Posted by
ryuzaki0
on from the first-it-was-a-screwdriver dept.
weighn writes "The SMH has this story about an eccentric Frenchman who carries about 1300 useful items attached to his body by various means. A digital camera is mentioned, so I guess there may be some form of computing device nearby. Anyone else a bulging pocketed geek-scout?"
I dunno about that one. The french had a fairly good army which is why the 8 day invasion was so surprising. France also did not see most of the army as Germany considered the invasion of France to be tying up loose ends as they went for Russia. Most of the troops in France (which includes the ones we fought later) were 80% teenage boys and 35+ year old men. Im not saying they couldn't do anything but the true force of germany got caught in Russia (blah blah land war in Aisa). This is also why we Americans met a lot less resistance coming in. Once we got to germany they quickly took the western invasion more seriously so we took 4 years to win.
Re:Who wants to bet...
by
jericho4.0
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· Score: 4, Insightful
At the time of Germanys invasion of the Rhineland, France had 50 tank divisions within a 2 days travel. Germany had 6, in total. Germany also had many officers convinced Hitler was mad and waiting for the counter-attack to start so they could kill Hitler. They missed a Big Chance.
France also had a naive millitary command, and very little resistance.
That said, who can blame them? WWII was still a very nasty memory, and none could face the prospect of war again. It was very easy to belive that Hitler only wanted a little bit of Europe, and then he'd be happy. England managed to muster a fight through blind jingoism, and the U.S. had time to wake up to the fact that they were going to have to fight. I don't envy anyone of the time who had to make the big desisions.
Oh yeah... the other reason for the 'France surrenders' joke is the american feeling that they saved Europes asses. Probably true, but they were next, and the war couldn't have been won without Churchill, Turing, DeGaull and thousands upon thousands of young men who gave their lives in the mud.
-- "A language that doesn't affect the way you think about programming, is not worth knowing" - Alan Perlis
I'm no historian, but I do remember why our country chose to surrender in 1940. (I'm from the Netherlands) This was not a simple question of being overpowered, it was about the will of the Germans to turn on the population. They bombed Rotterdam and threatened to bomb the other large cities. The Dutch government then surrendered to prevent a massacre in the larger cities. So, even though the (much smaller) Dutch army would not have been a match for the German army in a longer engagement, the short war leading up to the surrender was not decided on the battlefield.
As I said, I am not a historian but it seems probable to me that the Germans used more of the same strategy in France.
--
beauty is only a light switch away
Re:Who wants to bet...
by
Gallowglass
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· Score: 2
You wrote: France also did not see most of the army as Germany considered the invasion of France to be tying up loose ends as they went for Russia. From my recollection of history, France was invaded by the Nazi attack that began on May 10th, 1940. (France surrendered June 10th.) The German invasion of Russia did not begin until the 22nd of June 1941. I don't know where you got the idea that the German army was tied up with the Russans while they invaded France, but really, it's wrong. France had surrendered a year before the invasion of Russia.
But france was never their main goal. They didn't commit their entire army to france because they were getting ready to go to russia. They would have gone to Russia a whole lot sooner but all sorts of political events and attempted assasinations slowed them down. France still did not get the worst of the German army. Also Russia lost over 10 times as many people as france did.
Interesting pickup lines...
by
MacOS_Rules
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· Score: 5, Funny
Must be an embarrassment for the poor guy.
"Is that a ruler in your pocket or are you happy to see me?"
"Actually, it IS a ruler."
-- If a man's character is to be abused there's nobody like a relative to do the business.
-Thackeray, William
No Picture!?!?!
by
Geeyzus
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· Score: 5, Insightful
The story is about a guy who basically has a bunch of tools attached to him, who calls himself "Crazy Eric" (go figure). The whole story is just about how crazy this guy looks, and there is NO PICTURE! What's up with that?
Mark
Re:No Picture!?!?!
by
gr0ngb0t
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· Score: 2, Informative
its the smh - they only put pictures in if it sports stars, kylie minogue or skimpyly (sp) clad models...
Re:No Picture!?!?!
by
Anonymous Coward
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· Score: 5, Funny
Yeah, it's not like he didn't have a camera on him!
Re:No Picture!?!?!
by
Anonymous Coward
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· Score: 2, Informative
Anyone remember Parker Lewis Can't Lose? His buddy wore a trenchcoat, and was already prepared. Each time he whipped out an item you heard the sound of separating velcro.
This guy in the story should design suits for certain professions, with neatly designed inner pockets, outer pockets(like on the Ps1 game "P'Oed" featuring the chef with sidearm cooking utensil) and so forth and then sell them.
I only wish I had more coat pockets and such, but my trendy Dockers will have to do. Carries everything but a handgun in the pockets.
I find that Dockers don't last too long. If I might recommend: Tilley Endurables Their washing instructions are "Give 'em hell!", and they don't need ironing.
I'm giving them a plug because I had a pair of pants that the zipper failed on after a few years. I figured what the hell, and took the pants back to get the zipper fixed. And they did it -- free of charge! (I guess they really do mean "Guaranteed for life".)
The shorts have enough capacity to handle a six-pack. (To hell with all those gadgets!) And there's a secret pocket too. They cost a bit more, but will last waay longer than Dockers under geek washing conditions. Besides, they have this neat stone head outside their Toronto store, can't go wrong! The Big Head
-- One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
The article says he does have a clothing line. But no plug? The guy even refused to give his last name. I guess he really isn't in America. Shit, over here, people'll plug their dog's new novel at the planning stage, when they're still thinking about teaching the animal how to type. If you're on a talk show (or many times, in a news article), it's beacause you have something to sell, not because you have something interesting to say.
I have to admit, my first reaction to the story was "freak." My second was "clothing line? Where can I get some?"
Holy crap, they're $102US for Tropical weight slacks. For that price I could buy about 5 or 6 pairs of Old Navy Tropical weight slacks. I could buy 4 or 5 pair of Dockers. That means, if these things last me 5 years, they would have JUST paid for themselves, they'd have to last 6 or 7 years to begin to save me a penny; because I can get a solid year's wear out of a pair of kakhis.
Their socks however, might be a decent idea. I might be ordering a pair of those.
Dockers are $20 US? Even allowing for the exchange rate, that's a lot better than around here. As for lifespan, I'd count on ten under normal use. The nice thing is that they don't degrade -- I've got endless Dockers where my wallet has rubbed a hole in the pocket, the knee has gone, or they just plain started to fall apart. They aren't bad enough to throw out, but are no good except for mucking about in the apartment. Just ordinary washing gradually destroys them.
It's like Commander Vimes in Men at Arms when he's griping about how the rich can afford to save money. He buys cardboard boots each year, the rich buy one pair of good boots. After 20 years, he's spent more money on boots.
I haven't tried the tropical weight stuff. How hot does it get in Wyandotte MI anyway?:^)
-- One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
I've got endless Dockers where my wallet has rubbed a hole in the pocket, the knee has gone, or they just plain started to fall apart. They aren't bad enough to throw out, but...
Yes they are!
Re:Parker Lewis
by
tim_uk
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· Score: 2, Insightful
Hah! Go get one of these and you'll not only have enough capacity to handle a six-pack but you'll also have enough intrigue to attract the laydees...
I tried fitting in a particular airline EULA, and guess what my jacket tore. After that I took the pledge that I wont carry anything heavier than a tank ever ever in my pocket.
-- My Aurora : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o91ZsGwJYyg
FB : https://www.facebook.com/TanveersPhotography
At least he didn't say anything about Open Source pants being better. (Sorry, GnuPants.) I'm not sure if having a General Public Licence on my pants would be a Good Thing.
-- One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
The word is 'nerd', not 'geek'. 'Geek' is far too soft a word to describe your condition. You are some kind of supernerd, made up from parts of lesser nerds.
And by the way, it's "piece de resistance". Use some common sense. (pizza? what the hell were you thinking?)
Reminds me of the dilbert series where Dilbert has a gadget rivalry with one of his co-workkers. The two finally meet in a hallway and have a stand-off, western style. Both draw at the same but, but Dilbert's rival wins (rings all of Dilbert's gadgets) because his gadgets have speed dial.
"Speed Dial. Fool."
Can someone find that cartoon?
Re:Dilbert...
by
mhesseltine
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· Score: 3, Informative
OK, the first of the comics setting up the meeting with Techno-Bill was 12/28/1992. The series runs through 12/31/1992 when Bill beats Dilbert. It's page 49 in "Dilbert Gives You the Business."
-- "There are already a million monkeys on a million typewriters, and Usenet is NOTHING like Shakespeare." - Blair Houghton
Re:Dilbert...
by
MacAndrew
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· Score: 3, Interesting
Self-respect?
I'm one of those vexed at the Scott Adams sellout years ago. His work (if he even draws it -- many cartoonists have assistants) no longer feels fresh and subversive, and is going the route of "Garfield." Yes, it's nice he's gotten rich, but I don't have to respect him for that, or forgive (originally endearing) his stick figures. A polar opposite might be Bill Watterson, who is a talented artist, refused to use assistant cartoonists, and refused to merchandise Calvin and Hobbes to the point of nearly losing his job. (Perhaps this was too extreme; I'd love to have a Hobbes stuffed tiger for my kids.;-)
It may just be my romantic notion of art over profit. Or maybe I'm just bored with the stagnancy of Dilbert, where it used to be such a terrific strip.
Yep, I understand his moves have been calculated to make money. That's what most of us do (within reason) but it does make his work less interesting to me. It's also a little odd given his theme of making fun of droid-driven capitalism.
I do think he changed. I remember when Dilbert was quietly passed around the interet to people whose papers didn't carry it, and it was innovative that he put his email on his strips so people could suggest ideas. Now Dilbert is standard-issue in every office and does ads. When he explained why he launched his online store, "It makes money. We like money."
You say millions of people still love the strip. Well, millions of people love professional wrestling. So what's your point?;-)
I'll check out your work. Who are your cartoonist heros, anyway?
Yes, but does he have his towel?
by
Discopete
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· Score: 5, Funny
He makes mention of sleeping in some unusual places, but he never mentions a towel!
Re:Yes, but does he have his towel?
by
isorox
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· Score: 2
He makes mention of sleeping in some unusual places, but he never mentions a towel!#
A credit to the geek name
I know something useful he doesn't have...
by
jokercito
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· Score: 2, Funny
A sex life...:P
Re:I know something useful he doesn't have...
by
No+Such+Agency
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· Score: 2
So what's your point? I don't have one either, but at least this guy can fix his bike whenever he wants to;-)
-- Freedom: "I won't!"
When, oh when....
by
djupedal
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· Score: 2, Offtopic
...do we get to moderate submissions? Given the last 24 hrs around here, it can't happen too soon.
Wonder if the change of clothes is recursive? if the change of clothes is recursive? the change of clothes is recursive? change of clothes is recursive? of clothes is recursive? clothes is recursive? is recursive? recursive? ?
