:50 pm
Thoughts on the new Hilary Duff single? I give it a solid 7.

It's an 8.5 with the video, but I give the single a 6.5 as merely a catchy summer of 2014 attempt at Taylor Swift's success that came out about 6 weeks too late...   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on August 01, 2014, 02:12:11 pm
http://deadspin.com/heres-how-to-sneak-into-candlestick-park-1614662696

you?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 01, 2014, 02:41:54 pm
I don't know Mr.Vansmack, but he strikes me as the kind of guy who doesn't even own a suit
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 01, 2014, 03:29:07 pm
I don't know Mr.Vansmack, but he strikes me as the kind of guy who doesn't even own a suit
uhhhhh...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 01, 2014, 03:48:55 pm
you?

I don't have to sneak into Candlestick, the GM is a good friend of mine.  However, I have used the suit and tie to get many places where I shouldn't have been.

FB friends will have seen my photo from the top of the new 49ers stadium in a suit....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 01, 2014, 03:51:04 pm
I don't know Mr.Vansmack, but he strikes me as the kind of guy who doesn't even own a suit

Wow.  I wear a suit six days a week.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 01, 2014, 03:53:09 pm
see I told you I didn't know mr VSMK...so then maybe it was him
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 01, 2014, 04:53:50 pm
see I told you I didn't know mr VSMK...so then maybe it was him
Sort of imagine Neil Patrick Harris' character from How I Met Your Mother, and add in a belief that they're both qualified to write for the Economist and run a major league baseball team and you pretty much have my vision of the Smackie persona I have culled together over the years. (Although I have never met the man.)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 04, 2014, 10:44:53 am
here is an insight into smackie's mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCrJoItLjms#t=310

this is a good investment of 5 minutes.  trust me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 04, 2014, 11:10:00 am
here is an insight into smackie's mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCrJoItLjms#t=310

this is a good investment of 5 minutes.  trust me.
Third time I've seen this in the last 24 hours. This video is blowing up.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2014, 03:54:04 pm
I think of all the great stories I've accumulated from venturing into the danger zone and say "Take that piece of advice with a grain of salt"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 13, 2014, 05:45:52 pm
Smackie can't believe he forgot to wish his fellow South Paws Happy Left Handers Day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 15, 2014, 04:39:44 pm
So disappointed in myself for not thinking of this.  I did ask one of them out once when I took my niece though...

Guy proposes to all the Disney Princesses (http://m.eonline.com/news/569032/this-guy-proposed-to-all-of-the-princesses-at-disney-world-and-one-disney-prince-too)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 17, 2014, 05:03:44 pm
In Nashville,  Bachelorette parties a male chaperone to show them around 2nd and Broadway.   What a job...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 21, 2014, 09:00:01 am
http://grantland.com/features/2014-national-sports-collectors-convention/

Not usually a Bill Simmons fan, but this is side-splittingly hilarious, and I think the Smacks would concur.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 27, 2014, 08:47:28 pm
Not Safe for Work.  Or people who are easily offended:

Trailer for Netflix Jim Jefferies: Bare (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_lM68xXLvo#t=14)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 28, 2014, 08:52:06 am
legit is (was) one of my favorite shows
just found out they did a second season on FXX then canceled it  >:(
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 28, 2014, 01:33:08 pm
just found out they did a second season on FXX then canceled it  >:(

The second season was great.  A couple of misses in the run, but mostly quality uncomfortableness.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 09, 2014, 03:02:13 pm
Somebody is going to have to email me the new U2 album because I'm not installing iTunes just to get it. 

I'd rather pay....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 09, 2014, 03:13:26 pm
Blame it on the demise of BlackBerry
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 09, 2014, 03:48:21 pm
Blame it on the demise of BlackBerry

I blame it on a number of things, and yes, the demise of Blackberry is one of them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 09, 2014, 04:25:25 pm
The task at hand has been completed, thank you.

Also, this:

(http://media.giphy.com/media/IOCXHPvn3WErm/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 19, 2014, 03:45:08 pm
t.A.T.u. Singer Would 'Condemn' A Gay Son, Wouldn't Mind If Her Daughter Was A Lesbian (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/19/tatu-singer-gay-son-yulia-volkova_n_5850098.html)

"It seems to me that lesbians look aesthetically much nicer than two men holding their hands or kissing."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 19, 2014, 04:26:32 pm
I always liked Lena Katina more, and this just solidifies it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 14, 2014, 11:45:51 am
I've been using this for the better part of a year and it's absolutely fantastic:

Google Shopping Express comes to DC (http://googleblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/google-express-more-cities-more-stores.html)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Rogue Riderhood on October 14, 2014, 12:37:06 pm
How is Giant delivering through that service any different or better than Giant delivering through their Peapod service?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: imbecile on October 14, 2014, 12:52:27 pm
How is Giant delivering through that service any different or better than Giant delivering through their Peapod service?

I believe you can order from multiple people at once. 

So you can call up Google express and say "Run by giant, get me a box of ice cream sandwiches.  Swing through PetSmart and get me a 40 pound box of cat litter, and while you're at it, my cat is thirsty, so head by Costco and get me a bottle of Kirkland 18-year old Sherry Cask scotch."  And, they'll bring it all at once.

Is that right?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Rogue Riderhood on October 14, 2014, 01:06:00 pm
I don't know, they only sell alcohol at liquor stores where I live. (joke)

Sounds cool, if you absolutely have no time to run errands.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 14, 2014, 01:09:54 pm
I believe you can order from multiple people at once. 

So you can call up Google express and say "Run by giant, get me a box of ice cream sandwiches.  Swing through PetSmart and get me a 40 pound box of cat litter, and while you're at it, my cat is thirsty, so head by Costco and get me a bottle of Kirkland 18-year old Sherry Cask scotch."  And, they'll bring it all at once.

Is that right?

Yes, this is true.  I can mix my Target order with my Whole Foods order, throw in the dog food from Pet Smart ans it's all delivered by the time I get home from work.

Giant is not available out here, so I can't answer that one specifically, but I'd imagine the Peapod service is similar.  You can compare prices with Google Express though...

Also, alcohol is a new addition and I believe it's Northern CA only.  For now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 14, 2014, 01:17:18 pm

Also, alcohol is a new addition and I believe it's Northern CA only.  For now.

it's NoCal so you can probably get edibles too?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 14, 2014, 01:50:53 pm
Also, alcohol is a new addition and I believe it's Northern CA only.  For now.
The day I can get Italian cordials delivered directly to my door is the beginning of the downfall of the Julian empire.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 14, 2014, 01:58:33 pm
Also, alcohol is a new addition and I believe it's Northern CA only.  For now.
The day I can get Italian cordials delivered directly to my door is the beginning of the downfall of the Julian empire.
Or usher in a new era...Julian's America for All...guess that would devalue it?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 14, 2014, 02:04:05 pm
sports, sports, sports.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 14, 2014, 02:10:06 pm
The day I can get Italian cordials delivered directly to my door is the beginning of the downfall of the Julian empire.

I wouldn't worry - I don't think Google has Richmond on their radar.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on October 14, 2014, 02:15:31 pm
Also, alcohol is a new addition and I believe it's Northern CA only.  For now.
The day I can get Italian cordials delivered directly to my door is the beginning of the downfall of the Julian empire.

This can be arranged.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 14, 2014, 02:29:07 pm
The day I can get Italian cordials delivered directly to my door is the beginning of the downfall of the Julian empire.

I wouldn't worry - I don't think Google has Richmond on their radar.
This state's antiquated alcohol beverage control laws would be a larger hurdle to overcome. Google holds no exclusive rights to same-day-to-your-door delivery.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 14, 2014, 02:29:59 pm
Or usher in a new era...Julian's America for All...guess that would devalue it?
I would assume a healthy markup would make my elderflower liqueurs and anises even more pricey for the common man!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on October 14, 2014, 03:01:32 pm
The day I can get Italian cordials delivered directly to my door is the beginning of the downfall of the Julian empire.

Who said anything about Google?!?  We can do this ourselves.

I wouldn't worry - I don't think Google has Richmond on their radar.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 27, 2014, 05:09:50 pm
Dwarf Stripper Impregnates Bride to be at her Bachelorette Party (http://www.examiner.com/article/dwarf-stripper-impregnates-bride-to-be-at-her-bachelorette-party)

This is way better than my "I hope the kid comes out [insert race that's not the same as the fathers]" joke....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 30, 2014, 12:44:19 pm
Kelly Clarkson's Cover of Shake it Off is the Only One You Need to Hear (http://www.axs.com/news/kelly-clarkson-s-cover-of-shake-it-off-is-the-only-one-you-need-25316?cid=AXSFBKellyClarksonShakeItOff)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 30, 2014, 12:58:19 pm
This is way better than my "I hope the kid comes out [insert race that's not the same as the fathers]" joke....
Is this a thing? Do midgets beget midgets? I feel I should know about this subject matter than I do...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 30, 2014, 01:09:52 pm
Is this a thing? Do midgets beget midgets? I feel I should know about this subject matter than I do...

Were you banned for this:

I don't know how I ever missed this movie coming out, but if my local Blockbuster has it, I will be reviewing it by the end of the weekend:

Tiptoes, starring Gary Oldman, Kate Beckinsale, Matthew McConaughey and Patricia Arquette.

Don't miss the Trailer (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/aa3a85442a/tiptoes).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2014, 08:36:07 pm
Apple Deleted Rivals Songs from Users iPods (http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/12/03/apple-deleted-rivals-songs-from-users-ipods/)

Somewhere on this board I talked about this back in the day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 09, 2014, 05:58:10 pm
I had this watch before they made this smackie approved commercial:

Moto 360 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yEMLM2PUgY)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: miss pretentious on December 09, 2014, 08:24:22 pm
I had this watch before they made this smackie approved commercial:

Moto 360 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yEMLM2PUgY)

this watch was pretty impressive in person too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 16, 2014, 03:36:43 pm
This photo reminded me of a conversation I had a couple weeks ago at a Roaring 20's party.

The conversation centered on fashion and whether or not the 20's were the best time to go back to for fashion.  I disagreed, citing a number of diffeent arguments, and thought that while the flapper dresses we nice, the the mini skirt and gogo boot era were the ones for me.  Take Smackie back to that time!

They probably were drunk and thought they were getting...
(http://assets.rollingstone.com/assets/2014/article/mad-mens-robert-morse-on-dancing-into-the-sunset-20140527/18867/_original/1035x689-20140527-robertmorse-x1800-1401225528.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on December 17, 2014, 08:39:48 am
Kosmette and I recently watched the BBC series "The Supersizers Go" streaming on Hulu.  Where they take a couple back to various time periods in history and have them eat and experience the lifestyles of those times.  We both agreed that 20s in UK would have been a great time period to live.  That series is highly recommended, it's very well researched and presented.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 17, 2014, 09:46:04 am
Kosmette and I recently watched the BBC series "The Supersizers Go" streaming on Hulu.  Where they take a couple back to various time periods in history and have them eat and experience the lifestyles of those times.  We both agreed that 20s in UK would have been a great time period to live.  That series is highly recommended, it's very well researched and presented.
Perhaps you can assist me with a side-question. Hulu Plus is the one subscription video service I don't have (that I'm aware of). Is there anything in the way of exclusive content, either foreign series no one else has or stuff they've produced themselves?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on December 17, 2014, 12:26:24 pm
I don't that Hulu is a studio per say, think they just buy existing content. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 17, 2014, 12:30:50 pm
I don't that Hulu is a studio per say, think they just buy existing content. 
OK, but do they have any existing content (perhaps from overseas sources like the BCC) that are unavailable elsewhere to someone with HBO/Showtime/Netflix/AmazonPrime?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on December 17, 2014, 12:37:40 pm
And I just realized I didn't actually answer your question.. I know they claim a lot of BBC stuff as exclusive.  But at least one of those series is on the WETA UK.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 17, 2014, 12:46:38 pm
This brings back an idea that I floated on Smackie's FB wall one night drunkenly and he never responded to (no doubt because he's stealing it): but why doesn't someone make an IMDB-esque website/app that comprehensively lists all programs/movies but then at a touch tells you where its available for immediate viewing. Make databases of all the major cable/fiber/satellite companies OnDemand services and keep an up-to-date listing of all the major web based ones (Netflix, Hulu/Plus, Amazon/Prime, HBOgo, ShowtimeAnytime, Vudu) and cross-reference them.

Ideally, I'd open the app, type in "Popular" and be given a few choices of TV shows and movies with the word popular in the title. I'd click on the old WB Series and it'd tell me where I can watch it instantaneously and in what resolutions. Ideally it'd also have a graphical representation of which are free and which are PPV. If I sign up for an in-app account then it'll remember and ONLY display the services I get, great. (Perhaps every 3rd or 4th entry it'll point out what I want is on another service with a direct link to sign up which the app would get a kickback from.) If the app syncs to my blu-ray/smart TV/TiVo/AppleTV/Roku/Chromecast and I can click on an available provider's listing in that aforementioned results screen, start the program on my TV, even better.

HOW DOES THIS NOT EXIST? It seems fairly simple to make (in the realm of apps) and folks of my ilk would use it all the time. It would have multiple revenue streams from day one. WHY IS NO ONE ELSE ENTHUSED BY THIS CONCEPT?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2014, 01:56:42 pm
I do remember that now, but I too was drunk when I read it and forgot to circle back to it.  I was thinking about it this morning however, and also the other day when I was looking for Bad Santa, Elf, and other holiday movies.

TiVo was (at least at one point) very good at this.  If you would search for content, it would tell you which channels you subscribed to and which apps you could watch it on.  But that was limited to one device TiVo.

I think you might be approaching it the wrong way though.  I would ignore all of the devices to start and simply start with the content providers.  Devices are dependent on content providers and your willingness to subscribe.  It doesn't matter that it's on Netflix which works on Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick, etc.  What matters is that you subscribe to Netflix.   

For example, when you sign into the app, you put in your location.  You are then given a list of content providers to choose from to be included in your search, that way it's catered to your subscriptions.  You could also include a checkbox to search all free content providers.  And if your search turns up no results, then you could click a link that shows which content providers you are not subscribed to that offer it.  After you see that Hulu Plus has a few things you've searched for, you've solved your revenue stream model, by taking a cut of the subscriber fee as a referral. 

You could also share the search data with content providers so they know what folks are interested in, and where they are losing out to rival providers.

I like it.  The only hurdle is going to be getting all content providers to share their libraries.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Rogue Riderhood on December 17, 2014, 02:07:28 pm
HOW DOES THIS NOT EXIST? It seems fairly simple to make (in the realm of apps) and folks of my ilk would use it all the time.
Are you a developer?  I am not sure why you think this would be that simple.  It would involve integrating multiple APIs and would definitely not be "fairly simple" to program (though it would be doable).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 17, 2014, 02:11:01 pm
I agree with all of that Smackie. That's exactly how I saw it playing out although I think you can do a one-screen GUI for search results and still upsell content providers you don't have. Less clicks is essential. Getting content providers on board ASAP with integration in exchange for a piece of PPV sales or some kickback on memberships is priority 1.

I also agree that being able to one-click it to my TV (through some hybrid device) is not a day one feature, but God is it amazing in version 2.0, even if it costs something as a pay version of the app.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 17, 2014, 02:17:58 pm
Are you a developer?  I am not sure why you think this would be that simple.  It would involve integrating multiple APIs and would definitely not be "fairly simple" to program (though it would be doable).
I mean... no, I'm not a developer. However, it is not exactly facebook level complexity either.

Perhaps in beta, someone in-house daily or weekly manually updates what is added/deleted to each content provider and then once there's proof of concept through MAUs, we go to the content providers and pitch the thing, with integrated access to their database a requirement.

I just really wish I could get in front of someone who actually has the technical know-how to do this and pitch the idea. I would be willing to take a minority share of ownership in the thing, I just think its a fantastic idea and you can grow it from percentage of sales --> in-app ad revenue --> premium version app price with more features --> an integrated suggestions idea that promotes/upsells PPV or smaller up-and-coming niche providers.

This could be really profitable as every day the integrated "channel guide" in our TVs/DVRs becomes less and less reflective of our options for what's on. TiVo is the closest to actually doing this and as Smacks said, it's still miles away from what we actually need. Someone is going to do something like this soon, guaranteed. I don't have many good ideas but this is solidly one.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2014, 02:27:06 pm
I'm just guessing the hold up has been the content providers unwillingness to share the library data.

There's no way you're hiring people to add content - you're using the API's of the content providers to stay up to date.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on December 17, 2014, 02:37:47 pm
I like that idea, but I'm likely still going to spend 15+ minutes deciding what to watch..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on December 17, 2014, 02:56:48 pm
Theres already a billion websites that do this

http://www.canistream.it/search/movie/la%20cage%20aux%20folles
http://www.canistream.it/search/tv/bosom%20buddies
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2014, 03:00:04 pm
Theres already a billion websites that do this

Ha!  And they have an app!

Thank you for sharing, Grateful.  This will save me a ton of time and reduce frustration.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 17, 2014, 03:02:02 pm
Theres already a billion websites that do this

http://www.canistream.it/search/movie/la%20cage%20aux%20folles
http://www.canistream.it/search/tv/bosom%20buddies
I was not aware of this, thanks.

However, I just tried three different shows that I know are on multiple free providers and it could not locate a free streaming provider for any of them.

EDIT: Try Dexter (is on Netflix, but they don't tell you) or The Wire (HBOGo, AmazonPrime neither come up). Everything I've just tried gives me Vudu/Apple/Amazon pay options but no free streaming options and I know for a certainty they're available.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2014, 03:21:26 pm
Movies seem to be more accurate than TV.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 17, 2014, 03:29:40 pm
Movies seem to be more accurate than TV.
Good to know. Definitely better than nothing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on December 17, 2014, 03:37:37 pm
Movies seem to be more accurate than TV.
Good to know. Definitely better than nothing.

I'm sure some are better than others.  Netflix seems to be persnickety when it comes to sharing their data.

Guidebox (www.guidebox.com)
Luma (itunes app) claims to be netflix friendly

Of course, this is the whole idea behind Roku.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 18, 2014, 07:11:23 pm
The Year of Outrage 2014 - Everything You Were Angry About on Social Media (http://www.slate.com/articles/life/culturebox/2014/12/the_year_of_outrage_2014_everything_you_were_angry_about_on_social_media.html?)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 12, 2015, 05:10:16 pm
Google Translate to be updated to do Real Time Voice Translation (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/11/language-translation-tech-starting-to-deliver-on-its-promise/?_r=0)

I've always said that if I could have a Super Power, it would be the ability to communicate in every language...most people think that's stupid, but I think it's huge.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 13, 2015, 11:55:47 pm
The Director wanted Smackie to see this.

Smackie Approved for the rest of you:

Gia - Only a Girl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRIzDQEB1mk
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 28, 2015, 03:59:59 pm
I had yet another revelation over a glass of wine last night.

My fiancée submitted some photos to be a model in a boudoir shoot opportunity and her motivation for me was that I would be the beneficiary of the photo book as a wedding gift.  Fine by me, but then I thought, you know what would be awesome....

If, on my wedding day, I was given not just a boudoir book of photos of my new bride at her current age (which, presumably I'm very familiar with) but a book (or books) of boudoir photos of my new bride from when she was 18 years old, and 21 years old, and 25 years old and 30 years old - every 5 years until we eventually tie the knot - now THAT is a gift I would cherish.

So, those of you with daughters, encourage them to do this for their future husband so this becomes a thing and we can change the world.  For the better.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 28, 2015, 04:28:26 pm
I don't get why you'd start it at 18. What's wrong with childhood pictures? Presumably you're not perving out over this hypothetical book.

(I'm asking seriously, not casting aspersions.)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 28, 2015, 05:40:26 pm
I don't get why you'd start it at 18. What's wrong with childhood pictures? Presumably you're not perving out over this hypothetical book.

(I'm asking seriously, not casting aspersions.)

bou·doir noun \ˈbü-ˌdwär, ˈbu̇-, ˌbü-ˈ, ˌbu̇-ˈ\
: a woman's bedroom or private room for dressing or resting
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 28, 2015, 05:47:41 pm
so let me get this straight
You want me to periodically take boudoir shots of my own daughter starting at 18 and every few years after that to collect in some wank off book for her future husband?

Oh yeah, that would go real well for all the parties involved

...honey a little more cleavage, please try to look really slutty for some person 10 to 20 years in the future
...no these are not for me officer
(to my wife) 'this boardie had this great idea and I thought I'd pay it forward and do some random guy a solid'
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 28, 2015, 05:48:50 pm
You want me to periodically take boudoir shots of my own daughter starting at 18 and every few years after that to collect in some wank off book for her future husband?

You're a sick and cheap man.  Hire a professional....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 28, 2015, 05:50:09 pm
I will take cheap...
but this was not my sick proposal to begin with
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 28, 2015, 05:52:06 pm
I don't get why you'd start it at 18. What's wrong with childhood pictures? Presumably you're not perving out over this hypothetical book.

(I'm asking seriously, not casting aspersions.)

bou·doir noun \ˈbü-ˌdwär, ˈbu̇-, ˌbü-ˈ, ˌbu̇-ˈ\
: a woman's bedroom or private room for dressing or resting
I understood that your fiancee sent you boudoir photos but I did not understand, in paragraph 3 where you lay out your idea, that those hypothetical photos were also supposed to be boudoir photos. You just made it sound like photos at different ages, unqualified.

I now find this idea weird, second Rhetorical-Question Sidehatch's sentiments, and cast aspersions.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 28, 2015, 05:54:22 pm
You just made it sound like photos at different ages, unqualified.

What's the difference between that and say....Facebook? Or her mom's photo album?

I updated my new idea to be more clear for you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 28, 2015, 05:58:11 pm
but a book (or books) of boudoir photos of my new bride from when she was 18 years old, and 21 years old, and 25 years old and 30 years old - every 5 years

I will say with all the sexting kids are doing this day, this book might not be that hard to compile in 20 years
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 28, 2015, 05:59:08 pm
I will say with all the sexting kids are doing this day, this book might not be that hard to compile in 20 years

Now that's the attitude I'm looking for.  I just want to up the quality of the photos....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 28, 2015, 06:02:19 pm
I will say with all the sexting kids are doing this day, this book might not be that hard to compile in 20 years

Now that's the attitude I'm looking for.  I just want to up the quality of the photos....
maybe the revenge porn sites are the way to go then...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on January 28, 2015, 06:05:48 pm
sometimes I'm glad i don't have girls... the whole American Princess and the way some parents dress their girls and take pictures of them and post on Facebook makes me want to puke.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 29, 2015, 05:29:13 pm
Jukely Unlimited starts in SF next week.  I'm waiting until March to try it out because of travel.


https://www.jukely.com/

Live music, unlimited.
Get into over 500 shows a month in LA and NYC. Starting at $25/Mo. Try it free for 7 days.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2015, 12:48:06 am
Night 3 of Smackie's Stag Party
Sun 05/03/2015
London @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire

With Special guests: Social Distortion, Jonny Two Bags, Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas

I would happily Rsvp, just waiting for the invite to arrive. Any day now, I'm sure.

I have revealed one of 4 nights in England for my stag and you're already in?  Bless you.

The fiancee and I will be in DC soon, so let's get you and your Mrs out for dinner so I can see her face when you ask to join the party.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2015, 04:30:08 pm
On this day 10 years ago I hosted a Super Bowl Party.  Super Bowl XXXIX (Pats v Eagles) was the last Super Bowl I ever watched in 480p on a CRT.
Whoa, I adopted HD a year before Smackie did. This is a massive source of, unexpected, pride for me.

There really wasn't much HD content at that time - only over the air - which didn't work with my DirecTV DVR's.  If you recall, the HD TiVo on DTV couldn't record the local MPEG4 stream, just the national MPEG2 streams, so it was a mess I didn't want to get into.  Oct 2005 I bought a 42inch plasma and the Directv non-tivo HD DVR.

That being said, I bit the bullet on 4K UHD two weeks ago to replace that 10 year old Plasma.  Downloaded 4K content is crystal clear, but streamed content is the same as 1080p to my old eyes.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on February 06, 2015, 04:47:00 pm
On this day 10 years ago I hosted a Super Bowl Party.  Super Bowl XXXIX (Pats v Eagles) was the last Super Bowl I ever watched in 480p on a CRT.
Whoa, I adopted HD a year before Smackie did. This is a massive source of, unexpected, pride for me.

There really wasn't much HD content at that time - only over the air - which didn't work with my DirecTV DVR's.  If you recall, the HD TiVo on DTV couldn't record the local MPEG4 stream, just the national MPEG2 streams, so it was a mess I didn't want to get into.  Oct 2005 I bought a 42inch plasma and the Directv non-tivo HD DVR.

That being said, I bit the bullet on 4K UHD two weeks ago to replace that 10 year old Plasma.  Downloaded 4K content is crystal clear, but streamed content is the same as 1080p to my old eyes.

I can't wait until 4K UHD becomes a thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 06, 2015, 04:55:44 pm
That being said, I bit the bullet on 4K UHD two weeks ago to replace that 10 year old Plasma.  Downloaded 4K content is crystal clear, but streamed content is the same as 1080p to my old eyes.
My next TV will be 4K but I'm not going out and upgrading until one of my current ones bite it because of lack of content. (TiVo's 4K device being a year away supposedly also has me dragging my feet.)

Other than like Netflix's 4K programming, where are you getting programming from?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 06, 2015, 04:57:44 pm
If you recall, the HD TiVo on DTV couldn't record the local MPEG4 stream, just the national MPEG2 streams, so it was a mess I didn't want to get into. 
I was a (proper) TiVo honk already at that point and would use antenna to watch broadcast network stuff, then record things thru the TiVo Series 1. Never had DirecTV so not super familiar with their old hardware.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2015, 05:58:59 pm
My next TV will be 4K but I'm not going out and upgrading until one of my current ones bite it because of lack of content. (TiVo's 4K device being a year away supposedly also has me dragging my feet.)

Other than like Netflix's 4K programming, where are you getting programming from?

I can't wait until 4K UHD becomes a thing.

Mostly legal downloadable content via Bit-Torrent (documentaries and demo's).  It will be a while before OTA broadcasts are in 4K (or if ever considering 720p is still the standard despite 1080p being around for a decade).

Netflix, Amazon, Youtube and UltraFlix offer 4K content, but you should have at least a 25mpbs internet connection to see any difference between 1080p and 4k.

Sony and Samsung are flirting with downloadable movies onto Hard Drives/players that are played on the TV via the USB 3.0 port.  I've tried Samsung's version (M-Go) and it was pretty damn good.   Sony's "Video Unlimited" required a separate player that I wasn't going to shell out $700 for.  Samsung's 1TB hard drive came with my UHD TV. 
 
4K Blu-Rays will be out this summer, but I won't be going down that road.

DirecTV and Comcast offer On Demand rentals of 4K movies, but neither are my provider so I haven't tried them out. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 10, 2015, 03:23:13 pm
Hey Smackie, do you have any anecdotal experience with MLB.tv?

I usually buy MLB Extra Innings but the drawback on my cable system is only 2 of the 14 channels are in HD so most games are not in HD. TiVo's recent MLB.tv app is making me considering trying out the cheaper .tv option this season especially since they promise home/road HD feeds.

If you've used it, is the picture quality pretty consistently HD if I have above-average internet speed coming in and the TiVo hardwired? Is the GUI fairly good on the TiVo app? Is it worth the extra $20 to get MLB.tv Premium with the at bat app or whatever its called? Any feedback appreciated.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 10, 2015, 03:50:23 pm
Hey Smackie, do you have any anecdotal experience with MLB.tv?

I usually buy MLB Extra Innings but the drawback on my cable system is only 2 of the 14 channels are in HD so most games are not in HD. TiVo's recent MLB.tv app is making me considering trying out the cheaper .tv option this season especially since they promise home/road HD feeds.

If you've used it, is the picture quality pretty consistently HD if I have above-average internet speed coming in and the TiVo hardwired? Is the GUI fairly good on the TiVo app? Is it worth the extra $20 to get MLB.tv Premium with the at bat app or whatever its called? Any feedback appreciated.

I've used it exclusively for the past 3-4 years , orignally for precisely the reason you cite. The west coast HD games were constantly screwed by east coast and Midwest games not finishing on time. It was making a mess of my recordings as well.

I'm now with uverse and Extra Innings is not an option, so MLB.TV is my only option.  I buy the Premium version for streaming radio to my phone for my commute. There was talk about including that in the regular version at some point....

It has turned out to be much better for me. I watch it at the office,  listen in my car (don't get me started on the SiriusXM merger issues) and watch when I travel. I'll probably never go back at this point.

The picture quality is dependent on the speed of your internet connection, but generally, I get somewhere between 720p and 1080p with a wired connection to my TV. Wireless is closer to 720p, but an up-res TV can clear it up.

The UI is hardware dependent - I've used Samsung TV and Blu-Ray player, Chromecast streaming from the MLB app, Roku, and TiVo, but I haven't used TiVo in over 2 years.  Theyre all different and have different features.  What's important to me is the ability to hide scores when I see the list of games and to start from the beginning as I rarely watch live, catching up around the 7th inning.   FF and RW are not nearly as slick as any DVR out there, however.

So long as your favorite team is not your local market, I couldn't recommend MLB.TV over cable more.  If you have DirecTV, Dish or FiOS with a Slingbox or Vulkano, then I can make an argument for Extra Innings.

As I mentioned, with Uverse its not a decision as MLB.TV is the only option, but I'm very satisfied with its flexibility, especially with the radio feed option for my commute.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 10, 2015, 03:57:07 pm
Thanks for the quick feedback. I'll definitely give the MLB.tv Premium a try this season as it is $50 less and you aren't reporting any significant picture quality issues.  :)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 10, 2015, 04:19:36 pm
I can't even begin to tell you how ridiculous it is that it's 2015 and cable still has the 14 channel, only 2 HD options,  and no choice of feeds.

I can assure you the PQ will be better than that 480p SD bullshit from cable.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 10, 2015, 04:26:50 pm
I can't even begin to tell you how ridiculous it is that it's 2015 and cable still has the 14 channel, only 2 HD options,  and no choice of feeds.

I can assure you the PQ will be better than that 480p SD bullshit from cable.
Yeah, I concur. I'd love the NHL's online only option to get some TiVo/Blu-ray integration at some point too so I can start considering it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 10, 2015, 05:49:40 pm
Yeah, I concur. I'd love the NHL's online only option to get some TiVo/Blu-ray integration at some point too so I can start considering it.

It is a strange one - I wonder why Apple TV and Roku have support, but Chromecast and Amazon do not.  Sony clearly paid money to leave Samsung out, but the others are not exclusive deals.

Anyhow, shoot me a PM and we'll work out something for my Roku LT (old version) that I haven't plugged in in months.  It supports NHL Gamecenter.

I also have an unopened Amazon Fire Stick that I'll sell for $20 if anyone is interested.     
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 10, 2015, 05:53:43 pm
Anyhow, shoot me a PM and we'll work out something for my Roku LT (old version) that I haven't plugged in in months.  It supports NHL Gamecenter.
I've already got Center Ice for this year paid for. I'm going to hold out for some sort of integrated TiVo support before October, and if not - and if the MLB.tv proves to be utterly superior - I will probably look for some cheap device to run GameCenter on.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2015, 06:01:57 pm
Stop what you're doing and listen to these never before heard Spice Girls Songs! (http://www.buzzfeed.com/moniquemelendez/stop-what-youre-doing-and-listen-to-never-before-heard-spice#.jcd6qEeK17)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: stevewizzle on February 11, 2015, 06:26:56 pm
Hey Smackie, do you have any anecdotal experience with MLB.tv?

I usually buy MLB Extra Innings but the drawback on my cable system is only 2 of the 14 channels are in HD so most games are not in HD. TiVo's recent MLB.tv app is making me considering trying out the cheaper .tv option this season especially since they promise home/road HD feeds.

If you've used it, is the picture quality pretty consistently HD if I have above-average internet speed coming in and the TiVo hardwired? Is the GUI fairly good on the TiVo app? Is it worth the extra $20 to get MLB.tv Premium with the at bat app or whatever its called? Any feedback appreciated.

I've used it exclusively for the past 3-4 years , orignally for precisely the reason you cite. The west coast HD games were constantly screwed by east coast and Midwest games not finishing on time. It was making a mess of my recordings as well.

I'm now with uverse and Extra Innings is not an option, so MLB.TV is my only option.  I buy the Premium version for streaming radio to my phone for my commute. There was talk about including that in the regular version at some point....

It has turned out to be much better for me. I watch it at the office,  listen in my car (don't get me started on the SiriusXM merger issues) and watch when I travel. I'll probably never go back at this point.

The picture quality is dependent on the speed of your internet connection, but generally, I get somewhere between 720p and 1080p with a wired connection to my TV. Wireless is closer to 720p, but an up-res TV can clear it up.

The UI is hardware dependent - I've used Samsung TV and Blu-Ray player, Chromecast streaming from the MLB app, Roku, and TiVo, but I haven't used TiVo in over 2 years.  Theyre all different and have different features.  What's important to me is the ability to hide scores when I see the list of games and to start from the beginning as I rarely watch live, catching up around the 7th inning.   FF and RW are not nearly as slick as any DVR out there, however.

So long as your favorite team is not your local market, I couldn't recommend MLB.TV over cable more.  If you have DirecTV, Dish or FiOS with a Slingbox or Vulkano, then I can make an argument for Extra Innings.

As I mentioned, with Uverse its not a decision as MLB.TV is the only option, but I'm very satisfied with its flexibility, especially with the radio feed option for my commute.

i'm really excited for mlb.tv now that i've got a chromecast and decent TV.  last year i was watching games on my laptop and developing future neck and back issues.  not sure if my OTA antenna will pick up mariners games, but not sure i really care except for when they play BOS and WAS.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 17, 2015, 05:22:49 pm
Night 3 of Smackie's Stag Party
Sun 05/03/2015
London @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire

With Special guests: Social Distortion, Jonny Two Bags, Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas


I don't think I realized they were playing their self-titled debut in it's entirety in honor of it's 25th Anniversary and my Stag Party.  But they are.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 18, 2015, 07:35:31 pm
I can't wait until 4K UHD becomes a thing.

This is a pretty good take on why I went 4K with my new TV:

http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/18/8061391/vizio-p-series-review-4k-tv

On the specs, my experience is the same.  I went out with the intention of buying the Vizio P50 but the two I brought home were DOA.  Now this could have been Best Buy's fault, but after two DOA's, I spent a little more on the Samsung model and am quite pleased.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 10, 2015, 01:16:32 am
I have always wondered about these....

So What Are Those Moving Floaty Things In Your Eyes? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6e_m9iq-4Q&t=233)

Read more at http://higherperspective.com/2015/01/floaters.html#S7GtjT0Euk7ED3DM.99
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on March 10, 2015, 09:40:56 am
I have always wondered about these....

So What Are Those Moving Floaty Things In Your Eyes? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6e_m9iq-4Q&t=233)

Read more at http://higherperspective.com/2015/01/floaters.html#S7GtjT0Euk7ED3DM.99

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WclAFJSvyWw
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 10, 2015, 06:45:29 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WclAFJSvyWw

Excellent.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 10, 2015, 06:46:29 pm
Thicke and Pharrell lose "Blurred Lines" lawsuit to Gaye Estate (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/robin-thicke-and-pharrell-lose-blurred-lines-lawsuit-20150310)

First time I heard the song I said "Marvin Gaye called. He'd like his song back." #truestory
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 24, 2015, 02:32:45 pm
The time is Meow.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/super-troopers-2/x/5949602
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on March 24, 2015, 06:22:49 pm
esto me parece una boludez
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 24, 2015, 06:36:32 pm
esto me parece una boludez

My Spanish is not strong, but did you mean stupid or no brainer?

They're at $500K in 6 hours and I haven't even moved my crowd source purchase over yet - $25k to be my groomsmen!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on March 24, 2015, 07:40:02 pm
$25k to be my groomsmen!

Open bar?

(and will the Director be there?)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 24, 2015, 07:46:47 pm
Open bar?

(and will the Director be there?)

Yes and yes, despite the warnings I received from sweetcell about the last time this was attempted.  As I was on the other end of the phone call that late night from the middle of the farm, I figured I owed sweetcell this time.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 24, 2015, 08:32:01 pm
You know, Smacks, if you're going to crowdsource a crowdsourcing reward and post about it in this community, can you at least show the common decency to tag it as META? I don't ask for much.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on March 24, 2015, 08:35:47 pm
You know, Smacks, if you're going to crowdsource a crowdsourcing reward and post about it in this community, can you at least show the common decency to tag it as META? I don't ask for much.

este tipo es un pelotudo..no le des bola
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on March 25, 2015, 09:56:42 am
este tipo es un pelotudo..no le des bola

Google Translate is on fire this morning:

this guy is a pelotudo..no you give Ball
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 25, 2015, 10:52:06 am
Google always struggles with slang,  but I'm pretty sure he's talking about my big hairy balls.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on March 25, 2015, 11:02:52 am
I was noticing the same thing and will be adopting the Argentinean slang word pelotudo for everyday use
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 27, 2015, 11:59:52 am
Kosmo!!!  Where's my review?  Kindly start with what she was wearing and if she played The Trailer Song or not.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on March 27, 2015, 01:07:36 pm
Yes to the trailer song and she was wearing a Brown and white possibly cow print outfit with fringe and the special light up boots at the end.  We got all of STDP except for Dandelion, four new songs and four covers including no scrubs and these boots were made for walking.

Overall I give the show a solid B, while I love love her record, it's a bit melancholy and mid tempo for a live setting.  There was moments when I wish they would cut loose a little.

I also enjoyed the openers John and Jacob who had a nice rockin county sound and had a bit of a spark Kacey's was missing. One of their songs was in second season of Nashville. 

Bottom line throughly enjoyable, but she's not an act, I would need to see live every time she came through town, unless the new record blows me completel away
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 27, 2015, 04:26:26 pm
Awesome!  Thank you - I expect much the same experience.

I find her at her best when she's not playing the guitar, but instead singing and swaying ala June Carter, but she doesn't do it very often.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on March 28, 2015, 12:05:26 am
Exactly, what do I need to know?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 07, 2015, 12:49:03 am
You may now put your Blu-Ray players up for sale....

The Star Wars Digital Movie Collection Coming April 10 (http://www.starwars.com/news/the-star-wars-digital-movie-collection-coming-april-10)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on April 08, 2015, 05:38:03 pm
My 10 year old (?) Sony rear projection beast is slowly turning green, and I'm seriously looking at the Samsung JU7100.  Any thoughts? 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 08, 2015, 06:09:52 pm
My 10 year old (?) Sony rear projection beast is slowly turning green, and I'm seriously looking at the Samsung JU7100.  Any thoughts? 

Sadly, I haven't seen one, though I have checked periodically.  They aren't in any retail stores I frequent.

I followed the AVS thread for a while but it was just filled with speculation.  Mostly, folks who have a lot of their own ripped content seem to prefer it to the 8500 series, but so few people have them that I grew tired of wading through the noise. 

I believe it's the upgrade to my 6950 series, which I have been more than happy with, but can't really comment until I use one.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on April 08, 2015, 11:59:46 pm
I suppose anything will be an upgrade for me, at which it becomes much am I willing to spend for something I plan to use for 7ish years...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 09, 2015, 06:04:47 pm
You may now put your Blu-Ray players up for sale....

And I'm sure most of you donated your DVD players, but further proof:

 The Simpsons cease DVD distribution (http://www.avclub.com/article/simpsons-will-no-longer-be-released-dvd-217796)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 09, 2015, 11:37:06 pm
You may now put your Blu-Ray players up for sale....

And I'm sure most of you donated your DVD players, but further proof:

 The Simpsons cease DVD distribution (http://www.avclub.com/article/simpsons-will-no-longer-be-released-dvd-217796)

"Yes, you are now at the whims of geography, your home entertainment package, and the reliability of your Internet if you want to see outtakes and hear Jean and others talk about the making of latter-day Simpsons episodes."

huge upgrade from the oppression of physical media!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 10, 2015, 11:19:12 am
"Yes, you are now at the whims of geography, your home entertainment package, and the reliability of your Internet if you want to see outtakes and hear Jean and others talk about the making of latter-day Simpsons episodes."

huge upgrade from the oppression of physical media!!!

Did you ever try to buy a DVD in Europe that they didn't sell in the States and try and play it when you got back to America? 

Did you ever have as many options for entertainment with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, youtube, Google or Apple (and those are just the legal ones) compared to your local cable company or satellite TV?

I pull nearly 20mbps on my phone these days.  If you don't have enough alternatives to your home connection going down then...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 10, 2015, 12:43:12 pm
DVD region codes are a red herring and you know it.  if you're able to pull down 20 mbps on your phone and hook your home entertainment system into it, then you can get around region locks.  the flipside is expecting John Q. Consumer to hook up his TV to his phone is a non-starter.

agreed that we have even more options online than we do with physical media, but offline options are in the billions as it is.  not sure that having even more billions will make me happier :) 

anyhoo, i'm certainly not saying keeping media in the cloud is a bad thing.  i just want to point out that it isn't without its own limitations and that there remains reasons why one might want physical media - like, say, a Simpsons DVD... ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 10, 2015, 01:26:47 pm
Smackie, you ignorant slut: DVD region codes are a red herring and you know it.  if you're able to pull down 20 mbps on your phone and hook your home entertainment system into it, then you can get around region locks.  the flipside is expecting John Q. Consumer to hook up his TV to his phone is a non-starter.

agreed that we have even more options online than we do with physical media, but offline options are in the billions as it is.  not sure that having even more billions will make me happier :) 

anyhoo, i'm certainly not saying keeping media in the cloud is a bad thing.  i just want to point out that it isn't without its own limitations and that there remains reasons why one might want physical media - like, say, a Simpsons DVD... ;D
FTFY
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 10, 2015, 02:14:52 pm
i always fancied myself a young dan akroyd...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 10, 2015, 02:15:22 pm
For the record, I never said that Digital Media in the Cloud was the panacea, however those who argue that Tanglible Media model is not dead is the reason why used DVD and CD stores are still around.

In addition, anyone who doesn't think that the current status of media is better than it ever has been, even with all it's confusing digital right licensing issues, probably still owns 8-tracks, but not a working 8-track player.

Nostalgia is a wonderful thing.  But when nostalgia gets in the way of innovation, it's a dangerous thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 10, 2015, 02:17:46 pm
FTFY

i always fancied myself a young dan akroyd...

Quality addition.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 10, 2015, 02:36:10 pm
In addition, anyone who doesn't think that the current status of media is better than it ever has been, even with all it's confusing digital right licensing issues, probably still owns 8-tracks, but not a working 8-track player.

Nostalgia is a wonderful thing.  But when nostalgia gets in the way of innovation, it's a dangerous thing.

....talk to hutch, he seems to have a fondness for the physical I'll never fully understand :)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on April 10, 2015, 02:41:34 pm
In addition, anyone who doesn't think that the current status of media is better than it ever has been, even with all it's confusing digital right licensing issues, probably still owns 8-tracks, but not a working 8-track player.

Nostalgia is a wonderful thing.  But when nostalgia gets in the way of innovation, it's a dangerous thing.

....talk to hutch, he seems to have a fondness for the physical I'll never fully understand :)

Well, up until now (and for the time being), you trade sacrifice quality when you go digital.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 10, 2015, 02:48:45 pm
For the record, I never said that Digital Media in the Cloud was the panacea, however those who argue that Tanglible Media model is not dead is the reason why used DVD and CD stores are still around.

In addition, anyone who doesn't think that the current status of media is better than it ever has been, even with all it's confusing digital right licensing issues, probably still owns 8-tracks, but not a working 8-track player.

Nostalgia is a wonderful thing.  But when nostalgia gets in the way of innovation, it's a dangerous thing.
I don't really understand your point. Let's avoid the discussion of whether the Tangible Media model is "dead" because that's mostly hyperbole. Massive corporations are not printing up DVDs and CDs at a massive loss for giggles. They are still making money that way. The model of commodification of "art" is changing with the advent of new technology, of course. Obvious things are obvious.

What I don't understand is this near militant approach some people take on this. For example you say, "those who argue that Tanglible Media model is not dead is the reason why used DVD and CD stores are still around" and "when nostalgia gets in the way of innovation, it's a dangerous thing". What? How is "innovation" (like streaming music and movies) deterred by the existence of used CD stores? If Sweets wants to watch his Simpsons on blu-ray and you want to watch it streaming, how are you somehow aggrieved by his position? Why can't it be both?

I'm not trying to be antagonistic, if I'm ignorant on this topic, please educate me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on April 10, 2015, 02:55:09 pm
Is 4k blu-ray not a thing (soon)?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on April 17, 2015, 03:09:14 pm
Verizon introduces "Custom TV" bundles.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/17/verizon-fios-idUSL2N0XD36J20150417
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 17, 2015, 03:26:15 pm
Is 4k blu-ray not a thing (soon)?

Yes, 4K Blu-Ray is a thing.  But I wouldn't invest in it, much like I didn't invest in 1080p Blu-Ray , other than the 3 Star Wars Blu-Ray movies I purchased that I already regret now that they are available Digitally from all Digital online stores. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 17, 2015, 03:29:54 pm
Verizon introduces "Custom TV" bundles.

I guess they have to do something to compete with Sling TV.  It will be interesting to see if this prevents users from logging into services like ESPN3 and other already existing subscriber offers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 17, 2015, 03:47:06 pm
Sir Smakie...I was expecting you to weigh in on the new Tidal service?

apparently it sucks (http://gawker.com/tidal-atry-my-tortuous-trial-with-jay-zs-overpriced-sp-1697023467), so maybe that's why you didn't
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 17, 2015, 04:37:38 pm
Sir Smakie...I was expecting you to weigh in on the new Tidal service?

apparently it sucks (http://gawker.com/tidal-atry-my-tortuous-trial-with-jay-zs-overpriced-sp-1697023467), so maybe that's why you didn't

I was excited about Tidal, but I couldn't figure out one thing: how I was going to get Lossless from my mobile device to my stereo without losing the quality.  There's no device that I know of that will do this wirelessly, and none of my mobile devices have the proper built in DAC's to take full advantage.  This still puzzles me because it's true best use is through my stereo as I don't use headphones much (basically, only on planes).  So, I'm watching a few DACs that plug into MicroUSB ports and may dedicate one device in my stereo to handle that, but until then I haven't tried my free week.

If anybody else is doing something, let me know.... 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 27, 2015, 04:04:51 pm
Verizon introduces "Custom TV" bundles.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/17/verizon-fios-idUSL2N0XD36J20150417

And here come the lawsuits....

ESPN first to sue Verizon over Custom Plans. (http://www.engadget.com/2015/04/27/espn-verizon-custom-tv-lawsuit/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on April 27, 2015, 04:17:40 pm
I want to stop paying for ESPN in such a big way..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 04, 2015, 05:33:14 pm
since you and your Oxfrod-compliant ways might get a kick outta this:

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11188299_10155443285855648_8616732924898223406_n.jpg?oh=1c0f818ed9979efcd4967b55fc828e24&oe=55C81D5A)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 08, 2015, 06:24:10 pm
since you and your Oxfrod-compliant ways might get a kick outta this:

It was nice to spend a few days in England and see all the proper grammar.  And Page 3.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 27, 2015, 03:55:29 pm
Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Unicorn Outfits and an inflatable couch makes for one Crowded House:

https://www.facebook.com/MileyCyrus/videos/10153388045507147/

EDIT: for non FBers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2ua3O_fdCY
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 29, 2015, 02:45:01 pm
So many threads this could have gone in on this board.....

Coldplay's Game of Thrones: The Musical (Full 12-minute version) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=11&v=zs7xO5P3Az4)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on May 29, 2015, 03:16:56 pm
I wonder if there is a longer version of the Daenerys Rasta song
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on May 30, 2015, 06:01:10 pm
this should go in the podcast thread, but i know the audience of this thread will enjoy this one...  the new podcast Mystery is shaping up to be a really good one and the second episode in they seek to get a mystery solved by asking a question of Britney Spears...

http://gimletmedia.com/2015/05/case-2-britney/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 08, 2015, 02:23:16 pm
...well I await your Apple Music review
Looks like a lame money grab

Read a line that made my eyes pop
That?s because Apple doesn?t really make that much from music. Revenue from iTunes was only $4.8 billion last quarter ? a number that includes all software and services including ebooks, apps and warrantie

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQEOun8h8N8/UoRTDgHIiWI/AAAAAAAABZE/35FpCXS0OfY/s1600/ANTM_BugEyes.gif)

so close to 20 bil annually really isn't that much nowadays??!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 08, 2015, 02:28:53 pm
...well I await your Apple Music review

Well, since you have to have an Apple Device to watch the keynote, my review will not be coming shortly.

I suspect you will have to have an Apple Device to use whatever Apple's new Music Streaming service will be, so again, no that likely that my comparison will be coming soon.  Perhaps my fiancee will sign up so I can check it out?

Either way, competition in the field is good for prices and for furthering the technology.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 08, 2015, 02:40:12 pm
...well I await your Apple Music review

Well, since you have to have an Apple Device to watch the keynote, my review will not be coming shortly.
me no have no apple sir

(http://files.whymacsucks.com/128947664563750650.png)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 08, 2015, 02:47:49 pm
actually I like this one better
(http://www.whymacsucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/apple-idea.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 08, 2015, 02:53:31 pm
Jimmy Iovine called it a "revolutionary music service" so it has to be good.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 08, 2015, 03:22:33 pm
I suspect you will have to have an Apple Device to use whatever Apple's new Music Streaming service will be, so again, no that likely that my comparison will be coming soon. 

I stand corrected.  Android version coming this fall.

I probably won't use it, but it's progress for many.

Live 24/7 Human DJs, artists direct page, and apparently some some sort of learning your tastes playlists feature.  Not much more to it, other than better Siri integration.  $10 for one, $15 a month for a family of up to 6 (I really hope Google Play Music All Access adds a family plan because of this). 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 10, 2015, 04:21:16 pm
I don't have time to read this right now, but I am absolutely coming back to this:

Four Columbia House insiders explain the shady math behind ?8 CDs for a penny? (http://www.avclub.com/article/four-columbia-house-insiders-explain-shady-math-be-219964)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 10, 2015, 04:22:26 pm
I don't have time to read this right now, but I am absolutely coming back to this:

Four Columbia House insiders explain the shady math behind ?8 CDs for a penny? (http://www.avclub.com/article/four-columbia-house-insiders-explain-shady-math-be-219964)
I read that earlier. It gets a little long in the tooth in the middle but is worth a read.

I have been enjoying 1995 week on AV Club greatly.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: RatBastard on June 10, 2015, 04:54:17 pm
I don't have time to read this right now, but I am absolutely coming back to this:

Four Columbia House insiders explain the shady math behind ?8 CDs for a penny? (http://www.avclub.com/article/four-columbia-house-insiders-explain-shady-math-be-219964)

Basically it is about 50-60 pages of crap.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on June 10, 2015, 06:36:03 pm
I just got a invite to test the Apple Music product on Android... I actually tried Tidal for it's free month and thought the sound quality was pretty good, but couldn't justify the price for it. The playlists on Tidal were pretty lame.  How hard is to pick 10 Daptone Records songs for instance.   Kinda thought they would throw me a discount to stay a subscribe, but alas that didn't happen, so it's on to the Apple test. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 10, 2015, 06:45:17 pm
So there you have it - Kosmo will be providing the review.  Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 11, 2015, 11:59:14 am
I thought this was pretty funny:

https://twitter.com/JasonCross00/status/607984703862210560
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 11, 2015, 05:01:34 pm
as expected...apple is sticking it to the artists (http://diymag.com/2015/06/10/apple-music-to-pay-0-royalties-to-artists-through-free-trial-accounts)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 12, 2015, 05:22:18 pm
This is interesting - Google Contributor

https://www.google.com/contributor/welcome/

You pay a flat monthly fee, they block Ads and give your money directly to the web site instead of the advertiser.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 16, 2015, 04:14:45 pm
http://www.mhpbooks.com/you-dont-get-paid-unless-people-actually-read-your-book-the-new-kindle-unlimited-royalties/

Felt this was the most apropos place to post this. This seems like a mess.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 16, 2015, 04:22:28 pm
Felt this was the most apropos place to post this. This seems like a mess.

Totes.  A few of my author friends hated it before - I'm sure they hate it even more now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 16, 2015, 04:37:20 pm
It's almost Dickensian (as in the actual guy, not his writing) in that its incentivizing authors to stretch out stories because they're getting paid by the page.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 16, 2015, 04:45:42 pm
http://www.mhpbooks.com/you-dont-get-paid-unless-people-actually-read-your-book-the-new-kindle-unlimited-royalties/
Code: [Select]
This webpage is not available

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT
 
could amazon be DoS'ing that website???
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 16, 2015, 04:49:01 pm
came up for me before and after I saw your post
it is a little F'd up tatic though
Glad I'm just a consumer and not an 'artist'


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 16, 2015, 05:16:00 pm
could amazon be DoS'ing that website???

It works for me and if it's hosted on AWS and they're blocking it they would be in even more trouble than before....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 16, 2015, 05:18:20 pm
It's almost Dickensian (as in the actual guy, not his writing) in that its incentivizing authors to stretch out stories because they're getting paid by the page.

That's not how I read it. 

You'll get the same amount for the book as before in total.  You're just not getting it upfront or at the 10% mark - you're only getting the 100% payment if the person reads 100% of the book. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 17, 2015, 06:52:57 pm
What the Dream Band Would Look Like if Every Musician Were From Your State (http://mic.com/articles/120643/what-the-dream-band-would-look-like-if-every-musician-were-from-your-state?utm_source=policymicTBLR&utm_medium=main&utm_campaign=social)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: RatBastard on June 17, 2015, 07:32:11 pm
What the Dream Band Would Look Like if Every Musician Were From Your State (http://mic.com/articles/120643/what-the-dream-band-would-look-like-if-every-musician-were-from-your-state?utm_source=policymicTBLR&utm_medium=main&utm_campaign=social)

Indiana - Axl Rose Vocals.  That line alone kills any credibility the article had any chance of having.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: RatBastard on June 17, 2015, 07:35:06 pm
What the Dream Band Would Look Like if Every Musician Were From Your State (http://mic.com/articles/120643/what-the-dream-band-would-look-like-if-every-musician-were-from-your-state?utm_source=policymicTBLR&utm_medium=main&utm_campaign=social)

Indiana - Axl Rose Vocals.  That line alone kills any credibility the article had any chance of having.

Virginia - No Mention Of Dave Mathews.  This almost fully redeems the previous oversight.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 17, 2015, 07:44:58 pm
I somehow had forgotten that Stewart Copeland was from VA.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on June 17, 2015, 08:23:51 pm
(http://images.mic.com/jqnojgmjrjeeefes9hv2kfunsukkjxr3hgxjktdctxmakrthq6mteltdkh5v7ori.jpg)

I'd go see this!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 17, 2015, 08:29:09 pm
I had a tough time choosing between Louisiana and Mississippi as my favorite.

The vocals in GA were amazing, but then, you know....Kanye.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 21, 2015, 11:44:26 am
as expected...apple is sticking it to the artists (http://diymag.com/2015/06/10/apple-music-to-pay-0-royalties-to-artists-through-free-trial-accounts)

 To Apple,  Love Taylor (http://taylorswift.tumblr.com/post/122071902085/to-apple-love-taylor)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on June 21, 2015, 02:36:26 pm
as expected...apple is sticking it to the artists (http://diymag.com/2015/06/10/apple-music-to-pay-0-royalties-to-artists-through-free-trial-accounts)

 To Apple,  Love Taylor (http://taylorswift.tumblr.com/post/122071902085/to-apple-love-taylor)

I like the iTunes sidebar...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: RatBastard on June 21, 2015, 11:26:17 pm
(http://images.mic.com/jqnojgmjrjeeefes9hv2kfunsukkjxr3hgxjktdctxmakrthq6mteltdkh5v7ori.jpg)

I'd go see this!

It is pretty sad that they thought there was a need to put "(The mama & the papas)" by her name.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 22, 2015, 12:38:12 am
Taylor 1, Apple 0.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on June 22, 2015, 08:05:31 am
Taylor 1, Apple 0.

Anton Newcombe took a earlier and different approach towards Apple...

http://www.factmag.com/2015/06/17/brian-jonestown-massacre-frontman-talks-apple-music-bullying-tactics-for-not-complying-with-royalty-free-policy/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on June 24, 2015, 07:46:51 am
So what are we thinking about the new Kacey?  My initial reaction is that it's a good album, it's just not one I think I'll be listening to as often as her previous one.  Seems to missing the spark it had.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 28, 2015, 11:12:47 am
The surviving members of NWA, minus Dre, reunited last night after 26 years at the Staples Center for the BET Experience show.

http://pitchfork.com/news/60153-nwa-members-reunite-at-bet-experience/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 29, 2015, 02:51:57 pm
Smackie, you must go to this. (http://www.avclub.com/article/welcome-world-where-musical-based-oc-exists-bitch-221543) Go, for the both of us, go. Suck in twice as much of the air to make up for the air I cannot be there to suck up. Buy a second ticket and leave the seat empty in my honor. When someone -- inevitably -- says "Welcome to the OC, bitch!" high-five the space above the empty chair, and know I am there with you in spirit, if not in person. And if they include Oliver in this thing, for some reason, tell me how excited he gets about the crudites. But gently, because I just don't know if I can stand it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 29, 2015, 02:53:15 pm
Smackie, you must go to this. (http://www.avclub.com/article/welcome-world-where-musical-based-oc-exists-bitch-221543) Go, for the both of us, go. Suck in twice as much of the air to make up for the air I cannot be there to suck up. Buy a second ticket and leave the seat empty in my honor. When someone -- inevitably -- says "Welcome to the OC, bitch!" high-five the space above the empty chair, and know I am there with you in spirit, if not in person.

Absolutely.  I will see what I can do....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2015, 02:52:18 pm
An Honest Comedian on Guns (http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/an-honest-comedian-on-guns)*

"Not since George Carlin reëmerged angry and articulate, in the nineties, has a comedian called American bullshit to order so eloquently, or with more matey good cheer."

Jim Jeffereis Full Skit on Guns (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBOk1SnQ8uU&feature=youtu.be)*

*Contains dirty words
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 10, 2015, 06:47:51 pm
Where can you view that type of material and not get fired from your job?

Just about any university where Academic Freedom reigns.  As long as it's about legitimate research, of course

Wrong thread.
Would the legal minutia been better suited for the Smackie thread?

I think he meant your rolling compendium of eats thread.  But, sure, here's fine too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 10, 2015, 08:07:43 pm
I know what he meant, Smackie. I was being sarcastic.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 11, 2015, 12:05:43 pm
I know what he meant, Smackie. I was being sarcastic.

Yes,  I was very late to that party.  My bad.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 11, 2015, 01:27:28 pm
Jim Jeffereis Full Skit on Guns (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBOk1SnQ8uU&feature=youtu.be)*

*Contains dirty words

^ one of the best pieces of stand-up, ever.  it's easy to get people to laugh.  it's much harder to get them to laugh and think.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 13, 2015, 12:11:01 pm
Bloom County is back after 25 Year Hiatus (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/13/berkeley-breathed-publishes-first-new-bloom-county-strip-since-1989/?module=WatchingPortal&region=c-column-middle-span-region&pgType=Homepage&action=click&mediaId=wide&state=standard&contentPlacement=1&version=internal&contentCollection=artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com&contentId=http%3A%2F%2Fartsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com%2F2015%2F07%2F13%2Fberkeley-breathed-publishes-first-new-bloom-county-strip-since-1989%2F&eventName=Watching-article-click&_r=0)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 16, 2015, 11:42:07 am
I'm pretty happy with my LG G4, but this is a pretty good looking phone for the music nerd:

(https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rA8PIuARdtHEv7YgtMeoHEDIYFY=/1020x0/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3880150/marshall-london-phone-8_3800.0.jpg)

More Images (http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/16/8976561/marshall-london-smartphone-images)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 17, 2015, 03:35:50 pm
http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/as-if-a-journey-through-the-los-angeles-of-clueless/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 17, 2015, 03:45:01 pm
http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/as-if-a-journey-through-the-los-angeles-of-clueless/
this has always been a stand out movie for me
great article

love this line  because I was the kind of Lisa Simpson who thought beauty and popularity were something you could achieve by reading a book.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 20, 2015, 05:31:05 pm
For the non DirecTV folks out there:

NFL Gamepass (http://www.nfl.com/gamepass)

Looooong overdue. No price yet.

EDIT - Nevermind.  They still can't do it right.  No live games after preseason.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 20, 2015, 05:55:41 pm
http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/as-if-a-journey-through-the-los-angeles-of-clueless/

The one thing I think is completely irrelevant to the movie is the one thing she focused on:

"One of those major terms is its geography, and Clueless is a sprawling portrait of L.A.?s unique beauty."

Other than Circus Liquor, the locations chosen for filming are easily forgettable - even for some one who grew up in So Cal. 

Most everything else she discussed I enjoyed though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 20, 2015, 08:35:15 pm
^having never been within 250 miles of the city of angles....that part of the article was lost on me
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 28, 2015, 03:01:49 pm
I've been saying the same thing for years:

New Radicals? only hit, ?You Get What You Give,? was secretly influential (http://www.avclub.com/article/new-radicals-only-hit-you-get-what-you-give-was-se-222559)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on July 28, 2015, 06:19:24 pm
That song always reminded me of Todd Rundgren, and there they go mentioning Skylarking and that Rundgren covered a different New Radicals song.

The other day I heard Staind's "Outside" emanating from a bar's radio. What a bowel movement of a song.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 28, 2015, 06:27:33 pm
The other day I heard Staind's "Outside" emanating from a bar's radio. What a bowel movement of a song.

I am so going to punish a bar crowd this weekend with that track....thanks!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on July 28, 2015, 08:42:45 pm

The other day I heard Staind's "Outside" emanating from a bar's radio. What a bowel movement of a song.
why was that guy always sitting down in his videos? still bugs me
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 28, 2015, 09:31:42 pm

The other day I heard Staind's "Outside" emanating from a bar's radio. What a bowel movement of a song.
why was that guy always sitting down in his videos? still bugs me
i think he was fat and trying to hide it. Look at him in photos then look at his squatting self.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on July 28, 2015, 11:31:32 pm

The other day I heard Staind's "Outside" emanating from a bar's radio. What a bowel movement of a song.
why was that guy always sitting down in his videos? still bugs me

cuz he is sereeus singerer
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 28, 2015, 11:41:30 pm
If the tigers sent the Angels price and cespedes for Heaney and tropeano. You guys get as close to a certain title as possible. Any chance Angels do this? What would tigers have to add, i(y)ho?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 29, 2015, 01:45:14 am
If the tigers sent the Angels price and cespedes for Heaney and tropeano. You guys get as close to a certain title as possible. Any chance Angels do this? What would tigers have to add, i(y)ho?

Under no circumstances would I ever approve that deal.   

Then again,  I wouldn't have signed Josh Hamilton.   The  Angels need a solid left handed bat to play the outfield.  That is all...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on July 29, 2015, 11:44:40 am
I'm sure you can get Travis Snider.  Or David Lough.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 29, 2015, 12:46:07 pm
I'm sure you can get Travis Snider.  Or David Lough.

Those two might not be much better than what Angels have.

Angels Left Fielders this year:

AVG   OBP  SLG
.213/.277/.311

HR   RBI    R
5  /  28  /  29

G    AB
99  334


Murphy (Lefty):

.296   .344   .437   
5    22   27
84  206


DeJesus (Lefty - likely defensive replacement):

.259   .323   .375   
5   24   26
82   232

Victorino (Righty - platoon, lead off against lefties)

.245   .324   .298   
1  10  4
33 94

These three moves are an improvement over what they have been getting.  I suspect Murphy might also do a little DHing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 30, 2015, 11:29:35 am
This brings back an idea that I floated on Smackie's FB wall one night drunkenly and he never responded to (no doubt because he's stealing it): but why doesn't someone make an IMDB-esque website/app that comprehensively lists all programs/movies but then at a touch tells you where its available for immediate viewing. Make databases of all the major cable/fiber/satellite companies OnDemand services and keep an up-to-date listing of all the major web based ones (Netflix, Hulu/Plus, Amazon/Prime, HBOgo, ShowtimeAnytime, Vudu) and cross-reference them.

Ideally, I'd open the app, type in "Popular" and be given a few choices of TV shows and movies with the word popular in the title. I'd click on the old WB Series and it'd tell me where I can watch it instantaneously and in what resolutions. Ideally it'd also have a graphical representation of which are free and which are PPV. If I sign up for an in-app account then it'll remember and ONLY display the services I get, great. (Perhaps every 3rd or 4th entry it'll point out what I want is on another service with a direct link to sign up which the app would get a kickback from.) If the app syncs to my blu-ray/smart TV/TiVo/AppleTV/Roku/Chromecast and I can click on an available provider's listing in that aforementioned results screen, start the program on my TV, even better.

HOW DOES THIS NOT EXIST? It seems fairly simple to make (in the realm of apps) and folks of my ilk would use it all the time. It would have multiple revenue streams from day one. WHY IS NO ONE ELSE ENTHUSED BY THIS CONCEPT?

