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Subversive Gifts for New College Students?
openyourmind asks: "A friend's daughter is going to college, and I want to send her a package to help her in school. What kinds of things did you wish you had, but couldn't get, in college? I have already included a lockpick set, a UVmarking pen, and an LED flashlight in her care package. What else? Legal items only, please."
It's classified as a "burglar tool", IIRC
Actually they are not illegal to own...I got a set when I took that DIY locksmithing course.
I make a butt load of money at the beach. Paid for a merchant's license, posted my cell phone number and I get 4 calls a day from morons who lock thier keys in the car at the beach...and since the beach is a barrier island that it 40 minutes from the nearest locksmith, I can charge half of thier price and I get them on thier way in 20 minutes or less.
Hell, go to lockpicks.com and you can get whatever you need.
It's legal, but they usually add to the crime if you commit a crime with those devices.
-- Wiccan Army, 13th Airborne Division "We will not fly silently into the night"
My first semester freshman engineering class was all about Matlab, so buying a copy of that (or whatever software package they teach in her studies) would be useful. Of cousre, that's only a good idea if they aren't allowed to buy software at a discounted price. If she's in an apartment, you can always use more dishes/cookware. Food is also good. Or Tae-bo tapes, or running shoes, something along that line. Many students don't get any exercise, so get something to push her away from the frosh 15 (I lost 3 pounds freshman year :-P).
I've found that a bike to ride to class is very useful (I go to a large university, mind you). A $100 wal-mart bike would do for that (get a lock, too).
Ok, all I can think of.
I believe that the existence of women is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy
The sale of lockpicking devices is highly regulated within the United States. In addition, federal law prohibits interstate mailing of locksmithing devices, violation of which is a misdemeanor. Locksmithing devices can also only be sold to authorized recipients.
see these links:
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/39/3002a.html
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/1716A.html
for more info
Laptop
CD-ROM burner - backups, projects, mp3...
Blank CDs
Digital-Audio recorder (w/ at least 90 min of record time)
Small digital camera
Nice headphones (compact yet good quality)
A PDA
Rechargeable batteries
Leatherman tool
An Almanac, Dictionary & Thesaurus
It's very handy because most profs don't suspect a thing when you look at your watch during a test.
Viv
Gmail invites for ip
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Plus Extended Towing up to 100 Miles: When your vehicle cannot be started or driven safely, free towing is provided up to 100 miles from the point where your vehicle is disabled to the destination of your choice. This extended benefit includes one tow per disablement using appropriate equipment to safely transport your vehicle.
Plus Lock & Key Services: This service provides up to $100 in parts and labor coverage for lock and key service needed to gain access to your vehicle and make it operable.
Plus Free Fuel Delivery: A sufficient amount of fuel will be delivered free of charge to enable you to reach the nearest open service station.
Plus Alternative Service Reimbursement: Extends your benefits to include full reimbursement for covered services based on the prevailing commercial rate for the region where the vehicle was disabled, if AAA services was requested by unavailable. Lock and key services will be reimbursed up to $100. To apply for reimbursement, submit an itemized receipt for service to the Member Relations Dept., 2040 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 within 30 days.
Plus Legal Defense Reimbursement: If you are charged with a motor vehicle violation which you believe is unjust and require an attorney, AAA Plus will reimburse you for your attorney's fees in accordance with the following schedule:
Manslaughter by Automobile
Representation in Primary Court $800
Representation in any Higher Court (an additional) $1,200
Maximum Benefit $2,000
Assault & Battery by Automobile
Representation in Primary Court $200
Representation in any Higher Court (an additional) $300
Maximum Benefit $500
Moving Traffic Violation
Representation in Primary Court $100
Representation in any Higher Court (an additional) $150
Maximum Benefit $250
Plus Free International Guides: AAA Plus Members can obtain our renowned international guidebooks and maps absolutely free. Certain restrictions may apply.
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Plus Extended Extrication Service: This services extends Basic benefits to include a second truck and operator for one hour at the scene of disablement.
---
I believe AAA also sells an emergency cellphone which can contact police/911/AAA.
Mod Karma -1: I sed bad wurds. If I cep my mouf shut, I wud be at riyses.
Better be careful with blanket statements. I know at least in my area merely owning lockpicks without a valid license can land you in jail. As always, be sure you know the laws in your area and any place you plan to travel to. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
I read the internet for the articles.