"Hey, where'd Eric go?!? He said he was just going to change his clothes..."
Re:MIT cyborgs
by
Fnkmaster
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· Score: 5, Insightful
I don't know any of them, but I rode in the elevator with one in the Media Lab back when I was working there as a research assistant a few years back. Fucking spooky when you hear a guy quietly clicking away with his one-handed keyboard-thingie while staring straight ahead. It was like he had no awareness of my presence or any other people around him.
Frankly, that kind of thing isn't good for humankind. I'm all for connectedness, but when we are so connected we lose our connections to the immediate world around us and the people right under our noses so we can email, check weather, and write code all the time - well, we truly lose some of what makes us human. And that's sad.
Re:I guarantee you one item he doesn't need to car
by
garcia
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· Score: 2
especially after he runs up to a woman and screams, "go go gadget erection" and a freaking cold-shower showers down on both of them.
I Now Have A New Hero...
by
Nameis
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· Score: 3, Funny
I don't go anywhere without a Leatherman , a hanky, and duct tape. I'm always looking for new handy stuff to carry. At one time I also carried a face shield for CPR, a laser pointer, and a mini-torch. You can never have too many pockets!
I hope this guy starts his own clothing line. Over 1300 items...ah, that'd get me chicks.
Re:I Now Have A New Hero...
by
zaren
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· Score: 2, Interesting
Quite right you can never have too many pockets. I purchased two demin vests from clearance racks because they were loaded down with pockets, and I use one of them during the summer when it's too warm to wear either the trenchcoat (with it's almost elbow-deep pockets) or the jean jacket (two chest pockets, two inside pockets, two outside pockets, always holding at least one item each).
The vest came in really handy when I sprained my ankle and had to hobble around the house on crutches and yet still take care of the kids - in addition to the lefhanded Swiss Army knife / pill bottle / hankie / belt knife / pager I lugged around in or on my jeans, the vest came in handy for carrying a juice cup (covered), a bottle of milk, cordless phone, diapers, and a box of baby wipes (in the large pocket on the back), occasionally all at the same time.
So you're the guy who actually thinks this is useful. If you actually think it probable that a random unconscious person you encounter in time to save them will randomly have some deadly, communicable disease, probable enough that you should carry the mask, you ought to be buying lottery tickets nonstop.
--
El Karma: excelente(principalmente la suma de moderación hecha a los comentarios de los usuarios)
Apparently plans to produce a First Person Shooter game based on this frenchman were cancelled after prelimenary versions had gamers sitting there for 2 hours pressing "[" to cycle through inventory items.
Actually, this guy has proven possible half the first person shooters on the market today. "Lets check my inventory. Pistol, shotgun, rocket launcher, minigun, chainsaw, flamethrower, railgun, 6 ft claymore sword, M1A1 Abrams, deck mounted battleship cannon, small country, and 15 trillion rounds of ammunition for each... all of it fits conveniently into my armor/trench coat/pants pockets. MWHAHAHA."
I carry quite a bit in mine, but I make sure to keep it small. Ugh. Carrying anything more than a watch bothers me.
Perhaps it's some kind of hidden luddite thing, but being laden down with gadgets isn't my idea of fun. I have enough friends who constantly carry mobile phones, a PDA (and a backup dead tree address book), security-blanket-water-bottle, not to mention a digimon keyring, auto keyless entry gadgetry, twenty keys and then the array of various jewelry-like bling.
I swear if it weren't for stretchmarks I'd probably be running around as naked as the day I was born, and happy.
Re:I guarantee you one item he doesn't need to car
by
1000StonedMonkeys
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· Score: 5, Funny
You know you've got problems when people on slashdot start making fun of your sex life...
Possible Hoax
by
kaosrain
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· Score: 4, Interesting
This sounds a lot like a hoax to me...he refuses to give his last name, and it seems like a story based completely on how "crazy" he looks would at least include a picture. I could be wrong, but I suspect we've been had.
He also claims to use a brush to brush off random beds he sleeps in. Sounds like a not-so-well-thought-out hoax to me. Honestly do you use a brush when you sleep someone not at home or just pass out wherever.
Well on the other hand the guiness book of records does check the records.
Question is, of course, whether he really carries all that junk, all the time.
Re:Possible Hoax
by
Walt+Dismal
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· Score: 2, Interesting
The article says 1300 items, and the weight is about 12 to 15 kilograms. So, on average, each of his items weighs roughly 10 grams. That is pretty lightweight. For example, a nickel weighs about 5 grams. So each of his objects is roughly equivalent to two metal nickels. That is really not much substance. And for every heavy object like a PDA, there would have to be undersized objects to balance. I smell a fish. Or a rat. Or possibly a lot of tools made out of paper or wire.
On the other hand, Harpo Marx carried complete dinner settings for 500...
I'd like to see him...
by
Pig+Hogger
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· Score: 4, Funny
I'd like to see him pass airport security just once.
Re:I'd like to see him...
by
Pig+Hogger
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· Score: 2
Vous avez de la chance que je sois français...:):)
Gross-modo, un "geek", c'est une "tronche"...
Si vous voulez que je vous traduise spécifiquement un commentaire précis dans la discussion à votre sujet, demandez-moi le moi en spécifiant le numéro juste après la date (par exemple, votre message auquel je répond a le numéro 4687266) et je vous ferai ça...:)
Sidney Coleman (way cool physicist) had the biggest Swiss Army knife I ever saw. That thing must have weighed 15 kg by itself. He had carried it with him for years, and he told me... (dramatic drum roll) ..that he had actually had occasion to use all but one of its 99-googol blades in his bike-riding, rock-climbing, etc. activities.
Not satisfied with this imperfect record, he sought out an expert to find out what he could do with that single unused blade. The expert replied, "Remove stones from horses' hooves."
Hey, not every story has a happy ending.
-- Making trouble today for a better tomorrow...
Re:Swiss Army knife pr0n
by
Cpt_Kirks
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· Score: 2
Sharper Image used to carry a swiss army knife called the "Macgyver" that had over a hundred tools.
They are replacing it with the "O'Neil" version. It is pretty much the same thing but includes an MP5.
Re:What an IDIOT!
by
Anonymous Coward
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· Score: 2, Insightful
Trust me, this guy is not gonna get laid.
What has it got in it's nassty pocketsses?
by
sbaker
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· Score: 5, Funny
My father used to work for the airlines doing Radio and Radar repair. He carried a little kiddies pencil case containing a Swiss Army Knife and an expensive Fountain Pen. The case was labelled "747 Repair Kit" and he swore those were the only tools he ever used. He also remarked that he used the fountain pen more than the knife.
My Swiss Army knife (a top-of-the-range one) includes a small ballpoint pen - so I don't need the fountain pen...but I have a tiny LED flashlight. That's the software guy's PC repair kit.
Then of course there is my mother's handbag...
-- www.sjbaker.org
Re:What has it got in it's nassty pocketsses?
by
Cyno01
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· Score: 2
You can get a swiss army knife with a small led flashlight in it now IIRC.
-- "Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."
Re:What has it got in it's nassty pocketsses?
by
ZBM-2
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· Score: 2, Interesting
My father used to work for the airlines doing Radio and Radar repair. He carried a little kiddies pencil case containing a Swiss Army Knife and an expensive Fountain Pen. The case was labelled "747 Repair Kit" and he swore those were the only tools he ever used. He also remarked that he used the fountain pen more than the knife.
LOL,when I used to work A-10's on the flightline,80% of my work was done with a comm headset and a pencil. Sure,you can adjust radio squelches from the cockpit. C-N-D,what's that?;-)
My Swiss Army knife (a top-of-the-range one) includes a small ballpoint pen - so I don't need the fountain pen...but I have a tiny LED flashlight.
I carry a mini Swiss Army too,but those red LEDs on the Midnight series are too dim. I carry a white Photon instead. Much brighter,and you see everything in true color.
-- ====
Warning:this poster contains subject matter that may be offensive.
Flaming discretion is advised.
pffft... useful?
by
The_dev0
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· Score: 2, Insightful
Everybody knows the towel is most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have. Partly it has great practical value. You can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough.
-- Never fight naked, unless you're in prison...
Re:I have two words for this guy
by
Cpt_Kirks
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· Score: 3, Funny
His metal detector is in the upper left back shoulder pocket.
Most of them are covered by the wad of blu tack he keeps in his pocket. It's got 1001 uses, you know.
Did somone steal the story?
by
AcquaCow
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· Score: 2, Interesting
I did some searching and apparently the Australian Broadcasting Company is also running the same story. Its not exactly the same, but there are direct quotes between the two.
Does anyone know if SMH is a partner company? Same company?
Does anyone know who had the story first?
-- AcquaCow
--
up 12 days, 22:30, 2 users, load averages: 993.20, 994.21, 994.56
*makes note to limit user processes...
Re:Did somone steal the story?
by
cranos
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· Score: 2, Informative
Just a little Info
the ABC is the Government funded but independantly run media organisation while the SMH is part of a fully privatised newspaper group called The Fairfax group
So they are completely different organisations
Re:Did somone steal the story?
by
Tsuzuki
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· Score: 2, Informative
The ABC is a government owned and publicly funded company, and SMH is owned by Fairfax. Considering that they're often at each other's throats over journalistic methods and political leanings, it's fairly safe to say that they're not affiliated in any way.:)
The SMH article credits the AFP, which I can only assume stands for Associated French Press... so both papers have just gotten their story from the same news agency, explaining the common quotes. Happens all the time!
Re:MIT cyborgs
by
scott1853
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· Score: 5, Insightful
It was like he had no awareness of my presence or any other people around him.
This has nothing to do with technology. Have you ever gone to a grocery store?
A surprisingly large number of people are completely unaware that that they are blocking the aisle when they have there cart on one side of the isle, themselves on the other, and yet they don't realize that you're coming despite your driving of the loudest shopping cart in the store.
Apparently choosing a spaghetti sauce takes a large amount of conentration and puts people in a trance like state.
Re:What an IDIOT!
by
Rolo+Tomasi
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· Score: 3, Funny
Let me guess, you're Crazy Jacques from the neighboring town and you're jealous because you only manage to pack 1100 items?
-- Did you know you can fertilize your lawn with used motor oil?
I for one think that he's pretty cool
by
outofpaper
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· Score: 2, Insightful
Un like most of the people ranting about how this man can't get laid and how uncool he is I think that his outfit sound rather cool. From what I understood his clothing is extreamly neat, due to the fact that is probaly has obsesive compulsive disorder. His tools are probably laid rather evenly over most parts of his body that wont be presed up aginst stuff as he goes about his day to day buisines.
I also liked the idea that I got when I heard of the velcro leg pockets. I thought of removable pockets that velcroed on to witchever pants he was going to ware today. For them to work all you would have to do is sew soft velcro patches onto all your pants and then when you got home take of the pockets and that way you don't have to resort your pockets.