Here's a new one I like more than  canistreamit:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.justwatch.justwatch

Much more flexible searches,  and customizable to my service providers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 30, 2015, 11:35:05 am
^^ Looks pretty cool. Wish it had ShowtimeAnytime but a small omission. I'll check out the ios version later and see how it works.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 30, 2015, 11:42:48 am
One thing I absolutely can't stand is xfinity's onDemand interface
it is seriously 1990's bad and you have to listen to them blasting the same lame commercials as you browse.  Finish watching a show in a series and can't go to the next one, but have to start again

I've been using the online interface and it allows you to search and pick the shows
then it just goes right to it on your tv and you hit OK

now that's great, but have had some issues still

also the Peel smart remote app on my phone is pretty slick too, but could use some work
but anything is better than the native Xfinity ondemand interface

I haven't seen X1, but I'm not giving them another dime
but that looks a lot better
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 30, 2015, 11:47:36 am
One thing I absolutely can't stand is xfinity's onDemand interface
it is seriously 1990's bad and you have to listen to them blasting the same lame commercials as you browse.  Finish watching a show in a series and can't go to the next one, but have to start again

I've been using the online interface and it allows you to search and pick the shows
then it just goes right to it on your tv and you hit OK
The TiVo Xfinity OD app is significantly better than the cable box one. No commercials, no weird truncated menus where you can only see 3 items at a time. Its a very dry, folder structure, setup with no bells and whistles (unlike X1) but its a lot better than the cable box.

Xfinity's OD working with TiVo (as opposed to Verizon Fios') is the only reason I stick with Comcast. Then again, I also seem to be the one person on Earth with no real service complaints about them and I've talked them down to a pretty great rate.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 30, 2015, 11:52:15 am
Anyone took the leap and upgraded to Win10 yet? Curious if Edge is as good as the hype.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 30, 2015, 12:01:52 pm
Anyone took the leap and upgraded to Win10 yet? Curious if Edge is as good as the hype.
Messed around with it at work.  It was just for a little bit, but Edge seemed totally blazing.  I was very impressed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 30, 2015, 12:03:27 pm
Anyone took the leap and upgraded to Win10 yet? Curious if Edge is as good as the hype.

literally installing it as I type...so if you don't hear from me in a few days... you will know it went bad
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 30, 2015, 01:27:56 pm
Anyone took the leap and upgraded to Win10 yet? Curious if Edge is as good as the hype.

literally installing it as I type...so if you don't hear from me in a few days... you will know it went bad
No so bad so far
Edge is slick....although doesn't do much for the 930 forum site :)

I am a little bummed there is no LastPass support for the Edge
other than that the upgrade was easy as pie and went flawless

You do need to budget some time, I have an SSD and still took 90 mins and then another 20 when I started opening aps and such
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 30, 2015, 09:49:05 pm
Like that time way back when Smackie proclaimed Tangible Media dead, desktop OS's are dead....

[posted from my Chromebook]
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 30, 2015, 09:56:46 pm
On the television service provider front, I'm back in the market as I'm moving and leaving U-Verse and have the choice between going back to DirecTV or Comcast.

Right now I'm leaning towards DirecTV for TV and Comcast for Internet.  I watch too much recorded sports to cut the cable, but I'm not ruling it out yet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 31, 2015, 09:09:25 am
Like that time way back when Smackie proclaimed Tangible Media dead, desktop OS's are dead....
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbCrVTuwlX0/UQ45LDT3A-I/AAAAAAAAI2I/s30fGsvbFfw/s1600/Alison-Brie.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 31, 2015, 09:13:16 am
[posted from my Chromebook]
I don't believe you
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 31, 2015, 09:19:51 am
[posted from my Chromebook]
I don't believe you
I would consider a chrome book when they make a really expensive VIP one. It seems like a computer for the poor.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 31, 2015, 09:21:44 am
[posted from my Chromebook]
I don't believe you
I would consider a chrome book when they make a really expensive VIP one. It seems like a computer for the poor.
Exactly, that's why I don't believe VS on this one
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 31, 2015, 01:09:03 pm
[posted from my Chromebook]
I don't believe you

Why not?  I have a the Toshiba Chromebook and it's the only laptop I have....

I'm looking forward to the Toshiba Chromebook 3.

I would consider a chrome book when they make a really expensive VIP one.

https://www.google.com/chromebook/pixel/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 31, 2015, 01:25:24 pm
Starting at $999.99? Ugh. Can the gurus behind the Prada smartphone get the band back together and knock the Prada Chromebook LeMont out over the weekend? Diamond encrusted trackpad, y'all.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 31, 2015, 02:51:59 pm
Exactly, that's why I don't believe VS on this one

Just look at the analytics.   IT reports to me now, and at our workplace, it's 82% browser, 10% Word, and 8 percent Excel.  We are a Google Campus, so as more people wean off of MS Office products and into Google Apps, those last two are going to disappear.

For my Chromebook at home, I use office365 for the rare occasion I can't get something accomplished in Google Docs/Sheets. 

The only desktop program I still need, I run Virtually - Lightroom in a VMWare enviroment.  And we already know Adobe is taking that to the cloud. 

What's left that consumers will need a Desktop OS for?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 31, 2015, 03:11:14 pm
What's left that consumers will need a Desktop OS for?
honestly not much other than headaches :)

Some businesses can't be just browser based
but doing things via Citrix or VDI is where most people will be going
I'm surprised it's taken so long
All you really need is a keyboard, a mouse (with two button's goddammit!) a Monitor and a network connection
possibly a good video card, but they will start building that into the monitors I suspect

you noticed that Microsoft is giving Win10 away for free...
great way to get mass adoption

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: RatBastard on August 01, 2015, 06:02:43 pm
(Cloning this from the ransom thread)

Have any of you checked out Windows 10 yet?  What do you think?  As far as speed it seems really great but the look and feel is pretty damn nasty.  They took away the ability to set the theme (I think that is the term du jour) to anything but fluffy and glitzy with terrible color choices.  The default task bar color is black with (get his) black text and there really is no way to change that without making the entire UI look very harsh and unappealing.  The main thing I do not like is the way they modified the start menu.  There is no way to pin an app to the actual start menu itself other than to add those horrible bulky tiles.  Then the 'all apps' section is sorted and differently and grouped by first letter.  The simple clean list of apps and folders was MUCH easier to use.  They really screwed up the entire start menu.  A big miss.

The UI of Windows 10 kind of looks like a bad Mac clone.  Not that this in and of itself is a bad thing, it just gives me that impression.  They did of course give the entire UI an entirely flat look and feel.  Which makes everything blend and run together.  The title bar (I am not sure if that is the correct term) where the min/max, restore, and close buttons are had been redesigned and is (IMHO) much worse.  First it takes up about three times the amount of space it did before.  Then the close button is this terrible glaring burnt orange color.

If you are into bells and whistles you will love Windows 10.  LOTS of those.  I personally find most of them totally useless.  Be aware, one of the things that is in the user agreement of Windows 10 is that you agree that MS can copy and save every document, image, media file, browsing history, web search, and location that you search form and do with it whatever they want at any time.  You can turn most of that off but it is very cumbersome and you cannot (afaik) disable it completely.

Windows 10 is basically Windows 8.2+.  It you loved Win8 you will adore Win10.  If not, stay with your old OS.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: RatBastard on August 01, 2015, 07:34:43 pm
This didn't take long!

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/s/windows-10-may-share-wi-164057617.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 01, 2015, 09:31:31 pm
What's left that consumers will need a Desktop OS for?
honestly not much other than headaches :)

Some businesses can't be just browser based
but doing things via Citrix or VDI is where most people will be going
I'm surprised it's taken so long
All you really need is a keyboard, a mouse (with two button's goddammit!) a Monitor and a network connection
possibly a good video card, but they will start building that into the monitors I suspect

you noticed that Microsoft is giving Win10 away for free...
great way to get mass adoption


the day the citrix receiver finally worked on my chromebook was a top 10 day at my current job
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 01, 2015, 10:03:50 pm
We are a Google Campus,
what exactly does that mean and why on earth would they being using MS office at all if that is the case?

I really don't like google apps for complex things, simple doc and spread sheets yes
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 01, 2015, 10:07:47 pm
We discuss win10 over in the Smackie thread. What was your thoughts on Edge?

So far I like edge, but no plug-ins is my first irritation
I use lastpass for pw management and can't now, which may make me not use Edge that much
I don't ever like browsers caching of PW's

but it's quick and slick.  I like how little footprint it has as far as screen space



Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: DeathFromAbove1979 on August 03, 2015, 10:09:55 am
I got a prompt saying Windows 10 was available for my laptop, but I'm scared to switch everything over to it. I also keep getting tons of updates. I think I got 2 or 3 over last week. Is there anywhere I can try it out before I update? I HATE Windows 9, but I never really got to tinker with it very much. My co-worker has it on her laptop and she's technologically inept, but whenever she asked me for help I found it to be a headache to get any sort of simple task done. Isn't 10 sort of an update on 9? Or maybe she has 8...

I believe my laptop is still back in the Windows 7 era. I've had it for about 5 or 6 years at this point.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 03, 2015, 10:26:05 am
I HATE Windows 9

no such product

not a big leap from win 8, but does bring the 'start menu' back for those that heat the Metro UI

and you will always get new updates all the time, just the way of computing is in this era
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: DeathFromAbove1979 on August 03, 2015, 10:33:14 am
I HATE Windows 9

no such product

not a big leap from win 8, but does bring the 'start menu' back for those that heat the Metro UI

and you will always get new updates all the time, just the way of computing is in this era

Yeah, my mistake, as I did some Googling I realized that. Few things I'm not liking is apparently it launched with bugs and there is not DVD playback? I use my laptop as my DVD player and hook it up via my HDMI port to my TV. They're also sending out a big 1 gig update to handle all the bugs that went out with the launch? And it eating your bandwidth nooooo!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/08/02/windows-10-vs-windows-8-vs-windows-7-whats-the-difference/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2015, 10:34:51 am
I HATE Windows 9

no such product
:D

I love that they had to skip the Windows 9 because of 95/98.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on August 03, 2015, 11:23:15 am
It's Windows 10 because 7 8 9 (http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/133819-nerd-alert-it-s-windows-10-because-7-8-9)   ::)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2015, 11:28:54 am
It's Windows 10 because 7 8 9 (http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/133819-nerd-alert-it-s-windows-10-because-7-8-9)   ::)
I think that's meant as a joke. I've read the reason is some third-party Windows desktop developers used a shorthand to check the version name (not number) of Windows they were installing their app to. Instead of coding apps to check for Windows 95 or Windows 98, developers coded instructions to check for "Windows 9*". That made sense since there were only two versions of Windows that had a nine in their name to that point and they were basically the same from a compatibility standpoint.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on August 03, 2015, 11:33:01 am
It's Windows 10 because 7 8 9 (http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/133819-nerd-alert-it-s-windows-10-because-7-8-9)   ::)

I think that's meant as a joke.

(http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv165/shr00micon/you-sir-are-correct.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 03, 2015, 12:15:09 pm
the dropping of Windows Media Center  and DVD native playing is a big deal for some
but for me no loss

this I find annoying: the new OS uses a peer-to-peer (p2p) update distribution system called ?Windows Update Delivery Optimization? (WUDO).

So in a business environment it makes sense a little... if you don't have WSUS
but this seems like a security hole waiting to happen
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 03, 2015, 02:16:04 pm
People still have DVD players?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2015, 02:16:56 pm
People still have DVD players?
I'm honestly stunned it took you that long to show up and mock the idea of physical media.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 03, 2015, 02:20:17 pm
I'm honestly stunned it took you that long to show up and mock the idea of physical media.

I'm in the midst of an organizational shake up at the moment, so in between hiring one and firing another, I caught up on my thread. 

I'm also moving tonight, so Smackie is warning his followers in advance that immediate requests should be handled through different channels. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2015, 02:22:22 pm
I'm in the midst of an organizational shake up at the moment, so in between hiring one and firing another, I caught up on my thread. 

I'm also moving tonight, so Smackie is warning his followers in advance that immediate requests should be handled through different channels. 
I'm willing to step-in and guest host the thread for the week if it helps.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: DeathFromAbove1979 on August 03, 2015, 02:24:58 pm
the dropping of Windows Media Center  and DVD native playing is a big deal for some
but for me no loss

this I find annoying: the new OS uses a peer-to-peer (p2p) update distribution system called ?Windows Update Delivery Optimization? (WUDO).

So in a business environment it makes sense a little... if you don't have WSUS
but this seems like a security hole waiting to happen
The WUDO does sound annoying, but you can adjust it to use it with others who have that feature on or completely turn it off. It's a shame they don't give you a heads up that your laptop will be doing that ahead of time.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 03, 2015, 02:45:47 pm
I'm honestly stunned it took you that long to show up and mock the idea of physical media.

I'm in the midst of an organizational shake up at the moment, so in between hiring one and firing another, I caught up on my thread. 

I'm also moving tonight, so Smackie is warning his followers in advance that immediate requests should be handled through different channels. 
so this begs the question

where does the 930 board fall in terms of priority?

i.e. in the midst of firing some slackie...did you say "hold on a moment, my followers want an update on the status of some outdated media contraption"


These channels...like 'the bat signal'  or tweets with the hashtag #helpmesmakie
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2015, 02:54:56 pm
These channels...like 'the bat signal'  or tweets with the hashtag #helpmesmakie
I personally send him messages via carrier pigeon. Sadly, the pigeons are cheap, low-quality pigeons and rarely make it the long distance from Richmond to San Francisco and when they do, they certainly cannot survive the entire trip back to me. He keeps telling me carrier pigeons are outdated technology and "have worse range than bluetooth speakers."

We have a weird relationship, old Smackie and I.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2015, 02:55:41 pm
^^ Please read that in your head using Morgan Freeman's narration voice from Shawshank Redemption.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 03, 2015, 02:58:16 pm
^^^they really need a app for that
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2015, 03:08:55 pm
Apps are funny. First you hate them, then you get used to them. Enough time passes, you get so you depend on them. Willing to sit through advertisements to keep using them. That's called a recurring revenue stream model.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 03, 2015, 03:52:39 pm
^so are you responding on behalf of The VS or Jules?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2015, 03:58:38 pm
^so are you responding on behalf of The VS or Jules?
It's like when your favorite radio show (EDIT: OR PERISCOPE-CAST, SORRY FORGOT IT WAS THE SMACKIE THREAD) host goes away for the week and someone else hosts the show. It's still the Smackie show, but my opinions should not be taken to constitute Smackie's personal opinion.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2015, 04:01:10 pm
In other words, I'm putting radio on the internet.
(http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2015/04/26/arts/26SILICONWEB/26SILICONWEB-tmagArticle.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 03, 2015, 06:59:47 pm
We are a Google Campus,
what exactly does that mean and why on earth would they being using MS office at all if that is the case?

I work for a university and Google handles our email, cloud/network storage, and provides us with a series of education and productivity apps.

Legacy, however, has kept us from terminating our license with Microsoft - some people still love Word/Excel/Powerpoint, though 99.9% are off Outlook now. 

I really don't like google apps for complex things, simple doc and spread sheets yes


Yes, there are times when I need to revert to MS Word for document creation, but the collaborative nature of Google Docs is slowly taking over.  Folks are realizing the having many hands in the collaborative process and working on one document simultaneously beat out the features of Word. 

The simple fact that all the Tracked Changes only show up in the Desktop Version (not even office 365!) is annoying and shows how close minded MS is.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 03, 2015, 09:58:14 pm
I'm honestly stunned it took you that long to show up and mock the idea of physical media.

I'm in the midst of an organizational shake up at the moment, so in between hiring one and firing another, I caught up on my thread. 

I'm also moving tonight, so Smackie is warning his followers in advance that immediate requests should be handled through different channels. 
so this begs the question

where does the 930 board fall in terms of priority?

i.e. in the midst of firing some slackie...did you say "hold on a moment, my followers want an update on the status of some outdated media contraption"


These channels...like 'the bat signal'  or tweets with the hashtag #helpmesmakie
pretty sure either if the board created an alert on smackie's phone it would be much higher.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 03, 2015, 09:59:29 pm
i've been in grad school groups with as many as 6 people and sometimes with students in different time zones. i don't know how we'd function without google docs and sheets
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 06, 2015, 12:31:36 pm
http://forum.930.com/index.php?topic=6331.msg401113#msg401113 (http://forum.930.com/index.php?topic=6331.msg401113#msg401113)

High Fidelity Bluetooth may be coming soon (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/auris/auris-blume-true-hi-fi-bluetooth-music-receiver)

It?s a true 192kHz 24-bit upsampling DAC sporting a high SNR of 120dB and is well regarded for its impressive low noise and low distortion characteristics.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 06, 2015, 01:20:52 pm
I bit the bullet and went SONOS with my new place.  Can't wait around for all of these new projects to maybe become reality.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 06, 2015, 01:53:46 pm
I bit the bullet and went SONOS with my new place.  Can't wait around for all of these new projects to maybe become reality.
Smackie's new wireless sound setup - crawled through a river of shit and came out clean on the other side. Crawled to progressive technological advancement through five hundred yards of shit smelling foulness I can't even imagine, or maybe I just don't want to. Five hundred yards... that's the length of five football fields, just shy of half a mile.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 06, 2015, 04:41:49 pm
I'm honestly stunned it took you that long to show up and mock the idea of physical media.

I'm in the midst of an organizational shake up at the moment, so in between hiring one and firing another, I caught up on my thread. 

I'm also moving tonight, so Smackie is warning his followers in advance that immediate requests should be handled through different channels. 
so this begs the question

where does the 930 board fall in terms of priority?

i.e. in the midst of firing some slackie...did you say "hold on a moment, my followers want an update on the status of some outdated media contraption"


These channels...like 'the bat signal'  or tweets with the hashtag #helpmesmakie

Also this question was answered

Sent him a PM about the GWARBQ and had a Paypal email in no less than 5 mins!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 07, 2015, 03:41:05 pm
Smacks, I need a TV recommendation. Any reason I shouldn't go 4K? Looking to get in and out under a thousand. What's the most bang for my buck?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 07, 2015, 03:52:22 pm
Smacks, I need a TV recommendation. Any reason I shouldn't go 4K? Looking to get in and out under a thousand. What's the most bang for my buck?

You should absolutely go 4K given the modest upgrade in price and future proofing of most 4K TV's.

The most bang for your buck is going to be Vizio.  But I had some hardware quality issues in two TV's I purchased from Best Buy (they were both broken panels from delivery) so I ended up going Samsung in the end.

Now that I'm back to DirecTV this was a bonus in the end as Samsung is currently the only TV company I can use to watch DirecTV's 4K offerings.  Given that you're a TiVo guy, that shouldn't be an issue.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 07, 2015, 04:02:29 pm
The most bang for your buck is going to be Vizio.  But I had some hardware quality issues in two TV's I purchased from Best Buy (they were both broken panels from delivery) so I ended up going Samsung in the end.
Yeah, I was looking at a 50" Samsung that Best Buy has at $949 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-50-class-49-5-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-black/3813002.p?id=1219607579163&skuId=3813002). Only $50 more than the Vizio and I always really like Samsungs.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 07, 2015, 04:21:11 pm
I have the 6950 Series (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-50-class-49-1-2-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-black/1312126402.p?id=mp1312126402&skuId=1312126402) and have no regrets, but it looks like it's discontinued (I paid $999 for mine).  I don't know the 6500 series well, but I'm sure you'll be happy with it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 07, 2015, 04:42:01 pm
Can we talk about pornhub for minute?  Of course we can, it's my thread.

I'm back to Xfinity from U-Verse due to franchise agreements that prevent competition in my new condo, but that's for another discussion.

Anyhow, so during sign up, the tele-sales guy screws up and only gives me 6 mpbs for my new service.   As I'm picking up my modem for a self-install, the nice guy behind the counter points this out to me.

"Hey, you're only getting the 6 mbps service.  You can't stream porn with that."

"Dammit - I asked for the 75 mbps SPECIFICALLY so i could stream porn."

"I hear you, let me fix it.  It's only $5 more."

"Nice, thanks."

"No problem.  Hey did you hear pornhub is going to subscription only?"

"No shit?!  I'm without home internet for 4 days, and the entire internet collapses outside my watch"

Well it turns out that the nice clerk was wrong.  Pornhub is only taking the HD porn behind the subscription plan.   I find this interesting because this is slightly contrary to how I select my porn.

It usually goes something like this:

1) Whats being watched now - as you all know, there's usually 6 videos from the catalog recommended as "being watched now" - I rarely can be bothered to search or hit the categories.

2) Then I look at the percentage of Thumbs up.  I generally don't watch anything that isn't given a 91% or higher of thumbs up.  You've got to have standards, but the sweet spot is somewhere in the 92-93% range with over 500K views.  You really can't trust any videos under that number as being properly screened for quality.

3) Then I look at the type and quality of the girl(s) in the video - everyone has their own preferences, and Smackie has his too.

4) Only then is the tie-breaker HD quality or not.

So I found it odd that pornhub put HD quality and not most watched or most liked or any other reasonable criteria behind their paywall.

Yes, I prefer HD quality videos, but putting a crappy move in HD does not make a shitty move better.  It just makes it more clear how shitty the movie is.

Anyhow, so I'm not too alarmed about pornhub's new paywall, but I think there's too much free porn to make a worthwhile and profitable Netflix like experience for porn.    So for now, there's no reason to get alarmed.  Yet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 07, 2015, 04:49:07 pm
I visited the pornhub once. Saw this odd German lesbian porn. I have no idea to this day what those two German ladies were screaming about. Truth is, I don't want to know. Some things are best left unsaid. I'd like to think they were doing something so beautiful, it can't be expressed in words, and makes your heart ache because of it. I tell you, those voices soared higher and farther than anybody in a gray place dares to dream. It was like some beautiful bird flapped into our drab little cage and made those walls dissolve away, and for the briefest of moments, every last man on Pornhub felt free.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on August 07, 2015, 04:56:19 pm
For general use and sharing among friends/family, Google is just fine... I don't know how anyone in a business/work setting could ever prefer Google over MSFT.

I can't seem to find a TV base/stand that is less than 10 inches in width, which is kind of blowing my mind.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 07, 2015, 04:58:35 pm
there's too much free porn to make a worthwhile and profitable

Yeah, I'm really not sure who is actually paying anymore?

but apparently (http://www.therichest.com/expensive-lifestyle/money/money-in-pornography-one-of-the-most-misunderstood-industries/) Mind Geek (owners of Pornhub and tons of other sites) brings in over $200 million annually
 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 07, 2015, 05:00:31 pm
I can't seem to find a TV base/stand that is less than 10 inches in width, which is kind of blowing my mind.

Can't tell if he's referencing VS's porn post in code or not?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 07, 2015, 06:09:36 pm

Yeah, I'm really not sure who is actually paying anymore?

but apparently (http://www.therichest.com/expensive-lifestyle/money/money-in-pornography-one-of-the-most-misunderstood-industries/) Mind Geek (owners of Pornhub and tons of other sites) brings in over $200 million annually
 

Advertisers.   And that's how it should be....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 07, 2015, 06:12:46 pm
Can't tell if he's referencing VS's porn post in code or not?

Neither can I.  Yada, what do you need a 10 inch or less TV stand for?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 07, 2015, 08:07:59 pm

Yeah, I'm really not sure who is actually paying anymore?

but apparently (http://www.therichest.com/expensive-lifestyle/money/money-in-pornography-one-of-the-most-misunderstood-industries/) Mind Geek (owners of Pornhub and tons of other sites) brings in over $200 million annually
 

Advertisers.   And that's how it should be....
But aren't a majority of the advertisers paid porn sites? (not that I would know)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walk,on,by on August 08, 2015, 10:57:52 am
you know, porn is one of those things, I always found fascinating.  the entire world of it, and the fact that two grown men who do not know each, at a telelsales signup, can just start talking about porn and bonding on a deeper, no pun intended, level, is pretty awesome.  porn stars run for political offices, and become realtors, or wind up killing themselves / get killed due to being unable to cope outside the world of it.  and then the fact you jerk off to it, making it one of the most personal experience people go through.  fascinating, this thing pornography, is.

you know, I don,t come to van,s thread very often, but I am glad, when I do.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on August 10, 2015, 11:51:38 am
I have a mantle that I'd like to set the tv on vs. mounting it on the wall.

Said mantle is roughly eight inches deep, so I'm looking for a super slim stand/feet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 10, 2015, 11:55:29 am
I have a mantle that I'd like to set the tv on vs. mounting it on the wall.

Said mantle is roughly eight inches deep, so I'm looking for a super slim stand/feet.

Ah, deep.  I was thinking width.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 10, 2015, 11:58:46 am
and here I was thinking girth  :P
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 10, 2015, 12:03:35 pm
I was told size doesn't really matter, it's all in how you use it. No?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on August 10, 2015, 12:05:14 pm
I have a mantle that I'd like to set the tv on vs. mounting it on the wall.

Said mantle is roughly eight inches deep, so I'm looking for a super slim stand/feet.

Ah, deep.  I was thinking width.

Reading back, I guess I said width... sorry about that! I meant depth. What you got smackie?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on August 10, 2015, 01:58:34 pm
I was told size doesn't really matter

She was just trying to make you feel better.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 10, 2015, 02:01:03 pm
I was told size doesn't really matter

She was just trying to make you feel better.
(http://dc643.4shared.com/img/oYyiNrjb/s3/1390210ad38/sad_face_5_look_away.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 10, 2015, 02:03:13 pm
Reading back, I guess I said width... sorry about that! I meant depth. What you got smackie?

The Sony KDL series should do the trick, though I'm not sure if the inputs are sideways or straight in the back.  That could change everything, but both the 40 inch (http://store.sony.com/40-diag-w600b-series-led-hdtv-zid27-KDL40W600B/cat-27-catid-All-Sony-HD-TVs) (says 6.5") and 50 inch (http://store.sony.com/50-diag-w800b-premium-led-hdtv-zid27-KDL50W800B/cat-27-catid-All-Sony-HD-TVs) (says 7.5") should measure in at less than 8 inches.

You might even be able to go to the XBR series and do 4K (http://store.sony.com/43-class-42.5-diag-4k-ultra-hd-tv-zid27-XBR43X830C/cat-27-catid-All-Sony-HD-TVs?_t=pfm%3Dcategory) (says 7.5"), but probably not larger than the 43 inch version.

Either way, I would strap it down or attach it to the wall as best I could.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on August 10, 2015, 02:37:54 pm
Reading back, I guess I said width... sorry about that! I meant depth. What you got smackie?

The Sony KDL series should do the trick, though I'm not sure if the inputs are sideways or straight in the back.  That could change everything, but both the 40 inch (http://store.sony.com/40-diag-w600b-series-led-hdtv-zid27-KDL40W600B/cat-27-catid-All-Sony-HD-TVs) (says 6.5") and 50 inch (http://store.sony.com/50-diag-w800b-premium-led-hdtv-zid27-KDL50W800B/cat-27-catid-All-Sony-HD-TVs) (says 7.5") should measure in at less than 8 inches.

You might even be able to go to the XBR series and do 4K (http://store.sony.com/43-class-42.5-diag-4k-ultra-hd-tv-zid27-XBR43X830C/cat-27-catid-All-Sony-HD-TVs?_t=pfm%3Dcategory) (says 7.5"), but probably not larger than the 43 inch version.

Either way, I would strap it down or attach it to the wall as best I could.


(http://images.uncyc.org/commons/3/3c/FistPound.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 10, 2015, 02:41:47 pm
The most bang for your buck is going to be Vizio.  But I had some hardware quality issues in two TV's I purchased from Best Buy (they were both broken panels from delivery) so I ended up going Samsung in the end.
Yeah, I was looking at a 50" Samsung that Best Buy has at $949 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-50-class-49-5-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-black/3813002.p?id=1219607579163&skuId=3813002). Only $50 more than the Vizio and I always really like Samsungs.



FWIW, the post office includes a 10% off any purchase at Best Buy coupon in their "movers pack" promotional envelope.  All it costs you is a trip to your local post office...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 10, 2015, 02:51:09 pm
The most bang for your buck is going to be Vizio.  But I had some hardware quality issues in two TV's I purchased from Best Buy (they were both broken panels from delivery) so I ended up going Samsung in the end.
Yeah, I was looking at a 50" Samsung that Best Buy has at $949 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-50-class-49-5-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-black/3813002.p?id=1219607579163&skuId=3813002). Only $50 more than the Vizio and I always really like Samsungs.



FWIW, the post office includes a 10% off any purchase at Best Buy coupon in their "movers pack" promotional envelope.  All it costs you is a trip to your local post office...
O RLY? This is most helpful information. What is this mover's pack? Do I just go up to the counter and ask for a mover's pack?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 10, 2015, 02:53:14 pm
Some locations just have them on counters or racks with other mailing supplies.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 10, 2015, 02:54:42 pm
From Googling this, there are some pretty broad exclusions:
Quote
Products in the following categories are excluded from this offer:
HT projectors, subscription software services, digital music services, gaming consoles, music & eReader download cards, contract mobile phones, and mobile broadband devices. Select premium TVs from LG, Samsung, Sharp and Sony. Select blu-ray players from Samsung and Sony. Select home audio products from Samsung, Sony, LG, and Sharp. Select drones.

I wonder if that Samsung is one of the "select premium TVs." Incidentally, Vizio does NOT seem to be excluded.

Thanks for the heads up.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 10, 2015, 02:56:25 pm
read the fine print
Movers Coupon- BestBuy (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/2014/movers-coupon/pcmcat322300050002.c?id=pcmcat322300050002)

Offer valid in store and online.
Excludes Unilateral Minimum Resale Price (UMRP) products, gift cards, services (both in-store and in-home). Marketplace and special order items. Not valid in Puerto Rico. No resellers. No copies. No cash back. No cash value. Coupon is non-transferable and is not for resale. Limit 1 coupon per transaction. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Coupon required at time of purchase.


Products in the following categories are excluded from this offer:
 HT projectors, subscription software services, digital music services, gaming consoles, music & eReader download cards, contract mobile phones, and mobile broadband devices. Select premium TVs from LG, Samsung, Sharp and Sony. Select blu-ray players from Samsung and Sony. Select home audio products from Samsung, Sony, LG, and Sharp. Select drones.


Products from the following brands are excluded from this offer:
Bose®, Boston Acoustics, Breville, Dyson, Go Pro, Nest, Philips, and Sonos. These brands and products available through Magnolia are excluded: Bowers & Wilkins, McIntosh, Oppo, Rotel, Savant, Sennheiser, Sonus Faber, Universal Remote Control? and special order merchandise. These brands and products available through Pacific Sales/Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home are excluded: Dacor, DCS, Jenn-Air, Miele, Monogram, Sub-Zero, Thermador, Viking, and Wolf products in Pacific Sales/Pacific Kitchen & Home locations.





Funny that select drones made it in there  ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 10, 2015, 03:00:28 pm
It worked for me for an online purchase of one of those "excluded" items.  I paid online and opted for the in-store pickup of said item.  No questions asked.  Seems like the worst that could happen is that it doesn't work.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 10, 2015, 03:01:59 pm
It worked for me for an online purchase of one of those "excluded" items.  I paid online and opted for the in-store pickup of said item.  No questions asked.
Thanks I'll have to play around with it and see if it works with the Samsung. If not, I might just get the next size up (55") Vizio since Vizio implicitly isn't excluded.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 10, 2015, 03:05:48 pm
I upgraded a few months ago to the Samsung JU7100 55".  I have never been happier with a spendy purchase...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 10, 2015, 03:08:50 pm
I upgraded a few months ago to the Samsung JU7100 55".  I have never been happier with a spendy purchase...
Is that basically the model I'm looking at with 3D added in? I never have seen the appeal of the 3D thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 10, 2015, 03:46:22 pm
I upgraded a few months ago to the Samsung JU7100 55".  I have never been happier with a spendy purchase...
Is that basically the model I'm looking at with 3D added in? I never have seen the appeal of the 3D thing.

No, the 7100 levels up in a few key ways.  The "motion rate" is 240 instead of 120, and it has some extra proprietary signal processing that the 6500 doesn't.  Most importantly, though, the 7100 includes the "one connect" box that Samsung will use to push software upgrades to.  It's their way of selling the idea of a future-proof panel.

BTW, the 3D thing was not a consideration for me, but I'm thoroughly impressed.  I don't have any native 3D content (or even a player), but the damn thing actually converts standard 2D signals to a very convincing 3D.  Rather nifty!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 10, 2015, 03:58:15 pm
Yes, the movers coupon did not work on SONOS products either....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 10, 2015, 05:54:43 pm
Apparently not an April Fools Joke.....

Google is now Part of the Alphabet Group (http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/google-alphabet.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 10, 2015, 08:53:04 pm
thats a lot of words to pretend its not an accounting/risk management maneuver
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 11, 2015, 02:36:26 pm
samsung galaxy sfive . . . out april eleventh.  discuss.  i just got my sfour in november, and love it, but like most phones nowadays, i use, roughly, ten percent of what the bad boy can do.  discuss, part two.

What's the deal with the new Verizon pricing?  I need to add two cell phones to my plan, and I'm wondering if I should do it before the pricing takes effect, or wait until after.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walk,on,by on August 11, 2015, 03:45:28 pm
what, an odd, backtrack.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 12, 2015, 02:40:18 pm
The Economist was Sold Today (http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21660919-only-second-time-our-history-ownership-economist-changes-new-chapter?fsrc=scn/fb/wl/ld/st/anewchapter)

Pearson, the owner of the Financial Times, which has had a non-controlling 50% stake in us since 1928, is selling. Three-fifths of those shares will go to an existing shareholder?Exor, the holding company of the Agnelli family. The rest will be bought back by our parent company, The Economist Group.

Economist Group to buy 5.04m ordinary shares from Pearson for Ł182m
Exor to acquire all of Pearson?s 1.26m ?B? shares and 6.3m ordinary shares for Ł287m
Amendments to the Group?s articles being proposed to secure editorial and company independence for the future
Existing shareholder stakes will increase by 25%, repurchased shares to be held in treasury
The purchase will be part-funded by the sale of the Economist Complex
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on August 12, 2015, 02:44:58 pm
Ferrari and the Economist under common ownership.  All is right with the world today.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 12, 2015, 04:18:02 pm
Can we talk about pornhub for minute?  Of course we can, it's my thread.

Well it turns out that the nice clerk was wrong.  Pornhub is only taking the HD porn behind the subscription plan. 

Anyhow, so I'm not too alarmed about pornhub's new paywall, but I think there's too much free porn to make a worthwhile and profitable Netflix like experience for porn.   

their new safe for work advertising (http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/pornhub-says-its-premium-service-so-incredible-youll-talk-about-it-inappropriate-times-166306) campaign is chuckle worthy

that is the pornhub premium of posts
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walk,on,by on August 13, 2015, 10:19:53 pm
for ten dollars a month, those new ads better blow me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 14, 2015, 07:56:09 pm
Perhaps the only vertical video I've ever liked:

https://vimeo.com/135475344
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on August 17, 2015, 03:06:53 pm
thoughts on curved vs. flat screen?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 17, 2015, 04:03:08 pm
LED screens have poor viewing angles.  Curved screens were really meant to combat this, but mostly its a gimmick.  I wouldn't consider getting a curved screen if you generally have a normal setup and sit in front of your screen.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 17, 2015, 04:05:29 pm
thoughts on curved vs. flat screen?

I'm fairly neutral on the issue.  I don't see the advantage in the TV size I have (50-55 inches) but could see it at, say, 70 inches.

Large crowds struggle with them as the viewing angles are narrow, but if you're the one guy sitting dead center I can see the feeling of being "wrapped in" to what you're watching.

I don't think the technology justifies the price increase, but they do look cool as hell.  I also hear that if you're a 3D person, it's the only way to go - I, however, am not a 3D person. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 18, 2015, 06:22:33 pm
Hackers Post some of the Ashley Madison Data (http://www.wired.com/2015/08/happened-hackers-posted-stolen-ashley-madison-data/?mbid=social_fb)

Just in case your name is on the list....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2015, 11:55:18 am
I'm so hyped to get my new TV (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/vizio-m-series-55-class-55-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-metallic-gray/2833053.p?id=1219561396855&skuId=2833053) delivered on Saturday!

I worked an absolute steal by getting them to price match a sketchy online price at 859.99, then using Jaded's 10% mover's coupon (thanks!), then pre-buying the total in Best Buy gift cards from Cardpool.com at 94 cents on the dollar. Actual financial layout with tax $767.58. I've never basked in being cheap before. It feels weird.

I might need soundsystem advice, Smackie, I went small and came in way under budget.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 20, 2015, 12:09:36 pm
Here's the calibration settings used by rtings for their review:

http://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-brand/vizio/m-series-2015/settings
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2015, 12:11:24 pm
Here's the calibration settings used by rtings for their review:

http://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-brand/vizio/m-series-2015/settings
I have no idea what that means! But thanks!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2015, 12:14:33 pm
Good choice.  I know the excited feeling you're experiencing...

I actually have an Insignia 6.1 channel receiver (http://www.insigniaproducts.com/products/home-audio-systems/IS-HC040917.html) that I'm happy to donate to you - you would just cover shipping.  No HDMI ports on it, but coaxial digital and TOSLINK digital ports so it works well with the Samsung TV's, which are loaded with HDMI ports.

I also am selling a set of Energy RC Micro speakers (http://www.amazon.com/Energy-RC-Micro-Surround-Speaker-System/dp/B001RQ2CXO) (2 front, 2 rear, 1 center + powered subwoofer). I LOVE LOVE LOVE these little speakers, but sadly have been told that I cannot use them in our new house (no holes, no wires).  I leveraged that strong opinion for the SONOS upgrade, but will still miss these guys.     

If you're interested, let me know.

Otherwise, you've got some decisions to make based mostly on how you consume your music.  Are you mostly digital now?  What other components do you need to play your collection?  HOw do you consume video?  I'll need to know this info before offering suggestions.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2015, 12:26:03 pm
Hmm. Well, I have both a TV room and a parlor and the parlor is where I generally listen to music, it's where I keep my CDs and vinyl.

In my TV room, on the rare occasions I listen to music, I have my entire collection digitized and play them thru the TiVo which has a music app, through my TV's speakers currently. (I know, you're clutching your pearls.) Ideally, I would like to be able to play actual CDs and vinyl in the TV room as well through a soundsystem. I would like my TV/blu-ray to feed into the soundsystem as well. It is a very oddly shaped room and I cannot drill so ideally wireless. This does not need to be anywhere close to a top of the line setup, as I am surviving on TV speakers currently.

EDIT: To clarify, I'm only interested in updating the TV room. The parlor's sound setup is already great.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2015, 12:30:14 pm
I actually have an Insignia 6.1 channel receiver (http://www.insigniaproducts.com/products/home-audio-systems/IS-HC040917.html) that I'm happy to donate to you - you would just cover shipping.  No HDMI ports on it, but coaxial digital and TOSLINK digital ports so it works well with the Samsung TV's, which are loaded with HDMI ports.
I... probably want this? I'm not clear how I could get my TV and blu-ray to play through it sans HDMI connections, though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2015, 12:36:39 pm
I... probably want this? I'm not clear how I could get my TV and blu-ray to play through it sans HDMI connections, though.

Do you have a TV in the parlor as well?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2015, 12:37:02 pm
I... probably want this? I'm not clear how I could get my TV and blu-ray to play through it sans HDMI connections, though.

Do you have a TV in the parlor as well?
No, the parlor is a tv-free sitting room. I have a TV in my bedroom and guestroom but not trying to hook them into any speaker systems.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2015, 12:49:27 pm
EDIT: To clarify, I'm only interested in updating the TV room. The parlor's sound setup is already great.

You have a receiver in there?  That would make it a lot easier. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2015, 12:56:21 pm
Here's the layout of the room. I'm not even sure where to put the speakers.

(https://slimgur.com/images/2015/08/20/ba1ae35e81ba13636216346face9853b.png)
The orange triangle is my entertainment center where I have the tivo and bluray, etc.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2015, 12:57:33 pm
You have a receiver in there?  That would make it a lot easier. 
I do not have a receiver in there. To be quite honest, I'm not sure what a receiver is or does. I basically want you to post a link to something and go, "Julian, buy this." I know absolutely nothing about home theater setup. The guy at Best Buy tried to sell me a soundbar and I nearly bought it trying to conceal I did not know what it was.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2015, 01:45:45 pm
A receiver is just a fancy name for Stereo.  Many inputs and outputs, connect to speakers for sound.

OK.  Here are your options.

SIMPLEST SOLUTION - just buy a sound bar for the TV room.  Immediate impact on the sound quality in the TV Room for TV, Blu-ray, TiVo streaming, etc.  There are many options from $200-$700, the sweetspot for just sound being around $400.  The increase in price can lead to thinner design, more channels for audio, and added subwoofers.  Samsungs wireless solution for your TV with wireless subwoofer is $500

NEXT STEP UP - invest in a wireless sound bar for the TV Room to build a system for the future.  SONOS, Bose, LG, etc. all have this option at $500-$700.  This would allow you to have all the benefits of the simple solution, and provide options for the future.

THE ALL IN SOLUTION - What options?  This all in solution.  Wireless soundbar for the TV room ($500-$700), add a SONOS Connect like device to your stereo in the parlor room ($350).  This would give you all the advantages of the simple solution AND allow you to stream your Parlor room music to the TV Room and vice versa.  You could then add wireless, movable speakers to your system for flexibility.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2015, 01:53:20 pm
OK, so I'm looking at the SONOS soundbar and subwoofer which are like $700 each. I get how it plays anything connected to the TV. I get that I can buy wireless speakers as I go and connect multiple rooms to one system.

What I don't understand is how/can I play actual physical media on it somehow? If I want to play an actual CD or a vinyl record, how would I connect that to this?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2015, 01:57:59 pm
OK, so I'm looking at the SONOS soundbar and subwoofer which are like $700 each. I get how it plays anything connected to the TV. I get that I can buy wireless speakers as I go and connect multiple rooms to one system.

What I don't understand is how/can I play actual physical media on it somehow? If I want to play an actual CD or a vinyl record, how would I connect that to this?

I wouldn't buy the SONOS subwoofer unless you really wanted a subwoofer.  It's the most egregiously priced device of the bunch.

What are your record player and CD player hooked up to for sound?  What you'll want to do is hook that device up to a SONOS Connect. (http://www.sonos.com/shop/connect)  That has a line in and output connections that you control with your phone or tablet. 

   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2015, 02:00:09 pm
What are your record player and CD player hooked up to for sound?  What you'll want to do is hook that device up to a SONOS Connect. (http://www.sonos.com/shop/connect)  That has a line in and output connections that you control with your phone or tablet. 
Speakers. ... Oh, I see now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on August 20, 2015, 04:24:02 pm
Pre-Amp: thing for connecting and choosing your sources (cassette player, vinyl player, etc.)

Amp: thing that enloudens your sources before they go to the speakers

Integrated Amp: thing that combines Pre-Amp and Amp into one thing

Receiver: an Integrated Amp that includes a tuner (for listening to over-the-air radio, if you're still into that thing)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2015, 04:29:10 pm
(for listening to over-the-air radio, if you're still into that thing)
Someone has to listen to NPR and keep Relaxer employed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 20, 2015, 04:30:45 pm
I got this bluetooth solution for around 4, and have been quite happy with it. 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp?id=pcat16010&type=page&skuId=6819316&ld=37.54069900512695&lg=-77.43364715576172&rd=25&dt=ob
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on August 21, 2015, 10:44:41 am
Perhaps it's just because I'm an analog man in a digital world, but I find it hard to believe that wireless soundbars/speakers can give deliver sound quality as good as wired ones.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 21, 2015, 11:07:44 am
Oh you're right, they dont.  My setup is optical audio + wireless sub.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on August 21, 2015, 11:08:42 am
Perhaps it's just because I'm an analog man in a digital world, but I find it hard to believe that wireless soundbars/speakers can give deliver sound quality as good as wired ones.

They can't... the last thing you want to do is run your record player through a Sonos device.

I have Sonos as well, but have CD player/record player running direct into receiver going out to speakers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 21, 2015, 11:20:30 am
They can't... the last thing you want to do is run your record player through a Sonos device.
Can you expand your thoughts on that? Smackie seems pretty hyped on Sonos and not being able to add a turntable to it would be a deal breaker for me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 21, 2015, 11:57:22 am
They can't... the last thing you want to do is run your record player through a Sonos device.
Can you expand your thoughts on that? Smackie seems pretty hyped on Sonos and not being able to add a turntable to it would be a deal breaker for me.

You can.  Yada chooses not to.

Yada, is your SONOS Play:1, 3, 5 or Soundbar+Sub and how many are in your collection?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 21, 2015, 11:58:07 am
Perhaps it's just because I'm an analog man in a digital world, but I find it hard to believe that wireless soundbars/speakers can give deliver sound quality as good as wired ones.

At your age with as many concerts as you've been to it won't make a difference.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on August 21, 2015, 12:03:55 pm
They can't... the last thing you want to do is run your record player through a Sonos device.
Can you expand your thoughts on that? Smackie seems pretty hyped on Sonos and not being able to add a turntable to it would be a deal breaker for me.

You can.  Yada chooses not to.

Yada, is your SONOS Play:1, 3, 5 or Soundbar+Sub and how many are in your collection?

At this time, I don't use any Sonos speakers, just Sonos connect.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 21, 2015, 12:07:35 pm
At this time, I don't use any Sonos speakers, just Sonos connect.

Thank you.  No more questions your honor.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 21, 2015, 12:14:40 pm
OK, Smacks, I actually did a fair amount of reading about this last night. I think I like the modest entry option and piecemeal out additional speakers as I decide to expand the thing.

To get started, I think I'm going to get the Sonos Soundbar and a connect. The connect will work with that receiver you're giving away, yes? And then I can just take my currently existing turntable and buy a component CD player and hook them up to the receiver and would be able to play the music in the TV room too, right?

Can I have the amp both hooked up to the Connect and my current speakers at the same time?

Then, if I want a few months down the road, I can get actual Sonos speakers for each room? I'm still a little confused on which of the 1, 3, 5 models to get, and how many I need for each room. I saw somewhere that 2 3-series and a soundbar replicates 5.1 surround sound?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 21, 2015, 01:45:24 pm
what's your bill rate for audio consultation?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 21, 2015, 02:01:44 pm
what's your bill rate for audio consultation?
I just offered to loan him my champagne handbag this morning for his upcoming polo match as a thank you!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 21, 2015, 03:08:50 pm
what's your bill rate for audio consultation?

Deez Guyz give free advice (https://youtu.be/gJ_FfT-d5-s)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 21, 2015, 03:38:44 pm
FYI...all the sonos stuff for $1200 (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/ele/5176006494.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on August 21, 2015, 03:40:39 pm
what's your bill rate for audio consultation?
I just offered to loan him my champagne handbag this morning for his upcoming polo match as a thank you!

Hopefully you have better taste in handbags than your david byrne-esque insurance guy suits!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 21, 2015, 03:43:07 pm
Hopefully you have better taste in handbags than your david byrne-esque insurance guy suits!
It's quite nice. If you were encyclopedic in your recollection of the original Julian's America thread, you'd know what it looks like already.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 21, 2015, 03:47:52 pm
To get started, I think I'm going to get the Sonos Soundbar and a connect. The connect will work with that receiver you're giving away, yes?

Yes.

And then I can just take my currently existing turntable and buy a component CD player and hook them up to the receiver and would be able to play the music in the TV room too, right?

No.  You should sell all of your CD's, but yes, your turntable will hook up to it.  And if you ignored the first part of that sentence, then yes, a component CD player will also hook up to it.


Can I have the amp both hooked up to the Connect and my current speakers at the same time?

This one is interesting.  Yes they can both be hooked up, but can they play simultaneously?

I'll have to check the back of the tuner.  What you would like is for the wired speakers in the Parlor to play at the same time as the wireless speakers in the TV room?  If that's the case, then the tuner will need a dedicated out (RCA Jacks) that we will plug in to the Connect.  Dedicated outs were common during tapedeck days for recording, but I'm not sure on this particular tuner.  I'll have to look at the back of the unit when I return home on Sunday, but I'm sure I can make something work.   


Then, if I want a few months down the road, I can get actual Sonos speakers for each room? I'm still a little confused on which of the 1, 3, 5 models to get, and how many I need for each room. I saw somewhere that 2 3-series and a soundbar replicates 5.1 surround sound?

Yes, you can mix and match the Sonos speakers as you see fit.  I have gone with the soundbar and 2 Play:1's for my surround sound in my TV Room and will be adding a separate Play:3 or Play:5 for the bedroom, which can be moved to the kitchen or the backyard as we see fit.

I think 2 Play:3's with the soundbar would be over kill for 5.1, but can you really ever have too much sound?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 21, 2015, 03:48:29 pm
what's your bill rate for audio consultation?

For friends, I only work for food and drink.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 21, 2015, 03:51:04 pm
what's your bill rate for audio consultation?
I just offered to loan him my champagne handbag this morning for his upcoming polo match as a thank you!

Hopefully you have better taste in handbags than your david byrne-esque insurance guy suits!

You know I've been wondering who he was emulating.  I hadn't thought of David Byrne.  I was more in the Richard Cheese or Les Nessman camp.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 21, 2015, 03:55:38 pm
No.  You should sell all of your CD's,
I will do no such thing.


This one is interesting.  Yes they can both be hooked up, but can they play simultaneously?

I'll have to check the back of the tuner.  What you would like is for the wired speakers in the Parlor to play at the same time as the wireless speakers in the TV room?  If that's the case, then the tuner will need a dedicated out (RCA Jacks) that we will plug in to the Connect.  Dedicated outs were common during tapedeck days for recording, but I'm not sure on this particular tuner.  I'll have to look at the back of the unit when I return home on Sunday, but I'm sure I can make something work. 
 
I don't think I would actually use them simultaneously. The wired speakers are just a stop gap until I buy a 3 or 5 for the room.

I have gone with the soundbar and 2 Play:1's for my surround sound in my TV Room and will be adding a separate Play:3 or Play:5 for the bedroom, which can be moved to the kitchen or the backyard as we see fit.
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I'm negotiating with a guy who has a pair of unopened 1's on craigslist right now.

Do the speakers have any sort of battery whatsoever or do they have to be plugged in at all times during use? My deck has no outlet.

Let me know what you want to ship the amp.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 21, 2015, 03:58:24 pm
You know I've been wondering who he was emulating.  I hadn't thought of David Byrne.  I was more in the Richard Cheese or Les Nessman camp.
I was going for Billy Eichner (loud, shrill, half insulting everything) crossed with Art Mann (an actual attempt at pretending hanging out with freaks is "journalism").
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 21, 2015, 04:00:29 pm
Do the speakers have any sort of battery whatsoever or do they have to be plugged in at all times during use? My deck has no outlet.

They do not have a portable sonos speaker yet, no.  Because they all have at least one amp that needs to be powered, they all need to be plugged in to a power source to operate.

This is the #1 request in the community right now and Sonos has been pretty steadfast that doing so with current technology would degrade the sound quality to a level they are not comfortable with.

A competitor has done it though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 21, 2015, 04:04:20 pm
Do the speakers have any sort of battery whatsoever or do they have to be plugged in at all times during use? My deck has no outlet.

They do not have a portable sonos speaker yet, no.  Because they all have at least one amp that needs to be powered, they all need to be plugged in to a power source to operate.

This is the #1 request in the community right now and Sonos has been pretty steadfast that doing so with current technology would degrade the sound quality to a level they are not comfortable with.

A competitor has done it though.
Hmm. I'll have to figure out something there.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on August 21, 2015, 04:24:30 pm
This fits the bill for outdoors, but my biggest gripe with Sonos is the non outdoor speaker.

UE Mini Boom

(http://cnet3.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2013/10/03/9e80e2f8-84b8-11e3-beb9-14feb5ca9861/thumbnail/770x433/4679fd6e7c200d4feafb96c67424c41c/Logitech_UE_Mini_bluetooth_speaker_35828442_35828437_02.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 21, 2015, 04:38:34 pm
I think that maybe part of the knock on "wireless" speakers.

Sonos works over WiFi and can transmit much more data much more quickly at a much greater range.

Bluetooth speakers are low power, low data and low distance.

Putting any BT speaker in the same category as a WiFi speaker is apples to oranges, albeit in the outdoor portable category, it's the only option. 

Truthfully, I dislike BT sound so much, I have a rechargeable speaker that I plug a phone into rather than use BT.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 25, 2015, 09:40:34 am
Managed to find a brand new in box Sonos soundbar and two (one new, one used) Play:1s off craigslist for $820 total. Very impressive clear sound. Need to spend more time researching all the online music services it integrates as I've never used/signed up for any of those (sans the MLB audio) but physical setup and integrating my entire library and getting the app on my three iOS devices was right at an hour. I like the radio integration since my place is older with thick brick walls and NPR and the two local indie stations have poor antenna reception inside, and it will make it much easier for me to listen to Michigan Insider with Jim Harbaugh every week without firing up a laptop and listening through the tiny speakers.

I'm going to have to play around with a Play:1s in another room this week when I have more time to get a better sense of how much sound one produces on it's own but thinking the kitchen, master bedroom, and parlor might be better off with a 3s or 5s in a month or two when I expand out my system. Need to find some place I can actually hear all three models one at a time to decide if the sliding hundred dollar price scale between each of the three is legitimately worth it since my rooms are not enormous.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 25, 2015, 10:40:54 am
I still can't quite wrap my head around buying a bunch of mono speakers and having them all play simultaneously.  It's only the 5 that's true stereo, yes?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 25, 2015, 10:44:06 am
I still can't quite wrap my head around buying a bunch of mono speakers and having them all play simultaneously.  It's only the 5 that's true stereo, yes?
I don't think that's correct. The Play:3 when put in horizontal mode has left and right speakers in it and assigns the left and right channels of any stereo recording to them automatically, from everything I've read. (Obviously this does not provide you good stereo separation as two speakers placed ten feet apart.) If you're planning on putting two 3s in the same room like as part of an actual physical surround-sound setup, you put the speakers in vertical mode and it runs the entire speaker as a mono device then.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 25, 2015, 10:58:37 am
But that costs you $600.  For 2 speakers.  You can buy phenomenal bookshelf speakers (http://www.axiomaudio.com/stereospeakers) for that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 25, 2015, 11:00:46 am
I made it quite clear that I wanted someone else to make my purchasing decision for me and I could not run wires where I am at. Take it up with Smackie.

*kind of just ambles out of the thread*
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 25, 2015, 01:02:33 pm
I still can't quite wrap my head around buying a bunch of mono speakers and having them all play simultaneously.  It's only the 5 that's true stereo, yes?

No, the Play:1 is the only mono speaker in the bunch.  But if you have two and assign it to channels with the app, you no longer have that problem, hence why I told Jules to buy 2 and assign one to the left and one to the right.

The PLAYBAR has nine amplified speakers ? six 3.5-inch midrange drivers and three 1-inch tweeters that provide a Left, Right and Center setup.  Add the Play:1's and you've got a 5 channel system, and if you're completely insane you'll add the sub woofer for full 5.1.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 25, 2015, 01:06:13 pm
But that costs you $600.  For 2 speakers.  You can buy phenomenal bookshelf speakers (http://www.axiomaudio.com/stereospeakers) for that.

Have you priced out what it costs to run speaker wire through the walls, and to multiple rooms?

$600 all of a sudden looks cheap, and 2 Play:1's only cost $400.

And that's if you live in a home where you can run wires and not, say, in a brick place like Julian where you don't have that option.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 25, 2015, 01:45:33 pm
But that costs you $600.  For 2 speakers. 
I also don't really need 2 speakers for most rooms. From what I see online, most people aren't putting multiple Play3s in anything but their main home theater room. I'm don't exactly need surround-sound to play classical music in the parlor when we're having martinis. So you're talking more $600 ($500 if I buy thru any of the multiple Buy-It now eBay auctions) for 2 rooms.

3 Play3s at like $750 and I have my dining room/kitchen, master bedroom, and parlor done. (And effectively my entire system unless I stumble upon a cheap used Play1 and decide my guest room or bathroom needs audio for some reason or I suffer a brain injury and start liking hiphop and need a subwoofer.)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 25, 2015, 03:07:47 pm
I guess my thought is that speakers only have one job - reproducing sound.  My BS radar goes off when other features interfere with accurate sound reproduction.

I have not ever heard any Sonos product.  Considering that it uses wi-fi and not bluetooth, there is some preservation of sound quality.  If you're listening to MP3s over wireless speakers, you've already lost the quality fight. 

If you're satisfied with listening to Space Oddity in mono, I've got nothing for you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on August 25, 2015, 03:18:10 pm
But that costs you $600.  For 2 speakers.  You can buy phenomenal bookshelf speakers (http://www.axiomaudio.com/stereospeakers) for that.
I used to have a pair of surrounds from this company.  Prices sure have gone up.  They were nice speakers though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 25, 2015, 07:02:26 pm
I have not ever heard any Sonos product.

Awesome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on August 25, 2015, 07:37:21 pm
I got a pair of Play:1's a while back on a Kinja deal.  I think they were $250.  Paired up, they sound great.  I've also used them individually, though the sound suffers.  Don't use them for TV sound, but that's an option down the road with the added soundbar.

Just checked - I paid $350 for the pair.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 26, 2015, 02:10:09 pm
I new living in this small town in NM was a good move
only 3 zip codes in all of us didn't have an Ash Mad account (http://www.techinsider.io/the-only-three-zip-codes-in-america-without-ashley-madison-accounts-2015-8?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 26, 2015, 02:16:41 pm
I new living in this small town in NM was a good move
only 3 zip codes in all of us didn't have an Ash Mad account (http://www.techinsider.io/the-only-three-zip-codes-in-america-without-ashley-madison-accounts-2015-8?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral)

Posted via passenger pigeon....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 26, 2015, 02:18:38 pm
I new living in this small town in NM was a good move
only 3 zip codes in all of us didn't have an Ash Mad account (http://www.techinsider.io/the-only-three-zip-codes-in-america-without-ashley-madison-accounts-2015-8?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral)

Posted via passenger pigeon....
also if you don't live in those zip codes and worried some one falsely used your email to create an account
and apparently you can check if your email  (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/check-email-part-ashley-madison-hack-article-1.2331250)is on the dump too
you know because someone might have mistyped your email in when they were signing up

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 26, 2015, 02:23:50 pm
related to the ashmad breach
this site (https://haveibeenpwned.com/) can tell you if you've been pwned

found out my data was breached in the Adobe hack a few years back
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 26, 2015, 02:29:21 pm
I was informed by my fiancee that my email address was not in the Ashley Madison database leak, to which I replied:

"I didn't even bother checking because I knew my email address wouldn't be in the database."

But the best reply would have been "I wasn't planning on signing up until Oct 4th."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 26, 2015, 02:30:21 pm
Did you check to see if your ex-wife's email was in the database?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 26, 2015, 02:37:39 pm
Did you check to see if your ex-wife's email was in the database?

That was pretty good....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 26, 2015, 02:47:09 pm
Did you check to see if your ex-wife's email was in the database?

That was pretty good....
Well, thanks, but that doesn't really answer the question. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 26, 2015, 04:20:59 pm
Well, thanks, but that doesn't really answer the question. . .

Ha, no.  My first marriage was more of Grey's Anatomy scenario where I was the only one not at the hospital all the time, so I pretty much didn't stand a chance.

Her next husband was also a doctor so I doubt Ashley Madison played a role in that...it's kind of it's own self-perpetuating market.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 26, 2015, 04:23:57 pm
(http://i.giphy.com/10vtLafTnJYLoA.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 26, 2015, 04:27:25 pm
Can we spin this conversation off into one where we all decide what our Grey's Anatomy nicknames would be? I want to be McFancy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 26, 2015, 04:32:18 pm
I wanna be McFan...oh damn!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 26, 2015, 04:43:27 pm
I wanna be McFan...oh damn!
(http://www.abload.de/img/11514-animated_gifchat8etf.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 26, 2015, 04:46:23 pm
I don't watch the show.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 26, 2015, 04:50:13 pm
The female doctors had nicknames for the male doctors like McDreamy and McSteamy. So you pick your Mc____y name. You can be McLawyery if you want.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 26, 2015, 06:59:11 pm
(http://i.giphy.com/2MaejZ9iFAg7u.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 26, 2015, 08:43:37 pm
my email gets mistakenly signed up for all kinds of stuff. i used to get a guy's car insurance bill reminders
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on August 26, 2015, 09:08:46 pm
my email gets mistakenly signed up for all kinds of stuff. i used to get a guy's car insurance bill reminders

I have this all.the.time.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 26, 2015, 11:11:01 pm
my email gets mistakenly signed up for all kinds of stuff. i used to get a guy's car insurance bill reminders

Yeah, but how cool are all the fan requests for autographs and the random lewd photos?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 27, 2015, 03:37:39 pm
Did not know this existed:

http://www.alphabeatical.com/

Alphabeatical is a podcast that reviews every song recorded by the Beatles in alphabetical order.

Paring down to only studio-recorded, official releases  left us with 248 songs, each of which we?ll be discussing for a single episode, starting with ?12-Bar Original?.

They just finished Martha My Dear and are on Matchbox, so there's plenty to catch up on if you're already caught up on the Economist.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 30, 2015, 10:42:47 pm
NEWS FLASH: I am at smackie's and I have his wifi password. More to follow.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 31, 2015, 08:46:11 am
NEWS FLASH: I am at smackie's and I have his wifi password. More to follow.
screw with the settings on his sonos and then change the pw
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 31, 2015, 10:58:30 am
Network security was more that I could deal with in a phone. Smackie wins this round.

Julian Americans could learn a thing or three from Casa de Smacks' styling and hospitality.

screw with the settings on his sonos

Sir, I'm all for a good joke but that is one too far!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 31, 2015, 11:10:46 am
Julian Americans could learn a thing or three from Casa de Smacks' styling and hospitality.
To be fair, you've never been in town to afford me the opportunity to host you for the evening.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 31, 2015, 12:28:51 pm
NEWS FLASH: I am at smackie's and I have his wifi password. More to follow.

If you can crack "Blizzard" and not "Alderaan #neverforget" then you will unlock all of the secrets.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 31, 2015, 01:53:32 pm
I'm just going to slide this (http://www.businessinsider.com/where-are-they-now-bring-it-on-cast-2015-8#ixzz3k7fyksxf) right in here. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 31, 2015, 02:30:18 pm
Julian Americans could learn a thing or three from Casa de Smacks' styling and hospitality.

I wish I could take credit for this, but honestly, all of my "bachelor" furniture has been replaced with much classier furniture by the soon-to-Mrs.  Even my suggestion that we go mid-century modern in our new condo was met with derision....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 31, 2015, 02:51:34 pm
I'm just going to slide this (http://www.businessinsider.com/where-are-they-now-bring-it-on-cast-2015-8#ixzz3k7fyksxf) right in here. . .

Absolutely Brilliant.

Which is more surprising:

That Courtney went on to co-found GeekNation, or

That Aaron overdosed, or

That Jenelope was run over by a car?



I did somehow miss Lindsay Sloane as the woman in the Horrible Bosses movie, though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 31, 2015, 02:56:10 pm
That Aaron overdosed, or

That Jenelope was run over by a car?
One of these two for sure. I'll go with Aaron.

TBH, the most surprising thing is the revelation (to me) that LaFred was actually that character's name. From the context and tone the one time it is said, I assumed calling a woman "LaFred" was some sort of ethnic insult I was unfamiliar with.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 31, 2015, 02:58:53 pm
I did somehow miss Lindsay Sloane as the woman in the Horrible Bosses movie, though.

I would also like to point out that this Lindsay Sloane excavation led to me spending the next 30 minutes on this:

The Definitive Ranking Of Kevin Arnold?s Romantic Flings On ?The Wonder Years? (http://www.buzzfeed.com/norbertobriceno/kevin-arnold-workin-it#.kvkWv2ZZb)

So many thoughts....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 31, 2015, 03:03:33 pm
So many thoughts....
Great find, and ditto.

I never realized before now that Kevin Arnold is up there with Jerry Seinfeld on the "dated a huge number of women all out of his league consistently" power rankings.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 31, 2015, 03:09:22 pm
I'm caught between Teri and Madeline....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 31, 2015, 03:16:04 pm
Denise and Cara weren't bad either. Those four definitely make up the Mt. Rushmore.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 31, 2015, 05:00:38 pm
NEWS FLASH: I am at smackie's and I have his wifi password. More to follow.

BTW - I mentioned earlier that we didn't need that last bottle of wine.  Now, at 2PM in my office, I'm feeling we DEFINITELY didn't need that bottle.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 01, 2015, 02:55:33 pm
Drunk History?s Derek Waters on why ?Hey Soul Sister? is ?the sound of diarrhea? (http://www.avclub.com/article/drunk-historys-derek-waters-why-hey-soul-sister-so-224476)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 01, 2015, 03:07:10 pm
Drunk History?s Derek Waters on why ?Hey Soul Sister? is ?the sound of diarrhea? (http://www.avclub.com/article/drunk-historys-derek-waters-why-hey-soul-sister-so-224476)
Pretty much all of Hatesong is a fantastic read, even if you don't agree with the song hate. The one about fun.'s Some Nights and the one about Mackelmore's Same Love put me in stitches no matter how many times I re-read them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 01, 2015, 04:33:54 pm
If you can crack "Blizzard" and not "Alderaan #neverforget" then you will unlock all of the secrets.

as far as i know, there are no good packet sniffers for iphone, the device i'm currently stuck with until i renew my contract... so unannounced networks were indeed safe.

BTW - I mentioned earlier that we didn't need that last bottle of wine.  Now, at 2PM in my office, I'm feeling we DEFINITELY didn't need that bottle.

we are getting old, my friend...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 01, 2015, 07:08:08 pm
as far as i know, there are no good packet sniffers for iphone, the device i'm currently stuck with until i renew my contract... so unannounced networks were indeed safe.

Blizzard is the honeypot VPN through a firewall.  The nonbroadcast SSID's are exactly that and behind a different firewall so best of luck to the hackers.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 04, 2015, 07:51:25 pm
Avril Lavigne is Available.  Again. (http://www.celebitchy.com/445368/the_canadian_dream_is_dead_avril_lavigne_chad_kroeger_announce_separation/)

Too bad she'd probably only for Sweetcell....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on September 04, 2015, 09:45:30 pm
yes, was just thinking...what horrible band will she dip into next..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 08, 2015, 12:49:30 pm
In case the new ms smackie is looking for the gift for the man who has everything

(http://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781476799087/as-if-9781476799087_lg.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 08, 2015, 12:59:01 pm
In case the new ms smackie is looking for the gift for the man who has everything

(http://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781476799087/as-if-9781476799087_lg.jpg)

As much as I would enjoy that, I'm going to prefer this more:

I had yet another revelation over a glass of wine last night.