> Caller ID cell phone.
Excellent idea. I used one whent he first came out on campus and it was incredibly helpful.
> Get out of Jail Free Card. Serious, call and I
> come and get you no questions asked kind of
> thing. Giving them the card from a Monopoly
> game would be nice touch if it had a promise
> behind it.
That depends on the distance to the picker-upper, but also tremendously useful until she gets a car.
> Phone Mic for recording conversations.
Unless she says she's recording them, this is definately illegal. A tone that repeats every 30 seconds is also permissable.
> Snort for the college network.
Every college I know of has line items in their code of conduct that prohibit not only promiscuous tools like strobe, but packet sniffers as well. Unless she's working in a CS lab on TCP/IP security this one is a nono.
> For god sakes a wireless switch to be the lov
> of everyone in your dorm.
Depends on the dorm...mine was made fo concrete and steel, and I couldn't get wifi anywhere but in my room.
> Paintball gun, so much fun just right at your
> fingertips.
Most places this will be a violation of the university firearms policy. Don't ask how I know. I'd advise against it strongly.
> Noise reduction headphones.
Especially if the neighbors ahve a loud stereo or a loud SO.
> Eye Drops.
Especially useful when the campus police tear gas the student body.
> Espresso Machine.
Check the housing regs. A lot of schools are banning things that have heating elements like hot plates, waffle makers and (gasp!) coffee pots. An espresso machine falls under the same umbrella. Most RAs won't care to much as long as you share, but it's definately a check first kind of item.
> Eclipse Light.
Very handy, especially if her room has lighting that's as abysmal as mine did.
> Butane Torch.
See residence hall regs. This one is iffy. I wasnt' even allowed to have a soldering iron in my hall. Not that it stopped me at all...
> Web Cam, for almost anything.
Great way to make pizza money. Wait...was that out loud? Crap.
> Condoms.
Seconded.
> Duct Tape(not to be confused with condoms).
Preferrably the good stuff from 3M that doesn't crap out when wet or leave a sticky gooey residue like the Duck Tape stuff.
> MP3 player.
A decent stereo is a better choice here, unless there's an inordinately long (>10 minute) walk to class.
> Sony Playstation2/xbox/gamecube.
See my comment for the webcam.
> Blinder.
As in blinders or as in blender?
> Shot Glass.
Most dorms are dry...make sure it stays empty when the RA is around.
> Mixer.
Good for making virgin daquris...
> A really nice tool kit.
Absolutely indispensable.
In addition I'd add a pile of blank CDs, a big ass box of , a roll of quarters for said laundry, a few boxes of powerbars, and a roll of stamps.
I'm not sure where the submitter is from, but including a lock pick kit is quite illegal most places unless you're a locksmith. Of course, that's been said already, so just pretend I'm not being redundant.
-dave
This is not a sig. this is a duck. quack.
IANAL, but my understanding is that while lockpicks are not technically illegal without a locksmithing license, they do make it very easy to toss "intent to break and enter" or some such (possibly even burglary) onto any arrest if you're carrying lockpicks at the time.
IP is just rude.
Is there any torture so subl
I think you're right - it's all about your local jurisdiction. I hope they don't count improvised tools, as I've got a rake and torsion wrench here on my desk that I use for the cabinets and breaker boxes. It's amazing how easy it is to pick cheap wafer locks - it rarely takes me more than 15 seconds to lock or unlock one.
Amen, brother. Am I missing something? Why is this high-tech care package such a necessity? Maybe I'm showing my age but I remember college as being a place where I worked hard at school, hung out with friends, and drank a lot of beer. PDAs and other electronic gismos were simply not required.
I have already included a lockpick set, a UVmarking pen, and an LED flashlight in her care package.
I'm sorry: what classes are these items going to help her with?
Hey, I've got a radical idea for you! Why don't you skip the care package altogether? Let Linda or Betty or whatever her name is figure out for herself what she needs instead of loading her up with pointless trinkets. And then let her figure out how to get the needed items (ask you, buy it herself, construct a makeshift workaround, etc.) Sure, it's not as fancy to do it that way but it gives her a chance to identify a problem, develop a solution and then do whatever needs to be done. That is what growing up is all about, right? If you pack her care package with every damn thing she could ever need, what Life Lession is that helping her figure out?
GMD
watch this
what else were you planning on giving her... rope, and the Worst Case Scenario handbooks? Give her things that she will really make use of and appreciate.