If I was going to designe cooltool pants I would just take some strong comphy pants sew velcro on them(the soft fuzzy part), probably as larg patches on the thighs and calves. Then I would find some of that strong synthetic denim stuf that overalls are made of (probaly in black or posibly that realy spiffy blackand white hounds tooth patern), with this fabric I would make my pockets. They would have litle deviders in them so as to seperat all my diferent tools(you know mini renches from philips screw drivers). I might also alow for some sort of modular inter wireing so that I could just plug things into my pants for power and alow sound sent to by shirt where I could have a plug up by my neck for head phones.
What Eric most often thinks....
by
krazyninja
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· Score: 2
Now, in which pocket did I put that "human-swiss-knife-organiser"???:)))
-- "Do something man. Right now."
... but I also have an inflatable mattress with me
by
Hektor_Troy
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· Score: 3, Funny
Wanna fuck?
-- We do not live in the 21st century. We live in the 20 second century.
Re:I guarantee you one item he doesn't need to car
by
krazyninja
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· Score: 2
maybe...but what he DOES need to carry, is a "pocket-human-swiss-knife-organiser"!:)
-- "Do something man. Right now."
The real way of the geek ...
by
mboedick
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· Score: 5, Funny
... is not to have a lot of tools, but to use the same tool for many different tasks, like those old 101 uses for a Zippo lighter ads.
Re:The real way of the geek ...
by
isorox
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· Score: 2
Yes. All you need is a hammer, works every time.
I've been bested!
by
Engelbot
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· Score: 5, Interesting
Or, to be more accurate, completely outclassed. I'm still in the game, however.
Early on in college, I got diabetes, which I ended up treating with an H-Tron Plus insulin pump, from Disetronic. After trying a few different schemes for securing it to my person, I decided to park it on my belt.
Shortly thereafter I switched to a different blood glucose meter, which I discovered had a belt loop on its pouch. This made carrying it around much easier and more reliable. Sometime in here I found I needed my Leatherman more often than I happened to have it around. On the belt it goes.
The Palm and its belt case came shortly thereafter, rounding out the utility belt. It's served me well, but I'm not a student any more, and it's starting to get a bit awkward. (Yes, I probably ought to have realized this sooner.)
I'm hoping to consolidate, using a Visor and a FreeStyle Tracker for the meter (coolest device ever), but I'm also looking at a wireless telephone . . . maybe I should just give up and get a nice vest instead. Hmm.
Oh--yes, going through airport security is a royal pain.
I have about 1300 portable MP3 players. Each one of them has a feature that the other did not. My best advice -- rechargable batteries are your friends.
-- (+1 Funny) only if I laugh out loud.
You're right. No picture on this story = Big Tease
by
ArcSecond
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· Score: 2
Although he sounds more like he is following in the footsteps of the "One Man Band Maniac" tradition, rather than the "MIT Media Lab Maniac" tradition, this guy sounds like he is miles ahead of most self-styled cyborgs (Mann, et al) in the integration of technology into his person. I would doubt this guy takes great pleasure with the efficiency with which he can perform various necessary tasks. And he no doubt wears it almost all the time.
We all know the geeks with a tool belt from hell, but it only makes sense that it will move into the realm of tactical vests and load-bearing harnesses, or truly functional clothing that has been engineered with sensors, processors, power systems, etc. into it. Eric most likely doesn't have a real good digital rig going, but that's beside the point: it's functional integration. We shouldn't be biased against low-tech, in particular the need for powered systems should not be the criteria a definition of "cyborg".
--
I've got a bad attitude and karma to burn. Go ahead. Mod me down.
I was going to ask if he carried a condom, but then I realized that it said in the article that he only carried things that he would use... and most guys who walk around with 1,300 usefull tools... well, point taken
I remember that!! I used to carry my McGuyver around at college. It's actually a bike tool made by a company called Topeak. I don't think it has over 100 tools... [whipping it out] lessee...
8mm wrench, 9mm wrench, 10mm wrench, 15g, 14g, P#1 flathead, straight blade, saw, mini pliers, scissors, magnefying glass, ruler, scaler, bottle opener, miniflathead, can opener, 6 hex wrenches, nail file, tweezers, mini phillips, #2 phillips, fork, awl.... I think officially its only got 33 on there...
There's probably a few I've missed, since this thing looks like a porcupine with all the tools sticking out.
-- This is where I get my recommended daily allowance of "Foot in Mouth."
Wonder if his kit can serviceeverything at once? Combined with a headsup display, never again would one have to dread waiting for a bus or other boring stationary activities. Might raise a few eye-brows at an airport though. At least he wouldn't have to worry too much about confiscation. Heh.
argh no no no
by
nomadic
·
· Score: 5, Informative
Well, the thing is France crumbled almost immediately. And they shouldn't have.
Well, maybe you didn't notice, but the Nazis were the most powerfull force in history at the time (they didn't start conquering the world on a double dare you know).
That's what the high school textbooks say. Unfortunately, like many things in the high school textbooks it's not quite accurate. France had a very large army, well-fortified, and after the invasion of Poland Britain also stationed troops in France.
Textbooks (well high school ones) also make a big deal about the German panzer divisions, but sometimes forget to mention that the French tanks were superior. The Germans just knew how to use them better.
So we have two well-equipped, sizeable forces in France, expecting an attack.
So what happens? The Germans flank the French, ignore the Maginot line, smash both the French and the British armies, and have reached the English channel in 8 days.
Yes, the constant insults about French courage are unfair, but they didn't exactly cover themselves with glory in 1940. Ditto for the British. It also doesn't help that the French have absolutely no sense of humor about themselves. Neither do the Germans, but the Germans at least have the excuse that they don't have a sense of humor about anything.
Re:argh no no no
by
MacAndrew
·
· Score: 3, Insightful
Germans can have a great sense of humor! It just tends to be a little... dark. I find Kafka a riot.:)
I don't condone stereotypes, but the French do have other surrenders. But in fairness these should at least be counted against the many French victories -- Napolean and all that. They also gave the fledgling U.S. one heck of a boost during its Revolutionary War. Finally, the (Nazi) Germans were the final surrender, and isn't THAT the one that counts?
So what happens? The Germans flank the French, ignore the Maginot line, smash both the French and the British armies, and have reached the English channel in 8 days.
It really is worth mentioning why it was so easy to flank the French lines.
All of the big French artillery guns were literally buried into position facing in the direction that the Germans were supposed to come. When the Germans decided that walking into a killing field would be silly, the French couldn't turn their guns!
This thread reminds me of a few years back when some really big commemarative event was happening in Normandy. Presidents and Prime Ministers attending kinda big, along with soldiers who had fought on that beach. A number of Germans were also looking to attend, which the French opposed. One commentator noted...
"Yeah right. Like they could keep them out!"
-- The line must be drawn here. This far. No further.
Germans can have a great sense of humor! It just tends to be a little... dark. I find Kafka a riot.:)
That doesn't say anything about the german sense of humor. Kafka wasn't german. He was born in Prague when that was still part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. So he was Czech. Maybe austrian or hungarian, but definitely not german.
Re:argh no no no
by
Metrol
·
· Score: 3, Insightful
Anyone else think of the National Missile Defence project when they hear of the Maginot line?
I'm thinking of marking myself off topic for replying to this. Oh well, moderate away.
Your comparison falls short on one major point. The Maginot line was literally the only defense that France put up to the invading Germans. One they walked around it, it was not much more than a contest between artillery and small arms. We all know how that ended.
In contrast, nobody is suggesting that missile defense is the only line of defense we maintain. It's meant to be a means to close a huge opening in the variety of defenses we do have in place.
Yes, even with missile defense there remain other means to move a nuke. Those means aren't totally unstoppable, as missiles are today though. It forces any potential enemy to work a LOT harder to get through to us. It gives our intelligence agencies at least a chance to stop delivery.
Far as I'm concerned, missile defense is worth exactly the cost of having one major city destroyed, and all the people in it killed. Haven't heard many opponents quote that cost into an argument.
-- The line must be drawn here. This far. No further.
Damn! You took my line! The actual place in the joke is the Champs Elysees which ironically leads directly to the Arc du Triomphe. I've been there 3 of the last 8 weeks on business. I told that joke two weeks ago. Right there. To a German guy. He hissed.
Two hours later, he asked me to repeat it so he can get it right when he returned home.
Well, to draw the analogy in the other direction, flogging it as I go:
I think the ABM program is worse than the Maginot line because it addresses a threat than does not exist. No one but the Russians has the technology to deliver ICBM nukes, and we wouldn't be able to stop them. Any lesser nation that has surmounted the technical problems in developing a nuke would be nuts to next throw itself into the numerous complexities of a major rocket problem, re-rentry vehicles, etc. They may be crazy, but they're not stupid. And for countries that can develop the technology (the Chinese or the Koreans?), massive retaliation and assured destruction should still be adequate. An ICBM would be exceedingly easy to trace back to its origin, hence suicidal for an entire government.
This doesn't even touch on the monumental technical hurdles of an ABM system. To say that "just one city" would cost more overlooks the nearly zero probability that even a brilliant trillion-dollar system would head off that feared one-nuke attack. I worry a great deal about someone trying to use a nuclear weapon to advance terrorism, but not for a second about them delivering their precious weapon via an unreliable rocket. I'd launch it from a submarine or boat or airplane or freight container or truck... well, you get the idea... not an 8,000-mile lob by a missile. ICBM's were intended for the Cold War, deterrence, and the fear of being unable to counterstrike, not first-strike (up until they started making lots of MIRV's, maybe).
I could go on, but... I don't feel there is much actual debate going on with this topic, which is unfortunate as it means breaking the ABM treaty, alienating allies, sparking an arms race, and spending a whole lot of money for nothing. These billions could be used to isolate or disarm the enemy more easily.
(1) probability, including that you can't just rush a compound and press the big red button, it takes expertise/time to prepare and codes to launch the missile -- note this is not a scenario seriously pushed by the ABM proponents; and (2) we wouldn't be able to shoot down such a missile anyway, given the huge technological hurdles and that the Russian, Chinese, etc. will install cheap and easy countermeasures as we develop our system (without which their rockets would be useless).
It's nice to dream of a Star Wars shield, and it gives me the willies that we are unprotected from a bomb we know is coming, but that's how it is. There are much better ways to spend the money that will get results, like disarmament and gathering intelligence on groups that might attept such a thing. We'd save more lives curing cancer or AIDS with the money spent preparing for a long-shot threat. And to say we will achieve a meaningful 24/7 ABM anytime in the near future, one so precise that it could known out a single unexpected bomb, is a lie -- and we need protection now.
Wrong on all counts. A few minutes of research proves it.