My fiancée submitted some photos to be a model in a boudoir shoot opportunity and her motivation for me was that I would be the beneficiary of the photo book as a wedding gift.  Fine by me, but then I thought, you know what would be awesome....

If, on my wedding day, I was given not just a boudoir book of photos of my new bride at her current age (which, presumably I'm very familiar with) but a book (or books) of boudoir photos of my new bride from when she was 18 years old, and 21 years old, and 25 years old and 30 years old - every 5 years until we eventually tie the knot - now THAT is a gift I would cherish.

So, those of you with daughters, encourage them to do this for their future husband so this becomes a thing and we can change the world.  For the better.

I did change the registry over the weekend for the Spehro BB-8 however.  That went over well...so let's add this too and see who people think it's really for.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 08, 2015, 10:41:55 pm
 Freddie Mercury Dressed Princess Di in Drag to Sneak her into a Gay Bar (http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/03/31/freddie-mercury-dressed-princess-diana-in-drag-to-sneak-her-into-a-gay-bar/?utm_source=FR&utm_medium=FRFB&utm_campaign=Diana&ts_pid=2)

I would have paid anything to be there...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 10, 2015, 01:24:56 pm
didyaknow...PornhubCares (http://www.ijreview.com/2015/09/411858-porn-site-offers-25000-college-scholarship-applicant-best-answers-one-simple-question/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=Partners&utm_term=PRM17&ts_pid=2)

?We work hard to help make millions of people feel happy every single day. In turn, we would like to help support the recipient of the first annual Pornhub Scholarship to realize their goal of doing the same!?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 10, 2015, 02:04:05 pm
On a smakie knows TV tech

any thoughts on this http://www.shobot.tv/ (http://www.shobot.tv/)

guy I worked with years ago is a founder
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2015, 02:25:56 pm
On a smakie knows TV tech

any thoughts on this http://www.shobot.tv/ (http://www.shobot.tv/)

guy I worked with years ago is a founder

I signed up just to see if it's easier than how I currently have been handling that scenario.  It will be interesting to see how it handles (1) Whether or not I currently receive that channel and (2) how it handles one off, ie not series, recordings. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2015, 04:55:03 pm
Kacey Musgraves - Are You Sure ft. Willie Nelson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=15&v=cDCFjYVKAkY)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2015, 05:23:29 pm
Also, I'm not sure if I shared these or not, but I know I've told the Director about these...

Best under $50 in ear headphones I've used with my Android Device.  I backed them on indiegogo a while back and they have been well worth it.  Now available on Amazon:

Z:ero Digital Earphone Integrated on board HiFi AudioDAC and headphone amplifier (http://www.amazon.com/Zorloo/b/ref=bl_dp_s_web_12087666011?ie=UTF8&node=12087666011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Zorloo)

More info (http://www.zorloo.com/#!zbudd/c1yf2)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2015, 05:53:44 pm
On a smakie knows TV tech

any thoughts on this http://www.shobot.tv/ (http://www.shobot.tv/)

guy I worked with years ago is a founder

I signed up just to see if it's easier than how I currently have been handling that scenario.  It will be interesting to see how it handles (1) Whether or not I currently receive that channel and (2) how it handles one off, ie not series, recordings. 

A solid 4 hours of web surfing, and not a single ad has lit up nor has the Chrome Extension.

If I get home and my DVR has a bunch of Ro-Co's on it, we're having words....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 15, 2015, 09:27:39 am
(https://i.imgur.com/IZV03xV.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 15, 2015, 09:35:24 am
On a smakie knows TV tech

any thoughts on this http://www.shobot.tv/ (http://www.shobot.tv/)

guy I worked with years ago is a founder

I signed up just to see if it's easier than how I currently have been handling that scenario.  It will be interesting to see how it handles (1) Whether or not I currently receive that channel and (2) how it handles one off, ie not series, recordings. 

A solid 4 hours of web surfing, and not a single ad has lit up nor has the Chrome Extension.

If I get home and my DVR has a bunch of Ro-Co's on it, we're having words....
what's a Ro-Co?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 15, 2015, 09:53:01 am
ro-co = rom-com = romantic comedy, AKA a chick-flick?

(and smackie, act tough all you want, but don't tell me there aren't already 12+ rom-coms on your DVR...)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 15, 2015, 09:59:59 am
ro-co = rom-com = romantic comedy, AKA a chick-flick?

(and smackie, act tough all you want, but don't tell me there aren't already 12+ rom-coms on your DVR...)
wow if romcom wasn't short enuf...had to go make it shorter
thanks for the translation
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 15, 2015, 10:18:47 am
What's everyone's personal Mt. Rushmore of Ro-Cos? I was just discussing this with some people. I go with:

My Best Friend's Wedding
27 Dresses
Princess Bride
Sleepless In Seattle
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 15, 2015, 10:36:07 am
Knocked up
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on September 15, 2015, 10:42:31 am
(https://i.imgur.com/IZV03xV.jpg)

Something tells me he's not actually the 420th dogpetter.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2015, 12:00:05 pm
wow if romcom wasn't short enuf...had to go make it shorter
thanks for the translation

The actual shorthand may have been rom-com and I screwed it up. 

(and smackie, act tough all you want, but don't tell me there aren't already 12+ rom-coms on your DVR...)

There are two.  27 Dresses and Love Actually.

It helps that we just moved into our new condo and switched back to DirecTV a month ago, thus the DVR started clean.

Oh wait, three - Devil Wears Prada, but that's not really romantic, but definitely a chick flick.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walk,on,by on September 15, 2015, 12:15:19 pm
ro-co = rom-com = romantic comedy, AKA a chick-flick?

(and smackie, act tough all you want, but don't tell me there aren't already 12+ rom-coms on your DVR...)
wow if romcom wasn't short enuf...had to go make it shorter
thanks for the translation

longhand, better, shorthand.  sorry, van,smack.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2015, 12:17:11 pm
What's everyone's personal Mt. Rushmore of Ro-Cos? I was just discussing this with some people.

In addition to Knocked Up and Princess Bride, I don't mind watching these at any time....

Say Anything
The Sure Thing
10 Things I hate About You
The first 3/4's of About a Boy
Clueless
Groundhog Day
Love Actually
Show me Love

Then there's this sub category where you got tricked into not realizing that you're watching a rom-com because it was cinematically beautiful:

Punch Drunk Love
Her
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Lost in Translation
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 15, 2015, 12:32:09 pm
What's everyone's personal Mt. Rushmore of Ro-Cos? I was just discussing this with some people.

In addition to Knocked Up and Princess Bride, I don't mind watching these at any time....

Say Anything
The Sure Thing
10 Things I hate About You
The first 3/4's of About a Boy
Clueless
Groundhog Day
Love Actually
Show me Love

Then there's this sub category where you got tricked into not realizing that you're watching a rom-com because it was cinematically beautiful:

Punch Drunk Love
Her
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Lost in Translation
Whoa, whoa, whoa. We're going to have to have a whole side conversation about what constitutes a Rom-Com. Clueless and Groundhog's Day? That sublist of four? That's not really what I think of when I think Rom-Com.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2015, 01:37:54 pm
Whoa, whoa, whoa. We're going to have to have a whole side conversation about what constitutes a Rom-Com. Clueless and Groundhog's Day? That sublist of four? That's not really what I think of when I think Rom-Com.

Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_comedy_film)

Romantic comedy films are films with light-hearted, humorous plotlines, centered on romantic ideals such as that true love is able to surmount most obstacles.  One dictionary definition is "a funny movie, play, or television program about a love story that ends happily".  Another definition states that its "primary distinguishing feature is a love plot in which two sympathetic and well-matched lovers are united or reconciled".

----

Remove the witty banter from Clueless and Groundhog Day and you have essentially, romantic comedies.  The entire premise of Groundhog Day is that only love can break his recurring nightmare.  Clueless is about her quest to find a boy when the "right guy" lives in her house the entire time. 

Sorry man, but those are rom-com's, just with better writers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 15, 2015, 02:02:52 pm
Groundhog's Day, I'll give you pretty easily. Clueless, I really don't think the love story is the primary thing, but I'm not going to argue about that.

I don't see how Her or Lost In Translation fits that at, they're far from lighthearted nor are characters particularly sympathetic.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2015, 03:01:22 pm
Ryan Adams transforms Taylor Swift?s 1989 into a melancholy masterpiece (http://www.avclub.com/review/ryan-adams-transforms-taylor-swifts-1989-melanchol-225630)

And it's brilliant....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2015, 03:23:36 pm
I don't get angry often, but VW/Audi %$^&ed with the wrong guy on this one.  I will have their head.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 21, 2015, 03:31:44 pm
I don't get angry often, but VW/Audi %$^&ed with the wrong guy on this one.  I will have their head.
Hopefully you don't have any of their stock, as I referenced in the Dropping Like Flies thread.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2015, 03:33:23 pm
Hopefully you don't have any of their stock, as I referenced in the Dropping Like Flies thread.

Nope.  Just a once proud Audi A3 TDI owner with 80,000 miles on it, that might never meet CA Emissions standards.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 21, 2015, 03:36:17 pm
Hopefully you don't have any of their stock, as I referenced in the Dropping Like Flies thread.

Nope.  Just a once proud Audi A3 TDI owner with 80,000 miles on it, that might never meet CA Emissions standards.
is it a diesel?

And what if you converted to Bio-diesel? would that make a difference?
You are in the bay area, it's pretty easy to get there
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 21, 2015, 03:42:15 pm
Hopefully you don't have any of their stock, as I referenced in the Dropping Like Flies thread.

Nope.  Just a once proud Audi A3 TDI owner with 80,000 miles on it, that might never meet CA Emissions standards.
is it a diesel?
I'm not a car guy by a long shot, but I think TDI means diesel?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 21, 2015, 03:56:45 pm
Hopefully you don't have any of their stock, as I referenced in the Dropping Like Flies thread.

Nope.  Just a once proud Audi A3 TDI owner with 80,000 miles on it, that might never meet CA Emissions standards.
is it a diesel?
I'm not a car guy by a long shot, but I think TDI means diesel?
I'm not either...but I have this friend named google who get's me all the answers

Turbo Direct Injection

but...it does seem that also correlates to it being diesel
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2015, 04:06:40 pm
TDI = Turbocharged Direct Injection which are used to power VW/Audi diesel cars.

I drive too many miles to use biofuel and while conversion is easy, finding biofuel is absolutely not worth the hassle.

Audi is going to have to do something about this....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on September 21, 2015, 04:23:19 pm
The first thing Audi is going to do is find a new tagline.  "Truth in Engineering" won't fly so well anymore.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on September 21, 2015, 04:31:58 pm
People still have DVD players?
I'm honestly stunned it took you that long to show up and mock the idea of physical media.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-21/streaming-music-passes-physical-sales-for-first-time

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2015, 05:28:38 pm
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-21/streaming-music-passes-physical-sales-for-first-time

And the most important part - the download market is next.  As soon as the streaming market does that, the focus will be on quality and the competition will move to who who has the highest quality streams available.

Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2015, 05:42:52 pm
The first thing Audi is going to do is find a new tagline.  "Truth in Engineering" won't fly so well anymore.

You're killing it today.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 23, 2015, 01:55:03 pm
Ryan Adams transforms Taylor Swift?s 1989 into a melancholy masterpiece (http://www.avclub.com/review/ryan-adams-transforms-taylor-swifts-1989-melanchol-225630)

And it's brilliant....

let's make this meta a la julian + smackie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URttLnW0x0k
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 23, 2015, 01:56:21 pm
let's make this meta a la julian + smackie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URttLnW0x0k

I knew I should have sat down before I hit play....#mindblown
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walk,on,by on September 23, 2015, 02:21:25 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2wdrqzyOPk

better version, from a year earlier than that.  what a thief.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 23, 2015, 02:25:18 pm
Sweetcell's post was more about the Ryan Adams cover of Taylor's new album....

Your post is just a further display of how pathetic Canadians are that artists get their best applause when they cover Canadian songs.  I remember the Foo's did this a few months ago too by covering Rush....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 23, 2015, 02:41:35 pm
that foot-dragging, look-at-me-i'm-a-diva underwood version is un-listenable. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 23, 2015, 02:44:52 pm
that foot-dragging, look-at-me-i'm-a-diva underwood version is un-listenable. 

Just turn the volume down and look at those stems....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 23, 2015, 02:48:05 pm
Ryan Adams transforms Taylor Swift?s 1989 into a melancholy masterpiece (http://www.avclub.com/review/ryan-adams-transforms-taylor-swifts-1989-melanchol-225630)

And it's brilliant....

let's make this meta a la julian + smackie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URttLnW0x0k
It's so META, had you started a thread about it, I would demand you entitle it "META: META: (insert clickbait title here)".
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2015, 04:10:51 pm
I don't get angry often, but VW/Audi %$^&ed with the wrong guy on this one.  I will have their head.

(http://cdn.static-economist.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/print-cover-full/print-covers/20150926_cuk400.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on September 24, 2015, 04:11:59 pm
Your post is just a further display of how pathetic Canadians are that artists get their best applause when they cover Canadian songs.  I remember the Foo's did this a few months ago too by covering Rush....

40% of Americans want a giant wall built along the U.S. border............with Canada.

http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-09-24/oh-canada-four-in-ten-americans-want-wall-on-northern-border
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Relaxer on September 24, 2015, 04:36:09 pm
We don't need a wall to keep out pesky Canadians. We just need to have a few people stand along the border and whenever a Canadian tries to cross over illegally, the person says "Hey, you can't do that!" and the Canadian criminal will say "Oh soory soory, my apologies eh?" and will go back home to Vancougar or Quidditch or wherever the hell they came from.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 24, 2015, 09:11:59 pm
can we deport sweetcell?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 24, 2015, 10:33:34 pm
can we deport sweetcell?

not anymore!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on September 24, 2015, 10:35:28 pm
booooooo
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on September 24, 2015, 10:47:40 pm
Its always struck me as a great shame that George Washington gave up on attacking the English in Canada after a quick defeat in the only attempt - at the very beginning of the War for Independence- to engage up there....arguably even before the war as the defeat happened in late 1775..... but of course he simply had no resources.. Benedict Arnold played a spectacular role...Aaron Burr was there too....but in the end after the defeat we just plain gave up.... and if it wasn't for the Battle of Saratoga victory in 1777 with which George Washington who was busy hiding in NJ or PA while his few troops ate weeds and worms and the "American" farmers sold their produce to the English, had little to do, and Ben Franklin convincing the French to make us independent, we'd still be eating crumpets...(Note: this may be a major run on sentence..i stuck a few commas to give it some semblance of propriety).... Washington did send Benedict Arnold who helped win Saratoga...

George Washington of course never actually won a major military battle proving completely incompetent and losing time and time again....

of course the official history ignores this all! :)


Gore Vidal's historical novel "Burr" really should be read by everyone...a masterpiece..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2015, 10:53:16 pm
can we deport sweetcell?

not anymore!

God Damn Affirmative Action....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 24, 2015, 10:56:29 pm
of course the official history ignores this all! :)

One of my favorite jokes to use on my Canadian friends....

"Let's be honest.  If you could do it all over again, you'd lose the War of 1812, right?"

Oh, the vitriol...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 25, 2015, 12:19:28 am
"Let's be honest.  If you could do it all over again, you'd lose the War of 1812, right?"

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/today-we-celebrate-the-time-canada-burned-down-the-white-house-127844144/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 25, 2015, 12:25:36 am
Sweetcell supports terrorism.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 25, 2015, 12:32:59 am
"Let's be honest.  If you could do it all over again, you'd lose the War of 1812, right?"

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/today-we-celebrate-the-time-canada-burned-down-the-white-house-127844144/

Canadian Loonie hits an 11 year low and it keeps falling... (http://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/canadian-dollar-has-hit-an-11-year-low-and-it-keeps-falling)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 25, 2015, 12:59:12 am
International currency smack! We are through the looking glass here, people!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 25, 2015, 01:25:32 am
International currency smack! We are through the looking glass here, people!

My original intention was to post that one shining moment when the Loonie was ahead of the dollar, but then I saw that headline and couldn't resist.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 25, 2015, 09:14:13 am
I know I should be able to figure this out
but for travel, as an American, do you want the dollar strong or weak compared to the country you are visiting?

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on September 25, 2015, 09:29:29 am
I know I should be able to figure this out
but for travel, as an American, do you want the dollar strong or weak compared to the country you are visiting?



You serious, Clark?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 25, 2015, 10:49:06 am
"Let's be honest.  If you could do it all over again, you'd lose the War of 1812, right?"

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/today-we-celebrate-the-time-canada-burned-down-the-white-house-127844144/

Canadian Loonie hits an 11 year low and it keeps falling... (http://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/canadian-dollar-has-hit-an-11-year-low-and-it-keeps-falling)

gonna hafta try harder...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 25, 2015, 11:55:18 am
Watch 'The Warriors' Recreate Their Last Subway Ride Home (http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/watch-the-warriors-recreate-their-last-subway-ride-home-20150923)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 25, 2015, 12:01:57 pm
gonna hafta try harder...

Not really.  I honestly forget that you're there sometimes. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF8r3DhudHM)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 30, 2015, 10:18:23 am
Thoughts on Tivo Bolt? One button commercial skip is worth the cost to upgrade alone, and quick mode seems cool. Native 4K support is pretty awesome. The pricing structure -- building a year of service into the price -- seems like a game changer. The "if you keep paying for service, we will replace your broken box for $50 for life" thing is pretty amazing too, and gaps my biggest concern with upgrading to a Lifetime subscription. The ability to directly connect an external harddrive to the thing natively also awesome.

The negatives? 4 tuner limit, especially for those of us running multiple Tivo Minis off our box. Where the (bleep) is the 6 tuner model like Roamio Pro!?!

Of course, all anyone will discuss is the odd appearance of the box.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 30, 2015, 10:20:10 am
sure will be hard to stack things on top of it
but makes it unique
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 30, 2015, 10:25:38 am
sure will be hard to stack things on top of it
but makes it unique

Of course, all anyone will discuss is the odd appearance of the box.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 30, 2015, 11:52:28 am
The negatives?

Subscription model.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 30, 2015, 11:55:11 am
The negatives?

Subscription model.
The fact it still charges a monthly fee or the specific tweaks to the subscription model for this unit?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 30, 2015, 12:01:36 pm
The negatives?

Subscription model.
The fact it still charges a monthly fee or the specific tweaks to the subscription model for this unit?
So i'm liking this new Tivo...nice thing is the first year is included
then it's $15 a month (or $150 annually)

do they no longer offer those lifetime subscription deals?
The $49 replacement policy is pretty nice...at least it seems like a good deal

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 30, 2015, 12:02:19 pm
The fact it still charges a monthly fee or the specific tweaks to the subscription model for this unit?

The fact that after a year, you have to pay a subscription to continue using your device.

My DirecTV DVR is so slick these days, and secondary streaming boxes are so cheap and offer so many more apps than the TiVo box that it just doesn't make sense to also pay TiVo to use their service.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 30, 2015, 12:05:23 pm
So i'm liking this new Tivo...nice thing is the first year is included
then it's $15 a month (or $150 annually)

do they no longer offer those lifetime subscription deals?
The $49 replacement policy is pretty nice...at least it seems like a good deal


They absolutely still offer Lifetime. After your first included year, you have the option to buy Lifetime (599.99), yearly (149.99) or monthly (14.99) service. At any of those service levels, after the 90-day full warranty, you can get a replacement for $49.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 30, 2015, 12:08:13 pm
My DirecTV DVR is so slick these days, and secondary streaming boxes are so cheap and offer so many more apps than the TiVo box that it just doesn't make sense to also pay TiVo to use their service.
Well, I disagree on this personally but I am a noted (active) Tivo fanboy. Their OnePass to integrate all the included platforms is fantastic and well worth the money. No other DVR has nearly as intuitive, slick interface and remote as TiVo. (I do use a Roku for hockeystreams, Big Ten plus, and ESPN3 which TiVo doesn't currently have apps for but I feel strongly at least the last two of those will be coming with this switch to HTML5.)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 30, 2015, 12:14:27 pm
I use my phone(s) as my remote and beg to differ.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 30, 2015, 01:31:48 pm
No other DVR has nearly as intuitive, slick interface and remote as TiVo.

I agree with this 100%
cost was my reason for leaving, new features are making it more appealing

but $599 for life time...you have to wait until your 5th year for that to pay off...and who knows, I might be taking my hoverboard to work by that time and have a neural implant in my brain that will have all the features of Tivo
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 30, 2015, 01:42:11 pm
but $599 for life time...you have to wait until your 5th year for that to pay off...and who knows, I might be taking my hoverboard to work by that time and have a neural implant in my brain that will have all the features of Tivo
The warranty sort of makes that less risky, though. Here's the thing I think a lot of people don't get: the financial advantages of TiVo come most apparently when you pair a lifetime subscription with TiVo minis in lieu of a traditional multi-room DVR setup.

For example: I have three TVs, and a Roamio and two TiVo minis (in case you're unaware on pricing a mini costs ~$125 new, and comes with free lifetime, but requires a Roamio or Bolt to use). To replicate my setup through Comcast -- true "start in one room and finish in another" DVR, OnDemand, streaming on all three TVs -- it would cost me $45/month in DVR rental fees. Even if I'm going to buy a new TiVo every 5 years like in your scenario, my cost for a Bolt (300), Lifetime (600), and two Minis (~250) divvied up over 60 months is $19.16/month. On top of this, Comcast gives out a credit of $2/user-owned device per month per some weird FCC ruling I don't totally understand which makes my effective monthly outlay 13.16/month. Basically I save $31.84 monthly through TiVo. My break even point is month 36; highly doubtful you're replacing your 4K TiVo Bolt in the next 3 years. And if you do, a secondary market for these things (especially ones with Lifetime) is extant.

You can price out similar set ups vs your local cable company's prices on your own.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 30, 2015, 10:27:09 pm
I don't get angry often, but VW/Audi %$^&ed with the wrong guy on this one.  I will have their head.
have you seen their Ad  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdif-zK4z14)apologizing for this
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 01, 2015, 12:41:35 pm
I've already made the "that's what I get for forgetting my golden rule - where were you in World War II?" joke about my purchase....but Hitler Trusted Us, Why Won't You?" is better!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 02, 2015, 09:47:16 am
I already knew this, but now it's confirmed that Android users have more stamina

the average iOS user lingering on the site for 8 minutes and 40 seconds -- Android fans hang around for 10 minutes and six seconds.  (http://www.engadget.com/2015/10/01/pornhub-phone-choice-reflects-kinks/?utm_content=gravity_organic_sitefeed&cps=gravity_1677_7242124846758996766)


Jules...do use an iPhone....Android users are 138 percent more likely to search for BBW


There is, however, one sign that everyone's not so different at all, since the most searched-for term for both teams is the same: Lesbian.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 02, 2015, 09:49:41 am
Last day of freedom... You're in our thoughts, smax.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 02, 2015, 09:50:56 am
CONGRATS!! Happy for you guys!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 02, 2015, 10:12:33 am
Last day of freedom... You're in our thoughts, smax.
although thought this wasn't his first time at the rodeo?
and they are in San Francisco, definition of marriage is a little looser than the rest of the country :0

but regardless Mazel Tov
...may you bear many mini-smax
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 02, 2015, 10:26:15 am
There is, however, one sign that everyone's not so different at all, since the most searched-for term for both teams is the same: Lesbian.

I would have guessed "teen"....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 02, 2015, 10:28:02 am
Jules...do use an iPhone...
I don't know and I do not care. There is literally nothing I care about less or hate discussing more than cell phones.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 02, 2015, 10:44:11 am
although thought this wasn't his first time at the rodeo?

You are correct.  Though I rather enjoyed both my second chance at freedom and am enjoying my second chance at marriage...

and they are in San Francisco, definition of marriage is a little looser than the rest of the country :0

You're welcome.

but regardless Mazel Tov
...may you bear many mini-smax

One max, and if it doesn't happen, we'll have no problem with travelling the rest of our lives..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 02, 2015, 10:46:49 am
We're talking babies up in here!?1 EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

I am about to go full on Katherine Heigl up in here!!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on October 02, 2015, 11:19:20 am
Ryan Adams transforms Taylor Swift?s 1989 into a melancholy masterpiece (http://www.avclub.com/review/ryan-adams-transforms-taylor-swifts-1989-melanchol-225630)

And it's brilliant....

http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/10/ryan-adams-brings-his-taylor-swift-covers-to-the-daily-show-watch/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 02, 2015, 11:25:34 am
Ryan Adams transforms Taylor Swift?s 1989 into a melancholy masterpiece (http://www.avclub.com/review/ryan-adams-transforms-taylor-swifts-1989-melanchol-225630)

And it's brilliant....

http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/10/ryan-adams-brings-his-taylor-swift-covers-to-the-daily-show-watch/
and still no one is talking about Trevor Noah...wonder how long he'll last
Shame that John Oliver got his own show (which is awesome) as he should have taken the helm
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 02, 2015, 12:55:58 pm
One max, and if it doesn't happen, we'll have no problem with travelling the rest of our lives..

admittedly kiddos change how you travel, but in the 2 years we've had our little guys we've flown to belgium, vermont, canada, mexico, kentucky, california and we're getting ready to go to panama for xmas.  it can be done :)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 02, 2015, 12:57:59 pm
One max, and if it doesn't happen, we'll have no problem with travelling the rest of our lives..

admittedly kiddos change how you travel, but in the 2 years we've had our little guys we've flown to belgium, vermont, canada, mexico, kentucky, california and we're getting ready to go to panama for xmas.  it can be done :)

Ok...need you to talk to my wife!
been getting the Heisman on suggestions to do some international travel with the kids
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 02, 2015, 05:14:45 pm
Ok...need you to talk to my wife!

sure... is she cute?

(my tribute to a once-free smackie... ;D)

seriously tho, sidehatch... if we can do it with twins, you can do it too.  kids are a lot more resilient than many folks given them credit for.  parents gotta live too!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 03, 2015, 03:37:11 am
Ok...need you to talk to my wife!

sure... is she cute?

Yep...   Stop there. Or start there I suppose...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on October 03, 2015, 04:57:32 pm
Halos just gave somebody a wedding present.

And Scherzer rises from the dead.  What a weird day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2015, 01:27:23 pm
Halos just gave somebody a wedding present.

Yep.  Couldn't pull through in the end, but that was awesome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on October 06, 2015, 09:02:20 pm
great wedding! smackie's brother in law was completely confused on how we know each other

"what's a 930 club?"

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 06, 2015, 11:10:00 pm
"what's a 930 club?"

"dude, it's totally like a 420 club, only 54.8387% better!!!"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 07, 2015, 09:33:46 am
That math seems suspect but I'm not a stats guru like RatBastard so I can't say for sure.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Space Freely on October 07, 2015, 09:43:20 am
That math seems suspect but I'm not a stats guru like RatBastard so I can't say for sure.

I don't often read this thread, but I saw the word "math" and figured I'd make an exception. Yep, that calculation does sound like the work of Ratbastard. It would actually make it 120+% better!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 07, 2015, 10:29:13 am
That math seems suspect but I'm not a stats guru like RatBastard so I can't say for sure.

I don't often read this thread, but I saw the word "math" and figured I'd make an exception. Yep, that calculation does sound like the work of Ratbastard. It would actually make it 120+% better!
The thing is, it's not like 420 is 54.8387% of 930 either. That mistake I could at least follow.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Space Freely on October 07, 2015, 10:44:07 am
That math seems suspect but I'm not a stats guru like RatBastard so I can't say for sure.

I don't often read this thread, but I saw the word "math" and figured I'd make an exception. Yep, that calculation does sound like the work of Ratbastard. It would actually make it 120+% better!
The thing is, it's not like 420 is 54.8387% of 930 either. That mistake I could at least follow.

I *think* he was correctly using 510 as his dividend, but incorrectly using 930 as his divisor, when he should have been using 420. Perhaps he was using 420 at the time and that resulted in Ratbastard math.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 07, 2015, 10:49:56 am
yeah, i made a divisor error, should have said 121.42857%.  it was late...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 07, 2015, 10:52:29 am
Ratbastard math.
best math there is, I think the schools are starting to use it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Space Freely on October 07, 2015, 11:00:22 am
Ratbastard math.
best math there is, I think the schools are starting to use it

Mainly just in the charter schools at this point.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on October 07, 2015, 08:53:24 pm
nerds
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 07, 2015, 09:14:52 pm
nerds

exactly...no one on this board is getting laid
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 08, 2015, 10:01:29 am
seriously.  the need to be mathematically correct superseded their desire to snark.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 08, 2015, 01:01:01 pm
exactly...no one on this board is getting laid

I beg to differ:

(http://m.fourseasons.com/content/dam/fourseasons/images/web/BOR/BOR_140_aspect16x9.jpg/jcr:content/renditions/mobile.phone.500x500x0.6)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 08, 2015, 01:25:25 pm
had to come back and rub it in our faces didn't ya
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 08, 2015, 01:46:39 pm
smax gets a POTW vote from me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Relaxer on October 08, 2015, 02:11:18 pm
God I am so lonely.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on October 08, 2015, 02:17:51 pm
God I am so lonely.

walkonby would probably help you out with that....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Relaxer on October 08, 2015, 02:28:56 pm
I can't get this damn grindr app to upload my 831 photos
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 08, 2015, 02:34:35 pm
I can't get this damn grindr app to upload my 831 photos
Cheer up, Black Relaxer, walkie will be here soon to be the little spoon.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Space Freely on October 08, 2015, 02:34:58 pm
God I am so lonely.

Try not to be. Vansmack will return in another week to bombard you with things he thinks you need to know.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 08, 2015, 02:39:09 pm
God I am so lonely.

Try not to be. Vansmack will return in another week to bombard you with things he thinks you need to know.
If need be, I can fill in as I have before and cover technology. Please remember to read all my posts in here in a Morgan Freeman voice, if anyone wants me to do this.

TiVo crawled to 4k compliance through five hundred yards of shit smelling foulness I can't even imagine, or maybe I just don't want to. Five hundred yards... that's the length of five football fields, just shy of half a mile!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Relaxer on October 08, 2015, 02:40:45 pm
exactly...no one on this board is getting laid

I beg to differ:

(http://m.fourseasons.com/content/dam/fourseasons/images/web/BOR/BOR_140_aspect16x9.jpg/jcr:content/renditions/mobile.phone.500x500x0.6)

Oh smack, that does appear to be a post-coital dong.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5779/22014118526_c2e433654d_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 08, 2015, 02:42:45 pm
Come on, go the extra mile and photoshop Smack's head onto the Bieb's bod.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Relaxer on October 08, 2015, 02:46:18 pm
I have no idea what Vansmack looks like. In fact, the only two 9:30 people I would recognize out of a line-up are Sweetcell and, because of recently, Walkonby.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 12, 2015, 03:15:24 pm
So since this is the defacto A/V thread...  Maybe I'm missing something but it seems that none of the network ready Home Theater receivers support connections to wireless speakers, only wired speaker connectivity.  There are multi zone receivers that support wireless, but not the primary setup.   Is there such a setup?  I'd really like to have rear surround speakers and if possible wi-fi wireless and not bluetooth.  Looks like the Sonos is the only option out there that does wireless speakers for surround...  Wired rear speakers aren't really an option due to have concrete walls.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2015, 02:02:38 pm
So since this is the defacto A/V thread...  Maybe I'm missing something but it seems that none of the network ready Home Theater receivers support connections to wireless speakers, only wired speaker connectivity.  There are multi zone receivers that support wireless, but not the primary setup.   Is there such a setup?  I'd really like to have rear surround speakers and if possible wi-fi wireless and not bluetooth.  Looks like the Sonos is the only option out there that does wireless speakers for surround...  Wired rear speakers aren't really an option due to have concrete walls.

Sorry - I forgot to put my out of office on.

You're about two months too late on this request.  Before I switched to SONOS I used this Rocketfish Product (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/rocketfish-universal-wireless-rear-speaker-kit-black/8275528.p?id=1171058476489) and sold mine for $50 to an audiophile on Craigslist who actually wrote me back to tell me how much he liked the product.

It allowed me to use wired speakers in the front and for the subwoofer and created a wireless connection to my rears (though wires wtill come out of the Rocketfish rear receiver, they just don't have to be strung across the whole room).  I found them a little low in volume, but if you have a separate volume control for your rears, just set that little higher than you main volume and it will balance out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 16, 2015, 07:56:25 pm
Ben Sherman's new owners are closing all US stores.  Deals to be had if you want to replace your wardrobe....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 16, 2015, 10:12:20 pm
So since this is the defacto A/V thread...  Maybe I'm missing something but it seems that none of the network ready Home Theater receivers support connections to wireless speakers, only wired speaker connectivity.  There are multi zone receivers that support wireless, but not the primary setup.   Is there such a setup?  I'd really like to have rear surround speakers and if possible wi-fi wireless and not bluetooth.  Looks like the Sonos is the only option out there that does wireless speakers for surround...  Wired rear speakers aren't really an option due to have concrete walls.

Sorry - I forgot to put my out of office on.

You're about two months too late on this request.  Before I switched to SONOS I used this Rocketfish Product (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/rocketfish-universal-wireless-rear-speaker-kit-black/8275528.p?id=1171058476489) and sold mine for $50 to an audiophile on Craigslist who actually wrote me back to tell me how much he liked the product.

It allowed me to use wired speakers in the front and for the subwoofer and created a wireless connection to my rears (though wires wtill come out of the Rocketfish rear receiver, they just don't have to be strung across the whole room).  I found them a little low in volume, but if you have a separate volume control for your rears, just set that little higher than you main volume and it will balance out.

Cool I'd seen the Rocketfish and wondered how it performed.... It still seems that a wi-fi connected receiver would support wi-fi speakers, but most people can probably run wires for their speaker systems.  Plus, those wi-fi speakers aren't cheap..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on October 20, 2015, 06:51:31 pm
Got a snap judgement on the new HTC A9?  My worry is that a higher end model will come out sooner rather than later and I'll have jumped to soon.  i've been very happy with my M7, but it's not getting marshmallow and it's battery life is a little wonky

and i'm fully aware that the new Nexus line looks pretty awesome, but would involve leaving my carrier to get it.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 21, 2015, 03:23:22 pm
Do you have any preferences, brand-wise, for wifi LED lightbulbs?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 21, 2015, 03:31:22 pm
Got a snap judgement on the new HTC A9?  My worry is that a higher end model will come out sooner rather than later and I'll have jumped to soon.  i've been very happy with my M7, but it's not getting marshmallow and it's battery life is a little wonky

and i'm fully aware that the new Nexus line looks pretty awesome, but would involve leaving my carrier to get it.   

I would never buy a mid-range phone on contract.  The A9 would fall into that category and would lock you into two years, but the phone won't last that long.  And if you're concerned about the battery life of a two year old M7, the 2150mAh battery of the A9 is going to make you very unhappy.

When is your two years up with the M7?  I expect the M10 to come out in the beginning of April, just like in the previous M's.  But if your two years is up now....

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 21, 2015, 03:42:26 pm
Do you have any preferences, brand-wise, for wifi LED lightbulbs?

I have only used Philips Hue WiFi bulbs, but that's mainly because I was given a Lux Starter Kit to try out and was told to keep them.  They only did white, which was fine, because I only used them in the bedroom as I found them most convenient when I would get in bed and forgot to turn the lights out.   They were easy to use, easy to set up, and I'd imagine the color ones would be the same.

My new house, though, is 95% track lighting so I did not bring them with me (I gave them to a neighbor).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walk,on,by on October 21, 2015, 04:39:37 pm
what . . . thats it?  post of picture of beibers beiber and then right on back to phone talk?  good lord.  like really, man.  I wonder what he feeds that thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on October 26, 2015, 12:19:04 pm
Nope.  Just a once proud Audi A3 TDI owner with 80,000 miles on it, that might never meet CA Emissions standards.

Vansmack's car - Causes cancer (http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/world-health-organization-says-diesel-exhaust-causes-cancer)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 26, 2015, 12:21:26 pm
Nope.  Just a once proud Audi A3 TDI owner with 80,000 miles on it, that might never meet CA Emissions standards.

Vansmack's car - Causes cancer (http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/world-health-organization-says-diesel-exhaust-causes-cancer)

I will be one of the named plaintiffs in the suit, at least in California.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 27, 2015, 03:47:22 pm
Not having Biden Welcome the US Women's National Soccer Team at the White House today is a crime against the internet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 27, 2015, 04:24:37 pm
Not having Biden Welcome the US Women's National Soccer Team at the White House today is a crime against the internet.
Especially now that he's announced he's not running. Can you imagine how handsy he would've gotten without any political career to keep him in check!?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 29, 2015, 10:08:22 pm
so in a perfect world with wads of cash stuck in every corner of the house, I'd buy the sonos soundbar and all of the accouterments

sadly the reality of little children getting fed is making it hard for such lavish expenses

I'd like to get a decent Wifi sound bar in the $200 range...does it exist?

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 30, 2015, 03:01:49 pm
I'd like to get a decent Wifi sound bar in the $200 range...does it exist?

What are you trying to stream out of your soundbar?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 30, 2015, 03:38:35 pm
I'd like to get a decent Wifi sound bar in the $200 range...does it exist?

What are you trying to stream out of your soundbar?
well I want something that I can have for the tv/movies
but that I can also run things like Spotify or my own digital files from phone/pc

Just trying to see what's good value out there with WiFi
vs getting a Bluetooth speaker
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 30, 2015, 04:23:01 pm
Cool.  There are a number of Soundbars that do Bluetooth, and in that price range, that's probably the best you're going to get.  WiFi capable soundbars survive on the interface that handles the content, and there really aren't any good ones in the price range.  You're looking at about $500 and up....   

So what I would do then, is buy the best sounding Soundbar in that $200 price range and purchase a streaming device to go with it - I would recommend the Chromecast at $35, but Apple fans may want to get an Apple TV at &149 (though the old one works too at $69). 

The best soundbar at that price is the Vizio S4221W-C4, if you can find one.  Vizio replaced this model with a much worse sounding version that I won't recommend, but if you can find one in a Box Store, then grab it immediately. 

An alternative that I almost tried was the Sony HT-CT260H, which has it's own HDMI port that I was going to plug a Chromecast into for streaming music.  You'll need to plug into a TV to set it up, but after it's setup I assumed it would work as a music only device that you would control through a phone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on October 30, 2015, 04:25:24 pm
I'd like to get a decent Wifi sound bar in the $200 range...does it exist?

What are you trying to stream out of your soundbar?
well I want something that I can have for the tv/movies
but that I can also run things like Spotify or my own digital files from phone/pc

Just trying to see what's good value out there with WiFi
vs getting a Bluetooth speaker

Save money on brewing mediocre beer and put it towards your AV needs!  ;) ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 30, 2015, 04:31:27 pm
Save money on brewing mediocre beer and put it towards your AV needs!  ;) ;) ;) ;)

I was going to say sell a kid and use the proceeds to upgrade your audio system, but this might be a better solution to try first.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 17, 2015, 02:22:31 pm
I'm not sure if anybody is still using laptops or desktops to listen to music, but if you are Zoorloo just released an affordable USB Audio Class 2 compatible DAC that supports up to 192kHz and 24-bit high resolution audio. If you've got a decent set of headphones, this things a must:

24-bit/192 kHz ]Review (http://www.gizmag.com/review-zorloo-zuperdac/40446/)

ZuperDAC (http://www.zorloo.com/#!zuperdac/ci25)

I've been recommending their MicroUSB Z:ero in-ear buds to any Android user who will listen.  This will open it up to everyone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 03, 2015, 11:58:03 am
dang, married life has got you pulling back it seems  ;D

so could you conceivably buy one of these (https://yourkarma.com/how-it-works) and drop your cell phone service, but continue to use your phone (ie with Googlevoice)?
although honestly...make about 5 cell phone calls a month it seems

Light usage (under 1 gb a month) is only $14
$50 is unlimited

Just don't know how reliable the service is
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2015, 05:46:50 pm
Just don't know how reliable the service is

How reliable is Sprint LTE in your area?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2015, 06:10:28 pm
so could you conceivably buy one of these (https://yourkarma.com/how-it-works) and drop your cell phone service, but continue to use your phone (ie with Googlevoice)?
although honestly...make about 5 cell phone calls a month it seems

Light usage (under 1 gb a month) is only $14
$50 is unlimited

You could conceivably do this, yes.  I have about 5 older/mid range phones that I use around the house in wifi only situations that also double as messaging devices when I don't have my phone on me at the moment.  As a matter of fact, I just purchased a Verizon Prepaid Moto E for $10 to use as my Sonos controller that I will never activate.  It just stays in the front room and plays Google Music or Pandora etc...

The deal with Karma, however, is whether or not the cost savings are really worth the hassle if Karma is not being used as a backup.  WiFi calls take up a lot of data, which is limited in the plan where you would be saving money, and a 1550mah battery does not allow it to be "always on" so you wouldn't know if you received a message or a call - you have to recharge every 5 hours or carry a battery pack in your bag.  Is that really worth saving $15 a month?  Plus you still have to purchase your phone outright as well as the Karma.

If you're cost conscious, I think you're better off purchasing a Nexus 5x and signing up for Project Fi.  That will double your network capacity (Sprint + T-Mo) will make your life easier (Google automatically finds free wifi for you) and is relatively inexpensive at $30 for unlimited calls/texts and 1GB of data, plus they refund you money credit (not data) for unused data.   

All that without going into the hassles of Google Voice and MMS support...     
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on December 03, 2015, 06:20:07 pm
so could you conceivably buy one of these (https://yourkarma.com/how-it-works) and drop your cell phone service, but continue to use your phone (ie with Googlevoice)?
although honestly...make about 5 cell phone calls a month it seems

Light usage (under 1 gb a month) is only $14
$50 is unlimited

You could conceivably do this, yes.  I have about 5 older/mid range phones that I use around the house in wifi only situations that also double as messaging devices when I don't have my phone on me at the moment.  As a matter of fact, I just purchased a Verizon Prepaid Moto E for $10 to use as my Sonos controller that I will never activate.  It just stays in the front room and plays Google Music or Pandora etc...

The deal with Karma, however, is whether or not the cost savings are really worth the hassle if Karma is not being used as a backup.  WiFi calls take up a lot of data, which is limited in the plan where you would be saving money, and a 1550mah battery does not allow it to be "always on" so you wouldn't know if you received a message or a call - you have to recharge every 5 hours or carry a battery pack in your bag.  Is that really worth saving $15 a month?  Plus you still have to purchase your phone outright as well as the Karma.

If you're cost conscious, I think you're better off purchasing a Nexus 5x and signing up for Project Fi.  That will double your network capacity (Sprint + T-Mo) will make your life easier (Google automatically finds free wifi for you) and is relatively inexpensive at $30 for unlimited calls/texts and 1GB of data, plus they refund you money credit (not data) for unused data.   

All that without going into the hassles of Google Voice and MMS support...     

Sounds complicated.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 03, 2015, 07:00:25 pm
Sounds complicated.

Exactly.

Sign up for T-Mo's $30 100 minute/unlimited data plan (via Walmart)

or

Project Fi for $30.

Don't create a headache when you could just have a few less cups of coffee to make ends meet. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on December 03, 2015, 07:27:48 pm
Sign up for T-Mo's $30 100 minute/unlimited data plan (via Walmart)

or

Project Fi for $30.

thanks for this.  i've been meaning to dump my AT&T account and find another voice+data provider.  i'm currently paying too much ($66/month total) for too little data and too many minutes.  will investigate these two options.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 03, 2015, 07:45:18 pm
I am paying $7 a month for my tracfone...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 04, 2015, 03:52:08 pm
thanks for this.  i've been meaning to dump my AT&T account and find another voice+data provider.  i'm currently paying too much ($66/month total) for too little data and too many minutes.  will investigate these two options.

You'll want to read this as a Google Voice user....

http://www.engadget.com/2015/12/04/google-project-fi/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on December 04, 2015, 09:35:49 pm
thanks for this.  i've been meaning to dump my AT&T account and find another voice+data provider.  i'm currently paying too much ($66/month total) for too little data and too many minutes.  will investigate these two options.

You'll want to read this as a Google Voice user....

http://www.engadget.com/2015/12/04/google-project-fi/
i'm in once my at&t contract is up
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 08, 2015, 02:01:18 am
Neil Peart says he's retired from drumming:

http://thesoundla.com/2015/12/rushs-neil-peart-says-hes-retired-from-music/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 14, 2015, 04:02:51 pm
"KPOP JPOP CPOP ?POP"

Perfect Thread title as I will never click it.  That's the kind of efficiency I'm looking for around here...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 14, 2015, 04:04:16 pm
now if we could just get Jules to do the same with his fathate
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 14, 2015, 04:25:25 pm
now if we could just get Jules to do the same with his fathate
I have. I'm keeping it all in the Trump thread.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 17, 2015, 04:26:30 pm
This guy has really influenced my recent listening habits.  Total makeover...

 An Outsider Remakes the Nashville Soind (http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2015/12/16/459972586/an-outsider-remakes-nashvilles-traditional-sound?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 03, 2016, 03:00:49 pm
30 Albums that turn 30 years old in 2016 (https://sonicmoremusic.wordpress.com/2016/01/02/30-alternative-albums-that-turn-30-years-old-in-2016/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2016, 04:11:46 pm
Man Arrested for Killing Kacey Musgraves Boots (http://tasteofcountry.com/kacey-musgraves-boots-theft-suspect-arrested/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on January 07, 2016, 04:22:25 pm
Those boots were meant for walking!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 08, 2016, 02:43:06 pm
El Chapo recaptured.

#extraditenow
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 12, 2016, 05:41:49 pm
Verizon gave this guy Sir Mix-A-Lot?s old phone number ? and now he gets his raunchy texts (http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/i-have-sir-mix-a-lots-old-phone-number/)

?Don?t check any text messages in front of your wife,? Mix advised.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 14, 2016, 06:24:42 pm
Jules, I can't believe Simmons of all people beat us to this:


Bill Simmons
16 hrs · Los Angeles ·
Chino Hills winning Powerball is Chino's new greatest moment, narrowly edging this pivotal scene from The OC's pilot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nDDzmMNF28
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 14, 2016, 11:18:29 pm
Jules, I can't believe Simmons of all people beat us to this:


Bill Simmons
16 hrs · Los Angeles ·
Chino Hills winning Powerball is Chino's new greatest moment, narrowly edging this pivotal scene from The OC's pilot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nDDzmMNF28
I heard someone from Chino won on the rich risen show and I swear my exact thought in real time was, "My God, we have what we need for an OC reboot."

Tan: Simmons is a huge OC fan.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 27, 2016, 04:15:34 pm
The Top 25 Greatest Orange County Bands of All Time (http://www.ocweekly.com/music/top-25-greatest-orange-county-bands-of-all-time-the-complete-list-6603430/2)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on January 27, 2016, 05:55:09 pm
smackie and other wise people I need your advice kind sirs..i would ask sidehatch who works in computers but whenever I ask him he knows nothing..

I need a netbook/laptop/chromebook or whatever.. CHEAP is good.

ideally I would like some hard drive space, it should be light, it should have windows office (maybe not so important), it should read an memory stick sd, main purpose to internet and post on 930 board... I used to have an asus eee netbook and it had a 300 gb drive and I really liked it but it no longer works....it was a bit slow...battery should last like 8 hours

you can get a frickin acer chromebook for $149 on amazon but I think its not a good deal.. and I dont' think it would really cut it... i'm willing to pay more for something decent.. probably no more than $300.. the less the better though.. its a crazy world.. on groupon there are a billion computers available for real cheap. .I just can't tell if they suck.. most of them have the Celeron processor which I think blows but i'm not sure... I don't need some "apple" product to be cool.. i'm not going to be cool regardless..

I realize nobody cares about having a hard drive but I kind of would like one.... it doesn't have to be too small the screen but it should be light.. I dont' want it freezing up when i'm about to post somethi8ng critical to the 930 forum.. .or upload some great video to dailymotion...or watching cat gifs..

if there is some unbelievably great desktop I would consider that too...like I said I loved my asus eee and I could get another one of those I guess but the hard drive seems to have decreased on them to 32 gb.. which is enough but i'm not sure its even the same computer at all..even if it says "EEE" or what have you..

ok sorry for the ramble.. I eagerly await replies

oh yah.. no fuckin DELL or HP.. I hate those brands. Toshiba has been good to me in the past but the Toshiba satellite quadcore with big screen laptop by partner got -I think- blows... which is surprising.. I used to always like the Toshiba laptops..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walk,on,by on January 27, 2016, 06:41:51 pm
(http://www.shoppingsquare.com.au/images/products/yg/44573.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 27, 2016, 06:47:52 pm
smackie and other wise people I need your advice kind sirs..i would ask sidehatch who works in computers but whenever I ask him he knows nothing..


ouch...good luck getting advice now
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 27, 2016, 06:51:32 pm
FYI...don't focus on drive space
you can buy a USB drive  (http://amzn.com/B00YFI1EBC)for $30 that will hold 128 Gigs
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 27, 2016, 07:37:11 pm
FYI...don't focus on drive space
you can buy a USB drive  (http://amzn.com/B00YFI1EBC)for $30 that will hold 128 Gigs


Don't buy a USB hard drive either.  Use a cloud storage service.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 27, 2016, 07:50:26 pm
Answer these few questions and I'll help you out.

I need a netbook/laptop/chromebook or whatever.. CHEAP is good.

ideally I would like some hard drive space

How much hard drive space?  Are we talking 32GBs or 128GBs?  Can you get away with a hybrid local/cloud storage solution?

it should have windows office (maybe not so important)

You need to decide how important MS Office is, and which programs in particular you need and which features.   Will office365.com be enough power for you?

the Celeron processor which I think blows but i'm not sure...

Some do, some don't, but if you're just streaming video and posting on the web, it will be OK with the right OS.

I dont' want it freezing up when i'm about to post somethi8ng critical to the 930 forum..

Does the shift key have to work?  What about a period button or the enter key for a new paragraph?

if there is some unbelievably great desktop I would consider that too...

No.  Just no.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walk,on,by on January 27, 2016, 11:06:43 pm
welcome, to Walmart.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on January 28, 2016, 10:24:32 am
Answer these few questions and I'll help you out.

I need a netbook/laptop/chromebook or whatever.. CHEAP is good.

ideally I would like some hard drive space

How much hard drive space?  Are we talking 32GBs or 128GBs?  Can you get away with a hybrid local/cloud storage solution?

It could be 32 GB.. no less...I could probably learn to use cloud storage...

it should have windows office (maybe not so important)

You need to decide how important MS Office is, and which programs in particular you need and which features.   Will office365.com be enough power for you?

Its not that important.. sometimes I like to use word to update a CV or Excel to do some  modeling but it is not very often and not very sophisticated..still ideally I would like to be able to email somebody a document and not have them be "why isn't this guy using the industry standard".. but i'm not sure there is an industry standard anymore......  can't I do these things with google docs?

the Celeron processor which I think blows but i'm not sure...

Some do, some don't, but if you're just streaming video and posting on the web, it will be OK with the right OS.

ok

I dont' want it freezing up when i'm about to post somethi8ng critical to the 930 forum..

Does the shift key have to work?  What about a period button or the enter key for a new paragraph?[/quote]

that is funny...

if there is some unbelievably great desktop I would consider that too...

No.  Just no.
[/quote][/quote]

thanks.. so the ms office thing is not critical.. I don't even know what office365.com is actually....

ok I mucked it up with the quotes.. i'm not very computer literate I guess.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 28, 2016, 10:50:53 am
can't I do these things with google docs?

yes, just don't get a lot of features that you probably don't use anyway
you are a perfect candidate for google docs and a chrome book
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on January 28, 2016, 06:43:14 pm
can't I do these things with google docs?

yes, just don't get a lot of features that you probably don't use anyway
you are a perfect candidate for google docs and a chrome book

thanks sidehatch, there are like hundres of chromebooks made by all kinds of different manufacturers..they go from $99 to over $1700.. I'm sort of trying to pick ONE, you know?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 29, 2016, 12:07:03 am
My rec would be go to best buy and try a few out for feel and then look at price
they have a good return policy (might be a restocking fee?)
 the feel of a laptop (keyboard, weight, screen) are important IMO

the HP - 14" Chromebook is $250 and I think a good deal and a decent looking laptop
opposed to the ASUS/Acer ones... which just look really cheap.  You get slightly (and I mean slightly) better performance from them, but I don't think it's worth the trade off of look and feel

or you could pay 30 more and get it with 4 GB of memory

they only come with 16 gigs of storage...which should be enough for what you stated
You just need to keep stuff in the cloud with your free google account

I know VS poo pooed it, but I'd get one of those tiny USB drives for $30 from amazon
as that would give you an additional 128 gigs of storage

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 29, 2016, 12:34:43 am
Sorry, busy day at the office.  I pretty much accosted Tim Brown all day...

Anyhow, get a Toshiba Chromebook and no, do not get a USB hard drive.  If anything, get an SD Card and stick in the SD Slot.  It will lay flush in the side of the Chromebook and you won't even notice it.  You can get a 64 GB class 10 for the same money Sidehatch wants you to waste, which will give you 4 times more physical storage than the Chromebook allows, and combine that with 100GB of Cloud Storage Google is going to give you, you'll have nearly 200GBs of storage without having to carry around a stupid, bulky useless drive.

I've had the original Toshiba Chromebook for 2+ years now and don't have a single Windows Machine in my arsenal.  The ONLY thing I need to use a different machine for is Lightroom....and for that I just Remote Desktop into a Windows machine or borrow the Mrs Macbook Air, which is an absolute waste of money. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on January 29, 2016, 12:39:01 am
thanks

I have an idea
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 29, 2016, 12:53:41 am
for the record this was the size of the usb drive
(http://www.everythingusb.com/media/sandisk-fit-logitech-nano.jpg)
so it's pretty darn small and not noticeable ...and you wouldn't carry it around, you'd just leave it in

But I do agree if you have a SD slot that is a good way to go

but with the usb drive you get nearly 250 gigs of storage total!
I do think the SD cards are slightly better performance...but you would never notice the dif

being flush and inside the machine is the big advantage and I agree with that logic

Not that familiar with the Toshiba ones, but if he's used it for 2 years, that 728 more days than I've used a chromebook
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on January 29, 2016, 01:28:35 am
thanks.. thank you .. I have purchased a Toshiba chromebook.. It was a tough choice between Toshiba models..




 Toshiba Chromebook 2 - 2015 Edition (CB35-C3300) Full HD, Backlit Keyboard
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 29, 2016, 11:29:38 am
for the record this was the size of the usb drive

Sorry, I was on my phone and never clicked your link.  Most folks would refer to those as a USB Flash Drive, not a USB Drive, but yes, that's not a bad option either.  I had one, but prefer the flush SD Card that locks in for security.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 29, 2016, 11:31:18 am
Toshiba Chromebook 2 - 2015 Edition (CB35-C3300) Full HD, Backlit Keyboard

Good choice.  I have convinced both my brother in law and my sister in law to purchase that machine.  The back lit keyboard was my one suggestion to Toshiba to improve the usability of their original model.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 29, 2016, 11:32:28 am
The back lit keyboard was my one suggestion to Toshiba to improve the usability of their original model.

i'm so glad they're finally listening to you!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 29, 2016, 11:35:28 am
i'm so glad they're finally listening to you!

If you had any idea of the things you have to thank me for that make your life more livable...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on January 29, 2016, 11:51:46 am
Toshiba Chromebook 2 - 2015 Edition (CB35-C3300) Full HD, Backlit Keyboard

Good choice.  I have convinced both my brother in law and my sister in law to purchase that machine.  The back lit keyboard was my one suggestion to Toshiba to improve the usability of their original model.

(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/1057230/burns-excellent-o.gif) (http://gifsoup.com/view/1057230/burns-excellent.html) GIFSoup (http://gifsoup.com)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 29, 2016, 12:26:52 pm
i'm so glad they're finally listening to you!

If you had any idea of the things you have to thank me for that make your life more livable...
Wait...did you invent the Snuggie!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 29, 2016, 01:20:02 pm
^ no, but he'll take credit for it anyways ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 29, 2016, 02:05:33 pm
Wait...did you invent the Snuggie!

I would never invent something that limits access to the things I want access to.  You should know better than that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 29, 2016, 03:29:20 pm
Wait...did you invent the Snuggie!

I would never invent something that limits access to the things I want access to.  You should know better than that.

you're thinking of it the wrong way.  it gives you access to things you want access to - in more places, at more times.  a lot can go on under that blanket-wrap...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 29, 2016, 03:50:21 pm

you're thinking of it the wrong way.  it gives you access to things you want access to - in more places, at more times.  a lot can go on under that blanket-wrap...

That's why I suggested the two-person snuggie.  Then they missed the point and put four arm holes in the damn thing.  It's like the people of Snuggie have never hooked up.  Oh wait.... 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on January 29, 2016, 09:30:03 pm
i fully support chromebook talk. i've had my samsung for nearly 3 years.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 30, 2016, 11:28:32 am
Smackie can you give me recommendations on a quick, vegetarian hangover cure? Preferably one where all the needed ingredients can be purchased within walking distance of Madison Square Garden.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 30, 2016, 02:58:41 pm
Smackie can you give me recommendations on a quick, vegetarian hangover cure? Preferably one where all the needed ingredients can be purchased within walking distance of Madison Square Garden.

Not at 830 on a Saturday morning where Man United have the day off, but I would have recommended you find an Acai Bowl.  Miss P should know where....

In a pinch there's always the Revive Vitamin Water.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 30, 2016, 05:37:48 pm
But I would have recommended you find an Acai Bowl.  Miss P should know where....
While I am glad to be able to confirm she is alive I cannot confirm she is remotely close to functional, at current.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 30, 2016, 10:28:39 pm
But I would have recommended you find an Acai Bowl.  Miss P should know where....
While I am glad to be able to confirm she is alive I cannot confirm she is remotely close to functional, at current.

Just how I like her.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 31, 2016, 11:12:53 pm
But I would have recommended you find an Acai Bowl.  Miss P should know where....
While I am glad to be able to confirm she is alive I cannot confirm she is remotely close to functional, at current.

Just how I like her.....
Oh, you...!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 01, 2016, 05:21:20 pm
speakers are so nice on this toshiba... fantastic sound...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 03, 2016, 11:37:41 am
Officially back on the market (http://deadspin.com/hilary-duff-and-mike-comrie-divorce-1756812006)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 03, 2016, 12:26:41 pm
Officially back on the market (http://deadspin.com/hilary-duff-and-mike-comrie-divorce-1756812006)

What a lead in "It?s officially over for that slightly confusing hockey player-celebrity marriage that wasn?t Mike Fisher?s and Carrie Underwood?s" but this comment wins:

"Glad to see the New York Islanders are not the only ones paying Mike Comrie to do nothing."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 03, 2016, 12:32:23 pm
Officially back on the market (http://deadspin.com/hilary-duff-and-mike-comrie-divorce-1756812006)

What a lead in "It?s officially over for that slightly confusing hockey player-celebrity marriage that wasn?t Mike Fisher?s and Carrie Underwood?s" but this comment wins:

"Glad to see the New York Islanders are not the only ones paying Mike Comrie to do nothing."
Ha, I laughed at the lead-in but didn't wade into the comments section. Nice.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 03, 2016, 04:00:03 pm
So professor smakinstien....
Wondering if purchasing a highly discounted VW or Audi diesel auto would be good or bad idea?
(don't even know if they exist...but I got to imagine they are selling at a big discount?)

I can only imagine that low mileage ones are at firesale prices

yes the pollute like a coal power plant, but I'm going let the hippies worry about that
my bottom line right now is more important?

Thoughts?

Also, what if I used biodiesel in it...wouldn't that eliminate a lot of the pollution issues?

I guess the big issue would be...would it pass a future emissions test and be able to be driven

I can only imagine there are a lot of high paid lawyers just looking to unload their Audi A8 Diesel and not deal with the headache of the recall and all that.


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 03, 2016, 04:02:02 pm
yes the pollute like a coal power plant, but I'm going let the hippies worry about that
my bottom line right now is more important?

on behalf of the rest of humanity: fuck you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 03, 2016, 04:04:47 pm
yes the pollute like a coal power plant, but I'm going let the hippies worry about that
my bottom line right now is more important?

on behalf of the rest of humanity: fuck you.

On behalf of a current owner of a TDI, I second Sweetcell's sentiment.

But I suppose I should answer your question...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 03, 2016, 04:06:44 pm
yes the pollute like a coal power plant, but I'm going let the hippies worry about that
my bottom line right now is more important?

on behalf of the rest of humanity: fuck you.
So do you think Smakie has stopped driving his polluting car?
Do you think anyone who has heard the news has stopped driving that car
Why aren't you saying Fuck you to him?
I don't currently own one...and I also was going to go through the extra effort and expense to only use biodiesel...I just don't know if that would make a difference
As for the last few years I've been trying to find a Diesel car to buy for that very reason

so fuck you too
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 03, 2016, 04:08:44 pm
yes the pollute like a coal power plant, but I'm going let the hippies worry about that
my bottom line right now is more important?
Even the board's leading advocate of wealth and luxury is all like "WTF, dude."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 03, 2016, 04:09:33 pm
So do you think Smakie has stopped driving his polluting car?
Unless I am mistaken, I'm pretty sure he posted on here and/or facebook that outside of an emergency he has.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Relaxer on February 03, 2016, 04:10:26 pm
lol dogpile on Sidehatch: Rapist of Mother Earth
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 03, 2016, 04:13:04 pm
So do you think Smakie has stopped driving his polluting car?

i know he has.

Do you think anyone who has heard the news has stopped driving that car
Why aren't you saying Fuck you to him?

because they aren't on this board, making "my wallet is more important than your planet" statements.  if they were, i'd be telling them off too.

I don't currently own one...and I also was going to go through the extra effort and expense to only use biodiesel...I just don't know if that would make a difference
 
by your own admission, you don't know if your excuse is going to work. 

so fuck you too

great comeback, brah.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 03, 2016, 04:16:44 pm
So for the record...I'm a fucking hippy who recycles, composts and rides a bike when ever I can
and wants to STOP using petroleum in my car (hence buying a diesel to use biodiesel with)

and I don't know if its going to work...that why I was seeing if the Smakie Guru might know the answer

the hippy comment was for the snark factor...which obviously you all took a little too far

flame on muther fuckers...flame on
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 03, 2016, 04:21:40 pm
Here's your dilemma:

There's going to be a recall - that's for sure.  In some states with higher emission standards, it could even be a buy back.

Are you going to qualify for any other court awarded mitigations?  Unlikely, as you are purchasing the TDI with it's known defects and thus may not qualify.

So you're banking on buy the TDI low, (I assume you hope that it's fixed at some point and that your comment was about your now situation and not the future) and the value of the car recovering once they are repaired.  I'm not sure that's going to happen depending on what the owners payout is going to be.  I suspect that after the payout happens, they will flood the market and most owners will put them up for sale, thus flooding the market and reducing the value.

I don't think it's a very solid investment as I don't see the values increasing to market vaule of fall 2015.

Lastly, I believe the A8 Diesel is a "Blue Bottle" diesel and does not pollute to the extend of the A3 and the VW models.  It will likely just be a software fix for the model and might not be as damaged in the public eye.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 03, 2016, 04:26:57 pm
So do you think Smakie has stopped driving his polluting car?

I only drive it when I absolutely have to.  I drive the wife's mini cooper as my daily driver as she can now take public transportation from our condo to her office when she's not working from home.

Interestingly, to get my $500 Visa and $500 Audi credit I had to report mileage, which I thought was odd.

Do you think anyone who has heard the news has stopped driving that car

Very few have, and there are many people like you in states with lesser emission standards who are trying to snap these up and NOT put them through the recall.  I won't sell mine until it's been recalled and repaired.

I don't currently own one...and I also was going to go through the extra effort and expense to only use biodiesel...I just don't know if that would make a difference
As for the last few years I've been trying to find a Diesel car to buy for that very reason

I don't think the "blue bottle" models can be converted to bio, but the A3 and the VW Passat can for sure.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 03, 2016, 04:27:50 pm
So you're banking on buy the TDI low,
That's it, not really hoping it would recover it's value...I want to drive it until it dies
(frankly I've NEVER owned a car that wasn't at least 7 years old)

and of course I'd want it fixed if there is a fix

Still didn't answer the BioDiesel question...if you used it, would the pollution thing be negated?
I'm not a scientist and figured I could just ask the question here



I don't care if the market get's flooded, I like the look and reliability of both those cars (minus the massive pollution issue)

I just felt since the outcome is NOT known, there might be some opportunities to get it a lot cheaper than when everyone knows what the deal is
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 03, 2016, 04:32:48 pm
Still didn't answer the BioDiesel question...if you used it, would the pollution thing be negated?

Yes.  Bet your warranty may be negated as well, but given the years of most cars you would want to purchase, the warranties are likely already expired.

I've never done it, but there's plenty of websites about it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 03, 2016, 05:22:19 pm
A year ago this would have made me so happy.

Audi R8 Superbowl Ad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB8tgVqmKzw)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 04, 2016, 01:13:13 pm
seems like an appropriate thread to post this
hopefully I've not raped the earth so bad with my previous question that I'm persona non grata


I really like to take a few pics every live show I go to (as well as video, if an option)
but I really hate to be that guy holding up my phone to get some shots


I found this device HTC OPG 1100 16.0 Waterproof Digital Camera with x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom http://amzn.com/B00NW3AMY6

most people give it really bad reviews because "why would you get and extra device if you already have a phone with similar features in your pocket"

but haven't seen anyone discuss using it at concerts

but the lack of a screen to bother people behind you is a big plus in my eyes

You can connect it via Bluetooth so you can view the images in real time on your phone too
So that can be at waist height not bothering anyone with the screen too

curious if anyone has one of these or any thoughts (space excluded)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2016, 01:22:54 pm
The RE is great for Video and Time Lapse, but I am less than impressed with it's stills.