Probably the best thing that you can give her is a good pillow and a foam eggcrate for the mattress. Dorm beds are killer (more plastic than bed) and it can be very hard to fall asleep with them. This is something that will help her *every* single night, as opposed to a lock-pick set which might help once a year, if that. (once she has it, will she even figure out how to use it?)
Also, if you must give her a gadget or something, give her something like a lava lamp -- another cool thing that she can appreciate on a regular basis.
My uncle is the Director of Public Health for a county in Illinois that shall remain nameless. When *I* went away to school I got gross of gross-size boxes of condoms. 20,000-something of them.
:)
Mostly they got used as water balloons and sold at usurious prices to dorm-mates with an unexpected opportunity.
When a friend had to move away from her boyfriend to start Pharmacy school, I got her a small assortment of vibrators (waterproof, gel, plug-in), some "Astro Glide" and a pre-paid phone card. I've been thanked profusely by both parties for that one.
Web Camera. I had one when I was at school. Once I actually got an SO, it suddenly had a million household uses.
Telescope. For the voyeur in all of us.
Subscription to dirty magazine. OK, even if you aren't into that sort of thing, this stuff makes good barter material (nothing like a fratboy too embarassed to buy his own) and, if you're willing to share your bounty, will probably make you a few friends.
Lamination machine. Million household uses for an enterprising college student. Patricularly when paired with an Alaskan or Puerto Rican drivers license.
Anything that makes people think you have a bizarre lifestyle. Nothing like being able to pull on a pair of skintight latex chaps, a 24" dildo and exclaiming to your annoying roommate that you're ready for a quiet evening at home. Note that holy books from weirdo relgions probably work just as well, if you can keep up the right sort of patter.
Damn. I'll probably think of more goodies later.
Geez. Guess I'm some kind of pervert. Oh well. At least I'm not an anonymous coward.
-- I wanna decide who lives and who dies - Crow T. Robot, MST3K
Given that you need to boil the wort (for those of you who don't brew, that's the barley-malt-and-hops solution that, along with yeast, is what beer is made of) for about an hour, that presents two problems: (1) finding a burner to do the job (a hotplate won't cut it and you probably don't want to use whatever common kitchen facilities your dorm might have) and (2) hiding the smell (and it is strong) from someone who might rat you out. There are kits where supposedly all you do is just stir some ingredients together and let it sit for a while, but you'll likely get something that resembles pisswater more than b e e r.
20 January 2017: the End of an Error.
The UV pen is to mark everything that you own without visabily marking it up. Makes for easier itentification of stuff when it gets swiped. Also can be used to mark your hand to get into bars, clubs, etc.
I would assume that the flashlight is just for safety while she is out at night.
I have no idea what the lock picks are for. I know what they are used for...but not for this setting.
A good TV tuner is also critical if you spend much time in hotel rooms. Many common pay-per-view systems can be defeated with one of these, Spectravision and Lodgeview are both vulnerable to this. Just disconnect the cable input to the addressable decoder (you may need to use a car key to get the F-connector sleeve off), plug it in to your tuner/converter, and plug that into the TV. On the systems I've encountered, the channels ARE NOT SCRAMBLED. Pay channels 1-8 show up on something like 51-58... just tune around. Your off-the-shelf converter doesn't tattle on you, so the front desk doesn't know you're watching lesbian soft porn all night.
Some places you don't even need to bring the converter - just bypass the box and use the TV's tuning.
IANAL either, but for some reason I looked it up. From the Minnesota state site here.
609.59 Possession of burglary or theft tools.
Whoever has in possession any device, explosive, or other instrumentality with intent to use or permit the use of the same to commit burglary or theft may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.
So they would have to prove intent. If they pull you over for speeding, it would be hard to prove that you were in a hurry to commit a crime.
You never know when you're going to need to open things up. I carry these in my car http://secure.sovietski.com/cgi-bin/Sovietski.stor efront/3cf53fb9000235b42b08c0a80a12060f/Product/Vi ew/203103
all it takes is a little practice. Also, locksmithing can be a good way to earn extra cash during school. Think of how many times you see people lock themselves out of their cars or dorm rooms. $10 a pop is what I charged, but that was 10 years ago. I wouldn't reccomend cars, if you don't know what you're doing. Just stick with doors, and remember that sliding glass doors are much easier!!
Clearly you've never dealt with the cops.