Neither the Long March nor any other Chinese missile is capable of greater than 8000 km or so. If I'm wrong, provide a cite. A word to the wise -- when the alarmists cite Chinese or North Korean missiles able to reach the "United States" they mean Alaska or maybe Guam. Not that I don't care about Alaska, but they are being deliberately misleading as to the state of the technology, by implying that out enemies can strike anywhere at will.
It is VERY tough to develop ICBM's, or even medium-range, technology. Lots of countries are trying, besides the Chinese and North Koreans. If we're afraid of these countries having nukes we should be afraid of a short-range low-tech delivery that SDI can't address.
Iraq? A long range missile? Ha! The Scuds in the Gulf War were their effort to enhance 1950's Soviet tech to get a few extra miles of range, and we saw how pathetic and unreliable they were. their range was no better than several hundred miles, and they have only a few left. (This doesn't mean the Israelis have nothing to fear, and they know already they can't rely on Patriot... perhaps their Arrow will do better.)
Anyway, the existence or nonexistence of the missile is beside the point. The current ABM tech doesn't yet exist, won't for a long time, will cost a fortune, and can't possibly deliver the level of security advertised. We could never fend off a Soviet attack, especially with SLBM's. Whatever technology we come up with will be easy to work around, until perhaps we have a space-based laser capable of attacking during the launch phase. Don't hold your breath, or bet national security on it.
As throughout the Cold War, the threat of massive retaliation is more than sufficient to deter an easily-traced missile attack. Even Saddam wants to live. If the nuclear of biological attack comes -- and I do fear that it will -- it will be by other deniable means, and we had better focus our work there, rather than the exotic.
Surrendering offensively?
by
fence
·
· Score: 4, Funny
Many French people will take any joke about them surrendering offensively!
How can you 'surrender offensively'?
I would think that at best it would be a defensive tactic.
--
Interested in the Colorado Lottery or Powerball games?
check out http://colotto.com
I'm working my way up to that...
by
Master+Mage
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· Score: 4, Informative
As an active student who's far to busy, I found that I tend to need an odd range of things constantly. After killing several blazers and doing a weekend shuffle to get everything out of my school uniform into normal clothing, I gave in and got a 3/4 length fishing vest.
The thing is surprisingly comfortable, and it holds everything I need. If you were to catch me during the day, on hand I'll have:
Handspring Visor Stowaway Keyboard for above Wallet Half dozen other assorted copy cards, ect. Pens, pencils, fountain pen... Keys Multi-tool (Leatherman Wave) Electrical Tape A spare roll of film or two Link cable for TI-83+ Assorted blank paper, old paper and forms Spare AA batteries Maglight Pager
One really nice thing about the 3/4 length is that it doesn't hinder movement or sitting like the full length vests do, and hides nicely under a blazer or fleece vest for less obtrusive ware.
I would happily recommend the Simms Mesh Vest to anyone who wanted to keep stuff on hand. It's lasted me two years of consistant (12/7) usege with minimal wear and no problems. You should be able to find it at a local outdoors or fishing shop.
Evan
If crazy Eric goes skiing...
by
Cheese+Cracker
·
· Score: 4, Funny
... and gets caught in an avalanche, his friends better tell the rescue team to bring a metal detector...
Re:I like the part
by
TiMac
·
· Score: 2, Interesting
Indeed. For those that didn't read, the quote is:
"I use the [paint]brush a lot because I often end up sleeping in odd places and this is the best way I have found for removing dust," he says.
But what I'm wondering is...if he carries a blow-up-mattress (as mentioned in the NEXT PARAGRAPH)...then why is he sweeping up the dust on the ground to sleep? Why not just blow up the mattress?
This is all held on with a single quick-release clasp in case I fall in deep water!
By way of explaination I'm a volunteer First Responder occasionally known to the brigade as "Gadget".
Vik:v)
Re:Guilty as charged - and some
by
rongen
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· Score: 2
So where did you get the beta light!?! I have been searching for a useful one ever since I read the SAS Survival Handbook back in the mid-eighties!!!
--
--8<--
Re:Guilty as charged - and some
by
vik
·
· Score: 2
Of course. Would you want to dig all that lot out from your pockets every time you changed trousers or put on a firefighter's uniform?
Vik:v)
Re:Guilty as charged - and some
by
vik
·
· Score: 2
A fishing shop in the UK. They attach them to the tops of fishing floats at night.
Vik:v)
Re:marauding pruner
by
orthogonal
·
· Score: 5, Funny
Of course, I was completely outclassed by a guy at my college who carried at all times, among other things, flashlight, rescue sheers, first aid kit, fire repellent mask, multitool
I'm just guessing here, but... he had no need to carry condoms, right?
Since we have filed for U.S. and international patents on our adaptation of the Technology Enabled Clothing(TM) System and related technology, any attempt to copy or replicate any of the unique features of our adaptation of the Technology Enabled Clothing(TM) system, including, without limitation, any use of the lining or other areas to accommodate wires for a device not included with the garment, will be considered an infringement of our intellectual property rights and will be acted upon in accordance with all applicable laws.
Hmm, I'm sure I've modded a few jackets/coats as prior art to fit my walkman.
-- One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
Something similar
by
Snafoo
·
· Score: 3, Insightful
I have a friend who, many years ago, owned a trenchcoat with (a) a well-sewn liner and (b) missing or ruined pockets. Thus she'd typically fill her coat with: All the day's required textbooks and coursepacks, a dozen paperbacks, lunch, notepad, pens, a stapler, a flask, a math set, chemistry goggles, kleenex, and (IIRC) half a dozen moist towelettes. The thing is, most of the above are relatively flat, and so if stacked carefully added absolutely nothing to the coat's outline. Your first clue would be Jen reaching into her pocket and pulling out item after large absurd item...
Are you an idiot? Western Europe isn't some seething mass of amalgamated culture - the cultures of each country (and the people that perpetuate them) are all very, very different. At the very least they're deservant of being classified by race.
And if the phrase "German race" makes you think of Nazis, or the Holocaust, then you are a racist. Do you have any idea how offended the average modern German would be if you told them that the collective name of their race reminds you of such things?
I guess I'll bite too . . .
by
White+Shadow
·
· Score: 3, Interesting
Canon S110 digital camera (digital elph): It's in a small pouch attached to the shoulder strap of my laptop bag
Nokia 3360 cellphone: I don't carry this as often, since I don't like cellphones, but if I'm carrying it, it's in the interior jacket pocket.
Panasonic CD player: I have a little cd carrying bag that I sometimes lug around with me if it's a long walk to where I'm going.
Yeah, I like my toys to be small.
Well, my big problem with newer gadgets is that people seem to care more about extra features rather than making them smaller. I have no interest in a PDA that can play MP3s or has 64MB of memory. On the other hand, if you can shrink one down to just the size of the screen (plus a small border) and make them half an inch thick, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Also, make more small phones without movable parts. I don't want to waste my time pulling out an antenna or flipping open my phone. And stop putting features in my phone! I don't need an MP3 player in my phone.
since the original criteron for a cyborg was any self governing system which used sensory feedback to adapt to its environment. whether that feedback loop interaction is "it's too hot, better cool off with this fan" or "you have a instant message. you'd probably want to turn on the car autopilot while you respond..." is just a matter of scale.
I call this 'environmental obliviousness'. When someone is mostly oblivious of their surroundings. My ex-girlfriend had a serious case of this, and got herself in some dangerous traffic situations... and she always had to have things pointed out to her.
Ah well, glad I don't have to deal with her any more. It scared me at times.:-)
My Swiss Army knife (a top-of-the-range one) includes a small ballpoint pen - so I don't need the fountain pen...but I have a tiny LED flashlight. That's the software guy's PC repair kit.
Then of course there is my mother's handbag...
Your repair kit includes your mother's handbag?
sicko.
--
El Karma: excelente(principalmente la suma de moderación hecha a los comentarios de los usuarios)
The British Expeditionary force, stationed in France and fighting both there and in Belgium was not a "great fighting force".
They had little armour (only 100 infantry tanks - and 200 "light" tanks which were far inferior to the German tanks) or anti tank capabilities, the support of only a portion of the British Royal Air Force, and were comprised of only around 240,000 fighting men.
Oh yeah German's have a great sense of humour. And to show how funny everything is German's will clap to indicate how funny it is. (Seriously, watch german comedians and the audience claps) I would have thought that people would laugh if the comedian is funny. Oh yeah I forgot the comedian is not funny!
--
"You can't make a race horse of a pig"
"No," said Samuel, "but you can make very fast pig"
So that is why they do it? Gee being a half breed (German born, but Canadian mentality) I always thought that if you got the joke you laugh! Oh wait, I forgot German comedian's are not funny!
I keeping seeing why even though I am German, I will never be German. Having been raised in Canada and the US there are certain mental differences.
--
"You can't make a race horse of a pig"
"No," said Samuel, "but you can make very fast pig"
Bully is not funny, Quatschkomedieclub is only 25% funny, sieben tage sieben koepfe is NOT funny. Axel is semi-funny. The only person I find funny is Stephan Rabbe and his assistant Elton. Stephan Rabbe brought quite a bit of originality to comedy. With his in-your-face comedy, it is something that would even be funny for North American's or British. The other German comedian's are simply not original. Even the "American" woman who talks German English. SHE IS NOT FUNNY!!! What I also found funny is the short excerpt of the German version of Trigger Happy TV. That guy in that context was not bad. Ok parts of it are from Trigger Happy TV, but he was alright.
The problem with German comedy is that it often tries too hard. It tries to be funny and wastes time trying to setup the comedy. Stephan Rabbe and Elton are succesful because they make simple events interesting. They are smart asses!!!
In the latest case of TV Total Stephan Rabbe tries to make the guy from the sex channel interesting because he gave a stupid answer. That is comedy entertainment. Or his erst waehler check, or even his boxing and speed skating with a woman. Where he went stupid is when he tried to be funny on the Premiere football game with Bully. That was not funny, it was simply stupid.
Elton I find funny because he is so sarcastic and his on the road missions are funny because he does what people do not expect.
Jay Leno is NOT the typical American comedian. If you want REALLY funny get Robin Williams stand-up comedy. Or get some stuff from Lewis Black (he is a fast talking New Yorker), Billy Conly or Eddie Izzard. These people are funny... That is true comedy.
You also have to realize that most good North American and English comedy is not on TV. It is stand up that you either watch live or buy on TV. Once comedians hit TV in the form of a series their comedy is watered down so that the "viewing" public does not get offended.
As a suggestion use Kaaza and search for the people I mentioned and listen to their comedy. If you can buy it. For example Robin Williams recently did an HBO session at Broadway. It is on Kaaza and really funny!!! The only problem a non-English speaker may have is that Robin Williams is a fast speaker.
--
"You can't make a race horse of a pig"
"No," said Samuel, "but you can make very fast pig"
You'd dump all that if you hit deep water?
by
nounderscores
·
· Score: 2
If you country had lost 3/4 of a million men and most of it had been turned into one big muddy field only 20 years previously, youd think twice about fighting to the last. France had been bled dry before, and wasnt about to do it again.