The aperture is f/2.8 so it struggles mightily in low-light situations like a concert, and without autofocus, you won't know until you get home if you got the shot or not.

It definitely wasn't worth $200, but I bought mine for $85 and took it to Bora Bora for underwater video and it was awesome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 04, 2016, 01:29:55 pm
The RE is great for Video and Time Lapse, but I am less than impressed with it's stills.

The aperture is f/2.8 so it struggles mightily in low-light situations like a concert, and without autofocus, you won't know until you get home if you got the shot or not.

It definitely wasn't worth $200, but I bought mine for $85 and took it to Bora Bora for underwater video and it was awesome.
wow so you actually have one?!

Can get it used for $45 with free shipping
auto focus....that's a bummer

But the low light thing is the thing that I was concerned about
I saw that you can connect it to your phone via Bluetooth and use your phone as the view finder
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 04, 2016, 01:59:58 pm

wow so you actually have one?!

Can get it used for $45 with free shipping
auto focus....that's a bummer

But the low light thing is the thing that I was concerned about
I saw that you can connect it to your phone via Bluetooth and use your phone as the view finder

Had.  I go through tech pretty quickly and it didn't outperform my Fuji Finepix XP80 underwater or LG G4 for casual photography.

If I'm going to go through the hassle of getting out my G4 to use as a view finder, I'm going to use it's OIS, Manual Mode w/ RAW and f1.8 lens over the RE.

But it's a pretty fun toy for $45.  Well worth it for the wide angle and the video, and fairly indestructible if you have kids

I'm not sure about the concert thing, but not much to lose at $45.  I couldn't imagine looking down while trying to take a photo - seems like in your quest to be super considerate to people who aren't returning the favor, you'll be missing the show.  But that's just me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 04, 2016, 02:34:26 pm
this has some good tips on shooting at a rock concert  (http://howtobecomearockstarphotographer.com/concert-photography-settings-for-beginners/)thought I'd share here while on topic
the Galaxy S6 has a f 1.9 ...but I have really been getting crummy shots, damn shakey hands
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 05, 2016, 12:47:09 am
this has some good tips on shooting at a rock concert  (http://howtobecomearockstarphotographer.com/concert-photography-settings-for-beginners/)thought I'd share here while on topic
the Galaxy S6 has a f 1.9 ...but I have really been getting crummy shots, damn shakey hands


Nothing earth shattering there, but good suggestions nonetheless.  I disagree with #8 though - always shoot RAW if you can.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 05, 2016, 03:13:10 pm
Biased source but the numbers are the numbers and this is an interesting read (http://www.bluedevilicious.com/ld-adhd-testing-documents-at-unc.html) on some things that have come out in the UNC paper classes scandal.

Interested in your opinion as someone in/connected to an AD department on what reasons, other than Ritalin exemptions, would motivate a school to label this many athletes as ADHD/LD? Extra time for tests, etc?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 05, 2016, 05:15:03 pm
Biased source but the numbers are the numbers and this is an interesting read (http://www.bluedevilicious.com/ld-adhd-testing-documents-at-unc.html) on some things that have come out in the UNC paper classes scandal.

Interested in your opinion as someone in/connected to an AD department on what reasons, other than Ritalin exemptions, would motivate a school to label this many athletes as ADHD/LD? Extra time for tests, etc?

Sorry, I won't be able to comment on this publicly.

But I can say this -  Johnny Manziel seemed so normal in college.  I wonder what happened to him...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 05, 2016, 05:17:35 pm
Sorry, I won't be able to comment on this publicly.
I accept PMs/FB messages from unconfirmed throwaway accounts.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 05, 2016, 05:21:03 pm
Johnny Manziel seemed so normal in college. 
I get your point, but, did he, though? Texas A&M does not allow the media access to freshmen athletes. First time we actually heard from Manziel, he was winning the Heisman. Within weeks of that he was instagramming stacks of cash and sitting courtside at games.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 05, 2016, 05:35:42 pm
Yes.  He was a known problem in college (hence why they protected him)  who grew up in a well to do family.  The consensus was that he was a rich brat with no sense of responsibility and an "untouchable"  attitude.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 05, 2016, 05:39:03 pm
Yes.  He was a known problem in college (hence why they protected him)  who grew up in a well to do family.  The consensus was that he was a rich brat with no sense of responsibility and an "untouchable"  attitude.
Oh, I was incorrect: I did not get your point at all and thought you were implying something else entirely.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 05, 2016, 05:43:32 pm
I forgot my sarcasm tag,  though,  on this board I felt I seldom need to use it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 09, 2016, 03:05:09 pm
The hockey thread is pretty buried and I don't feel like resuscitating it for this but I echo the sentiment: I don't like this strange new world where the Maple Leafs know what they're doing! (http://deadspin.com/i-dont-like-this-strange-new-world-where-the-maple-leaf-1758047336)

To make it Smackie related: hey Smacks, what would it take for the Wings to get Sami Vatanen from your Ducks before the trade deadline (or at the draft)?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 10, 2016, 03:42:47 pm
this looks fun
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12592453_10153986016937922_8046393785786717824_n.jpg?oh=6430823cc522431d0a4ff3bb3315c8e6&oe=572C6C63)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 10, 2016, 04:41:28 pm
this looks fun

You know, I've never been but it does look like a good time.  It used to be 4th of July weekend, but I'm rarely in town that weekend (turns out SF Fog is bad for fireworks) but they've since moved it.  Maybe I'll go this year...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 10, 2016, 06:17:12 pm
smackie at a traci lords meet and greet... someone PLEASE video this.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 10, 2016, 06:25:08 pm
Flamin Groovies with Roy Loney??? I'd be all over that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 12, 2016, 02:17:45 pm
no doubt - gwen + AFI = ???

AFI Singer, No Doubt Members to Form Supergroup
Davey Havok-led album already completed as new group searches for name and record label
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/afi-singer-no-doubt-members-to-form-supergroup-20160211
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 12, 2016, 02:23:31 pm
The only things that matter from that story:

(1) Stefani - "I think I have enough songs for probably two albums."

(2) Stefani's new album, This is What the Truth Feels Like, will be released March 18th.

I guess the rest decided they weren't going to sit around and wait for Gwen to finish up her next solo tour.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2016, 12:20:03 pm
Do you know who would want to see the Supreme Court seat filled immediately?

A Strict Constructionist like Justice Antonin Scalia.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on February 14, 2016, 12:34:25 pm
Or Ted Cruz?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2016, 03:28:35 pm
 The Republicans in 2005 on Judicial Nominations and Filibusters (http://m.dailykos.com/story/2016/2/13/1484831/-Sen-Mitch-McConnell-in-2005-The-President-and-the-President-alone-nominates-judges[/url)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 14, 2016, 05:43:53 pm
SCOTUS Blog on Vacancies in Presidential Election Years (http://www.scotusblog.com/2016/02/supreme-court-vacancies-in-presidential-election-years/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 16, 2016, 12:39:28 pm
Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton and Frank Turner
June 18 - Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion

This is a Kacey Musgraves away from the Smackie Special.

I nearly posted it here.  Had Kacey been on the bill, it definitely would have gone here.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on February 16, 2016, 03:11:26 pm
smackie at a traci lords meet and greet... someone PLEASE video this.

I was in this band in the early 90's that went up to NYC to record with Kramer of Bongwater/Ween/Galaxie 500/Low fame.  We stayed at his house for the weekend.  During the tour of the accommodations he excitedly told us he'd be happy to share with us his collection of jailbait-era Tracy Lords porn.

What a completely surreal and bizarre time.

Sorry to veer off track of what Smackie thinks we should know.

PS that festival sounds great to me.  The fucking MUMMIES.  The Real Kids?  Didn't know there was anything happening with them.  And the Dwarves?  I've got a good Dwarves story but I'll have to save that for another day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 16, 2016, 03:17:39 pm
The fucking MUMMIES. 
I would LOVE to see the Mummies if they ever did east coast dates.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 16, 2016, 03:34:49 pm
Sorry to veer off track of what Smackie thinks we should know.

Why you would ever think that Smackie doesn't think people need to know that Jailbait Era Traci Lords porn exists and has been seen by a boardie is beyond me.  Smackie Approved.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 18, 2016, 01:55:25 pm
way to by at the top of the market...SF has gone absolutely bonkers in the last 2 years
Sold in 2013 and have been weeping rivers every time I Zillow it

Well, I disagree that it's the top of the market.  SF isn't doing anything to fix it's supply of housing while demand is continuing to rise.  And the primary focus on new homes is the Affordable/BMR type, which only benefits those at market rates. We negotiated a "bargain" in that we managed to pay under the market rate of $1000 per sq foot...

However the real driver was our skyrocketing rent.  Our mortgage is actually less than what our rent had risen to, which is insane. SF Property values were beating our market returns so it's an investment for sure.

I'm fairly confident only the big one can do me in now.... 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 18, 2016, 01:59:00 pm
way to by at the top of the market...SF has gone absolutely bonkers in the last 2 years
Sold in 2013 and have been weeping rivers every time I Zillow it

Well, I disagree that it's the top of the market.  SF isn't doing anything to fix it's supply of housing while demand is continuing to rise.  And the primary focus on new homes is the Affordable/BMR type, which only benefits those at market rates. We negotiated a "bargain" in that we managed to pay under the market rate of $1000 per sq foot...

However the real driver was our skyrocketing rent.  Our mortgage is actually less than what our rent had risen to, which is insane. SF Property values were beating our market returns so it's an investment for sure.

I'm fairly confident only the big one can do me in now.... 

lookin' forward to sidehatch's continued weepy posts across social media about all the money he lost selling his home in SF....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 18, 2016, 02:06:57 pm

lookin' forward to sidehatch's continued weepy posts across social media about all the money he lost selling his home in SF....
hmm...really think that's the first time I've posted that
but I've been wrong before

and I agree...Rent is beyond insanity there now too
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 18, 2016, 02:10:06 pm

lookin' forward to sidehatch's continued weepy posts across social media about all the money he lost selling his home in SF....
hmm...really think that's the first time I've posted that
but I've been wrong before

yes yes wrong again.. no worries...its expected...you did some crying on facebook when a mutual acquaintance was talking about buying a place in SF....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 18, 2016, 05:46:45 pm
I remember the days when the guys on this forum used to compare our cock sizes. Now we're comparing housing square footage. Damn, we're getting old.

No joke.

I just received these two texts from 2 friends about 30 seconds apart:

"C admitted to labor & delivery this morning. Keep you posted..."

"D may have already reached out to you, but we are currently separated and I could use legal consultation though not action and wondered if you might know someone."

One mans high during another mans low and Smackie's just somewhere in the middle.



Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on February 18, 2016, 06:01:23 pm
I love the personal posts of hutch and sidehutch.

We're due for a good public flight... air some grievances dudes!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on February 18, 2016, 06:03:55 pm
sidehutch, what year did you buy a property in SF?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 18, 2016, 06:43:07 pm
sidehutch

Don't know if that was an intentional misspelling, but I laughed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 18, 2016, 11:08:13 pm
sidehutch, what year did you buy a property in SF?
07 which seemed like the top of the market then
Quote
sidehutch


Don't know if that was an intentional misspelling, but I laughed.
the sidehutch entered the vernacular 6 months ago thanks to yada
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 23, 2016, 03:53:26 pm
if I were in sf...I'd probably try to attend this

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10400304_1069833133056620_2506372070101186949_n.jpg?oh=77388b91fc530d81347c3183d76912fc&oe=5751DD49)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 23, 2016, 04:02:02 pm
if I were in sf...I'd probably try to attend this

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10400304_1069833133056620_2506372070101186949_n.jpg?oh=77388b91fc530d81347c3183d76912fc&oe=5751DD49)


you don't sound committed....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 23, 2016, 04:14:26 pm
if I were in sf...I'd probably try to attend this

Not on 4/20. As you probably recall, SF becomes a very un-SF city on 4/20 and my condo is near Haight and Stanyan.

Any other day and I would consider it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 24, 2016, 03:10:12 pm
Have you had the Memento Mori Cab? I have the opportunity to buy a 3-pack of the 2013 at face but having not ever actually had it, I'm wondering if its actually worth the 175 per bottle?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 24, 2016, 04:35:23 pm
Have you had the Memento Mori Cab? I have the opportunity to buy a 3-pack of the 2013 at face but having not ever actually had it, I'm wondering if its actually worth the 175 per bottle?

I have never tried it, but I will ask the Mrs.  Much more in her price range than mine...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 24, 2016, 04:37:52 pm
Have you had the Memento Mori Cab? I have the opportunity to buy a 3-pack of the 2013 at face but having not ever actually had it, I'm wondering if its actually worth the 175 per bottle?

I have never tried it, but I will ask the Mrs.  Much more in her price range than mine...
did you marry up?

(I mean in salary, not in looks)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 24, 2016, 05:41:05 pm
did you marry up?

(I mean in salary, not in looks)

yes and yes.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on February 24, 2016, 09:34:10 pm
missus smack is definitely big pimpin'
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 26, 2016, 01:10:03 pm
so what is the origin story on this?
27>34
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 26, 2016, 01:11:32 pm
so what is the origin story on this?
27>34

Mike Trout is better than Bryce Harper, a contention Smackie made long before Trout was in MLB.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 26, 2016, 01:14:15 pm
so what is the origin story on this?
27>34

Mike Trout is better than Bryce Harper, a contention Smackie made long before Trout was in MLB.

long before Harper was MVP....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 26, 2016, 01:15:11 pm
was hoping for something cooler than a sports reference
oh well
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 26, 2016, 01:15:52 pm
did you marry up?

(I mean in salary, not in looks)

yes and yes.

missus smack is definitely big pimpin'

I am no longer the bread-earner (or in the case of my previous marriage, the sole-earner) and I'm the second best looking of the group.

The hardest part for me has been when I walk in to a room and heads turn, realizing that there's a good chance that less than half of the room are actually looking at me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 26, 2016, 01:16:28 pm
so what is the origin story on this?
27>34

Mike Trout is better than Bryce Harper, a contention Smackie made long before Trout was in MLB.

long before Harper was MVP....

Which was one year after Trout?

was hoping for something cooler than a sports reference
oh well

Sorry to disappoint.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 26, 2016, 01:17:13 pm
so what is the origin story on this?
27>34

Mike Trout is better than Bryce Harper, a contention Smackie made long before Trout was in MLB.

long before Harper was MVP....

Which was one year after Trout?

Its a long season?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 29, 2016, 04:16:45 pm
I'm not sure which is more shocking: The Death of Antonin Scalia or that Clarence Thomas asked question(s) in oral arguments today.

They're probably related.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 29, 2016, 04:40:53 pm
the latter is definitely more shocking...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 01, 2016, 06:05:03 pm
Vansmack (solo tour)
Duffys
3/17-18
if the hot rich one isn't coming, hardly seems worth it (like seeing the monkees with just peter tork)
although I'll be on the sandy beaches of southern Florida thinking of the good times that coulda been

The original post did not announce it as a solo tour and I realized that I would accused of a bait and switch if I didn't alter it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 01, 2016, 07:24:09 pm
Vansmack (solo tour)
Duffys
3/17-18
if the hot rich one isn't coming, hardly seems worth it (like seeing the monkees with just peter tork)
although I'll be on the sandy beaches of southern Florida thinking of the good times that coulda been

The original post did not announce it as a solo tour and I realized that I would accused of a bait and switch if I didn't alter it.

oh you know us too well
but i'm just razzin you of course

Actually would have liked to make this 'special at the club' event if I were in town
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 02, 2016, 12:58:24 pm
(http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/steven-universe/images/9/91/42_Answer.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 02, 2016, 01:04:13 pm
(http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/steven-universe/images/9/91/42_Answer.jpg)
Am I remembering the books incorrectly, or isn't the question revealed to be "what is 6 x 8?"

Congrats, BTW.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 10, 2016, 11:31:13 pm
so i'm writing on my new laptop: intel i7 quad-core, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, blah blah blah...

i went for a full-featured laptop because 1) i got an amazing deal on it, 2) i need to run work-related apps outside of a browser, and 3) i knew it would piss off smackie.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 11, 2016, 12:24:18 am
If you really want to just piss money away, why don't  you buy me a fancy beer at Duffy's next week?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 11, 2016, 01:00:47 am
I have some thoughts on moving away from that kind of technology but mostly I want Sweets to know i will buy a lot of expensive drinks at this Duffys meetup. Prepare to take public transportation back.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 11, 2016, 07:24:20 am
free beer? I'm in
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 11, 2016, 10:38:46 am
i need to run work-related apps outside of a browser
that is a valid reason
but for those who just email and facebook (or comment on the 930 board)
anything more than a chromebook can be overkill
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 11, 2016, 01:09:11 pm
i need to run work-related apps outside of a browser
that is a valid reason

If work requires you to use specific apps and not a browser, then work can buy you a laptop that meets those needs.  Most companies have responded to that request by setting up Virtualization solutions.

I happen to know who sweetcell works for and would be very disappointed with their IT dept and web team if this hasn't happened, especially with their global reach.  
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 11, 2016, 01:18:51 pm
Most companies have responded to that request by setting up Virtualization solutions.
I assume you mean streaming apps (ala citrix or RDS) or VDI
and yes they are great, but still a little out of reach for most small/medium businesses

but it is short sighted even for small business, just that high upfront cost and the need for techs with some know how to install it   (if you need some one...just PM me ;) )

Although, I'm not 100% sure that the citrix receiver works all that well on a chrome book
(the two star reviews on the Play store sound like it's not working that great)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 11, 2016, 01:24:20 pm
Although, I'm not 100% sure that the citrix receiver works all that well on a chrome book
(the two star reviews on the Play store sound like it's not working that great)
This is a space I also work in and I can assure you it works absolutely fine.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 11, 2016, 01:27:57 pm
In a pinch I use Chrome Remote Desktop.

For larger tasks I use VMWare Horizon.  Both work just fine on the Chromebook.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 11, 2016, 01:38:27 pm
In a pinch I use Chrome Remote Desktop.

For larger tasks I use VMWare Horizon.  Both work just fine on the Chromebook.

good to know, haven't had many requests for this, so my experience is limited (mostly due to my clients budgets)
but I think with chrome books on the client end, could really make it more price friendly

Didn't realize  VMWare Horizon was the new 'view'/VDI
it was clunky and expensive to deploy in the past, but appears they've gotten over the clunky part...but don't think they have gotten over the expensive part
Still cheaper to by $1000 desktops as needed to work with existing Server infrastructure.  Investing in something like this is $15-20k in hardware/licensing/labor (and that's a very conservative estimate)

but I only look at things from a SMB perspective
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 14, 2016, 12:33:19 am
3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375105820974944592307816406286208998628034825342117067982148086513282306647093844609550582231
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 14, 2016, 09:01:02 am
happy pi day to you too ;)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 14, 2016, 09:14:19 am
actually...it's rounded pi day...and I'm having some with my morning coffee as I post this  ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 14, 2016, 10:02:17 am
Sweet, sweet karmic retribution for CBS ballooning up their NCAA Selection Show from an hour to 2 hours only to have the bracket leak online (for the first time, iirc) ~25 minutes in.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on March 14, 2016, 04:48:00 pm
Yet another good reason to own a PC:

'Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, you can access the sale by clicking the "Special Offers" tab at the top of your screen. Then, click the green "Details" icon to the right of your Exclusive Opening Day Offer. (The use of a PC may be required, as not all smart phones and tablets support our ticketing system.)'
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 14, 2016, 04:51:37 pm
Post the link and I'll test it with my Chromebook.

But honestly, who builds a system that doesn't support mobile devices in 2016?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 14, 2016, 04:55:02 pm
I happen to know who sweetcell works for and would be very disappointed with their IT dept and web team if this hasn't happened, especially with their global reach.  

yup, i can remote in to my PC at work, but video editing and photoshop are no-go's.  on a personal note, i might end up using this machine for making noise.  might be nice to make music on a laptop, instead of being tied down to the PC in the basement...

also, it pisses off smackie ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 14, 2016, 04:57:46 pm
You call that noise!!??!??
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 14, 2016, 05:03:25 pm
also, it pisses off smackie ;D
apparently worth it's weight in bitcoins
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on March 14, 2016, 09:06:14 pm
Post the link and I'll test it with my Chromebook.

But honestly, who builds a system that doesn't support mobile devices in 2016?

I dunno.  But who stops accepting print-at-home tickets? 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on March 15, 2016, 08:15:45 pm
Although, I'm not 100% sure that the citrix receiver works all that well on a chrome book
(the two star reviews on the Play store sound like it's not working that great)
This is a space I also work in and I can assure you it works absolutely fine.
yep, and there's probably a post from me 50 pages back celebrating the debut of the full citrix app for chromebooks
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 15, 2016, 09:11:57 pm
This guy, gets it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 16, 2016, 08:38:21 am
I bombed my SCOTUS interview yesterday. It's not going to be me...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 16, 2016, 08:43:43 am
I bombed my SCOTUS interview yesterday. It's not going to be me...
Funny, tangential story: did anyone else know Secretary of the Interior has nothing to do with Interior Design? Because, boy, was my face red. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 23, 2016, 12:32:01 pm
Took a little longer than I thought:

http://techcrunch.com/2016/03/23/pornhub-gets-immersive-with-new-virtual-reality-category/

While greatly enhancing the experience, it also greatly enhances the chances of getting caught with your pants down.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 28, 2016, 12:51:47 pm
i'm pretty sure smackie was somehow behind this:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cd2qehSUMAApLVa.jpg)

from http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl-news/4700012-rams-billboard-los-angeles-st-louis-picture-location-move
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 31, 2016, 03:49:11 pm
Took a little longer than I thought:

http://techcrunch.com/2016/03/23/pornhub-gets-immersive-with-new-virtual-reality-category/

While greatly enhancing the experience, it also greatly enhances the chances of getting caught with your pants down.

Finally got around to trying this and it blew my mind.  If you have a Google Cardboard or something similar, this is the best use I've seen yet, and I'm stoked about getting an LG 360 Cam hopefully this weekend.

I'm not really sold on VR, but for the first time ever, I wish I had a higher quality VR system than my $9 Cardboard.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 04, 2016, 03:44:02 pm
jet blue..can't beleive they let this one go!

Didn't have the money or the borrowing capacity that Alaska had.

I know the Virgin from SF to DC was the ONLY option for us
I've been annoyed that Virgin didn't have any DC-> destinations other than CA

they were by far the best air carrier...(although I've never flow Emirates)

That United flight is still an option, but yeah, I much preferred the VA flight.

Out of SF:

LA/SD/Palm Springs
Seattle
Portland
Maui/Oahu
Vegas
Cabo/Puerto Vallarta/Cancun
Austin/Dallas
Chicago
Fort Lauderdale
Boston
LGA/JFK/NWR
DCA/IAD

It was heaven for me, even without Nashville.

too bad you didn't pick up some virgin stock last week
47%

I already had some in my portfolio, but yeah, a little more would have been nice.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 04, 2016, 04:02:49 pm
too bad you didn't pick up some virgin stock last week
47%

I already had some in my portfolio, but yeah, a little more would have been nice.


I thought buffet said to never buy airline stocks

all time high today, kind of a dog of a stock before tho
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 12, 2016, 02:31:39 pm
Got a snap judgement on the new HTC A9?  My worry is that a higher end model will come out sooner rather than later and I'll have jumped to soon.  i've been very happy with my M7, but it's not getting marshmallow and it's battery life is a little wonky

and i'm fully aware that the new Nexus line looks pretty awesome, but would involve leaving my carrier to get it.   

I would never buy a mid-range phone on contract.  The A9 would fall into that category and would lock you into two years, but the phone won't last that long.  And if you're concerned about the battery life of a two year old M7, the 2150mAh battery of the A9 is going to make you very unhappy.

When is your two years up with the M7?  I expect the M10 to come out in the beginning of April, just like in the previous M's.  But if your two years is up now....

Not sure what you ended up doing, but the HTC 10 is the HTC you've been looking for.

I just got the G5, and I'm pretty happy with it, but if this had come out a month earlier...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on April 12, 2016, 06:17:24 pm
Got a snap judgement on the new HTC A9?  My worry is that a higher end model will come out sooner rather than later and I'll have jumped to soon.  i've been very happy with my M7, but it's not getting marshmallow and it's battery life is a little wonky

and i'm fully aware that the new Nexus line looks pretty awesome, but would involve leaving my carrier to get it.   

I would never buy a mid-range phone on contract.  The A9 would fall into that category and would lock you into two years, but the phone won't last that long.  And if you're concerned about the battery life of a two year old M7, the 2150mAh battery of the A9 is going to make you very unhappy.

When is your two years up with the M7?  I expect the M10 to come out in the beginning of April, just like in the previous M's.  But if your two years is up now....

Not sure what you ended up doing, but the HTC 10 is the HTC you've been looking for.

I just got the G5, and I'm pretty happy with it, but if this had come out a month earlier...

cool... yeah i held out and this is looking pretty nice, going to get the unlocked version and liking the fact they are dumping all the extra sw and going primarily with google apps...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 12, 2016, 07:51:30 pm
cool... yeah i held out and this is looking pretty nice, going to get the unlocked version and liking the fact they are dumping all the extra sw and going primarily with google apps...

The unlocked version is ok if you're on T-Mo or at&t, could be a real challenge if you're on Verizon or Sprint.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 12, 2016, 08:08:38 pm
(http://a.fssta.com/content/dam/fsdigital/fscom/NBA/images/2016/04/12/Mike-Trout-Steph-Curry-Practice-2.jpg)

Pujols - Trout - Curry - Smith - Pennington
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 14, 2016, 11:19:51 pm
thanks for this.  i've been meaning to dump my AT&T account and find another voice+data provider.  i'm currently paying too much ($66/month total) for too little data and too many minutes.  will investigate these two options.


You'll want to read this as a Google Voice user....

http://www.engadget.com/2015/12/04/google-project-fi/

thanks again for this.  i'll be pulling the plug on my AT&T phone at the end of the month and signing up for a Nexus 5X + Project Fi.  the 6P looks really sweet but i can't justify the extra $300.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 15, 2016, 12:21:55 am
thanks again for this.  i'll be pulling the plug on my AT&T phone at the end of the month and signing up for a Nexus 5X + Project Fi.  the 6P looks really sweet but i can't justify the extra $300.

Godsshoeshine just got a 6P and has been making sweet sweet love to it for a couple days. I think it's too big and will probably end up with a 5x soon to tinker with the pre-release of Android N.  That's when I'll give Fi a go.

But right now, LG G5 on T-Mo has me happy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 15, 2016, 06:08:54 am
I am a bit of a size queen, but the better battery and snappier processor are what really sold me. i plan to jump to fi in the fall when my contract is up

is the price difference $300? I paid $500
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 15, 2016, 10:11:42 am
I am a bit of a size queen,

so that's why you liked me when we met the other week ;D

but the better battery and snappier processor are what really sold me.

the improved processor was probably the biggest draw for me (8 core, 2.0 GHz, 3 GB RAM vs. 6 core, 1.8 GHz and 2 GB RAM).  but as much as my inner geek wants better performance, i rarely push my phone that hard...

is the price difference $300? I paid $500
 
for comparable storage the price difference is actually $250: for 32 GB, the 5X is $250 while the 6P is $500.  you can get a 16 GB 5P for $200.  these prices are directly from project fi (https://fi.google.com/about/phones/#compare).  not sure what other retailers sell them for but i couldn't find a better deal anywhere else.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 15, 2016, 10:41:38 am
ahhh yeah with activation. i needed a new phone before i jumped
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 15, 2016, 10:42:56 am
I am a bit of a size queen,

so that's why you liked me when we met the other week ;D
busted
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 15, 2016, 12:55:41 pm
you can get a 16 GB 5P for $200. 

Do not, under any circumstances, get a 16GB phone unless you are only using it for testing.  16GB will not be a solid daily driver after 1-2 months use.

And also, since many of you are jumping to USB-C phones, you must make my nerd crush your own. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A25GROL6KJV3QG/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp)  He basically tested every USB-C cable, plug and adapter to let you know which ones meet spec and which ones don't.  If he doesn't give it 5 stars, you should not buy it.

the improved processor was probably the biggest draw for me (8 core, 2.0 GHz, 3 GB RAM vs. 6 core, 1.8 GHz and 2 GB RAM).  but as much as my inner geek wants better performance, i rarely push my phone that hard...

Qualcomm's new 64-bit quad-core Sanpdragon 820 with the Adreno 530 GPU and 4 GB of RAM pushes VR Porn harder than anything I've ever seen.  And I've seen a lot.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 15, 2016, 02:56:00 pm
The Nexus 6P and 5X are $50 off through May 6 starting right now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 15, 2016, 03:05:15 pm
The Nexus 6P and 5X are $50 off through May 6 starting right now.

where?!? i'm seeing the same price on the Fi page...  did i just order my 5X a day too soon???

edit: nevermind, that's for unlocked units.  still cheaper to buy directly from fi/google.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 15, 2016, 03:08:38 pm
The Nexus 6P and 5X are $50 off through May 6 starting right now.

where?!? i'm seeing the same price on the Fi page...  did i just order my 5X a day too soon???

Maybe this just matches the Fi discount?

https://store.google.com/category/phones

Save $50 on Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X

Promotion period starts April 15, 2016, ends May 6, 2016. Discount applied at checkout.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 15, 2016, 03:14:07 pm
The Nexus 6P and 5X are $50 off through May 6 starting right now.

where?!? i'm seeing the same price on the Fi page...  did i just order my 5X a day too soon???

Maybe this just matches the Fi discount?

https://store.google.com/category/phones

Save $50 on Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X

Promotion period starts April 15, 2016, ends May 6, 2016. Discount applied at checkout.

still $100 cheaper if you order it with Fi activation.  the $50 discount is on unlocked phones.

aside: if you don't activate your subsidized phone within 30 days, google charges you $150... which brings the price in line with unlocked phones.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 15, 2016, 03:15:55 pm
still $100 cheaper if you order it with Fi activation.  the $50 discount is on unlocked phones.

So only Godsshoeshine loses then, and it cost him a case with my beautiful mug on it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 15, 2016, 03:30:41 pm
goddamnit
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on April 15, 2016, 10:49:58 pm
Trumbo
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 16, 2016, 12:39:43 am
Trumbo


It's a good deal for the O's though - he's an upgrade to Clevenger and he should do well in the shoebox that is Camden.  His defense will frustrate you as will his inability to take a walk, but he can hit for power and knock guys in.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on April 16, 2016, 12:02:44 pm
Trumbo


It's a good deal for the O's though - he's an upgrade to Clevenger and he should do well in the shoebox that is Camden.  His defense will frustrate you as will his inability to take a walk, but he can hit for power and knock guys in.

Yes, but all 5 of his homers have come on the road.  So that bodes well for him.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 19, 2016, 05:27:46 pm
Stephen Colbert Debuts a new Waffle House Song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHe_1lOJYN0&feature=youtu.be)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 21, 2016, 03:19:41 pm
Eric Clapton was once asked what is was like to be the the greatest guitarist. 

He replied " I don't know ask Prince".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SFNW5F8K9Y
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 22, 2016, 01:44:02 pm
(http://www.adweek.com/files/imagecache/node-blog/prince-tribute-chevy-hed-2016.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 25, 2016, 02:00:19 pm
I don't get angry often, but VW/Audi %$^&ed with the wrong guy on this one.  I will have their head.

Alright!  Let's help Smackie pick out a new car, now that Audi is buying back my TDI at the Sept 15 2015 market rate.

Anyone own a compact or or mid size luxury SUV? 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 25, 2016, 02:35:07 pm
Anyone own a compact or or mid size luxury SUV? 

so you're going from a TDI, which claimed to be clean but was in fact polluting; to an SUV that makes no claims about being clean? ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on April 25, 2016, 02:49:04 pm
I had the joy of riding in one of these recently.  It was excellent.

http://www.lexus.com/models/RX-hybrid
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 25, 2016, 03:00:21 pm
so if they are buying them back...what are they going to do with all that inventory?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 25, 2016, 03:19:47 pm
so you're going from a TDI, which claimed to be clean but was in fact polluting; to an SUV that makes no claims about being clean? ;D

Well, first I can't help but feel burned by the notion of doing my part for the environment.  That would rule out all other diesels until they all get re-certified.

A used Model S is still out of my price range and all of the other current electric cars are either too small or lack the range I need for my job.  I don't have the luxury to wait for the Model 3, though I will likely have one in a couple years. 

I did my time with a Prius, the Lexus CT is the same car with a more comfortable chair, and that leaves the Chevy Volt, which I feel is over priced for what you get.

Therefore....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 25, 2016, 03:27:24 pm
I had the joy of riding in one of these recently.  It was excellent.

http://www.lexus.com/models/RX-hybrid

Interestingly, I looked at that, but one can get better highway gas mileage (90% of my driving) out of non-hybrid versions of similar speced SUVs (BMW x1, for example, which is $20k cheaper).

Still on the list though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 25, 2016, 03:30:55 pm
so if they are buying them back...what are they going to do with all that inventory?

They haven't said, but that's why I'm taking the buyback either way.  They could very well fix it to meet non-CA standards and flood the market with them, thus killing any resale value even if I did love the car.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on April 25, 2016, 03:43:17 pm
Hey... is this the thread where we weigh the pros vs. cons of minivan vs. oversized SUV? That's the advice I need right now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 25, 2016, 03:47:28 pm
so if they are buying them back...what are they going to do with all that inventory?

They haven't said, but that's why I'm taking the buyback either way.  They could very well fix it to meet non-CA standards and flood the market with them, thus killing any resale value even if I did love the car.
that's what I'm hoping for (they fix it, but you can get these nice rides on the cheap)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 25, 2016, 03:48:35 pm
Hey... is this the thread where we way the pros vs. cons of minivan vs. oversized SUV? That's the advice I need right now.
Mazda Cx9 has done us well (three rows of seats if needed), but doesn't look like a mini van
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on April 25, 2016, 03:52:51 pm
Hey... is this the thread where we way the pros vs. cons of minivan vs. oversized SUV? That's the advice I need right now.
Mazda Cx9 has done us well (three rows of seats if needed), but doesn't look like a mini van

The issue we're running into with the smaller third row SUVs is that when that last row is up, there is basically ZERO storage space. I guess we could get a roof rack? Two kids, two adults, one dog, luggage/stuff/strollers/whatever... That Odyssey is looking better and better.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 25, 2016, 04:58:00 pm
Mazda Cx9 has done us well (three rows of seats if needed), but doesn't look like a mini van

The issue we're running into with the smaller third row SUVs is that when that last row is up, there is basically ZERO storage space. 

we recently got as Mazda 5 with sports package... doesn't totally look like a minivan, but let's face it it's a minivan.  we couldn't bring ourselves to get an SUV (high pollution or high cost), nor a full-size minivan.  so we settled for a pretty-much-but-not-entirely-a-minivan.  happy with it so far, but yeah the trunk in about a foot deep when the third row is up.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on April 25, 2016, 05:08:34 pm
Mazda Cx9 has done us well (three rows of seats if needed), but doesn't look like a mini van

The issue we're running into with the smaller third row SUVs is that when that last row is up, there is basically ZERO storage space. 

we recently got as Mazda 5 with sports package... doesn't totally look like a minivan, but let's face it it's a minivan.  we couldn't bring ourselves to get an SUV (high pollution or high cost), nor a full-size minivan.  so we settled for a pretty-much-but-not-entirely-a-minivan.  happy with it so far, but yeah the truck in about a foot deep when the third row is up.
[/quote]

i like it!! We're in the very early stages (could be close to 9 months before we even pull the trigger) but I like that style... that's kind of what the 2017 Honda Odyssey looks like (maybe a bit bigger).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 25, 2016, 06:14:47 pm
i'm positive that smackie is thrilled that we've turned his thread into the minivan thread.

i like it!! We're in the very early stages (could be close to 9 months before we even pull the trigger)

lol... actively making plans for the future, are we ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on April 25, 2016, 06:49:53 pm
We've had the sienna and the odyssey.  Honda wins by a hair.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 25, 2016, 07:18:49 pm
The issue we're running into with the smaller third row SUVs is that when that last row is up, there is basically ZERO storage space. I guess we could get a roof rack? Two kids, two adults, one dog, luggage/stuff/strollers/whatever... That Odyssey is looking better and better.

The Discovery Sport Third Row option tucks under the second row seats. That's pretty slick.

My problem with third row seats is that you always end of driving because everybody fits in one car.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 25, 2016, 07:23:29 pm
i'm positive that smackie is thrilled that we've turned his thread into the minivan thread.

Smackie loves community in his thread, but yeah, there's no way in hell Smackie ever owns a mini van.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 25, 2016, 08:21:44 pm
^ famous last words... just you wait, sir.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on April 26, 2016, 09:33:49 am
i'm positive that smackie is thrilled that we've turned his thread into the minivan thread.

i like it!! We're in the very early stages (could be close to 9 months before we even pull the trigger)

lol... actively making plans for the future, are we ;D

heh... we actually only have about 90 days (but who's counting) until that happens... more or less timing around when a current lease ends (spare me the details of why a lease is bad Space) and when my wife is due for a new hot rod.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 27, 2016, 04:05:08 pm
Why Chevrolet?s Prince 'tribute' ad is awful in every way (http://digiday.com/brands/copyranter-chevrolets-prince-tribute-ad-awful-every-way/)

(http://www.adweek.com/files/imagecache/node-blog/prince-tribute-chevy-hed-2016.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on April 27, 2016, 05:33:27 pm
mini-vans gross me out.. #NeverMinivan
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 27, 2016, 07:13:12 pm
Why Chevrolet?s Prince 'tribute' ad is awful in every way (http://digiday.com/brands/copyranter-chevrolets-prince-tribute-ad-awful-every-way/)

I disagree on almost every level.

Had they put the Chevy logo on there, I would have been upset.  Had they used the new vette, I would have taken notice.

But they used the 1963 split window vette, easily the classiest.  I probably would have used the 1958 vette as tribute, but I thought it was done in fine taste.

I can hear the argument that it should have been social only and not in print, however, but I think this guy's way overboard.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 27, 2016, 07:48:15 pm
I still think they used his death to move product
I certainly don't think he would approved
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 27, 2016, 07:57:01 pm
I still think they used his death to move product
I certainly don't think he would approved

Yes, countless Prince fans in agony over his death ran out and bought 1963 split window vettes, of which there might be 10,000 left on the road (and I think that's high) which sell for $75k-$125k, because of this ad....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 27, 2016, 08:01:45 pm
I still think they used his death to move product
I certainly don't think he would approved

Yes, countless Prince fans in agony over his death ran out and bought 1963 split window vettes, of which there might be 10,000 left on the road (and I think that's high) which sell for $75k-$125k, because of this ad....
for the record we both know that Chevy doesn't make a dime on used car sales (kinda like artists don't make money on used vinyl or cds)

so ...no that wasn't the point of this ad...it was to sell new red corvettes
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 27, 2016, 08:10:22 pm
Then it's a shitty ad because they should have included the Chevy logo and used the new vette.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 28, 2016, 06:32:05 am
if I was buying a car today I'd start with the i3 and work backwards in price
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 28, 2016, 09:18:59 am
if I was buying a car today I'd start with the i3 and work backwards in price
I'd get the i7, quad-core is the way to go   ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 28, 2016, 09:52:48 am
if I was buying a car today I'd start with the i3 and work backwards in price

$42,400 is about the right price, but is 85 the right range? I don't think that will work for me.  Even the 150 range extender is too small.

All that and I haven't even talked about the back seat.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 28, 2016, 10:03:57 am
if I was buying a car today I'd start with the i3 and work backwards in price

 but is 85 the right range? I don't think that will work for me.  Even the 150 range extender is too small.
I know, I saw that on the site when GSS posted it
85, man that is really just an around town car
although there are electrical hook ups all over the place, would require a lot of planning
and obviously charging it pretty much every night you park...so forget about street parking

Will roadside assistance come with the ability to give you a quick 5-10 mile charge if you get stuck
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 28, 2016, 01:16:02 pm
Will roadside assistance come with the ability to give you a quick 5-10 mile charge if you get stuck

With the range extender version, you'll only need AAA to bring you 2 gallons of gas, because that's how much the tank holds.  That should be enough to get you to a charging station or another gas station to get 2 more gallons of gas for the next 40 miles or so, and so on.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 28, 2016, 01:51:33 pm
Google's OnHub router just added IFTTT (https://ifttt.com/OnHub) (if this, then that) Integration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPH74ZHDuCI

I've already programmed it for "When Smackie walks in the door, play Social Distortion on all the Sonos speakers" 

If that lasts more than once, I'll be shocked.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 28, 2016, 04:53:07 pm
^ way cool.

If that lasts more than once, I'll be shocked.

because the technology will fail, or because the missus 2.0 will ensure that it doesn't happen again?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on April 28, 2016, 04:57:39 pm
if I was buying a car today I'd start with the i3 and work backwards in price

$42,400 is about the right price, but is 85 the right range? I don't think that will work for me.  Even the 150 range extender is too small.

All that and I haven't even talked about the back seat.


you have a charger at your office
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 28, 2016, 04:58:01 pm
^ way cool.

because the technology will fail, or because the missus 2.0 will ensure that it doesn't happen again?

Her response when I asked if she would prefer Social D or The Clash:

"Wow that is awesome!!! When I walk in the door on week four of the month I'd like it to play yoga music."

I'm pretty sure I can make that happen.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 28, 2016, 05:08:16 pm
you have a charger at your office

I do.  And I can put one in my garage at home.  But....

I drive to Sacramento at least twice a month - 85 mile trip each way.

I drive to The OC about 4 times a year.  ~450 a year.

About once every two weeks I have a trip around the bay from event to event that racks up 100+ miles before I get back to work or home. 

At least for me the daily range has got to be 200 miles or it's a non-starter.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on April 28, 2016, 05:39:13 pm
So vansmack has to drive to Sactown.  Do you have to drive thru the jungle?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 28, 2016, 06:43:16 pm
So vansmack has to drive to Sactown.  Do you have to drive thru the jungle?

Despite going there often, my knowledge of Sacto is limited to the Capitol, the Citizen Hotel, Frank Fat's, Chops and Harlowe's.

I've never even been to a game a Raley field.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 05, 2016, 11:31:41 am
discussion of the californian legal system + pop princess = a story made for smackie.

Quote
For years, the life of one of the world?s most successful pop stars has been controlled by a court-approved conservatorship, designed for people who cannot take care of themselves.

IS BRITNEY SPEARS READY TO STAND ON HER OWN? (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/08/arts/music/is-britney-spears-ready-to-stand-on-her-own.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 05, 2016, 12:19:42 pm
discussion of the californian legal system + pop princess = a story made for smackie.

Quote
For years, the life of one of the world?s most successful pop stars has been controlled by a court-approved conservatorship, designed for people who cannot take care of themselves.

IS BRITNEY SPEARS READY TO STAND ON HER OWN? (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/08/arts/music/is-britney-spears-ready-to-stand-on-her-own.html)

I've got a flight in a few hours and this is a PERFECT read for it.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 05, 2016, 01:21:35 pm
Wait, what?

Apple Stole My Music. No, Seriously. (https://blog.vellumatlanta.com/2016/05/04/apple-stole-my-music-no-seriously/)

?The software is functioning as intended,? said Amber.
?Wait,? I asked, ?so it?s supposed to delete my personal files from my internal hard drive without asking my permission??
?Yes,? she replied.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on May 05, 2016, 03:22:17 pm
Wait, what?

Apple Stole My Music. No, Seriously. (https://blog.vellumatlanta.com/2016/05/04/apple-stole-my-music-no-seriously/)

?The software is functioning as intended,? said Amber.
?Wait,? I asked, ?so it?s supposed to delete my personal files from my internal hard drive without asking my permission??
?Yes,? she replied.

I really don't care all that much as I haven't used an Apple product since the mid 00's, but is this whole kerfuffle user error and someone didn't check the right box or is Apple ACTUALLY PULLING MUSIC OFF PEOPLE'S COMPUTERS???
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on May 05, 2016, 03:38:49 pm
Something doesn't add up this article.. is this only if use their cloud services?  Guess I'd better back stuff up...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 06, 2016, 11:38:12 pm
so let's just say you had a $500 budget for a flatscreen (thinking 50 inch) and $200 budget for a soundbar...what would be the best value in the market today


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 07, 2016, 11:59:01 am
so let's just say you had a $500 budget for a flatscreen (thinking 50 inch) and $200 budget for a soundbar...what would be the best value in the market today


You sir, are why Vizio exists.  You probably aren't going to find a 4K in that range at that size, but plenty of 1080p 50inch models are between $450 and $500.  Probably the D50-D1.

Sound bars are a little different because it depends on what you're trying to do.  Sound just from the TV or is it your primary sound from your mobile devices as well?  5.1 sound?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on June 07, 2016, 12:00:59 pm
I'd say that you have a $700 budget for a flatscreen and $0 for a soundbar.

http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN50KU6300FXZA
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 07, 2016, 12:13:19 pm
I'd say that you have a $700 budget for a flatscreen and $0 for a soundbar.

Let's talk about this for a second, because I don't necessarily disagree.

However, we don't know how he's currently getting sound from his TV and mobile devices.

So, how often do you really benefit from or use your 4K?  I use it to show 4K movies I've made with my 4K capable devices and on the rare occasion I'll watch a movie in 4K when it's free or cost effective, but right now I'm not paying the premium for 4K movies. I would probably use it more often if my 4K TV wasn't utilizing a DirecTV Wireless Receiver and was actually hooked up to my 4K capable box (wired), but that's not going to happen with the layout of our front room.

I use my soundbar multiple times a day.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 07, 2016, 12:28:46 pm
so let's just say you had a $500 budget for a flatscreen (thinking 50 inch) and $200 budget for a soundbar...what would be the best value in the market today


You sir, are why Vizio exists.  You probably aren't going to find a 4K in that range at that size, but plenty of 1080p 50inch models are between $450 and $500.  Probably the D50-D1.

Sound bars are a little different because it depends on what you're trying to do.  Sound just from the TV or is it your primary sound from your mobile devices as well?  5.1 sound?

Ok good advice on the flat screen
What if I just went down to 48 inches and up $50
VIZIO SmartCast E-Series E48u-D0 48"-Class UHD LED Home Theater Display 
says 4k ultrahd...but the specs say:UHD 3840 x 2160 LED Panel

as for the 4k honestly not really that big of a deal.  I do think 1080P would be sufficient fidelity for me
current TV I have is 27 inch Wide 480p (the horror!!)

As for the sound bar, we really don't have a stereo system set up where the tv will be
And space is a premium where it is going, so no room for a receiver and then running speaker wire and speakers

Kinda felt the sound bar was the way to go as I keep hearing that the speaker that come with any Flatscreen are about as good as my laptop speakers and sound bar is a good upgrade for that.
5.1 sound really would be nice, but not essential...but some modicum of surround sound that I've heard that mid range soundbars can do

I would like it if I can wirelessly connect to stream music to the sound bar, but not a deal breaker

I have this for streaming my music
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p7pUrxmPweA/maxresdefault.jpg)
Marley Get together...and I've been extremely happy with it
Could possibly use with the TV...but then I would have it to move around with


Edit...also didn't realize I could go wireless 5.1 in the $250 range
VIZIO S5451w-C2 5.1 Channel Sound Bar with Subwoofer and Surrounds (2014 Model)
 VIZIO
Link: http://amzn.com/B00SMBGGV6
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 07, 2016, 12:52:17 pm
If you're willing to go up $50, then I would buy the E50u-D2 from from B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1238355-REG/vizio_e_series_e50u_d2_50_class_home.html) where your tax savings would make it a wash ($569).  The SmartCast feature will make that worth it alone.

In addition, they announced a new lineup of Soundbars this morning. (http://www.vizio.com/audio/home-theater.html?smartcast_audio_features=853)  The 3.0 or the 2.1 with the subwoofer will both be a marked improvement over your bluetooth speaker. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 07, 2016, 12:55:06 pm
Edit...also didn't realize I could go wireless 5.1 in the $250 range
VIZIO S5451w-C2 5.1 Channel Sound Bar with Subwoofer and Surrounds (2014 Model)
 VIZIO
Link: http://amzn.com/B00SMBGGV6

Depends on how often you plan to use it for music only.  The 5.1 is strong for your TV, but a bluetooth only connection for your music will be disappointing compared to using the cast features over WiFi.
I would avoid bluetooth for music if possible.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on June 07, 2016, 05:03:27 pm
I have two Vizios.. happy with them.. they are cheap at BJs.. of course mine are smaller models.. I think for my next TV in a while I will get a bigger one..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 07, 2016, 07:42:53 pm
I have two Vizios.. happy with them.. they are cheap at BJs.. of course mine are smaller models.. I think for my next TV in a while I will get a bigger one..
I've heard places like costco and bj's get models that aren't for sale in the open market and skimp on the features

but I've no facts behind that statement

Can't believe I've had this TV for close to 14 years!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on June 07, 2016, 08:00:08 pm
I have two Vizios.. happy with them.. they are cheap at BJs.. of course mine are smaller models.. I think for my next TV in a while I will get a bigger one..
I've heard places like costco and bj's get models that aren't for sale in the open market and skimp on the features

but I've no facts behind that statement

Can't believe I've had this TV for close to 14 years!

well its funny you say that..you are correct..

 I of course can barely use the remote control but a while back I was trying to stream Amazon or something cause my partner wanted it...and the Vizio has a sticker at the bottom that runs the legnth of the TV with all the various features and says "SMART TV" but I could not find the feature and when i researched it on the internet it turned out my model is not Smart.. so there you go.. I was able to stream Netflix on it.. maybe through the DVD player.. I really don't remember very well but I think that was the gist of it.

a very good point... buyer beware.. make sure you know exactly the VIZIO model you are getting cause they have so many variations
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on June 07, 2016, 08:20:32 pm
I'm not bothered by the standard speakers on my Samsung.  We have a soundbar and rarely use it.  I spent a little more on my TV with the plan on keeping it for a long time.  If I was only planning on keeping it for 2-3 years, I'd buy something cheap, then spin it off as a computer monitor after a while....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 07, 2016, 09:32:58 pm
Never buy a TV for it's "Smart" features - you won't use them after a year and you can buy a $35 dongle with a faster processor anyway.   

My Sammy had all the smart features and I used them for about 8 months.  Now I use my Chromecast 95% of the time because it's faster and the signal is more reliable.

The cast feature however, is a built-in Chromecast and I think that it will last longer than smart features as it's doesn't run any apps, it just transvereses the web feed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on June 07, 2016, 09:38:54 pm
Never buy a TV for it's "Smart" features - you won't use them after a year and you can buy a $35 dongle with a faster processor anyway.   

My Sammy had all the smart features and I used them for about 8 months.  Now I use my Chromecast 95% of the time because it's faster and the signal is more reliable.

The cast feature however, is a built-in Chromecast and I think that it will last longer than smart features as it's doesn't run any apps, it just transvereses the web feed.

ok .. I assume this is meant for Sidebitch as I only know what 25% of the words mean...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 07, 2016, 11:06:36 pm
Never buy a TV for it's "Smart" features - you won't use them after a year and you can buy a $35 dongle with a faster processor anyway.   

My Sammy had all the smart features and I used them for about 8 months.  Now I use my Chromecast 95% of the time because it's faster and the signal is more reliable.

The cast feature however, is a built-in Chromecast and I think that it will last longer than smart features as it's doesn't run any apps, it just transvereses the web feed.

ok .. I assume this is meant for Sidebitch as I only know what 25% of the words mean...
I understand, but having Hulu and netflix in there is pretty nice and won't have to use the Wii for that kind of stuff.  While I'm familiar with Chromecast, I've not used it yet to be awed by it's awesomeness
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on June 08, 2016, 10:03:04 am
Never buy a TV for it's "Smart" features - you won't use them after a year and you can buy a $35 dongle with a faster processor anyway.  

My Sammy had all the smart features and I used them for about 8 months.  Now I use my Chromecast 95% of the time because it's faster and the signal is more reliable.

The cast feature however, is a built-in Chromecast and I think that it will last longer than smart features as it's doesn't run any apps, it just transvereses the web feed.

Meh.  We still use the Smart features.  We have 75mbps fios and a hard-wired connection and have never had reliability issues.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 08, 2016, 10:32:45 am
And how old is your TV?

It's not the speed of your internet connection, it's the speed of opening, closing and navigating the apps that will start to annoy you.

You won't be happy this time next year for sure.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on June 08, 2016, 11:10:30 am
It's 15 months, maybe.  Still use Netflix daily, including an expanding list of 4K content.  Still quite happy....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 16, 2016, 12:31:50 pm
this was too cruel not to share with you:

New Mountain Dew Vows To Kill 99.9% Of Stomach Bacteria
http://www.theonion.com/article/new-mountain-dew-vows-kill-999-stomach-bacteria-53101
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 16, 2016, 12:33:19 pm
this was too cruel not to share with you:

New Mountain Dew Vows To Kill 99.9% Of Stomach Bacteria
http://www.theonion.com/article/new-mountain-dew-vows-kill-999-stomach-bacteria-53101

I'm not worried about it.  I know someone who works there now and she's going to fix it #throwbackstyle
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 16, 2016, 02:33:32 pm
oh crap, the campaign has gone public...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 19, 2016, 05:15:45 pm
In Orange County, at the airport, talking to Angels physio.  Very interesting conversation....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 21, 2016, 12:55:15 pm
(https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13394992_1775821525964160_691102862_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 21, 2016, 04:11:01 pm
(https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/13394992_1775821525964160_691102862_n.jpg)

request denied.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on June 21, 2016, 05:08:03 pm
so stay away from horses? done.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 21, 2016, 05:57:29 pm
There's a ton of credit to go around today!

Amazon Credit for eBooks - thanks Apple! (https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/b?ie=UTF8&node=154606011)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 22, 2016, 08:21:35 am
There's a ton of credit to go around today!

Amazon Credit for eBooks - thanks Apple! (https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/b?ie=UTF8&node=154606011)

i don't get it... looks like a normal kindle books page to me.  did i miss something yesterday?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 22, 2016, 11:16:24 am
There's a ton of credit to go around today!

Amazon Credit for eBooks - thanks Apple! (https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/b?ie=UTF8&node=154606011)

i don't get it... looks like a normal kindle books page to me.  did i miss something yesterday?

Hmm.  Yesterday there was a huge advert to view your credit, which is now gone.  Let me see if I can find the destination page in my history.

EDIT: Here you go. (https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_dojbill_1a1?ie=UTF8&node=14741166011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=X8WACMW9STEZA0CZQN86&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2531545642&pf_rd_i=154606011)  See if by logging in under your account you get your credit.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 22, 2016, 11:30:56 am
EDIT: Here you go. (https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_dojbill_1a1?ie=UTF8&node=14741166011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=X8WACMW9STEZA0CZQN86&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2531545642&pf_rd_i=154606011)  See if by logging in under your account your get your credit.

thanks!  the missus is the one with the kindle, so i've forwarded the link to her.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 22, 2016, 12:57:46 pm
There's a ton of credit to go around today!

Amazon Credit for eBooks - thanks Apple! (https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/b?ie=UTF8&node=154606011)

i don't get it... looks like a normal kindle books page to me.  did i miss something yesterday?

Hmm.  Yesterday there was a huge advert to view your credit, which is now gone.  Let me see if I can find the destination page in my history.

EDIT: Here you go. (https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_dojbill_1a1?ie=UTF8&node=14741166011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=X8WACMW9STEZA0CZQN86&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2531545642&pf_rd_i=154606011)  See if by logging in under your account you get your credit.

There is no eBook settlement credit associated with this account.
waah!
although I don't do ebooks
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 24, 2016, 01:31:35 pm
I would have lost a fortune to the punters if I had bet on the Brexit.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 28, 2016, 07:49:25 pm
I don't get angry often, but VW/Audi %$^&ed with the wrong guy on this one.  I will have their head.

It's been a pretty good couple of weeks for me, settlement wise:

2012 Audi A3 TDI Sportback Premium  $23,717 - $25,727
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 28, 2016, 08:06:16 pm
I don't get angry often, but VW/Audi %$^&ed with the wrong guy on this one.  I will have their head.

It's been a pretty good couple of weeks for me, settlement wise:

2012 Audi A3 TDI Sportback Premium  $23,717 - $25,727
Just wait till you find out it's $23717 in vouchers for lawn tickets at LiveNation venues.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 29, 2016, 01:00:16 am
I was pretty sure I was going to get $25k in Audi credits, which would be just as useless to me, but alas...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 29, 2016, 05:33:01 pm
so if they are buying them back...what are they going to do with all that inventory?

Not looking good for you sir.

Here's What Will Happen To The Thousands Of Diesels Volkswagen Buys Back (http://jalopnik.com/heres-what-will-happen-to-the-thousands-of-diesels-volk-1782815084)

I've maintained for a while that they could never meet CA Emissions standards without the cheat, but if they can't do a fix for other states either, you won't be able to buy one.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 29, 2016, 07:07:01 pm
so if they are buying them back...what are they going to do with all that inventory?

Not looking good for you sir.

Here's What Will Happen To The Thousands Of Diesels Volkswagen Buys Back (http://jalopnik.com/heres-what-will-happen-to-the-thousands-of-diesels-volk-1782815084)

I've maintained for a while that they could never meet CA Emissions standards without the cheat, but if they can't do a fix for other states either, you won't be able to buy one.
haven't read the article, but after I heard about the $15B yesterday, my mind was churning on how I could get a good deal on one of these.

I don't know if I ever got an answer: if you used biodiesel
does it still pollute like a coal plant??

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on June 29, 2016, 08:23:27 pm
 No more swimsuits for Miss Teen USA  (http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/06/29/miss-teen-usa-to-eliminate-swimsuit-competition/86502942/?hootPostID=40c03502004c7218f2d7cb1f449054c5&siteID=je6NUbpObpQ-mSkCYg6yAaaWYF50CgWhYQ)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 29, 2016, 10:13:47 pm
No more swimsuits for Miss Teen USA  (http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/06/29/miss-teen-usa-to-eliminate-swimsuit-competition/86502942/?hootPostID=40c03502004c7218f2d7cb1f449054c5&siteID=je6NUbpObpQ-mSkCYg6yAaaWYF50CgWhYQ)
So it's still ok to judge teenage girls' worth on appearance as long as they're not in bikinis at the time. Cool.



/s
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 30, 2016, 01:33:53 pm
Why bother?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on June 30, 2016, 03:44:47 pm
Mazda Cx9 has done us well (three rows of seats if needed), but doesn't look like a mini van

The issue we're running into with the smaller third row SUVs is that when that last row is up, there is basically ZERO storage space. 

we recently got as Mazda 5 with sports package... doesn't totally look like a minivan, but let's face it it's a minivan.  we couldn't bring ourselves to get an SUV (high pollution or high cost), nor a full-size minivan.  so we settled for a pretty-much-but-not-entirely-a-minivan.  happy with it so far, but yeah the truck in about a foot deep when the third row is up.

i like it!! We're in the very early stages (could be close to 9 months before we even pull the trigger) but I like that style... that's kind of what the 2017 Honda Odyssey looks like (maybe a bit bigger).
[/quote]

If you see a hip dude cruisin' around town in a black Sienna, please wave!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 30, 2016, 04:41:06 pm
If you see a hip dude cruisin' around town in a black Sienna, please wave!

Swagger. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 30, 2016, 09:00:57 pm
If you see a hip dude cruisin' around town in a black Sienna, please wave!

Swagger. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4)
IMO on of the best ad campaigns
loved it then and love it now
wouldn't be caught dead in one, but kudos to the ad firm ;)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on July 01, 2016, 10:54:05 am

wouldn't be caught dead in one, but kudos to the ad firm ;)



oh burn sidenozzle!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2016, 11:54:01 am
So here's where I'm at now that I have a better idea of what Audi is going to give me:

1) Porsche Macan
2) Land Rover Discovery Sport
3) BMW X1
4) Range Rover Evoque

And here's where the Mrs is:

1) Honda CRV
2) BMW X1
3) Land Rover Discovery Sport
4) Porsche Macan

I think I see how this ends....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on July 01, 2016, 11:56:44 am
So here's where I'm at now that I have a better idea of what Audi is going to give me:

1) Porsche Macan
2) Land Rover Discovery Sport
3) BMW X1
4) Range Rover Evoque

And here's where the Mrs is:

1) Honda CRV
2) BMW X1
3) Land Rover Discovery Sport
4) Porsche Macan

I think I see how this ends....

Get rid of dat CRV and smackie can still keep his pimp status.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2016, 12:04:41 pm
Get rid of dat CRV and smackie can still keep his pimp status.

I can't tell who's trolling who harder with their list, but I thought hers was well played.

Also, since I searched for that commercial for your Sienna, and FB knows I'm looking for a car, I now get Sienna ads in my feed, so thank you for that!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 01, 2016, 04:22:36 pm
"The difference between a comedian and some random drunk guy is the microphone."

- Jim Jefferies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7680q25xY4)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 01, 2016, 04:48:29 pm
"The difference between a comedian and some random drunk guy is the microphone."

- Jim Jefferies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7680q25xY4)

It's just a guy giving opinions....

Tonight, I will watch his new special on Netflix.  And likely have to sleep on the couch for laughing at all of the wrong things.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 01, 2016, 05:25:57 pm
And likely have to sleep on the couch for laughing at all of the wrong things.
come on man, take off that skirt and wear the pants!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 08, 2016, 08:50:03 am
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmyBChRUMAABNlL.jpg)
Where is the intersection on the great Venn diagram of Julian's America and Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know? It's right damn here.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2016, 12:01:35 pm
come on man, take off that skirt and wear the pants!

You have a wife and kid(s) right?

Let me know if she survives the first half hour of FreeDUMB.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 08, 2016, 12:02:55 pm
Where is the intersection on the great Venn diagram of Julian's America and Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know? It's right damn here.

Absolutely.  I don't care if she's wrong, naive, whatever.  She posted it in a bathing suit!

If I was following her, which I can't believe I wasn't before now, I wouldn't even have read what she wrote....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 08, 2016, 12:06:31 pm
come on man, take off that skirt and wear the pants!

You have a wife and kid(s) right?

Let me know if she survives the first half hour of FreeDUMB.
oh dude, trust me I've got a 49% vote on everything except the socks I pick in the morning...
so I'm only razzing ya as my wife...turned all my pants in to capris

but honestly the whole macho thing was never my thing, so I'm more than happy to let her take the lead
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 08, 2016, 12:21:59 pm
Where is the intersection on the great Venn diagram of Julian's America and Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know? It's right damn here.

Absolutely.  I don't care if she's wrong, naive, whatever.  She posted it in a bathing suit!

If I was following her, which I can't believe I wasn't before now, I wouldn't even have read what she wrote....
She's also not disheartened enough by this turn of events that she's bemoaning to actually put down her wine or get off her boat. Instant Julian's America Mt. Rushmore status.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 13, 2016, 08:25:00 pm
PokemonNo! Blocker Chrome Extension (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/pokemon-no-pokemon-blocke/fcfkedekimblhldjbiphhfobkafkeaeb)

And it actually works!

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7651/27678167384_c81624cfb1_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on July 13, 2016, 09:12:12 pm
Let's edit that thread title to Vansmack Go and see how well your extension works then....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2016, 12:57:41 am
Let's edit that thread title to Vansmack Go and see how well your extension works then....

Well played sir. You deserve spam bot work for your humor....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 14, 2016, 03:46:20 pm
Mischa Barton's twitter feed is the best in the world for the second straight week.

(http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2016/stylewatch/blog/160711/mischa-barton-435x580.jpg)

(https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Xhx_MDrPQUpbzTGNxiWHww--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9ODAw/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/homerun/etonline.tv/a210730701ee970a7298fef1dc0d0738)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2016, 03:54:33 pm
Do you know what I don't have installed? 

A Mischa Barton Blocker.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 15, 2016, 05:00:50 pm
Coup in Turkey.  This has been a long time coming for Erdogan.

This gets worse before it gets better.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 15, 2016, 05:29:35 pm
Coup in Turkey.  This has been a long time coming for Erdogan.

This gets worse before it gets better.
Erdogan is reported on a plane outside of Turkish airspace and not "captured." Going to be interesting to see if Germany lets him land and who acknowledges which government when.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 15, 2016, 05:42:45 pm
Erdogan is reported on a plane outside of Turkish airspace and not "captured." Going to be interesting to see if Germany lets him land and who acknowledges which government when.

If he is outside of the country, then it's over already.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on July 15, 2016, 06:42:12 pm
obviously we'll have to watch Turkey carefully.....I dont' think we know enough.. I don't know enough to say much...

Former State Department Undersecretary Nicholas Burns is someone I listen to carefully.... he really should be the next Secretary of State...but of course career State Department officials are often bypassed in favor of politicians...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 15, 2016, 10:34:38 pm
Gotta have the brass.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 16, 2016, 01:27:08 am
Erdogan is reported on a plane outside of Turkish airspace and not "captured." Going to be interesting to see if Germany lets him land and who acknowledges which government when.

If he is outside of the country, then it's over already.

you were saying...?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on July 16, 2016, 11:35:20 am
PokemonNo! Blocker Chrome Extension (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/pokemon-no-pokemon-blocke/fcfkedekimblhldjbiphhfobkafkeaeb)

And it actually works!

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7651/27678167384_c81624cfb1_b.jpg)

nice...very similar code to the "atomic-blocker."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 16, 2016, 11:46:23 am
you were saying...?

Yep, premature. I thought he fled as opposed to being on vacation and that the top leaders of the Military were orchestrating it.