The cop that pulls you over doesn't have to prove shit to take your lockpicks, put you in handcuffs and set you in the back of his squad car for an hour or two -- and that's if you did something minor, like cross against the lights or speed or something. You'll get let go, but you won't get the lockpicks back.
If you're doing something *illegal* it's a license to be a USDA Grade A asshole and maybe get you to take a trip to the county lockup on a gross misdemeanor or a felony beef where otherwise you might just get a talking to or a misdemeanor citation.
You can quote chapter and verse to the cops all you want, but when it comes down to it the guys in blue hold *all* the cards and you hold none, until you're in front of the judge explaining your lockpicks and 609.59.
Since I are a college student, I thenk you should bi her several cases of Ramen Chicken Noodles....since those are the things we live off of anyhow.
Alternately, as an RA kinda thing on a college campus I can tell you the following about 'subversion' items.
1. Most universities have an intentionally policy which allows them to tell you that there are certain things you can't have----like for instance----a lock pick. Things like paintball guns and the like all fall underneath that.
2. If she has a roommate, a small safe or lock box might not be a bad idea.
3. Other things which she might find usefull:
High power magnets
A cheapo microtorch lighter
Fishing line
Of course, if she's not Mcgyver, she might not use the stuff.
As a first year college student, living off-campus with some friends, here is my suggestions.
First, make sure you have maintenance tools, like a hammer, screwdriver, nails, good scissors, and maybe a utility knife.
You will need stuff to get the bills done with: envelopes and stamps and a little hanging file thing to keep track of stuff you get. Trust me, you should save at least 3 months of crap, like reciepts and contracts so that you can return something if you never use it or get out of something that you don't need [like a water-cooler rental agreement].
Laundry supplies: quarters, soap, and most importantly a good hiding spot for your quarters to prevent your quarters from wandering off on your roommate's wash day.
You need cleaning supplies, an extra shower curtrain or two, a mop, sponges for the dishes, some of those 1000 flushes things and that 'clean shower' spray-- basically anything that makes it easier on you when you need to clean up.
Then, get a good book shelf and desk. Maybe you don't study at a desk at home, but when you get to college you're gunna have a lot more papers to deal with, a lot more stuff to file and organize and it really helps to have a central place rather than under the bed to put everything. Also, you will amass a nice collection of books, because the bookstore never seems to want to give you more than $10 for that intro to psych. book and it would be a shame to sell it back and it will be useful someday right?
Not a material item, but something very important to consider: If you are picking a roommate from your home town, you should ask yourself "what does their room look like"? Does it look about as clean as yours? Do they do any chores at their house? Because more often than not, if their room is a shitpile at their parent's house, it will be twice a shitpile at their new dorm/apartment, so you should be prepared --unless you also like to live in less than sparkling conditions.
The single most important thing is earplugs. Enough for you and your roomate. Some people don't fall asleep too easily, and this really helps.
Adam
I have to agree that a PDA would be a great choice. I bought one last semester and I truly believe it is the one most useful thing I have ever purchased. It has almost totally replaced my paper notebook (with the exception of Calculus notes), and it has literally saved me around 200 to 300 sheets of paper this semester. I would also recommend a small, collapsible keyboard. In my Physics lecture, three of us had PDAs with keyboards and we typed all of our notes. The major plus to this is that if one of us ever missed lecture we could just beam that days notes to each other without the hassle of having to photo copy or (ye gods forbid) hand copy someone else's notes.
Another good thing is that most PDAs are now small enough to stick in your pocket and take with you without it getting in the way. So you've got your notes with you if get stuck away from the dorm/house/apartment. Plus, there are a lot of people who are willing to pay for well-taken, printed copies of notes. That way you'd get a little pocket change to supplement your "Feed A College Student Fund".
PDAs are getting pretty cheep and compact now. I truly think that'd be the best (and most useful) thing to get. I'm not sure I could go back to taking note on paper.... Just be sure to get a keyboard too, because prolonged exposure to Graffiti can be a pain (quite literally).
/*SCSI-Wan*/
actually i was just looking for a lockpick set the other day and had this question. in almost every state it's only illegal to have a lockpick set if [this is the important part] if the intent to use it maliciously can be proven. from the mit lockpicking guide for example: http://www.lysator.liu.se/mit-guide/appendixB.html
--------- unix, because rebooting is for adding new hardware.