Three quarters of a million? Are you taking the piss? If France had got away with losing such a small number they'd have been positively ecstatic. Casualties were in the millions; ISTR it was something like three or four million each for Britain and France, six million for Germany and something ghastly for Russia.
-- Real Daleks don't climb stairs - they level the building.
Should Be : Go GO Gadget Obsessive Compulsive !
by
RembrandtX
·
· Score: 2
"I use the brush a lot because I often end up sleeping in odd places and this is the best way I have found for removing dust," he says.
he doesnt worry about where he sleeps, but he worries wiether it is clean or not.
and always want to be prepaired.
Sounds like a little OCD.. wonder if one of his pockets contains 100mg tablets of Paxal ?
--
--Ne auderis delere orbem rigidum meum, non erravi pernicose!
I know plenty of Germans. I think they tend to see their culture as far more cosmopolitan than in the 19th century, and reject teh loaded term "race." Among other things, more and more Germans are immigrants. The unifying and mythical "German race" concept was a central tenet of the nazis.
Try searching google for "German race." Aside from car races, almost all references will be to the eugenics and slaughter of the 30's and 40's, and to Hitler or war criminals.
Oh I agree; I'm not some brittle liberal. As I just explained in a parallel thread, "German race" is strongly evocative of the Nazi depredations and like the Confederate flag isn't easily redeemed even if the user intends something entirely different. Race used to denote biological traits is problematic enough; using it to mean culture and such can be confusing. How about calling them "Germans"? That conveys nationality and culture very clearly.
A more embarassing example was the girl I remember from high school who though "Jap" was accepted shorthand for Japanese, and used it throughout an oral history report... until the history teacher interrupted.:)
However Kafka was a "member of the German-speaking minority in the Czech city Prague" an is readily identified with German culture. It's no coindcidence he wrote in German. His work is routinely considered part of the German literature. He was definitely not "definitely not German" in a culture as opposed to citizenship. (And I studied him in German class, so there.)
Franz Kafka was born in Prague, now in the Czech Republic but then part of Austria. His father was Hermann Kafka, an owner of a large dry goods establishment, and mother Julie (Löwy) Kafka, who belonged to one of the leading families in the German-speaking, German-cultured Jewish circles of Prague. Hermann Kafka was a domestic tyrant, who directed his anger against his son. Kafka also had three sisters, all of whom perished in Nazi camps. Often Kafka's stories dealt with the struggle between father and son, or a scorned individuals pleading innocence in front of remote figures of authority. In Letter to His Father (1919) Kafka admitted: "My writing was all about you; all I did there, after all, was to bemoan what I could not bemoan upon your breast. It was an intentionally long-drawn-out leave-taking from you."
Kafka grew up in an atmosphere of familial tensions and social rejection that he experienced as a member of Prague's Jewish minority. His attitude to his Jewish heritage was ambivalent. In a diary he wrote: ''What have I in common with Jews? I have hardly anything in common with myself and should stand very quietly in a corner, content that I can breathe.'' Kafka was educated at the German National and Civic Elementary School and the German National Humanistic Gymnasium.
But my kit was of a different flavor and somewhat trimmed down from yours; Sewen into my jean jacket, (the "Magic Jacket"), so that it was entirely invisible unless I got patted down, I had. ..
1 Cat's Paw mini-crowbar, 1 Mini-Leatherman (still the coolest and most comfortable set of folding pliers EVER), 1 Mini-torch (when they were new and cost all of your allowance for three solid months.), 1 Set of lock picks, 1 Japanese laminated steel knife, 1 Thumb-sized single shot.22 mini-gun I made myself from bar-stock and a spring, 1 Mini-jar of granulated pepper, (This was before pepper spray was a 'thing'), 1 Highly polished silver Zippo lighter (suitable for cheating at poker), 1 Credit-card sized Freznel lense, (in case a bear ate my Zippo), 1 Extending pen-pointer I rigged with a rare-earth magnet, (1 month's allowance back then when hard drives sucked.) 4 Mini-biners people use for key-chains but which are stress tested at 220 kg, 1 Six foot loop of mountain climbing tape suitable for whipping into a harness, and. .,
(This was the trophy piece. ..)
40 meters of super-thin mountain climbing cord (rated at 600 kg) fire-hose packed for quick release into the double back of the jacket. (The double-back being the original back from another jean jacket one size-smaller.)
I was ready to save princesses from burning buildings and play 007 and all kinds of silly stuff. And the funniest part is that I was so proud of my 'secret' jacket, that I showed it off to pretty much everybody at school. If anybody ever ended up with a.22 bullet in their stomach, the cops would have been knocking on my door first thing. --Though, (silly police), I could ever so cleverly steal their keys when the guard's back was turned with my funky extend-a-pointer and rare-earth magnet gizmo.
Ahh. The wonders of sexual frustration! Those were the days!
Seems like you're in high school. How do you get away with carrying knives? If you've figured out a brilliant secret please key me in.
-- --
Nerds on toast in the new millenium
Two things came to mind...
by
hitzroth
·
· Score: 2
First "Swiss Army Knife" isn't appropriate since he's French. But I keep thinking "what would a French Army Knife" be made of? Something that breaks really easy?
Also, why bother with the copious quantities of tools? Wouldn't it be better to be resourceful enough to carry practically nothing and use what's around you. I suppose the moral could easily become "if you don't have it, you can't lose it before you need it."
-- In mathematics, one does not understand things, one merely gets used to them. --VonNeumann
Re:Two things came to mind...
by
Frobnicator
·
· Score: 2
Also, why bother with the copious quantities of tools?
In this case I would guess the guy feels two things. (1) need for clean. He said he needs to brush off his surroundings before he goes to sleep. (2) need to have tools 'just in case', which may be another anxiety problem. The comment about not needing a pedometer any more shows he may be helped by REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy) where finding rational reasons for the compuslions can help defeat them.
Personally, I feel sorry for the guy.
-- //TODO: Think of witty sig statement
And I thought I was bad...
by
Interrobang
·
· Score: 2
...since I almost always have on my person
a writing utensil and my little red-and-black book
gym clothes
shampoo, conditioner, and soap
an extra pair of underwear
a book
my portable music and a few CDs
a bottle of water
an extra pad (if you don't know, guys, don't bother asking) -- because You Just Never Know
two sets of keys
food/junk food
and various and sundry odds and ends that might come in handy, which vary depending on where I'm going, the time of year, and what I might be doing, most of the time.
Granted, I usually carry a backpack and sometimes a shoulder "forage bag," and keep only keys, wallet and watch in pockets (I love these jeans: they have a watch pocket for my pocket watch, natch!).
I don't carry around a lot of tools or that kind of thing, because as anyone who knows me knows, put tools into my hands and I become dangerously destructive!:)
Fucking spooky when you hear a guy quietly clicking away with his one-handed keyboard-thingie while staring straight ahead. It was like he had no awareness of my presence or any other people around him.
The borg don't consider you a threat if you ignore them. Had you attacked him, we would have noticed!
-- Disconnect your television. Do your own research. Draw your own conclusions. They're probably lying. Don't be a sheep.
"France also had a naive millitary command, and very little resistance. That said, who can blame them? WWII was still a very nasty memory, and none could face the prospect of war again. It was very easy to belive that Hitler only wanted a little bit of Europe, and then he'd be happy."
I know. It's so terrible how that zombie Hitler came back and invaded France again! Damned nazi supermen:-(
-- -- Internet Explorer (n): Another bug -- that is, a feature that can't be turned off -- in Windows.
"Thermos, sandwiches, corn-plasters, telephone money, dandruff brush, animal footprint chart and one triple-thick condom! You never know!"
-- -- Internet Explorer (n): Another bug -- that is, a feature that can't be turned off -- in Windows.
obligatory Dr Strangelove Quote
by
c0bw3b
·
· Score: 2, Funny
All I need is one of these:
"Survival kit contents check. In them you'll find: one forty-five caliber automatic; two boxes of ammunition; four days' concentrated emergency rations; one drug issue containing antibiotics, morphine, vitamin pills, pep pills, sleeping pills, tranquilizer pills; one miniature combination Russian phrase book and Bible; one hundred dollars in rubles; one hundred dollars in gold; nine packs of chewing gum; one issue of prophylactics; three lipsticks; three pair of nylon stockings. Shoot, a fella' could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff."
-- ||:|::
kicked out of school. . ?
by
Fantastic+Lad
·
· Score: 2
Well, with the exception of the.22 stinger, that's still not yet true up here. Even the knife, so long as you stay in a certain head-space about it, just isn't an issue. --If you only use it to sharpen those big honking art-class pencils, the teachers don't even notice. I'm a Canadian, eh, and people up here just don't flip out over stuff like that so much.
As Michael Moore put it recently. .,
"Guns don't kill people. Americans kill people."
Mind you, while statistically speaking this may be true, it doesn't seem to apply to any of the many Americans I've met whenever I'm south of the border. I think it might be some sort of demographic sorting. --I tend to gravitate towards people who exude the right brand of 'cool', which is to say, people who don't go wetting their pants over guns and knives like a bunch of easily excited Resevoir Twits.
I do something similar, but I would have noticed if I were in the way. I basically ignore, to the point of not noticing, everyone. I have some pretty severe phobias about being around people I don't know, and that's one way I handle it. Unless they are a threat to my person, or could become a threat, they don't exist. In other situations I, uh, use an herbal self-remedy to help out.
--
jred
I'm not a mechanic but I play one in my garage...
Re:2 wire saws and a partridge in a pear tree.
by
vik
·
· Score: 2
Cola usually. Wish they made 'em with caffeine in.
On work days, I typically carry my backpack. On my belt I usually have my Buck knife or some other tool knife. On my keys I have a small, nearly worthless key-fob folding pliers thing (it has helped on occasion). In my backpack, though...
Let's see: Notebook with a ton of graph paper, telephone address book, business card book, a floppy, a package of bandaids, bottle of aspirin, bottle of newskin, bottle of no-doz, bottle of aleve, bottle of ibuprofen, bottle of eyrithromicin (sp?), 2 bottles of eyedrops, container of carmex, bottle of pepper seeds (don't ask), handy folding "port-a-cup" with cotton and aspirin inside, a combo pen-sized telescope/microscope, a mechanical pencil, a keychain tetris (great when you are bored), two pocket mini-torches, security cards for work, folding multi-tool pocket knife, laser pointer, mini-mag flashlight, mini-110 camera and film, dental floss, mini-AM/FM radio and 2 AAA batteries, and a few old sticks of "StayAlert" caffeine gum (yum!).