That was a poor coup attempt, even by Turkish standards.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on July 16, 2016, 08:13:00 pm
I think social media changed things... when the president went on facetime or whatever on facebook and asked people to take to the airport and i don't remember what else (TV channel?) and he basically said he was still the president... man that's just a whole new thing.. in the old days you would see the tanks in the street and be like "oh well, guess its a done deal"... and you'd think the president might be dead or something...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 18, 2016, 07:03:35 pm
At 11:15 a.m. PT, Netflix's stock was trading at about $169 a share, down $39 or 18 percent.

$112.58

Good time to buy?

hope you bought, 'cause looks like this ship just might be turning around:

Netflix abandons plan for Qwikster DVD service
http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/10/technology/netflix_qwikster/

"Basically, these guys are desperate, and this confirms it," said Tony Wible, analyst at Janney Capital Markets. "While this move doesn't solve the company's long-term issues, in the interim, at least it can try to accelerate some positive catalysts for customers and its stock price."

Shares of Netflix (NFLX) rose 7% following the news.

Rinse.  Repeat.

Netflix stock price tanks as customers quit over higher prices (http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/18/12213244/netflix-q2-2016-earnings)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 19, 2016, 03:13:39 pm
Absolutely consuming me at the moment:

NY Suit against VW/Audi (https://consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/new-york-vw-complaint-7-19.pdf)

Page 19, section D of the complaint has all the fun staff (page 21 of the PDF).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 19, 2016, 04:29:17 pm
(page 21 of the PDF).

is it page 23? ("23 of 90" at bottom of page, and 23 per my PDF reader...)

"Volkswagen?s Defeat Device Development and Implementation Was Not an Isolated
Event but an Iterative Process Across Different Emissions Control Systems and
Different Lines of Vehicles Over Ten Years "

wow, if that's true, 'scuse me while i go short more VW stock...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 19, 2016, 04:40:34 pm

is it page 23? ("23 of 90" at bottom of page, and 23 per my PDF reader...)

"Volkswagen?s Defeat Device Development and Implementation Was Not an Isolated
Event but an Iterative Process Across Different Emissions Control Systems and
Different Lines of Vehicles Over Ten Years "

wow, if that's true, 'scuse me while i go short more VW stock...

Sorry, yes, Page 23 of the PDF and the next 10 pages.  Just brutal stuff about how, after they got away with it in one iteration of an engine, just to avoid paying a license fee to Mercedes-Benz and because their own internal solution failed, they repeated it 5 more times in the next 5 versions of diesel engines.  All in an effort to outsell Toyota because they were so much further ahead in Hybrid technology.

Audi - Green Police Commercial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9ciAi8e-e0)  Even features my car down to the package. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 19, 2016, 04:42:15 pm
At 11:15 a.m. PT, Netflix's stock was trading at about $169 a share, down $39 or 18 percent.

$112.58

Good time to buy?

hope you bought, 'cause looks like this ship just might be turning around:

Netflix abandons plan for Qwikster DVD service
http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/10/technology/netflix_qwikster/

"Basically, these guys are desperate, and this confirms it," said Tony Wible, analyst at Janney Capital Markets. "While this move doesn't solve the company's long-term issues, in the interim, at least it can try to accelerate some positive catalysts for customers and its stock price."

Shares of Netflix (NFLX) rose 7% following the news.

Rinse.  Repeat.

Netflix stock price tanks as customers quit over higher prices (http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/18/12213244/netflix-q2-2016-earnings)
Most of these analysts (http://deadline.com/2016/07/netflix-investors-wonder-soft-q2-subscriber-numbers-blip-trouble-1201788703/) seem to think the churn after ungrandfathering is a temporary blip.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 20, 2016, 06:34:40 pm
There are very few times when I say "I love Facebook" but old people on Facebook is one of them (I have altered the names):

------
‎George Walker‎ to DJ Roben
42 mins ·

DJ it's been a while I was just wondering if you were engaged yet, if not, what the hell are you waiting for, ANNA is so wonderful and perfect, time to pull the trigger buddy
----

George is the father of DJ's college roommate (DJ is 40 years old now).  I think/hope he thought he was sending a PM or that things on the wall would not be seen by all.   We're 45 minutes in, 35 comments have been made busting DJs chops and no word from DJ, who may not have seen it yet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on July 21, 2016, 08:09:56 am
There are very few times when I say "I love Facebook" but old people on Facebook is one of them (I have altered the names):

------
‎George Walker‎ to DJ Roben
42 mins ·

DJ it's been a while I was just wondering if you were engaged yet, if not, what the hell are you waiting for, ANNA is so wonderful and perfect, time to pull the trigger buddy
----

George is the father of DJ's college roommate (DJ is 40 years old now).  I think/hope he thought he was sending a PM or that things on the wall would not be seen by all.   We're 45 minutes in, 35 comments have been made busting DJs chops and no word from DJ, who may not have seen it yet.

My father in law thinks that everything on his wall is a personal message to him.  On the one hand he feels very important and popular with all these personal messages he's getting, but he can't figure out why all these people feel the need to message him about what they had for lunch.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 21, 2016, 08:35:50 am
My father thinks every facebook post should be responded to with the word "Yeap!" (a word I have never heard him say once in my life) and as a result I set up a friends group without him and set it to my default so he never sees any of my posts. I feel simultaneously horrible and savage af all at once.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 21, 2016, 09:56:43 am
since we're sharing: my dad thinks that FB is a place of pure evil.  he probably saw some sensationalist report about a kid who was lured by a predator using facebook, so he now thinks FB is full of pedophiles and worse.  my sister occasionally shows him the good side (pix of his grandkids, jokes, family updates, etc) but he won't budge.  being anti-facebook is a weird point of pride for him.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on July 21, 2016, 09:58:07 am
Facebook es una mierda.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Space Freely on July 21, 2016, 10:11:34 am
Is this the default technology thread?

My wife is telling me I need to step up and get the Verizon Triple Play Fios for $69 monthly for two years. I guess it includes landline+internet+cable.

Our current Verizon landline+internet monthly bill is $134.

Are there any hidden hitches/costs to the triple play offer? We don't need cable (but definitely want to keep the other two), but if it's included and our bill would still be around half of our current bill, are there any reasons not to switch?

Muchos gracias for your reply.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on July 21, 2016, 10:26:32 am
Is this the default technology thread?

My wife is telling me I need to step up and get the Verizon Triple Play Fios for $69 monthly for two years. I guess it includes landline+internet+cable.

Our current Verizon landline+internet monthly bill is $134.

Are there any hidden hitches/costs to the triple play offer? We don't need cable (but definitely want to keep the other two), but if it's included and our bill would still be around half of our current bill, are there any reasons not to switch?

Muchos gracias for your reply.

esto es importante.. ayudenlo a James Ford a ahorrar dinero! gracias.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on July 21, 2016, 10:27:46 am
pero hablando en serio.. si sos un cliente actual de Verizon no se si te daran el descuento por el Triple Play.. creo que la oferta es para NUEVOS clientes...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on July 21, 2016, 10:27:52 am
You'll need set top boxes ($10) or DVR boxes ($20).  Taxes and fees will add $25 or so.  If you want extra channels beyond baseline, there's a charge for that.  If you choose a sporting package, there's a franchise fee in addition to that.  The package includes Starz/Epix for free for the first year, that autorenews in month 13 for $10 or $15 per month.  The price includes a $10 (or $25) discount that expires after a year.

When the whole thing auto-renews at 2 years, you'll be paying $200 easily.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on July 21, 2016, 10:28:20 am
pero hablando en serio.. si sos un cliente actual de Verizon no se si te daran el descuento por el Triple Play.. creo que la oferta es para NUEVOS clientes...

Good point, but there are ways around that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 21, 2016, 10:30:33 am
When the whole thing auto-renews at 2 years, you'll be paying $200 easily.
If you aren't calling your cable company every 12 months and loudly and belligerently repackaging your services, you are leaving hundreds of dollars on the table.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on July 21, 2016, 10:34:51 am
When the whole thing auto-renews at 2 years, you'll be paying $200 easily.
If you aren't calling your cable company every 12 months and loudly and belligerently repackaging your services, you are leaving hundreds of dollars on the table.


trato de negociar pero me cuesta mucho.. necesito mi cable!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 21, 2016, 10:48:11 am
When the whole thing auto-renews at 2 years, you'll be paying $200 easily.
If you aren't calling your cable company every 12 months and loudly and belligerently repackaging your services, you are leaving hundreds of dollars on the table.


trato de negociar pero me cuesta mucho.. necesito mi cable!
Yo soy a tener una mochilla de color a la manana, baja la Dios! Mi sacapuntas es peligrosa y puede cortar. Le deseo la mejor astronauta capitán en su búsqueda para el cable barato para la gloria de su familia fina!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on July 21, 2016, 11:09:38 am
Well said.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 21, 2016, 11:10:44 am
Well said.
Julian's America, knows, no language barrier.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on July 21, 2016, 12:01:20 pm
Well said.
Julian's America, knows, no language barrier.

 ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 21, 2016, 12:49:48 pm
Well said.
Julian's America, knows, no language barrier.

as long as it is easily translatable into the language of money?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 21, 2016, 01:24:48 pm
My wife is telling me I need to step up and get the Verizon Triple Play Fios for $69 monthly for two years. I guess it includes landline+internet+cable.

Our current Verizon landline+internet monthly bill is $134.

Julian is right.  If you're not still on a new customer plan, then you need to call your TV/Internet provider and get a lower rate.  If it's not the plan your wife suggests, it's something.  These companies, like the phone companies that preceded them, survive on customer laziness.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on July 21, 2016, 04:16:30 pm
Thanks for shaming me into doing this.  Got upgraded DVRs and modem and cut my bill by $40.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 21, 2016, 04:23:00 pm
Thanks for shaming me into doing this.  Got upgraded DVRs and modem and cut my bill by $40.
DVRs multiple? Really need to look at TiVo if you're doing multiple DVRs (if you're doing 3 DVRs and not moving to a TiVo Roamio/Bolt + 2 TiVo minis, I hope you die bankrupt).

Also purchase that exact same modem on eBay and return the one they're sending you immediately and stop paying $10-12/month to rent a PoS cable modem.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 21, 2016, 04:38:14 pm
i need to give Verizon Fios a call and ask for their retention dept...

what's your fav opening line?  do you go in all hardball, or do you try winning them over?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on July 21, 2016, 04:38:26 pm
I upgraded to Fios Quantum.  Not sure what the new setup will be.  I currently have a multi-room DVR.  They claim you can have DVR-like control of up to 10 TVs.

And you're probably right about the modem.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 21, 2016, 04:45:01 pm
i need to give Verizon Fios a call and ask for their retention dept...

what's your fav opening line?  do you go in all hardball, or do you try winning them over?
I'm specialized at Comcast and I ask to speak to "retention department" to "discuss repackaging my services." They will then transfer you and you will be given the option of 1-2 terrible packages. Immediately declare both "totally unacceptable" and ask to speak to "premiere customer support" which will get you a second transfer to someone who can offer you (worst case scenario) a new customer package and (best case scenario) will wipe out the HD-upcharge fee in exchange for a new 12 month contract.

Doing that, plus setting reminders in my phone for the very day my rate runs out the next year, plus all customer owned equipment and the discounts (and now REBATES per the FCC) has me paying ~$112 everything inclusive for the largest HD package (plus all sports + HBO/Showtime/Cinemax/Starz) + 115/50 internet and its less than an hour on the phone annually.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 21, 2016, 05:30:24 pm
Also purchase that exact same modem on eBay and return the one they're sending you immediately and stop paying $10-12/month to rent a PoS cable modem.

Verizon is a little more tricky than Cable Modems.

FIOS doesn't use modems, they use routers, so search for an older Verizon FIOS Router, turn off that device's WiFi and purchase a solid WiFi router with the savings from your monthly rental fee.  Because it looks like you have FIOS-TV as well, you need the Actiontec or Quantum router to deliver data to your other STBs.  I haven't done one in a while, but the ActionTech Rev I was the inexpensive and available model, especially with wireless G (hence why I said turn it off and use your own WAP).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 21, 2016, 05:33:08 pm
I upgraded to Fios Quantum.  Not sure what the new setup will be.  I currently have a multi-room DVR.  They claim you can have DVR-like control of up to 10 TVs.

You have one DVR shared to all other STB's.  AT&T, FIOS, DirecTV and Dish all utilize this setup.  TiVo is only necessary for those that use cable and wish to have the same share feature.

a TiVo Roamio/Bolt + 2 TiVo minis, I hope you die bankrupt).

TiVo people talking about others being bankrupt still cracks me up.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on July 21, 2016, 06:58:04 pm
The difference with Quantum, as I understand it, is rather than have satellite boxes work off the main DVR, each box serves as its own independent DVR.  I could be wrong however.  But now at least we can watch/record up to 6 channels at once rather than the 2 we are limited to now.  Plus much more storage capacity to record shows we'll never actually get around to watching. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 21, 2016, 07:10:27 pm
The difference with Quantum, as I understand it, is rather than have satellite boxes work off the main DVR, each box serves as its own independent DVR.  I could be wrong however.  But now at least we can watch/record up to 6 channels at once rather than the 2 we are limited to now.  Plus much more storage capacity to record shows we'll never actually get around to watching. 

Quantum "Enhanced" is one DVR, with 6 tuners, capable of recording/watching up to six things at once through the available set top boxes.  The set top boxes now have DVR controls built into them, but they control the one Quantum DVR with 100 hours of HD storage. 

Quantum "Premium" is two DVRs, 12 tuners, capable of capable of recording/watching up to 12 things at once through the available set top boxes.  The two Quantum DVRs each have 100 hours of HD storage so 200 hours total.

It is based on the same platform as existing FiOS tech, but enhanced as you noted, with 4 more tuners.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 21, 2016, 07:55:21 pm
I upgraded to Fios Quantum.  Not sure what the new setup will be.  I currently have a multi-room DVR.  They claim you can have DVR-like control of up to 10 TVs.

You have one DVR shared to all other STB's.  AT&T, FIOS, DirecTV and Dish all utilize this setup.  TiVo is only necessary for those that use cable and wish to have the same share feature.

a TiVo Roamio/Bolt + 2 TiVo minis, I hope you die bankrupt).

TiVo people talking about others being bankrupt still cracks me up.
I use TiVo. I didn't buy stock in them. I pay 11.99/month for DVR capabilities in 4 rooms and get a $5 monthly credit on my cable bill for user owned equipment. What option could possibly be cheaper (even factoring in initial hardware cost)?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 21, 2016, 08:05:28 pm
You have to have cable or live in one of the 12 cities that support FiOS.  End of discussion.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 22, 2016, 01:43:05 pm
so if they are buying them back...what are they going to do with all that inventory?

Not looking good for you sir.

Perhaps I was a little quick here.

Apparently, the Government has agreed to allow VW (http://www.seattletimes.com/business/dealers-say-volkswagen-has-emissions-cheating-fixes-ready/) to exceed the limits in exchange for payments to an air quality mitigation fund.  Thus, the first generation EA189 engines will only be fit with a larger soot trap with software adjustments and they will be allowed to stay on the roads despite despite spewing out twice the legal limit of NOx.

If approved, you may be able to acquire one of those on the cheap, if you have no conscience.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 28, 2016, 11:29:56 pm
Smackie is backstage at a Keith Urban show.  If I see one more pair of short shorts and boots I'm gonna....

Who'm I kidding? This is well worth listening to Mr. Kidman.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 28, 2016, 11:34:47 pm
Smackie is backstage at a Keith Urban show.  If I see one more pair of short shorts and boots I'm gonna....

Who'm I kidding? This is well worth listening to Mr. Kidman.
I cleared $140 for my four free K.U. tickets through the ticketmaster settlement. Admittedly, you're making me regret going liquid on this. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 29, 2016, 11:17:15 am
The show itself was awful.  Gawd awful actually.

But the crowd was among the best looking I've seen and will continue to escort the missus to country shows for that alone.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 29, 2016, 11:41:12 am
this seems appropriate for this tread
(https://image-store.slidesharecdn.com/eacc80fb-2271-4594-b54f-6a847e8cbe57-original.jpeg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 29, 2016, 12:42:52 pm
At its peak in 2000, Yahoo had a market value of $128 billion.

Bought Broadcast.com for $5.7 billion, bought Geocities for $3.6 billion

Yahoo agreed to buy Facebook for $1 billion, but the deal fell through when Yahoo tried to negotiate down the price.   It passed on an offer to buy YouTube, and its purchase of eBay fell through because of clashing egos.

Microsoft's offer was actually $45 billion.

Yahoo bought Tumblr for $1.1 billion in 2013.  It paid for it by selling 20% stake of it's 30% stake in Alibaba, the only thing it had that was making any money.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2016, 04:07:43 pm
Lauren Conrad, Our Third-Most Important Reality Star (https://theringer.com/lauren-conrad-the-hills-10-years-ffc64855ae5#.qw4hzrjlv)

Number one in our hearts, rankings be damned.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 03, 2016, 04:11:16 pm
#3 my ass, especially not behind a Kardashian or a Trump.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2016, 04:13:35 pm
#3 my ass, especially not behind a Kardashian or a Trump.
Well, Smacks, I'm not really sure how official these rankings are. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2016, 12:08:28 pm
I can usually measure the success of the Angels by my progress in the Economist.

At 6:52AM PT on Aug 3, I caught up on the Economist, approximately 6 hours ahead of the release of this week's Audio Edition.

This is one gawd awful Angels team.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on August 04, 2016, 06:40:32 pm


Number one in our hearts, rankings be damned.
cosign
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 07, 2016, 12:34:52 pm
http://www.espn.com/golf/leaderboard

I post this here only because I think smackie is the only other person who might care but Jim Furyk just shot a fucking 58.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 07, 2016, 01:33:14 pm
I woke up this morning to watch United, then switched over when I saw he was close.

Awesome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 18, 2016, 04:28:53 pm
I'm going to move this here as I don't like to clutter up topic based threads.

inane lawsuits

Interesting. 

I think the punishments were harsh, but I didn't think the case was without merit.
While I find celebrity sex tapes (especially of Hulk Hogan) distasteful, I fully support some trash rag publishing them because they are "news." I find the idea of bankrupting a media entity because they show unflattering footage of a reality TV star really gross and think it opens a Pandora's box.

I'm not bemoaning the loss of Gawker (a trash rag that disgustingly outs homosexuals and lowers the level of public discourse), but we've just basically seen a court-validated approach for the next Peter Thiel to go after (insert publication here) because of their political/editorial view.

I think there's a difference between a sex tape that you recorded of you and your partner that you lose control of, and being unknowingly recorded having sex.  That Hulk Hogan has sex is not news - he has two children after all (Gawker's editor even said this in deposition).  Gawker publishing a video that may have been illegally recorded with the sole purpose of embarrassing an individual for their own profit makes you complicit in the action and cannot be done without consequences.   Hiding behind Freedom of the Press when there is no news is an affront to Freedom of the Press, and cannot be a defense to violating other laws.

I did, however, feel that $140 million in damages was excessive, and that a lesser penalty or even settling would have kept Gawker open.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 18, 2016, 04:44:05 pm
I'm going to move this here as I don't like to clutter up topic based threads.

inane lawsuits

Interesting. 

I think the punishments were harsh, but I didn't think the case was without merit.
While I find celebrity sex tapes (especially of Hulk Hogan) distasteful, I fully support some trash rag publishing them because they are "news." I find the idea of bankrupting a media entity because they show unflattering footage of a reality TV star really gross and think it opens a Pandora's box.

I'm not bemoaning the loss of Gawker (a trash rag that disgustingly outs homosexuals and lowers the level of public discourse), but we've just basically seen a court-validated approach for the next Peter Thiel to go after (insert publication here) because of their political/editorial view.

I think there's a difference between a sex tape that you recorded of you and your partner that you lose control of, and being unknowingly recorded having sex.  That Hulk Hogan has sex is not news - he has two children after all (Gawker's editor even said this in deposition).  Gawker publishing a video that may have been illegally recorded with the sole purpose of embarrassing an individual for their own profit makes you complicit in the action and cannot be done without consequences.   Hiding behind Freedom of the Press when there is no news is an affront to Freedom of the Press, and cannot be a defense to violating other laws.

I did, however, feel that $140 million in damages was excessive, and that a lesser penalty or even settling would have kept Gawker open.
Let me start with the obvious concession that I am a layperson, not a lawyer such as yourself.

That said, I found it most curious that Hogan's thought was to sue, not the person who "illegally" recorded and distributed a sex tape of himself, "Bubba the Love Sponge," but Gawker, a company who had had several courts (if I'm not mistaken) shooting down orders against Gawker showing the footage. It's also curious -- and quite telling, IMO -- that Hogan only claimed the video was shot "illegally" and his privacy was violated once courts shot down his original claim that he had a copyright to the footage.

Also as a layperson, I do think this should fall under fair use by the press and reeks of a roundabout first amendment violation. Hulk Hogan is a public figure who has spoken at length about his sex life. The fact that there is footage of him sleeping with the wives of one of his best friends is newsworthy to someone, I'm sure, albeit not to me. It is not newsworthy that Katy Perry wears underwear but I don't think that means some creepo gossip rag shouldn't be allowed to publish an upskirt photograph just because we were already aware Katy Perry wears underwear. I dunno, I just don't see it that way.

And I agree Gawker would've been smart to settle. I feel the judgment (and especially the ridiculous amount) had more to do with Nick Denton's absurd smug behavior on the stand and saying he found celebrity sex tapes only un-newsworthy "if the person was under 4 years old" or whatever the line was. I really don't believe the jury ruled on this based on any facts so much as going, "well that dudes an ass and his website sounds awful." (Which it is.)

And that is to say nothing to the fact the entire genesis of the case had nothing to do with Hulk Hogan and everything to do with Peter Thiel seeing some way he could pump money into something to try and blow up a website who outed his boorish behavior with regularity.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 18, 2016, 04:54:16 pm
The original suit was with the people who filmed the incident.  Gawker was joined later so the suit became against all three.

The Copyright claim was an attempt to get them to take it down.  While it failed in court, it did cause Gawker to link to the video instead of hosting it themselves.

And yes, Gawker did not help themselves out with ridiculous decisions along the way.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 31, 2016, 10:15:27 pm
I demand you rent this (https://turo.com/aviato).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 01, 2016, 12:27:11 am
I demand you rent this (https://turo.com/aviato).

How great would it be if I rented that and billed Audi?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 01, 2016, 02:41:37 am
Nick Adenhart.  That's all that flashed through my mind...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 01, 2016, 09:47:46 am
I demand you rent this (https://turo.com/aviato).

How great would it be if I rented that and billed Audi?
I'm going to have to insist that you do. And take photos.

Fuck, we're one step away from crowdsourcing Smackie renting the Aviato car.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 08, 2016, 12:16:08 pm
Haven't seen this posted yet:

Best Ann Coulter Insults at Rob Lowe's Roast (http://www.vulture.com/2016/09/best-ann-coulter-insults-robe-lowe-roast.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 12, 2016, 04:09:27 pm
While I am currently part of a few lawsuits, this is not one of them (though I feel their pain):

Virgin America Customers sue Alaska Airlines to Block Merger (http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2016/09/12/alaska-air-hits-turbulence-as-virgin-america.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 13, 2016, 11:46:22 am
Good read:

Facebook is imposing prissy American censorship on the whole rest of the world (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/09/12/facebook-is-imposing-prissy-american-censorship-on-the-whole-res/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 16, 2016, 02:26:07 am
Me and Hoya, just two guys, sitting in front of the fireplace drinking beers with the Chihuahua, listening to Kacey Musgraves...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 16, 2016, 02:49:32 am
Fear not, we've moved on to Ryan Adams covering Taylor Swift....don't be jealous.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 16, 2016, 08:39:48 am
Me and Hoya, just two guys, sitting in front of the fireplace drinking beers with the Chihuahua, listening to Kacey Musgraves...
Oh yeah...you're in SF and need a Fire going in mid September

edit...I suck at spelling and edited that err...wouldn't want ratbastard to point that out
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 16, 2016, 02:08:48 pm
Oh yeah...your in SF and need a Fire going in mid September

Yes, it was quite foggy and cozy last night.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 17, 2016, 04:22:06 am
If you didn't just see Kacey Musgraves, drink some fancy beer (Pliny the Something) and then listen to Loretta Lynn's new album over a glass of red and the High Life, well then, you should try harder.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 17, 2016, 11:13:07 am
I'm not sure which was my favorite order of the night.

1) My adamant refusal to drink a Pliny at Toranado

Or

2) Hoya's adamant refusal to drink a High Life at my place and having a glass of red wine instead.

Probably the latter.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on September 17, 2016, 08:57:11 pm
Here's something nobody seems to be getting right about the lightning to 3.5mm adapter. According to the Apple store clerk who rang me up, lightning has always output analog audio. I bought one of the $9 thingies because I was very curious. A lot of people have speculated that it somehow contained a DAC since they assumed that lightning only output digital and it needed to be converted to analog for standard phones. Just look at this thing:

(http://cdn.macworld.co.uk/cmsdata/slideshow/3646344/apple-lightning-to-3_5mm-adapter_thumb800.jpg)

On my screen, that's its actual size. There's no freaking way it could contain a DAC. Besides, it would also need an amp, which would be even bigger. I used the thingie to connect my old world phones to my iPhone 6. Straight up analog audio.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2016, 01:17:08 pm
Here's something nobody seems to be getting right about the lightning to 3.5mm adapter. According to the Apple store clerk who rang me up, lightning has always output analog audio. I bought one of the $9 thingies because I was very curious. A lot of people have speculated that it somehow contained a DAC since they assumed that lightning only output digital and it needed to be converted to analog for standard phones. Just look at this thing:

On my screen, that's its actual size. There's no freaking way it could contain a DAC. Besides, it would also need an amp, which would be even bigger. I used the thingie to connect my old world phones to my iPhone 6. Straight up analog audio.

Sorry, I missed this.  No, it does not, but it can power a DAC for Digital Audio.

Smackie was on the Micro USB powered DAC train up until April when my newest phone (LG G5) switched to USB-C and I haven't yet received my pair of USB-C powered headphones.

If you go iPhone 7, you don't want to use the dongle.  You want go this route: 

http://www.zorloo.com/aero   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2016, 01:20:07 pm
But what I really came here for:

Apple is in talks with McLaren for a potential Acquisition (https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/21/apple-is-in-talks-with-mclaren-for-a-potential-acquisition-report-says/)

McLaren!?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on September 21, 2016, 03:29:29 pm
Rangers' Double Play Breaks Mike Scioscia's Spirit (http://deadspin.com/rangers-double-play-breaks-mike-scioscias-spirit-1786898032)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2016, 03:35:09 pm
Rangers' Double Play Breaks Mike Scioscia's Spirit (http://deadspin.com/rangers-double-play-breaks-mike-scioscias-spirit-1786898032)

I made that face months ago....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 22, 2016, 10:50:18 am
I'm not sure if anybody is still using laptops or desktops to listen to music, but if you are Zoorloo just released an affordable USB Audio Class 2 compatible DAC that supports up to 192kHz and 24-bit high resolution audio. If you've got a decent set of headphones, this things a must:

24-bit/192 kHz ]Review (http://www.gizmag.com/review-zorloo-zuperdac/40446/)

ZuperDAC (http://www.zorloo.com/#!zuperdac/ci25)

I've been recommending their MicroUSB Z:ero in-ear buds to any Android user who will listen.  This will open it up to everyone.

192/24 music files are at best a waste, and at worse of lower fidelity than 44.1/16.

24/192 Music Downloads ...and why they make no sense (http://people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html)
 
maybe i'm an audio nerd, but i found this to be a fascinating read.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 22, 2016, 02:34:35 pm
I don't yet have time to read it all yet, but I did find it funny that they have updated it 4 times but haven't yet removed the issue of "space" as that is no longer an issue for devices in the modern world.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 22, 2016, 03:24:45 pm
haven't yet removed the issue of "space" as that is no longer an issue for devices in the modern world.

i agree that storage is cheap, but not free.  my music file collection is huge, i wouldn't want it to take up 6X the space it currently does.  i'm sure i'm not the only one who does not have such free storage capacity.  not everyone is sitting on a NAS.

adding a few teras would cost me $60+ plus a few hours of my time for an internal drive, or deal with an external multi-terabyte drive ($50 for low performance, $100+ for something decent)... but why would i want to either of those things when there is no benefit? (if not a disadvantage)...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 30, 2016, 02:42:55 pm
I found this article (http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/ricky-williams-awful-nfl-contract-never-gave-him-a-chance/) to be a fantastic read. As my default "sports fan who is also a lawyer," I think you will enjoy it as well.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 06, 2016, 02:07:59 pm
I found this article (http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/ricky-williams-awful-nfl-contract-never-gave-him-a-chance/) to be a fantastic read. As my default "sports fan who is also a lawyer," I think you will enjoy it as well.

Sorry - I missed this.  I can't beleive they wrote that entire article without mentioning Master P, the "archtiect" of that deal.  I've had the pleasure of talking to Leigh Steinberg about this deal and he said something along the lines of it being the worst deal ever made.  Even worse than the Ditka trade that broughr Ricky to New Orleans.  (this conversation was before the Redskins-Rams trade, which I think was worse). 

Also, how underated was Tiki Barber? 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 06, 2016, 02:17:05 pm
Also, how underated was Tiki Barber? 
He will never get his due because everyone who has ever met him -- or even heard him speak on TV -- hates his guts. He's seems thoroughly unlikable.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 06, 2016, 08:58:10 pm
I just figured it out. Sturgill is the White Director.

Who of your contemporaries inspires you?
Fearless hip-hoppers like Kendrick Lamar, Run the Jewels and Chance. I thought D'Angelo's record was criminally underrated. I'd like to spend a month at Frank Ocean's house.

http://www.rollingstone.com/country/features/the-fighting-side-of-sturgill-simpson-w443513

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 07, 2016, 04:50:28 pm
The Ballad of Justin Bobby (http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2016/10/07/ballad-justin-bobby/)

"This is how it went down: A couple years ago, with Justin Bobby largely removed from the public eye, I was joking around on Twitter with a friend, wondering whatever happened to him. Where have you gone, Justin Bobby? I tweeted. Not two minutes went by and Justin Bobby was sliding into my DMs, ready to engage?"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 17, 2016, 07:16:45 pm
(https://s.aolcdn.com/dims5/amp:7295f3d6f8854d5128398b30dec79de366dc1681/q:100/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fo.aolcdn.com%2Fhss%2Fstorage%2Fmidas%2Fe670b2a7ed1580e5c14588da2a5fcfce%2F204469347%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2016-10-17%2Bat%2B2.22.06%2BPM.png)

Porn down in CA for a day to protest a proposition. (https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/17/porn-sites-blocked-california-users-today-to-protest-proposed-la/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 17, 2016, 07:58:45 pm
now that will get people to act!
Maybe the Hillary campaign could use that tactic
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2016, 12:26:41 am
Oh Canada.  You're so damn cute sometimes....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stGhjokq57U
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 18, 2016, 09:01:51 am
so Smakie...are you a part of the suit that wants full purchase price instead of the 10bill settlement?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 18, 2016, 05:45:43 pm
so Smakie...are you a part of the suit that wants full purchase price instead of the 10bill settlement?

No, but I'll take it if it's offered from the Class Action.  That other suit is going to drag on for years and I need to move on. 

I argued in my letter to the judge that I'd like sale value on Sept 1 instead of trade in value, in addition to lost registration fees and sales tax.  I would never trade in a car as it's only a win for the dealer - I've personally sold every car I've ever replaced.  A personal sale is not possible now with this car, so it's unfair that my only option is a trade-in to the exact dealer who killed the sales market.  Seems illogical to me.

The only advantage for the trade in value would be if they also gave me a sales tax break in my state for the trade in value.  When you trade in a car, in some states you don't pay sales tax on the trade in value, but only on the difference between trade in and purchase price.  That would save me about $2000.

I'm also negotiating a deal with the dealer who sold me the Audi, so the sooner we have a bench mark to start from the sooner we can come to a resolution.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 23, 2016, 11:14:00 pm
Facebook tells me the epic Smackie and Sweetcell U2 show in Vegas was 7 years ago today (the 23rd).

I think my head still hurts.   Also, I posted from a Windows Phone back then.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 24, 2016, 01:17:24 pm
Facebook tells me the epic Smackie and Sweetcell U2 show in Vegas was 7 years ago today (the 23rd).

I think my head still hurts.   Also, I posted from a Windows Phone back then.

#neverforget #cantremember
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 24, 2016, 05:16:48 pm
I remember walking across the desert to get to a road where we thought it would be easier to get a cab.  When we finally got to the gentlemen's club, the door guy thanked you for dressing up and pointed at your dirty sneakers. #neverforget #ithinkiremember
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 26, 2016, 01:53:05 pm
I am considering the purchase of a Netgear Arlo starter pack. Is there a similar product in this space that you would recommend above this?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 26, 2016, 06:05:47 pm
I actually have no experience with security cameras, sorry.  I was offered the Nest Cam to try out, but declined because I didn't want to know that Cheech just lays around all day and does nothing.  Or that he parties with other neighborhood dogs.  I just didn't need to know.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 27, 2016, 02:21:43 pm
14 long years ago today.....

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CvyTTNxUEAAIDuX.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on October 27, 2016, 02:38:42 pm
I am considering the purchase of a Netgear Arlo starter pack. Is there a similar product in this space that you would recommend above this?

Do you suspect the nanny is tippling the aquavit and replacing it with water?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 27, 2016, 02:49:10 pm
I am considering the purchase of a Netgear Arlo starter pack. Is there a similar product in this space that you would recommend above this?

Do you suspect the nannyhousekeeper is tippling the aquavit and replacing it with water?
FTFY. I don't have children.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 27, 2016, 03:24:46 pm
but do you have aquavit?

*shudder*
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 27, 2016, 03:33:02 pm
BTW, Sweetcell -

This week's Economist is all boot how great Canada is:

(http://cdn.static-economist.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/print-cover-full/print-covers/20161029_cuk400.jpg)

Don't worry.  We still no better....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 27, 2016, 03:36:20 pm
but do you have aquavit?

*shudder*
I don't usually stock it but I do have a bottle at current because a local distillery makes it and I bought a bottle on a whim when I went to pick up gin and rum.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on October 27, 2016, 03:46:47 pm
Green Hat?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 27, 2016, 04:01:41 pm
Green Hat?
No, although Green Hat is a good gin.

UA Naval Strength Gin (http://www.jrdistillery.com/main.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 27, 2016, 04:43:49 pm
BTW, Sweetcell -

This week's Economist is all boot how great Canada is:

i shall be reading it forthwith.  actually, i might hold off and wait for the print copy - both because it looks nice, and because i suspect it's giving you a mild heart attack to know that we're still getting treeware ;D

Don't worry.  We still no better....
 
know you don't!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 27, 2016, 06:47:31 pm
Don't worry.  We still no better....
 
know you don't!

Well played.

i shall be reading it forthwith.  actually, i might hold off and wait for the print copy - both because it looks nice, and because i suspect it's giving you a mild heart attack to know that we're still getting treeware ;D

That would bother your wife more than me, I'd imagine.  Plus I'm going to tell all of your new neighbors.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 28, 2016, 02:19:58 pm
(http://importrates.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2017-Porsche-Macan-Base-White.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 28, 2016, 02:32:51 pm
Are you the proud owner of this?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 28, 2016, 03:10:27 pm
What is it? Kinda looks like a whale...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Space Freely on October 28, 2016, 03:21:00 pm
What is it? Kinda looks like a whale...

Right click on the image and go to properties.

I've never been a fan of white cars but my mom swears by them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 28, 2016, 06:30:54 pm
What is it? Kinda looks like a whale...

Right click on the image and go to properties.

I've never been a fan of white cars but my mom swears by them.

I don't have a right click on my chromebook!


What kind of whale is it???
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 28, 2016, 07:53:58 pm
I take delivery of the Porsche Macan next week.  It's been making its way from Stuttgart Leipzig and now that the VW Settlement has been approved, we have reached agreement with the dealer as well.  I'm pretty stoked.

I've never been a fan of white cars but my mom swears by them.

This is my third white car.  I've had red (and the wife's car is red) but was constantly pulled over.  I thought about going back to dark gray, but I really wanted the beige interior, and didn't like the beige/gray combo.  For me, it's a black car that I'd never own - impossible to keep clean.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 28, 2016, 08:18:24 pm
I am not a car guy by any measure but congratulations. You seem excited about it! Happy for ya!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkie,talkie on October 28, 2016, 08:51:34 pm
I never post, in this thread . . . and I don't know why.  I am sure, there are those, who say, thank god.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 28, 2016, 10:30:50 pm
Walkie, I know my thread has many lurkers. You are always welcome to post.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 02, 2016, 03:29:13 pm
The Lost Children of ?Runaway Train? (https://melmagazine.com/the-children-of-runaway-train-19ee8f6aabf8#.t63om5jgd)

The video for Soul Asylum?s 1993 smash hit featured real missing kids. Some came home; some never did.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 07, 2016, 12:27:16 pm
25 years ago today...

(https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/MMFSJI-VNhaqIq_ArC2Ys37Kz1Dh0lw557YJ7DHQcOjl843WrRBZqi-T7PgQOBzhWlGgkkbG0J-ezOXDEc5VrRVVBBdU43QFkoXto2e2fRutn-DkZfeg0YZ1W-HPaMuJJy0cFpuUchj9srHt-43k2Xh19CxSKPxdKdM=s0-d-e1-ft#https://static01.nyt.com/images/2016/11/07/us/07californiatoday2/07californiatoday2-articleLarge.jpg)

Magic Johnson announced he was HIV Positive.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 08, 2016, 04:49:16 pm
I take delivery of the Porsche Macan next week.  It's been making its way from Stuttgart Leipzig and now that the VW Settlement has been approved, we have reached agreement with the dealer as well.  I'm pretty stoked.

I've never been a fan of white cars but my mom swears by them.

This is my third white car.  I've had red (and the wife's car is red) but was constantly pulled over.  I thought about going back to dark gray, but I really wanted the beige interior, and didn't like the beige/gray combo.  For me, it's a black car that I'd never own - impossible to keep clean.
my president is black, my prius too
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 08, 2016, 06:01:29 pm
my president is black, my prius too

I guess I'm just thinking for the future:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J6I0H75Hkwls3D2F3YCecPsdztDGNPJIoVosuZoRZjvRnxiQkQHzEtirQFhfRiGClSy5yTl5X3uaq1BNVQe0UcEozTmhEhq5WZxcHlPaYRNBQZHNAIfDSGef3Wa2qZMJZWpq6WlKiOVtetQZ-MxCYGVR5pUR4D_t9SlZQoqPmjTJ4Z4Yie6xoxX4pWp2aYlShHHfiWM8xxhhI8hiyi6O3WqUj1rqbfUhTQVBhcRsuQ3RxxQEc89aDqCcLVUtUTVxusIY0-UyJqfI6AR3cA0NkdUI_Fs5J8D8b9SE3na3hO_56tkIYzXpd0yEqrJjv7b38025UfBdnudn-zmNiNzorQDNgBaS6EpPh3DwYLRZ32CPauBo_8BuRqfYFWEG5FBXYwSwBonA3vxQwdXtwBRNRgii4SVTY6GKm7DBh46VaEoO_z2Cl22EK6yYG_3-_YtTxxOrVIkkIp1no83YBRWjAQD2etnY4vh_Vm10SNIxfgS7ri4tO3Dgvw93-urT0H7yHhcrdDWGKpduBX8M0OiMYYy64CaTC3sxucONJc9w4bkLv1unC56IOj-6nDtcvP72cRd7Uv8z6F_s_RwO3o_GAz2p_NKOnEQHma1bRxAiyHejJAeyeA=w1392-h783-no)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 08, 2016, 06:10:14 pm
shouldn't you be getting one of these then
(https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/lamborgini-sports-orange-car-15302618.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 08, 2016, 06:12:00 pm
shouldn't you be getting one of these then

One comma short.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 08, 2016, 06:21:53 pm
shouldn't you be getting one of these then

One comma short.
grrr with the freakin grammar police
I come to the 930 forum to free myself from the shackles of English grammar and spelling
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 08, 2016, 06:24:13 pm
I believe he was saying his income was one comma short (Tres commas) to afford the pictured car, not taking shots at your grammar.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 08, 2016, 06:40:59 pm
dang...feeling a little sensitive today
is it Wednesday yet!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on November 08, 2016, 06:58:19 pm
I'm just bummed I cant use my joke anymore in a few months
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 08, 2016, 07:51:59 pm
my president is black, my prius too

I'm just bummed I cant use my joke anymore in a few months

My black car was cool back when there was a black president?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 08, 2016, 08:04:49 pm
I believe he was saying his income was one comma short (Tres commas) to afford the pictured car, not taking shots at your grammar.

This. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOB2qHG-8Vo)  I would correct your grammar in red with proper Metalinguistic Feedback.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 15, 2016, 12:31:08 pm
I was going to post this article about Apple making a $299 coffee table book with photos of their devices throughout the years (https://www.engadget.com/2016/11/15/designed-by-apple-in-california-photo-book/?sr_source=Facebook) in the When Reality Reflects The Onion thread, but I decided I would rather see you tee off on this instead. So, have at it. . .
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on November 15, 2016, 01:18:16 pm
my president is black, my prius too

I guess I'm just thinking for the future:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J6I0H75Hkwls3D2F3YCecPsdztDGNPJIoVosuZoRZjvRnxiQkQHzEtirQFhfRiGClSy5yTl5X3uaq1BNVQe0UcEozTmhEhq5WZxcHlPaYRNBQZHNAIfDSGef3Wa2qZMJZWpq6WlKiOVtetQZ-MxCYGVR5pUR4D_t9SlZQoqPmjTJ4Z4Yie6xoxX4pWp2aYlShHHfiWM8xxhhI8hiyi6O3WqUj1rqbfUhTQVBhcRsuQ3RxxQEc89aDqCcLVUtUTVxusIY0-UyJqfI6AR3cA0NkdUI_Fs5J8D8b9SE3na3hO_56tkIYzXpd0yEqrJjv7b38025UfBdnudn-zmNiNzorQDNgBaS6EpPh3DwYLRZ32CPauBo_8BuRqfYFWEG5FBXYwSwBonA3vxQwdXtwBRNRgii4SVTY6GKm7DBh46VaEoO_z2Cl22EK6yYG_3-_YtTxxOrVIkkIp1no83YBRWjAQD2etnY4vh_Vm10SNIxfgS7ri4tO3Dgvw93-urT0H7yHhcrdDWGKpduBX8M0OiMYYy64CaTC3sxucONJc9w4bkLv1unC56IOj-6nDtcvP72cRd7Uv8z6F_s_RwO3o_GAz2p_NKOnEQHma1bRxAiyHejJAeyeA=w1392-h783-no)

Nice.  You got the S model, I hope.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on November 15, 2016, 02:32:13 pm
Rockville Porsche has 14 in stock, starting at $53,615.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 15, 2016, 03:08:06 pm
I was going to post this article about Apple making a $299 coffee table book with photos of their devices throughout the years (https://www.engadget.com/2016/11/15/designed-by-apple-in-california-photo-book/?sr_source=Facebook) in the When Reality Reflects The Onion thread, but I decided I would rather see you tee off on this instead. So, have at it. . .

That shouldn't surprise anyone. And people will buy them up as holiday gifts for sure.

I am a huge Annie Leibovitz fan and couldn't pull the trigger on a first edition Photographs 1970-1990 at $150 (hardcover).  $300 for the photography of Andrew Zuckerman only photographing Apple products is just insane,  but I have no doubt they will on coffee tables of friends in SF after the holidays.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 15, 2016, 03:22:30 pm
Nice.  You got the S model, I hope.

I've been waiting for this.  As I was looking at the Evoque and the Discovery Sport, I could hear you chirping in my ear "get the bigger one!"

The S was off the table as part of the settlement negotiations with the Porsche/Audi dealer.  I even attempted the base price equivalent and then upgrade to the S/GTS/Turbo, but no.  I was offered a base Macan and the opportunity to pay for upgrades, which I did.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on November 15, 2016, 03:38:29 pm
Nice.  You got the S model, I hope.

I've been waiting for this.  As I was looking at the Evoque and the Discovery Sport, I could hear you chirping in my ear "get the bigger one!"

The S was off the table as part of the settlement negotiations with the Porsche/Audi dealer.  I even attempted the base price equivalent and then upgrade to the S/GTS/Turbo, but no.  I was offered a base Macan and the opportunity to pay for upgrades, which I did.

The Evoque is terrible.  Classic case of taking a very good car and trying to miniaturize it.  The Macan is great in itself; it isn't just a mini-Cayenne.  Many say it's superior to its big brother. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 15, 2016, 03:51:01 pm
I was going to post this article about Apple making a $299 coffee table book with photos of their devices throughout the years (https://www.engadget.com/2016/11/15/designed-by-apple-in-california-photo-book/?sr_source=Facebook) in the When Reality Reflects The Onion thread, but I decided I would rather see you tee off on this instead. So, have at it. . .

That shouldn't surprise anyone. And people will buy them up as holiday gifts for sure.

I am a huge Annie Leibovitz fan and couldn't pull the trigger on a first edition Photographs 1970-1990 at $150 (hardcover).  $300 for the photography of Andrew Zuckerman only photographing Apple products is just insane,  but I have no doubt they will on coffee tables of friends in SF after the holidays.
I'm holding out for the rumoured $349 deluxe Apple Coffee Table Book S in rose gold that supposedly we're getting early next year.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 15, 2016, 03:57:18 pm
The Evoque is terrible.  Classic case of taking a very good car and trying to miniaturize it.  The Macan is great in itself; it isn't just a mini-Cayenne.  Many say it's superior to its big brother. 

You're spot on about the Evoque.  It was a terrible drive and I preferred the Disco Sport to it, but just barely.  I was very disappointed with the line and both fell behind the X1 after driving them.  But nothing touched the Macan in that class in terms of luxury and performance.  I took a 500 mile drive last week down Pacific Coast Highway with a guy who owns a Cayenne and he's ready to trade his in for the Macan.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 14, 2016, 11:25:10 am
Smackie, are you going to beat the hell out of that car (http://jalopnik.com/disgruntled-diesel-vw-owners-are-stripping-their-cars-b-1790053005) before you turn it back in?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 14, 2016, 12:58:43 pm
Smackie, are you going to beat the hell out of that car (http://jalopnik.com/disgruntled-diesel-vw-owners-are-stripping-their-cars-b-1790053005) before you turn it back in?

It's already gone, but both head lights were out, the service engine light had been on for the last 5,000 miles and one of the mirror side mirrors was hanging on for dear life from being parked on the street for the last month.

I thought about beating the piss out of it, but that would just about assure the worst case scenario for the polluter - further pollution by being stacked up in the junkyard with 450,000 other similar models.  That didn't make sense to me and even if VW cuts some of it's losses by selling a repaired version of my car, it was better in my eyes than scrap heap.

 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 14, 2016, 10:13:31 pm
that is some funny shit

I don't think I ever got the question answered.

if you use biodiesel in one of these
what is the impact to emissions?


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 14, 2016, 11:07:32 pm
this seems as good a thread as any to ask

Has anyone had experience with  Home Energy Monitors

looking at Sense, Neurino  and Curb
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 14, 2016, 11:59:52 pm
I'm drunk and ubering home from a cocktail party where I met Tom Ridge and I just found this. . .

http://gizmodo.com/this-is-a-250-lube-dispenser-1790091929?rev=1481727689570&utm_campaign=socialflow_gizmodo_facebook&utm_source=gizmodo_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

. . . and I could think of no place to share it but here.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 15, 2016, 09:36:00 am
Tom Ridge? Seems like a good guy
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 15, 2016, 09:47:35 am
Tom Ridge? Seems like a good guy
He drank one glass of white wine and then left.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 15, 2016, 10:23:30 am
Tom Ridge? Seems like a good guy
He drank one glass of white wine and then left.

thanks for the report...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 15, 2016, 10:27:21 am
Tom Ridge? Seems like a good guy
He drank one glass of white wine and then left.

thanks for the report...
I'm a journalist first and a human second.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2016, 12:49:24 pm
if you use biodiesel in one of these
what is the impact to emissions?

The actual physical output of CO2 is roughly the same, but the measurement of Overall Impact would be less because of the offset of the plant that produced the biodiesel taking in as much CO2 as you would be omitting.

Depending on the concentration of the biodiesel, 100% biodiesel fuel would be about 74% less green house gas emissions than standard diesel #2.  The less percentage of biodiesel, the lower the difference.  Follow the red line on the chart below:

(http://www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/images/biodiesel-emissions-graph.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2016, 12:51:49 pm
I'm drunk and ubering home from a cocktail party where I met Tom Ridge and I just found this. . . 

Pricey, but useful.

Also, had my first ride in a self driving Uber last night.  Someone still sits in the drivers seat, which is comforting, but I was still fascinated.  And nervous.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 15, 2016, 12:57:48 pm
Also, had my first ride in a self driving Uber last night.  Someone still sits in the drivers seat, which is comforting, but I was still fascinated.  And nervous.
Michigan just passed a law allowing the driverless cars to not require a person in the drivers seat, I think.

I am totally in favor of driverless cars. I think we're going to get to a point where none/few of us own cars and we just pay a monthly fee for unlimited rides in something resembling driverless Uber. It would cut the number of needed cars dramatically and be a great environmental boon.

Also, the day I can fall asleep in the back seat of my car on a Friday night and wake up Saturday morning in a parking lot in Ann Arbor is the day when I start attending every Michigan football game home-and-away for the rest of my life.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2016, 01:03:33 pm
Michigan just passed a law allowing the driverless cars to not require a person in the drivers seat, I think.

I'm not sure I could have done that - maybe on a test track or something, but I'll be honest - it was a bit nerve racking to see the guy with no hands on the wheel and the screen interpreting all that was happening around you.  I asked him if he ever had to take over and he said yes, while making a left hand turn as the light was going from yellow to green.  The car just stopped in the middle of the intersection because it was a red light in the direction they were headed.

I'm sure I'll get used to it, but the first time is equal parts fascination and fear.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 15, 2016, 02:42:38 pm
if you use biodiesel in one of these
what is the impact to emissions?

The actual physical output of CO2 is roughly the same, but the measurement of Overall Impact would be less because of the offset of the plant that produced the biodiesel taking in as much CO2 as you would be omitting.

Depending on the concentration of the biodiesel, 100% biodiesel fuel would be about 74% less green house gas emissions than standard diesel #2.  The less percentage of biodiesel, the lower the difference.  Follow the red line on the chart below:

Is the only thing out of the tailpipe we are concerned about is C02?
I thought there was a lot of other gunk we were concerned about as pollutants

I didn't realize it was essentially the same as far as CO2
So manufacturing the BioDiesel is part of the problem

but 74% less green house gasses sounds like an impressive #
Guess the issue is access to 100B

As if I could get access to 100B and got one of these VW/Audis ....wouldn't that be a good thing?
you'd think this could really spur that market as there would be low cost to entry for pretty solid cars
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 15, 2016, 05:28:14 pm
In that chart:

HC = Hydrocarbons
CO = Carbon Monoxide
PM = Particulate Matter
NOX = Nitrogen Oxide

So yes, savings in some places (green house gases) and increases in others (cancer causing chemicals). 

Now, depending on how they treat the NOX (via a trap like the 2.0L engines, or with the BluTech liquid for larger engines) this can be mitigated, but yes, there is a 10% increase in NOX which would be above the legal CARB limits, which may or may not apply in your state.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on December 20, 2016, 06:49:13 pm
Smackie, are you going to beat the hell out of that car (http://jalopnik.com/disgruntled-diesel-vw-owners-are-stripping-their-cars-b-1790053005) before you turn it back in?

It's already gone, but both head lights were out, the service engine light had been on for the last 5,000 miles and one of the mirror side mirrors was hanging on for dear life from being parked on the street for the last month.

I thought about beating the piss out of it, but that would just about assure the worst case scenario for the polluter - further pollution by being stacked up in the junkyard with 450,000 other similar models.  That didn't make sense to me and even if VW cuts some of it's losses by selling a repaired version of my car, it was better in my eyes than scrap heap.

 

This VW Diesel Owner Is About To Turn In A Completely Stripped Car  (http://jalopnik.com/this-vw-diesel-owner-is-about-to-turn-in-a-completely-s-1790289804)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 20, 2016, 07:36:11 pm
This VW Diesel Owner Is About To Turn In A Completely Stripped Car  (http://jalopnik.com/this-vw-diesel-owner-is-about-to-turn-in-a-completely-s-1790289804)

Saw that last night.  He wins....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on December 21, 2016, 12:14:31 pm
This VW Diesel Owner Is About To Turn In A Completely Stripped Car  (http://jalopnik.com/this-vw-diesel-owner-is-about-to-turn-in-a-completely-s-1790289804)

Saw that last night.  He wins....

Not yet he hasn't.  VW is stalling with Lawyers.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 21, 2016, 01:27:43 pm
Not yet he hasn't.  VW is stalling with Lawyers.

They have to put up a fight because they're so behind on this process and people are so upset that this will easily become the norm. 

Unfortunately, they're relying on the "spirit of the settlement" defense, rather than the actual text of the settlement:

- to be eligible cars have to be ?operable,? a term the settlement (https://www.vwcourtsettlement.com/en/docs/FTC/Approved%20FTC%20Consent%20Order.pdf) defines clearly as ?can be driven under its own 2.0- liter TDI engine power.?

But I get it, if they let this go without a fight, they're getting 400,000 more cars just like this over the next two years.  As I told Hoya on FB yesterday, it would cost me more to store the parts than I would make selling them on Ebay.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 22, 2016, 01:09:07 pm
In case you're really bored the next couple of weeks, spend some time here:

http://everynoise.com/engenremap.html

(http://www.vomzi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/top-head-exploding-gif.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on December 22, 2016, 02:37:32 pm
I find the distinction between technical death metal and technical brutal death metal to be...nuanced.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 22, 2016, 02:41:43 pm
I find the distinction between technical death metal and technical brutal death metal to be...nuanced.
I only acknowledge deep symphony death metal as a valid artform.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 22, 2016, 02:48:06 pm
I feel like i prematurely used my gif.  I should have waited for comments like that.

Though, truthfully, I nearly threw something when I hit the oi playlist.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 22, 2016, 02:51:14 pm
I feel like i prematurely used my gif. 
Try thinking about box scores.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on December 22, 2016, 03:37:30 pm
Boogaloo!

http://everynoise.com/engenremap-boogaloo.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 22, 2016, 05:11:24 pm
Boogaloo!

http://everynoise.com/engenremap-boogaloo.html
I only acknowledge electric as a valid form of boogaloo.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on December 22, 2016, 05:14:48 pm
Vegan Straight Edge does not sound like what I though it would sound like.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 22, 2016, 05:31:56 pm
Vegan Straight Edge does not sound like what I though it would sound like.
I'm guessing its like that Krishna-kid, early-second-wave emo like Shelter or 108?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on December 22, 2016, 05:43:30 pm
Vegan Straight Edge does not sound like what I though it would sound like.
I'm guessing its like that Krishna-kid, early-second-wave emo like Shelter or 108?

Here's the song used as the sample:

Firestorm - Earth Crisis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn4QsRmm6Y0)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 22, 2016, 05:47:30 pm
Wow.  That is horrendous.

And definitely not vegan.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 25, 2016, 10:01:45 pm
On the plus side, Smackie just moved up the best looking men in the world list.

George Michael was an incredibly good looking dude.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on December 26, 2016, 05:13:41 pm
.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2017, 03:21:49 pm
Streaming overtakes U.S. digital music sales for first time: Nielsen (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-streaming-idUSKBN14P1YH)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 12, 2017, 04:08:05 pm
Mary J. Bilge
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on January 18, 2017, 04:54:00 pm
 M*A*S*H, Prime Time Television, and the California Angels of 1977  (http://thesportspost.com/baseball-history-mash-cal-angels/)

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 18, 2017, 05:39:20 pm
M*A*S*H, Prime Time Television, and the California Angels of 1977  (http://thesportspost.com/baseball-history-mash-cal-angels/)



Brilliant.  I had no idea...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2017, 03:47:24 pm
This is how Trump won.

U.S. Cassette Album Sales Increased by 74% in 2016, Led by 'Guardians' Soundtrack (http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7662572/us-cassette-album-sales-increase-2016-guardians)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on January 23, 2017, 04:52:43 pm
Vegan Straight Edge does not sound like what I though it would sound like.
I'm guessing its like that Krishna-kid, early-second-wave emo like Shelter or 108?

better than most theories..
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on January 24, 2017, 03:33:34 pm
I've been wondering in what universe 27 is greater than 34.  A quick google search returns the following non-sequiturial results:

[from the qur'an]: Surat An-Naml [verse 34] - She said, "Indeed kings - when they enter a city, they ruin it and render the honored of its people humbled. And thus do they do.

[from the bible]: Matthew 27:34New International Version (NIV). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.

[from ESPN]: Sep 25, 2016 - Offense hums early before Packers hold off Lions 34-27. Aaron Rodgers threw for 205 yards and four touchdowns, including two in the first half ...

[from the LDS book]: Aaron teaches Lamoni?s father about the Creation, the Fall of Adam, and the plan of redemption through Christ?The king and all his household are converted?The division of the land between the Nephites and the Lamanites is explained. About 90?77 B.C.


but I think none of these are what you mean.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 24, 2017, 03:55:53 pm
I've been wondering in what universe 27 is greater than 34. 
Mike Trout > Bryce Harper

(Don't feel bad, I had a pet theory for a while that he was married at 27 and divorced at 34 and was wistful but that was completely obliterated once I took a few seconds to actually ponder all things I knew about Smackie.)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on January 24, 2017, 04:03:21 pm
This is far more disappointing than I imagined.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 24, 2017, 04:08:04 pm
This is far more disappointing than I imagined.
The real excitement is in my signature.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2017, 05:02:05 pm
This is far more disappointing than I imagined.

Indeed.

It was exciting back in 2012 when I made the prediction as this board was ejaculating all over Harper's hair, but it so obvious now that I will need to make another bold prediction soon.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2017, 05:03:18 pm
This is far more disappointing than I imagined.
The real excitement is in my signature.

I feel the Luxottica deal is a bigger merger right now....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 24, 2017, 06:21:15 pm
It was exciting back in 2012 when I made the prediction as this board was ejaculating all over Harper's hair, but it so obvious now that I will need to make another bold prediction soon.

you mean one that is actually correct?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2017, 07:03:21 pm
you mean one that is actually correct?

Off the top of my head, I can only think of two bad predictions:

(1) HD-DVD vs Blu-ray
(2) Hillary will win the electoral college.

But I welcome others.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 24, 2017, 07:12:42 pm
I'll make a bold prediction that you won't see Vick take another snap at QB in a regular season game again.  Except maybe as a Raider someday.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 24, 2017, 07:17:37 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Doomter Doc:
  Here's what I predict... in a year or two, you'll be able to buy Apples with Windows already pre-bundled.
I'm with you.  And it will be $100 more.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2017, 07:30:52 pm
I'll make a bold prediction that you won't see Vick take another snap at QB in a regular season game again.  Except maybe as a Raider someday.

Great find.

See if you can find my Tiger Woods prediction, if I even put it on here, where I bet a bartender $1000 that Tiger Woods didn't really hurt his knee, but instead was being quietly removed from the tour a week before they start testing for HGH.  How would we prove it?  He won't win a single tournament next year.  That was almost 4 years ago and I haven't paid for a drink in that bar since.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 24, 2017, 11:26:51 pm
I know I asked the 27>34 question before and I squat about sports, so even when I heard it I was a waste of bytes
...but jadedgratefulex jump-started this thread with a walk through a history that I didn't know existed
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on January 25, 2017, 08:54:12 am
Cousin Oliver gets no respect around here.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 25, 2017, 02:52:02 pm
Cousin Oliver gets no respect around here.

On this board somewhere, Smackie debates with Julian about Cousin Oliver as we have starkly different opinions of this character.  One of us puts him in the pantheon of TV characters on The OC.  And he is wrong, though I did promise to watch again and have not done so.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 25, 2017, 03:25:25 pm
Cousin Oliver gets no respect around here.

On this board somewhere, Smackie debates with Julian about Cousin Oliver as we have starkly different opinions of this character.  One of us puts him in the pantheon of TV characters on The OC.  And he is wrong, though I did promise to watch again and have not done so.
Pantheon? I don't know about pantheon. I find his run of episodes episodes less grating than you do. Although I'm definitely on the record of saying he pronounces "crudites" uniquely, so maybe that's what you're recalling.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 25, 2017, 03:27:09 pm
Found it by searching for "Crudites":

http://forum.930.com/index.php?topic=23589.75

Bottom of the page it starts.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on January 25, 2017, 03:56:07 pm
So you guys missed the reference completely?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPCxbC1i9XI
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 25, 2017, 05:10:54 pm
So you guys missed the reference completely?

Oh wow, yep totally missed that.

I would absolutely rather watch Oliver on the OC before I watch Oliver on the Brady Bunch.

I will say this though, even after all these years, my feelings for Marsha haven't changed at all.  I might even like her even more as I've gotten older.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on January 25, 2017, 09:12:22 pm
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/e7/1c/82/e71c82a744dc22b50d5a97dad21c0897.jpg)

But Jan had a real ur-Gwyneth Paltrow thing going in the last season.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 25, 2017, 10:32:27 pm
So you guys missed the reference completely?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPCxbC1i9XI
I will say I thought the brady bunch when I saw CO
I might even like her even more as I've gotten older.
she is way way hotter older
not many individuals can do that
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on January 26, 2017, 10:31:26 am
I'd like add that Robbie Rist aka Cousin Oliver is highly regarded in Power Pop circles
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 11, 2017, 11:58:55 am
Check out @ditzkoff's Tweet: https://twitter.com/ditzkoff/status/830265494389321728?s=09

Warning: Contains foul language.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 11, 2017, 12:38:17 pm

Now that I fired my internet security stooge Hutch hijacks my account at will:

I really liked what led into it though...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jim-jefferies-piers-morgan-donald-trump-bill-maher_us_589ec37ee4b0ab2d2b157f58?u9rxegaa3qe2ucv7vi

My sister is going to see Bill in a few weeks in Houston...

I think Maher reflects my view on things more than anybody...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 21, 2017, 06:08:59 pm
I finally got around to seeing Daft Punk Unchained.  Probably super late to that party, but I absolutely loved it, even if you don't learn a damn thing about Guy-Man and Thomas.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 23, 2017, 05:07:40 pm
Does a pretty good job here.  I'm going to have to think about this:

The OC Went Off The Air 10 Years Ago Today, Here Are My Top Five Moments And Songs From The Show (http://www.barstoolsports.com/barstoolu/the-oc-went-off-the-air-10-years-ago-today-here-are-my-top-five-moments-and-songs-from-the-show/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 23, 2017, 05:20:08 pm
Does a pretty good job here.  I'm going to have to think about this:

The OC Went Off The Air 10 Years Ago Today, Here Are My Top Five Moments And Songs From The Show (http://www.barstoolsports.com/barstoolu/the-oc-went-off-the-air-10-years-ago-today-here-are-my-top-five-moments-and-songs-from-the-show/)
I recently recommended this show to my friend Shamoniki and she finally took me up on my offer to borrow all four seasons on DVD about 2 weeks ago. (Physical media, I know!) Got a FB post on my timeline informing me she was on season 3 already and hadn't left the house in two days. ANOTHER CONVERT!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 23, 2017, 05:26:48 pm
Just off the top of my head:

Moments
(honorable mention) Oliver says "crudites"
5 Seth sails away
4 Johnnie falls to his death
3 Caleb dies while Julie was putting some salt on that marg
2 Coffee cart
1 Marissa shoots Trey

Songs
5 Sufjan Stevens - For The Widows In Paradise, For the Fatherless Boys in Ypsilanti
4 Nada Surf - If You Leave
3 Imogen Heap - What You Say
2 Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah
1 Youth Group - Forever Young


^^^ SUBJECT TO SO MUCH CHANGE
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 23, 2017, 05:44:13 pm
3 Caleb dies while Julie was putting some salt on that marg
^^^ SUBJECT TO SO MUCH CHANGE

I'm pretty sure this is my #1 for both.  I literally cannot listen to Coldplay's "Fix You" without saying "Sorry I missed Prom.  You're just in time." and then run around yelling "Julie?  Julie!" while clutching my chest and then throwing my drink in the air and yelling "Cal?  CAL!!!"  just hoping to God someone says "What are we going to do about you?"   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 03, 2017, 05:24:04 pm
Jim Jefferies gets his own late night series on Comedy Central (http://deadline.com/2017/03/comedy-central-jm-jefferies-late-night-series-1202035235/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 03, 2017, 05:34:07 pm
3 Caleb dies while Julie was putting some salt on that marg
^^^ SUBJECT TO SO MUCH CHANGE

I'm pretty sure this is my #1 for both.  I literally cannot listen to Coldplay's "Fix You" without saying "Sorry I missed Prom.  You're just in time." and then run around yelling "Julie?  Julie!" while clutching my chest and then throwing my drink in the air and yelling "Cal?  CAL!!!"  just hoping to God someone says "What are we going to do about you?"   
I somehow missed this comment until right now and that's probably my personal POTY so far.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 17, 2017, 01:12:17 pm
The Oxford Comma War,  Explained. (http://m.mentalfloss.com/article.php?id=33637)

Lack of an Oxford Comma Could Cost Maine company Millions in Dispute (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/16/us/oxford-comma-lawsuit.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 29, 2017, 05:10:36 pm
Do you have any preferences, brand-wise, for wifi LED lightbulbs?

It's been a while since I updated this, but I just wanted to let you know that we went with Belkin WeMo Light Switches instead of changing out bulbs.  This allowed us to keep our existing track lighting and still have the automation features (except changing colors, which might appeal to someone closer to 30, but not to us).   They are coming out with dimmer switches soon, so it hasn't been a complete changeover, but we have been super happy with the App and the IFTTT possibilities.   It also works with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 29, 2017, 09:27:30 pm
Do you have any preferences, brand-wise, for wifi LED lightbulbs?