After finishing my first year at college, I have come to know and love the following items:
$10 in Quarters - I know they don't go as far as they used to, but that will get me through 8 loads of laundry, two months for women and almost a semester for guys (unless you keep meeting that HOT chick at the laundromat!) Don't forget they also save you in a pinch for those late-night snack cravings, parking meters, and condom dispensers. Which brings me to...
Condoms - Honestly, you never know when or where it might happen, but I've had moments where the only reason I didn't get laid was because I lacked the latex. Seriously, if you don't have as much self-control as I did, get a 3 or 6 pack. Speaking of 6 packs...
Red Bull - This little wonder has saved my ass so many frickin' times, it's unbelievable! Whether you need to pull an all-nighter or finish a last minute paper, just pop open some of that 'Liquid Schwartz' and you'll be on your feet in no time. Get them a 6 pack as well, because you never expect an emergency. Along with emergencies...
Obligatory Posters - Every college student is required by law to a poster depicting beer, drugs, sex, The Simpsons, guitar tabs, and/or that Maxell guy being blown away by his speakers. Movie posters are as must as well. While we're on the subject of pirated material...
CD-R's - It doesn't matter if you have a CD burner or not, someone else will. Combine that with the fact that every dorm room in America has ethernet jacks, you're bound to either find the perfect mix for your car or simply run out of hard drive space. You're bound to run into a situation where a CD-R will be required on the spot, I guarantee it. And lastly to broadcast these situations, you'll need a...
Web Cam - They're cheap, subversive, and a helluva lot of fun when you're drunk. 'Nuff said.
That's about all I can think of for subversive, legal gifts. Other non-subversive but greatly needed gifts include things like a personal fan, duct tape, tape (memo) recorder, cordless phone, sandals, wall clock, and AA batteries. Also, the new 'in' thing to have is a George Foreman Lean Mean Grilling Machine, but for now I'll stick with my Mini-Me Microwave.
-Mr. Fusion
Aye, but not if she's going to be in Texas, where Vibrators are banned.
The only thing you can accurately describe as "Scotch" is a sticky tape made by 3M. And it's
There are a few things that I have noticed missing. Being a subversive female at a major engineering school in the Midwest I have a few ideas.
... I don't know a girl who doesn't have a bottle.
1) LUBE
2) Purple Hair Dye - I live by it.
3) Piercing supplies - Daddy will love it that new ring!
4) A pack of twenty lighters, and a couple of ash trays.
5) A bunch of gift cards and phone cards. Cash just gets deposited; gift cards hang around until they are needed.
6) If it is possible find a way to pre-pay for her to go on a trip with a friend. Nothing makes Dad and Mom happier than to find out that you took off to the other coast for a weekend.
7) Hang over pills.
8) Find a way to pay for birth control pills.
9) The ACLU makes these little cards that explain what your rights are under different situations (e.g. you have a party, cops knock on your door, minior in possesion, etc).
10) Mace (I know this has been said)
11) Be her saftey net... call before her parent's supprise visit.
-Kat
...don't forget the UV LED flashlight as well. They're real and they're out there. Spencer's has been carrying the single LED units for something like $8US in most locations. (They'll be behind the counter in most cases.). The light emitted is faintly violet and will strongly light up fluoresent materials up close. The link is to an agressive model with 3 LEDs, intended for professional use by jewelers and forensic scientists.
I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
Nobody seems to have yet mentioned those little 2" blowtorches that attach to a keyring. I'm sure one of those would come in handy to someone with a subversive streak.
er...California DOES have a licensing program.
From CA Business and Professions Code 6980.42:
"Within seven days after commencing employment, any
employee of a locksmith who is not currently registered with the
bureau and who is performing the services of a locksmith shall submit
to the bureau a completed application for registration, two
classifiable fingerprint cards, one set of which shall be forwarded
to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for purposes of a background
check, and the appropriate registration fee."
More complete info at http://www.dca.ca.gov/bsis/locksmith.htm
Get a copy of MS Bookshelf (98 works). Copy the entire CD to your hard drive somewhere. Install it from that directory, then set up some shortcut key to execute it. (properties on the *.lnk file)
Or even simpler, add smarterchild to your AIM buddy list. When you need to look up a word, just put down
Define [string]
as an IM to smarterchild and send it.
Use
Syn [string]
for thesaurus.
It'll look it up in the American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition or Roget's II: The New Thesaurus, Third Edition