Now, if I am tooling around in my truck, I have even more stuff in there - various tools (wrenches, pliers, wire cutters, socket sets, screwdrivers, etc), bunches of tape, a poncho, a spool of wire, a tape measure, two car jacks, a tarp, various hoses, duct and electrical tape, a hammer, a crowbar, a haynes book for the truck, my CB with PA, rope, various bungee cords and ratcheting tiedowns, electric air pump, two cans of fix-a-flat, plus probably a few other things I have forgot to mention.
"I think they tend to see their culture as far more cosmopolitan than in the 19th century,"
That might be because that was over 100 years ago.
"Among other things, more and more Germans are immigrants,"
Immigrants represent a tiny, tiny portion of the German population. Have you ever been to Germany? You'll find that if you actually talk to Germans that live in Germany about their culture, that they feel very strongly about it. They have a strong sense of racial identity. The fact that they welcome immigrants has no impact on this whatsoever.
"Try searching google for "German race." Aside from car races, almost all references will be to the eugenics and slaughter of the 30's and 40's, and to Hitler or war criminals."
Probably because it's probably the single most significant event of the last century. Of course there are thousands upon thousands of documents that refer to it. In a list of documents, any other references to the "German race" are insignificant beside those referring to WW2. This is because back then the idea of a German race was to do with the unification of Germans living everywhere. This is not the case now, in today's world.
"Speaking of words, there's no "deservant." Study up. Advice from an educated liberal."
Eat a dick, you pompous pedant. What is it exactly that I'm supposed to study? Who cares if you're a liberal? If anything, that fact only serves to make you look like more of a fool.
Hi Eric--welcome to Slashdot. I worry that other people won't see your post, and I don't want you to get zero replies! I am glad you are not taking the jokes personally--when people are trying to be funny, they are not thinking about you personally but about what funny thing to say next. Geeks are people who don't mind being strange because they have something they are really interested in other than worrying about what people think. So, being a geek is good in my book. Best wishes and good luck.
Slashdot Mirror
That one of those items ia a white flag?
badda-bing!
Thanks! I'll be here all night!
Must be an embarrassment for the poor guy.
"Is that a ruler in your pocket or are you happy to see me?"
"Actually, it IS a ruler."
If a man's character is to be abused there's nobody like a relative to do the business. -Thackeray, William
The story is about a guy who basically has a bunch of tools attached to him, who calls himself "Crazy Eric" (go figure). The whole story is just about how crazy this guy looks, and there is NO PICTURE! What's up with that?
Mark
Anyone remember Parker Lewis Can't Lose? His buddy wore a trenchcoat, and was already prepared. Each time he whipped out an item you heard the sound of separating velcro.
This guy in the story should design suits for certain professions, with neatly designed inner pockets, outer pockets(like on the Ps1 game "P'Oed" featuring the chef with sidearm cooking utensil) and so forth and then sell them.
I only wish I had more coat pockets and such, but my trendy Dockers will have to do. Carries everything but a handgun in the pockets.
I tried to fit my Microsoft EULA in my pocket but it was to heavy.
[n8.r0n] http://petesweb.spymac.net/
I thought standing behind someone in the supermarket paying with cheques was bad... imagine being behind this guy in airport security!
I'd hate to be behind him at an airport security checkpoint.
Pfft, frenchmen... I may be a geek, but I don't need any artificial means to be bulging.
/^[A-Z0-9._%+-]+@[A-Z0-9.-]+\.[A-Z]{2,4}$/i
...is a condom.
How's this for something else amusing?
A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
Reminds me of the dilbert series where Dilbert has a gadget rivalry with one of his co-workkers. The two finally meet in a hallway and have a stand-off, western style. Both draw at the same but, but Dilbert's rival wins (rings all of Dilbert's gadgets) because his gadgets have speed dial.
"Speed Dial. Fool."
Can someone find that cartoon?
He makes mention of sleeping in some unusual places, but he never mentions a towel!
A sex life... :P
...do we get to moderate submissions? Given the last 24 hrs around here, it can't happen too soon.
The pain...oh, the pain of a slow news day.
This guy gives a new meaning to the "Be Ready" motto the boyscouts have adopted.
Too bad he "often ends up sleeping in odd places", thats kinda scary.
Here is a police artist's sketch of the guy!
We can neither love nor pity nor forgive. If you make a slip in handling us you die!
Wonder if the change of clothes is recursive?
if the change of clothes is recursive?
the change of clothes is recursive?
change of clothes is recursive?
of clothes is recursive?
clothes is recursive?
is recursive?
recursive?
?
"Hey, where'd Eric go?!? He said he was just going to change his clothes..."
Frankly, that kind of thing isn't good for humankind. I'm all for connectedness, but when we are so connected we lose our connections to the immediate world around us and the people right under our noses so we can email, check weather, and write code all the time - well, we truly lose some of what makes us human. And that's sad.
Penis.
One wrong move with that mini-saw...
especially after he runs up to a woman and screams, "go go gadget erection" and a freaking cold-shower showers down on both of them.
I hope this guy starts his own clothing line. Over 1300 items...ah, that'd get me chicks.
Apparently plans to produce a First Person Shooter game based on this frenchman were cancelled after prelimenary versions had gamers sitting there for 2 hours pressing "[" to cycle through inventory items.
It's still 200 items short of the number the average woman carries in her purse.
You know you've got problems when people on slashdot start making fun of your sex life...
This sounds a lot like a hoax to me...he refuses to give his last name, and it seems like a story based completely on how "crazy" he looks would at least include a picture. I could be wrong, but I suspect we've been had.
I'd like to see him pass airport security just once.
(dramatic drum roll)
..that he had actually had occasion to use all but one of its 99-googol blades in his bike-riding, rock-climbing, etc. activities.
Not satisfied with this imperfect record, he sought out an expert to find out what he could do with that single unused blade. The expert replied, "Remove stones from horses' hooves."
Hey, not every story has a happy ending.
Making trouble today for a better tomorrow...
Trust me, this guy is not gonna get laid.
My father used to work for the airlines doing Radio and Radar repair. He carried a little kiddies pencil case containing a Swiss Army Knife and an expensive Fountain Pen. The case was labelled "747 Repair Kit" and he swore those were the only tools he ever used. He also remarked that he used the fountain pen more than the knife.
...
My Swiss Army knife (a top-of-the-range one) includes a small ballpoint pen - so I don't need the fountain pen...but I have a tiny LED flashlight. That's the software guy's PC repair kit.
Then of course there is my mother's handbag
www.sjbaker.org
I'm sure he carries a list.
I/O Error G-17: Aborting Installation
Everybody knows the towel is most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have. Partly it has great practical value. You can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough.
Never fight naked, unless you're in prison...
His metal detector is in the upper left back shoulder pocket.
Most of them are covered by the wad of blu tack he keeps in his pocket. It's got 1001 uses, you know.
I did some searching and apparently the Australian Broadcasting Company is also running the same story. Its not exactly the same, but there are direct quotes between the two.
Does anyone know if SMH is a partner company? Same company?
Does anyone know who had the story first?
-- AcquaCow
up 12 days, 22:30, 2 users, load averages: 993.20, 994.21, 994.56
*makes note to limit user processes...
It was like he had no awareness of my presence or any other people around him.
This has nothing to do with technology. Have you ever gone to a grocery store?
A surprisingly large number of people are completely unaware that that they are blocking the aisle when they have there cart on one side of the isle, themselves on the other, and yet they don't realize that you're coming despite your driving of the loudest shopping cart in the store.
Apparently choosing a spaghetti sauce takes a large amount of conentration and puts people in a trance like state.
Let me guess, you're Crazy Jacques from the neighboring town and you're jealous because you only manage to pack 1100 items?
Did you know you can fertilize your lawn with used motor oil?
Un like most of the people ranting about how this man can't get laid and how uncool he is I think that his outfit sound rather cool. From what I understood his clothing is extreamly neat, due to the fact that is probaly has obsesive compulsive disorder. His tools are probably laid rather evenly over most parts of his body that wont be presed up aginst stuff as he goes about his day to day buisines.
I also liked the idea that I got when I heard of the velcro leg pockets. I thought of removable pockets that velcroed on to witchever pants he was going to ware today. For them to work all you would have to do is sew soft velcro patches onto all your pants and then when you got home take of the pockets and that way you don't have to resort your pockets.
If I was going to designe cooltool pants I would just take some strong comphy pants sew velcro on them(the soft fuzzy part), probably as larg patches on the thighs and calves. Then I would find some of that strong synthetic denim stuf that overalls are made of (probaly in black or posibly that realy spiffy blackand white hounds tooth patern), with this fabric I would make my pockets. They would have litle deviders in them so as to seperat all my diferent tools(you know mini renches from philips screw drivers). I might also alow for some sort of modular inter wireing so that I could just plug things into my pants for power and alow sound sent to by shirt where I could have a plug up by my neck for head phones.
Now, in which pocket did I put that "human-swiss-knife-organiser"??? :)))
"Do something man. Right now."
Wanna fuck?
We do not live in the 21st century. We live in the 20 second century.
maybe...but what he DOES need to carry, is a "pocket-human-swiss-knife-organiser"! :)
"Do something man. Right now."
Early on in college, I got diabetes, which I ended up treating with an H-Tron Plus insulin pump, from Disetronic. After trying a few different schemes for securing it to my person, I decided to park it on my belt.
Shortly thereafter I switched to a different blood glucose meter, which I discovered had a belt loop on its pouch. This made carrying it around much easier and more reliable. Sometime in here I found I needed my Leatherman more often than I happened to have it around. On the belt it goes.
The Palm and its belt case came shortly thereafter, rounding out the utility belt. It's served me well, but I'm not a student any more, and it's starting to get a bit awkward. (Yes, I probably ought to have realized this sooner.)
I'm hoping to consolidate, using a Visor and a FreeStyle Tracker for the meter (coolest device ever), but I'm also looking at a wireless telephone . . . maybe I should just give up and get a nice vest instead. Hmm.
Oh--yes, going through airport security is a royal pain.
I am just waiting for somebody to use him for a case-mod...
Is this guy the elusive Secret Squirrel ?
I never expected in anywhere other than a dating service for this type of comment to be "Informative"...
Heck, mods. Let's go with the trend. Somebody quickly mod him for insightful!
Karma: Non-Heinous
Why is everybody always so incredibly quick to point out lack of a sex life on a website entitled "News for Nerds"?
Something about this reeks of overcompensation. Do you by chance drive a big car?
Karma: Non-Heinous
Reminds me of Scott's eVest
I have about 1300 portable MP3 players. Each one of them has a feature that the other did not. My best advice -- rechargable batteries are your friends.
(+1 Funny) only if I laugh out loud.
Although he sounds more like he is following in the footsteps of the "One Man Band Maniac" tradition, rather than the "MIT Media Lab Maniac" tradition, this guy sounds like he is miles ahead of most self-styled cyborgs (Mann, et al) in the integration of technology into his person. I would doubt this guy takes great pleasure with the efficiency with which he can perform various necessary tasks. And he no doubt wears it almost all the time.