It's been a while since I updated this, but I just wanted to let you know that we went with Belkin WeMo Light Switches instead of changing out bulbs. 
Is it something you could install yourself or did you have a professional electrician do it?
(since I'm in this thread, I likely know the answer)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on March 29, 2017, 10:47:36 pm
Drone Video Shows The Horrifying Scale Of The Volkswagen Buyback (http://jalopnik.com/drone-video-shows-the-horrifying-scale-of-the-volkswage-1793759596?rev=1490794743966&utm_campaign=socialflow_jalopnik_facebook&utm_source=jalopnik_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 29, 2017, 11:04:18 pm
This allowed us to keep our existing track lighting and still have the automation features (except changing colors, which might appeal to someone closer to 30, but not to us). 
Thank you for your thoughtful remarks. As someone closer to 30, the ability to make my home resemble a Thai opium den lighting-wise is, of course, essential.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 30, 2017, 01:16:53 pm
Is it something you could install yourself or did you have a professional electrician do it?
(since I'm in this thread, I likely know the answer)

I did them myself, which is legal in most of the US.  You'll have to check with your local jurisdiction, however.   

It took all of 5 minutes, and the only tricky part was making sure there was a neutral (white) wire in the wall hole, which is not used in most regular light switches, but is required for the Wemo switches.    Being a modern condo, they were there.

Here's a How-to-Video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3ML4zPMyHE)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 30, 2017, 01:26:30 pm
Drone Video Shows The Horrifying Scale Of The Volkswagen Buyback (http://jalopnik.com/drone-video-shows-the-horrifying-scale-of-the-volkswage-1793759596?rev=1490794743966&utm_campaign=socialflow_jalopnik_facebook&utm_source=jalopnik_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)

They've got a real problem on their hands. 

The 2015 (Gen3) can be resold soon, and are apparently performing alright.  But the previous iterations, which make up the vast majority that were sold, are having real problems 3 months after the fix (https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/mar/25/vw-volkswagen-audi-skoda-seat-emissions-fix-left-car-undriveable).  That's why they're all just sitting there.

It will be interesting to see if VW fixes them and sells them overseas (like Samsung is doing with the Note7) or if they crush them.  I doubt they'll be able to sell them in America if the dwindling performance over time continues.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 30, 2017, 01:35:17 pm
Article is burying the lead: the one-time pride of Metro Detroit, the Silverdome, is reduced to being a parking lot for GERMAN cars. The motor city weeps.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 30, 2017, 01:50:27 pm
Thank you for your thoughtful remarks. As someone closer to 30, the ability to make my home resemble a Thai opium den lighting-wise is, of course, essential.


In that case I would go with LiFX lights over Hue as their app is so much better.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on March 30, 2017, 02:33:59 pm
Burying the lede
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 19, 2017, 02:08:14 pm
3 Caleb dies while Julie was putting some salt on that marg
^^^ SUBJECT TO SO MUCH CHANGE

I'm pretty sure this is my #1 for both.  I literally cannot listen to Coldplay's "Fix You" without saying "Sorry I missed Prom.  You're just in time." and then run around yelling "Julie?  Julie!" while clutching my chest and then throwing my drink in the air and yelling "Cal?  CAL!!!"  just hoping to God someone says "What are we going to do about you?"   
I somehow missed this comment until right now and that's probably my personal POTY so far.

BTW - This also happened at the Easter Brunch and only one person got it.  She was the youngest person there (29ish...)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 19, 2017, 02:13:57 pm
She was the youngest person there (29ish...)
Is she single?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 19, 2017, 02:24:26 pm
so if they are buying them back...what are they going to do with all that inventory?

You can now Buy a Brand new TDI VW at Used Prices (http://jalopnik.com/you-can-now-buy-brand-new-tdi-volkswagens-with-crazy-di-1794431334)

As I predicted, they still haven't been able to fix the earlier models like mine, but these newer generations can be had on the cheap.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 19, 2017, 02:24:52 pm
She was the youngest person there (29ish...)
Is she single?

5 months pregnant.  Also grew up in Grosse Pointe.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 19, 2017, 02:30:38 pm
There are very few times when I say "I love Facebook" but old people on Facebook is one of them (I have altered the names):

------
‎George Walker‎ to DJ Roben
42 mins ·

DJ it's been a while I was just wondering if you were engaged yet, if not, what the hell are you waiting for, ANNA is so wonderful and perfect, time to pull the trigger buddy
----

George is the father of DJ's college roommate (DJ is 40 years old now).  I think/hope he thought he was sending a PM or that things on the wall would not be seen by all.   We're 45 minutes in, 35 comments have been made busting DJs chops and no word from DJ, who may not have seen it yet.

Should probably update this too as I'm going through the old thread posts...

DJ and Anna are not married, but Anna is due in July which has created an entirely new old persons kerfluffle on FB.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on April 19, 2017, 02:39:29 pm
DJ and Anna are not married, but Anna is due in July which has created an entirely new old persons kerfluffle on FB.

I'm just gonna step in right here and point out to all the pedantic prescriptivists that kerfluffle is an accepted alternate form of kerfuffle.

http://www.wikidiff.com/kerfuffle/kerfluffle

Cool your jets.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 19, 2017, 02:42:19 pm
grew up in Grosse Pointe.
Oooooooooooooh!!

5 months pregnant.
Oh.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 19, 2017, 02:43:11 pm
DJ and Anna are not married, but Anna is due in July which has created an entirely new old persons kerfluffle on FB.

I'm just gonna step in right here and point out to all the pedantic prescriptivists that kerfluffle is an accepted alternate form of kerfuffle.

http://www.wikidiff.com/kerfuffle/kerfluffle

Cool your jets.
You should have let it go and maybe a pretty fair kerfuffle would've ensued and then it would've made the Hall of Fame thread.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 19, 2017, 02:50:28 pm
Sorry, got distracted by this KERFUFFLE

There was a knife fight at Olive Garden (https://twitter.com/i/moments/854756239397462016)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 19, 2017, 02:54:06 pm
Sorry, got distracted by this KERFUFFLE

There was a knife fight at Olive Garden (https://twitter.com/i/moments/854756239397462016)
TAN: One of my best friends in Richmond is desperately interviewing for a management position at a forthcoming Cheesecake Factory in Toronto which is going to be "one of the premiere flagship locations in all of North America". I can't even wrap my head around this being someone's definition of "success".
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 08, 2017, 04:22:12 pm
Tom Holland's full performance of Rihanna's ?Umbrella" on Lip Sync Battle. (https://twitter.com/fcukspiderman/status/861544648686182400)

Stick it out until things go Flashdance.  Then pass the popcorn.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on May 16, 2017, 05:10:33 pm
Is this the proper thread for this?

http://www.wwtdd.com/2017/05/mckayla-maroney-defends-her-ass

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 16, 2017, 06:33:03 pm
She's not my style, but I'm happy to host the vote here.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 31, 2017, 01:50:53 pm
https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/869532150760165377
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 31, 2017, 04:27:22 pm
https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/869532150760165377

Yes, I loved that.

Also looking forward to the downfall of Paul Manafort and to see who he takes down with him.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 15, 2017, 08:10:06 pm
Essentially a free Alexa (minus the stereo speaker) - while my house is nearly a 100% Google Home household for voice assistants, even I couldn't pass this up:

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Dash-Wand-With-Alexa/dp/B01MQMJFDK
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on June 16, 2017, 09:17:04 am
Question: Ten years hence, what we will be embarrassed by that we were excited about in 2017?

Answer:  Installing third party accessible microphones and cameras in our own homes just so we can check the weather and order books hands free. (http://)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 16, 2017, 10:19:59 am
Question: Ten years hence, what we will be embarrassed by that we were excited about in 2017?

Answer:  Installing third party accessible microphones and cameras in our own homes just so we can check the weather and order books hands free. (http://)

invalid link - is this what you meant (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-what-financial-bloggers-think-will-embarrass-us-in-10-years-2017-06-14)?

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on June 16, 2017, 10:39:35 am
Question: Ten years hence, what we will be embarrassed by that we were excited about in 2017?

Answer:  Installing third party accessible microphones and cameras in our own homes just so we can check the weather and order books hands free. (http://)

invalid link - is this what you meant (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-what-financial-bloggers-think-will-embarrass-us-in-10-years-2017-06-14)?

Well I was trying to link this site (https://abnormalreturns.com/2017/06/07/finance-blogger-wisdom-a-current-embarrassment/), but its the same content.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 16, 2017, 12:00:25 pm
This will be the first product from Amazon in my Home Automation arsenal, other than a dash button, which is singular use. 

I have yet to purchase anything via voice, but my door unlocks and lights turn on via motion with geo-fencing and motion sensors; appliances, lights and electronics turn on and off via voice; music and TV selections are made via voice; and the temperature control is done via a combination of both voice and geo-fencing. 

Weather and purchases are short sighted,  and home automation is the future whether or not you let the kids play on your lawn.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 16, 2017, 12:14:19 pm
Dear Smax,

is there any appliance that allows one to pre-load Netflix movies?  out here in yonder boondocks, internet speeds are on the low side and streaming can be an issue.  locals would like to know if there is any way to download/pre-buffer/choose-your-term-here yea olde Netflix...

yours,
sc
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 16, 2017, 12:25:23 pm
Dear Smax,

is there any appliance that allows one to pre-load Netflix movies?  out here in yonder boondocks, internet speeds are on the low side and streaming can be an issue.  locals would like to know if there is any way to download/pre-buffer/choose-your-term-here yea olde Netflix...

yours,
sc

The netiflix app now allows for downloads (some titles are not allowed however). 

https://help.netflix.com/en/node/54816

What you need though, is a way to play it from your device to a TV, I'm assuming? 

The best way to do that that wirelessly is the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (works with phones and laptops) but I don't know if you'll appreciate the quality. 

You're better off finding a Wired solution, though one problem you will face is that I believe both of your phones are USB-C, and I haven't tried that yet with the Pixel or the Nexus line (EDIT: this is what I was afraid of (http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/10/10/psa-pixel-pixel-xl-not-work-googles-usb-c-hdmi-dongle/)).  It definitely worked from Micro-USB to HDMI though with the Nexus 5 (I still have the cable if you have an old Micro-USB phone).   You can go HDMI out from a laptop to your big screen too using an HDMI cable.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 16, 2017, 01:24:48 pm
Hold on, I need to think this through more.

I want to steer you towards the Nvidia Shield TV, not the K1, but I want to make sure it works first.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 16, 2017, 06:23:01 pm
OK Sweetcell, I've done my homework.  Sorry for the chaotic answers before.

As mentioned before, the Netflix app will download some, but not all, TV Shows and Movies.  Other apps will also allow for downloads - Google Play Movies, for example - that expire in time.  I often rent a movie on GPM a day before my flight and don't start it until I'm on the plane thus giving me 48 hours to watch it.

Netflix will currently only download to mobile devices and laptops - no set top boxes.  I was really hoping for a solution where you buy an STB like the Nvidia Shield TV and leave it hooked up to your TV, but no dice.

Thus you've got a couple choices - use your two Google phones and then wirelessly stream to the TV with the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.  This is how I watch soccer in my office, albeit via a Surface Pro, not my phone, though I have done it in a hotel room with my Pixel and it's fine.

The second option is to pick up a $150-$200 tablet and connect it directly to the TV via a Micro-USB to HDMI cable.  I used to do with my Nexus 10 and it's a decent solution, except - I couldn't power the tablet and watch at the same time as the USB port could only take one.  This did get me about 6 hours of viewing which was more than enough.  Not sure how much downloading you plan on doing, so you might want to buy a 16GB tablet with an expandable SD card slot so your storage is expanded.

Lastly, you could simply move back to civilization where internet is ubiquitous. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 19, 2017, 02:35:24 pm
Yacht Rock Radio returns to SiriusXM on Wednesday. Channel 17.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 23, 2017, 12:07:42 pm
Not the first time I've heard this rumor:

Did UK Producer Goldie Just Confirm the Identity of Banksy? (http://www.vulture.com/2017/06/banksy-true-identity.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 23, 2017, 02:24:19 pm
Just a heads up for Cord-cutters....

Washington DC will soon be added to the YouTube TV lineup.  $35, 40+ channels that includes locals (in some markets, that includes regional sports networks).  It has been my favorite of the cord cutting TV alternatives.

A couple caveats - streaming to TV's requires a Chromecast or TV with Google Cast capability (for now).  They did give me a free Chromecast after my one month free trial, however.  Also, TBS/TNT/Comedy Central are not currently part of the TV lineup.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 29, 2017, 12:57:33 pm
yawn... I'm finding 8tracks.com the best place to discover new music these days

;(  behind a paywall now
you can get 1 hour for free
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 29, 2017, 01:26:34 pm
Thanks for the reminder.  I stumbled upon an interesting new app called MusicLink (Android Version (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sockpuppetapps.link&rdid=com.sockpuppetapps.link), sorry, haven't found an Apple version yet).  It allows you to share songs with links to that song in different apps (Google Play Music, Spotify, Apple, Deezer, Youtube, etc.).

If you're like Smackie and have multiple avenues for sharing songs with friends who don't all use the same Music subscription service, it's a life saver.

Just install it, go your music player, and tap the share link to a song.  Choose MusicLink instead of just a text message or email, and then a link is generated giving you the option to share one link, that has all of the services.  Like this:

https://songlink.io/g/Tkpevayyszsuutmxjta4eawpvum

If you can get a hold of me, send me something to listen to.  But don't send this:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tY00V2UeCmPUHlAeX6qOp_XXROlxagtmyTn451zmzG9NHOl07C01UCilfaZ7g7OGxqs=h900-rw)



Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 29, 2017, 02:13:53 pm
I stumbled upon an interesting new app called MusicLink (Android Version (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sockpuppetapps.link&rdid=com.sockpuppetapps.link), sorry, haven't found an Apple version yet).  It allows you to share songs with links to that song in different apps (Google Play Music, Spotify, Apple, Deezer, Youtube, etc.).

now that's news you can use!
and I am glad they don't have an apple one...freakin' isheep
...although does that mean if the person you are sharing with has a iclone, can they not enjoy the link?


Edit...I think it works, but did find out that you can't do mixes tho...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 29, 2017, 02:19:47 pm

now that's news you can use!
and I am glad they don't have an apple one...freakin' isheep
...although does that mean if the person you are sharing with has a iclone, can they not enjoy the link?


No, iPhone can get the link and can listen to the music.

They just (currently) can't share songs back with you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 29, 2017, 02:20:57 pm
Isheep don't like to share...they are takers
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 29, 2017, 02:28:04 pm



Edit...I think it works, but did find out that you can't do mixes tho...

Right now, it's just for songs, although the link works for albums too.

Sharing playlists won't work, because that is app dependent.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 29, 2017, 06:24:15 pm
Smackie concurs, Wellshire and Hebrew are the best. 

We Tasted 10 Hot Dogs.  These are the Best. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/27/dining/best-hot-dogs-taste-test.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 07, 2017, 01:08:10 am
If Smackie still lived in DC, he'd make the rare trip to VA for The Cactus Blossoms @ Jammin Java in Vienna, VA, Fri, Jul 14, 2017, 8:00 PM,
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2017, 03:59:26 pm
That moment, when Macron realizes what it is #priceless

French army band medleys Daft Punk at Bastille Day parade – video (https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2017/jul/14/french-army-band-medleys-daft-punk-bastille-day-parade-macron-trump-video)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 14, 2017, 06:39:44 pm
Picked up the Pixel this week and I am one very happy customer
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2017, 06:45:52 pm
Picked up the Pixel this week and I am one very happy customer

Welcome to the club!

Regular or XL? Black, sliver or blue?  Come on the people want to know!   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 15, 2017, 08:15:19 am
Reg/Black -- didn't have many options when I went to the shop
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on July 25, 2017, 02:47:10 pm

Apparently Chewbacca's last name is Stein.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DFhc8ZcUAAAYAJX.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 25, 2017, 03:06:14 pm
So wrong on so many levels.

(1) Wookie's do not have last names and (2) you do not put fountain drinks in Steins.

But I would love to have one....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 28, 2017, 04:31:15 pm
Fascinating read.  Not surprisingly, Andy Rubin and I agree on so many thing when it comes to the current state of SmartHomes:

Inside Andy Rubin's Quest to Create an OS for Everything (https://www.wired.com/story/inside-andy-rubins-quest-to-create-an-os-for-everything/)

This sentence in particular was taken right out of Smackie's mouth:

"If the way people interact with their connected home is through smartphone apps, the connected home will never go anywhere. If you have to open an app, log in, and tap around just to open your front door, only to open, log in, and tap around another to turn up the thermostat, nobody will do either."

Geofencing and voice activation are the true future for smart home success.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 30, 2017, 12:30:09 pm
OK, this makes me want an iPhone.

'Take On Me' app turns your home into an '80s music video (https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/27/take-on-me-augmented-reality-app/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2017, 03:38:18 pm
DC’s Legendary Punk Label Dischord Records Makes Its Entire Music Catalog Free to Stream Online (http://www.openculture.com/2017/08/dcs-legendary-punk-label-dischord-makes-its-entire-music-catalog-free-to-stream-online.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 11, 2017, 01:53:57 pm

I am considering the purchase of a Netgear Arlo starter pack. Is there a similar product in this space that you would recommend above this?

I actually have no experience with security cameras, sorry.  I was offered the Nest Cam to try out, but declined because I didn't want to know that Cheech just lays around all day and does nothing.  Or that he parties with other neighborhood dogs.  I just didn't need to know.

Don't know what you decided to do, but I accepted the Nest Cam offer this time and have been using them for a month.  Unlike the Arlo cams, I like that they plug in and work via WiFi and not with a hub - they also integrate nicely with our other Nest hardware.  Of course if the power goes out, I lose the camera, but if the power goes out, WiFi is out too so I would lose the Arlo feed as well (I could still review storage, I suppose, if they don't steal the cams). 

We have some construction going on so it's nice to keep an eye on that, but as I suspected, Cheech just sleeps all day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 24, 2017, 08:34:39 pm
Best Man Trolls Groom By Reading His PornHub Search History During Wedding Speech (http://www.distractify.com/omg/2017/08/24/ZeQRiF/best-man-trolls-groom)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 08, 2017, 01:20:56 pm
Comcast lost 150,000 cable subscribers last month and investors are jittery.

So is Comcast.  They called me this morning to offer to nearly triple my internet speed to 200mbps (from 75), and give me Xfinity Stream and HBO Go for a year, if I did one thing:

Take a cable box. 

No charge for the box, and I didn't even have to ever hook it up - I could just use the Stream App and the HBO Go App to watch TV.  The guy even said after two weeks I could return the cable box to the Comcast store so I would risk forgetting to return in when my year is up - and keep the Stream access and HBO Go for a year.

"How much?" I asked...

$5 less then you pay now, with taxes. (Or $75 instead of $79).

Sure, I have to cancel at the end of my year, but Comcast is that desperate to avoid posting two months in a row of negative cable subscribers that they are giving it away.  Literally.

Smackie recommends picking up the phone and working out a deal out if you have to have Comcast.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 08, 2017, 01:50:10 pm
Comcast lost 150,000 cable subscribers last month and investors are jittery.

So is Comcast.  They called me this morning to offer to nearly triple my internet speed to 200mbps (from 75), and give me Xfinity Stream and HBO Go for a year, if I did one thing:

Take a cable box. 

No charge for the box, and I didn't even have to ever hook it up - I could just use the Stream App and the HBO Go App to watch TV.  The guy even said after two weeks I could return the cable box to the Comcast store so I would risk forgetting to return in when my year is up - and keep the Stream access and HBO Go for a year.

"How much?" I asked...

$5 less then you pay now, with taxes. (Or $75 instead of $79).

Sure, I have to cancel at the end of my year, but Comcast is that desperate to avoid posting two months in a row of negative cable subscribers that they are giving it away.  Literally.

Smackie recommends picking up the phone and working out a deal out if you have to have Comcast.   
I deal with Comcast Business literally weekly and the whole "we will give you a lower rate if you will just please sign up for a double play. . . we don't even care if you hook up the TV" thing has been going on for at least three years. Every time someone new starts in AP, I have to walk over and explain why we're paying for non-existent cable TV service.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on September 08, 2017, 01:59:12 pm
Wait.  You have your own accounting department?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 08, 2017, 02:05:19 pm
Wait.  You have your own accounting department?
I can't be expected to pay my own bills. The cramps my dainty hand would suffer simply from reimbursing vendors for my monthly shipments of various wines and brandies alone would send me into a spell of exhaustion. I can only imagine the vagaries of posting my expenses in my ledger would prove most taxing to my spirit.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 08, 2017, 02:20:24 pm
I, too, have heard of those deals for business, but this is the first I've been offered this for a residence.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 12, 2017, 01:38:24 am
so, smax, how has Oreo been treating you so far?

i'm still on a 5X (i know, i know...) so i'm holding off for a little while, to see how it behaves in the wild.  early reports seem good (https://www.androidcentral.com/pixel-and-nexus-owners-hows-oreo-update-holding).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 12, 2017, 01:52:56 pm
so, smax, how has Oreo been treating you so far?

i'm still on a 5X (i know, i know...) so i'm holding off for a little while, to see how it behaves in the wild.  early reports seem good (https://www.androidcentral.com/pixel-and-nexus-owners-hows-oreo-update-holding).

I'm surprised I'm not in that comments section on AC - I'm a regular over there as well.

Anyhow, Oreo has been solid for me.  It hasn't fixed my intermittent bluetooth issues that seem to plague every Google phone I've ever owned, but everything else is improved.  Some of the new features need some work (PiP works great on Maps, Youtube and Duo, but not elsewhere), but my battery life has been great.   I also appreciate the new control I have over notifications.  I have not had any issues with text notifications on Fi (other carriers have reported issues) nor am I experiencing the random reboots others have reported.

I have the all black Pixel 2 XL on it's way (couldn't hold out for the Panda) so if you want my very silver first gen Pixel for $350, let me know.  It's still a solid phone, I just couldn't pass up Google's offer to trade it in for $350 if I bought a new Pixel (plus, that bezel-less design is sexy AF).  $350 for a phone I paid $400 for 8 months ago is a no brainer, or so I told the Mrs.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 12, 2017, 05:51:03 pm
if you want my very silver first gen Pixel for $350, let me know.   

go ahead and take the trade-in.  given my current employment sitch, i should hold off on such non-essential purchases...

how did you get a Pixel for $400???
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 12, 2017, 06:11:39 pm
how did you get a Pixel for $400???

Swappa (https://swappa.com/buy/google-pixel-unlocked)

And the prices have crashed since Google announced the trade in value....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 12, 2017, 06:58:53 pm
got the pixel 1 and don't feel a compelling reason to pay $300 to get the new 2
sell me on why I should get the new version, the 'upgrades' don't seem to be that big of a deal

but still my favorite phone in the last 13 years
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 12, 2017, 07:29:02 pm
got the pixel 1 and don't feel a compelling reason to pay $300 to get the new 2
sell me on why I should get the new version, the 'upgrades' don't seem to be that big of a deal

but still my favorite phone in the last 13 years

The only way to explain it is that I have a problem.  Outside of that....

I would not have traded my Pixel in for a Pixel 2.  The edition of stereo speakers was not enough for me to do an upgrade.  If they had made the bezel-less design of the Pixel 2 XL into the small form factor of the Pixel, it may have been my dream phone (and added wireless charging).  The Pixel is still my favorite phone since the HTC Touch Diamond.

That being said, I used a colleagues Pixel 2 XL and instantly fell in love.  The huge screen is gorgeous, and the near bezel-less design is incredible.  It's a bigger phone than I've ever owned (I apparently don't have the big hands of godsshoeshine...) but it's size for a 6 inch screen is remarkably comfortable.  It's tall, but not very wide and easy to handle.  The extra screen real estate and the monster battery just sucked the money right out of my wallet.   

So no, I cannot and will not sell you an Pixel 2 upgrade.  But I can create a load of phone envy in your pants when you see my Pixel 2 XL.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 12, 2017, 07:56:57 pm
wireless charging
So no, I cannot and will not sell you an Pixel 2 upgrade.  But I can create a load of phone envy in your pants when you see my Pixel 2 XL.
so that was the only con when it didn't have the wireless charging, a nice feature of the samsung galaxy series for me

thank you for your honesty and hopefully the ladies won't be watchin' when you whip it out in front of me
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 12, 2017, 08:10:49 pm
so that was the only con when it didn't have the wireless charging, a nice feature of the samsung galaxy series for me

Believe me, the irony was not lost on me when I handed all my qi hardware over to the Mrs when her iPhone 8 arrived....also not surprising, she loves wireless charging!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 13, 2017, 02:43:13 pm
these look like a sexy addition to my pixel
(https://cnet2.cbsistatic.com/img/rNT0-uu7iZS7BsDswHK31JO0W9g=/2017/10/04/65872740-5d7f-4e14-8307-0753b067ea1a/100417-google-pixel-buds-7323.jpg)

Worth $150...not sure
I do like the design
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 14, 2017, 04:52:41 pm
these look like a sexy addition to my pixel

Worth $150...not sure
I do like the design

Choosing new headphones are driving me absolutely crazy right now.  Consuming way too much of my time...

Anyhow, yes, those look sweet.  And the realtime demo of the translation feature was awesome, (if you haven't seen it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=9Je5UklCcXY)).  I volunteered to beta a pair but Google did not select me (wah-wah). 

I already have (1) a sleek pair of in ear bluetooth buds (Rowkin Bit Charge Stereo (https://www.rowkin.com/rowkin-bit-charge)) but they don't have built in assistant, and (2) my only over ear headphones with noise cancelling features for travel are wired 3.5mm analog plug and that's going away with my new phone. 

So I'm going to have a hard time justifying replacing my BT ear buds when what I really need are a new pair of either BT or USB-C over ear headphones with noise canceling,  preferably with Google Assistant.  I'm thinking BT is the way to go and justify the purchase by saying the Mrs can use them too as she travels more than me AND just lost her headphone jack s well with the iPhone 8.  It's hard being Smackie sometimes. 

I am headed to the bar tomorrow and some of my Google friends will likely be there.  Hopefully one of them will have the Pixel Buds and I can try them out for you. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: godsshoeshine on October 15, 2017, 12:32:59 pm
these look like a sexy addition to my pixel

Worth $150...not sure
I do like the design

Choosing new headphones are driving me absolutely crazy right now.  Consuming way too much of my time...

Anyhow, yes, those look sweet.  And the realtime demo of the translation feature was awesome, (if you haven't seen it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=9Je5UklCcXY)).  I volunteered to beta a pair but Google did not select me (wah-wah). 

I already have (1) a sleek pair of in ear bluetooth buds (Rowkin Bit Charge Stereo (https://www.rowkin.com/rowkin-bit-charge)) but they don't have built in assistant, and (2) my only over ear headphones with noise cancelling features for travel are wired 3.5mm analog plug and that's going away with my new phone. 

So I'm going to have a hard time justifying replacing my BT ear buds when what I really need are a new pair of either BT or USB-C over ear headphones with noise canceling,  preferably with Google Assistant.  I'm thinking BT is the way to go and justify the purchase by saying the Mrs can use them too as she travels more than me AND just lost her headphone jack s well with the iPhone 8.  It's hard being Smackie sometimes. 

I am headed to the bar tomorrow and some of my Google friends will likely be there.  Hopefully one of them will have the Pixel Buds and I can try them out for you.
also upgrading to the pixel xl 2, but I have to figure out a work speaker system. I just plug into the aux input on my computer speakers now. I just want to be sure I can get on the office wifi first; my suboptimal IT department can't seem to get the 6p to connect
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 15, 2017, 03:47:43 pm
also upgrading to the pixel xl 2, but I have to figure out a work speaker system. I just plug into the aux input on my computer speakers now. I just want to be sure I can get on the office wifi first; my suboptimal IT department can't seem to get the 6p to connect

If you don't want to use your USB-C to aux plug adapter or you need to charge, I would get a bluetooth speaker.  And I would recommend the UE Roll, which Amazon has certified refurbished for $45 (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Bluetooth-Speaker-Waterproof-Shockproof/dp/B01F6ALDVI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1508096092&sr=8-6&keywords=ue+roll), $48 if you want black.  That's a steal for a speaker that you can turn on and off and set the equalizer from your phone - a nice convenience.  It's also water and dust proof which makes it useful outside of the office, by the pool or if you have kids.  It sounds great too and the battery should last you a few days between charges.  I love mine bungied to my beach cruiser in the park.

This of course, if the stereo speakers on the phone itself aren't good enough.  I Went to a Verizon store yesterday and tested the Pixel 2 XL speakers in the crowded store and was quite impressed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 15, 2017, 04:19:35 pm
my suboptimal IT department
This looks like a job for sidehatch, you need a new IT dept??
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 30, 2017, 10:19:45 am
https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/869532150760165377

Yes, I loved that.

Also looking forward to the downfall of Paul Manafort and to see who he takes down with him.

It's on.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 30, 2017, 06:12:01 pm
https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/869532150760165377 (https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/869532150760165377)


Yes, I loved that.

Also looking forward to the downfall of Paul Manafort and to see who he takes down with him.

It's on.

(http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/gallery/popcorn-gifs/yNCVL.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 14, 2017, 07:06:16 pm
It's been a while since Smackie dropped some wisdom.  Here's one:

Don't run your 2016 Taxes through the Proposed new tax bill changes if you're a dual income, no kids household in a pricey neighborhood in a high tax state.  It will make you feel as if they were targeting you, which they were.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 14, 2017, 07:12:17 pm
It's been a while since Smackie dropped some wisdom.  Here's one:

Don't run your 2016 Taxes through the Proposed new tax bill changes if you're a dual income, no kids household in a pricey neighborhood in a high tax state.  It will make you feel as if they were targeting you, which they were.
/co-signed -Julian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 14, 2017, 07:32:13 pm
wireless charging
so that was the only con when it didn't have the wireless charging, a nice feature of the samsung galaxy series for me

So I bought this (https://www.amazon.com/Version-Wireless-Charging-Receiver-Nillkin/dp/B06Y5FDXD4), and plug it in my phone for overnight charging.  The 2 XL battery is so good, that I only need to charge overnight and I set it on the wireless charger so I can grab it wire-free in the middle of the night.  It charges very slowly, but more than fast enough for overnight.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 14, 2017, 08:11:20 pm
Choosing new headphones are driving me absolutely crazy right now.  Consuming way too much of my time...

To close this out, I ended up with these:

(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--mefJ7gWQ--/c_fill,fl_progressive,g_center,h_264,q_80,w_470/tzv7y9vqqd3uf7tgp9mj.jpg)

A little more expensive then I wanted, but Bluetooth, USB-C for audio/charging, and 3.5mm AUX with noise cancelling.  Perfect flexibility for future proofing...oh, and did I mention sexy as hell?

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 14, 2017, 10:24:47 pm

very nice
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 29, 2017, 01:22:44 pm
4th Grade band class in South Korea.  Fun starts around 45 seconds in...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMfk6LxhE0U
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonbyeeeeeeeee on December 29, 2017, 01:28:14 pm
I, would say that in 10 or so years, their musical talents will know no bounds . . . but I wonder what the likelihood is, that they will just wind up in some horrible K-pop band.

sorry, relaxer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 29, 2017, 01:34:21 pm
Even if k-pop is the end result, it will still be far more useful then all the John Philip Sousa they teach in band in America...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2018, 08:32:11 pm
(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--4SzYVUUt--/c_scale,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/mamzmh1cqlzvlfmfjwaa.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: walkonbyeeeeeeeee on January 11, 2018, 10:59:06 pm
I, enjoyed reading the story about how a large percentage of the gadgets and items from that show never even make it out to the public.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 12, 2018, 01:34:45 pm
I, enjoyed reading the story about how a large percentage of the gadgets and items from that show never even make it out to the public.

Oh, the vast majority never see retail shelves or online distribution.  But elements of the crap make their way to serious manufacturers. 

Only one device (or set of devices, I should say) caught my eye this year, and that's the 8 inch touch screen devices with Google Assistant built in - perfect for the kitchen.

I would love that speaker as well, but sound quality trumps even the aesthetics of the pins.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 19, 2018, 02:48:13 pm
Choosing new headphones are driving me absolutely crazy right now.  Consuming way too much of my time...

I probably could have written this article for The Verge back in October:

Buying headphones in 2018 is going to be a fragmented mess (https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/18/16903516/headphones-wireless-analog-jack-future-ces-2018)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on January 19, 2018, 05:16:16 pm
Choosing new headphones are driving me absolutely crazy right now.  Consuming way too much of my time...

I probably could have written this article for The Verge back in October:

Buying headphones in 2018 is going to be a fragmented mess (https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/18/16903516/headphones-wireless-analog-jack-future-ces-2018)

Oh, and Sony’s working hard on promoting a new 4.4mm Pentaconn connector as the next wired standard for dedicated audio lovers.

People love to complain about Apple's proprietary nonsense but Sony is historically the king of the game. Fuck that shit.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 19, 2018, 05:21:34 pm
TAN: Anyone with any hands-on (or ears-on, I guess) experience with Sennheiser 700s? With the price dropping to around $400, it becomes pretty doable. Anyone prefer another headphone in the $400-500 range?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 19, 2018, 05:38:17 pm
People love to complain about Apple's proprietary nonsense but Sony is historically the king of the game. Fuck that shit.

Yep.  And the one person with a Sony phone is REALLY upset.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 19, 2018, 06:00:32 pm
TAN: Anyone with any hands-on (or ears-on, I guess) experience with Sennheiser 700s? With the price dropping to around $400, it becomes pretty doable. Anyone prefer another headphone in the $400-500 range?

They're fantastic if you still have a device with a 6.3mm jack.  I also like the Master & Dynamic MH40's in that price range, and the Grado RS2e.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 19, 2018, 08:42:19 pm
+1 on Grados.  you like like a 1940's airline geek, and they aren't closed-eared (so not ideal for noisy enviros), but that sound...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on January 23, 2018, 08:34:11 pm
 The MLB is failing its players  (https://deadspin.com/the-mlbpa-is-failing-its-players-1822305159)

Thinking you might have an opinion on this
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 05, 2018, 08:45:01 pm
Best Buy to stop selling CDs on July 1.  Target to follow soon after if the music companies don't agree to buy back excess stock.

Source (https://www.engadget.com/2018/02/05/best-buy-will-stop-selling-music-cds/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: chaz on February 06, 2018, 12:38:28 pm
+1 on Grados.  you like like a 1940's airline geek, and they aren't closed-eared (so not ideal for noisy enviros), but that sound...

Love the grado sound, but horrible for portable listening.  Not just for the open design...but that fucking cable.  It's like 20 feet long.  I've had mine for at least 10 years.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2018, 04:39:52 pm
Damn, I love rocket launches:

http://www.spacex.com/webcast

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 06, 2018, 06:28:39 pm
Damn, I love rocket launches:

http://www.spacex.com/webcast (http://www.spacex.com/webcast)


you and my 4-year old son.  i get woken up many a morning by 38 pounds of energy jumping on my chest, handing me my phone and loudly exclaiming "CAN WE WATCH A ROCKET LAUNCH?  CAN WE CAN WE CAN WE HUH?  ROCKET LAUNCH?  WHY AREN'T YOU AWAKE YET, DAD, ROCKET LAUNCH?!?!?"

but yeah, the fact that today's launch went off flawlessly is mind-blowing.  this was an amazing feat of engineering.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 06, 2018, 06:42:35 pm
I need to get on a rocket outta here...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2018, 06:59:46 pm
but yeah, the fact that today's launch went off flawlessly is mind-blowing.  this was an amazing feat of engineering.

I thought for sure it was going to explode on the launch pad.  Instead, we get live views of StarMan!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBr2kKAHN6M
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 06, 2018, 07:47:01 pm
anyone notice the "Don't Panic" on the dash display of starman's ride
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on February 06, 2018, 09:00:49 pm
The central rocket exploded when it missed the drone ship upon landing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 06, 2018, 09:22:12 pm
The central rocket exploded when it missed the drone ship upon landing.

Thanks.  I figured that was the case when we lost the signal but hadn't heard yet.  Still, payload in orbit and 2 out of three rockets returned safely for reuse is still a huge success.

Now lets see if the payload can get through the Van Allen Belt and on it's ways to Mars orbit.  I also suspect we lose the live feed for the duration of testing the USAF barrel roll in space....

anyone notice the "Don't Panic" on the dash display of starman's ride

Notice as in made it my FB Cover Photo?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 07, 2018, 04:05:20 pm
Quincy Jones - In conversation (http://www.vulture.com/2018/02/quincy-jones-in-conversation.html)

Hysterical read.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 07, 2018, 05:59:34 pm
Quincy Jones - In conversation (http://www.vulture.com/2018/02/quincy-jones-in-conversation.html)

Hysterical read.

Because of this, we're apparently getting Richard Pryor's diaries later this year!

Pryor's Widow confirms Sex with Marlon Brando (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.tmz.com/2018/02/07/richard-pryor-widow-confirms-sex-marlon-brando/&sa=D&ust=1518126474589000&usg=AFQjCNEaWfXne3qzUjZekwBe53XnzndF3w)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 27, 2018, 06:55:35 pm
‘Clueless’ Star Stacey Dash Files to Run for Congress in California (http://variety.com/2018/politics/news/stacey-dash-running-for-congress-california-1202710769/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 27, 2018, 07:05:22 pm
‘Clueless’ Star Stacey Dash Files to Run for Congress in California (http://variety.com/2018/politics/news/stacey-dash-running-for-congress-california-1202710769/)

See, now we're closer to on the same page than even I imagined.  This was all rage at the CA Dem Convention this past weekend, and I nearly posted it here, but then stopped when I felt it was too CA specific. 

But you're right, if this thread is not the perfect space for the collision of Clueless and politics, then where else would be?!

SMACKIE APPROVED.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 27, 2018, 07:56:19 pm
And in case you wanted some analysis, she has absolutely no chance. 

This is a district that voted overwhelmingly for Clinton (both of them) and Obama (nearly 85%), and is nearly 2-1 latino/a over African-American.  The Democratic incumbent is Latina, and because of CA's top 2 primary (where the top 2 vote recipients in the primary, regardless of party move on to the general election), she beat an African-American Dem in the Nov General Election 53%-47%.  In the primary, the two Republicans garnered 5.5% and 3.6%.  A total of five Democrats received a higher vote percentage than the two Republicans.

This is basically a "hey world, don't forget I'm here" move after Fox News didn't renew her contract.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 28, 2018, 05:02:40 pm
Anyone subscribe to The Athletic yet?  I'm pretty sure I'm going to, just wanted to see if anybody has any experience they could share.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 19, 2018, 01:23:36 pm
Uber Self Driving car involved in death of a pedestrian (https://techcrunch.com/2018/03/19/uber-self-driving-test-car-involved-in-accident-resulting-in-pedestrian-death/)

This has the power to derail everything, but it shouldn't.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 21, 2018, 07:42:19 pm
A very interesting way to look at the United States....

http://americancommunities.org/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on March 21, 2018, 10:24:13 pm
A very interesting way to look at the United States....

http://americancommunities.org/

thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 02, 2018, 12:48:09 pm
‘Clueless’ Star Stacey Dash Files to Run for Congress in California (http://variety.com/2018/politics/news/stacey-dash-running-for-congress-california-1202710769/)

She dropped out of the race.

https://twitter.com/REALStaceyDash/status/979815053808545794
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 02, 2018, 01:50:12 pm
and John Oliver even name dropped that campaign last week
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 02, 2018, 01:55:37 pm
and John Oliver even name dropped that campaign last week
As Cher Horowitz would say, "...after that Stacey's candidacy went from technical to non-existent."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 23, 2018, 12:17:06 pm
Streaming has returned the music business to it's peak (https://musicindustryblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/global-recorded-music-revenues-grew-by-1-4-billion-in-2017/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 23, 2018, 12:31:26 pm
Streaming has returned the music business to it's peak (https://musicindustryblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/global-recorded-music-revenues-grew-by-1-4-billion-in-2017/)
this was an interesting takeaway from that
But perhaps the biggest story of all is the growth of artists without labels. With 27.2% year-on-year growth this was the fastest growing segment in 2017. This comprises the revenue artists generate by distributing directly via platforms such as Believe Digital’s Tunecore, CD Baby and Bandcamp. All these companies performed strongly in 2017, collectively generating $472 million of revenue in 2017, up from $371 million the year before.  While these numbers neither represent the death of labels nor the return of the long tail, they do reflect the fact that there is a global marketplace for artists, which fall just outside of record label’s remits.

 
Up until now, this section of the market has been left out of measures of the global recorded music market. With nearly half a billion dollars of revenue in 2017 and growing far faster than the traditional companies, this sector is simply too large to ignore anymore. Artists direct are quite simply now an integral component of the recorded music market and their influence will only increase. In fact, independent labels and artists direct together represent 30.3% of global recorded music revenues in 2017.


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 23, 2018, 12:37:39 pm
I did enjoy that part, though I would have liked a little more data on what the artists get and what the non-label companies get.  I've simply never done the research.

One sentence says "artists generated" and the next says "companies revenue"....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on April 23, 2018, 03:13:31 pm
Please please please please please please please please please please don't let Bandcamp go public.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 23, 2018, 03:47:18 pm
Please please please please please please please please please please don't let Bandcamp go public.

Even if the alternative is LiveNation purchases them?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on April 23, 2018, 04:15:03 pm
Please please please please please please please please please please don't let Bandcamp go public.

Even if the alternative is LiveNation purchases them?

Any change of ownership that puts them at the mercy of shareholders would be the death of them.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 02, 2018, 11:58:49 am
I think they actually paid someone to do this study.  Amazing.

"A new study (https://davidreiley.com/papers/PandoraListenerDemandCurve.pdf) by internet radio service Pandora shows that too many ads can motivate users to pay for an ad-free version, but push many more to listen less or abandon the service. The study found that the additional subscription revenue does not make up for the lost ad revenue from those who listen less or leave the service."

https://www.wired.com/story/pandora-learns-the-cost-of-ads-and-of-subscriptions
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 04, 2018, 12:06:00 pm
Why Spotify will Never make Money (http://fortune.com/2018/05/03/spotify-earnings/?)

"The upshot is, no matter how many subscribers they add, the companies will never enjoy the fat profits of other tech firms. Right now, the streaming services have yet to make any money and, if they ever do, it’s a safe bet the music industry will find a way to claw it back in the form of higher royalties."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 04, 2018, 12:41:09 pm
with 170 mill subscribers, spotify needs to up it's game on monetizing that customer base on things other than streaming music

competing with the likes of Apple and Amazon, which can afford to lose money on their music offerings as part of a larger customer retention strategy.


They could sell tickets/merch as well as lifestyle stuff
Everytime someone plays some ICP, they could send them offers to buy white and black face paint or a VIP package to the juggalo gathering (which is coming up july 18th jules)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 04, 2018, 01:07:17 pm
a VIP package to the juggalo gathering (which is coming up july 18th jules)
Jesus.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 11, 2018, 05:36:53 pm
Saw Frightened Rabbit last was night and was very impressed.

It also had one of those concert "moments" when you know you're seeing something special.  To start the encore Scott played "Poke," an acoustic diddy he's done before.  The majority of the crowd was singing along, then eerily, at the bridge, it was so silent you could hear a pin drop, and even he noticed it.  After a bit of shock, you could hear an exhale throughout the crowd and then a loud cheer.  It was something else to see.

Still in my top 5, maybe top 3 concert moments of all time.

I was hoping the west coast would get the Midnight Organ Fight tour later this year - so sad.  I was really looking forward to it.  Now I will regret not making the trip east to see it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 11, 2018, 06:32:02 pm
Wow, this is a slippery slope....

Spotify Removes R Kelly songs for Hateful Conduct (https://techcrunch.com/2018/05/10/spotify-hateful-conduct-policy/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 15, 2018, 01:27:46 am
Frank Turner tribute to Scott Hutchinson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbBW2UrIgSk)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 15, 2018, 01:57:20 pm
This took too long, but when I was looking for headphones, only AIAIAI had a build from scratch model that could be converted and were twice as much as these.

Wireless On and Over Ear Headphones (https://www.masterdynamic.com/products/mw50-wireless-on-and-over-ear-headphones)

I've got down the over the ear path, but sometimes when I'm walking around in public, I do wish I had on ear headphones....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 15, 2018, 03:55:28 pm
so am I guaranteed to orgasm when I use these $400 headphones?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 15, 2018, 03:59:54 pm
so am I guaranteed to orgasm when I use these $400 headphones?

Just like every other orgasm, it depends on what you're listening too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 16, 2018, 10:52:55 am
so would you hear yanny or laurel on these?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 16, 2018, 11:55:53 am
so would you hear yanny or laurel on these?

I only hear yanny, but haven't tried with the headphones.  Will do do tonight - and I do wonder if active noise cancellation has any impact.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 16, 2018, 01:47:35 pm
I hear laurel...but it's coming out of my shitty speakers on my Surface
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 30, 2018, 11:20:13 am
I'm just going to put this (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/5/29/17406750/bryan-colangelo-philadelphia-76ers-twitter-joel-embiid-anonymous-markelle-fultz) here as a placeholder until Smackie shows up ready to dissect this.

My money (at 11:17am EST) is on it being Jerry Colangelo.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 30, 2018, 11:39:20 am
This is so high on my list of things to breakdown. 

Last night I spent the entire night on Anna Delvey.

This morning, it's ben the racist side effects of Ambien.

And now this!  Let's dig in.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 30, 2018, 11:41:58 am
racist side effects of Ambien.
is that the excuse...
reminds me how MSFT's AI TAY (https://www.theverge.com/2016/3/24/11297050/tay-microsoft-chatbot-racist) turned into a racist asshole in less than a day
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on May 30, 2018, 11:42:42 am
Anybody here on Ambien? Space?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 30, 2018, 11:52:51 am
This morning, it's ben the racist side effects of Ambien.
That is a normal side-effect. Move on, find a new slant.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 30, 2018, 12:15:53 pm
My money (at 11:17am EST) is on it being Jerry Colangelo.

Undoubtedly, and here's the smoking gun:

"And, at every turn, the accounts relentlessly defended or promoted Colangelo."

This is Social Media 101 to throw off your scent. 

I'll take "Brian Colangelo checked into rehab for a drinking problem" - though they might use substance abuse instead of drinking within the next week.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 30, 2018, 12:18:51 pm
I hear laurel...but it's coming out of my shitty speakers on my Surface

I forgot to circle back on this.  It is absolutely dependent on frequency of speakers.  On the SONOS I could only hear Laurel regardless of source or SONOS speaker.  Same for my Chromebook.  But on my phone and Win10 machine at work, hooked up to a Dell speaker bar, it was Yanny.  So much ado about nothing. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 30, 2018, 12:26:13 pm
I'll take "Brian Colangelo checked into rehab for a drinking problem" - though they might use substance abuse instead of drinking within the next week.
I don't understand what you're saying. If its his dad, why would Bryan do that?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 30, 2018, 12:34:10 pm
I'll take "Brian Colangelo checked into rehab for a drinking problem" - though they might use substance abuse instead of drinking within the next week.
I don't understand what you're saying. If its his dad, why would Bryan do that?

Sorry - in my haste to get west coast caught up, I both misspelled Bryan and misread your message. 

And I think this was Bryan, not Jerry, and Bryan blames poor decisions to send tweets after drinking binges.

Also, there is no way the poster used a VPN so this will be easy to crack.  For the record, I use Private Internet Access VPN.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 30, 2018, 12:43:53 pm
Have you seen the tweets where one of the accounts claims to be 77 and have a middle aged daughter? Think it’s all just smoke?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 30, 2018, 12:49:26 pm
Have you seen the tweets where one of the accounts claims to be 77 and have a middle aged daughter? Think it’s all just smoke?

Sorry - I'm reading stuff about the accounts and twitter account recovery emails and phone numbers...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 30, 2018, 02:08:23 pm
We've found the egg account for the Deep Throat: https://twitter.com/SixersEnough

People are already pulling account recovery numbers off it and its associated (probably burner) gmail account and they are not the same as anything on the 5 accounts in question.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 30, 2018, 05:36:29 pm
Alright, I've listened to this (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/5/30/17410836/bryan-colangelo-twitter-ringer-nba-show) and now I'm waiting for the end of the Sixers investigation.  Sixers fans sound crazy enough to frame Bryan...

Moving on to Arkady Babchenko.  Fascinating.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 15, 2018, 12:06:10 pm
https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/869532150760165377
Yes, I loved that.

Also looking forward to the downfall of Paul Manafort and to see who he takes down with him.

It's on.

Manafort is going to be put in jail so that he stops obstructing justice.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 26, 2018, 10:45:31 pm
Yacht Rock is back on SiriusXM for the summer.  They moved it to channel 70. 

I never put two and two together, but it's very possible that Yacht Rock release day could be Weblebrity is a Bitch day....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 27, 2018, 08:47:06 am
I never put two and two together, but it's very possible that Yacht Rock release day could be Weblebrity is a Bitch day....
”Another Festivus Weblebrity is a Bitch Day miracle!!”
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 27, 2018, 12:23:42 pm
this seems like the place for this
Pornhub adds closed captions for viewers with hearing loss (https://flipboard.com/@flipboard/-pornhub-adds-closed-captions-for-viewer/f-a9b4888408%2Fengadget.com)
that's gotta be a fun job doing the transcription

Although adding a ASL interpreter would be fun too
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 27, 2018, 12:34:42 pm
Although adding a ASL interpreter would be fun too

See, now you're thinking.  Every now and then jumps in the action....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 20, 2018, 12:26:40 pm
The New Gwen Stefani is A Lot Like the Old One (https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/gwen-stefani-no-doubt-blake-shelton-the-voice)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 20, 2018, 01:50:00 pm
^ great read, recommended.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 01, 2018, 12:32:43 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/StzlKKY.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 01, 2018, 12:37:57 pm
(http://cdn.playbuzz.com/cdn/68c0f8ef-3fb3-4c3b-801d-d746b2738a81/f8037cdc-94f9-47b3-81f7-6a2a41e05b8f.gif)

Take a bow, sir.  Your next Pliney is on me, though considering how much cash you carry with you, they are always on me.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 03, 2018, 11:47:23 am
Amazon is selling the digital versions of the following concerts for.99 cents.  If you have Amazon credits from passing on Free two day shipping they can be used here.  The Prime Video app is required to watch them, though they may transfer over to Movies Anywhere.

HD
Arcade Fire: Live at Earls Court
Barbra Streisand: Live in Concert 2006
Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band: London Calling Live in Hyde Park
Carole King & James Taylor: Live at the Tourbador
Imagine Dragons: Smoke + Mirrors Live
Jackie Evancho: Music of the Movies
Jeff Beck: Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Josh Groban: Stages Live
Mumford & Sons: Live In South Africa: Dust And Thunder
Nirvana: Live at the Paramount
Rush: Clockwork Angels Tour
The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights


SD
The Ataris: Live at Capitol Milling
Blur: Live at Hyde Park
Kylie Minogue: Kylie Fever 2002 Live In Manchester
Madonna: The Confessions Tour
Papa Roach: Live and Murderous in Chicago
Placebo: MTV Unplugged
Sara Bareilles - Brave Enough: Live at the Variety Playhouse
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 03, 2018, 01:27:21 pm
I think .99 is too much for a Papa Roach concert
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 03, 2018, 01:35:28 pm
I think .99 is too much for a Papa Roach concert

I would never buy an SD show, but even if Papa Roach were in HD, I wouldn't add it to my collection if it were free.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 10, 2018, 10:47:59 pm
Beautiful....a whole life awaits!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 11, 2018, 08:35:30 pm
Beautiful....a whole life awaits!

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1820/43938022092_10352b5165_h.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 11, 2018, 08:36:51 pm
Beautiful....a whole life awaits!

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1820/43938022092_10352b5165_h.jpg)
POTY
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on August 12, 2018, 10:15:32 am
+1

Congratulations
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: challenged on August 12, 2018, 04:54:57 pm
Double +1
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 12, 2018, 09:00:08 pm
Double +1
Congratulations!
You mean +2. #Math
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 13, 2018, 12:34:39 pm
Happy national left handers day!
 
 
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/lowres.cartoonstock.com/social-issues-panhandle-panhandles-begger-beggar-panhandler-rman839_low.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 13, 2018, 01:13:11 pm
Happy national left handers day!

It just warms my heart to know that someone out there cares about our plight....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 13, 2018, 01:22:18 pm
If you would have posted this in my thread where I answer all things Olivia Wilde and hate on Jason Sudeikis, I could have told you sooner that she's saying "I'm Olivia Wilde, Welcome to the GQ Comedy Issue"

ok, fine. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3nKFVsdhHE)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 13, 2018, 01:37:15 pm
ok, fine. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3nKFVsdhHE)

Awful.  His take. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2ucWGnAMW8).  No game...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 13, 2018, 02:41:14 pm
ok, fine. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3nKFVsdhHE)

Awful.  His take. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2ucWGnAMW8).  No game...

but his hat collection, and that hair... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzHqdJF5Hsc) how could she resist?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2018, 03:32:00 pm
"Avril Lavigne's "Rock N Roll" video is a live-action comic book in which she fights a bear-shark, encounters Billy Zane on a Segway, blatantly shills for Sony, and kisses Winnie Cooper from "The Wonder Years":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuNTO31FlY8


Happy 5-year anniversary of one of the greatest videos ever made:

(http://www.danicamckellar.com/blog/gallery/Danica-Avril.png)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 20, 2018, 04:53:08 pm
kisses Winnie Cooper from "The Wonder Years":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuNTO31FlY8
happy 5-year anniversary of one of the greatest videos ever made:
Really wish I had that 5 mins back
but danica's delivery of the classic line 'No one could lick his balls quite like he could"
Avril "neverforget"
kinda makes it worth it...just barley
what a horrible song too
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 27, 2018, 01:27:08 pm
Ariana Grande is wrong about Crohn’s disease causing ‘butthole eyes’ (https://pagesix.com/2018/08/24/ariana-grande-is-wrong-about-crohns-disease-causing-butthole-eyes/)


... or is she?...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 27, 2018, 01:53:48 pm
Ariana Grande is wrong about Crohn’s disease causing ‘butthole eyes’ (https://pagesix.com/2018/08/24/ariana-grande-is-wrong-about-crohns-disease-causing-butthole-eyes/)


... or is she?...

You've put me in quite the bind here.  I either have to agree with Ariana Grande or Page Six?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: ggw on August 27, 2018, 02:06:52 pm
A 20-something celebrity who has been to rehab multiple times has sunken eyes?!?! 

Real medical mystery there....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on August 27, 2018, 03:37:23 pm
This actually also happens to people with autism...they get bags under their eyes and just look so tired...I have not investigated much

The term “butthole eyes” seems real offensive and not sure I get it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 07, 2018, 12:31:11 pm
Good read here on Apple's move into streaming music and video:

Inside the World of Eddy Cue, Apple’s Services Chief (https://www.theinformation.com/articles/inside-the-world-of-eddy-cue-apples-services-chief)

It's behind a paywall, but in exchange for an email address, you can get access to one article.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 14, 2018, 01:57:45 pm
https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/869532150760165377
Yes, I loved that.

Also looking forward to the downfall of Paul Manafort and to see who he takes down with him.

It's on.

Manafort is going to be put in jail so that he stops obstructing justice.

Plea deal in DC on Conspiracy, likely to change his stance and work with special investigation because his 4 months in jail have not been so good for him.  Interesting balance between waiting for his pardon vs cooperating and jeopardizing his pardon.  Conspiracy is a tough one to pardon though.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/14/us/politics/manafort-plea-deal.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2018, 02:30:21 pm
RIAA Mid-Year: Revenue Hits $4.6 Billion as Paid Streaming Subscribers Rise 47 Percent Across U.S. Music Industry (https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8476163/riaa-mid-year-2018-revenue-paid-streaming-subscribers-cds-vinyl)

Highlights:

- U.S. revenue expanding to $4.6 billion in the first half of the year, a 10 percent increase over the $4.18 billion recorded in the corresponding six months of 2017

- streaming is driving the growth with revenue increasing to $3.35 billion, up 28.4 percent from the $2.83 million generated in the first half of 2017.
-- paid subscriptions grew to $2.55 billion, up from $1.91 billion, or a 33.3 percent increase
-- paid subscribers totaled 46.3 million subscriptions, a nearly 15 million increase, or 47.4 percent, from the 31.5 million subscribers counted at the mid-year point in 2017.
--ad-supported revenue nearly $498 million, a 15.6 percent increase over the $430.6 million paid out to labels and artists by services last year.

- digital download sales revenue fell 26.5 percent to $562.2 million from nearly $767 million.

- physical media sales, revenue fell 24.9 percent to $461.6 million from $615 million garnered in the first six months of 2017.
-- CD sales fell precipitously to $245.9 million from $420 million, a 41.5 percent drop as the unit count fell to 18.6 million units, or nearly half of the 35 million units shipped in 2017.
-- Vinyl LPs increased by nearly a million units to 8.1 million for total revenue of $198.6 million, up about 12.7 percent from the $176.1 million garnered in 2017 when the unit count was 7.2 million units.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 21, 2018, 02:55:39 pm
- physical media sales, revenue fell 24.9 percent to $461.6 million from $615 million garnered in the first six months of 2017.
besided CDs and Vinyl...what other format makes up the diff
198.6+254.9=453.5
can't imagine cassettes are a 8 million dollar market?
Quote
-- CD sales $245.9 million
-- Vinyl LPs  $198.6 million
wow that's getting close
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2018, 03:00:02 pm
besided CDs and Vinyl...what other format makes up the diff
198.6+254.9=453.5
can't imagine cassettes are a 8 million dollar market?

According the to the report (https://www.riaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/RIAA-Mid-Year-2018-Revenue-Report.pdf), it's DVD's and "Other Physical Media" - the footnote points to CD Singles, Cassettes, Vinyl Singles, DVD Audio, SACD. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 30, 2018, 09:01:27 pm
Happy 9/30 Day, everybody!

I picked up new merch for me and the newest 930 fan (who will visit the club in the next decade?)...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 10, 2018, 04:24:50 pm
THIS DAY IN HISTORY, OCTOBER 10, 1987

Whitesnake’s iconic video featuring Jaguars is released.  Oh, and Tawny Kitaen. (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/whitesnakes-iconic-video-features-jaguars)

Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyF8RHM1OCg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 22, 2018, 03:05:28 pm
Greetings From Maui.  I take a pause from my hard earned vacation to share the following:

Gorillaz cover a Blur song in universe-breaking Damon Albarn convergence (https://news.avclub.com/gorillaz-cover-a-blur-song-in-universe-breaking-damon-a-1829897947)

You may return to your daily business.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 23, 2018, 05:20:38 pm
The Mrs said "no" - not even for my side of the bed....

https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/23/sonos-beastie-boys-play-5-speaker-for-charity/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 29, 2018, 04:31:01 pm
Things Sweetcell Thinks Smackie Needs to Explain:

Why Is Chardonnay Still America’s Best-selling Wine? (http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/10/why-is-chardonnay-still-americas-best-selling-wine.html)
It’s the Mayonnaise of Wines: The Blockbuster Beverage You Won’t Admit You Love
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 29, 2018, 04:48:17 pm
the Mayonnaise of Wine
love that!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 29, 2018, 04:57:19 pm
Things Sweetcell Thinks Smackie Needs to Explain:

Why Is Chardonnay Still America’s Best-selling Wine? (http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/10/why-is-chardonnay-still-americas-best-selling-wine.html)
It’s the Mayonnaise of Wines: The Blockbuster Beverage You Won’t Admit You Love

That's something The Brand needs to explain to you.  If the weather or the pairing calls for a white, I lean to Sauv Blanc or Pinot Gris. I do not drink much Chardonnay at all.

The Brand, on the other hand, is known to buy Butter.  By the case.  I will pass your concerns on and let you know what she says.

While I have your attention - I have a bottle of Lost Abbey in my fridge - the red flower one.  I bought it for someone who didn't get around to drinking it.  How long will that keep?

 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 29, 2018, 05:39:09 pm
Things Sweetcell Thinks Smackie Needs to Explain:

Why Is Chardonnay Still America’s Best-selling Wine? (http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/10/why-is-chardonnay-still-americas-best-selling-wine.html)
It’s the Mayonnaise of Wines: The Blockbuster Beverage You Won’t Admit You Love

That's something The Brand needs to explain to you.  If the weather or the pairing calls for a white, I lean to Sauv Blanc or Pinot Gris. I do not drink much Chardonnay at all.

The Brand, on the other hand, is known to buy Butter.  By the case.  I will pass your concerns on and let you know what she says.

nice, getting me in trouble with the missus.  i'll take her answer, and my lumps, as they come... ;D

While I have your attention - I have a bottle of Lost Abbey in my fridge - the red flower one.  I bought it for someone who didn't get around to drinking it.  How long will that keep?

ahh, red poppy... it will keep for years, even at room temps.  there are live bugs in there, they'll keep oxygen at bay.  i'll happily have it next time i'm over.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 29, 2018, 07:24:58 pm
nice, getting me in trouble with the missus.  i'll take her answer, and my lumps, as they come... ;D

"Ha ha that article that’s so funny I love it. I will read it more fully during our next breast-feeding session and comment"

"those who know, know.   The 80s gave us many things that continue to define us and made us who we are today - the breakfast club, Ronald Reagan, Cold War, Berlin Wall, Live Aid concert, scrunchies, the proliferation of the personal computer, fast times at ridgemont high and the popularization of Chardonnay. You might pretend to ignore some of these things but you know you can’t!! It’s a deliciously nostalgic grape to revisit again and again - just like the 80s."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 30, 2018, 12:51:19 pm
just like teh 80's, my general reaction to chardonnay is cringing.  lest we forget: shoulder pads and big hair.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 30, 2018, 01:56:12 pm
just like teh 80's, my general reaction to chardonnay is cringing.  lest we forget: shoulder pads and big hair.

vs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_0YTX9Hqr8
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 31, 2018, 02:05:55 pm
^ at no point did i say that video didn't make me cringe ;D
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 08, 2018, 10:51:25 pm
The Champagne of Beers will be available in Champagne Bottles this Holiday Season (http://tiphero.com/miller-champagne-bottle/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 08, 2018, 11:59:33 pm
The Champagne of Beers will be available in Champagne Bottles this Holiday Season (http://tiphero.com/miller-champagne-bottle/)
This has already been posted and I’ve already stated my intention to purchase this for you as a Christmas gift.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 09, 2018, 12:51:40 am
This has already been posted and I’ve already stated my intention to purchase this for you as a Christmas gift.

If it wasn't posted here, where on Earth would it have been posted where I would see it?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 26, 2018, 11:25:58 pm

Plea deal in DC on Conspiracy, likely to change his stance and work with special investigation because his 4 months in jail have not been so good for him.  Interesting balance between waiting for his pardon vs cooperating and jeopardizing his pardon.  Conspiracy is a tough one to pardon though.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/14/us/politics/manafort-plea-deal.html

He was just messing with Meuller.  He was just buying time, now Mueller is having none of it and is taking back his plea agreement.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2019, 02:37:48 am
Not sure how this one slipped by me for 2 months...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZuI6yv5mkQ

My head would have exploded for sure.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 11, 2019, 09:08:18 am
as long as I live, I will not understand how Robbie Williams can sell out Wembly Stadium
talk about milk-toast
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: challenged on January 11, 2019, 11:57:53 am
wow.
don't know who those people are, but pretty cool.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 11, 2019, 12:30:24 pm
as long as I live, I will not understand how Robbie Williams can sell out Wembly Stadium

Because he's the greatest f'in entertainer on the planet.

As long as I live, I will not understand how Americans don't see that.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on January 11, 2019, 03:04:46 pm
I am sure Karl Wallinger appreciates him but I don’t get it either...is he still popular?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2019, 03:10:39 pm
All free speech issues aside, this poses quite the dilemma for Smackie - Look, if AZ wants to pay for it's portion of the wall this way, who am I to get in the way?  At least I'm not paying for it....

AZ Lawmaker Wants to Tax Porn Users to Pay for the Border Wall (https://www.azmirror.com/2019/01/18/lawmaker-wants-to-tax-porn-users-to-help-fund-the-border-wall)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 23, 2019, 03:43:29 pm
The phrase "Porn Users" kind of weirds me out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2019, 03:47:22 pm
The phrase "Porn Users" kind of weirds me out.

I don't write the headlines, I just share them.

Though, I nearly went with the Gizmodo headline when I shared for that reason (it was the Giz that got me to the AZ Mirror....)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 23, 2019, 03:54:08 pm
never going to happen
what I don't understand is ....who pays for porn...is that a thing?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 23, 2019, 04:27:26 pm
what I don't understand is ....who pays for porn...is that a thing?

same thing could be said of music...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 23, 2019, 04:42:54 pm
what I don't understand is ....who pays for porn...is that a thing?

same thing could be said of music...
well true and as I typed that thought ran through my mind

I do go to see lots of live music and buy their merch
I don't go to see The Empire Strips Back
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on January 23, 2019, 04:49:01 pm
Now I don’t know how porn works mind you... too busy getting the real thing but don’t they usually show you clips and for the good stuff ask you to pay?

It’s like a cock tease...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 23, 2019, 04:53:54 pm
Hey Smackie, have you ever seen this (https://www.reddit.com/r/ihavesex/)?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2019, 05:23:19 pm
same thing could be said of music...

I pay $7.99 a month for a Google Play Music subscription.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2019, 05:25:36 pm
Hey Smackie, have you ever seen this (https://www.reddit.com/r/ihavesex/)?

Why am I afraid to click this given the topic?  I might save that until I get home...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 23, 2019, 05:27:27 pm
what I don't understand is ....who pays for porn...is that a thing?

It's $100 billion industry, so somebody is.  Not me though...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 23, 2019, 05:43:17 pm
Hey Smackie, have you ever seen this (https://www.reddit.com/r/ihavesex/)?

Why am I afraid to click this given the topic?  I might save that until I get home...
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/D7F1iwEMaHuCc/giphy.gif?cid=3640f6095c426b31485876543606e0ce)
kinda boring tho
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 23, 2019, 05:45:29 pm
kinda boring tho
Click the "Top" link to sort by Best Of.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 23, 2019, 05:53:55 pm
what I don't understand is ....who pays for porn...is that a thing?

It's $100 billion industry, so somebody is.  Not me though...
I 100% believe it, but that still shocks me a little based on what's available
I I'm sure there are fans of certain 'artists' that people are willing to pay for
seems like a small audience

this article mentions that
https://www.businessinsider.in/this-is-how-porn-sitesmake-money/articleshow/48385361.cms
(I always go to businesinsider for porn tips ;) )

also one other revenue stream I forgot about....but not 100 Bil
Last but not the least are the major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton and Westin to name a few. These bring serious money to the industry without ever a mention of the same in their official reports. Adult titles are available across the world as ‘in-room entertainment’ in most countries around the globe.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 23, 2019, 07:33:54 pm
Hey Smackie, have you ever seen this (https://www.reddit.com/r/ihavesex/)?

i don't get this reddit - it mocks folks for claiming to be sexually active, when they are not?  so they're laughing at the boasts?  i could see potential if they actually roast the false claimer, but the comments are lame... am i missing something?  (predictable response: "a sense of humor" ;D )
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 24, 2019, 06:49:19 pm
(https://blogs-images.forbes.com/startswithabang/files/2018/12/cesar-gif.gif?)

Mind Blown: This Is How The Sun Moves In The Sky Throughout The Year (https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2019/01/01/this-is-how-the-sun-moves-in-the-sky-throughout-the-year/#496804167303)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 25, 2019, 02:14:44 pm
Solid read.  Might cross-post with the Coachella thread:

Hundreds of Punks Hit the Desert. The Modern Music Festival Was Born. (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/24/arts/music/desolation-center-punk-desert-concert-film.html?)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 01, 2019, 08:38:36 pm
I had no idea....

M. Night Shyamalan Helped ‘She’s All That’ Deliver The Most Memorable Fuck in Teen Comedy History (https://decider.com/2019/01/29/shes-all-that-20th-anniversary-am-i-a-bet/)

(https://nypdecider.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/am-i-a-f_cking-bet_.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646&h=431&crop=1)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 12, 2019, 03:37:19 pm
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/51927977_10213418273116624_699474830478540800_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=25126c64abe0c0801591652df5b3dd52&oe=5CF6784C)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 12, 2019, 03:39:55 pm
Yep - I blew it pretty early when I was gunning for Luke had our daughter been a boy.  Also, "I know" is banned in the house too.

How I pulled off the Stone Roses is nothing short a miracle....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 22, 2019, 03:45:43 pm
couldn't decide if this belonged here, or on smackie's thread:

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/52914041_2223305847712585_1932074455236870144_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=fe026af3678f147e5811bb5a59542529&oe=5D20AF4A)

If you had my ass, you'd wear skinny jeans too.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 22, 2019, 04:00:12 pm
If you had my ass, you'd wear skinny jeans too.
was that to imply...your lack of?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 22, 2019, 04:03:06 pm
no, he was implying that i don't own his ass.

*siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh*...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 28, 2019, 04:54:57 pm
Beverly Hills 90210 actor #LukePerry has been hospitalized after suffering a "massive stroke."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 28, 2019, 05:05:01 pm
Beverly Hills 90210 actor #LukePerry has been hospitalized after suffering a "massive stroke."

Wow they are rebooting 90210 with the original actors

We should do a reboot of the Sidehatch crew...alas a lot of ruffled egos over the years combined with incredibly boring lives would not make for must see TV
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 28, 2019, 07:57:26 pm
Beverly Hills 90210 actor #LukePerry has been hospitalized after suffering a "massive stroke."


Between this and Harper my phone blew up this afternoon.  Sad news....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 01, 2019, 09:39:36 am
Beverly Hills 90210 actor #LukePerry has been hospitalized after suffering a "massive stroke."


Between this and Harper my phone blew up this afternoon.  Sad news....
it is sad, I know I kind of made light of it...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 07, 2019, 08:09:40 pm

Plea deal in DC on Conspiracy, likely to change his stance and work with special investigation because his 4 months in jail have not been so good for him.  Interesting balance between waiting for his pardon vs cooperating and jeopardizing his pardon.  Conspiracy is a tough one to pardon though.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/14/us/politics/manafort-plea-deal.html

He was just messing with Meuller.  He was just buying time, now Mueller is having none of it and is taking back his plea agreement.

Manafort got 47 months for tax and bank fraud.

Next week he faces witness tampering and conspiracy charges from his Ukraine "work"....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on March 07, 2019, 08:21:52 pm
Seems a bit light....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: challenged on March 07, 2019, 10:32:35 pm
Seems a bit light....


thread on tweeter

https://twitter.com/ScottHech/status/1103809139900407808 (https://twitter.com/ScottHech/status/1103809139900407808)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 13, 2019, 12:34:29 pm
Next week he faces witness tampering and conspiracy charges from his Ukraine "work"....

3.5 more years to close out the other case.  So nearly 8 years total.

Now let's countdown to the pardon....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 13, 2019, 12:46:13 pm
Now let's countdown to the pardon....
hmm, I think Trump doesn't care about Manafort and would let him rot

only reason he would do it is to piss off the left showing that he can do whatever he wants
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on March 13, 2019, 12:48:49 pm
I think a pardon is highly likely after election because win or lose Trump will have nothing to lose at that point
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on March 13, 2019, 01:06:59 pm
On the other hand the state of New York just indicted Manafort and I don’t think Trump can pardon him on any crimes he is convicted of in that venue
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: challenged on March 13, 2019, 01:07:26 pm
I think a pardon is highly likely after election because win or lose Drumpf will have nothing to lose at that point

NY Charged Manafort with 16 Counts.  A 17th for this tie is pending.  (https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/03/13/nyregion/13nymanafort/merlin_151762272_cc443df7-e087-49d5-8c52-2b22e4212be5-jumbo.jpg?quality=90&auto=webp)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 13, 2019, 01:13:46 pm
I think a pardon is highly likely after election because win or lose Drumpf will have nothing to lose at that point

NY Charged Manafort with 16 Counts.  A 17th for this tie is pending. 
Chall....Do you still have the chrome plugin that changes Trump to Drumpf :)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: challenged on March 13, 2019, 01:54:37 pm
I think a pardon is highly likely after election because win or lose Drumpf will have nothing to lose at that point

NY Charged Manafort with 16 Counts.  A 17th for this tie is pending. 
Chall....Do you still have the chrome plugin that changes Drumpf to Drumpf :)

Indeed
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 13, 2019, 04:19:41 pm
A 17th for this tie is pending. 

i lol'ed.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 22, 2019, 02:34:43 pm
Download A Celebration Of The Songs Of Scott Hutchison With Ben Gibbard, Julien Baker, Aaron Dessner, & More (https://www.stereogum.com/2036848/scott-hutchison-tribute-live-recording-ben-gibbard-julien-baker-frightened-rabbit/music/album-stream/)

In December, a bunch of artists got together at Rough Trade in Brooklyn to perform at a tribute show for the late Scott Hutchison, founder and frontman of Frightened Rabbit, who died last year. Participating performers that night included Ben Gibbard, Julien Baker, Aaron Dessner, Craig Finn, and Kevin Devine.

Today, the rest of the band has made a recording of the concert, which was dubbed A Celebration Of The Songs Of Scott Hutchison, available for all to hear.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 27, 2019, 04:26:42 pm
Bill Belichick+Paparazzi went as well as can be expected (https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1109285695401672709) - the most belichick thing ever?

things sweetcell thinks smackie should know: he drives a macan.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 28, 2019, 12:18:58 am
things sweetcell thinks smackie should know: he drives a macan.

Whilst I liked the beige interior on the white exterior, I would never have gotten the beige dash - too much reflection/glare on the windshield on sunny days. Also, that's a Cayenne rook - learn your Porsche Models before you step into my thread to throw shade.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 28, 2019, 12:56:32 am
model ID based on several tweet-comments. wasn't throwing no shade. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 28, 2019, 08:37:05 am
things sweetcell thinks smackie should know: he drives a macan.
Cayenne rook - learn your Porsche Models
I don't know much about luxury cars, but even I could tell that was the porche SUV Cayenne...the Macan is a cross-over and much more compact
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 28, 2019, 11:16:12 am
model ID based on several tweet-comments. wasn't throwing no shade. 

I see.  This is the problem - we are sourcing facts from twitter rather than members of the renaissance. 

Other than the bulging lines, general heft of the vehicle and overall lack of sexiness, the license plate on the lift gate should have been a dead giveaway, even to the untrained eye.  The Macan has the license plate beneath the bumper where it belongs and not on the back hatch. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 02, 2019, 01:32:59 pm
John Calipari Agrees to New Kentucky Contract to Cover Rest of Career (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2829005-john-calipari-rumors-kentucky-offers-lifetime-contract-amid-ucla-interest)


i'm going to slowly back away now...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 02, 2019, 02:03:14 pm
John Calipari Agrees to New Kentucky Contract to Cover Rest of Career (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2829005-john-calipari-rumors-kentucky-offers-lifetime-contract-amid-ucla-interest)

i'm going to slowly back away now...

Way better than my State dollars going to that $%(^&#&@
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 02, 2019, 02:15:06 pm
John Calipari Agrees to New Kentucky Contract to Cover Rest of Career (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2829005-john-calipari-rumors-kentucky-offers-lifetime-contract-amid-ucla-interest)

i'm going to slowly back away now...

Way better than my State dollars going to that $%(^&#&@

decent, but i was hoping for better.  6/10.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 02, 2019, 02:32:50 pm
decent, but i was hoping for better.  6/10.

I knew I should have written out Cocksucker.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 02, 2019, 07:23:49 pm
IFPI Global Music Report 2019

- Total streaming revenues grew 34.0% to nearly half of all revenue (46.8%), driven by a 32.9% increase in paid subscription streaming

- Growth in streaming more than offset a 10.1% decline in physical revenue and a 21.2% decline in download revenue.

- Revenues from vinyl also sustained their upward trajectory, posting growth for the thirteenth consecutive year, growing 6.0% and maintaining a 3.6% share of the overall market.

(here's the summary report (https://www.ifpi.org/downloads/GMR2019.pdf).  I didn't pay for the full report to see just how much CD's got hammered, but I thought about it)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 11, 2019, 07:14:51 pm
silversun pickups new album is available for preorder.

digital only is $9.99.

digital + CD is... $9.99.

<backs away slowly once again...>
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 12, 2019, 10:57:42 am
Nothing wrong with that.   It just proves that the added value of physical media is ZERO DOLLARS.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 16, 2019, 12:04:01 pm
Turns out sending a rocket booster into space and landing it on a ship at sea was the easy part. One of SpaceX's three valuable, reusable Falcon Heavy booster rockets managed that feat last week, only to be lost overboard in rough seas (https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/15/18311945/spacex-falcon-heavy-center-core-drone-ship-rough-ocean) over the weekend.

Totally sucks.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 16, 2019, 12:32:40 pm
jez....couldn't they have just included some flotation devices with it
that does suck

do you think they will scavenge it off the ocean floor
Edit...seems they are already working on it

    Joshua Mendoza | The Falcons Have Landed ♻️ ♻️ ♻️ @GameSyns
    Replying to @elonmusk @Erdayastronaut
    Will you guys attempt to recover any sections of the core or is it likely going to be a total loss?
    @elonmusk
    Engines seem ok, pending inspection

I mean it was meant to withstand space, what's a little salt water and few hundred thousand pounds of pressure going to do


inadequate octagrabber...potential band name?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 16, 2019, 01:30:26 pm
I'm glad somebody wrote this.  I have spent much of 2019 travelling to many US cities and am slowly coming to the same conclusion.

Lyft & Uber Mayhem vs Taxi Line Hell: Which Airport Nightmare is Worse? (https://gizmodo.com/lyft-and-uber-mayhem-vs-taxi-line-hell-which-airport-1834076788)

The Lfyt/Uber area at National might have been the worst Goat Rodeo I've ever seen.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 16, 2019, 01:32:54 pm
yeah...uber/lyft at the airports is a disaster.  one of the few times I just get a cab
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 18, 2019, 12:18:18 pm
The next X-Box will not have a slot for discs.  But you guys keep buying your tangible media....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on April 18, 2019, 01:03:34 pm
Just cause I buy lps doesn’t mean I get my apps on floppy discs


Bottom line SOUND MATTERS and if people enjoy lps where is the harm? For all the naysayers LPs as business are doing better than any time since 1990

But I get it...you like to feel superior...it’s your BRAND

If I had a buck for every time you quote yourself to prove you where right
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 18, 2019, 02:21:30 pm
I was as surprised as everyone else that the Mueller report was delivered to Congress on CR-ROM and not vinyl.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 18, 2019, 02:27:03 pm
I was as surprised as everyone else that the Mueller report was delivered to Congress on CR-ROM and not vinyl.
well maybe we can get a bandcamp version of it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 26, 2019, 05:00:26 pm
Begun the Hi-Def streaming wars have?

Amazon is Readying a Hi Def Music Streaming Service (https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/amazon-is-readying-a-hi-def-music-streaming-service)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 30, 2019, 07:02:44 pm
In going back and looking at Dupek Chopra's departure from the board I came across this conversation. So prescient....

it's a shame that itunes can't be used like napster... i'd pay $10 a month for that   :p

So would I. But, apparently, as napster is not making money we would be in the minority.

You guys were soooooo close....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 05, 2019, 03:23:29 pm
For lack of a better place to drop this.....

Adam Sandler tribute to Chris Farley (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25IOsvWPQGQ)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 10, 2019, 03:50:09 pm
I know a boy, a boy called Trash. Trash Can.

I have wondered for some time which band member the song was referring to.  I always thought it was about Adam, but then when I realized the song was actually written by Adam, my mind went right to Larry.

It's gotta be Larry.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2019, 04:55:59 pm
yeah...uber/lyft at the airports is a disaster.  one of the few times I just get a cab

Perhaps this might help:

Uber launches PIN feature to cut wait times at US airports, starting in Portland (https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/13/uber-launches-pin-feature-to-cut-wait-times-at-airports-starting-in-portland/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 17, 2019, 03:28:49 pm
smax, apologies for burdening you with this Constitutional Law 101 question, but (1) i'm foreign, and (2) the googles are not providing an answer.

hypothetical: the supreme court uses the pretext of the the alabama anti-abortion bill (or OH, or MO, or GA, or...) to cripple or kill Roe v. Wade.  then the Dems take over both houses of congress (bare with me) and the presidency in 2020.  can congress pass a law to legalize abortion again?  or would there hands be tied because of the SC's rulings?

i realize that the answer will depend on what exactly the SC's arguments are, but the question remains: can congress legislate in opposition to, or around, SC decisions?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 17, 2019, 03:50:15 pm
would like to hear daddy-smax-pant's response

but my understanding of Roe is the SC said ...it's up to the states to govern abortion laws in your state

 I think congress could still write a law legalizing it, then it would need to be challenged up to the SC to overturn it

but I'm no legal scholar
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 17, 2019, 04:22:00 pm
Yes, but it would be dicey, inconsistent, and wouldn't solve the issue as it would be torn apart as soon as the conservatives gained control back.  It would also block every bill going forward in a split legislature. 

But, to answer your question and in your scenario, the best way to do it would be through a well crafted law through the commerce clause (inconsistencies in law infringe on women in X state) AND the 14th Amendment's protection of individual freedoms as I don't think one by itself would withstand this court (and I'm not convinced a really well drafted law would still be upheld by this court).   But it couldn't be a blanket ban on abortion - that would never pass and would be political suicide for any swing districts, pitting the progressives against the moderates in the Dem Party (progressives would want a complete right to abortion, swing districts would have to be more measured - in the case of rape or incest and in the first two trimesters only, for example) or lose their seats.     

Your question should have been, "Smax, what are the ways in which the Constitution can be amended?" because that's basically what it would take to get what you asked:

(1) Both houses propose an amendment with a two-thirds vote, and three-fourths of the state legislatures approve. Twenty-six of the 27 amendments were approved in this manner.

(2) Both houses propose an amendment with a two-thirds vote, and three-fourths of the states approve the amendment via ratifying conventions. Only the 21st Amendment, which repealed Prohibition, was passed in this manner.

(3) Two-thirds of the state legislatures call on Congress to hold a constitutional convention, and three-fourths of the state legislatures approve the amendment.

(4) Two-thirds of the state legislatures call on Congress to hold a constitutional convention, and three-fourths of the states approve the amendment via ratifying conventions.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: nkotb on May 17, 2019, 04:25:30 pm
yeah, i was about to say the exact same thing. Thanks smackie
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 17, 2019, 04:51:31 pm
pretty much guaranteed that 1-4 will not happen on this issue
as there is not that much consensus on either side of the issue
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 17, 2019, 04:53:21 pm
pretty much guaranteed that 1-4 will not happen on this issue
as there is not that much consensus on either side of the issue
”Pundit claims abortion is contentious issue” would be a great Onion article.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on May 17, 2019, 05:42:03 pm

smax, thanks for the insights.

Your question should have been, "Smax, what are the ways in which the Constitution can be amended?"

in essence, my original question was "short of a constitutional amendment, can congress pass laws to go around SC decisions?"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 24, 2019, 12:56:10 am
“Every night, several times a night, Uber and Lyft drivers at Reagan National Airport simultaneously turn off their ride-share apps for a minute or two to trick the app into thinking there are no drivers available — creating a price surge. When the fare goes high enough, the drivers turn their apps back on and lock into the higher fare,” reported WJLA, the ABC-TV affiliate in Washington.

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/uber-lyft-drivers-are-using-companies-algorithms-against-them-ncna1009026


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 22, 2019, 01:15:32 am
The Lil Nas X EP proved me right.

Any song with a # in it is top class, in particular F9mily. Enjoy.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 24, 2019, 01:37:51 am
Billy Ray Cyrus just performed at the BET Awards

https://youtu.be/amhC8WYgNA4

The cycle will be complete when Lil Nas X performs at the CMA's....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 24, 2019, 11:00:15 am
The Ringer's The Hills retrospective, and prelude to it's return WITH MISCHA BARTON (https://www.theringer.com/tv/2019/6/24/18700783/the-hills-reality-show-remake-mtv)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 24, 2019, 11:42:11 am
The Ringer's The Hills retrospective, and prelude to it's return WITH MISCHA BARTON (https://www.theringer.com/tv/2019/6/24/18700783/the-hills-reality-show-remake-mtv)

I have already added it to my record list, but the jury is out on whether or not I watch it.  But the addition of trainwreck Mischa means I probably will...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 24, 2019, 11:43:25 am
the jury is out on whether or not I watch it.
Don't be coy, you're going to watch it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 24, 2019, 11:45:37 am
Don't be coy, you're going to watch it.

I've never liked the Pratt's and refuse to do anything that will make them money.

But Mischa is a bad drug to me....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 01, 2019, 05:07:50 pm
Last night we watched the Sesame Street NPR: Tiny Desk concert. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMp0SlkVU8w)

It had all the feels, but because of the excellent placement of the 9:30 club coffee table book, my mother-in-law said "I never realized Smackie's t-shirt that says 9:30 on it was a Sesame Street shirt."

Sooo good.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 06, 2019, 05:19:19 pm
Never buy a TV for it's "Smart" features - you won't use them after a year and you can buy a $35 dongle with a faster processor anyway.   

My Sammy had all the smart features and I used them for about 8 months.  Now I use my Chromecast 95% of the time because it's faster and the signal is more reliable.

The cast feature however, is a built-in Chromecast and I think that it will last longer than smart features as it's doesn't run any apps, it just transvereses the web feed.

ok .. I assume this is meant for Sidebitch as I only know what 25% of the words mean...
I understand, but having Hulu and netflix in there is pretty nice and won't have to use the Wii for that kind of stuff.  While I'm familiar with Chromecast, I've not used it yet to be awed by it's awesomeness
Disney+ will be $12.99 monthly
consumers can access Disney+, ESPN+ and (the ad-supported version) Hulu. The deal will be available when Disney+ launches on Nov. 12.

Still never got the chromecast...using my shitty Sammy apps and somewhat happy about it
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 06, 2019, 07:24:36 pm
Disney+ will be $12.99 monthly

Disney+ will be $7.99

Disney will offer a $12.99 bundle that also includes ESPN+ ($4.99 standalone) and Hulu with ads ($5.99 stand alone).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 06, 2019, 07:30:54 pm
Still never got the chromecast...using my shitty Sammy apps and somewhat happy about it

I hardly use my Chromecast any longer as well, but I still use it more than my Samsung TV apps, which are still terrible. 

The Mrs was given an AppleTV 4K at a tech conference and we use that as our primary streamer.  Kudos to Apple on that front - it's a pretty solid streamer, except  for (1) how often I need the wife's phone to add apps, (2) how many times apps I install on the streamer also show up on her phone (unbelievably stupid) and (3) the remote - great looking but not very useful if your pinpointing ff and rew spots.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 06, 2019, 08:38:23 pm
Disney+ will be $12.99 monthly

Disney+ will be $7.99

Disney will offer a $12.99 bundle that also includes ESPN+ ($4.99 standalone) and Hulu with ads ($5.99 stand alone).
The problem with all these Hulu-included packages is none of them ever allow you to pay more for the ad-free Hulu version. Give me ad-free Disney/ESPN/Hulu+ and I’ll give you $15.99 tomorrow. As will virtually 90% of the other Hulu ad-free subscribers.

Same with the recent Spotify bundle.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 06, 2019, 09:12:21 pm
Disney+ will be $12.99 monthly

Disney+ will be $7.99

Disney will offer a $12.99 bundle that also includes ESPN+ ($4.99 standalone) and Hulu with ads ($5.99 stand alone).
Had not heard that...kids have been asking for it and I was already paying for Hulu...I'm going to be obvious when I say that... ESPN adds absolutely zero to the purchase for me
Kinda thought Disney+ was going to be $10 a month, so this sounded like a deal
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 06, 2019, 09:17:02 pm
For those not in the know, ESPN+ is not ESPN. You don’t get espn, espn2, espnews or any other cable channel. It’s sporting events that use to be shown on espn.com (sometimes called ESPN3).

Soccer, out of market NHL games, CAA football and one Big XII football game per team (all against bodybag teams) are the “big” draws.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 07, 2019, 12:22:52 pm
Disney+ will be $7.99

Check that.

Disney+ will be $6.99.

Had not heard that...kids have been asking for it and I was already paying for Hulu...I'm going to be obvious when I say that... ESPN adds absolutely zero to the purchase for me
Kinda thought Disney+ was going to be $10 a month, so this sounded like a deal

You mean, the purpose of a bundle is not to save you money, but instead for you to pay what looks like a discount for something you might not ever use?  I've never heard of a such a thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 13, 2019, 01:52:20 pm
happy leftie day, smax

https://www.buzzfeed.com/jamedjackson/15-tweets-left-handed
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 13, 2019, 01:57:53 pm
happy leftie day, smax

https://www.buzzfeed.com/jamedjackson/15-tweets-left-handed

Thanks buddy!  One of my favorite holidays!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 13, 2019, 02:25:57 pm
not a lefty, but sympathize with the movement

this quote was one of the best

#LeftHandersDay because in a right-hander's world, this day is all I have left.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EB2pqdQWwAIi_1K?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 05, 2019, 12:43:27 pm
You probably already saw this was coming from the FCC filings but here's the first Sonos portable speaker (https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/5/20847533/sonos-move-bluetooth-wireless-speaker-price-specs-features).

Wonder if in wifi-mode it can be put as part of an room with other speakers. Either way, first day purchase for my family.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 05, 2019, 12:54:03 pm
happy leftie day, smax
was thinking about this thread when I saw this
Scientists have identified the genes linked to left-handedness (https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/05/health/uk-left-handed-genes-brain-structure-scn-scli-intl/index.html)
So now we can start weaning them out of the population!

this was an intriguing statement:  "It has long been known that there are slightly more left-handers amongst patients with schizophrenia than the general population"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 05, 2019, 01:30:12 pm
You probably already saw this was coming from the FCC filings but here's the first Sonos portable speaker (https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/5/20847533/sonos-move-bluetooth-wireless-speaker-price-specs-features).

Wonder if in wifi-mode it can be put as part of an room with other speakers. Either way, first day purchase for my family.

Yes I have been following that very closely.  I was sad to not be chosen for the beta group.

Yes it can be grouped with other speakers in your system, though it can not be paired with say, a SONOS One.

I was hoping for around $300; $400 is a little steep in my eyes, but I will likely buy it anyway and sell off the Play:3 in the room that leads out to the backyard for this.  I'm tired of moving that one back and forth.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 05, 2019, 01:33:50 pm
So now we can start weaning them out of the population!

Lefthandedness is an art, not a science.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 05, 2019, 01:51:05 pm
I was hoping for around $300; $400 is a little steep in my eyes, but I will likely buy it anyway and sell off the Play:3 in the room that leads out to the backyard for this.  I'm tired of moving that one back and forth.
Yeah, this is replacing our current guest room (original) Play:1 when it gets here.

Dreams of a new Playbar or smaller sub remain unfulfilled.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 06, 2019, 01:35:13 pm
seems like this convo should be happening here


Didn’t you reveal your daughters name on here? Do we need to come up with an agreed upon nomenclature for her?

The smackling? The Pedasmack? The smackenile?

Quote
Sidehatch submissions
Smackadoodle, Mini-Smax, Lil' smackie, Lil Smack X, The smackinator, snack sized smax
Smacktacus, smack-tini

I'm down for a nick-naming competition though.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 06, 2019, 02:53:53 pm
protosmack
karmasmax
karmasmaxback
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 06, 2019, 02:56:33 pm
enfant smaxible
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 27, 2019, 05:14:40 pm
I normally preach "Don't read the comments" but I grant an exception for the article below:

https://jalopnik.com/bmw-says-what-we-already-were-all-thinking-with-sex-in-1838524061

NOTE: The article and the comments contain dirty words.  The video displayed, PG-13.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 04, 2019, 01:22:26 pm
Rick Klau
@rklau
I don't remember who posted this on Twitter a few years ago, but whoever you are: you have improved every night I've spent in a hotel since.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGAUH6iWoAAE04q?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)

https://twitter.com/rklau/status/1179965234624286721
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 04, 2019, 02:24:57 pm
^ this will revolutionize my future hotel experience.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 04, 2019, 02:26:56 pm
^ this will revolutionize my future hotel experience.
I don't stay at hotels much...but I thought the exact same thing when I saw this
now if they could just figure out a mute button on your kids...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 04, 2019, 02:28:45 pm
Pardon my ignorance, but what are you all using that for? What can you hang on that that you cannot hang in the closet? I'm a 75+ night a year-tier hotel member and I have zero idea why I would need this random hook.

EDIT: I see from the Twitter comments this is about keeping the curtains closed, not creating an extra hook. I have never had this be a big enough issue to bother me but then again I do not have and curtains on my bedroom windows at home (intentionally) so . . . probably not the target audience of this hack.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 04, 2019, 02:41:05 pm
at home I like the light in the AM,
when in a hotel that has those room darkening blinds...they are always messed up as they never close all the way and the room is never truly dark
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on October 04, 2019, 02:41:31 pm
This is so rock and roll...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on October 04, 2019, 06:14:30 pm
Like motel curtains, we never really met

Bill Callahan, "Angela"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 14, 2019, 04:58:45 pm
Disney+ will be $6.99.

Here Is the Frankly Ridiculous List of Everything Coming to Disney+ at Launch (https://io9.gizmodo.com/here-is-the-frankly-ridiculous-list-of-everything-comin-1839029260)

If you have the time, here is a 3 HOURS AND 17 MINUTE video with clips (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0FRDaHnITI) of everything.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 14, 2019, 05:02:47 pm

Disney+ will be $6.99.
or $4.72 (https://bgr.com/2019/10/14/disney-plus-bundle-deal-sign-up-still-available/)
briefly viewed that movie list and wasn't excited...but I'm sure there are gems in there I've not seen
I really only want to see the maldorian
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 14, 2019, 05:41:51 pm
or $4.72 (https://bgr.com/2019/10/14/disney-plus-bundle-deal-sign-up-still-available/)

amazing, just signed up for $4.72!

also, "The Mandalorian"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 14, 2019, 05:58:57 pm
rougegate:

(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/raiqfz1yghcsdeqaiqq4.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 17, 2019, 02:33:05 pm
so if they are buying them back...what are they going to do with all that inventory?

Not looking good for you sir.

Perhaps I was a little quick here.

Apparently, the Government has agreed to allow VW (http://www.seattletimes.com/business/dealers-say-volkswagen-has-emissions-cheating-fixes-ready/) to exceed the limits in exchange for payments to an air quality mitigation fund.  Thus, the first generation EA189 engines will only be fit with a larger soot trap with software adjustments and they will be allowed to stay on the roads despite despite spewing out twice the legal limit of NOx.

If approved, you may be able to acquire one of those on the cheap, if you have no conscience.

Good news of you, Hatch.  Last night, my Lyft driver rolls up with an 2012 Audi A3 TDI.  Before I get in, I asked him if it was repaired from the recall.  He told me yes, and that he just bought it from a VW dealership for $13k.  It had less than 25k miles on it, the Premiere package and was stickered at $15k.  He offered $13k and they took it in a heartbeat - he thinks he probably could have gotten them down even lower.   

So, they're available now.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 25, 2019, 03:49:19 pm

Disney+ will be $6.99.
or $4.72 (https://bgr.com/2019/10/14/disney-plus-bundle-deal-sign-up-still-available/)
briefly viewed that movie list and wasn't excited...but I'm sure there are gems in there I've not seen
I really only want to see the maldorian
Or one year FREE (https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/22/20926607/disney-plus-verizon-free-one-year-subscription-wireless-unlimited-data-star-wars)

Good news on those who prepaid
Verizon has confirmed that customers who pre-purchased a Disney+ subscription can still take advantage of the free one-year offer. Pre-purchased Disney+ subscriptions will effectively be paused while the one-year free offer is in effect, and then kick in after the 12-month period is over.
which gets you to $3.54 a month over 4 years (will streaming even be around in 4 years...it will probably go diretly to your retina a that point)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 25, 2019, 03:51:13 pm
Good news of you, Hatch.  Last night, my Lyft driver rolls up with an 2012 Audi A3 TDI. 
So, they're available now.
welp, thought better after Sweets maligned the morality of that choice and bought a Prius...and the ladies heads swivel (in the other direction)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 25, 2019, 05:18:12 pm
You Should Probably Buy a Used Volkswagen TDI Right Now (https://www.klipnik.com/best-used-cars/you-should-probably-buy-a-used-volkswagen-tdi-right-now/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 26, 2019, 07:06:39 pm

Or one year FREE (https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/22/20926607/disney-plus-verizon-free-one-year-subscription-wireless-unlimited-data-star-wars)

Good news on those who prepaid
Verizon has confirmed that customers who pre-purchased a Disney+ subscription can still take advantage of the free one-year offer.

Yes, but you still have to be on Verizon....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 28, 2019, 09:31:42 am

Or one year FREE (https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/22/20926607/disney-plus-verizon-free-one-year-subscription-wireless-unlimited-data-star-wars)

Good news on those who prepaid
Verizon has confirmed that customers who pre-purchased a Disney+ subscription can still take advantage of the free one-year offer.

Yes, but you still have to be on Verizon....
Fios or Verizon wireless.  I don't know how you live in the Bay area and don't have Verizon
that was always the joke on when AT&T had the exclusive on iPhones
"Great thing about the iphone is you never have to say goodbye"
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 08, 2019, 03:46:02 pm
How do you not know that I have neither an iPhone nor Verizon or at&t?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 08, 2019, 03:47:09 pm
Happy Contract with America Day.

Probably the single most defining day in shaping my career ambitions.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 08, 2019, 03:49:42 pm
Happy Contract with on America Day.
FTFY

missed this
How do you not know that I have neither an iPhone nor Verizon or at&t?
So I'm aware of your distaste for all things iphone
but didn't know your issue with the carriers, does that extend to your last mile carrier too
what do you use Iridium?
what about FIOS?  seems like your type of last mile connection
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 08, 2019, 08:10:17 pm
Happy Contract with America Day.

Probably the single most defining day in shaping my career ambitions.

what is the correct way to celebrate? perform an audit on oneself to rout out waste and abuse?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 09, 2019, 04:26:41 pm
what is the correct way to celebrate? perform an audit on oneself to rout out waste and abuse?

Well, in 1994 I drank nearly a full bottle of Crown Royal.  I don't recommend that.

Last night, I grabbed an '08 Cabernet to remind myself of better times.... 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 09, 2019, 04:40:51 pm
So I'm aware of your distaste for all things iphone
but didn't know your issue with the carriers, does that extend to your last mile carrier too
what do you use Iridium?
what about FIOS?  seems like your type of last mile connection

Well, it's not complete distaste.  Just this month I considered an iPhone 11 Pro after seeing the completely brain-dead decisions Google made with the Pixel 4.  But then as I went to use The Brand's iPhone 11 I was reminded of the lightning port and Apple's insistence on proprietary crap.  If the iPhone 11 Pro had USB-C, I might actually have one today.

As for carrier, I haven't bought a phone on contract since Google released the Nexus one in 2010.  at&t and Verizon did not allow you to do that until 2015/16, if you can believe that.  So I went from Sprint to t-mobile back in 2010, and then to Google Fi when it came out because piggybacking on three networks is genius and I only pay for what I use, which is how it should be when 95% of your data usage is WiFi.  My bills are about $35-40 per month.     

As for Fios, I only have one option where I live:  Comcast.   My previous place had the option of at&t fiber or Comcast, but there is no Fios outside of the mid-Atlantic region.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 13, 2019, 02:02:55 am
... aaaaaannd?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 20, 2019, 01:38:57 pm
I'm just going to put this out there so I don't have to answer any more inquiries:

I have no interest in Nancy Pelosi's Congressional Seat if she becomes President.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 20, 2019, 02:07:41 pm
I'm just going to put this out there so I don't have to answer any more inquiries:

I have no interest in Nancy Pelosi's Congressional Seat if she becomes President.
well you may have to wait until 2025...but Feinstein is 86
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 20, 2019, 08:45:07 pm
seeing the completely brain-dead decisions Google made with the Pixel 4.

so i only pay attention to phones every 2 to 3 years or so, after i've paid off my old phone and start to consider my next upgrade.  i've got 4 months left on my current pixel 2, so i'm starting to get curious.  two Q's:

- is google releasing the new pixel on an annual basis?  if so, i can easily hold out for the 5.
- what is the fatal flaw with the 4?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2019, 06:28:23 pm
- is google releasing the new pixel on an annual basis?  if so, i can easily hold out for the 5.
- what is the fatal flaw with the 4?

Google releases the Pixel every fall.  They also started to release the Pixel "a" series in the spring.  The "a" series is a mid-range phone with the same camera as the main Pixel series at about half the price.

There is not one fatal flaw, but a series of poor decisions.  The 4 is just not well thought out.  I wouldn't even consider the smaller Pixel 4 as the battery life has been described as the worst battery of any phone in the last 5, maybe 10 years.  They simply didn't put a large enough capacity battery in there so no amount of optimization will fix that.  It's odd too because the Pixel 3a has some of the best battery life.

So I would only consider the 4XL.  But starting at $900 for a 64GB model, it's impossible to recommend.  While everyone else has gone to three cameras, Google went with two, which would be fine, except that their second camera is a telephoto and not a wide angle lens.  Google's computation photography is so good that there is little need for a telephoto lens, so I'm not sure what they were thinking.  The good news is that Apple's new cameras have made great strides in catching up with Google, so as long as I have The Brand around, I can use her iPhone 11 when I need a wide angle lens, but I shouldn't have to do that.  In addition, Google made no advances on the video front, while Apple has made huge advances, including the ability to switch between the lens rather seamlessly.  There is no comparison there.  I should mention that the Google phones cannot do 4K 60fps, but I don't think that's important, though others do.  I have a GoPro for that.

Google also has problems right now with it's personal free accounts and G-Suite accounts.  Many of their advances in AI apply only to personal accounts, which is fine, but now if you have a G Suite account on your phone you cannot take advantage of these features.  There is a new version of Assistant that does most of the computations on the phone and not in the cloud, however, if you have a G Suite account (like my work email) you cannot use the new version.  This is a compromise I can't make, and frankly I shouldn't have to.  I can't imagine what went into that thought process that would cripple paying users experiences that exist for it's free tier.  Anyhow, you've been around me enough to know how integrated into my every day life Google Assistant is, not being able to use the newest and best after spending that much money on a phone irks me to no end.  Like "I'm considering going to work there to fix all of these decision making problems" mad. 

They also upgraded to a 90mhz screen, which is awesome.  Except they only let users use it some of the time based on the content and other environmental factors (brightness, etc).  However, once you've seen a 90Hz screen you notice 60Hz.  There is a way to enable the 90Hz screen at all times in the developer options, but it crushes your battery and see above about why that won't work.

The face unlock is great (say goodbye to your fingerprint sensor), the Soli Radar sensor helps there but is limited and just a gimmick when used elsewhere.  But at $1000 for an XL with 128GB of storage (did I mention you no longer get free unlimited storage in Google Photos with the Pixel 4?) and all of these limitations, there is no way I'm buying one at that price.  It's going to take coming down to $600 before I pull the trigger.             
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 21, 2019, 06:53:34 pm
I'm just going to put this out there so I don't have to answer any more inquiries:
I was wondering...are you going to play David Holmes in the movie adaptation of the impeachment?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 21, 2019, 07:00:10 pm
I was wondering...are you going to play David Holmes in the movie adaptation of the impeachment?

I am currently working on this smirk:

(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i2i2O8AYNHrjCcROs2BDTF4OkVU=/0x0:1024x683/920x613/filters:focal(430x127:592x289):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65712854/AP19319729237565.0.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 21, 2019, 08:34:04 pm
I was wondering...are you going to play David Holmes in the movie adaptation of the impeachment?

I am currently working on this smirk:
also perfect this move, they will definitely ask for it in the audition
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/Y1Fj6U5RMpQngpMwdT/giphy.gif?cid=790b76116f0c6e87a16f8d371f650b255c3cf100107da735&rid=giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on November 22, 2019, 08:05:59 pm
can't argue with facts. reelect this man!

(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/76747438_165448274659833_4510143954938757120_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ohc=0WqRcYzUy6wAQmGpGdeJnFDYfT7a_kmKSXbp__631BlOUWkiAEqkMS5Gw&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=92fccf771dde2bc6385524c916062f1b&oe=5E870E10)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 22, 2019, 10:08:19 pm
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e9/Robbie_Williams_-_The_Christmas_Present.png)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 22, 2019, 10:32:39 pm
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e9/Robbie_Williams_-_The_Christmas_Present.png)
not sure why, but I'm seeing David Holmes everywhere...doesn't it kinda look like him on this cover
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 25, 2019, 01:24:35 pm
so i only pay attention to phones every 2 to 3 years or so, after i've paid off my old phone and start to consider my next upgrade.  i've got 4 months left on my current pixel 2, so i'm starting to get curious.  two Q's:

- is google releasing the new pixel on an annual basis?  if so, i can easily hold out for the 5.
- what is the fatal flaw with the 4?

I can't remember if you're one of my friends on Fi or not, but Fi just offered 50% of what you pay for the phone in service credits.

So....

Pixel 4XL 128GB: $999

Minus....

Pixel 3XL trade-in: $285 (ridiculously low, BTW)
Fi Service Credit: $500

Means.....

Pixel 4XL 128GB for $214

At that price, I'm willing to overlook it's shortcomings.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 29, 2019, 09:14:56 pm
Kacey Musgraves Christmas Special is solid for her outfits alone.  Now streaming on Amazon Prime....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 30, 2019, 11:49:19 pm
ICarlos Ghosn fleeing to Lebanon to escape Japanese prosecution might be  the greatest story ever in the auto industry....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on December 31, 2019, 12:13:10 am
He proved the original charge was right...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 31, 2019, 09:20:53 pm
Clearly you have zero knowledge of the Japanese Criminal Justice System....

I'm pretty sure the authorities looked the other way as he snuck out in an instrument case and let him leave rather than have their 99% conviction rate challenged by the entire developed world.  No OECD country in the world has a conviction rate close to that, yet many authoritarian and autocratic countries do.  Hmmm.

Did he cheat taxes?  Of course.  Did he do it the exact same way every other Japanese mogul does?  Absolutely.  Did he do it at the advice of Japanese financial planners?  Of course.  Would they arrest the Japanese CEO's of the same offenses?  Never in a century. Maybe two.  He was targeted specifically because they were tired of the Peugeot-Nissan alliance (which they agreed to) and the control the French had.  Nothing more, nothing less.  He has been under house arrest for 18 months with no charges - how much longer should he wait?   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 03, 2020, 02:26:44 pm
The 10 Least Consequential Athletes of the Decade (https://www.sbnation.com/2019/12/30/21035159/the-10-least-consequential-athletes-of-the-decade) (featuring two Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim!)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 07, 2020, 06:39:05 pm
Oh no!   Mommy and Daddy are fighting!  And in public this time!

SONOS sues Google (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/07/technology/sonos-sues-google.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 07, 2020, 10:30:13 pm
still in the market for a coup
(https://www.maxim.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MTQ5NDI1MDM4MTU4NzM1MDQ5/170819_5968-source.webp)
the nanny can take an uber with the lil' one
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 10, 2020, 02:24:17 pm
For the third year in a row, total consumption growth was up double-digits. The 13.5% growth in 2019 in total consumption was fueled by the continued growth of on-demand streams.....As a result of consumers continuing to move more towards streaming music, ondemand stream consumption now represents 85% of all music consumption in the United States; a 7.6-point jump over 2018 (77%). On-demand audio stream consumption in 2019 set a record high with 705 billion streams, up 32% over 2018’s 534.6 billion audio streams. While album sales and song sales continued to decline, 23% and 26% respectively...

(https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Total-Annual-Consumption.jpg)

It's not all rosey though:

"vinyl album sales in 2019 experienced another double-digit growth year; up 10.5% over 2018."

#shakesmyhead

https://www.buzzanglemusic.com/buzzangle-music-2019-report-on-u-s-music-consumption/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 17, 2020, 02:06:16 pm
Disney+ will be $7.99
Check that.

Disney+ will be $6.99.
Had not heard that...kids have been asking for it and I was already paying for Hulu...I'm going to be obvious when I say that... ESPN adds absolutely zero to the purchase for me
Kinda thought Disney+ was going to be $10 a month, so this sounded like a deal
You mean, the purpose of a bundle is not to save you money, but instead for you to pay what looks like a discount for something you might not ever use?  I've never heard of a such a thing.


Disney is dropping the Fox name, and is rebranding to 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 17, 2020, 03:52:55 pm
Disney is dropping the Fox name, and is rebranding to 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures.[/i]

No surprise here. It might even have been part of the sale contract as to not confuse the brands, and those were the original names before being acquired by Fox, or being rebranded as Fox in the case of Searchlight.  I am a bit surprised they stuck with 20th Century though, given that we're well past that timeframe. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 02, 2020, 04:40:13 pm
If Fox's 4K pregame show is any indication of what to expect for the big game, I'm going to be down with 4K streaming sports....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 02, 2020, 04:51:37 pm
If Fox's 4K pregame show is any indication of what to expect for the big game, I'm going to be down with 4K streaming sports....
Seconded.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 19, 2020, 03:44:09 pm
Chef Dominique Crenn is engaged to actor Maria Bello.

(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/53ZdLd7b_Wl59MKddHO8TcafGYc=/0x0:1018x778/920x613/filters:focal(409x137:571x299):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66330136/crenn_bello.0.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 19, 2020, 04:51:00 pm
that inspired me to watch some of the best scenes in "history of violence"
which led me to find out about
Falling is a 2020 film written and directed by Viggo Mortensen in his feature directorial debut
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 21, 2020, 03:33:37 pm
AKA things that "Elias Leight" wants you to know:

‘The Whole System Collapsed’: Inside the Music Industry’s Ongoing Distribution Crisis (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/cd-vinyl-distribution-crisis-950327/)
‘It’s amazing how a company most have never heard of can bring the U.S. music industry to its knees,’ said one label exec struggling to get his artists’ records into stores
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on February 21, 2020, 04:21:27 pm
This really is a crisis...my local store is always having problems stocking the vinyl they need
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 21, 2020, 04:53:20 pm
You should all be saying thank you and investing your savings in something that might actually be beneficial....

For example: For Hutch (https://www.virginia529.com/)

For Sweetcell (https://wastate529.wa.gov/)

Smackie is also for the children.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 21, 2020, 05:35:46 pm
You should all be saying thank you and investing your savings in something that might actually be beneficial....

For example: For Hutch (https://www.virginia529.com/)

For Sweetcell (https://wastate529.wa.gov/)

Smackie is also for the children.


dude, no need to get your 529 in your state of residence... our current one is in Utah.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 21, 2020, 05:56:05 pm
You should all be saying thank you and investing your savings in something that might actually be beneficial....

For example: For Hutch (https://www.virginia529.com/)

For Sweetcell (https://wastate529.wa.gov/)

Smackie is also for the children.

didn't think I'd get to use this (https://forum.930.com/index.php?topic=19630.msg495632#msg495632) again...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 21, 2020, 06:17:57 pm
dude, no need to get your 529 in your state of residence... our current one is in Utah.

Well, I wasn't going to do the research for you...

But any resident of VA who doesn't deduct the contributions to their VA 529 from their state taxes would be a fool.  And yes, while Utah does allow you to deduct against your income and Washington does not, just what Utah income are you hiding from us, sweetcell? 

I'll go first:  Mormon Boys Tabernacle Choir Director?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 21, 2020, 07:10:20 pm
dude, no need to get your 529 in your state of residence... our current one is in Utah.

Well, I wasn't going to do the research for you...

But any resident of VA who doesn't deduct the contributions to their VA 529 from their state taxes would be a fool.  And yes, while Utah does allow you to deduct against your income and Washington does not, just what Utah income are you hiding from us, sweetcell? 

WA doesn't have a personal income tax, so there is nothing to deduct against.  thus, it becomes a question of which state's 529 offers the best terms, most flexibility, etc.  UT's ranks very high, if not the highest.

thanks for the insights.  we have a real financial advisor, FYI.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 24, 2020, 09:38:35 am
I had a weird ass dream about Smackie last night. For some reason, it was Thanksgiving and I was super down in the dumps. I was lying online about attending the Egg Bowl to make it seem like I was doing something fun. Then all of a sudden, Vansmack showed up at my door and said he was there to cheer me up. I was like "it's Thanksgiving, you have a wife and kid. Why would you fly across country to see me?" And he was all "you are one of my oldest and dearest friends". And I was too polite to say it but I was thinking "wait, no I'm not. This doesn't make sense." Then I woke up.

It was a weird dream. No sex happened.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 24, 2020, 04:11:34 pm
This story would totally make sense if I figured out you were lying and bought you a ticket to SF for Thanksgiving.  I haven't had a "family only" Thanksgiving in like 20 years.  This year alone we had friends bring their family and we had a guy from South Carolina, an older couple from Manchester, England celebrating their first Thanksgiving ever, and a lady from Ireland.  You would blend right in and your spirits would be turned around by either Alice's Restaurant or the John Lewis Christmas Adverts...

But I would crush them back down by the third glass of whiskey and the 15th repeat of "Fairytale of New York."  And that's the sex would happen.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 24, 2020, 05:09:35 pm
that was a strange plot twist
A+
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 24, 2020, 05:14:19 pm
This story would totally make sense if I figured out you were lying and bought you a ticket to SF for Thanksgiving.  I haven't had a "family only" Thanksgiving in like 20 years.  This year alone we had friends bring their family and we had a guy from South Carolina, an older couple from Manchester, England celebrating their first Thanksgiving ever, and a lady from Ireland.  You would blend right in and your spirits would be turned around by either Alice's Restaurant or the John Lewis Christmas Adverts...

But I would crush them back down by the third glass of whiskey and the 15th repeat of "Fairytale of New York."  And that's the sex would happen.
So I guess Jen and I are coming to San Fran in November now? This is weirder than having a Smackie dream in the first place.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on February 24, 2020, 05:17:00 pm
This story would totally make sense if I figured out you were lying and bought you a ticket to SF for Thanksgiving.  I haven't had a "family only" Thanksgiving in like 20 years.  This year alone we had friends bring their family and we had a guy from South Carolina, an older couple from Manchester, England celebrating their first Thanksgiving ever, and a lady from Ireland.  You would blend right in and your spirits would be turned around by either Alice's Restaurant or the John Lewis Christmas Adverts...

But I would crush them back down by the third glass of whiskey and the 15th repeat of "Fairytale of New York."  And that's the sex would happen.
So I guess Jen and I are coming to San Fran in November now? This is weirder than having a Smackie dream in the first place.

Who's Jen?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 24, 2020, 05:18:10 pm
This story would totally make sense if I figured out you were lying and bought you a ticket to SF for Thanksgiving.  I haven't had a "family only" Thanksgiving in like 20 years.  This year alone we had friends bring their family and we had a guy from South Carolina, an older couple from Manchester, England celebrating their first Thanksgiving ever, and a lady from Ireland.  You would blend right in and your spirits would be turned around by either Alice's Restaurant or the John Lewis Christmas Adverts...

But I would crush them back down by the third glass of whiskey and the 15th repeat of "Fairytale of New York."  And that's the sex would happen.
So I guess Jen and I are coming to San Fran in November now? This is weirder than having a Smackie dream in the first place.

Who's Jen?
My wife.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 24, 2020, 05:33:00 pm
This story would totally make sense if I figured out you were lying and bought you a ticket to SF for Thanksgiving.  I haven't had a "family only" Thanksgiving in like 20 years.  This year alone we had friends bring their family and we had a guy from South Carolina, an older couple from Manchester, England celebrating their first Thanksgiving ever, and a lady from Ireland.  You would blend right in and your spirits would be turned around by either Alice's Restaurant or the John Lewis Christmas Adverts...

But I would crush them back down by the third glass of whiskey and the 15th repeat of "Fairytale of New York."  And that's the sex would happen.
So I guess Jen and I are coming to San Fran in November now? This is weirder than having a Smackie dream in the first place.

Who's Jen?
My wife.

*humblebrag*
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 15, 2020, 01:53:29 pm
Apple Mac Pro Wheels Kit (https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MX572ZM/A/apple-mac-pro-wheels-kit#apl)

$700.  For wheels that go under your desktop.  It's ok though, if you don't want your desktop to roll, you can simply get feet for $300.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 15, 2020, 02:06:25 pm
Apple Mac Pro Wheels Kit (https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MX572ZM/A/apple-mac-pro-wheels-kit#apl)

$700.  For wheels that go under your desktop.  It's ok though, if you don't want your desktop to roll, you can simply get feet for $300.
jez, $700 for casters
I bet they made it so you can't fit standard ones in there ...ya know that only cost $21 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-4-in-Industrial-Casters-with-Bumper-4-Pack-30260PS-YOW/100658236)
yes they don't have that cool 'made by apple to drain your wallet look'
(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pXeq-sVuP9VGd3lvdmztSz4D9Vk=/0x0:1000x1000/920x613/filters:focal(420x420:580x580):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66657034/MX572.0.png)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 29, 2020, 01:27:45 am
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/95178782_10220656340577420_6932274556606349312_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_oc=AQnkd11PcgBuWjnWwX0TF1IL92g7MPxMnRI2td4ELw4lelELF3GmlcC_N0UwO2TPMI8&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=aa4e0021cf14a8811f6b0a0a81ffec66&oe=5ECCD2B9)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 30, 2020, 01:04:49 am
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/95178782_10220656340577420_6932274556606349312_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_oc=AQnkd11PcgBuWjnWwX0TF1IL92g7MPxMnRI2td4ELw4lelELF3GmlcC_N0UwO2TPMI8&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=aa4e0021cf14a8811f6b0a0a81ffec66&oe=5ECCD2B9)

#neverforget
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 05, 2020, 04:20:44 pm
You can have them:

Juul of the Potomac: The e-cigarette maker is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 05, 2020, 04:54:43 pm
You can have them:

Juul of the Potomac: The e-cigarette maker is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.
Doesn't Altria (Richmond) basically own them [or a controlling stake] at this point?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 05, 2020, 05:26:51 pm
Doesn't Altria (Richmond) basically own them [or a controlling stake] at this point?

35% stake, and since one of the founders announced he was leaving that might leave them as the controlling share, but not clear.

SF did pass an ordinance banning tobacco and firearms manufacturers from the city, but they were grandfathered in.  We certainly weren't welcoming anyway.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 05, 2020, 05:32:31 pm
The worst part about trying to be philanthropic in Richmond is anything you try to do, Altria and Dominion already giving them a kabillion more dollars (or the defunct ghost of Genworth).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 05, 2020, 05:32:43 pm
There has been nothing but bad news about Juul since last years vape deaths and trump bitching about how mango flavors are going to make kids become democrats
Their value in the last year has dropped quite a bit, VA seems like a much more friendly environment for them anyway
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 05, 2020, 05:37:41 pm
There has been nothing but bad news about Juul

FTFY
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 05, 2020, 05:43:13 pm
There has been nothing but bad news about Juul

FTFY
Well from a business perspective it was the White Claw of e-cigs
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 05, 2020, 05:55:02 pm
Well from a business perspective it was the White Claw of e-cigs

Revenue, maybe, but not profits.  And certainly not after the lawsuits....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 05, 2020, 06:10:02 pm
To be fair, unlike Juul, people can’t sue White Claw because of that targeted immunity they have from all laws.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 05, 2020, 07:53:10 pm
To be fair, unlike Juul, people can’t sue White Claw because of that targeted immunity they have from all laws.

Even the watermelon one?  I mean, come on....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 05, 2020, 08:04:41 pm
To be fair, unlike Juul, people can’t sue White Claw because of that targeted immunity they have from all laws.

Even the watermelon one?  I mean, come on....
NO LAWS, Smackie. It’s right there in our collective social contract.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on May 14, 2020, 11:34:56 pm
The Enduring Influence of Kraftwerk (https://www.economist.com/europe/2020/05/16/the-enduring-influence-of-kraftwerk)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on May 15, 2020, 08:44:14 am
The Enduring Influence of Kraftwerk (https://www.economist.com/europe/2020/05/16/the-enduring-influence-of-kraftwerk)

Paywalled
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 15, 2020, 08:51:12 am
The Enduring Influence of Kraftwerk (https://www.economist.com/europe/2020/05/16/the-enduring-influence-of-kraftwerk)

Paywalled
I don't know if its more embarrassing for you that as a grown ass man in 2020 you don't have a subscription to the Economist or that you are foiled by an "impenetrable" online paywall.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on May 15, 2020, 08:59:58 am
Look man. I've got data - I've got charts! I can't waste time with information that is not immediately accessible. Do you have the PDF? Share the wealth, man. Share the wealth. The only way we'll survive is if we take care of each other. United we stand. We're in this together.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on May 15, 2020, 10:29:34 am
The Enduring Influence of Kraftwerk (https://www.economist.com/europe/2020/05/16/the-enduring-influence-of-kraftwerk)

Paywalled

They'll let you read five articles per month for free in exchange for your email address.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 07, 2020, 11:06:55 am
Mr. Smax
can you confirm that racism is solved in CA?

Peter Navarro, WH Trade Advisor: "I'm a Californian. We don't see race out there. So, you know it's like I live my life in a race-blind world, and it troubles me that we have so much of this discussion when in fact we have got real problems in this country."
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 07, 2020, 12:21:17 pm
it troubles me that we have so much of this discussion when in fact we have got real problems in this country."[/i]

so racism isn't a real problem?  right, got it. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 21, 2020, 02:37:14 pm
someone found a solution for your malted beverage choice

Putting A Pickle In Cheap Light Beer Makes It Taste Better (https://www.simplemost.com/putting-pickle-cheap-light-beer-taste-better/)

Simply put, it works. While I still didn’t love it, because I’m simply not a beer fan, it definitely changed the flavor for the better. It made the beer less bitter after just a few minutes and pretty much took away the aftertaste. Right away, you’ll notice that the concoction smells more like a pickle than a beer, which is also pleasant to me since I don’t even like the smell of beer but love pickles.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: shemptiness on July 26, 2020, 12:12:12 pm
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/3IoAAOSwYjReSp0B/s-l640.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 26, 2020, 12:13:14 pm
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/3IoAAOSwYjReSp0B/s-l640.jpg)
That doesn’t look like Bundy AT ALL but looks like Smackie VERY MUCH SO.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 13, 2020, 03:25:42 pm
That doesn’t look like Bundy AT ALL but looks like Smackie VERY MUCH SO.

Except Smackie is left handed. 

Oh, and thank you O's fans for Dylan Bundy!  I don't even remember who the Angels gave you for Bundy, but it was worth it!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 13, 2020, 03:27:17 pm
someone found a solution for your malted beverage choice

Not in need of a solution - I like the taste of lighter beer.  Have had so much Kolsh this summer that I am keeping my local brewpub open...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 13, 2020, 03:29:54 pm
Mr. Smax
can you confirm that racism is solved in CA?

Peter Navarro, WH Trade Advisor: "I'm a Californian. We don't see race out there. So, you know it's like I live my life in a race-blind world, and it troubles me that we have so much of this discussion when in fact we have got real problems in this country."


Peter Navarro does not see his place of privilege and is doing a disservice to the plight of people of color by intentionally not recognizing them as people of color.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 13, 2020, 03:32:31 pm
Sorry, I used to get notifications when something was posted in this thread.  Let me look into my staff, who assure me they're working harder than ever during Covid....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 13, 2020, 04:13:55 pm
Sorry, I used to get notifications when something was posted in this thread.  Let me look into my staff, who assure me they're working harder than ever during Covid....
was getting a little concerned that you loved your offspring more than the 930 boardies
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 11, 2020, 02:10:41 pm
Right this.

The FCC dropped all efforts to regulate cable boxes and eliminated rules dating back to 1998 that required cable services to provide CableCards for DVRS like Tivo and HDHomeRun.


Tivo - I forgot you were standing there.  You may go....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 11, 2020, 02:22:01 pm
Also, I really could have put this in any of the 2020 Threads, but then one would feel left out:

How 2020 is like a Colonoscopy (https://fortune.com/2020/09/10/2020-coronavirus-covid-19-memory-peak-end-rule/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 11, 2020, 03:02:54 pm
Smax...how's the sky looking in your hood

Friend of mine sent some pics and it looks like he lives on mars
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 11, 2020, 03:12:54 pm
Yesterday and today it looks like we're living in a snow storm, only it's 70 degrees outside.  Ash everywhere....

Wednesday, 100% it looked like we were living on Mars, only we could breath.  I was telling Godshoeshine that the air created a blanket of smoke high in the atmosphere that the sun couldn't penetrate (we literally could not see the sun or any outline of it), but the Air Quality Index (AQI) was mostly green (0-50) and healthy.  It just looked crazy intense with that smoke dome lit up bright orange.

But, as soon as that air flow that sucked all the smoke into the atmosphere stopped, the entire smoke blanket dropped on us and it's bright again, even though it looks like it's quite foggy, but it's not.  It's smoke and the AQI is above 200 which is terribly unhealthy for everybody.  And it's only going to get worse through the weekend.

As odd as it is to say, I'll take Wednesday's apocalyptic look of crazy over today's brighter regular look with AQI's above 150 any day...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 08, 2020, 08:31:55 pm
Gwen Stefani goes back to her ‘90s pink hair (https://pagesix.com/2020/10/08/gwen-stefani-goes-back-to-her-90s-pink-hair/)


you're welcome.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 08, 2020, 08:58:57 pm
is that you behind Gwen in that 99 shot?!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on October 08, 2020, 10:48:04 pm
Braces too or it doesn't count.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2020, 12:13:04 pm
Gwen Stefani goes back to her ‘90s pink hair (https://pagesix.com/2020/10/08/gwen-stefani-goes-back-to-her-90s-pink-hair/)


you're welcome.

I would then and I still would now.

is that you behind Gwen in that 99 shot?!

No, that is Tom Durmont.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 09, 2020, 01:21:41 pm
and I still would now.

YA THINK?!?

(https://pagesix.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/gwen-stefani706265_002.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=640)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 09, 2020, 04:22:26 pm
Dammit.  How did I forget about this?

Uniting Under One Symbol (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrFxKY6aFrQ)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: challenged on October 20, 2020, 08:41:43 am
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0316/8708/2120/products/Jewel-Runner-front_double_logo_leg2_720x.png?v=1602802406)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 20, 2020, 12:13:29 pm
You know I thought about it.  Long and hard.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 20, 2020, 12:49:48 pm
You know I thought about it.  Long and hard.....

Please note, hazmat suit is for entertainment purposes only and not certified against chemicals, viruses, or any other harmful materials. Material is cloth-like and used as coveralls to protect against dirt, dust, and impending doom.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: challenged on October 20, 2020, 08:05:06 pm
You know I thought about it.  Long and hard.....

$45 plus tax/shipping. It's a no-brainer.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 29, 2020, 06:16:10 pm
Saw Tony LaRussa trending and I was certain he had died.  :o
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 29, 2020, 07:44:03 pm
Saw Tony LaRussa trending and I was certain he had died.  :o

Nope.  Just left the Angels.  That's HUGE news!*

*for a team that doesn't have a GM as we enter the free agency period
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 12, 2020, 02:25:57 am
John Prine left Sturgill Simpson his 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo in his will.

Smackie's mind is completely blown by this triangulation.  Literally dropped my beer when I heard this.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 25, 2020, 01:48:51 pm
the gingerbread monolith mysteriously appeared on a hill close to smackie
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqGL9BzVgAAYbr7?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 25, 2020, 02:18:21 pm
My publicist has advised me to make no comment at this time.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 20, 2021, 08:19:47 pm
Just Icing on the cake for Smackie today.....

New Radicals Reunite for Joe Biden's Inauguration (https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a35271428/new-radicals-reunion-joe-biden-inauguration/)

"It is for that reason that the song has significance to the Biden family. In his memoir Promise Me, Dad, President Biden reveals that his son Beau used “You Get What You Give” as a psych-up song for his chemotherapy treatments, and when it became clear that his brain cancer was inoperable, the family continued to play it for him to keep his spirits up. In honor of Beau, First Gentleman Doug Emhoff uses it as his walk-on music. It’s in the pantheon."

Watch at the 1 hour 17 minute mark in this video.

EDIT:  Thanks Sweetcell!

PBS cut out the performance, so no need to fast-forward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfcWpXadQPY



 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 20, 2021, 08:43:13 pm
Watch at the 1 hour 17 minute mark in this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98BP_qex5YM&feature=emb_logo).

PBS cut out the performance, so no need to fast-forward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfcWpXadQPY
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 20, 2021, 08:56:16 pm
I submitted this photo to our wedding photographer:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51TH9TpZjkL.jpg)

Originally the plan was for the groomsmen and DJ to be ridden by lesbian bike chariot along the waterfront to the wedding venue.  At the time we lived by the ballpark in SF.

And I wanted to stop at the arrow outside Gap HQ and sit on the lawn and take that photo in my tux:

(https://www.urbanadventurequest.com/assets/img/CityPagePhotos/CP%20San%20Fran%202%20Bow%20N%20Arrow.jpg)

The photog was in, I told him the whole story about the New Radicals and the album cover, etc...

But.....

A couple months before the wedding, we found a house, bought it and the whole "ride bike chariots and take that photo" got lost as we moved to the other side of the city so it never happened.

Still love that song.  Still regret not taking that photo....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 26, 2021, 04:10:06 pm
I always thought this was a fake picture:

I found the Bay Area hill in Windows XP's iconic wallpaper (https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/Windows-XP-Bliss-Hill-Sonoma-Charles-O-Rear-15976588.php)

(https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/16/61/77/20652025/3/ratio3x2_1200.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on March 09, 2021, 02:21:21 pm
If you would have posted this in my thread where I answer all things Olivia Wilde and hate on Jason Sudeikis, I could have told you sooner that she's saying "I'm Olivia Wilde, Welcome to the GQ Comedy Issue"

*ahem*

https://www.pajiba.com/pajiba_love/jason-sudeikis-dating-ted-lasso-costar-keeley-hazell.php (https://www.pajiba.com/pajiba_love/jason-sudeikis-dating-ted-lasso-costar-keeley-hazell.php)

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a35172115/harry-styles-olivia-wilde-relationship-timeline/ (https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a35172115/harry-styles-olivia-wilde-relationship-timeline/)
 
 
at least olivia is respecting the "half your age plus seven" rule (https://nypost.com/2021/02/19/why-harry-styles-relationship-with-olivia-wilde-is-not-so-uncommon/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on March 09, 2021, 03:32:50 pm
I have so much to say about this and I'm surprised it's taken this long to be brought up.

When I first read the headline, I thought they were referring to the actress playing "Keeley" (Juno Temple) and I thought, what a downgrade she is to Olivia.  Then I realized it was the lass Jamie Tart brought to the ball and thought - I could see that.  As I told The Brand when we watched that episode, Bex is way hotter than Keeley, Jamie should do that.  The Brand did not agree.  I'm gonna run this new fling past her and see her reaction...also, how many times can Jason over-achieve?  I still hate him. Oh, and she is hardly a co-"star" - what was she in, two episodes?

Obviously Olivia is over correcting for her mistake with Jason with this Harry Styles guy and that has no staying power.  Two wrongs don't make a right, Olivia.  But, you should know the half-your-age-plus-7 corollary does not apply to women.  This is called the Mrs Robinson Exception, and we're talking Cougar Town now.  Totally acceptable.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Space Freely on April 08, 2021, 05:31:34 pm
Highway 1 reopening moved up to April 30.

https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/caltrans-hwy-1-big-sur-slide-closure-to-reopen-two-months-sooner-than-expected
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 08, 2021, 09:23:37 pm
Ho

Lee

Shit
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 19, 2021, 02:01:17 pm
Highway 1 reopening moved up to April 30.