We all know the geeks with a tool belt from hell, but it only makes sense that it will move into the realm of tactical vests and load-bearing harnesses, or truly functional clothing that has been engineered with sensors, processors, power systems, etc. into it. Eric most likely doesn't have a real good digital rig going, but that's beside the point: it's functional integration. We shouldn't be biased against low-tech, in particular the need for powered systems should not be the criteria a definition of "cyborg".
I've got a bad attitude and karma to burn. Go ahead. Mod me down.
I was going to ask if he carried a condom, but then I realized that it said in the article that he only carried things that he would use... and most guys who walk around with 1,300 usefull tools... well, point taken
I remember that!! I used to carry my McGuyver around at college. It's actually a bike tool made by a company called Topeak. I don't think it has over 100 tools... [whipping it out]
lessee...
8mm wrench, 9mm wrench, 10mm wrench, 15g, 14g, P#1 flathead, straight blade, saw, mini pliers, scissors, magnefying glass, ruler, scaler, bottle opener, miniflathead, can opener, 6 hex wrenches, nail file, tweezers, mini phillips, #2 phillips, fork, awl.... I think officially its only got 33 on there...
There's probably a few I've missed, since this thing looks like a porcupine with all the tools sticking out.
This is where I get my recommended daily allowance of "Foot in Mouth."
Wonder if his kit can serviceeverything at once? Combined with a headsup display, never again would one have to dread waiting for a bus or other boring stationary activities. Might raise a few eye-brows at an airport though. At least he wouldn't have to worry too much about confiscation. Heh.
Had you actually read the story you would know that the Guiness book of world records verified the claim.
"Hrm, mabey all that hardware's for making coleslaw!"
0110100100100000011000010110110100100000011000100
Well, the thing is France crumbled almost immediately. And they shouldn't have.
Well, maybe you didn't notice, but the Nazis were the most powerfull force in history at the time (they didn't start conquering the world on a double dare you know).
That's what the high school textbooks say. Unfortunately, like many things in the high school textbooks it's not quite accurate. France had a very large army, well-fortified, and after the invasion of Poland Britain also stationed troops in France.
Textbooks (well high school ones) also make a big deal about the German panzer divisions, but sometimes forget to mention that the French tanks were superior. The Germans just knew how to use them better.
So we have two well-equipped, sizeable forces in France, expecting an attack.
So what happens? The Germans flank the French, ignore the Maginot line, smash both the French and the British armies, and have reached the English channel in 8 days.
Yes, the constant insults about French courage are unfair, but they didn't exactly cover themselves with glory in 1940. Ditto for the British. It also doesn't help that the French have absolutely no sense of humor about themselves. Neither do the Germans, but the Germans at least have the excuse that they don't have a sense of humor about anything.
Many French people will take any joke about them surrendering offensively!
How can you 'surrender offensively'?
I would think that at best it would be a defensive tactic.
Interested in the Colorado Lottery or Powerball games?
check out http://colotto.com
As an active student who's far to busy, I found that I tend to need an odd range of things constantly. After killing several blazers and doing a weekend shuffle to get everything out of my school uniform into normal clothing, I gave in and got a 3/4 length fishing vest.
The thing is surprisingly comfortable, and it holds everything I need. If you were to catch me during the day, on hand I'll have:
Handspring Visor
Stowaway Keyboard for above
Wallet
Half dozen other assorted copy cards, ect.
Pens, pencils, fountain pen...
Keys
Multi-tool (Leatherman Wave)
Electrical Tape
A spare roll of film or two
Link cable for TI-83+
Assorted blank paper, old paper and forms
Spare AA batteries
Maglight
Pager
One really nice thing about the 3/4 length is that it doesn't hinder movement or sitting like the full length vests do, and hides nicely under a blazer or fleece vest for less obtrusive ware.
I would happily recommend the Simms Mesh Vest to anyone who wanted to keep stuff on hand. It's lasted me two years of consistant (12/7) usege with minimal wear and no problems. You should be able to find it at a local outdoors or fishing shop.
Evan
... and gets caught in an avalanche, his friends better tell the rescue team to bring a metal detector...
"I use the [paint]brush a lot because I often end up sleeping in odd places and this is the best way I have found for removing dust," he says.
But what I'm wondering is...if he carries a blow-up-mattress (as mentioned in the NEXT PARAGRAPH)...then why is he sweeping up the dust on the ground to sleep? Why not just blow up the mattress?
Sheesh....French! :)
noooo
How about YOU?
TANSTAAFI: There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free iPod.
All of those things are in my girlfriends handbag ;o) Thats why we keep them around, isn't it? Packhorses?
Never fight naked, unless you're in prison...
Just think a tab a day keeps the obsession about 1500 widgets away.
From the article:
:-P
"But if I don't need something, I don't bring it. I used to carry a pedometer, for example, but I've just taken it off. I never found I needed it."
Well yeah, once you start wearing a 15 kg jacket, you sure as hell won't need one
"The ones who dont do anything are always the ones who try to pull you down" -- Henry Rollins
The six items I carry are more than enough.
One future, two choices. Oppose them or let them destroy us.
OK, I think I can match that. I'm currently carrying in my bum-bag/utility belt:
:v)
Symbol SP17000 PalmOS PDA with laser barcode scanner, sunglasses, hair ties, cable ties, Leatherman wave, whistle, resusci-shield breathing mask, laser pointer, universal key, pen, surgical gloves, mini-blowtorch, lock-knife, magnifier/torch, cellphone, pager, 10m parachute cord, tape measure, various medications (figures, huh?), syringe, insulating tape, lockpicks, paperclips, magnesium flint block, mini-leatherman, wire probes, pins, needles, safety pins, wire saw, compass, fishing tackle, betalight, antiseptic, plasters, steristrips, pencil, waterproof matches, salt, snow-marker, comb, rescue shears, 2 marlin spikes, antiseptic wipes, wire saw, binder, Pez, cash and a major credit card.
This is all held on with a single quick-release clasp in case I fall in deep water!
By way of explaination I'm a volunteer First Responder occasionally known to the brigade as "Gadget".
Vik
Of course, I was completely outclassed by a guy at my college who carried at all times, among other things, flashlight, rescue sheers, first aid kit, fire repellent mask, multitool
I'm just guessing here, but... he had no need to carry condoms, right?
Opinions on the Twiddler2 hand-held keyboard?
(-1, User Friendly comic)
Hmm, I'm sure I've modded a few jackets/coats as prior art to fit my walkman.
One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
I have a friend who, many years ago, owned a trenchcoat with (a) a well-sewn liner and (b) missing or ruined pockets. Thus she'd typically fill her coat with: All the day's required textbooks and coursepacks, a dozen paperbacks, lunch, notepad, pens, a stapler, a flask, a math set, chemistry goggles, kleenex, and (IIRC) half a dozen moist towelettes. The thing is, most of the above are relatively flat, and so if stacked carefully added absolutely nothing to the coat's outline. Your first clue would be Jen reaching into her pocket and pulling out item after large absurd item...
- undoware.ca
Are you an idiot? Western Europe isn't some seething mass of amalgamated culture - the cultures of each country (and the people that perpetuate them) are all very, very different. At the very least they're deservant of being classified by race.
And if the phrase "German race" makes you think of Nazis, or the Holocaust, then you are a racist. Do you have any idea how offended the average modern German would be if you told them that the collective name of their race reminds you of such things?
I carry the following:
Palm IIIc: Front left pants pocket
Dell X200 Laptop: Ultra-portable laptop (12")-- I carry this in a RoadWired messenger bag which I take almost everywhere.
Canon S110 digital camera (digital elph): It's in a small pouch attached to the shoulder strap of my laptop bag
Nokia 3360 cellphone: I don't carry this as often, since I don't like cellphones, but if I'm carrying it, it's in the interior jacket pocket.
Panasonic CD player: I have a little cd carrying bag that I sometimes lug around with me if it's a long walk to where I'm going.
Yeah, I like my toys to be small.
Well, my big problem with newer gadgets is that people seem to care more about extra features rather than making them smaller. I have no interest in a PDA that can play MP3s or has 64MB of memory. On the other hand, if you can shrink one down to just the size of the screen (plus a small border) and make them half an inch thick, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Also, make more small phones without movable parts. I don't want to waste my time pulling out an antenna or flipping open my phone. And stop putting features in my phone! I don't need an MP3 player in my phone.
I want small specialized products.
1300 useful items attached to his body by various means... that's got to make him popular with the opposite sex, don't you think?!?
Oh... 1301.
-- Terry
since the original criteron for a cyborg was any self governing system which used sensory feedback to adapt to its environment. whether that feedback loop interaction is "it's too hot, better cool off with this fan" or "you have a instant message. you'd probably want to turn on the car autopilot while you respond..." is just a matter of scale.
Didn't they have something like this on the Man Show once?
20 January 2017: the End of an Error.
I call this 'environmental obliviousness'. When someone is mostly oblivious of their surroundings. My ex-girlfriend had a serious case of this, and got herself in some dangerous traffic situations... and she always had to have things pointed out to her.
:-)
Ah well, glad I don't have to deal with her any more. It scared me at times.
Cheers,
Costyn.
The Official Steve Ballmer Webpage
My Swiss Army knife (a top-of-the-range one) includes a small ballpoint pen - so I don't need the fountain pen...but I have a tiny LED flashlight. That's the software guy's PC repair kit.
...
Then of course there is my mother's handbag
Your repair kit includes your mother's handbag?
sicko.
El Karma: excelente(principalmente la suma de moderación hecha a los comentarios de los usuarios)
The British Expeditionary force, stationed in France and fighting both there and in Belgium was not a "great fighting force".
They had little armour (only 100 infantry tanks - and 200 "light" tanks which were far inferior to the German tanks) or anti tank capabilities, the support of only a portion of the British Royal Air Force, and were comprised of only around 240,000 fighting men.
Eehm, would redundant items count ? I mean 1 digital camera, 3 pieces of clothing and 1000+ toothpicks would be covered by the description as well.
beauty is only a light switch away
Oh yeah German's have a great sense of humour. And to show how funny everything is German's will clap to indicate how funny it is. (Seriously, watch german comedians and the audience claps) I would have thought that people would laugh if the comedian is funny. Oh yeah I forgot the comedian is not funny!
"You can't make a race horse of a pig"
"No," said Samuel, "but you can make very fast pig"
maybe you should switch to one of these World Class Inflatable Utility Vest and Jacket with manual inflate thingies,
:)
lest you find yourself on a desert island without a Symbol SP17000 PalmOS PDA with laser barcode scanner, sunglasses, hair ties, cable ties, Leatherman wave, whistle, resusci-shield breathing mask, laser pointer, universal key, pen, surgical gloves, mini-blowtorch, lock-knife, magnifier/torch, cellphone, pager, 10m parachute cord, tape measure, various medications (figures, huh?), syringe, insulating tape, lockpicks, paperclips, magnesium flint block, mini-leatherman, wire probes, pins, needles, safety pins, wire saw, compass, fishing tackle, betalight, antiseptic, plasters, steristrips, pencil, waterproof matches, salt, snow-marker, comb, rescue shears, 2 marlin spikes, antiseptic wipes, wire saw, binder, Pez, cash or even a major credit card.