Or, this week:

https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/hwy-1-at-rat-creek-to-reopen-this-friday

I'm currently accepting suggestions for the playlist.  I'm driving PCH from SF to Pismo on May 8.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 19, 2021, 04:47:06 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/esmC3mh.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on April 19, 2021, 05:30:34 pm
I am 5 months into my Apple experiment.  I use my Macbook ($1300) 100% of the time at work and it is better than my Windows machine at most tasks ($600). Is it worth twice the price?  No.

At home I use my Chromebook 95% of the time ($325).  The only place where the Macbook far outshines the competition is creating - all of my video editing and serious photo editing is now done on the Macbook and it is FAR superior at those tasks.

Scam is a strong word, but yeah, I would rather buy two Windows Laptops or four Chromebooks over the lifespan of one Macbook UNTIL I have more time to create more videos, at least. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on April 19, 2021, 05:46:06 pm
If I may ask What’s a windows laptop you would recommend Smackie?

I am looking for something basic mainly for internet and typing..

The last chrome book or notebook PC I bought- when I decided not to spring for a MacBook- an Asus E203M sucks.. slow...a waste of $... it came cheap but a waste so I basically gave up and just use my phone

Anybody else know have tips let me know


I feel like this is my annual I suck at technology post.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 19, 2021, 07:31:54 pm
for the general population, i would suggest going with one of the big boys like Dell or Lenovo.  i'm currently typing on a 5-year old Lenovo laptop that is working great, not a single complaint so far.  i bought the 3-year no-questions-asked insurance, because i'm a klutz, as it turned out nothing broke on the machine.  just as the warrantee was about to expire i sent it in to get the keyboard and a USB port replaced - didn't really need it, but i recouped my cost right there.  to my mind, support options are more important for the average man on the street than the specs of the machine, if it's going to be mostly used for email and surfing.  any machine you buy will do the job.  question is, what is your tolerance for pain when the machine dies?  how much are you willing to do to get the computer back into service?  personally i want overnight my laptop, have them fix it ASAP, then ship it back to me.  both Lenovo and Dell have good options in that regard, along with others like in-person drop-off.  if you're patient, a good sale/deal will pop up - they're constantly discounting something in their line-up...



Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 20, 2021, 03:39:07 pm
Microsoft has released some decent surface's in the last few years (the first few rounds sucked eggs)
I have Microsoft - Surface Laptop 3 and love it

They are getting priced to move right now, because the Surface Laptop 4 is out
So you can find it at best buy new for $800
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on April 20, 2021, 03:53:01 pm
Microsoft has released some decent surface's in the last few years (the first few rounds sucked eggs)
I have Microsoft - Surface Laptop 3 and love it

They are getting priced to move right now, because the Surface Laptop 4 is out
So you can find it at best buy new for $800

I meant to post the same thing... I've had nothing but Surface laptops since 2011 and have liked them all. Have the Surface 3 right now and it's a monster.

I still thinking hutch needs nothing but a $299 Acer though personally.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 20, 2021, 04:18:18 pm
I still thinking hutch needs nothing but a $299 Acer though personally.
I kind of agree...I think he is basing his decision on the failed-era of windows Netbooks (those were horrible) ...not Chromebooks
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on April 20, 2021, 05:11:23 pm
Ok thanks but can you tell me the exact model! Cause I got a netbook like 16 months ago (I listed model number earlier) and it blow
Thanks
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 20, 2021, 05:19:25 pm
oh...was thinking of the one you got like 10 years ago.
Was it a Chromebook or windows based?

This looks decent
Lenovo - S345-14AST 14" Touch-Screen Chromebook
and
Acer - Spin 15 2-in-1 15.6 Touch-Screen Chromebook
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on April 20, 2021, 05:34:40 pm
The one I got ten years ago ...an asus netbook rocked

I can’t remember but I think this acer was a cheap chromebook..so damn slow
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: hutch on April 20, 2021, 06:27:37 pm
Before that I always had toshiba laptops which I loved but they stopped making them
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 20, 2021, 06:55:33 pm
Before that I always had toshiba laptops which I loved but they stopped making them
i am still rocking a great Toshiba
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 25, 2021, 05:02:54 pm
This is next level stuff from ProPublica, who, frankly, have been killing it lately.

Lord of the Roths: How Tech Mogul Peter Thiel Turned a Retirement Account for the Middle Class Into a $5 Billion Tax-Free Piggy Bank (https://www.propublica.org/article/lord-of-the-roths-how-tech-mogul-peter-thiel-turned-a-retirement-account-for-the-middle-class-into-a-5-billion-dollar-tax-free-piggy-bank)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on July 14, 2021, 01:22:59 pm
That moment, when Macron realizes what it is #priceless

French army band medleys Daft Punk at Bastille Day parade – video (https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2017/jul/14/french-army-band-medleys-daft-punk-bastille-day-parade-macron-trump-video)

Oh hey happy bastille day
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2021, 01:51:00 pm
Still holds up, 49 seconds in...the smirk!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 03, 2021, 01:00:55 pm
Is Newsom in real peril or what? Are these polls of the "scare Dems into showing up" variety or is this actually close? Starting to feel like an error to throw no Democratic candidate out there on the Recall side (of course, that went south with Bustamante).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 03, 2021, 01:19:04 pm
Is Newsom in real peril or what? Are these polls of the "scare Dems into showing up" variety or is this actually close? Starting to feel like an error to throw no Democratic candidate out there on the Recall side (of course, that went south with Bustamante).

So many unknowns here, but yes, legit possibility. 

His polls are worsening, people's frustration around schooling, masks, the spread of the Delta variant, vaccine requirements, etc all make for an impossible polling situation here.  Should wildfire season start early, he could be in big trouble because the only way to prevent the wildfires is PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoffs) and that just pisses everyone off, even though the Governor has nothing to do with that. 

His one big hope is that we are continuing our mail-in ballots so that does benefit him as turnout would be much lower if it were in person, and only the really motivated would show up at the polls.  At this point I think he squeaks it out but so much can happen between now and Sept 14.

The one thing I hope we do fix in this state is that we make it much harder to recall an elected official.  It is WAY too easy to get this on the ballot.     
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 03, 2021, 01:26:47 pm
The one thing I hope we do fix in this state is that we make it much harder to recall an elected official.  It is WAY too easy to get this on the ballot.     
for sure that's going to happen right after DC becomes the 51st state and we fix the electoral college
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 03, 2021, 01:52:26 pm
The one thing I hope we do fix in this state is that we make it much harder to recall an elected official.  It is WAY too easy to get this on the ballot.     
for sure that's going to happen right after DC becomes the 51st state and we fix the electoral college

Um, it wouldn't be that hard in CA. 

2/3 majority of both houses of the CA legislature would have to support it (which the Dems already have - 77.5% of the Senate and 74% of the Assembly) and 50+1% of the vote in a ballot initiative, which by this polling (https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2021/07/29/poll-most-california-voters-want-to-revamp-california-recall-process-9426970) won't be a problem at all.

The only question remaining is do we move the signature threshold up from 12% (among the lowest of any state) to something like 20% or do we actually create a threshold by which an elected official can be recalled.  Hell, maybe we even do both.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Starsky on August 03, 2021, 02:00:56 pm
I agree

These Cali recalls are beyond ridiculous and a complete waste of time and energy


Embarrassing


If we want to strengthen democracy- and I do - surely there are better ways of doing so

I can’t even think of what Gavin has done that is so terrible

“Shooore let’s weaken our Gov”


Wtf
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 20, 2021, 08:53:58 am
This kinda seemed like the appropriate thread for this
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-19/onlyfans-to-block-sexually-explicit-videos-starting-in-october
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2021, 11:03:07 am
First, I’ve never heard of this site.  But if I had, I would have changed the headline to OnlyFans is going out Business.

The first sign was hiring Mia Khalifa to advertise that they’re opening OnlyFans to athletes, musicians and non-Adult entertainers.  Now this.  Good luck!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 20, 2021, 11:13:08 am
First, I’ve never heard of this site. 
I might concede that you are not a paying supporter nor every visited onlyfans
but I'm hard pressed to believe you've never heard of it

but I agree, such a weird business decision to walk away from all that cash they must be making off that
just open a new site OnlyAdultFans and have that content there
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2021, 11:27:25 am
So OnlyFans' model, as I understand it, is to throw away their only differentiator and, de facto, come second-to-market in a space dominated by Patreon. Got it. Checks out.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 20, 2021, 11:30:25 am
but I agree, such a weird business decision to walk away from all that cash they must be making off that
It's likely very bank/credit card processor driven. There's this fascinating article I read about a year ago in . . . I don't remember what, lets say The Atlantic, and if not The Atlantic, another magazine of similar ilk, about the early days of paid internet porn and how no bank would touch it with a ten-foot pole because of money laundering concerns (publicly) and massive chargebacks/"my wife saw the bill and I never ordered this!" concerns (in reality) and one bank out of South Dakota was running 95% of the legal porn credit card transactions in America, at a really nuts rate.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 20, 2021, 12:24:05 pm
It's likely very bank/credit card processor driven.
I think that's what I read is one issue, the other is they are trying to go public, so they think this will impact that
I just think they should spin off a separate company just dedicated to that and take all those 'content providers' and move them there....done with millions to make
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 20, 2021, 04:30:45 pm
Yes, they are trying to go public and yes, most investors won’t invest in porn, so they plan to clean up their act, which will drive their subscribers away and thus bite the hand that feeds. Hence my prediction they will go under.

https://www.axios.com/onlyfans-investors-struggle-9cc92523-6607-40ad-9893-4175e7966b52.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 22, 2021, 08:28:39 am
Decent thred on this
https://twitter.com/postcultrev/status/1428584131835748359?s=21

MasterCard is the villain here
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on August 25, 2021, 10:16:02 am


OnlyFans says never mind, it actually won’t ban porn on October 1st (https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/25/22640988/onlyfans-no-ban-porn-sexually-explicit-content-creators)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 25, 2021, 02:54:26 pm
this is good news: Turnout for the CA recall election is currently outpacing turnout in the 2020 general election, a strong sign for Democrats.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 25, 2021, 06:08:59 pm


OnlyFans says never mind, it actually won’t ban porn on October 1st (https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/25/22640988/onlyfans-no-ban-porn-sexually-explicit-content-creators)

Genius level marketing move.  Now everybody knows about them!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 30, 2021, 10:18:07 am
this is good news: Turnout for the CA recall election is currently outpacing turnout in the 2020 general election, a strong sign for Democrats.

These early voters are disproportionately Democratic (54%), white (69%) and age 65 or older (42%). That tracks with trends observed during the November 2020 election, in which Democrats rushed to vote early while Republicans — often citing concerns about fraud — waited to cast their ballots in person on Election Day.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2021, 12:53:51 pm
Kacey Musgraves - Star Crossed
Friday 9/10

I told Hoya that I couldn't wait to hear her new "divorce album" when the news of their split broke:

Kacey Musgraves has joined country’s long tradition of divorce albums — familiar refrains that help listeners wallow and heal (https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/09/10/kacey-musgraves-star-crossed-new-album/)

And followed it up with "just wait until she has a baby".....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 10, 2021, 01:30:35 pm
Kacey Musgraves - Star Crossed
Friday 9/10

I told Hoya that I couldn't wait to hear her new "divorce album" when the news of their split broke:

Kacey Musgraves has joined country’s long tradition of divorce albums — familiar refrains that help listeners wallow and heal (https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/09/10/kacey-musgraves-star-crossed-new-album/)

And followed it up with "just wait until she has a baby".....

my first listen thoughts were Kacey please please give us some more up tempo songs... the only things that truly jumped out at me was the flute solo on "there is a light" and the final song sung in spanish which is a cover "gracias a la vida"

will take it for a listen in the car later today.. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Yada on September 10, 2021, 01:45:15 pm
Kacey Musgraves - Star Crossed
Friday 9/10

I told Hoya that I couldn't wait to hear her new "divorce album" when the news of their split broke:

Kacey Musgraves has joined country’s long tradition of divorce albums — familiar refrains that help listeners wallow and heal (https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/09/10/kacey-musgraves-star-crossed-new-album/)

And followed it up with "just wait until she has a baby".....

my first listen thoughts were Kacey please please give us some more up tempo songs... the only things that truly jumped out at me was the flute solo on "there is a light" and the final song sung in spanish which is a cover "gracias a la vida"

will take it for a listen in the car later today..

When a flute solo is a highlight of an album...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2021, 01:48:48 pm
When a flute solo is a highlight of an album...

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull made a career of it. 

I could also argue that the flute solo is the highlight of Canned Heat's self-titled album.

And who could forget that one time at Band Camp.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 10, 2021, 02:09:58 pm
and as i recently learned the harmonic solo on Fingertips part 2 by Stevie was based on a funky flute solo from an earlier jazz record

also there is this one  Lack of Afro - One for the Trouble

https://youtu.be/CM609GtTdUU

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Starsky on September 10, 2021, 02:17:17 pm


The flute solo is an abomination


There is a reason people can’t get 25 cents for Herbie Mann LPs

Jethro Tull hasn’t fared much better
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on September 10, 2021, 02:19:35 pm
(https://img.discogs.com/4_dphY_KfE04BhzuFkzSRAysmDY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6293131-1415750801-6649.jpeg.jpg)

You wouldn't pay a quarter for this?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 10, 2021, 02:20:20 pm
(https://img.discogs.com/4_dphY_KfE04BhzuFkzSRAysmDY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6293131-1415750801-6649.jpeg.jpg)

You wouldn't pay a quarter for this?
Grrr,rrrr,rrrll!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Space Freely on September 10, 2021, 02:32:10 pm


The flute solo is an abomination


There is a reason people can’t get 25 cents for Herbie Mann LPs

Jethro Tull hasn’t fared much better

Lizzo and my wife beg to differ.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Starsky on September 10, 2021, 02:34:01 pm
(https://img.discogs.com/4_dphY_KfE04BhzuFkzSRAysmDY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6293131-1415750801-6649.jpeg.jpg)

You wouldn't pay a quarter for this?
Grrr,rrrr,rrrll!

You know damn well I paid $1 for it

But I got problems….
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on September 10, 2021, 02:36:16 pm
(https://img.discogs.com/4_dphY_KfE04BhzuFkzSRAysmDY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6293131-1415750801-6649.jpeg.jpg)(https://img.discogs.com/4_dphY_KfE04BhzuFkzSRAysmDY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6293131-1415750801-6649.jpeg.jpg)
(https://img.discogs.com/4_dphY_KfE04BhzuFkzSRAysmDY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6293131-1415750801-6649.jpeg.jpg)(https://img.discogs.com/4_dphY_KfE04BhzuFkzSRAysmDY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6293131-1415750801-6649.jpeg.jpg)

4 for a buck!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 10, 2021, 02:39:41 pm


The flute solo is an abomination


There is a reason people can’t get 25 cents for Herbie Mann LPs

Jethro Tull hasn’t fared much better

Lizzo and my wife beg to differ.

so do Black Heat
 Wanaoh - https://youtu.be/r6yNn9Ve8RI

and yes i have a mini list for the funky flute.. and apologies to smackie for letting his thread get hijacked with flute hijinks
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2021, 02:48:51 pm
and apologies to smackie for letting his thread get hijacked with flute hijinks

Are you kidding?!  Things to do with a flute is exactly what this thread is for....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 10, 2021, 02:51:42 pm
All joking aside, I'm going to see Raman Kalyan, a famous Indian floutist, at this art gallery tonite and have had tickets for like 2 months.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2021, 03:05:44 pm
The Brand was head cheerleader in high school and also a flautist in the marching band.  At halftime of football games she would do the cheer routine, then run over and grab her flute and perform the marching band routine with her band hat on and in her cheerleading outfit.  I have offered high rewards for photos or video of said routine.

I'm also working on my first Smackie Corollary in a long time based on this exercise.... 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 10, 2021, 03:19:42 pm
The Brand was head cheerleader in high school and also a flautist in the marching band.  At halftime of football games she would do the cheer routine, then run over and grab her flute and perform the marching band routine with her band hat on and in her cheerleading outfit.  I have offered high rewards for photos or video of said routine.

I'm also working on my first Smackie Corollary in a long time based on this exercise....
I have to think you've been holding this tale back for a while just waiting for the right opportunity...sounds like you owe Kosmo a beer
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Starsky on September 10, 2021, 03:23:05 pm
Wait Sidehatch telling people they owe beers?


And

+1
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 10, 2021, 03:26:35 pm
Wait Sidehatch telling people they owe beers?
was going to reference my inability to actually do this...but it was assumed
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2021, 03:39:50 pm
I owe Kosmo many beers and look forward to seeing him again over said beers.  Hopefully in April...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 10, 2021, 03:57:57 pm
I have to think you've been holding this tale back for a while just waiting for the right opportunity...sounds like you owe Kosmo a beer

i think we ALL owe kosmo a beer for bringing this up.

i guess The Brand has always been an overachiever.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2021, 03:59:18 pm
i guess The Brand has always been an overachiever.

Until she married me that is...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 10, 2021, 10:42:40 pm
"

will take it for a listen in the car later today.. 

I will have succeeded in life if no one ever writes a song like bread winner about me….
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 12, 2021, 12:48:32 am
We watched the accompanying movie on Paramount+ tonight with a bottle of wine or two.  Definitely a Baz Luhrmann feel to it, though some of my favorite tracks from the new album are not in the movie.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 14, 2021, 11:50:30 pm
Gavin is going to pace almost exactly at vaccine rates in CA counties and may have just laid out a blueprint for the midterms…
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 15, 2021, 06:35:46 am
Thank you for voting No
Sanity has prevailed
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 15, 2021, 08:53:42 am
may have just laid out a blueprint for the midterms…
Pump the breaks a little. I'm not sure "very very blue state" reaffirms they are "very very blue" is a model for the midterms generically. Perhaps its a blueprint for holding as many congressional seats in California and possibly the house by extension but I don't think there's a blueprint here that's applicable to Georgia, for example.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 15, 2021, 09:16:04 am
yeah the biggest risk and why these recalls are effective is that people don't come out to vote (again) in an off year election
he had high approval, but with a low turnout...things could go the wrong way fast

the gripe is the state spend almost $300 mill on this and there is an election coming up in just a year
but I have to imagine the amount of money spent by gavin and the others was also in the millions and just a waste of everyones time and money

the 12% thing needs to be removed, it needs to be 51%
Just absurd


but I do agree with Juli, no way we can draw any conclusions from this abnormality of an election
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 15, 2021, 09:28:46 am
but I have to imagine the amount of money spent by gavin and the others was also in the millions and just a waste of everyones time and money

the 12% thing needs to be removed, it needs to be 51%
Just absurd
I think the point of these recalls, more often than not, is just to bloody up the officeholder a bit and drain their coffers. Newsom weathering this, then winning reelection next year, then hypothetically running for President in 2024 if Biden is only going to do one term -- I do not think this will happen -- seems quite daunting/exhausting to resources.

I don't think a recall threshold of 51% being reasonable but it needs to be a lot higher than 12%.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 15, 2021, 10:41:49 am
I don't think a recall threshold of 51% being reasonable but it needs to be a lot higher than 12%.
ok put your name with a number then.
I think if the majority of the states population thinks the gov should be recalled...well then I think maybe it's time for a special election
other than that...wait your fucking turn until the next election...that is how democracy works
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 15, 2021, 10:48:07 am
I don't think a recall threshold of 51% being reasonable but it needs to be a lot higher than 12%.
ok put your name with a number then.
I think if the majority of the states population thinks the gov should be recalled...well then I think maybe it's time for a special election
other than that...wait your fucking turn until the next election...that is how democracy works
Logistically, getting 51% of registered voters or the population in general to fill out a form seems virtually impossible.

IDK, 30-40%. Clearly the threshold needs to be higher but also not impossible.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 15, 2021, 11:12:16 am
Logistically, getting 51% of registered voters or the population in general to fill out a form seems virtually impossible.

Seems perfect to me, if the Gov is doing that bad of a job and people can't wait, should be difficult but not impossible

If they are elected by a majority, why should you be recalled by a minority??

hey do you know what the threshold is in VA?
https://virginiaconservatives.net/recall-radical-ralph-northam

damn, va it's only 10%
https://ballotpedia.org/States_with_gubernatorial_recall_provisions
Virginia   N/A   Virginia Code Title 24.2-233 to 24.2-238   Neglect of duty, misuse of office, or incompetence in the performance of duties when that neglect of duty, misuse of office, or incompetence in the performance of duties has a material adverse effect upon the conduct of the office, or upon conviction of a drug-related misdemeanor or a misdemeanor involving a "hate crime" (§24.2-233)   10 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election   No time limit   Recall trial



this is something you won't hear me say much...but Kansas got it right 40 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2021, 03:08:12 pm
20% is a fine enough number.  They wouldn't even have gotten the 12% had they not been granted an extension because of the pandemic (5 previous efforts to gather enough signatures failed before this one succeeded) and had enough "angry moms" about schools not being open sign on.  In the end they opted not to vote for him being replaced.

What would be more advantageous to changing the recall structure in addition to raising the threshold would be (1) having a criteria for recall in addition to the signature gathering, (2) make the Lt Governor automatically replace the Governor so the other party won't do it just to have a chance or (3) if successful. make the election to replace the Governor a separate election and not part of the recall.

Any one of these would protect the democratic process and not advantage the other party who are wasting everyone's time and money with these longshot bids.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 15, 2021, 03:26:37 pm
make the Lt Governor automatically replace the Governor so the other party won't do it just to have a chance or
 if successful. make the election to replace the Governor a separate election and not part of the recall.
I agree with both of these...seems silly to vote for a recall and then have to vote for the person
so if you vote no for recall, were you also supposed to vote for a candidate still

I think I heard "blank' was the choice people were supposed to make
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2021, 03:41:19 pm
I think I heard "blank' was the choice people were supposed to make

Correct.  Governor Newsom's strategy was to vote "No" and don't vote for a candidate, a relic of the Gray Davis Recall in the early 2000's where voters were confused if voting no and then selecting Cruz Bustamante would nullify their vote.  It worked as less than 20% of the "No" voters cast a vote for a candidate. 

It should be noted that this strategy was not well received by the Democrat strategists in CA.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 15, 2021, 03:53:07 pm
recall cost $276 million
1.7 million people signed the recall petition

so do we make the CAGOP pay, or should we wend a bill for $163 to each signer?  you want it, you pay for it.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 15, 2021, 03:53:53 pm
What would be more advantageous to changing the recall structure in addition to raising the threshold would be (1) having a criteria for recall in addition to the signature gathering, (2) make the Lt Governor automatically replace the Governor so the other party won't do it just to have a chance or (3) if successful. make the election to replace the Governor a separate election and not part of the recall.

hottest take in this thread, in a while.  bravo.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 15, 2021, 03:59:25 pm
(2) make the Lt Governor automatically replace the Governor so the other party won't do it just to have a chance
This just seems the most logical.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2021, 04:03:06 pm
recall cost $276 million
1.7 million people signed the recall petition

so do we make the CAGOP pay, or should we wend a bill for $163 to each signer?  you want it, you pay for it.

Never happen, for the same reason my employer gets sued all the time and though we win most cases that go to trial, we still end up paying the opposing sides attorney fees more times than not.  The courts do not want to dissuade anyone from bringing a legitimate suit against deeper pockets simply based on money...

But they certainly can make the reasons for doing such an act slightly harder than "I simply don't like the person"....I think changes to the recall process will inevitably be on the CA ballot either next year or in 2024.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 15, 2021, 04:05:52 pm
Never happen, for the same reason my employer gets sued all the time and though we win most cases that go to trial, we still end up paying the opposing sides attorney fees more times than not.
If you're winning most the cases that go to trial but you're paying sanctions/attorney fees "more times than not," are you suggesting that you all are winning cases but then being required to pay the losing side's attorney costs in some significant # of instances? Why would this be?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 15, 2021, 04:07:11 pm
Never happen, for the same reason my employer gets sued all the time and though we win most cases that go to trial, we still end up paying the opposing sides attorney fees more times than not.
If you're winning most the cases that go to trial but you're paying sanctions/attorney fees "more times than not," are you suggesting that you all are winning cases but then being required to pay the losing side's attorney costs in some significant # of instances? Why would this be?
yeah, thought there was some voodoo math in that one
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2021, 04:10:23 pm
Never happen, for the same reason my employer gets sued all the time and though we win most cases that go to trial, we still end up paying the opposing sides attorney fees more times than not.
If you're winning most the cases that go to trial but you're paying sanctions/attorney fees "more times than not," are you suggesting that you all are winning cases but then being required to pay the losing side's attorney costs in some significant # of instances? Why would this be?

That is exactly what I'm saying.  We had one case that went on for almost 10 years - we lost in Superior Court, won in Appellate court and the Appellate court ruling was upheld by the CA Supreme Court and we were still ordered to pay the attorney's fees for the other party.  Absolutely mind-boggling. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 15, 2021, 04:20:50 pm
Never happen, for the same reason my employer gets sued all the time and though we win most cases that go to trial, we still end up paying the opposing sides attorney fees more times than not.
If you're winning most the cases that go to trial but you're paying sanctions/attorney fees "more times than not," are you suggesting that you all are winning cases but then being required to pay the losing side's attorney costs in some significant # of instances? Why would this be?

That is exactly what I'm saying.  We had one case that went on for almost 10 years - we lost in Superior Court, won in Appellate court and the Appellate court ruling was upheld by the CA Supreme Court and we were still ordered to pay the attorney's fees for the other party.  Absolutely mind-boggling.
Do all of these cases where you all "win" but pay the other sides attorneys involve you losing initially and winning on appeal?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2021, 04:28:33 pm
Do all of these cases where you all "win" but pay the other sides attorneys involve you losing initially and winning on appeal?

Nope, but good question.  That one just happened to be the largest attorney fee decision (six-figures).

Generally, if the lawsuit is frivolous, it's gets thrown out and doesn't make it to trial.  On the rare occasion that the ridiculous ones make it to trial, we don't owe fees.  But many times on a legitimate question of the law, the ruling will go in our favor, but we will owe attorneys fees to the other side.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 15, 2021, 04:30:30 pm
Do all of these cases where you all "win" but pay the other sides attorneys involve you losing initially and winning on appeal?

Nope, but good question.  That one just happened to be the largest attorney fee decision (six-figures).

Generally, if the lawsuit is frivolous, it's gets thrown out and doesn't make it to trial.  On the rare occasion that the ridiculous ones make it to trial, we don't owe fees.  But many times on a legitimate question of the law, the ruling will go in our favor, but we will owe attorneys fees to the other side.
Is this a California thing? I have NEVER heard of this. We've never ever ever paid the opposing attorneys fees after winning a trial (although virtually every action brought against my company is frivolous where people do not understand how "at will" employment works).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2021, 04:41:02 pm
Is this a California thing? I have NEVER heard of this. We've never ever ever paid the opposing attorneys fees after winning a trial (although virtually every action brought against my company is frivolous where people do not understand how "at will" employment works).

It might be.  It might also be that in combination with us being a state entity.  I don't know what their intention is, but it has led us to settle more often even if we think we'll win because it's more cost efficient.  Of course the downside to that is we're gaining a reputation of being easy to settle with and are seeing more suits.  Most of these are wrongful termination suits in a union environment...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 15, 2021, 04:42:59 pm
gaining a reputation of being easy
there was a lot of legalese in this thread, but I found gold
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2021, 04:51:52 pm
there was a lot of legalese in this thread, but I found gold

Easy?  Not even that...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzI6jDqi7OY
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 15, 2021, 05:39:16 pm
Pump the breaks a little. I'm not sure "very very blue state" reaffirms they are "very very blue" is a model for the midterms generically. Perhaps its a blueprint for holding as many congressional seats in California and possibly the house by extension but I don't think there's a blueprint here that's applicable to Georgia, for example.

but I do agree with Juli, no way we can draw any conclusions from this abnormality of an election

I expect to see more narratives like this...Make it about the pandemic and the Republican (lack of) response to it. 

"Newsom has focused less on selling his accomplishments than on raising alarms that his Republican opponents will exacerbate the coronavirus pandemic by repealing the public-health protections, such as vaccine and mask mandates, that he has imposed to fight it. He’s linked the GOP candidates running to replace him not only to Donald Trump but also to Republican governors such as Ron DeSantis in Florida and Greg Abbott in Texas, who have blocked mandates and other measures to combat the disease."

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2021/09/the-california-recall-could-be-a-road-map-for-democrats/620020/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 17, 2021, 09:09:40 am
my scattered thoughts on Star-crossed...

i will rank this one as my third favorite Kacey album as I could never really fully embrace Golden Hour, but glad it helped her crossover, etc

justified was a great first single... and i suspect either cherry blossom or breadwinner will be the next single

breadwinner continues in the vein of merry-go-round and biscuits, the a bit cheeky single

and her next tour will definitely open with star-crossed, one can almost see the stage lighting and her emerging from the smoke to open the show with it

the film was worth watching once, but nothing worthy of repeat viewing

kacey will always been something i will listen to when i'm having a less than stellar day..

and it amuses me that this is referred to as her fifth album if you count the christmas one, when it's actually her eight if you add in the early three independent album.. two of which were briefly streaming and are now long gone... given all the merch she is pushing these days, i'm  surprised those haven't been given deluxe re-issues given the fans will likely gobble them up.


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 17, 2021, 12:22:16 pm
I agree with just about everything you said, Kosmo.

We're passing on seeing her tour this time.  Not because of the album, but because it's at a large indoor venue and we'll miss the intimacy of a Kacey show.  I saw her at Outside Lands in Golden Gate park and it wasn't the same...   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 17, 2021, 01:22:13 pm
speaking of all things Kacey, this just landed on my doorstop

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E_gOCtmXoAkElpC?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 21, 2021, 03:11:41 pm
Did I ever tell you guys that my next foray into an environmentally friendly vehicle was a Chevy Bolt?

After Dieselgate and my settlement, we decided we would replace The Brand's Mini Cooper with a Chevy Bolt...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 23, 2021, 07:11:13 pm
Pump the breaks a little. I'm not sure "very very blue state" reaffirms they are "very very blue" is a model for the midterms generically. Perhaps its a blueprint for holding as many congressional seats in California and possibly the house by extension but I don't think there's a blueprint here that's applicable to Georgia, for example.

but I do agree with Juli, no way we can draw any conclusions from this abnormality of an election

In addition to that Atlantic article....

McAuliffe Is Going With the Newsom Playbook in Virginia (https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/09/mcauliffe-is-going-with-the-newsom-playbook-in-virginia.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on September 24, 2021, 09:12:47 pm
ICYMI


(https://i.ibb.co/NNRqg5V/Screen-Shot-2021-09-24-at-9-08-46-PM.png) (https://twitter.com/bourgeoisalien/status/1441469067571957765)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 26, 2021, 12:14:42 pm
Nice.  I'm pretty sure the comcast joke is better than the thievery idea.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 04, 2021, 11:35:18 am
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/243275737_10225565194652724_1904295663272384946_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=I8NDGN-Sm3sAX9GkWIL&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=90309cc801f56b3fc63192415c5e530c&oe=61807EFA)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 04, 2021, 11:37:23 am
isn't that a NKOTB thread posting
or is Smakie on the DL now
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 04, 2021, 12:03:38 pm
Jesus.  I'm not dead yet....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 04, 2021, 12:48:04 pm
(https://c.tenor.com/N_8p8kIvWxAAAAAC/alive-dead.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 04, 2021, 01:18:13 pm
i was a kid, sometime around 8-10 years old, i wanted an AT-AT for christmas soooooooo badly.  it was the first time i remember being obsessed with something.  my parents said we couldn't afford it and the disappointment lasted for weeks if not months.  fast forward some three and half decades later, i meet smackie, get invited to his place, and in the middle of his living room is the AT-AT of my childhood dreams.  first time i ever got to touch one.  therefore, imperial walkers will always be associated with smackie (and not nkotb).  also, i've seen smackie the morning after the night before.  he coulda used one of those.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 04, 2021, 03:15:54 pm
Aww, how sweet.  I actually wanted that for Xmas 1983 as well, but they were hard to come by.  I was given the Ewok Village instead from Santa, which was awesome and I had forgotten all about the AT-AT.  Birthday 1984 we went to Toys R Us and I picked that out, which was shockingly on sale, so I could pick out two action figures to go with it, so I picked the AT-AT pilot and a snow trooper (both of which I still have and the kiddo keeps in the cockpit).     

You'll be pleased to know I've spent that last few weekends refurbishing my old Ewok Village for the kiddo to play with and had to locate a few 3.75 inch Ewoks to go with it.  They should be here by the end of the week.   She would also like Kylo's AT-M6 of her own to play with, but I don't think mom is going to let that happen.  Fingers crossed Santa sneaks one in...

I guess I should be pleased you posted a walker and not a wheelchair!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 04, 2021, 03:46:29 pm
I guess I should be pleased you posted a walker and not a wheelchair!


(https://www.cnet.com/a/img/_zj8iJJXAwwbh3sy40fyHcClB3w=/2018/10/26/e720eb08-5037-45f7-b8ce-575b019afeac/jeremykyloren.jpg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on October 04, 2021, 04:59:10 pm
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FA4KTCLXEAAJqeg?format=png&name=small) (https://twitter.com/OldMemeArchive/status/1445103857437118479)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 04, 2021, 05:18:40 pm
Lol. 

Considering how bad of a sports weekend I had, I'm ok with WhatsApp being down for a while.  99% of my WhatsApp usage is sports related threads and with United drawing at home, Notre Dame getting waxed at home, the Angels missing the playoffs again and this current mess of a Steelers team, no rush to get it back. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on October 04, 2021, 05:22:36 pm
MySpace is trending on Twitter.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 04, 2021, 06:30:59 pm
the Angels missing the playoffs again

how nice of the halos to drop by this weekend and ruin the mariner's chance of finally making the playoffs for this first time in 20+ years... even though anaheim's season was over.  sweet.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Starsky on October 04, 2021, 06:43:19 pm
Starting to think the Angels are cursed


Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 04, 2021, 07:03:40 pm
how nice of the halos to drop by this weekend and ruin the mariner's chance of finally making the playoffs for this first time in 20+ years... even though anaheim's season was over.  sweet.

Well, Boston or NY would have had to lose, which didn't happen, so there's that. 

But, the Mariners also didn't help themselves out by (1) pitching to Shohei Ohtani with Phil Gosselin hitting behind him and (2) not beating up on the rookie who started only his 5th game, or the 6 other no name pitchers who came in and threw an inning or two.  I mean, it wasn't like we had Ohtani on the mound (it was Reid Detmers and his 7.80 ERA) and in the batting order with Trout hitting behind him.  If you can't beat that, perhaps you don't deserve to be in the playoffs.

(and nobody in the Angels organizations wants to see Jerry DiPoto make the playoffs)

Starting to think the Angels are cursed

Starting?   STARTING?!!!  How many more players have to die or have freak injuries to to convince you?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 05, 2021, 02:48:16 pm
McAuliffe Is Going With the Newsom Playbook in Virginia (https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/09/mcauliffe-is-going-with-the-newsom-playbook-in-virginia.html)

McAuliffe is clearly practicing strategy diversification:

"Weeks before Virginia’s gubernatorial election, the campaign for Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe is reaching out to an unexpected constituency: Taylor Swift fans.

On Tuesday, the McAulliffe campaign launched a series of Facebook, Instagram, and Google search ads highlighting his opponent Glenn Youngkin’s role in the controversial purchase of Taylor Swift’s master recordings in 2019. The buyout of Swift’s masters has been a point of bitter contention for the singer and her fans and could be an unexpected liability in the upcoming race."

mo' (https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/5/22710848/taylor-swift-scooter-braun-masters-glenn-youngkin-virginia-mcauliffe)


(as if Jules' vote wasn't already locked up...)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 05, 2021, 02:53:59 pm
Don't mess with Swifties - get that shit on TikTok!

Also, Jesus The Verge:

Correction: This article wrongly stated that Braun sold the rights to the masters back to Swift. He sold them to a different private equity firm in 2020.

HOW?!!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 05, 2021, 02:56:51 pm
(as if Jules' vote wasn't already locked up...)
You act like I'm not the person who suggested this to Terry.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 05, 2021, 04:08:02 pm
(as if Jules' vote wasn't already locked up...)
You act like I'm not the person who suggested this to Terry.
was that after he bought you the GandT?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 05, 2021, 04:20:11 pm
(as if Jules' vote wasn't already locked up...)
You act like I'm not the person who suggested this to Terry.
was that after he bought you the GandT?
Hes bought me a beer but never a G&T.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 13, 2021, 01:23:30 pm
I actually wanted that for Xmas 1983 as well, but they were hard to come by.  I was given the Ewok Village instead from Santa, which was awesome and I had forgotten all about the AT-AT.  Birthday 1984 we went to Toys R Us and I picked that out, which was shockingly on sale,

Just read an article in the WSJ about how toy manufacturers are working hard to untangle the supply-chain snarls.   Roughly half of all retail toy sales come in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Toys that arrive too late won’t sell until they are heavily discounted after the holidays.

Early March birthday for the win!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 13, 2021, 01:39:03 pm
you still get toys for your birthday?
My toys usually have wheels and require insurance
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 13, 2021, 01:44:51 pm
you still get toys for your birthday?
My toys usually have wheels and require insurance

I believe I am years away from the Smackinatrix getting me the only car I want on my birthday, especially as she just got herself an Electric Mini Cooper.

So yeah, bring me the toys until then!  Most of my birthday presents lately have semi-conductors and plug in.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 13, 2021, 01:53:47 pm
presents lately have semi-conductors and plug in.
the steely dan is battery operated now...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 13, 2021, 01:58:28 pm
the steely dan is battery operated now...

Is it rechargeable and utilizes USB-C or qi?  I've got standards now...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 13, 2021, 02:07:51 pm
. . . the Smackinatrix . . .
Oh, good, we made "Smackinatrix" happen.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 13, 2021, 02:08:25 pm
Oh, good, we made "Smackinatrix" happen.

Maybe.  Still testing the waters on that one....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on October 13, 2021, 03:16:45 pm
the steely dan is battery operated now...

Is it rechargeable and utilizes USB-C or qi?  I've got standards now...

Standards you say? (https://www.iso.org/standard/79631.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 13, 2021, 04:36:03 pm

Standards you say? (https://www.iso.org/standard/79631.html)
(https://media1.giphy.com/media/13GKP7xGjce5oI/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 28, 2021, 06:27:55 pm
Closed Again:

(https://storage.googleapis.com/afs-prod/media/a52c9a6cbabc4bd1a2d4b3d94ba5adef/1000.jpeg)

Rockslide on California Central Coast Shuts down Highway 1 (https://apnews.com/article/california-san-luis-obispo-ba1644b8c82a98c43873427ed0329c14)

We were actually in Carmel this week and I was considering waking up and driving half way down and turning around early Tuesday morning and decided against it.  Probably a good idea.   
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on October 28, 2021, 06:49:08 pm
bah.  they should have that cleaned up in a few hours.  nothing like the last one.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 09, 2021, 02:52:38 pm
this seems like it should go here
(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/255328195_4834842653215165_3890468065782335732_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_rgb565=1&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=tb47Np-ugakAX_gGVnO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=ef4e12d8327de6fbef63ee680c4ba6fd&oe=6190020F)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on November 29, 2021, 01:37:03 pm
This is like a Smackie Dream come true:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/28/world/europe/england-pub-snow-storm.html

Snowstorm Leaves Dozens Stranded for Days in a Remote U.K. Pub

A crowd had gathered on Friday night to listen to Noasis, an Oasis tribute band. On Monday, most of them were finally able to go home.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on December 01, 2021, 03:50:36 pm
Smackie has probably already seen this but it makes most sense here

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFimnlAWQAgiJ0X?format=jpg&name=small)


https://www.outlawcountrywest.com/

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 01, 2021, 04:56:25 pm
I'm not putting any female family members of mine on a boat with the male members of X.....so I guess I'm going by myself!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 01, 2021, 05:16:44 pm
I'm not putting any female family members of mine on a boat with the male members of X.....
Because of the implication?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on December 01, 2021, 05:24:36 pm
Last time I saw X, which was at the 9:30 Club in the early naughts, after the show Billy Zoom followed my then girlfriend into the ladies room.  GGW was thankfully there to rescue her...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 01, 2021, 06:26:42 pm
Last time I saw X, which was at the 9:30 Club in the early naughts, after the show Billy Zoom followed my then girlfriend into the ladies room.  GGW was thankfully there to rescue her...
deets?  did GGW get in fisticuffs with Mr Zoom?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Cock Van Der Palm on December 01, 2021, 07:52:56 pm
How do you know she wanted to be "rescued"?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 01, 2022, 01:32:10 am
I’m feeling ‘22!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on January 01, 2022, 08:16:34 am
Happy Canadian New Year!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 13, 2022, 11:57:31 pm
What was the first album you ever bought with your own money?

Alana Haim: It’s so embarrassing. It’s Tubthumper, by Chumbawamba. The first album I bought with my own money was Chumbawamba. It has a lime green cover with a purple person on it. I remember it was a huge deal. I made my parents take me to Tower Records and I bought a Chumbawamba CD. And that has to be my answer for the rest of my life.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 18, 2022, 05:42:48 pm
so what is the brick and mortar music hall?  saw one of Kozmo's bands was playing there and don't recall that SF venue?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 18, 2022, 05:54:00 pm
so what is the brick and mortar music hall? 

Used to be Coda (jazz/supper club in the mission nearly under the freeway between Zeitgeist and Rainbow grocery), but a partnership that includes an owner of The Independent took it over about 10 years ago.  They've had some problems with noise and neighbors, and a shitty partner who has since been ousted, but have for the most part been pretty successful for upcoming independent bands.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 19, 2022, 12:19:13 am
so what is the brick and mortar music hall? 

under the freeway between Zeitgeist and Rainbow grocery
Two places I loved and miss
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on January 27, 2022, 09:21:06 am

and her next tour will definitely open with star-crossed, one can almost see the stage lighting and her emerging from the smoke to open the show with it


i was wondering if this predication would come true and in fact this the opening song on the current tour... i'm hoping for a live stream from her, but probably not.. oh well saw her at the club and lincoln, both fine shows...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 27, 2022, 05:52:20 pm
i'm hoping for a live stream from her, but probably not.. oh well saw her at the club and lincoln, both fine shows...

Same.  I saw her at the Outside Lands Festival and figured that was probably the last time.  Greatly enjoyed her shows at The Fillmore and The Fox more....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on January 27, 2022, 05:58:24 pm
Then there's this:

https://955thebull.iheart.com/content/2022-01-26-kacey-musgraves-surprise-performance-of-fleetwood-macs-dreams/
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 27, 2022, 06:02:10 pm
I heart her so.....but why on earth did the other guy sing backup?  Dude, it Kacey Musgraves, STFU!

Also, the piano player also not very good.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: challenged on January 27, 2022, 06:18:41 pm

and her next tour will definitely open with star-crossed, one can almost see the stage lighting and her emerging from the smoke to open the show with it


i was wondering if this predication would come true and in fact this the opening song on the current tour... i'm hoping for a live stream from her, but probably not.. oh well saw her at the club and lincoln, both fine shows...

I am intending to go to this show at the CapOne. I will post show banter it. I have never seen her, and this is not the right time, but too much $$ invested.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 27, 2022, 06:57:22 pm
I am intending to go to this show at the CapOne. I will post show banter it. I have never seen her, and this is not the right time, but too much $$ invested.

Sweet!  Looking forward to your review. Don't forget to review the outfits!
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: challenged on January 27, 2022, 08:12:34 pm
I am intending to go to this show at the CapOne. I will post show banter it. I have never seen her, and this is not the right time, but too much $$ invested.

Sweet!  Looking forward to your review. Don't forget to review the outfits!

   https://www.reddit.com/r/KaceyMusgraves/comments/sdaz3h/concert_fits/  (https://www.reddit.com/r/KaceyMusgraves/comments/sdaz3h/concert_fits/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 03, 2022, 06:08:20 pm
in our latest installment of things sweetcell thinks smackie should know:

Mountain Dew Is Adding A Familiar Fast Food Flavor To Its Boozy Lineup (https://www.tastingtable.com/750792/mountain-dew-is-adding-a-familiar-fast-food-flavor-to-its-boozy-lineup/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 03, 2022, 06:53:22 pm
in our latest installment of things sweetcell thinks smackie should know:

Mountain Dew Is Adding A Familiar Fast Food Flavor To Its Boozy Lineup (https://www.tastingtable.com/750792/mountain-dew-is-adding-a-familiar-fast-food-flavor-to-its-boozy-lineup/)

Venerable beat you by almost a week (strange he didn't share in the group text).  I enjoyed the Black Cherry flavor and have been on a hunt for the Taco Bell flavor.  Fear not, I will report back with a detailed review as soon as I find some.  I'm guessing this weekend...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 03, 2022, 08:09:11 pm
Fear not, I will report back with a detailed review as soon as I find some. 

please structure your assessment by appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel and overall impression.  a few tasting pointers (https://www.beercraftr.com/how-to-evaluate-your-beer/).
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on February 03, 2022, 08:18:37 pm
Are you trying to measure the size of my hydrometer again?

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on February 04, 2022, 01:53:37 pm
possibly.  mostly i want to ensure that your review is more nuanced than "tastes like red #4 and 2-year-old tabasco sauce, but most importantly it got me just as cranked as the green stuff"...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 04, 2022, 01:56:38 pm
I heard there is no caffeine in the alcoholic mt dew??!

The beverage will have a 5% ABV, 100 calories, zero sugar, and zero caffeine
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 29, 2022, 10:34:38 pm
https://dailytitan.com/lifestyle/more-upcoming-mountain-dew-flavors-to-keep-on-the-radar/article_49738148-c59d-11ec-b91f-4b615c8cc522.html
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on April 30, 2022, 12:30:53 am
https://www.turnto23.com/money/business/mountain-dew-rolls-out-flamin-hot-flavor-nationally

https://www.pcgamer.com/mountain-dew-has-gone-too-far-this-time/ (https://www.pcgamer.com/mountain-dew-has-gone-too-far-this-time/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 07, 2022, 01:57:02 pm
No posts in this since April? Where am I to get my California municipal elections hot takes? Who will tell me what this SF attorney general race means? What sad times these are.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 07, 2022, 03:05:52 pm
No posts in this since April? Where am I to get my California municipal elections hot takes? Who will tell me what this SF attorney general race means? What sad times these are.

I don't see Chesa surviving this recall. 

It's not so much that he went too far too fast, though that can be argued, it's that he lost the narrative on crime in SF and did nothing to dispel the notion that it's all his fault.  A bit of his arrogant stance did him in.  He came out of the gate instituting immediate reforms, in particular around gangs, and when the organized gangs started busting windows and robbing larger stores as a result, he talked a big game, but the results didn't back him up.  It's not the end of the reform movement, it's just that even in SF, everything has to happen in moderation.  Especially when people in SF are upset about being the butt of everyone's jokes.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 08, 2022, 12:10:59 am
As predicted, he was crushed. 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 17, 2022, 02:53:59 pm
so would you hear yanny or laurel on these?

I only hear yanny, but haven't tried with the headphones.  Will do do tonight - and I do wonder if active noise cancellation has any impact.
brainstorm or green needle
https://youtube.com/shorts/A-vAT1P3YWM?feature=share
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 17, 2022, 07:50:25 pm
It's better with the sound off.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on June 17, 2022, 10:55:54 pm
It's better with the sound off.

you owe me a new monitor.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on June 18, 2022, 12:01:20 pm
Understood.  You’ve got my Venmo…
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 14, 2022, 04:16:54 pm
I don't pretend to know what qualifies as Prestige Television, so I'm just going to just put these here

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power – Main Teaser (https://youtu.be/ewgCqJDI_Nk)
Sept 2

The Handmaid's Tale - Season 5 Teaser (https://youtu.be/Gza2V9SvDWw)
Sept 14
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 14, 2022, 05:04:33 pm
First one, no. Second one, yes, although less so than the first season.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 14, 2022, 05:27:32 pm
First one, no.

your right to adjudicate what is and isn't prestige television is hereby revoked. 

frankly, i would have thought the budget alone would have convinced you.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 14, 2022, 08:35:00 pm
First one, no.

your right to adjudicate what is and isn't prestige television is hereby revoked. 

frankly, i would have thought the budget alone would have convinced you.
NKOTBs nerd shit thread is over there.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 15, 2022, 12:11:34 pm
NKOTBs nerd shit thread is over there.

I thought that was the Bernie thread now, left to die....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 15, 2022, 12:32:58 pm
NKOTBs nerd shit thread is over there.

I thought that was the Bernie thread now, left to die....
(https://i.imgur.com/DBGFcl8.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 15, 2022, 12:59:44 pm
specially as she just got herself an Electric Mini Cooper.
this is good news
GM, along with EVgo and one of the country's biggest gas-station and rest-stop operators, plans to install 2,000 EV chargers in 50-mile intervals along U.S. highways.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 15, 2022, 02:21:38 pm
this is good news
GM, along with EVgo and one of the country's biggest gas-station and rest-stop operators, plans to install 2,000 EV chargers in 50-mile intervals along U.S. highways.


I'm not taking the wife's Mini anywhere that isn't a local commute.  With a range of 114 miles, it would double the time of my drive to, to say, LA (400 miles).  The good news is 99.9% of our driving is less than 60 miles a day (my office is 30 miles from my home).

That being said, the "problem" of chargers is keeping many folks from buying electric vehicles, so this is welcome news.  However, if you really wanted to sell more EVs fix the problem of renters and street parkers not being able to charge.  The highway problem is far less of a problem then people who can't park their cars in a garage overnight to charge.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 15, 2022, 03:30:47 pm
However, if you really wanted to sell more EVs fix the problem of renters and street parkers not being able to charge. 
this really is a problem and no idea what the solution would be

right now only those who have driveways and own their home can get an EV...so a huge part of the population have no option. I even have a driveway, but we have two cars.  So I park in the street daily.  I don't know how I'd do an EV for that, can't run a power cable over the sidewalk

I have always thought the exchange/swap of batteries was the way to go
but that would require standards and I don't see that happening
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 15, 2022, 04:25:13 pm
Three people on my block park their Tesla's on the street and run a cord along the sidewalk from the outlets on their front porch every week. To be fair, its a street parking area where people GENERALLY can park directly in front of their house more days than not, which is a bit unicorn-ish but I do see this.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 15, 2022, 04:35:12 pm
I do wonder if they installed 240 volt outlets on their front porch, because if they're using just regular outlets they're getting about 4 miles of range per hour (level 1).  In my eyes, that's not worth the liability of running an electrical cord across a sidewalk.  Level 2 at about 12 miles of range per hour would be wholly different.  Of course VA is also very much less litigious than CA.

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 15, 2022, 04:35:27 pm
Three people on my block park their Tesla's on the street and run a cord along the sidewalk from the outlets on their front porch every week.
how do you do this and not create a tripping hazard
gotta imagine it's illegal to run a power cord 'semi-permanently across a city sidewalk
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 15, 2022, 05:25:39 pm
Three people on my block park their Tesla's on the street and run a cord along the sidewalk from the outlets on their front porch every week.
how do you do this and not create a tripping hazard
gotta imagine it's illegal to run a power cord 'semi-permanently across a city sidewalk
Im sure it’s likely illegal but no one seems to care. I’ve thought of doing it myself.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 26, 2022, 02:14:51 pm
this story has "smackie" written all over it: Russian spy ring busted as Ukrainians decide agent is 'too hot' to be pilot's girlfriend (https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/russian-spy-ring-busted-ukrainians-27577026)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 26, 2022, 03:52:01 pm
I can neither confirm nor deny the allegations made by the Daily Star, but I can confirm that everytime I concoct a reason to return to Eastern Europe for a visit, it's universally met with "That's a no for me" by the Mrs.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on July 26, 2022, 04:56:21 pm
everytime I concoct a reason to return to Eastern Europe for a visit, it's universally met with "That's a no for me" by the Mrs.

... aaaaaaand the problem is???
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 26, 2022, 07:31:24 pm
... aaaaaaand the problem is???

If I widdle this down to its most simplified form: I knew a lot of women in my time working over there.  And while most of them probably did not age well, it's been long enough that they probably have adult daughters now who are probably as hot as they were back in the day, and unfortunately for me, a higher than average chance, albeit still very low, that one of them could be my daughter.

So I think she'd just rather just prevent that entire possibility from happening.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 18, 2022, 04:35:32 pm
‘Wonder Years’ star Danica McKellar explains why she became a mathematician and stopped acting (https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/18/entertainment/danica-mckellar-mathematician/index.html)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 18, 2022, 06:09:59 pm
she named her son Draco?!
seems cruel and unusual
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 19, 2022, 03:04:34 pm
Ummm, stopped acting?

https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0005211/filmotype/actress?ref_=m_nmfm_1

Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 19, 2022, 03:20:17 pm
she named her son Draco?!
seems cruel and unusual
Draco McKellar/Qu'est-ce que c'est?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 19, 2022, 03:35:02 pm
she named her son Draco?!
seems cruel and unusual
Draco McKellar/Qu'est-ce que c'est?

this is a high-quality rock-related post.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 19, 2022, 03:39:43 pm
she named her son Draco?!
seems cruel and unusual
Draco McKellar/Qu'est-ce que c'est?

this is a high-quality rock-related post.
(https://c.tenor.com/4lJVt3UzrHUAAAAC/don-fanucci-god-father.gif)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 19, 2022, 04:05:55 pm
fah fah fah faaah faaah, fuh fah fah faaah faaah
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 19, 2022, 04:37:02 pm
fah fah fah faaah faaah, fuh fah fah faaah faaah
I think it's
Fa-fa-fa-fa, fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa, better
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 23, 2022, 05:29:10 pm
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa3Ng2OUIAYqEMS?format=jpg&name=medium)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 23, 2022, 05:44:12 pm
<smackie checks couch cushions for spare change>
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 23, 2022, 05:52:03 pm
I was already instructed that selling the house was not an option.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on August 23, 2022, 05:54:29 pm
i'm guessing that comic books are next in line, along with SW memorabilia?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 23, 2022, 07:14:11 pm
i'm guessing that comic books are next in line, along with SW memorabilia?

Baseball cards and SW memorabilia were right after NFT's and meme stock holdings.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 22, 2022, 04:24:50 pm
I didn't really know where else to put this so I'll just throw it here.  I mean, he's kind of a musician, but it's not really musicological banter, and the groper thread was close, but she was willing, so that doesn't work, and we don't really have a divorce prediction thread so I'm just going to go with here.

I can't get enough of this Adam Levine cheater story at the moment.  Dude marries a Victoria's Secret Angel, has an affair with an "Instagram Model" 20 years younger than him and then, in writing DM's his mistress to ask if he can name his third child after her.  A few questions here:

(1) What did he think was going to happen?
(2) What is an Instagram Model?
(3) How long until we find the true source of the names his other two children (Dusty Rose and Gio Grace)?
 
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 22, 2022, 04:38:22 pm
I'll address #2. I have a family friend whose daughter is around 22 (??) and is legitimately an Instagram model. Companies send her clothes and pay her to do videos trying them on ("hauls") and this is legitimately her sole source of income. She has her own promo codes at clothing lines and I guess she gets some percentage of sales off those.

I think she's done a photoshoot or two for like a bikini line or whey protein but her Instagram paid promotion/youtube clicks/and her non-nudity OnlyFans "workout tips" [her thing is she's a white girl with an enormous muscular ass] is how she puts a roof over her head.

So basically a model, but one whose entire world is on social media as opposed to a traditional model who you see in print/TV advertisements for a product.

And before any of you degenerates ask for links, I'll only give to Smackie and Walkie because I don't trust any of the rest of you not to be weird.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on September 22, 2022, 04:57:11 pm
I'll only give to Smackie  (...) because I don't trust any of the rest of you not to be weird.

this is how we know you're lying.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 22, 2022, 04:59:16 pm
It seems almost a slight though, and if I was an Instagram or Social Media Model I would just describe myself as a model.  Like, she doesn't work for a modeling house, etc., she's just a.....

Supermodel>Catwalk Model>Runway Model>Model>Instagram Model
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 22, 2022, 05:01:19 pm
It seems almost a slight though, and if I was an Instagram or Social Media Model I would just describe myself as a model.  Like, she doesn't work for a modeling house, etc., she's just a.....

Supermodel>Catwalk Model>Runway Model>Model>Instagram Model
Oh no doubt it’s on the lowest rung of being professionally attractive. Not sure why anyone would self gloss like that. Most call themselves “content creators” or “fitness influencers” to try and avoid the “you’re not a real model” thing.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 22, 2022, 05:09:42 pm
I’m old enough to remember when Maroon 5 was Kara’s Flowers
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 22, 2022, 05:10:33 pm
Yea, like how "commercial models" just started calling themselves "actresses" to avoid the shame.

And thank you for the offer but I will pass on the link for now.  All the wives are going to be going through IG history tonight like when Tiger Woods had every Mrs going through the texts when Elle caught him...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on September 22, 2022, 05:11:28 pm
I’m old enough to remember when Maroon 5 was Kara’s Flowers

I'm pretty sure we all are....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 22, 2022, 05:43:32 pm
Ok...
her non-nudity OnlyFans "workout tips" [her thing is she's a white girl with an enormous muscular ass]
hmm this is odd, but ok...if she's getting paid there is obviously an audience
personally this is a fetish that kinda of makes me want to retch, but to each their own...especially if you can make a buck off losers
Quote
I'll only give to Smackie and Walkie because I don't trust any of the rest of you not to be weird.
I think you need to revisit your definition of trust if these are the two you don't think will be weird....we have a lot of evidence
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 22, 2022, 05:45:48 pm
I’m old enough to remember when Maroon 5 was Kara’s Flowers

 However, the band had little success
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 22, 2022, 06:02:32 pm
I think you need to revisit your definition of trust if these are the two you don't think will be weird....we have a lot of evidence
They will be weird in a way that does not involve messaging her and saying some variation of “tell your parents Julian V said to crank one out to you” which would get me a phone call.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 22, 2022, 06:07:30 pm
V
???
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 22, 2022, 09:05:13 pm
V
???
Initials: how do they work?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: grateful on September 22, 2022, 09:12:20 pm
Oh I thought it was an homage to Maroon 5, but like Julian V
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 22, 2022, 09:20:15 pm
I’m old enough to remember when Maroon 5 was Kara’s Flowers

 However, the band had little success

[/quot
I’m old enough to remember when Maroon 5 was Kara’s Flowers

 However, the band had little success


It however is a nifty little Power Pop album and I got to see them once when they in the midst of an appearance change, etc… got what would have been a rare pre M5 demo CDR of theirs which of course completely rotted out :(
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 22, 2022, 10:04:25 pm
Not sure id brag about that, Bro, but I’ll send you my friends’ daughters insta if you PM me, Bro.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 23, 2022, 06:31:10 am
V
???
Initials: how do they work?
with a fake name
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 23, 2022, 11:52:04 am
I think she's done a photoshoot or two for like a bikini line or whey protein but her Instagram paid promotion/youtube clicks/and her non-nudity OnlyFans "workout tips" [her thing is she's a white girl with an enormous muscular ass] is how she puts a roof over her head.
maybe someone should let this guy know there is money in this
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FdR80LvXoAIKFra?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 25, 2022, 10:56:57 pm
I’m old enough to remember when Maroon 5 was Kara’s Flowers

I'm pretty sure we all are....
this checks a lot of boxes
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/308980928_10159953288366648_3111489045524420983_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=l_uG3VBzIA4AX_kwaYr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AT_jErW5Rd4nkDMWc6Z6oc7Z2zlNkhuW0Sj3G4bCAAow8g&oe=63365F5B)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 04, 2022, 04:50:06 pm
Smackie, indulge me in a hypothetical. Yankees are closing out their season with a three game stand against the dogshit Texas Rangers. If Tony Beasley instructed his pitchers to intentionally walk Aaron Judge every at bat in the doubleheader today and then stated his intention in the postgame presser to do the same in the final game of the season tomorrow, what would the reaction be from various baseball stakeholders (the writers, the Yankees, etc) be overnight? Would he be fired immediately? Would the commissioners office step in? And on a second level, from an eyes and ears and column inches and minutes on Sportscenter perspective, would this be actually in the best interests of baseball?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 04, 2022, 06:34:08 pm
Smackie, indulge me in a hypothetical. Yankees are closing out their season with a three game stand against the dogshit Texas Rangers. If Tony Beasley instructed his pitchers to intentionally walk Aaron Judge every at bat in the doubleheader today and then stated his intention in the postgame presser to do the same in the final game of the season tomorrow, what would the reaction be from various baseball stakeholders (the writers, the Yankees, etc) be overnight? Would he be fired immediately? Would the commissioners office step in? And on a second level, from an eyes and ears and column inches and minutes on Sportscenter perspective, would this be actually in the best interests of baseball?

(1) First, I don't think his players would go along with that, and if he took them out it would be AWESOME to watch, but he would definitely get fired.
(2) Yes, the league would probably suspend him, but he would/could appeal.  The Rangers would probably fire him if he appealed because it's in Texas and ticket sales would be impacted if Judge wasn't hitting.
(3) The Yankees and the NY Media would absolutely lose their shit and it would be fun to watch.  This would be the main reason why I would do it.
(4) The Sportscenter angle is interesting.  Many hot takes, many people taking different sides, but yes, so long as Beasley never wanted to be a head coach again, it would make people talk about baseball like they haven't in a long time....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 04, 2022, 06:52:37 pm
Great response. Appreciate your points, especially #2 which I did not account for.

Indulge me once more: Beasley goes Magnus Carlson and doesn’t say 100% in libelous fashion that he thinks Judge is juicing but he highly alludes to it. Does this flip the entire scenario on its head? Has he, at minimum, forced ownership/the leagues hand to not suspend/fire him on the spot so he can coach #162 and carry out his nefarious Yankee-hating plot?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 07, 2022, 11:51:37 am
this really seemed like the appropriate thread for this

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/311052237_1106578813561278_7707320977500051753_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=YZuyQMpgFlwAX-PjDn1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AT9IeuG5dXd2dXLjR9N5KH9qIq_7gyybanLCRGuOrBn8sg&oe=63460A32)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on October 07, 2022, 11:54:41 am
(https://i.discogs.com/nYqtOAcCOorjr-7Y46YeI1iiY-2sQawn8JRWuCszNQw/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:586/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEyNzg0/MjgzLTE1NDIwNDc2/MDMtNDY1NC5qcGVn.jpeg)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 07, 2022, 12:13:06 pm
For a second, I thought you made that on the fly to look like a Smiths cover and was like "bravo"...but now know it was the real cover
this is a great read
https://www.nme.com/photos/the-smiths-the-stories-behind-all-27-of-their-provocative-album-and-single-sleeves-1424816
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on October 07, 2022, 12:26:56 pm
When I first saw the cover, I recognized the speaker ad right away from the stereo mags I read as a teen.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on October 13, 2022, 07:45:44 pm
For a second, I thought you made that on the fly to look like a Smiths cover and was like "bravo"...but now know it was the real cover
this is a great read
https://www.nme.com/photos/the-smiths-the-stories-behind-all-27-of-their-provocative-album-and-single-sleeves-1424816

I've seen this article, and yes I read it through again.   Great share.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 26, 2022, 05:14:43 pm
this is for you


https://twitter.com/bradesposito/status/1585023126244823040?s=20&t=QL5edg0RicEPWnI22BLtww
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Justin Tonation on January 05, 2023, 03:38:58 pm
Don't care how nerdy this would be, I wish I could get this:

(https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/APPLE2-1024x293.jpg)

Maryland firm auctions off Apple’s first trade sign (https://wtop.com/business-finance/2023/01/maryland-firm-auctions-off-apples-first-trade-sign/)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2023, 08:38:50 pm
this is for you


https://twitter.com/bradesposito/status/1585023126244823040?s=20&t=QL5edg0RicEPWnI22BLtww

I do like Oingo Boingo, yes.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2023, 08:40:09 pm
(https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/APPLE2-1024x293.jpg)

9 foot long!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I would too.....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on January 09, 2023, 07:44:33 pm
(https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/BART.PunkShow.jpg)

There Was a Punk Show on BART Friday Night (https://www.kqed.org/arts/13923420/punk-show-on-bart)
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: sweetcell on January 23, 2023, 09:57:48 am
Mountain Dew Is Launching a Hot Sauce That Tastes Like Baja Blast (https://www.foodandwine.com/mountain-dew-hot-sauce-baja-blast-7097032)

i can't even.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 23, 2023, 10:41:27 am
i can't even.
Would you want to, in this case?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on July 21, 2023, 12:52:16 pm
Here’s why the best IMAX movies still need a Palm Pilot to work (https://www.theverge.com/23801118/imax-movie-palm-pilot-oppenheimer)

A solid read...
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 16, 2023, 08:58:45 am
Would this constitute it coming home?
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: vansmack on August 16, 2023, 12:13:46 pm
Would this constitute it coming home?

Sing the song, sure.  But Spain is going to be tough....
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: methylene blue-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 18, 2023, 10:49:02 am
This kind of thing rarely happens.
https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/cha-cha-cha-sf-restaurant-reopening-18295729.php


Edit...I thought they said the Haight one closed and reopened. Nope, that's still going strong
But it's like Ben's chili bowl....in Arlington level of a story.
Title: Re: Things Smackie Thinks You Need to Know...
Post by: kosmo vinyl on September 21, 2023, 11:59:00 am
I suspect smackie is already in line for this, but just in case

Britney Spears Crossroads movie back in theaters this fall

Singer's 2002 dramedy plans two-night event and special edition soundtrack in October around the release of The Woman in Me