My favourite quote from the article:
Hmmm... this must be some new meaning of the word "practical" that I was hitherto unaware of.
#exclude <ms/windows.h>
Three quarters of a million? Are you taking the piss? If France had got away with losing such a small number they'd have been positively ecstatic. Casualties were in the millions; ISTR it was something like three or four million each for Britain and France, six million for Germany and something ghastly for Russia.
Real Daleks don't climb stairs - they level the building.
"I use the brush a lot because I often end up sleeping in odd places and this is the best way I have found for removing dust," he says.
.. wonder if one of his pockets contains 100mg tablets of Paxal ?
he doesnt worry about where he sleeps, but he worries wiether it is clean or not.
and always want to be prepaired.
Sounds like a little OCD
--Ne auderis delere orbem rigidum meum, non erravi pernicose!
While 1300 is an interesting number, the list would be much more interesting. I don't think the claim is in question.
Donate background CPU time to fight cancer.
Idiot? No.
I know plenty of Germans. I think they tend to see their culture as far more cosmopolitan than in the 19th century, and reject teh loaded term "race." Among other things, more and more Germans are immigrants. The unifying and mythical "German race" concept was a central tenet of the nazis.
Try searching google for "German race." Aside from car races, almost all references will be to the eugenics and slaughter of the 30's and 40's, and to Hitler or war criminals.
Speaking of words, there's no "deservant."
Study up. Advice from an educated liberal.
Oh I agree; I'm not some brittle liberal. As I just explained in a parallel thread, "German race" is strongly evocative of the Nazi depredations and like the Confederate flag isn't easily redeemed even if the user intends something entirely different. Race used to denote biological traits is problematic enough; using it to mean culture and such can be confusing. How about calling them "Germans"? That conveys nationality and culture very clearly.
... until the history teacher interrupted. :)
A more embarassing example was the girl I remember from high school who though "Jap" was accepted shorthand for Japanese, and used it throughout an oral history report
However Kafka was a "member of the German-speaking
minority in the Czech city Prague" an is readily identified with German culture. It's no coindcidence he wrote in German. His work is routinely considered part of the German literature. He was definitely not "definitely not German" in a culture as opposed to citizenship. (And I studied him in German class, so there.)
More:
But my kit was of a different flavor and somewhat trimmed down from yours; Sewen into my jean jacket, (the "Magic Jacket"), so that it was entirely invisible unless I got patted down, I had. .
1 Cat's Paw mini-crowbar,
1 Mini-Leatherman (still the coolest and most comfortable set of folding pliers EVER),
1 Mini-torch (when they were new and cost all of your allowance for three solid months.),
1 Set of lock picks,
1 Japanese laminated steel knife,
1 Thumb-sized single shot
1 Mini-jar of granulated pepper, (This was before pepper spray was a 'thing'),
1 Highly polished silver Zippo lighter (suitable for cheating at poker),
1 Credit-card sized Freznel lense, (in case a bear ate my Zippo),
1 Extending pen-pointer I rigged with a rare-earth magnet, (1 month's allowance back then when hard drives sucked.)
4 Mini-biners people use for key-chains but which are stress tested at 220 kg,
1 Six foot loop of mountain climbing tape suitable for whipping into a harness, and. .
(This was the trophy piece. .
40 meters of super-thin mountain climbing cord (rated at 600 kg) fire-hose packed for quick release into the double back of the jacket. (The double-back being the original back from another jean jacket one size-smaller.)
I was ready to save princesses from burning buildings and play 007 and all kinds of silly stuff. And the funniest part is that I was so proud of my 'secret' jacket, that I showed it off to pretty much everybody at school. If anybody ever ended up with a
Ahh. The wonders of sexual frustration! Those were the days!
-Fantastic Lad
Seems like you're in high school. How do you get away with carrying knives? If you've figured out a brilliant secret please key me in.
-- Nerds on toast in the new millenium
First "Swiss Army Knife" isn't appropriate since he's French. But I keep thinking "what would a French Army Knife" be made of? Something that breaks really easy?
Also, why bother with the copious quantities of tools? Wouldn't it be better to be resourceful enough to carry practically nothing and use what's around you. I suppose the moral could easily become "if you don't have it, you can't lose it before you need it."
In mathematics, one does not understand things, one merely gets used to them.
--VonNeumann
a writing utensil and my little red-and-black book
gym clothes
shampoo, conditioner, and soap
an extra pair of underwear
a book
my portable music and a few CDs
a bottle of water
an extra pad (if you don't know, guys, don't bother asking) -- because You Just Never Know
two sets of keys
food/junk food
:)
and various and sundry odds and ends that might come in handy, which vary depending on where I'm going, the time of year, and what I might be doing, most of the time.
Granted, I usually carry a backpack and sometimes a shoulder "forage bag," and keep only keys, wallet and watch in pockets (I love these jeans: they have a watch pocket for my pocket watch, natch!).
I don't carry around a lot of tools or that kind of thing, because as anyone who knows me knows, put tools into my hands and I become dangerously destructive!
I'm not a geek, I'm just a clever script.
Fucking spooky when you hear a guy quietly clicking away with his one-handed keyboard-thingie while staring straight ahead. It was like he had no awareness of my presence or any other people around him.
The borg don't consider you a threat if you ignore them. Had you attacked him, we would have noticed!
Disconnect your television. Do your own research. Draw your own conclusions. They're probably lying. Don't be a sheep.
"France also had a naive millitary command, and very little resistance. That said, who can blame them? WWII was still a very nasty memory, and none could face the prospect of war again. It was very easy to belive that Hitler only wanted a little bit of Europe, and then he'd be happy."
:-(
I know. It's so terrible how that zombie Hitler came back and invaded France again! Damned nazi supermen
--
Internet Explorer (n): Another bug -- that is, a feature that can't be turned off -- in Windows.
"Thermos, sandwiches, corn-plasters, telephone money, dandruff brush, animal footprint chart and one triple-thick condom! You never know!"
--
Internet Explorer (n): Another bug -- that is, a feature that can't be turned off -- in Windows.
All I need is one of these:
"Survival kit contents check. In them you'll find: one forty-five caliber automatic; two boxes of ammunition; four days' concentrated emergency rations; one drug issue containing antibiotics, morphine, vitamin pills, pep pills, sleeping pills, tranquilizer pills; one miniature combination Russian phrase book and Bible; one hundred dollars in rubles; one hundred dollars in gold; nine packs of chewing gum; one issue of prophylactics; three lipsticks; three pair of nylon stockings. Shoot, a fella' could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff."
||:|::
As Michael Moore put it recently. .
"Guns don't kill people. Americans kill people."
Mind you, while statistically speaking this may be true, it doesn't seem to apply to any of the many Americans I've met whenever I'm south of the border. I think it might be some sort of demographic sorting. --I tend to gravitate towards people who exude the right brand of 'cool', which is to say, people who don't go wetting their pants over guns and knives like a bunch of easily excited Resevoir Twits.
-Fantastic Lad
I do something similar, but I would have noticed if I were in the way. I basically ignore, to the point of not noticing, everyone. I have some pretty severe phobias about being around people I don't know, and that's one way I handle it. Unless they are a threat to my person, or could become a threat, they don't exist. In other situations I, uh, use an herbal self-remedy to help out.
jred
I'm not a mechanic but I play one in my garage...
Cola usually. Wish they made 'em with caffeine in.
:v)
Vik
Let's see: Notebook with a ton of graph paper, telephone address book, business card book, a floppy, a package of bandaids, bottle of aspirin, bottle of newskin, bottle of no-doz, bottle of aleve, bottle of ibuprofen, bottle of eyrithromicin (sp?), 2 bottles of eyedrops, container of carmex, bottle of pepper seeds (don't ask), handy folding "port-a-cup" with cotton and aspirin inside, a combo pen-sized telescope/microscope, a mechanical pencil, a keychain tetris (great when you are bored), two pocket mini-torches, security cards for work, folding multi-tool pocket knife, laser pointer, mini-mag flashlight, mini-110 camera and film, dental floss, mini-AM/FM radio and 2 AAA batteries, and a few old sticks of "StayAlert" caffeine gum (yum!).
Now, if I am tooling around in my truck, I have even more stuff in there - various tools (wrenches, pliers, wire cutters, socket sets, screwdrivers, etc), bunches of tape, a poncho, a spool of wire, a tape measure, two car jacks, a tarp, various hoses, duct and electrical tape, a hammer, a crowbar, a haynes book for the truck, my CB with PA, rope, various bungee cords and ratcheting tiedowns, electric air pump, two cans of fix-a-flat, plus probably a few other things I have forgot to mention.
I am such a geek [whimper]...
Reason is the Path to God - Anon
GEEK VIRGIN???
Man, my wife would never touch me if I were like this:
Eric's outfits weigh 15kg - 12 kilos of which are gadgets of every kind.
"I use the [paint] brush a lot because I often end up sleeping in odd places and this is the best way I have found for removing dust," he says.
"I think they tend to see their culture as far more cosmopolitan than in the 19th century,"
That might be because that was over 100 years ago.
"Among other things, more and more Germans are immigrants,"
Immigrants represent a tiny, tiny portion of the German population. Have you ever been to Germany? You'll find that if you actually talk to Germans that live in Germany about their culture, that they feel very strongly about it. They have a strong sense of racial identity. The fact that they welcome immigrants has no impact on this whatsoever.
"Try searching google for "German race." Aside from car races, almost all references will be to the eugenics and slaughter of the 30's and 40's, and to Hitler or war criminals."
Probably because it's probably the single most significant event of the last century. Of course there are thousands upon thousands of documents that refer to it. In a list of documents, any other references to the "German race" are insignificant beside those referring to WW2. This is because back then the idea of a German race was to do with the unification of Germans living everywhere. This is not the case now, in today's world.
"Speaking of words, there's no "deservant." Study up. Advice from an educated liberal."
Eat a dick, you pompous pedant. What is it exactly that I'm supposed to study? Who cares if you're a liberal? If anything, that fact only serves to make you look like more of a fool.
Haha. Nice rebuttal, idiot.
"has entered the record books"
Which?
Hi Eric--welcome to Slashdot. I worry that other people won't see your post, and I don't want you to get zero replies! I am glad you are not taking the jokes personally--when people are trying to be funny, they are not thinking about you personally but about what funny thing to say next. Geeks are people who don't mind being strange because they have something they are really interested in other than worrying about what people think. So, being a geek is good in my book. Best wishes and good luck.
Making trouble today for a better tomorrow...